Michigan and Ohio State met on Saturday at the “Horseshoe” with a spot in the Big Ten Championship and possibly a spot in the College Football Playoff on the line. Ohio State capitalized on Michigan’s special teams errors in the second half and rode its offensive and defensive lines to a 62-39 victory. DraftNasty’s Troy Jefferson gives his impressions in this in game report:
9 Donovan Peoples-Jones (6’2, 208) Michigan wide receiver-Sophomore
Peoples-Jones made all types of grabs on Saturday and when his team needed plays on late down situations, he was the man targeted. The sophomore wide receiver finished with seven catches for 64 yards against the Buckeyes. Peoples-Jones isn’t afraid to make catches over the middle but will be a problem at the next level on the outside because o
f his quick feet and his ability to accelerate and de-celerate to relieve himself of tight coverage. For the season, the sophomore has caught 39 passes for 541 yards and seven touchdowns. The sophomore is also a threat as a punt returner (two career punt return touchdowns and averages 9 yards a return).
Ohio State offensive and defensive lines
Michigan came into Columbus with the nation’s top-ranked defense and a huge reason why was because of their ability to pressure the quarterback with four men. However, by games end, Ohio State’s offensive and defensive line had stolen the show. The Buckeyes didn’t give up a sack and sacked Michigan junior quarterback Shea Patterson (6’2, 205) three times. In the fourth quarter on 3rd and 12, Buckeyes defensive end Chase Young (6’5, 265) flushed Patterson from the pocket and made him throw off-balance, which led to an interception by junior safety Jordan Fuller (6’2 204). Defensive linemen Robert Landers (6’1 283) and Jonathon Cooper (6’4 257) also contributed with sacks. Offensively, the Buckeyes rushed for 249 yards and passed for 318 yards.
“They slowly devastated us throughout the game. Knowing all the yards they were putting up and how easily they were scoring, it was tough. It was very tough,” Michigan senior defensive back Tyree Kinnel said in a post game press conference. “They completely beat us everywhere. Run game, pass game, everyone is to blame.”
7 Dwayne Haskins (6’3, 220) Ohio State QB-Sophomore
Haskins seems to be getting more and more comfortable as the season goes on. The Potomac, Maryland, native completed 19-of-30 passes for 318 yards and five touchdowns on Saturday. Despite the big game atmosphere, Haskins never forced any throws against a stout Michigan defense. Aided by a strong running game and a clean pocket, he picked the Wolverines apart. Haskins has the arm to make all the throws and is big enough to shake defenders off. If the sophomore can continue to play with the poise he showed on Saturday, look for him to continue to move up future NFL Draft boards.
39 Malik Harrison (6’3, 245) Ohio State LB-Junior
Harrison impressed with his form tackling ability against the Wolverines. The junior linebacker used his eyes well and was able to make tackles on Michigan senior running back Karan Higdon (5’10 202) by being patient and meeting Higdon in his running lanes. Harrison can also be used in blitz packages. He sacked Patterson on the second play of the game when he came into the backfield untouched. For a player his size, Harrison has excellent sideline-to- sideline ability yet is strong enough to take on interior linemen in the running game. Harrison projects best as a 4-3 outside linebacker.
Bosa comes from NFL genes but he is an NFL-caliber player in his own right. He was named the conference’s lineman of the year and led the Buckeyes with eight sacks and 16 tackles for loss in 2017. The junior defensive lineman has the tools to be a top five draft pick and if he turns in another stellar season, look for him to enter the NFL Draft after his junior season.
The last time a wide receiver stood out wearing No. 83 at Ohio State was the late Terry Glenn, one of the best players in school history. Despite catching just 29 passes in 2017, McLaurin -a 4.4 speedster- put six of those receptions in the end zone. Dating back to his freshman campaign, he has also shown up on special teams (7 tackles in 2015). While his speed is a factor, he has to demonstrate more of an ability running the route tree to get looks from NFL scouts as an outside the numbers threat. He’s actually shown an ability to work the sidelines and settle into soft zones versus zone coverage. His strength and balance are perhaps his most impressive attributes. McLaurin will test well for NFL scouts.
nd 10 touchdowns. The senior wide receiver recorded 259 yards against Penn State and Iowa, two of the best pass defenses in the Big Ten, to end the season. Morgan, Jr. is able to make catches in traffic, reminiscent of Odell Beckham Jr., another New Orleans native. He has the size and speed that will make him a candidate to go in the first three rounds of the draft after the season.
