Podcast: Ohio State’s blocking, punting shined in win over Penn State

How in the world did Ohio State beat Penn State? For most of the night, the offense struggled, while the defense looked like it had no answers for Trace McSorley —except for Chase Young— giving up countless big plays, and putting themselves in a spot where a comeback seemed unlikely. So how did they do it? By excelling in areas we don’t often talk about.

On this episode of the Hangout in the Holy Land, Patrick Mayhorn and I recap the win over Penn State, and talk about the key roles blocking —especially from the wide receivers— and punting played in keeping the Buckeyes afloat, then ultimately pulling off a stunning comeback.

Show Notes

1:30- Some fans weren’t thrilled with the win. Were we?

8:04- Signature win for this group of players.

9:20- Lot of Penn State’s success was just Trace McSorley making plays on his own.

10:30- James Franklin’s weird postgame comments.

12:17- Dwayne Haskins showed he still has room to improve.

20:35- Confusion about the run game, including some questionable fourth-and-short playcalls.

27:30- Another clutch KJ Hill performance, and praising the wide receivers for their willingness to block.

31:16- The tight ends are non-existent.

33-56- Chase Young stepped up when Ohio State needed him most.

37:37- Did the linebackers have a good or bad game?

43:46- Free safety play is killing the defense right now.

49:28- Drue Chrisman’s punting was a major factor in the win, plus Terry McLaurin and Jeff Okudah’s standout coverage.

53:46- Urban Meyer almost turtled in another big game.