On The Mark 9.14.15: #Buckeyes v. #Hawaii Recap

Defensive blitz: Buckeyes beat up Hawaii 38-0
By @MarkW2112

After only getting 5 days between games, the Ohio State Buckeyes started the game sluggish but were still able to handle the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 38-0 thanks to some stellar defense against a Hawaii offense that really was no match for them while the offense had it's struggles but was able to find it's footing in the end.

Cardale Jones started the game but J.T. Barrett split reps with him as both quarterbacks seem to have their struggles against the Hawaii defense.  Neither quarterback recorded a touchdown and combined for 181 passing yards.  Ezekiel Elliot got most of the load at running back, rushing for 101 yards on 27 carries and 3 touchdowns.  Bri'ante Dunn scored a 5 yard touchdown in the last minutes of the game.  Braxton Miller had a decent game but nothing compared to his spectacular return against Virginia Tech.

The game really belonged to the defense.  They kept the Hawaii offense to 165 total yards while intercepting quarterback Max Wittek twice, once by Von Bell and the other by Gareon Conley.  Joey Bosa, back after his one game suspension, got a sack while Darron Lee recorded two.  Wittek had no chance to really get going, especially with many dropped passes by his receivers.

My thoughts:  it was apparent that the lack of days off affected the team, especially on offense.  It also seemed Hawaii's defense distracted the clap counts by clapping themselves on numerous occasions.  But it didn't matter in the end with the Buckeyes much more talented roster leading the way on defense.  Having Joey Bosa back seemed to be what the defense needed to get it's groove back while Darron Lee continued to show what a monster linebacker he is.  

Player of the game: Ezekiel Elliot, with this 3 touchdowns

Turning Point: Elliot's touchdown in the first quarter, which was all of the points the Buckeyes needed

Turning point 2: The Buckeyes defense stripping the ball from quarterback Max Wittek, which was picked up by Von Bell and brought in for the touchdown to make it 31-0 to seal the game for good.

Next up:  At Ohio Stadium, facing Northern Illinois, 3:30 PM EST