Washington Huskies fall 24-6 to top-ranked Ohio State

Ohio State Dominates Washington in 24-6 Victory

In a high-stakes matchup between top-ranked Ohio State and the Washington Huskies, the Buckeyes emerged victorious with a decisive 24-6 win. The game showcased Ohio State's strong defense and key performances from players like C.J. Donaldson and Jeremiah Smith, while Washington struggled to find consistency on offense.

C.J. Donaldson was instrumental in the second half, scoring two touchdowns that helped Ohio State pull away from Washington. His contributions were critical as the Buckeyes managed to control the game after a competitive first half. On the other hand, Washington's offense faced significant challenges, particularly on third downs, where they converted only one of 11 opportunities.

Demond Williams Jr., Washington's quarterback, completed 18-of-22 passes for 173 yards but was sacked six times, which significantly hindered their offensive momentum. Jonah Coleman added 70 yards on 13 carries, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the struggles of the entire team.

Key Moments and Turning Points

The game began with Washington struggling to gain momentum. Their opening drive ended in a three-and-out, and a shanked punt by Luke Dunne put them on the backfoot early. Ohio State capitalized on this, moving into Washington territory quickly. A crucial play came when Julian Sayin scrambled near the goal line, but a review showed he was short of the first-down marker, setting up a fourth-and-inches situation.

Xe'ree Alexander made a key stop on fourth down, preventing Ohio State from scoring. However, Washington's offense continued to face setbacks, including penalties and turnovers. A forced fumble by Quentin Moore allowed Washington to regain possession, but they ultimately settled for a 28-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead.

Washington had another chance to extend their lead, driving into Ohio State territory before Demond Williams Jr. was sacked by Kenyatta Jackson Jr. Instead of attempting a long field goal, the Huskies went for a fake field goal on fourth-and-14, but the play failed. Head coach Jedd Fisch expressed frustration with the decision, noting that the team didn't execute well on the play.

Ohio State Takes Control

Ohio State quickly shifted the momentum back in their favor. With consistent gains, they moved into the Washington red zone. A false start penalty on Tegra Tshabola put the Buckeyes in a third-and-11 situation, but Washington’s defensive blitz backfired. Jeremiah Smith, considered one of the top receivers in the country, was left uncovered for an easy 18-yard touchdown catch, giving Ohio State a 7-3 lead with just under two minutes left in the first half.

The Buckeyes extended their lead in the third quarter. After a personal foul penalty and a roughing the passer call, Ohio State marched into Washington territory. C.J. Donaldson scored a touchdown to make it 14-3. Washington responded with a field goal, trimming the deficit to 14-6, but Ohio State maintained control.

Final Push and Conclusion

Ohio State continued to dominate in the second half, with Donaldson adding another touchdown to seal the victory. His 4-yard reception with 4:56 remaining in the game proved to be the final blow for Washington. Despite the loss, head coach Jedd Fisch remained optimistic about the team’s future, stating that they would use this experience as motivation for upcoming games.

Washington’s struggles on third downs and their inability to convert red zone opportunities were major factors in the loss. Fisch acknowledged the team’s difficulties, noting that they need to improve in situational football.

Overall, the game highlighted Ohio State's strength and Washington's challenges. While the Huskies will look to bounce back, the Buckeyes' performance demonstrated why they are considered one of the top teams in college football.