In its first game in 652 days, Ohio State couldn’t keep pace with 13-time NCAA Div. III National Champion Mount Union, falling 30-0 to the Purple Raiders JV squad 30-0 on Sunday.
The Buckeyes, outmanned by nearly 60 players, still managed to string together some big plays on both sides of the ball, despite the final score.
Quarterback Kellyn Gerenstein connected on completions of 57 and 28 yards to wide receiver David Cooper, while also leading the Buckeyes inside the Mount Union 25 yard line on two separate occasions. The 57-yard completion to Cooper was the longest play from scrimmage for either team on the day.
Gerenstein finished 7-of-15 passing for 110 yards and two interceptions before suffering a minor injury that kept him out for the second half. He also added 16 yards rushing for the Buckeyes.
Defensively, Ohio State got solid performances from linebacker Colby Stahl and safety Kaleb Slover, who each collected a team-high six tackles and a pass deflection on the day. Defensive end Matthew Newsome also impressed, collecting four tackles, a tackle-for-loss and a sack.
The loss was the first regular season defeat for Ohio State since the regular season finale in 2017, a 39-16 loss at Miami (OH).
The Buckeyes are set to return to action on Sunday, September 26 against Denison University (JV). The two teams last met in 2013, with Ohio State coming away with a 31-14 victory.
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