WATCH: Ohio State recovers fumble, immediately scores 57-yard TD
If you blinked, you probably missed two huge plays from Ohio State. The Buckeyes had their way with Purdue in the first quarter on Saturday.
Purdue fumbled a bad hand-off and Ohio State’s King Doerue fell on it right away. On the first play from scrimmage afterward, freshman TreVeyon Henderson ran it for a 56-yard touchdown to extend the Buckeyes lead to 21-7.
It was Henderson’s 17th touchdown run this season, putting him one away from the Ohio State freshman record for most touchdowns from scrimmage. Maurice Clarett had 18 touchdowns from scrimmage in 2002.
Quarterback CJ Stroud continues to dominate. The freshman standout threw for 127 yards and a touchdown on 10 for 12 passing in the first quarter alone.
The No. 4-ranked Buckeyes had a bit of an upset scare last week against Nebraska and are taking on a Purdue team that just beat then-No. 3 Michigan State. Ohio State scored on its first three drives against the Boilermakers in Saturday’s first quarter.
Purdue and Ohio State are squaring off on ABC.
How Ohio State prepared for George Karlaftis
Ryan Day realizes that Ohio State has a huge challenge in stopping Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis. While the Buckeyes offense has been humming, Karlaftis has the power to wreck their game-plan on Saturday.
Prior to Purdue’s attempt at another upset, Day revealed how his squad is preparing to stop Karlaftis.
“They realize this is a big challenge,” stated Day. “Both J.T. [Tuimoloau] and Jack [Sawyer] are some of the younger guys .. they allow us the opportunity, (they) fit the same body that Karlaftis has. The combination of speed, power and quickness is pretty comparable.
“I would say that Karlaftis is probably the biggest challenge that these guys have had all year. Probably one of the better defensive ends in the country. They understand that going into the game — they’re going to have to be playing their best.”
While Tuimoloau and Sawyer may be good practice for an offensive line preparing for Karlaftis, there’s nobody who can mimic what the Purdue defensive end does. There’s a reason many are predicting he’ll be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
As Ohio State has dreams of the College Football Playoff, Ryan Day recognizes his team mustn’t let George Karlaftis wreck their season.