Ohio State’s offense continued its historic pace on Sunday, becoming the first team in National Club Football Association (NCFA) history to score 50 or more points in four straight games.
The Buckeyes defeated rival Oakland 54-10 on Sunday, collecting 430 yards of offense while scoring on their first eight possessions. The win clinches home field advantage for Ohio State in the Great Lakes Conference Championship game, which will be played Nov. 13 in Columbus.
Ohio State took the opening kickoff and marched 50 yards in six plays, culminating in an 8-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kellyn Gerenstein to wide receiver Casey Scroggins.
After James Smith III forced a fumble on the Grizzlies’ first offensive possession, the Buckeyes again moved the ball downfield quickly and doubled their scoring output on an 18-yard touchdown run from Gerenstein.
After Oakland got on the board with a field goal from Joe DiFranco, Ohio State started its third drive with great field position, thanks to a 51-yard kick return from Jalen Haley. Haley found the end zone later on the same drive, plunging in from five yards out to push the Buckeye lead to 20-3 after the extra point was missed. After forcing a punt, Ohio State’s ensuing drive took all of one play as Gerenstein connected with Praise Olatoke for a 59-yard scoring strike. It is the third catch of the season for Olatoke, and his third touchdown. The Buckeyes led 27-3 after the first frame.
An interception by Scroggins on Oakland’s next possession set the Buckeyes up on their own 42-yard line and Ohio State’s offense once again marched down the field for a score, as Gerenstein connected with tight end Spencer Moore for a 13-yard touchdown pass over the middle.
Ohio State’s lead swelled again on its next drive as Gerenstein ran the ball in from nine yards out to give the Buckeyes a 40-3 lead. However, the ensuing kickoff was returned for a score by Kone Bowman Jr., giving Oakland their only touchdown of the game.
Two plays later, the Buckeyes answered as Gerenstein found Abdou Keita for a 73-yard touchdown to put Ohio State up 47-10 heading into the locker rooms at halftime.
With a second-half running clock, the Buckeyes were able to muster just one more score, as Haley found the end zone for an 18-yard touchdown to conclude the scoring. Haley finished the day with 10 carries for 69 yards and a pair of touchdowns while Gerenstein finished 11-of-19 passing for 292 yards and four touchdowns. He added five carries for 56 yards and two more scores on the ground.
Defensively, Ohio State received a number of standout performances, including safety Christian Allen who accounted for six tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Defensive end James Smith III and linebacker Colby Stahl each collected six tackles while Scroggins added five tackles to go along with his interception and an additional pass breakup. Sam Backenstoe and Trey Jones blocked a field goal attempt and a punt respectively.
It was the best defensive performance of the year for the Buckeyes, who defensively surrendered just three points.
Ohio State is set to step out of NCFA play next week and take on Denison University’s JV squad. Oakland is scheduled for a matchup with Toledo.
Game Notes
- Kicker Surya Pukazhenthi, filling in for an injured David Rive, earned his first ever start and converted on 6-of-8 extra points.
- Gerenstein matched his record – set last week – of touchdowns scored in a game, finishing with six against the Grizzlies. He has now thrown 12 touchdown passes and rushed for four while not yet turning the ball over this season.
- Ohio State has now evened the series against Oakland at 4-4, with the Grizzlies winning the first four games and the Buckeyes winning the last four.
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