Big Wins For The Buckeyes And Browns As Both Prepare For Their Biggest Battles
By @MarkW2112
It was another fun weekend for Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns fans this weekend. 2 games and 2 wins are becoming a surprising norm, especially with Browns fans.
Buckeyes
The Buckeyes (7-1, 4-0 Big 10) were able to easily handle the Illinois Fighting Illini 55-14 in a laugher from start to finish. The Illini were no match for the explosive Buckeyes on both offense and defense. The good news was that with the blow out, J.T. Barrett and Ezekiel Elliot were able to rest. Barrett played well in the first half, going 15-of-24 for 167 yards and 2 touchdowns. Curtis Samuel also rush for 2 touchdowns while rushing for 63 yards. Elliot did have 69 yards on 9 carries but was able to keep himself in good shape for next weeks huge match up against Michigan State. Cardale Jones played well and also had the play of the night with a big time tackle on a play where the refs said he fumbled the ball only to determine it was an incomplete pass.
The Buckeyes defense was once again dominant, with Joey Bosa leading the way with 2 sacks while the defensive backfield recorded 2 interceptions against starting quarterback Reilly O'Toole as well as 2 fumble recoveries. The Illini were able to score 2 late touchdowns against the third string defense but otherwise they were completely outmatched.
Browns
The Browns were able to come back and hold on to a 22-17 against a surprisingly tough Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brian Hoyer was 21 of 34 for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns as well as 2 interceptions. His big play was a 34 yard touchdown pass to Taylor Gabriel which turned out to be the winning points the Browns needed. He did this with center Nick McDonald continuing to get beat and no sign of a running game from Ben Tate. Terrance West was able to get some yardage as well as a touchdown pass from Hoyer but was otherwise held in check.
Mike Glennen was 17 of 33 for 167 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. It was also a big game for rookie Mike Evans, who caught both touchdowns while doing the Johnny Manziel money sign after each one. In the end, the defense was able to hold the Bucs offense in check when needed. Big games by Donte Whitner, Joe Haden and Tashaun Gipson helped the cause.
My take: the Buckeyes were able to take care of business before the big game next week in East Lansing as well as the Browns taking care of their business before meeting up with a huge division game in Cincinnati. The Browns, though, have to address their issues with the offensive line. Nick McDonald is a weak link and has caused issues not only with the running game but also keeping Hoyer from being pressured. The Buckeyes need to keep focused on the task at hand and hopefully playing in front of the loud and enthusiastic crowd at Happy Valley will be a good lesson learned in front of the Spartan's home crowd.
Next up: Thursday night game for the Browns against the Cincinnati Bengals and Saturday nights game for the Bucks against the Michigan State Spartans.
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