Ten Things Ohio State Fans Will Be Saying After The Purdue Game

While it may be okay for Ohio State fans to have a bit of a let down this week and relax a bit, the Buckeyes themselves cannot fall victim to that same kind of thought process.

There shouldn’t be any further need for wakeup calls. If they aren’t awake now, then it would probably be best not to bother them any longer.

The Buckeyes will enter Saturday’s game against Purdue with a mission in mind, while the coaches will also want to get some younger players involved.

There should be some fireworks this week, which will only increase some of the things that Ohio State fans will be saying after the game.

Things such as the following.

“I would love to see Julian Sayin out there with the starters.”

If things go as planned, Ohio State true freshman quarterback Julian Sayin should see his first action since the Michigan State game. Unfortunately for him, it probably won’t be until the fourth quarter, and by that point the second-team offensive line will be in the game. It’s not an ideal situation for a quarterback, but there’s no such thing as an ideal situation for a true freshman quarterback anyway. Still, Sayin’s been aggressive when he’s been in the game, and Chip Kelly and Ryan Day have been letting him throw the ball.

“Apparently Jeremiah Smith missed the end zone last week.”

Look, we’ve never seen how Jeremiah Smith reacts after not scoring a touchdown the week previous. It’s never happened before. Penn State shut him out last Saturday, so be prepared for a significant response this week from the amazing freshman. I’m not saying the national network news will be breaking into their regularly scheduled broadcasts to alert the nation of what is happening in Columbus, but I’m not NOT saying it. Don’t be surprised when he hits the end zone multiple times in this game.

“I wonder if Dillon Thieneman is interested in being a Buckeye next year.”

Purdue sophomore safety Dillon Thieneman led the Boilers in tackles last year as a true freshman with 106 in 12 games. This year, he leads them with 64 tackles. He does not yet have any interceptions this season, but he’s due. He makes tackles everywhere, as you’ll see on Saturday. The Buckeyes may not need to go to the portal for somebody like Thieneman next year, but there’s never anything wrong with doing a little window shopping on a Fall Saturday afternoon.

“I’d like to invite Kayden McDonald over for Thanksgiving.”

Ohio State sophomore nose tackle Kayden McDonald was instrumental in the Buckeyes’ numerous goal-line stands last week. He will be back on the field this week — and not just in short-yardage situations. It’s time for the Buckeyes to play more depth throughout the game, and McDonald will be one of the beneficiaries. If you watch him closely, you’ll see his impact. You’ll also see one of the happiest-go-lucky guys you’ll ever want to meet. And when you do invite him to Thanksgiving, don’t be surprised when he brings a pie or two with him.

“I love watching these running backs right now.”

After a down week against Nebraska, both Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson had upticks last week at Penn State. That should continue this week against a defense that is not as good as the Nittany Lion defense. The Boilers have been playing better against the run, but there are still avenues available for the OSU running game. There will also be opportunities to throw some more devastating blocks. Big plays will be made by both and you’ll enjoy them all. You should also get to see freshmen James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon this week as well. Peoples has already burned his redshirt. Williams-Dixon can play in the next two games and still be fine.

“I’m still feeling pretty good about the left side of the line.”

The new left side of the Ohio State line is back for game two. Game one last week from new left tackle Donovan Jackson and new left guard Carson Hinzman went well, but this week will be a new test against a 3-4 defense. How much help will Jackson get in pass protection this week? And how much will he need? It still won’t be perfect, but as long as it continues to be effective and productive, you’ll take it.

“Time to buy more stock in Brandon Inniss.”

Sophomore receiver Brandon Inniss played his best game as a Buckeye last week. He may have only been in for three snaps, but he made the most of them, catching a touchdown and also converting a third down. That’s the kind of efficiency that will catch a quarterback’s eye. This is the time of year when young players start earning more and more trust, and these are the kinds of games where those young players start making more and more plays. Inniss’ only catch last year came against Purdue and went for a 58-yard touchdown. He may not equal that distance this week, but don’t be shocked if he equals the points.

“Knowles had those QBs’ heads spinning.”

Purdue will likely play two quarterbacks this week. Hudson Card is the starter, but Ryan Browne will come in as a running threat. It’s a bit like last week’s task at Penn State with Drew Allar and Beau Pribula. Expect the Buckeyes to continue their more aggressive approach with the pass rush, bringing different angles and players, while changing the picture for both Purdue quarterbacks. It should lead to some turnovers as well, though none of them may be as clutch as Davison Igbinosun’s interception last week. It’s also time for Caleb Downs to land his first interception as a Buckeye.

“Wrigley is gonna be awesome.”

Not that you won’t be completely engrossed in the aftermath of this game to keep thinking about it, but at some point you will turn the page and start to get excited about seeing the Buckeyes next week in one of America’s historic venues. Playing at Wrigley Field in Chicago used to present some issues for teams, but those issues are gone and the situation is much more amenable to gameplay and safety. It’ll be a cool scene, and if you can make it, it’ll be a bucket list item as well.

“Go Hoosiers.”

After Ohio State secures a victory over the Boilermakers on Saturday, you and yours can get ready to watch Michigan go into Bloomington, Indiana as two-touchdown underdogs to the Hoosiers. It is the first time Indiana has been favored over Michigan since 1968. That was also the same year the Buckeyes put 50 on the Wolverines — if you’re into that sort of thing.

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