The Ohio State Buckeyes football team notched an unequivocal, dominating 70-0 win against Grambling State yesterday, displaying an offensive force that proved too much for the Tigers. A commanding driving force behind the Buckeyes' rampant victory was Julian Sayin, quarterback extraordinaire, who threw four touchdowns and set an Ohio State record for completed passes to start a game. In fact, Sayin was just one throw short of hitting the school record for consecutive completions during the game. According to WBNS, Ohio State scored on eight of its first nine possessions and remarkably did not punt until midway through the fourth quarter.
The financial angle behind this game is as noteworthy as the scoreline, Grambling State was handed $1 million to face off against the Buckeyes. This payout, as reported by The Columbus Dispatch, presents an often-unspoken aspect of college football matchups, wherein smaller programs are financially incentivized to go up against top-tier teams. The victory brought Ohio State's season to 2-0, while Grambling State balanced out at 1-1.
The game began with the Buckeyes asserting their dominance early on, as they completed a six-play, 83-yard drive, culminating in a 47-yard touchdown pass from Sayin to tight end Will Kacmarek. This early score set the tone for the game, with Ohio State leading 7-0 with 12:39 still remaining in the first quarter. "The Ohio State defense gets Grambling off the field on its first possession," recounted Buckeyes Wire, underscoring the effectiveness of Ohio State's defense as well.
The victory marks Ohio State's ninth in the history books by at least 70 points, and the sixth such victory delivered via shutout, confirming their place as a powerhouse in college football. This demonstration of athletic prowess will likely align them for discussions around playoff contention and further define their season's narrative. As the Buckeyes celebrate their resounding success, the question of competitive balance in college football lingers, evoking discussions about the disparities within the sport's echelons.
