Top performers
Barrett was 20-of-31 passing, for 262 yards and three touchdowns, and scored one TD rushing before stepping away midway through the third quarter. Parris Campbell led all receivers with six catches, but he also had an electrifying 24-yard endaround touchdown run. The reverse pitch came from running back J.K. Dobbins, who had 96 yards on 13 carries, including a TD. Bosa has two tackles for loss, including a sack, as did linebacker Dante Booker.
Unsung workers
The running backs got a workout, with Dobbins, Mike Weber and Antonio Williams scoring touchdowns. Add in Campbell and Barrett’s touchdown runs, and that makes five by the rush. Left tackle Jamarco Jones and center Billy Price again led the offensive line, and Matt Burrell saw his first extended play at right guard when he replaced the injured Branden Bowen. The defensive front pressed the action and put a stranglehold on Maryland quarterback Mac Bortenschlager.
Strategically speaking
Maryland was in the deep 90s nationally in pass defense going in, so it made sense for Barrett and the Buckeyes to attack that area. Defensively, the approach was pretty basic: shut down the run and attack the quarterback. Ohio State excelled at both.
Exposed
The special teams for the Buckeyes had a day best forgotten, but, of course, it won’t be. The capper was giving up the 100-yard return for a touchdown by Maryland’s Ty Johnson, which stood up for the Terps’ only score until late in the fourth quarter. A blocked field goal, a botched hold on an extra-point attempt, a shanked punt — they stacked up as the Buckeyes otherwise dominated.
Stat that matters
Almost half: That’s what the total yards (584) for Ohio State were, split almost evenly between rushing (281) and passing (303).
Injury report
Bowen suffered what looked to be a serious injury to his lower left leg in the first half when a Maryland player was blocked into him inadvertently by right tackle Isaiah Prince. Bowen had to be carted from the field. On Twitter, Bowen’s mother wrote that he suffered two broken bones in his leg and would undergo surgery.
By the numbers
144: Points Ohio State has scored against Maryland the past two games
17: Points Maryland has scored against Ohio State the past two games
Wrapping up
The Buckeyes are on a roll, no doubt about it, but again, the watchword Meyer likely will use is “realistic” in terms of who they have beaten the past four games and what awaits them the second half of the season. That starts Saturday night at Nebraska.