Photo gallery from Ohio State v. Arkansas State
COLUMBUS — Ohio State didn’t exactly cruise, but it did achieve its second win of the season on Saturday.
The Buckeyes defeated Arkansas State 45-12 behind a mix of methodical drives and explosive plays by the offense, and necessary stops by the defense.
Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was the bonafide star for the Ohio State offense in Saturday’s win. The second-year wideout totaled seven catches for 184 yards and three touchdowns. Harrison’s touchdown catches of 42-, 42- and 30-yards contributed to almost half the Buckeyes yards through the air.
Third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud piloted the offense with ease against the Red Wolves. Stroud went 16-24, 351 yards and four touchdowns as the Buckeyes offense put up 538 yards of total offense. Ohio State and its starters did enough damage for the backups to come in and second-year quarterback Kyle McCord took a series of snaps.
The Philadelphia native went 3-4 for 19 yards.
Running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams combined for 133 yards on 18 carries. Henderson had two touchdowns on the ground from eight and 23-yards out. Ohio State incorporated wide receiver Emeka Egbuka into the run game as well with a single carry for 27 yards.
First-year running back Dallan Hayden made his first appearance as a Buckeye on Saturday as well. The Memphis, Tennessee, tailback had 13 yards on four carries. Hayden also had two catches for 13 yards.
The Buckeyes defense limited Arkansas State to 276 total yards of offense and four field goals. Linebackers Steele Chambers and Cody Simon led the way with six total tackles. Chambers and defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. each had a sack Saturday afternoon.
While the Buckeyes were mostly stout defensively, the Silver Bullets were penalized a few times throughout the afternoon. A penalty overturned a punt return for a touchdown and defensive pass interference extended a drive.
Much like the offense, however, several young Buckeyes were able to register game snaps including first-year defensive end Caden Curry. He finished his afternoon with four tackles that included a 6-yard tackle for loss.
No. 3 Ohio State (2-0) now begins preparation for Toledo (2-0) when the Rockets venture to Columbus for a week three non-conference tilt.
Before the Buckeyes play the Rockets, one last look at Arkansas State through the lens of Lettermen Row staffer Matt Parker.
