In a commanding display of skill and athleticism, the No. 2 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes secured a resounding 56-0 victory over Western Michigan at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes showcased their unwavering determination as they improved to a perfect 2-0 start to the season, leaving no doubt about their prowess on both offense and defense.

Led by quarterback Will Howard, the Buckeyes wasted no time asserting their dominance. Howard completed his first 10 passes, notching 177 yards and a touchdown. He continued to impress throughout the game, finishing with 292 yards and a 6-yard touchdown run. The Buckeye offense displayed precision and efficiency, leaving the Western Michigan defense scrambling to keep up.

However, it was the Buckeyes' defense that truly stole the show. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, Ohio State delivered a shutout performance for the first time since 2019. The Broncos struggled to gain any momentum, with their offensive efforts limited to a mere 99 total yards. The Buckeyes' defense stifled their opponents at every turn, allowing just six first downs and holding Western Michigan to a dismal 2.1 yards per play.

Defensive tackle Ty Hamilton proved to be a formidable force, contributing four tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss. Cornerback Davison Igbinosun showcased his defensive prowess with four tackles, a pass breakup, and a tackle for loss, while safety Caleb Downs exhibited impressive field awareness with four tackles, including two stops for no gain. Defensive end Jack Sawyer continued his dominant form, consistently disrupting the Western Michigan offense and tallying three tackles, including a tackle for loss and a hurry. Linebacker Arvell Reese also impressed as he shone alongside the starters.

Despite missing the previous game due to injury, linebacker Cody Simon returned with a vengeance, posting three tackles, a sack, and a pass breakup. While displaying some signs of rust, Simon demonstrated his value as Ohio State's premier middle linebacker, making significant contributions to the team's defensive efforts.

The Buckeye offense showcased both experience and youthful talent, particularly in the form of freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Smith proved himself to be a dynamic playmaker, recording five catches for 119 yards and a 70-yard touchdown. His exceptional body control and positioning were on full display throughout the game. Smith's remarkable performance marked the fourth-highest receiving yards in a single game by a true freshman in Ohio State history. With a total of 211 receiving yards and three touchdowns in just two games, Smith is putting his name in the conversation as a potential future first-round draft pick.

Ohio State's rushing attack also left a lasting impression, amassing an impressive 273 yards on the ground with six touchdowns. The offensive line and running backs displayed exceptional teamwork and execution, consistently creating massive holes for the running backs to exploit. Quinshon Judkins showcased his explosive speed with 108 yards on just nine carries, including two 23-yard touchdown runs.

Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly received well-deserved praise for his play-calling prowess. Utilizing a balanced approach, Kelly orchestrated a well-executed offensive game plan that kept the Broncos' defense on its toes. The Buckeyes' offensive success was evident on first downs, where they averaged 10.9 yards per snap and scored three touchdowns. The team achieved an impressive 116 rushing yards and 288 passing yards on these crucial downs, generating formidable offensive momentum.

With their dominant performance against Western Michigan, the Buckeyes have improved their standing as one of the nation's top college football teams. As they head into an open week on their schedule, the team remains focused on continuous improvement rather than treating it as a break. The Buckeyes are on a mission, and their determination and skill make them an imposing force to watch in the upcoming weeks of the season.