COLUMBUS, OH – Playing without starting quarterback Kellyn Gerenstein for the first time since 2018, Ohio State turned to Spencer Moore to lead its offense.
The Buckeyes didn’t miss a beat.
No. 1-ranked Ohio State throttled No. 6 Michigan State, 52-17, on Sunday behind 381 passing yards and four touchdowns by Moore, who completed 24-of-33 pass attempts on the day. His 24 completions sets a team record for completions in a single game, a record previously set by current Head Coach James Grega, Jr. (22) in 2013.
Seven different receivers caught a pass for Ohio State on Sunday. Casey Scroggins hauled in nine passes for 88 yards and a score while Abdou Keita reeled in seven catches for 163 yards and two scores. Keita’s 163 yards are the fourth-most in a single game in team history, while Scroggins’ nine catches rank second in team history for most receptions in a single game.
The Buckeyes got off to a fast start, as Moore opened the scoring with a 62-yard strike to Keita, reminiscent of their first touchdown connection of the season against Toledo. Keita found the end zone again in the third quarter on a slant over the middle from 13-yards out. Wide receiver Praise Olatoke made his first career catch in the fourth quarter on a screen and took it 65-yards to the house to close the scoring.
In addition to a stellar passing game, the Buckeyes also rushed for 160 yards. Johnathan Thiele once again led the way, carrying 14 times for 114 yards. Jalen Haley inched closer to 1,000 career yards, toting the ball eight times for 49 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Thiele added 16 yards receiving out of the backfield while Haley tallied 13.
Defensively, the Buckeyes forced four turnovers as Scroggins and safety Christian Allen each recorded an interception. Allen also blocked a second-half punt, and for the second week in a row, linebacker Jackson Rittman forced a fumble on a strip-sack that was scooped up by fellow linebacker Eric Hooper and brought back for a Buckeye touchdown. Ohio State recorded five sacks on the day, including 2.5 by freshman defensive end Trey Jones. Senior defensive end James Smith III added 1.5 sacks and also blocked a Michigan State field goal attempt in the second quarter.
The Spartans were led by quarterback Jack Donovan, who accounted for two touchdowns, one through the air and another on the ground.
Next up for the 2-0 Buckeyes is a trip to Chicago, where they will take on the Loyola Ramblers on October 1. Ohio State has won the only matchup in the series, a 31-6 victory in 2013 that was called at halftime due to inclement weather. Loyola is 1-1 on the season and coming off of a 13-12 victory over Miami (OH).
The Spartans fall to 1-1 on the season and are set to return home to take on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee next week.
Game Notes:
- Spencer Moore’s 381 passing yards rank second all-time in team history for passing yards in a single game.
- Jalen Haley is now just 53 yards away from breaking 1,000 rushing yards for his career.
- Wide receiver/corner David Cooper made his long-awaited return back to the field on Sunday. Cooper, who broke his leg in the 2021 National Championship Game, hauled in two passes for 32 yards against the Spartans.
- Casey Scroggins now has four interceptions in two games on the year and 10 for his career.
- Quarterback Kellyn Gerenstein is expected to return next week against Loyola after missing the last six quarters of football due to a minor injury.
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