Despite missing key players, the Ohio State Buckeyes managed to not just win but steamroll Western Michigan with a dominant 56-0 score on Saturday. According to ABC6, four Buckeyes were out for the game: offensive tackle Devontae Armstrong, safety Jayden Bonsu, wide receiver Reis Stockdale, and running back TC Caffey, who is out for the 2024 season. But it seems the Buckeyes didn't need to even slightly worry as they took to the field in Ohio Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

In the absence of the sidelined players, the Ohio State wide receivers shone under the stadium lights, collectively proving to be the decisive factor in the Buckeyes' offensive juggernaut. As noted by Ohio State Buckeyes News, the expansive receiver room, led by Jeremiah Smith, with five receptions for 119 yards and one touchdown, and Emeka Egbuka, with five receptions for 98 yards, showed they are "the best in the country." This certainly helps to quickly allay any concerns about depth issues affecting Ohio State's offensive capabilities.

Despite the internal setbacks, Ohio State demonstrated a master class in football, racking up 683 total yards. "Howard finished 18 of 26 for passing 292 yards and a touchdown. Judkins rushed for 108 yards on nine carries and Henderson added 66 yards and two TDs on 10 runs," detailed the game recap from Buckeye Sports. It was an offensive performance that would likely have left Western Michigan wishing they could leave and forget this night ever happened.

The Buckeyes' relentless offensive didn't just reflect well on the team's adaptability in the face of adversity. It also marked a night of several standout performances. Apart from Smith and Egbuka, Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss added to the team's statistics and the game's highlight reel. The underclassmen stepped up, ensuring the Buckeyes would wreak havoc in the opposition's defensive lines for the remainder of the season. This fact seems practically inevitable, given their depth of talent, as shown in this game.

While Western Michigan's Luka Zurak missed a 42-yard field goal try to the right, the Buckeyes were not afforded such mistakes, losing senior cornerback Denzel Burke for targeting during the game, as reported by Buckeye Sports. Despite this, the team's defensive line held strong, contributing to the shutout that has surely sent a message to the rest of the teams in their schedule.