Expert Grades Ohio State's Win Over Youngstown State
Fans let it be known after Ohio State's season-opening win against Indiana that they weren't satisfied with the 20-point victory for a number of reasons, except it was mostly because of how the offense played.
The media reciprocated the criticism from the fanbase in the aftermath of the victory, as they gave the Buckeyes a C+ for the 23-3 win. But how did they grade Ohio State after the 35-7 win over Youngstown State?
CBS Sports' Barrett Sallee gave the Buckeyes an A- for the dominant home-opening win over the Penguins, in a game that Ohio State was heavily favored to win according to the betting odds.
"What did Ohio State fans want to see after Week 1? Solid quarterback play," CBS Sports writes. "Kyle McCord provided just that in the 35-7 win over Youngstown State. The first-year starter threw for 258 yards and three touchdowns while calming the fears of Buckeye fans, who were concerned with the state of the position."
The offseason favorite to win the starting job at quarterback, McCord completed 14 of his 20 passes for 258 yards and three scores in the win over the Penguins, as the Buckeyes offense even showed off the explosive plays in the passing game that helped them make the college football playoffs.
The Buckeyes' first drive ended in points as McCord found star receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. for a 71-yard touchdown, which proved to be just the start of a big game for the junior. Harrison would go on to total seven receptions for 160 yards and two touchdowns, which led the Buckeyes in receiving.
As the Buckeyes head into their final game against Western Kentucky before heading on the road to face a likely ranked Notre Dame team, they will look to establish their long-term starter at quarterback.
While McCord has made the starts in these last two games, coach Ryan Day and co., have made sure to get sophomore signal-caller Devin Brown snaps as they continue to evaluate the position battle.
