Freshman Tracker: Julian Fleming's Career Day, Lathan Ransom's Big Hit and Miyan Williams Rumbles On

For only the second time in 23 games, Ohio State found itself trailing at halftime. The last time the Buckeyes were down after 30 minutes of play? Dec. 7, 2019, against Wisconsin in last year's B1G Championship.

With the title on the line, Ryan Day trusted six of his 25 scholarship freshmen to take on Northwestern. Granted, some of the youngsters weren't available to play in Ohio State's 22-10 championship victory. With the win, Day became the first head coach in Buckeye football history to start his career with back-to-back Big Ten titles.

Stat Book Stuffers

Lathan Ransom, Miyan Williams and Julian Fleming had their names etched in the stat book in yesterday's title game. Ransom has quietly played in every game this season...that is until yesterday's battle. 

Late in the fourth quarter, the safety from Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson, AZ, had already recorded 2 tackles for the game. Pretty impressive considering he entered the day with 2 tackles for the season. However, Ransom wasn't finished.

With 2:30 remaining in the game, Peyton Ramsey and the Northwestern offense was facing 4th & 2. Ramsey spotted a crossing receiver for what appeared to be a drive extending catch. That was until Ransom came screaming down from his safety position to dislodge the ball from the Wildcat receiver. The incompletion forced a turnover on downs and set the stage for Trey Sermon to create Ohio State history. 

Lathan Ransom wants to know if youve got barbecue back there. pic.twitter.com/yif3o2MxIV

— Arrogant Urban Meyer (@ArrogantUrban) December 20, 2020

Miyan Williams was limited to two offensive snaps and some play on special teams. However, the round mound of pound did not disappoint with his lone carry of the game.  

Late in the 3rd quarter, following a Sermon 33-yard gain, Williams' number was called to give the Oklahoma transfer a breather. After Fields ran on a five-yard keeper, it was time for Williams to live up to his nickname. On 2nd and 5 from the 19, the round mound of pound rumbled down the Ohio State sideline for a 10-yard gain. He finished the hard run falling forward through a Northwestern defender.  

On the next play, Sermon scampered in from nine yards out to give the Buckeyes the game-winning touchdown. 

Fleming Finding His Footing

With Chris Olave out, Julian Fleming was called upon to pick up the slack. The Southern Columbia (Pennsylvania) grad was given a career high 52 offensive snaps. Fleming parlayed the opportunity with a team-high 4 receptions for 53 yards. To put that in perspective, he entered the game with 3 catches for 21 yards.

At the beginning of the contest, it appeared Justin Fields was going to find Fleming on every pass attempt. The 6-2, 200 pound receiver hauled in three catches during Ohio State's opening drive. Two of the three grabs were good for Buckeye first downs. All of the receptions occurred within a six-snap sequence. 

Fleming's first catch came when the Buckeyes faced 3rd and 2 on the third play of the game. Following an incompletion, Fields then found Fleming for 11 yards and another key first down. Fleming's final catch in the series was a great sideline toe-tapper that went for 11 yards (see below).

Southern Columbia's @julian_040 getting the start for OSU in the B10 Championship game and the only target for Justin Fields in the first drive catching 3 of 4 targets so far pic.twitter.com/VSZe2ZUOMb

— Eric (@e_hunt141) December 19, 2020

Fleming's final catch led to the Buckeyes' second field goal. Halfway through the second quarter, Fields connected with Fleming for 23 yards down the Ohio State sideline. This play was key in setting up Blake Haubeil's 43-yard field goal.

Fleming also put in solid work with his blocking. A great example of his blocking ability was on display as he sealed off a Northwestern defender on Sermon's 3-yard touchdown run to put Ohio State up 22-10. You can see Fleming securing the score as he puts up a blockade near the pylon. Take note kids, to be a great receiver you need to run crisp routes, have magic hands and block the snot out of people. The last attribute is the most undervalued and overlooked. 

Trey Sermon DOMINATING the Big 10 title game

25 carries | 295 yards | 2 TDs

Broke Zekes 2014 record for most rushing yards in the Big 10 Championship Game @treyera (via @CFBONFOX)pic.twitter.com/O6MobOcHS1

— Overtime (@overtime) December 19, 2020

Special Teams Spotlight

Paris Johnson Jr., Cody Simon and Ryan Watts contributed on the specialty teams. Johnson was unable to play against Michigan State, but was back to his familiar position on the FG and PAT team. Simon was on the punt and punt return teams and Watts was on the kickoff return unit.

Next up? New Orleans and Clemson. 

The NCAA gave all players a free year of eligibility this season so Ohio State does not have to worry about preserving redshirts for its freshmen this year. It will be interesting to see if Ryan Day plays more of the youngsters as this COVID-19 riddled season comes to a close.