Andy Anders, BSB: One could argue graduate kicker Noah Ruggles had the single most clutch play of the game against Maryland. As such, he gets my Buckeye Leaf.
Having had his previous extra point blocked, Ruggles took the field for a 46-yard field goal attempt with 47 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. A make, and Ohio State would go up 36-30 in the final moments. A miss, and Maryland would stay within a field goal and get solid field position.
The kick hit dead center, and Ohio State went on to win the football game. Ruggles also nailed a 47-yarder en route to a 3-for-3 day on field goals.
Jack Emerson, BSB: In what was an up-and-down day for the Ohio State offense, freshman running back Dallan Hayden flashed.
Hayden initially began the game slotted behind TreVeyon Henderson. However as Henderson proved to be hobbled for much of the first half, Hayden slotted in as the bell cow in the second half, amassing 143 of his 146 total yards in the game’s final 30 minutes. Hayden also gave an ailing Buckeye offense a much-needed lift, scoring a trio/quartet of touchdowns in the second half.
Hayden’s emergence came at just the right time for the Buckeyes, who have seen a revolving door at running back this season
Braden Moles, BSB: While Maryland threatened for much of the second half, it felt as though the game took a turn in Ohio State’s favor after safety Lathan Ransom blocked his second punt in as many games, leading to a touchdown by the Buckeyes just two plays later to make it 17-13, a lead Ohio State wouldn’t lose for the remainder of the contest.
Ransom was also a strong contributor on defense, finishing with seven tackles (one for loss) and a pass breakup. On a day in which Ohio State’s secondary did not put forward a strong performance, Ransom was able to stand out for the Buckeyes.
