Ohio State football vs Western Kentucky: Five observations halftime review
The Ohio State football team is putting the beatdown on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and are heading into halftime with a 42-10 lead. Fans are less focused on this game and are viewing this as more of a warm-up for Notre Dame next week and honestly, it looks like the coaching staff is too.
This Buckeye squad looks primed and ready to go. The offense looks explosive, while the defense has been somewhat challenged for the first time, but not enough to lose this team any games. Not every question can be answered against a team like Western Kentucky, but we can sure try to answer some.
Ohio State needs to keep its foot on the gas pedal in the second half to make sure that Kyle McCord can keep this confidence rolling, but let’s dive into the five most interesting things of note from a first half of fireworks.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is unstoopable
That 75-yard touchdown catch ties Marvin Harrison Jr. with K.J. Hill for the 8th most touchdowns catches in Ohio State history with 20
— Stephen Means (@Stephen_Means) September 16, 2023
What we saw
As Marvin Harrison Jr., continues to move up the Ohio State record books, one thing is very obvious, and that’s that no one is going to stop him. Harrison is the best receiver in college football and that is on display once again.
Offensive Play Calling
Ohio State had an explosive play for a touchdown
— Stephen Means (@Stephen_Means) September 16, 2023
What we saw
The offensive play calling has been a pleasant surprise in this one. Ryan Day is done experimenting and is calling plays like we can expect against Notre Dame. The offense looks aggressive, dangerous, and with an identity starting to take shape.
Denzel Burke has returned to form
Denzel Burke has had a hell of a start to his junior year
— Stephen Means (@Stephen_Means) September 16, 2023
What we saw
Granted, Ohio State has not played the strongest competition, but regardless — Denzel Burke has looked like he has returned to his All-American form and may even earn that first-round selection that was being hyped preseason. He’s been glued to his guy and has been in position to break up multiple targets.
Competition is concerning
Love love love love that WKU is just going for it on 4th every chance they get. #NeverPunt
— Andrew Gillis (@Andrew_Gillis70) September 16, 2023
What we saw
Honestly, against Ohio State, it makes sense that Western Kentucky would go for it as often as possible, but the Hilltoppers failing to convert their fourth downs has allowed Ohio State to benefit more than they probably should have, which is skewing the box score. But hey, it’s fun to watch.
Sam Hartman is bumped and bruised
Sam Hartman is a little gimpy after getting rolled up on a bit. He popped right up, albeit a little wobbly, but boy that didn't look good in real time.
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) September 16, 2023
Obviously, we are focused on Western Kentucky, but the Buckeyes would have to implode for this game to end poorly. Now, it is extremely interesting that the starting quarterback for Notre Dame, Sam Hartman, appeared a little hobbled during his contest. It bears watching.
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