Ohio State’s Run Attack Led To 4th Straight Win In The Game
By Joe Russo
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) receives congratulations from offensive lineman Taylor Decker (68) in the third quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Win By The Numbers
482: Total yards by Ohio State, a huge improvement from the 132 last week. Part of the reason for the jump has to be moving both Ed Warinner and Tim Beck into the booth. With both coordinators up top, there was better play calling and better communication to the sidelines.
The way this team moved the ball with lethal efficiency showed that the placement of the coaches will probably be something we continue to see in the bowl game and ahead.
1-7: Michigan’s third down conversion rate in the second half after starting 8-11 in the first half. By giving up only 3 points and controlling the game, the Buckeyes defense made a statement and allowed the offense to pull away in the second half.
5: The number of rushing touchdowns for Ohio State. The real reason this number is significant is that this is the same number of rushing touchdowns allowed by the Michigan defense in the prior 11 games.
Next: One on One with Buckeye Great Joe Staysniak
57: Rushing yards for Michigan. For a suspect rushing defense like the Buckeyes and one that gave up 166 yards in the second half to Michigan State, this type of improvement was much needed. Part of it was game flow, but by controlling the line of scrimmage, the Silver Bullets gave the offense all the chances they needed to put points up.