Ohio State took to the Steel City for its Great Lakes East division opener and dominated an undermanned Pittsburgh Panthers squad, 62-7, on Sunday afternoon.
Seven different Buckeyes found the end zone in the contest, led by running back Milan Jackson who struck pay dirt three separate times, including the games opening play from scrimmage. Jackson toted the ball just six times, but accumulated 145 yards in the win, the most by an Ohio State running back since Jack Laing rushed for 140 yards in a win over Michigan State in 2023.
Jackson took a handoff from quarterback Corbyn Aleshire on the first play of the game and scampered 69 yards up the Ohio State sideline for a quick 7-0 lead. The Buckeye advantage swelled on the following drive as Aleshire connected with wide receiver Jake Thompson for a 19-yard strike in the back corner of the end zone.
Aleshire also found tight end Tommy Delaney and wide receiver Ricardo Washington for scores on the day. A second touchdown to Washington was negated thanks to a block in the back penalty. Despite that, Washington finished with 82 yards on four receptions while Aleshire completed 7-of-12 pass attempts for 130 yards and the three scores. Both Washington and Aleshire did not play in the second half.
The Buckeyes carried a 55-7 lead into halftime, leading to a running clock with 10 minute quarters for the final two frames. Isaac Bodkins scored the game’s final touchdown, a 21-yard power running play up the middle of the defense. Running back Ethan Young also carried six times for 40 yards and a score. In all, the Ohio State offense posted 260 yards rushing on 18 carries for five scores and completed 10 passes for 148 yards. Five different Buckeyes caught passes in the victory.
The Ohio State defense dominated, surrendering Pitt’s only touchdown on a pass that was deflected right into the waiting arms of a Panther wide receiver. OSU’s defense sacked Pitt quarterback Abir Bakshi five times, with senior defensive end Elijah Lowden collecting two sacks himself. Hybrid safety Anthony Tulli made three tackles and hauled in a pair of interceptions, the first of which was returned for an Ohio State touchdown. Ohio State also blocked a punt in the win, the third blocked kick on special teams in two games this year.
Ohio State is set to return to action on Sunday, Oct. 4 at home against George Mason University. The Buckeyes are 7-0 all-time against the Patriots, including a 40-3 win last season in Fairfax, Va. George Mason won its season opener on Saturday, Sept. 26 against Showtime Prep, 24-18.
