On The Mark 10.26.15: #Buckeyes v. #Rutgers Recap

J.T. Barrett solidifies the Buckeyes starting QB spot with 49-7 destruction of Rutgers
By @MarkW2112

J.T. Barrett came in to Saturday nights game against Rutgers Scarlet Knights as the starter for the first time this season.  He proved that he belongs there for the rest of the season as the #1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes destroyed Rutgers 49-7 in a game that wasn't even close.  From the moment Barrett stepped on to the field, you could sense that the offense was different with him in the game.  Barrett threw for 223 yards and 3 touchdown while running for 101 yards and 2 scores.

Ezekiel Elliot ran for 142 yards and 2 touchdown for his 13th consecutive 100 yard rushing game while Michael Thomas lead all receivers with 103 yards and a touchdown.  Braxton Miller, while not scoring a TD, made another impressive catch that bounced off his body but had enough concentration to make the highlight reel catch.

The Buckeyes defense, meanwhile,  Rutgers offense.  Starting QB Chris Laviano had no chance against Joey Bosa and the front line of the Buckeyes.  While the Buckeyes only had 2 sacks, they were in the face of Laviano for most of the game before being replaced by Hayden Rettig who helped give the Scarlet Knights a touchdown before the end of the game to wipe out the shutout.

My take:  The Buckeyes were firing on all cylinders with J.T. Barrett behind center.  He appeared to be confident and comfortable running the offense.  It appeared to inspire the whole team as the defense played its best game all year.  Rutgers had no chance against this mighty Buckeyes team.

Player of the game:  The entire Buckeyes team and coaching staff played and coached their best game of 2015.

Next for the Buckeyes:  a bye week for Halloween, then back at the Horseshoe to play Minnesota on November 7.