The offensive line mauled OSU on the first drive.
The second drive started with a terrible throw by RL, followed by a false start, followed by a holding call. They ran a bullshit draw on 2nd and a mile and there was actually some push but the back just ran into a pile and fell down. They punted after a short pass on 3rd down.
They started the third drive with Wagner launching Sawyer like a bitch and RL picked up six. Incomplete on second down and snapped into Evans on third down.
The fourth drive was a play or two and the half ended.
They were down 28-7 on the fifth drive with about 10 minutes to play in the third. That was a series of pass plays, a fake punt and OSU FG.
Sixth drive they were down 31-7.
You can't grind out a victory on the ground when you're down four possessions with 20 minutes left to play. OSU's ability to score and control possession neutralized Notre Dame's run game. It reminded me of the greatest show on turf Rams, where their defense was dominant b/c they played with a 3 possession lead most of the season.
The oline played well in the limited opportunities they had. RL, as usual, was reliable on 3rd and short, but overall, the ball carriers, including RL and the receiver on the end-around, didn't run too well. Too many yards were left on the field. To be fair, RL was gassed, Love is hurt and Price didn't get enough carries to find a rythym.
Jagasah is a difference maker. He just has next level power. You can see it clearly on RL's touchdown run in the first quarter - he effortlessly bench pressed and shoved #44 a couple of yards into the end zone with one arm. A few plays earlier, he drove a pile of humanity five yards down the field. The kid is an animal.
247sports.com
