Ohio State defeats Eastern Michigan, 73-20

Ohio State scored the most points ever in the Jim Tressel era as the Buckeyes defeated the Eastern Michigan Eagles 73-20. It was the most points scored by an Ohio State team since 1996, when the Bucks scored 72 against Pittsburgh.

Offensively, it would be difficult to imagine a more efficient and effective day than what took place. Outgaining EMU by 397 yards (645 to 248), the offense put constant pressure on the Eagle defense, scoring at least 14 points in each quarter. It was a well-rounded effort, with 30 first downs, 342 yards rushing, and 303 yards passing. Utilizing a no-huddle offense for most of the game, the coaching staff clearly used this game as an opportunity to work on improvement, and to force the rest of the schedule to prepare for a myriad of different personnel groupings, formations, and plays. The Jordan Hall-to-Terrelle Pryor trick play, in particular, was put in place for the benefit of future games, and not this one.

Hit the jump for more.

Terrelle Pryor

It is clear that this offense is built around Terrelle Pryor now. When he was struggling last season, the coaches moved to reduce his burden by relying on the running game, but now that he has shown his ability to make correct decisions under pressure, it has become entirely his show.

Today, the Buckeyes moved away from their modus operandi a bit. Instead of using tight formations and play-action out of I-formation, they utilized multiple wide receivers and more of a horizontal passing game. It's part of an effort to become more well-rounded on offense.

The defensive effort was oddly disappointing because of the opponent. The run defense was dominant, only allowing 1.4 yards per rush, but the pass defense gave up too many big plays relative to the opponent's ability. Gains of 41, 32, and 26 yards all either set up touchdowns or were touchdowns themselves. Because of injuries to reserve defensive backs Donnie Evege and Travis Howard, redshirt freshmen Dominic Clarke and Corey Brown played significantly. EMU took advantage of their youth multiple times, targeting them specifically on a number of plays. C.J. Barnett's injury has also forced redshirt sophomore Orhian Johnson into a starting role at safety. While not overtly struggling, Johnson has not been as impactful as C.J. Barnett, and was late covering some of EMU's vertical routes. He is relatively inexperienced in terms of playing time, so his growth will be a necessary component for the continued excellence of the Ohio State defense.

Special Teams was fine, but not special. EMU's freshman punter Jay Karutz was excellent in limiting Ohio State's return opportunities, while the Buckeye coverage teams were much improved on kickoffs. Kicker Devin Barclay made his only field goal attempt.

Game Balls

• Terrelle Pryor. The chart above details his success today, and it was impressive.
• Dane Sanzenbacher. Matching an Ohio State record for touchdown passes in a single game, Dane Sanzenbacher ended the day with 9 receptions (4 TDs) for 108 yards. Sanzenbacker continually proves that he's an invaluable cog in the Ohio State offensive machine.
  
• Jaamal Berry. The young redshirt freshman had his first touchdown of his career, scuttling 67 yards down the sideline late in the 4th quarter. His burst is the best of all the Ohio State runningbacks
  
• Big John Hankins. Playing extensively in the second half, Big Hank had a big day, culminating in the first sack of his career. Having a legitimate second string nose tackle is a luxury that many teams lack, but the Buckeyes are fortunate enough to have Big Hank behind starter Dexter Larimore.
  
• Reid Fragel. Jake Stoneburner didn't suit up today, so sophomore Reid Fragel received the first start of his career. Fragel is more of a blocking tight end, but he did have two receptions for 22 yards.