Buckeye Rosters

Recap

Columbus, OH — The Ohio State Buckeyes secured a 41-20 victory over the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Ohio Stadium. The game, while ending in a comfortable win for the Buckeyes, was more competitive than the final score suggests, as Tulsa kept the contest close deep into the fourth quarter before Ohio State pulled away.

Ohio State’s offense was led by true freshman running back TreVeyon Henderson, who had a breakout performance. Henderson rushed for 277 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries, setting a new Ohio State freshman single-game rushing record, surpassing the previous mark of 239 yards set by Archie Griffin in 1972. His explosive speed and vision helped Ohio State overcome struggles in the passing game, as quarterback C.J. Stroud had an inconsistent outing, completing 15 of 25 passes for 185 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

The Buckeyes’ defense had some struggles, particularly against Tulsa’s passing attack. Golden Hurricane quarterback Davis Brin threw for 428 yards and two touchdowns, frequently challenging Ohio State’s secondary. However, despite Tulsa’s offensive production, Ohio State’s defense made key plays when needed. Cameron Martinez sealed the victory with a 61-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, which put the game out of reach.

Key Takeaways & Notable Performances

• TreVeyon Henderson’s Historic Night: His 277 rushing yards not only set the freshman record but also ranked third-most in a single game in Ohio State history at the time.
• C.J. Stroud’s Learning Curve: The redshirt freshman quarterback showed flashes of potential but also struggled with accuracy at times, leading to questions about the development of the passing game.
• Defensive Adjustments: Despite giving up 501 total yards, the Buckeyes’ defense made timely plays, including two key interceptions that helped secure the win.
• Red Zone Efficiency: Ohio State capitalized on scoring opportunities, turning key drives into touchdowns rather than settling for field goals.

While the game exposed areas Ohio State needed to improve, particularly in pass defense, Henderson’s dominance on the ground provided a major bright spot. His performance helped Ohio State rebound from its Week 2 loss to Oregon and regain momentum heading into Big Ten play.