Devin Brown enters game, scores touchdown for Ohio State against Purdue

Down two of its best running backs, Ohio State reached into its bag of tricks early during Saturday’s contest against Purdue.

Backup QB Devin Brown‘s number was called on a goal line set during the first quarter, where he lowered his shoulder and bullied his way into the end zone for the first rushing touchdown of his career.

The play gave Ohio State a 13-0 lead. At the end of one quarter, the Buckeyes are threatening to potentially run away with this one before the first half is finished.

3:44 left in Q1: Ohio State 13, Purdue 0.

Ohio State brings in Devin Brown for a 3rd-and-1, and he converts on a QB power call.

Brown stays in the game and ends up scoring on 2nd-and-Goal, plowing his way into the end zone.

An interesting wrinkle from the #Buckeyes. pic.twitter.com/3yZhqRbtzR

— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) October 14, 2023

On the Buckeyes’ ensuing possession, Brown had an opportunity to score a second rushing touchdown — but fumbled before reaching the goal line in a play that was so close, it needed video review to settle. With all three of Ohio State’s top running backs out for the game, his services will undoubtedly be called upon again. As long as he doesn’t fumble.

The remainder of the game can be watched live on Peacock.

Chip Trayanum leaves game after nasty hit, down top three running backs vs Purdue

Ohio State running back Chip Trayanum was leveled by dueling hits from Purdue defenders during the first quarter on Saturday. 

He tried to shake it off but was taken out of the game and checked out in the medical tent. Trayanum is now back on the sideline with the rest of the team — without his helmet, according to Dan Hope. That is a likely indicator he will not be returning anytime soon.

The injury would be a blow on any day — but especially when Ohio State is down the services of the other two top running backs — TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams are also out of the game with injuries. 

Henderson was forced to miss last week’s matchup against Maryland. Without his services, the Buckeyes averaged less than two yards per rush against the Terrapins, though they still had Williams to fall back on. That won’t be the case Saturday, and if Henderson can’t go either — there will be a lot of ground to make up for Ohio State through the air.

Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day has been forced to turn to the services of wide receiver Xavier Johnson to play out of the backfield. Dallan Hayden is the fourth running back on the roster, both of whom will carry the bulk of the rushing attempts for the rest of the afternoon.