For just the second time in program history, Ohio State’s defense has posted back-to-back shutouts.
After defeating Oakland 69-0 a week ago, the Buckeyes defeated conference opponent Wright State, 48-0, on Sunday behind seven total touchdowns from quarterback Spencer Moore and another stellar defensive performance. The last time Ohio State posted back-to-back shutouts was in 2016 when the Buckeyes blanked George Mason 30-0 in the season opener and followed that up with a 54-0 win over SIUe a week later.
Moore completed 19-of-21 passes on the day, setting a new program record for completion percentage in a single game, a record he broke last week against Oakland when he completed 12-of-15 attempts. He completed passes to seven different receivers for 389 yards and six scores, which also set a single-game program record for touchdown passes in a single game. His passing yardage against Wright State stands as the second-best single game performance in team history.
After collecting a rushing touchdown on a QB sneak on the opening drive, Moore found freshman Zach Hayes for a 14-yard score. Later in the first quarter, Moore found Hayes again on 4th-and-goal from the eight yard-line to give the Buckeyes a 21-0 advantage. Hayes finished the game with six receptions for 82 yards and the pair of touchdowns.
Senior wide receiver and 2022 NCFA All-American Abdou Keita returned to the lineup against the Raiders after missing the season opener against Oakland due to a minor injury. Keita picked up right where he left off last season, hauling in five catches for 147 yards and two scores, the first of which was a 77-yard strike from Moore. David Cooper and Christian Wright also hauled in touchdown passes from Moore from 30 and 49 yards out, respectively. Jalen Haley finished with a pair of catches for 39 yards and Patrick Parrish hauled in two passes for 26 yards.
The Buckeyes had a modest day on the ground, with senior running back Johnathan Thiele carrying nine times for 63 yards and sophomore running back Jack Laing carrying eight times for 55 yards. The Buckeyes led 41-0 at halftime and punted just once throughout the game, with a running clock the entirety of the second half for the second straight game.
Defensively, the Buckeyes forced two turnovers in addition to holding the Raiders off the scoreboard. Junior linebacker Jackson Rittman and senior cornerback Joe Umba each posted an interception while junior defensive lineman Matthew Humphreys forced a fumble. Ohio State corralled four sacks on the day, with sophomore defensive end Trey Jones collecting a pair, both in the first quarter. Sophomore defensive end Daniel Sankiewicz and freshman defensive end Ryan Sullivan also tallied a sack a piece while Sullivan also forced a fumble.
Wright State is set to return to action against Toledo while Ohio State is awaiting word on their Week 3 opponent after Pitt informed the Buckeyes over the weekend that it would be forfeiting the originally scheduled Sept. 30 contest.
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