In theory, it was supposed to be an epic battle between two of the top storied football programs in the country.
In reality, it was anything but that as No. 3 Ohio State went on the road and crushed the No. 14 Oklahoma, 45-24, in an old-fashioned butt-whooping.
Despite sending numerous guys to the NFL, the Buckeyes looked like a veteran team as they ran through and around the Sooner defense. Ohio State passed with flying colors in its early season test as quarterback J.T. Barrett completed 14 of 20 passes for 152 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Buckeyes.
All four of those touchdown passes went to sophomore wideout Noah Brown who ended up setting a single-game school record in the process for touchdown catches.
Brown came in with just five catches and one touchdown in his entire career before his breakout game Saturday night. His best grab came right before the half as Barrett floated a ball into the corner. With a defender draped all over him, Brown reached around and with one hand caught the ball on the back of an Oklahoma defensive back as he fell to the ground for the 21-yard touchdown reception.
Noah Brown may now be the favorite in the 'Catch of the Year' category #HandsTeam pic.twitter.com/5G6gKholNT
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 18, 2016
“Anytime J.T. puts the ball in the air, he’s putting trust in me, and I try to come down with the ball for him,” Brown told reporters after the game. “I have my quarterback’s back. It felt good to be able to make that play and put some points on the board.”
Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield passed for 226 yards and two touchdowns, but he threw two interceptions in the loss. Mayfield’s inability to throw the ball away instead of forcing passes has hurt the Sooners in both losses this year.
Next Opponent
Ohio State: The Buckeyes have a bye week before hosting Rutgers on Oct. 1.
Oklahoma: The Sooners also have a bye week before going on the road and playing TCU on Oct. 1.
