Game Recap 9/9/23 | Buckeyes Beat Penguins 35-7

Post-Game Live Recap

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3 Things About Buckeyes Victory Over Youngstown State Penguins

1 – Buckeyes Big Plays 

The Buckeyes did not have big plays in the opener, especially from Marvin Harrison Jr. or Emeka Egbuka, but that was not the case in game two.  Harrison Jr. started with a 71-yard touchdown catch on the first drive; he added another 39-yard touchdown later in the first half, and Egbuka had a 28-yard touchdown grab. 

2 – Quarterback Situation

Both Quarterbacks did play on Saturday, and both looked better in game two. Kyle McCord started and went 14 for 20 for 258 yards for three touchdowns, and Devin Brown went 7 for 13 for 101 yards.

McCord is clearly ahead of Brown and currently has better control of the offense.  I think Brown has the higher ceiling but makes far too many mistakes.  Brown could use more time to play, but the Buckeyes don’t have time to play development. 

3 – Defense 

The Buckeyes had another good day defensively as they limited the Penguin running game to under 100 yards (99 yards) and, aside from one pass, did not allow any big plays.  The one area of concern after this game is the Buckeyes did have a hard time getting off the field as Youngstown State was 7 for 15 on 3rd down conversions. 

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Game Summary

In the Buckeyes’ first home game of the 2023 season, Ohio State’s No. 5 team dominated Youngstown State, securing a 35-7 victory.

Kyle McCord once again took the reins as the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes. The junior quarterback completed 14 out of 20 passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns. Notably, two of these touchdowns were impressive long throws to Marvin Harrison Jr., who had an outstanding performance. McCord’s success was primarily concentrated in the first half, where he completed 13 of his 14 passes.

Backup quarterback Devin Brown also saw some action, completing 7 out of 13 passes for 101 yards but failing to secure any touchdowns.

Coach Ryan Day refrained from making a definitive decision regarding McCord’s permanent status as OSU’s starting quarterback, stating that he would review the game footage before reaching a verdict.

Collectively, the Buckeyes rushed for 123 yards on 27 carries, with TreVeyon Henderson contributing two touchdowns on five rushes.

Although Youngstown State managed to score on their opening drive, it was their sole touchdown of the game as Ohio State’s defense held strong for the remainder of the match. Denzel Burke contributed to this defensive success with an interception.

In summary, Ohio State convincingly defeated Youngstown State 35-7 in their 2023 home opener.

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1st Quarter

• Kyle McCord connects with Marvin Harrison Jr. for a 71-yard touchdown on the third play of the game. Buckeyes lead 7-0. 71 yards is a career-long reception for Harrison
• Youngstown State marches 75 yards down the field on 11 plays and scores on a 1-yard quarterback keeper by Mitch Davidson. Tie game 7-7
• Cameron Martinez was beaten in man coverage for a 36-yard YSU first down on 3rd and 3 from the YSU 44-yard line
• Kyle McCord throws a 39-yard touchdown to Marvin Harrison Jr. for his second of the game. OSU leads 14-7 with 1:20 left in the first quarter

2nd Quarter

• Devin Brown is in at quarterback
• Brown faced a 3rd and 25 and was stopped well short of the first down on a QB keeper but was hit late out of bounds. YSU was called for a personal foul.
• TreVeyon Henderson scored on a 13-yard rushing touchdown on the next play. 21-7 OSU with 9:07 left in the second quarter
• Kyle McCord is back in at QB and leads Ohio State on an 11-play, 90-yard TD drive capped off by a 28-yard pass to Emeka Egbuka on 4th and 2. OSU leads 28-7 with 3:06 left in the first half

3rd Quarter

• Youngstown State got into OSU territory but Denzel Burke intercepted a pass in the end zone
• TreVeyon Henderson rushes 30 yards for his second TD of the game. Ohio State leads 35-7 with 1:40 left in the third quarter
• The Buckeyes forced an interception and three and out on YSU’s two drives in the third quarter

4th Quarter

• Miyan Williams TD called back for holding on Chip Trayanum
• Ohio State went for it on 4th and goal from the 5-yard line and Devin Brown was sacked for a turnover on downs
• Ohio State forces a turnover on downs

Up Next

The Buckeyes face Western Kentucky next Saturday, September 16th, at 4 p.m.