Buckeye Leaves: Harrison Jr., Ransom, Williams Stand Out Against Hoosiers

Andy Anders, BSB: In a contest with plenty of impactful defensive players for the Buckeyes, my Buckeye Leaf goes to who I thought was the most impactful against Indiana: Lathan Ransom.

Ransom filled his usual duties as a sweeper on the back end, saving a touchdown in the first half by running down a long play and collecting nine tackles total on the day, second on the team.

Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has hinted that safety blitzes are a wrinkle in his defense that Ohio State hasn’t shown yet this season, and he unveiled those with Ransom against the Hoosiers. They worked to perfection and Ransom came away with 1.5 sacks.

No play Ransom made was bigger than his third-quarter blocked punt, however. A clean stuff off the boot of Indiana’s James Evans set up OSU at the Hoosiers’ 2-yard line, and the Buckeyes extended their lead to 35-7 two plays later.

Jack Emerson, BSB: It seems like he gets Buckeye Leaf recognition every week, but again, I must bestow a Leaf upon wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

Harrison dazzled with his ability to make catches in traffic, while showing off his NFL-caliber body control en route to seven receptions for 135 yards. The Philadelphia native also hauled in a 58-yard touchdown, showcasing his prowess in the open field as well.

In total, Stroud looked to his favorite target 12 times against the Hoosiers and Harrison, once again, did not disappoint.

Braden Moles, BSB: Give a hand to running back Miyan Williams, who led a surging rushing attack for Ohio State that finished with 340 rushing yards on 43 carries, good for 7.9 yards per attempt.

Williams led the pack with 147 yards on 15 carries, good for 9.8 yards per attempt, including a 48-yard rushing touchdown. He left the game with an injury in the second quarter and did not return, but the Buckeyes will hope to have him back soon considering how solid he looked.

Not only did Williams impress, but he did so without TreVeyon Henderson in the lineup, helping establish Ohio State’s rushing attack after several letdowns in recent week. The question now is if he can return soon and when he does, if he can keep his performance up.