Hi all, 

Ohio State's starting field position is a hidden stat for this game because it really restricted Hartline's play-calling.  Hartline had to call a more conservative game as we were backed up inside the 10 on ~half of our drives with a first-time starting QB against a top 2 or 3 defense.  Check this out.

On 11 drives (including the final game ending possession) the average starting field position for Ohio State was their own 19.5 yard line.  Take out that last possession and the average starting field position is 16.7.

In contrast, the average starting field position for Texas was their own 32 yard line in 10 possessions.  Texas had only two possession start inside their own 20, and FOUR possessions start at their own 40 or better.

Here's the breakdown - *OSU TD drive, ** Texas TD drive

First Quarter: Ohio State (42, 8); Texas (25, 49, 25)

Second Quarter: Ohio State (20*, 2, 3); Texas (25, 47)

Third Quarter: Ohio State (25, 1); Texas (29, 50)

Fourth Quarter: Ohio State  (32*, 9, 25, 47-EOG); Texas (15; 40**; 15)

Looking into those stats a little deeper, three of Ohio State's first five drives started inside their own 10 yearline, two being inside the 5!

The second half was pretty much the same, with two of the first four drives starting inside the 10.  It's difficult to get into any kind of rhythm when your backs are against your own goal line.

Overall, I thought Sayin and Hartline did a good job of managing the game under the circumstances. Likewise, Matt Patricia and the defense were outstanding as they shut down the September Heisman Trophy winner, who had great field position throughout the game.  Texas had much more flexibility in playcalling.

Last note: Texas' TD could have, and maybe should have been overturned.  That ball popped out, and the receiver switched hands because of it as he rolled off the turf.  That said, I would have been pretty pissed if that was a Buckeye TD and the call got overturned (which it would have been).

Great win! Go Buckeyes! Beat Michigan!