Ohio State Football: Buckeyes scary when finally firing on all cylinders

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 08: Mike Weber #25 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State won 52-3. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

The defense looked great without Nick Bosa

After being gashed by the TCU Horned Frogs fast-paced attack, the Buckeyes defense looked to make a statement prior to the big showdown against Penn State.

With star defensive end Nick Bosa out with a core muscle injury, it was up to the defensive line to set the tone against Tulane. They did just that as Tulane runners couldn’t find any room to make plays in space.

The Green Wave ran the ball 42 times for 100 yards and a score. That comes out to a 2.4 yards per carry average. When you take out the long 38-yard run by Corey Dauphine, that number drops to 1.5 yards per carry.

Can the Buckeyes replicate those numbers against Penn State? It’s highly unlikely since the Nittany Lions are averaging 275 yards per game on the ground, but this matchup could be the difference maker.

Both teams have explosive offenses capable of putting up 50 points easily, but it will be the team that can run the football most effectively that will have the better opportunity to secure the win.

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