Ohio State Football: Buckeyes Stomp Thundering Herd, Show Offensive Firepower

Brandon Saine help lead the Buckeyes with 103 yards and 2 TD. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Drew Thurman (10:40 pm)

From the opening kickoff Marshall was playing catch up. Dorian Bell lit up Andre Booker, forcing and fumble that would be recovered by Nate Oliver. Four plays later, Pryor connected with DeVier Posey for a 6 yard touchdown pass, and the Buckeyes never looked back. When the dust settled, the offense had accumulated 529 total yards on the way to a 45-7 route of the Thundering Herd.

Here were storylines from tonight:

1) Terrelle Pryor, was obviously the big news of the night. Pryor picked up where he left off on Jan. 1 in the Rose Bowl, and showcased his ability to be a pocket passer. He looked comfortable, displayed improved mechanics and footwork, and for the most part was very accurate. Early on he lacked some touch on a few dump off passes and would later he have two arm punts that were begging to be intercepted, but besides that he was completely in rhythm. He completed 17 of his 25 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns.

2) Brandon Saine showed that he will be the man at running back this year, despite all the talent behind him. He had 103 yards (11.4 avg) and two touchdowns tonight, despite only getting nine carries. At the end of last year he really started to come into his own, and like Pryor, he picked up right where he left off. Early in his career Saine struggled with dancing in the backfield and lacking the vision to hit the hole, but as he showcased tonight that is no longer the case. He hits the hole fast, and when he gets through he has the top end speed to take it to the house. Tonight he had two runs over 40 yards, one of which went for a touchdown. I expect big things from him this year.  

3) Tyler Moeller made his comeback tonight, and was arguably the best defensive player on the field. The guy just goes after it on every play and doesn't seem to make many mistakes. Tonight he showed how completed his game really is. He displayed great pursuit sideline to sideline, he wraps up guys and doesn't miss tackles, and of course he flat brings it when he blitzes. His hit on Marshall quarterback Brain Anderson was just plain sick, and maybe the highlight of the night. With the Buckeyes thin at DE and the pass rush appearing to be a bit weak, Moeller's comeback could be huge!

4) As expected, Pryor has a ton of weapons to get the ball to. The big three tonight (and maybe for the rest of the season), were Dane Sanzenbacher (3 rec, 113 yards, 1 TD), DeVier Posey (4 rec, 41 yards, 2 TD), and Jake Stoneburner (3 rec, 41 yards). Yes, we can believe the hype, Stoney had three catches. Seriously though, nine different guys had a catch tonight and not one ball was thrown to Boren or Saine. It feels nice to options. 

5) The one real negative tonight was the special teams, especially the blunders in the first quarter. There were three to be exact: 1) a partially block extra point, 2) a big kickoff return, 3) and a block field goal returned for a TD all happened in the first quarter. Obviously, you can't have three special teams blunders in a game, much less a quarter against quality opponents. From Tressel's tone at halftime, it will be a focus over the next week.

6) Finally, Brian Rolle showed off his skills again. His interception and touchdown return was my favorite play of the game, showing the leader he has become on the field. He was playing like it was the super bowl tonight, gotta love his heart!

Well, there is a quick summary of tonight. Check us out tomorrow as my dad posts a much more thorough breakdown of the players and game in the morning. As for tonight, sleep well my friends. Football season is back, and the Buckeyes look sharp.