Scarlet Sunrise: Buckeyes reveal players of game from Indiana beatdown
Good morning, Ohio State fans, and welcome to the Scarlet Sunrise. Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Buckeyes football, recruiting, basketball and more in Scarlet Sunrise.
Buckeyes reveal players of game from Indiana beatdown
Ohio State rushed for a season-high 340 yards against Indiana Saturday. Three of the Buckeyes’ five starting offensive linemen registered Pro Football Focus run blocking grades of at least 72, and running backs Miyan Williams and Dallan Hayden both went over the century mark on the ground. Williams accomplished the feat in less than a half of play — he left the game in the second quarter with an apparent right leg injury that the Buckeyes believe won’t be a long-term issue.
The program honored its players of the game Sunday night. Kam Babb was named as Ohio State’s offensive player of the game. The graduate wide receiver has suffered five season-ending injuries since his sophomore year of high school. He’s never quit. And, against the Hoosiers, Babb recorded his first career reception, which doubled as his first career touchdown. Babb praised God after the game and talked about his journey to that moment in the Horseshoe.
Safety Lathan Ransom was recognized as Ohio State’s defensive player of the game. Ransom tallied a team-high seven solo tackles, making it the fourth straight game for him with at least five solos. Ransom additionally notched 1.5 sacks, a pass break-up and a blocked punt that helped put the game to bed.
Ransom was also crowned co-special teams player of the game, along with fellow safety Sonny Styles.
Ohio State opens as big road favorite against Maryland
The Buckeyes opened as 25-point favorites over Maryland Sunday, according to Circa Sports, with the total set at 65.5. Ohio State is 5-4-1 against the spread this season and only 1-2 ATS on the road. But the Buckeyes have never lost in seven games versus the Terrapins.
Maryland kicked off the season with a 4-1 start. That featured a two-score victory over Michigan State and, more notably, a one-score loss to Michigan. Over the most recent five games, however, the Terrapins have gone just 2-3. It will be tough sledding for Maryland against Ohio State, considering the Terps are tied for 76th nationally in pass defense this year — meanwhile, the Buckeyes are tops in the Big Ten in passing yards per game (294.0) so far this season.
Buckeyes are holding steady in the AP Poll
Ohio State remained No. 2 in the AP Poll for the sixth week in a row. The whole top five held steady. Clemson found its way back into the top 10, moving up three spots, and Utah rose from No. 13 to No. 10 after its blowout of Stanford this weekend.
Ohio State was also No. 2 in last week’s College Football Playoff rankings. The Buckeyes are 10-0, including 7-0 in Big Ten play, following their 56-14 victory over the Hoosiers.
Lettermen Row has the entire poll breakdown (Nov. 13) here, but this is a sneak peak:
- Georgia
- Ohio State
- Michigan
- TCU
- Tennessee
- LSU
- USC
Counting down
Buckeyes vs. Maryland: 5 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 12 days
Are you subscribed yet?
Are you ready to get all your latest Ohio State news in one place? Become a member of Lettermen Row today. With your Lettermen Row/On3+ membership, you’ll not only have access to the everything that’s happening with the Buckeyes, but you’ll also be able to peruse other fan sites within the network to hear just how rivals are feeling about Ohio State, as well. Make sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram and on Youtube for all the latest Buckeyes news you need to know.
Already signed up? Don’t forget to join us in the Lettermen Lounge to talk about the latest Ohio State sports news.
