Despite being down a pair of starters and outmanned by almost 20 players, Ohio State Club Football dominated from the opening snap against Ohio Northern’s JV squad on Wednesday night in Ada, Ohio.
The Buckeyes scored on the first play from scrimmage – a 65-yard touchdown pass from Spencer Moore to Abdou Keita – and never looked back, collecting an impressive 46-7 win over the Polar Bears to move to 4-0 on the season.
Moore collected six total touchdowns on the day, giving him 18 total touchdowns (14 passing, 4 rushing) in three games played this season. The Buckeye signal caller completed 14-of-21 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns to just one interception. He also added a pair of scores on the ground.
Keita finished with three catches for 138 yards and two touchdowns, also scoring on a 63-yard strike from Moore late in the first quarter. Freshman Zach Hayes added four receptions for 78 yards and two scores, while senior Jalen Haley also hauled in four passes. On the ground, Ohio State was steadied by sophomore Jack Laing who carried 13 times for 91 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Fellow sophomore JR Burton, making his Buckeye debut, toted the ball four times for 34 yards.
The Buckeyes carried a 39-7 lead into halftime before a running clock requested by ONU shortened the second half.
Defensively, Ohio State posted yet another shutout as Ohio Northern’s only points came via a kick return in the first quarter. The Polar Bears entered the red zone just once and were turned away on a fourth down attempt in the second half. On the season, the Buckeyes have scored more touchdowns on offense (24) than allowed first downs on defense (16).
The Buckeyes were led defensively by freshman linebacker Tyler Beckman, who posted a game-high nine tackles, including one for loss. Safety Patrick Parrish also had a stellar outing and lived in the ONU backfield, posting seven total tackles, four of which went for loss. Ohio State tallied three sacks and forced five three-and-outs by the Polar Bear offense.
Ohio State special teams also made their mark, blocking a pair of Polar Bear punts. Junior linebacker Christian Allen blocked one while sophomore defensive back Gianni Carone blocked the other. Allen finished the game with five tackles.
The win over Ohio Northern marks just the third win over an NCAA team in program history. The Buckeyes defeated Denison University’s JV program in 2013 and 2022. Ohio State is now 3-3 all-time against NCAA JV opponents.
The Buckeyes are set for an off week before returning to action Oct. 22 against Denison University’s JV team.
Ohio State Club Football 