Off-Script Ohio: Buckeyes grind past Purdue, injuries pile up, and UCLA looms under the lights

With Ohio State handling Purdue 34–10, Cole and Joey broke down a win that felt businesslike more than electric on this week’s episode of Off-Script Ohio, presented by Land-Grant Holy Land. A 70-yard touchdown from Bo Jackson on the opening play could have completely changed the tone, but it was called back, leaving the Buckeyes to work through a slow start before settling in. Still, Ohio State’s defense dominated from start to finish, Purdue never found any rhythm offensively, and Julian Sayin once again delivered an efficient, composed performance as the Buckeyes remained unbeaten. Joey noted that the only reason the game didn’t get out of hand early was because of that disallowed touchdown. Purdue’s offense was completely bottled up, Caleb Downs forced a Jermaine Matthews Jr interception and laid a crushing hit on a screen pass, while the front seven controlled the line all afternoon. Sayin threw with his usual precision, finishing with another efficient stat line, though he did make one mistake when he forced a red-zone ball to Jeremiah Smith, wh set a new single-game career high in receptions. Max Klare also added five catches in his return to West Lafayette, though Cole admitted he expected more from the former Boilermaker in a potential “revenge game.” Even without Carnell Tate, who missed the matchup due to injury, Ohio State’s passing attack looked unstoppable. On the defensive side, the Buckeyes continued to show why they’re the best unit in the country. Eddrick Houston looked dominant again, Payton Pierce filled in seamlessly when Arvelle briefly left the game, and the cornerback duo of Jermaine Matthews and Davison Igbinosun have been quietly playing at an All-American level. Cole pointed out that those two might be the most underappreciated corners in America. Injuries were a major storyline. Because of Tate’s absence, receivers Bryson Rodgers and Mylan Graham saw more snaps than usual. Both Phillip Daniels and Josh Padilla missed the game as well, leading to Ian Moore’s first start and a rotation with Gabe VanSickle up front at RG. Arvell Reese missed several series, and Tywone Malone saw limited action also. One bright spot came from the Lincoln Kienholz red-zone package, which worked perfectly. The conversation then shifted to basketball, where the Buckeyes opened the season 2–0 with offensive fireworks. Ohio State topped IU Indy 118–102 behind Christophe Tilly’s 28 points and a pair of 20-point performances from Bruce Thornton and Devin Royal, then followed that with a 94–68 win over Purdue Fort Wayne in which Thornton exploded for a career-high 38. Next up, Ohio State basketball hosts App State on Tuesday and Notre Dame on Sunday in what could be an early measuring-stick game against Markus Burton and the Irish. On the football side, UCLA heads to Columbus for a primetime matchup under the lights in the Shoe. Joey predicted a 42–10 win, while Cole went with 38–6. To close the show, Cole and Joey posed a few big-picture questions: What’s the one weakness on this Ohio State team that could keep them from reaching their goals of beating Michigan, winning the Big Ten, and claiming a national title? If you could trade Sayin for a second-year Justin Fields or C.J. Stroud, would you do it? For now, Ohio State continues to roll. The defense looks championship-ready, Sayin’s Heisman campaign remains alive and well, and another night game in Columbus is up next. November football is here, and the Buckeyes are right where they want to be. Theme music provided by Audiio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices