I could almost copy and paste my recap from last week to this week's recap. Ohio State looked absolutely awful on offense from start to finish. The defense and Faceoff group totally saved the program from ending up in a ditch after game one of conference play. Everything was awful about the offense. But they still pulled it out.
The Buckeyes struggled in all facets in the first half. They failed clears, which is what I believe pushed Caleb Fyock to the bench in the second quarter. Rutgers chucked all kinds of garbage at the net, registering nearly 30 shots in the opening half.
Meanwhile, Ohio State squealed and creaked its way to one goal on 13 shots. It was bad. Abysmal. Utterly atrocious. By halftime, the 4-1 score looked insurmountable.
The third quarter was more of the same. Ohio State survived a barrage of shots that were nearly all saved by Jack Allen, an Englishman of impeccable skill and timing. The junior stepped into the breach and performed spectacularly.
Ohio State managed to score just 2 goals, and allowed one to Rutgers. The score after 45 minutes was 5-3 in favor of the Knights, and I was down. Way down. Ohio State has not scored 3 or more goals in 12 quarters now. Going into Q4, things were dire.
Once more, the defense saved the day. For the final 17:53, Rutgers was held completely scoreless, and managed just one goal in the final half, into OT. I cannot stress enough how well Ohio State has done on D to get itself to this point.
I also cannot adequately describe how putrid this offense is. The Buckeyes were under 50% in SOG percentage for the second straight week. They were under the Mendoza line shooting again as well. Wins matter, but this isn't sustainable. At all.
Ohio State IS getting looks. It's just hitting the net, which is an execution issue. Ohio State is also turning the ball over way too often, which is a coaching issue. The Buckeyes also have horrible offensive midfield play for the millionth year in a row, which is a coaching issue.
Getting to 8-1 is no mean feat. Ohio State is winning. I love that. They're winning in the most discombobulated, self-immolating ways possible. I HATE that. It's not a talent issue. These sequences are just inexcusable. So much is wasted because guys can't hold the ball, make the right read, or pass effectively.
Garrett Haas needs to play off ball. Hocker can only dunk, and needs to dodge shorties. Liam White needs some dodging run. And the Buckeyes need to scheme up off-ball movement with picks. There's no excuse for this sort of garbage play. None.
Next week Penn State comes to town. The Buckeyes better be ready.
Enjoy the win.
Go Buckeyes!!
