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| Fields returned a 69 yard punt for a TD |
As John Simon gave chase and put some real pressure on Owens, the ball fell to the turf on 4th down, and #13 Ohio State lived to see another game in the world of the undefeated. How long that will last, will be up to on how much we can improve from now until the Miami game on the 24th. The fact that OSU had to rely on the Rocket's mistakes to win the game says enough in itself. 14 penalties, a missed field goal, and a punt return for a touchdown all killed Toledo's momentum when they would start to build it up.
Despite all these struggles, Toledo still led for most of this game, including late in the third quarter. They had led 15-7 after the first quarter and were leading 22-21 very late in the third. Ohio State still managed to take the lead, and started to look like they could finally put the nail in the coffin and head into Week 3 with a little momentum, when the unthinkable happened: Rod Smith fumbled with less than 2 minutes in the game. Luckily John Simon was there, and more plays from OSU's defense and special teams saved the day as the offense had trouble scoring and even driving down the field.
Chris Fields had a really nice day returning the ball and got his first punt return for a touchdown, that went for 69 yards. Carlos Hyde had 2 scores for the Buckeyes, who are still recovering and trying to figure out how long Travis Howard, Jordan Hall and Corey Brown will be out due to suspensions. Joe Bauserman was the starter and went 16/30 (53% completion percentage) for 189 yards and 1 touchdown. Braxton Miller did not see any playing time at all yesterday, and that left Buckeye Nation a little deceived by the coaching staff.
- Toledo may have lost the game, but they scored the most points by an Ohio school against Ohio State since 1909.
- I can't say enough about Eric Page and my respect for this Toledo Rockets team. I truly believe that they should have won this game, they deserved it.
- Joe Bauserman is not capable. I'm telling you right now, I'm not impressed at all with Bauserman and I think Miami and co. will eat him alive. If Luke Fickell and the coaching staff can't see that, then I'm not sure what will happen.
- Really happy with young players stepping up to provide sparks, such as Devin Smith, Chris Fields, Verlon Reed, etc.
- No snaps for Miller was kind of shocking, to put him in that situation might have shown us what he is truly made of. On the flip side, it could have showed a side that would probably shown Buckeye Nation how green he really is at QB.
- Perhaps not many noticed, but all except 2 passes completed from Bauserman to a receiver/back were short yard throws such as screens, swings, bubbles, and slants/outs. His down field passing was questionable, and I didn't see a lot of good decisions from the senior. Not to mention I called him out about not being able to handle defensive pressure as well as some people thought he would. He crumpled a couple of times.
