A 70-0 beatdown against a significantly overmatched opponent offers little in the way of insight. What did we learn about Ohio State in Week 2? They are really good and can take care of business against an FCS foe. This is not exactly groundbreaking insight. Unlike the big win over Texas, the Buckeyes’ beatdown of Grambling State does not move the needle when ascertaining the ceiling of the program. However, the best thing about these buy games – other than the Buckeyes nearly single-handedly funding an HBCU’s athletic budget – is that we got a good glimpse at a handful of Ohio State freshmen.
For reference, against Texas, three true freshmen appeared for a grand total of 15 snaps. Against Grambling State, 19 of the Buckeyes’ 26-man recruiting class appeared for a cumulative total of 277 snaps. Three of those seven who did not appear were unavailable due to injury.
Against Ohio this weekend, there is an expectation that plenty of Ohio State freshmen will contribute again. However, as the schedule turns to the Big Ten slate two weeks later, there are a few young Bucks who should see the field more often.
An Ohio State Freshman Has Earned More Playing Time
Bo Knows
Beatdowns against lesser opponents provide a nice peek into the future for top programs. At the same time, it’s a good way for young playmakers to make a case that they should be more involved. Despite being a true freshman, Bo Jackson provided the Ohio State offense with a jolt of energy it was missing from the ground game.
Therein lies a caveat that it’s just Grambling State, and the Buckeye offense was working to run the ball in the second half, of course. However, some teams’ offenses go stagnant when they take their foot off the pedal. This was not the case when Jackson was toting the rock (nor was it the case for his freshman counterpart, Isaiah West).
In his first bit of action, Jackson turned 17 snaps into nine carries for 108 yards and a touchdown. He leads the team with 12 yards per carry and is just four yards behind CJ Donaldson for the most rushing yards.
If you could quantify a stud running back as having “it,” Jackson has “it.” He has that incredible first step and can make the defender miss in a phone booth. BuckeyeHuddle asserts that he is “the best running back on the team,” which is quite the endorsement. However, against the same opponent, Jackson was the most impressive back. His first carry was an 11-yard touchdown, converted five first downs, and even ripped off a 51-yard run.
As the season goes on, Jackson may end up as the go-to back alongside Donaldson.
Under the Lights
The next matchup for Jackson and the Buckeyes will be under the lights against the Ohio Bobcats. While Ohio is a reigning conference champion and is coming off an impressive upset over West Virginia, the Buckeyes should be able to get Jackson and the rest of the Ohio State freshman class more playing time.
If Jackson impressed Carlos Locklyn and Ryan Day as much as he impressed the fanbase, it makes sense that he would get some carries in the first half. There is plenty of football left to play. Jackson has an opportunity this week to show that he’s ready to carry the load for the Buckeye offense. He’s already proven that he’s the most explosive of the bunch. The next step will be to prove it in prime time against a team that is as motivated as any to ruin Ohio State’s season.
Main Image: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
