2016 Ohio State Buckeyes football team

The 2016 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented Ohio State University in the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season. It was the Buckeyes' 127th overall, the 104th as a member of the Big Ten Conference, and third as a member of the Eastern Division. The team was led by Urban Meyer, in his fifth year as head coach, and played its home games at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

2016 Ohio State Buckeyes football
Big Ten East Division co-champion
Fiesta Bowl (CFP Semifinal), L 0–31 vs. Clemson
ConferenceBig Ten Conference
DivisionEast Division
Ranking
CoachesNo. 6
APNo. 6
Record11–2 (8–1 Big Ten)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorEd Warinner (5th season)
Co-offensive coordinatorTim Beck (2nd season)
Offensive schemeSpread
Defensive coordinatorLuke Fickell (11th; 16th overall season)
Co-defensive coordinatorGreg Schiano (1st season)
Base defenseMultiple
CaptainJ. T. Barrett
Pat Elflein
Raekwon McMillan
Curtis Samuel
Joe Burger
Home stadiumOhio Stadium
Seasons
← 2015
2017 →
2016 Big Ten Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
East Division
No. 7 Penn State xy$   8 1     11 3  
No. 6 Ohio State x^   8 1     11 2  
No. 10 Michigan   7 2     10 3  
Indiana   4 5     6 7  
Maryland   3 6     6 7  
Michigan State   1 8     3 9  
Rutgers   0 9     2 10  
West Division
No. 9 Wisconsin xy   7 2     11 3  
Iowa   6 3     8 5  
Nebraska   6 3     9 4  
Minnesota   5 4     9 4  
Northwestern   5 4     7 6  
Illinois   2 7     3 9  
Purdue   1 8     3 9  
Championship: Penn State 38, Wisconsin 31
  • ^ – College Football Playoff participant
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

Ohio State was the preseason favorite to win the Big Ten,[1] and were ranked sixth in the preseason AP Poll. They began the year with six straight victories, including on the road against then-No. 14 Oklahoma and in double overtime against then-No. 8 Wisconsin, and rose to second in the AP Poll. However, the next week they suffered their first loss at Penn State in a White Out game at Beaver Stadium. The team won its remaining regular season games, and finished conference play with an overtime victory against third-ranked Michigan. Penn State and Ohio State both finished with conference records of 8–1, and Penn State advanced to the 2016 Big Ten Football Championship Game due to the head-to-head victory. Despite this, and Penn State's victory over Wisconsin in that game, Ohio State was ranked ahead of Penn State at third in the final College Football Playoff rankings, earning them a spot in the national semi-final Fiesta Bowl against second-ranked Clemson. The Buckeyes were shutout in that game 31–0 and ended the year at 11–2.

The Buckeyes were led on offense by quarterback J. T. Barrett, who finished with 2,555 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. Running back Mike Weber led the team with 1,096 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Center Pat Elflein was named a unanimous first-team All-American and was the recipient of the Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center. On defense, cornerback Malik Hooker led the Big Ten with seven interceptions (three returned for a touchdown) and was also a unanimous first-team All-American.

Offseason

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Players lost

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Schedule

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DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
September 312:00 p.m.Bowling Green*No. 6BTNW 77–10107,193
September 103:30 p.m.Tulsa*No. 4
  • Ohio Stadium
  • Columbus, OH
ABCW 48–3104,410
September 179:00 p.m.at No. 14 Oklahoma*No. 3FOXW 45–2487,979
October 112:00 p.m.Rutgers No. 2
  • Ohio Stadium
  • Columbus, OH
BTNW 58–0105,830
October 83:30 p.m.IndianaNo. 2
  • Ohio Stadium
  • Columbus, OH
ESPNW 38–17107,420
October 158:00 p.m.at No. 8 WisconsinNo. 2ABCW 30–23 OT81,541
October 228:00 p.m.at Penn StateNo. 2ABCL 21–24107,280
October 293:30 p.m.NorthwesternNo. 6
  • Ohio Stadium
  • Columbus, OH
ESPNW 24–20107,296
November 58:00 p.m.No. 10 NebraskaNo. 6
  • Ohio Stadium
  • Columbus, OH
ABCW 62–3108,750
November 123:30 p.m.at MarylandNo. 5ESPNW 62–348,090
November 1912:00 p.m.at Michigan StateNo. 2ESPNW 17–1673,303
November 2612:00 p.m.No. 3 MichiganNo. 2
  • Ohio Stadium
  • Columbus, OH (rivalry, College GameDay)
ABCW 30–27 2OT110,045
December 317:00 p.m.vs. No. 2 Clemson*No. 3ESPNL 0–3171,279

[2][3]

Ohio Stadium attendance record

Roster

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2016 Ohio State Buckeyes football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
WR 1 Johnnie Dixon   So
HB 2 Dontre Wilson Sr
RB 4 Curtis Samuel (C) Jr
WR 5 Corey Smith   Sr
WR, QB 6 Torrance Gibson   Fr
QB 7 Dwayne Haskins Fr
WR 9 Binjimen Victor Fr
QB 10 Joe Burrow   Fr
QB 11 Justin Cook Jr
QB 13 Stephen Collier   Jr
WR 14 K. J. Hill   Fr
QB 16 J. T. Barrett (C)   Jr
TE 18 Chase Hounshell Sr
WR 19 Joe Ramstetter Sr
RB 20 Mike Weber So
WR 21 Parris Campbell   So
WR 23 Devlin McDaniel Sr
TE 24 Kierre Hawkins Fr
RB 25 Bri'onte Dunn   Jr
RB 26 Antonio Williams Fr
RB 30 Demario McCall Fr
WR 33 Austin Clutter So
RB 35 Alex Backenstoe Jr
TE 37 Derrick Malone So
TE 44 Guy Ferrelli Sr
RB 46 Ke'Von Huguely So
OL 54 Billy Price   Jr
G 56 Matthew Burrell   Jr
OL 59 Isaiah Prince So
OL 60 Blake Pfenning So
OL 61 Gavin Cupp Fr
OL 62 Aaron Parry Sr
OL 63 Kevin Woidke So
OL 64 Jack Wohlabaugh Fr
OC 65 Pat Elflein (C)   Sr
OL 66 Malcolm Pridgeon Jr
OL 69 Brandon Pahl So
OL 71 Kyle Trout   So
OL 72 Tyler Gerald Fr
G 73 Michael Jordan Fr
OT 74 Jamarco Jones Jr
G 75 Evan Lisle   Jr
OT 76 Branden Bowen   Fr
OT 77 Kevin Feder   Fr
OL 78 Demetrius Knox   So
OL 79 Brady Taylor   So
WR 80 Noah Brown   So
TE 81 Jake Hausmann Fr
WR 82 James Clark   Jr
WR 83 Terry McLaurin   So
TE 85 Marcus Baugh   Jr
WR 87 Alex Stump   Fr
TE 88 A. J. Alexander   Fr
TE 89 Luke Farrell Fr
Defense
Pos. # Name Class
CB 2 Marshon Lattimore   So
CB 3 Damon Arnette   Fr
CB 4 Jordan Fuller Fr
LB 5 Raekwon McMillan (C) Jr
DE 6 Sam Hubbard   So
CB 7 Damon Webb Jr
CB 8 Gareon Conley   Jr
DL 9 Jashon Cornell   Fr
DE 11 Jalyn Holmes Jr
CB 12 Denzel Ward So
DE 13 Rashod Berry   So
LB 14 Keandre Jones Fr
DB 15 Cameron Howard Sr
DB 15 Wayne Davis Fr
S 16 Cam Burrows   Sr
LB 17 Jerome Baker So
CB 17 C. J. Saunders So
DE 18 Jonathon Cooper Fr
S 19 Eric Glover-Williams So
S 20 Khaleed Franklin Sr
CB 21 Trevon Forte Jr
S 23 Jahsen Wint Fr
S 24 Malik Hooker   So
CB 25 Logan Kelleher Jr
S 26 Jarrod Barnes Sr
S 28 Michael Cibene Sr
CB 28 Joshua Norwood   Fr
DB 29 Rodjay Burns Fr
LB 30 Jared Drake So
CB 32 Elijaah Goins   Jr
LB 33 Dante Booker Jr
S 34 Erick Smith Jr
LB 35 Chris Worley   Jr
LB 36 Zach Turnure Sr
S 37 Michael Lawless Sr
LB 38 Craig Fada   Sr
LB 39 Malik Harrison Fr
DE 42 Darius Slade   So
LB 43 Nick Conner   Fr
S 46 Cin'Quan Haney Sr
LB 47 Justin Hilliard   Fr
LB 48 Joe Burger (C)   Sr
DT 53 Davon Hamilton   Fr
DT 55 Malik Barrow Fr
DT 57 Robert Landers   Fr
DT 58 Joshua Alabi   Fr
DE 59 Tyquan Lewis   Jr
DE 70 Curtis Henry   Jr
DT 77 Michael Hill   Jr
DT 86 Dre'Mont Jones   Fr
DL 93 Tracy Sprinkle   Jr
DL 94 Dylan Thompson   So
DL 52 Noah Donald Fr
DL 97 Nick Bosa Fr
Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
K 29 Alex Craft So
LS 44 Aaron Mawhirter Sr
LS 49 Liam McCullough   Fr
P 91 Drue Chrisman Fr
K 92 Tyler Durbin Sr
P 95 Cameron Johnston Sr
K 96 Sean Nuernberger Jr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Ed Warinner (offensive coordinator / offensive line)
  • Tim Beck (Co-offensive Coordinator / quarterbacks)
  • Tony Alford (assistant head coach / running backs)
  • Greg Studrawa (offensive line)
  • Zack Smith (wide receivers)
  • Luke Fickell (Co-defensive Coordinator / Linebackers)
  • Greg Schiano (Co-defensive Coordinator / Associate head coach)
  • Larry Johnson (assistant head coach / defensive line)
  • Kerry Coombs (special teams coordinator / cornerbacks)
  • Matt Thurin (quality control coach – defense)
  • Jim Cordle (graduate assistant)
  • Brian Mason (graduate assistant)
  • Matt Merritt (graduate assistant – offense)
  • Mickey Marotti (assistant athletic director for football sports performance)
  • Brady Collins (assistant strength & conditioning)
  • Phil Matusz (assistant strength & conditioning)
  • Kenny Parker (assistant strength & conditioning)
  • Jeff Uhlenhake (assistant strength & conditioning)
  • Quinn Barham (assistant strength & conditioning)
  • Brian Voltolini (director of football operations)
  • Mark Pantoni (director of player personnel)
  • Tim Hinton (Executive Director for Football Operations)[4]

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  •   Injured
  •   Redshirt

Roster
Last update: November 26, 2016

Depth chart

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Rankings

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Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
( ) = First-place votes
Week
PollPre1234567891011121314Final
AP6 (1)432 (4)2 (4)2 (6)2 (2)266622226
Coaches5442 (3)2 (2)2 (3)2 (4)2 (2)86522226
CFPNot released652223Not released

Game summaries

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Bowling Green

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1 234Total
Bowling Green 7 300 10
#6 Ohio State 21 142121 77
  • Location:
    Ohio Stadium
    Columbus, OH
  • Game start: 12:00 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:30
  • Game attendance: 107,193
  • Game weather: Sunny
  • Referee: Ron Snodgrass
  • TV announcers (BTN): Kevin Kugler (Play-By-Play), Matt Millen (Analyst), Lisa Byington (Sideline)

The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Bowling Green Falcons by a score of 77–10 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State's offense started off slow by QB, J. T. Barrett throwing an interception returned for a touchdown to Brandon Harris. Ohio State then went on to score 21 unanswered points before BGSU made a field goal midway through the second quarter. Ohio State scored two more times and led at halftime 35–10. The Buckeyes went on to score six more touchdowns in the second half and allowing no scoring.

Ohio State's offense gained 776 yards, which broke the record of most yards in a game held since 1930, and scored ten touchdowns. The Ohio State defense, commonly known as the Silver Bullets, allowed 244 yards and scored a defensive touchdown. Ohio State's J. T. Barrett set a record for the most touchdowns in a game with seven and tied the single-game record of six passing touchdowns. For his performance Barrett was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week.[7]

Game Statistics[8]

Statistic OSU BGSU
Total Yards 776 244
Passing Yards 417 175
Rushing Yards 359 69
Penalties 9–66 5–45
Turnovers 1 3
Time of Possession 38:25 21:25

Game Leaders

Statistic OSU BGSU
Passing J. T. Barrett (349) James Knapke (110)
Rushing Mike Weber (136) Fred Coppet (38)
Receiving Curtis Samuel (177) Ronnie Moore (45)

Tulsa

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1 234Total
Tulsa 3 000 3
#4 Ohio State 3 171414 48
  • Location:
    Ohio Stadium
    Columbus, OH
  • Game start: 3:30 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:45
  • Game attendance: 104,410
  • Game weather: Overcast/Rain
  • Referee: Jeffrey Servinski
  • TV announcers (ABC/ESPN): Dave Pasch (Play-by-Play), Greg McElroy (Analyst), Tom Luginbill (Sideline)

Ohio State (1–0) took on the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (1–0) and won by a final of 48–3 in Columbus, Ohio. Following the kickoff by Ohio State, Dane Evans' pass was intercepted by Ohio State's Marshon Lattimore during the first offensive possession of the game. Ohio State was unable to find their way into the endzone and settled for a 29-yard Tyler Durbin field goal to make the score 3–0. Tulsa and Ohio State went on to trade field goals to make it 6–3, Ohio State. The OSU defense then forced turnovers on the next three Tulsa possessions, scoring two defensive touchdowns, to end the half up 20–3.[9]

There was a weather delay of 50 minutes at halftime due to lightning strikes in the general vicinity of the stadium.[10]

The Buckeyes scored to open the second half on a 9-play, 72-yard drive, capped by an 11-yard touchdown run by J. T. Barrett. The OSU offense went on to add three more touchdowns. The Silver Bullet defense of Ohio State forced two second-half turnovers and allowed no offensive points from the Golden Hurricane.[9]

Game Statistics[11]

Statistic OSU Tulsa
Total Yards 417 188
Passing Yards 149 127
Rushing Yards 268 61
Penalties 9–67 5–46
Turnovers 1 6
Time of Possession 33:53 26:07

Game Leaders

Statistic OSU Tulsa
Passing J. T. Barrett (149) Dane Evans (127)
Rushing Mike Weber (92) D'Angelo Brewer (58)
Receiving Curtis Samuel (62) Keevan Lucas (53)

At Oklahoma

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1 234Total
#3 Ohio State 14 2173 45
#14 Oklahoma 7 1070 24

After kickoff was delayed from the original start time of 7:30 p.m. due to lightning and thunderstorms in the vicinity of the University of Oklahoma, the Buckeyes (2–0) and Sooners (1–1) began play at 9:00 p.m. in Norman, Oklahoma. Ohio State struck first, midway through the first quarter on a Curtis Samuel 36-yard touchdown run. On Oklahoma's next possession, Ohio State's Jerome Baker intercepted Baker Mayfield's pass to score a touchdown on a 68-yard interception return. This was Ohio State's fourth defensive score in their first three games. During the ensuing kickoff, Oklahoma's Joe Mixon returned the kick for a 97-yard touchdown, to make the score 14–7, Ohio State. Though not caught, Mixon dropped the ball before he crossed the goal line and fumbled into the end zone. Ohio State scored another two touchdowns and Oklahoma made a field goal to make the score 28–10. With six minutes to go in the half, Oklahoma scored on a 35-yard Mayfield pass to A.D. Miller to give the OSU defense their first allowed offensive touchdown of the year and brought the Sooners within 11. The Buckeye offense drove 75 yards to end the first half on a behind-the-back grab by Noah Brown to give the Buckeyes a 35–17 halftime advantage.

Ohio State scored on their opening possession of the half with Noah Brown's school record tying fourth touchdown reception. Oklahoma scored again with four minutes to go in the third quarter to make the score 42–24, Ohio State. The final score of the game was a 31-yard Tyler Durbin field goal with 10:33 to go making the final 45–24.[12]

Noah Brown was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week and Jerome Baker was named conference co-Defensive Player of the Week for their performances.

Baker Mayfield (the Sooners starting QB) claimed that the Ohio State team and fans who traveled to Norman sang their fight song after their win. Baker Mayfield cites this as his reasoning for spiking the flag on the Ohio State symbol at the 50 yard line in the 2017 rematch in Columbus.[13]

Game Statistics[14]

Statistic OSU Okla
Total Yards 443 403
Passing Yards 152 226
Rushing Yards 291 177
Penalties 11–75 4–28
Turnovers 0 2
Time of Possession 35:49 24:11

Game Leaders

Statistic OSU Okla
Passing J. T. Barrett (152) Baker Mayfield (226)
Rushing Mike Weber (123) Joe Mixon (78)
Receiving Noah Brown (72) A.D. Miller (72)

Rutgers

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1 234Total
Rutgers 0 000 0
#2 Ohio State 6 24217 58
  • Location:
    Ohio Stadium
    Columbus, OH
  • Game start: 12:00 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:45
  • Game attendance: 105,830
  • Game weather: Sunny
  • Referee: J. Servinski[15]
  • TV announcers (BTN): Kevin Kugler (Play-By-Play), Matt Millen (Analyst), Lisa Byington (Sideline)

The Ohio State Buckeyes (4–0, 1–0) played the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2–3, 0–2) in Columbus, Ohio on Oct. 1, 2016. The Buckeyes won by a score of 58–0. Ohio State allowed only 121 total yards (33 passing, 83 rushing) and gained 669 (259 passing, 410 rushing.) This was their largest regular season conference shut out since 1981 and their first since 2013. Ohio State's J. T. Barrett, set the Ohio State record for most career passing touchdowns with 59.

Mike Weber was named the conference's Freshman player of the week for his performance in the game. He rushed for 144 yards and one touchdown on 14 carries and caught one pass for three yards.

Former head coach Earle Bruce dotted the "i" in Script Ohio prior to the game.

Game Statistics[16]

Statistic OSU RUT
Total Yards 669 116
Passing Yards 259 33
Rushing Yards 410 83
Penalties 6–64 4–21
Turnovers 1 0
Time of Possession 38:48 21:12

Game Leaders

Statistic OSU RUT
Passing J. T. Barrett (238) Chris Laviano (33)
Rushing Mike Weber (144) Robert Martin (40)
Receiving Curtis Samuel (86) Jawuan Harris (33)

Indiana

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1 234Total
Indiana 3 770 17
#2 Ohio State 3 2177 38

Ohio State (5–0, 2–0) defeated Indiana (3–2, 2–1) by a score of 38–17. This Buckeye victory extended the longest current Big Ten win streak against a single opponent to 21, with the Hoosiers' last win over the Buckeyes coming in 1988.

The Indiana secondary held the Buckeye pass offense to only 93 yards passing, but allowed 290 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. This included a career-high of 26 careers for J. T. Barrett. The Buckeye defense forced two turnovers and allowed only 99 yards rushing on 40 attempts.

Game Statistics[18]

Statistic OSU IND
Total Yards 383 281
Passing Yards 93 182
Rushing Yards 290 99
Penalties 9–83 5–40
Turnovers 2 2
Time of Possession 32:58 27:02

Game Leaders

Statistic OSU IND
Passing J. T. Barrett (93) Richard Lagow (182)
Rushing J. T. Barrett (137) Devine Redding (78)
Receiving Dontre Wilson (42) Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (67)

At Wisconsin

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1 234OTTotal
#2 Ohio State 3 37107 30
#8 Wisconsin 10 6070 23
  • Location:
    Camp Randall Stadium
    Madison, WI
  • Game start: 8:00 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 4:03
  • Game attendance: 81,541
  • Game weather: Cloudy
  • Referee: D. Willard[19]
  • TV announcers (ABC): Chris Fowler (Play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (Analyst), Samantha Ponder (Sidelines)

The #2 Ohio State Buckeyes (6–0, 3–0) defeated the #8 Wisconsin Badgers (4–2, 1–2) in overtime, in a cross-divisional Big Ten match up on Oct. 15, at Camp Randall Stadium, by a score of 30–23. With both teams ranked in the top ten of both major college football polls, ESPN had chosen Madison, Wisconsin as the host of College GameDay. This was Wisconsin's second appearance on GameDay for 2016 and Ohio State's first. Ohio State extended their current win streak over the Badgers to five, dating back to 2011. Ohio State coach Urban Meyer is 4–0 versus Wisconsin and this was Badgers' coach Paul Chryst's first game against the Buckeyes.

The Buckeyes started the game off slow by gaining only 23 yards on their first two drives, both resulting in punts, while allowing 147 yards for the Badger's offense on their first two drives that resulted in a ten-point lead for #8 Wisconsin. Neither team could find the endzone for the remainder of the first half and both settled for two additional field goals apiece for a halftime score of 16–6 favoring the Badgers.

The Silver Bullet Buckeye defense came out strong in the second half forcing two Wisconsin turnovers and a three-and-out, on Wisconsin's first three possessions. Though the Buckeyes threw an interception on their first possession, they followed it up with two consecutive touchdowns, both J. T. Barrett runs. On Barrett's second touchdown, Ohio State took their first lead of the night at the 14:09 mark of the fourth quarter, and the Buckeyes led 20–16. The next drive, Wisconsin drove 81 yards to take back the lead with 7:54 left in the game. The Buckeyes followed that score with a field goal to tie the game at 23 with 3:57 to go. The Badger offense drove 25 yards on their last possession, but come up short of field goal range and had to punt to the Buckeyes with 0:14 left. The Buckeyes with the ball on their 17-yard line decided to run out the clock and force overtime.

Ohio State would get the ball first in overtime and would score a touchdown on a J. T. Barrett pass to Noah Brown on third and two from the Wisconsin 7, which gave them a 30–23 lead. On Wisconsin's attempt, quarterback Alex Hornibrook would throw a 21-yard pass on Wisconsin's second play which got the Badgers to the Ohio State 4. After two Corey Clement runs for no gain and an incomplete pass, the game came down to a fourth and goal from the Ohio State four. Wisconsin opted for a pass and Hornibrook was sacked by Tyquan Lewis to preserve Ohio State's unbeaten status.

The Buckeyes were led by Barrett who had 226 yards passing and 92 yards rushing and three total touchdowns (two rushing, one passing). Barrett was named Big Ten Co-offensive Player of the Week for his 318 total yard performance.[20] He was also named Davey O’Brien National Quarterback of the Week.[21] Wisconsin's quarterback Alex Hornibrook had 214 yards passing and one touchdown and running back Corey Clement gained 164 yards on 25 carries against the Buckeyes. Wisconsin Junior Linebacker Jack Cichy, who had 15 tackles, one sack and a forced fumble, was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his performance.[20]

Ohio State stayed at #2 in both the AP and Coaches Polls and Wisconsin dropped two spots to #10 in the AP Poll and remained unchanged at #10 in the Coaches Poll. The Badgers would be the highest rated two-loss team.[22]

Game Statistics [23]

Statistic OSU WIS
Total Yards 411 450
Passing Yards 226 214
Rushing Yards 185 236
Penalties 4–40 4–35
Turnovers 1 1
Time of Possession 28:32 31:28

Game Leaders

Statistic OSU WIS
Passing J. T. Barrett (226) Alex Hornibrook (214)
Rushing J. T. Barrett (92) Corey Clement (164)
Receiving Curtis Samuel (58) Troy Fumagalli (84)

At Penn State

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Rivalry
1 234Total
#2 Ohio State 0 1290 21
Penn State 0 7017 24

Despite being 20-point favorites,[24] the #2 Ohio State Buckeyes (6–1, 3–1) lost to their inter-divisional rival, the Penn State Nittany Lions (5–2, 3–1), at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania on October 22, at 8 p.m. on ABC. After the Ohio State special teams blocked a field goal on Penn State's opening drive, the Buckeyes score 12 unanswered points through two field goals and a J. T. Barrett to Marcus Baugh touchdown. Penn State finished the first half on a 20-yard touchdown pass with only nine seconds remaining in the first half, to give the Buckeyes a 12–7 lead at the half.

Ohio State scored a 74-yard Curtis Samuel Rushing touchdown on their second possession of the third quarter and followed it up with a safety when Penn State's punt team fumbled the ball into the endzone. Ohio State would not score anymore following that touchdown. Penn State went on to score a touchdown and also a field goal following a blocked punt. Making the score 21–17, Ohio State. With 4:27 left in the game, Ohio State ran out their field goal team to attempt a 43-yard field goal to go up by seven, but the kick was blocked and returned 60 yards to give Penn State a 24–21 lead which was also the final score.[25]

This was Urban Meyer's first loss to Penn State, making him 4–1 versus the Nittany Lions.

Game Statistics [26]

Statistic OSU PSU
Total Yards 413 276
Passing Yards 245 154
Rushing Yards 168 122
Penalties 8–45 1–5
Turnovers 0 1
Time of Possession 37:19 22:41

Game Leaders

Statistic OSU PSU
Passing J. T. Barrett (245) Trace McSorley (154)
Rushing Curtis Samuel (71)

Mike Weber (71)

Saquon Barkley (99)
Receiving Curtis Samuel (68) Mike Gesicki (46)

Northwestern

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1 234Total
Northwestern 0 1073 20
#6 Ohio State 10 707 24
  • Location:
    Ohio Stadium
    Columbus, OH
  • Game start: 3:37 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:23
  • Game attendance: 107,296
  • Game weather: Mostly sunny
  • Referee: Jerry McGinn
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (color analyst), Tom Luginbill (sidelines)

The #6 Ohio State Buckeyes (7–1, 4–1) defeated the Northwestern Wildcats (4–4, 3–2) on October 29, in a cross-divisional match up by a score of 24–20. This was the first meeting for the teams since 2013 and the first meeting in Columbus since 2007. Ohio State extended their win streak over Northwestern to six, dating back to 2004.

The Buckeyes started off the game quickly by scoring ten unanswered points in the first quarter with a Mike Weber touchdown run and a 35-yard Tyler Durbin field goal following an Ohio State interception. The Wildcats inched closer by scoring at the 14:51 mark of the second quarter, but it was followed by another Weber touchdown run of 23 yards. With 1:23 left in the half, Northwestern made a 23-yard field goal to make the halftime score 17–10, Ohio State.

Northwestern kept the Buckeye offense in check during the third quarter allowing no scoring and their offense tied the game at 17 with 3:49 to go in the third quarter. Ohio State found the endzone once more with 9:43 to go on a Curtis Samuel 3-yard run giving the Buckeyes a 24–17 lead. The final score came on a 33-yard Northwestern field goal with 3:31 to go in the game.[27]

Game Statistics [28]

Statistic OSU NW
Total Yards 431 406
Passing Yards 223 258
Rushing Yards 208 148
Penalties 2–10 2–20
Turnovers 0 1
Time of Possession 32:40 27:20

Game Leaders

Statistic OSU NW
Passing J. T. Barrett (223) Clayton Thorson (256)
Rushing Mike Weber (87) Justin Jackson (76)
Receiving Curtis Samuel (68) Austin Carr (158)

Nebraska

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1 234Total
#10 Nebraska 3 000 3
#6 Ohio State 14 17247 62
  • Location:
    Ohio Stadium
    Columbus, OH
  • Game start: 8:00 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:30
  • Game attendance: 108,750
  • Game weather: Clear
  • Referee: John O'Neill
  • TV announcers (ABC): Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Samantha Ponder

The #6 Ohio State Buckeyes (8–1, 5–1) defeated #9 Nebraska Cornhuskers (7–2, 4–2) at Ohio Stadium in front of the second largest crowd in Ohio Stadium history. This was the first match-up since 2012 and only the second since Nebraska joined the Big Ten Conference in 2011. Urban Meyer is 2–0 versus the Cornhuskers, winning the 2012 clash by a score of 63–38. Ohio State opened as 18-point favorites.

On Nebraska's first drive quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. threw an interception to Damon Webb, who returned the interception for a touchdown to give the Buckeyes an early 7–0 lead. The ensuing possession for the Cornhuskers would be a 15-play, 72-yard drive that would result in a 20-yard field goal, Nebraska's only points of the game. Ohio State would score three more touchdowns and a field goal in the first half to give the Buckeyes a 31–3 lead. With 6:03 left in the second quarter, Tommy Armstrong Jr. ran for 11-yards but was hit while going out-of-bounds causing him to hit his head and briefly knocked unconscious. He was carried off of the field on a stretcher and transported to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for evaluation. He was quickly released and made an appearance back in the stadium in the third quarter to chants of "Tommy! Tommy!" from the Ohio State student section.

Ohio State would receive the ball in the third quarter and would score on the opening play with a 75-yard pass from J. T. Barrett to Curtis Samuel. Ohio State's offense would score 17 more points in the game and defensive back Malik Hooker would record his second interception returned for a touchdown and fifth overall for the season. The Cornhuskers failed to stop the Buckeyes from scoring on all of their drives.[29]

Curtis Samuel was named Big Ten Conference Co-offensive Player of the Week for his performance by gaining 173 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.

Statistic OSU NEB
Total Yards 590 204
Passing Yards 352 126
Rushing Yards 238 78
Penalties 4–35 4–43
Turnovers 1 2
Time of Possession 37:18 22:42
Statistic OSU NEB
Passing J. T. Barrett (290) Tommy Armstrong Jr. (74)
Rushing Demario McCall (73) Terrell Newby (54)
Receiving Curtis Samuel (137) Stanley Morgan Jr. (56)

At Maryland

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1 234Total
#6 Ohio State 21 24107 62
Maryland 3 000 3

The #6 Ohio State Buckeyes (9–1, 6–1) defeated the Maryland Terrapins (5–5, 2–5) 62–3 in a Big Ten East match-up. The game was played on Nov. 12, at 3:30 pm, in College Park, Maryland and was aired on ESPN. It was the third meeting between the teams with the Buckeyes being victorious in both previous games. The Buckeyes came in as 28-point favorites.

Ohio State came out of the gates quickly by scoring touchdowns on their first two offensive possessions while holding the Terrapins to −4 yards. Maryland mustered up a 23-yard field goal at the 2:03 mark of the first quarter and would not score the rest of the game. The Buckeyes would go on to score on five of their last six possessions of the first half and forcing two Maryland turnovers to close the half up 45–3.

The Buckeyes scored two more touchdowns and a field goal in the second half, while Maryland would not reach the Buckeye-side of the field.

Following a chaotic week in football, the Buckeyes would jump to #2 in both the AP and Coaches Polls following their second straight 59-point victory.

Statistics

Statistic OSU MD
Total Yards 581 176
Passing Yards 328 133
Rushing Yards 253 43
Penalties 6–55 7–74
Turnovers 0 2
Time of Possession 31:45 28:15
Statistic OSU MD
Passing J. T. Barrett (253) Caleb Rowe (93)
Rushing Mike Weber (93) Ty Johnson (21)
Receiving Curtis Samuel (74) Teldrick Morgan (56)

At Michigan State

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1 234Total
No. 2 Ohio State 7 370 17
Michigan State 7 306 16

The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (10–1, 7–1) defeated the Michigan State Spartans (3–8, 1–7), 17–16, in East Lansing, Michigan.

Michigan State received the opening kickoff and in two plays scored a 64-yard touchdown screen pass from Tyler O'Connor to L. J. Scott to give the Spartans a 7–0 advantage 46 seconds into the game. Following Ohio State and Michigan State trading punts, Ohio State evened the score on a 5-play, 50-yard drive, capped by a 24-yard J. T. Barrett pass to Curtis Samuel.

The Spartans opened the second quarter with a 28-yard field goal to give them a 3-point lead, but were tied once again by the Buckeyes on the following drive with a 39-yard field goal. Ohio State intercepted an O'Connor pass two plays later and drove the ball into the redzone. On third and three at the MSU 16, Mike Weber fumbled the ball giving Ohio State no chance to attempt a field goal. Ohio State and Michigan State went into halftime tied at ten.

Both teams punted twice to start the second half until Ohio State formed a four-play 69-yard drive that resulted in another touchdown, giving them a 17–10 advantage. The next score came from Michigan State on a 1-yard L. J. Scott run. The Spartans opted to go for a two-point conversion with only 4:41 left in the game to attempt to take the lead. Tyler O'Connor's pass was intercepted in the end zone and the Buckeyes maintained the lead, 17–16. Ohio State got the ball back and ran 2:37 off the clock on six plays, but punted with 2:04 left in the game. Tyler O'Connor was sacked on the first play by Tyquan Lewis for a loss of ten yards, the following play, Gareon Conley intercepted O'Connor's pass to seal the Buckeyes' 17–16 victory.

Mike Weber was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for his performance and for the second time this season.

Statistics

Statistic OSU MSU
Total yards 310 334
Passing yards 86 127
Rushing yards 224 207
Penalties 4–40 6–60
Turnovers 1 2
Time of possession 30:53 29:07
Statistic OSU MSU
Passing J. T. Barrett (86) Tyler O'Connor (105)
Rushing Mike Weber (111) L. J. Scott (160)
Receiving Curtis Samuel (40) L. J. Scott (76)

Michigan

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The Game
1 234OT2OTTotal
#3 Michigan 0 107073 27
#2 Ohio State 0 77376 30
Overall record Previous meeting Previous winner
47–58–6 November 28, 2015 Ohio State, 42–13

Following its road game against Michigan State, Ohio State faced its arch-rivals, the Michigan Wolverines, in the 113th meeting of "The Game". In the previous meeting, Ohio State defeated Michigan for the fourth consecutive year, winning 42–13.[30]

In this year's game, the #2 Ohio State Buckeyes (11–1, 8–1) defeated the #3 Michigan Wolverines (10–2, 7–2) by a score of 30–27 in double overtime. After neither team scored in the first quarter, Michigan opened the scoring in the second quarter via a 28-yard field goal from Kenny Allen. Ohio State responded with a 16-yard interception return from Malik Hooker. Michigan closed the scoring in the first half via a one-yard touchdown run from Khalid Hill, which made the score 10–7 in favor of Michigan at halftime. Michigan extended their lead in the third quarter via an eight-yard touchdown pass from Wilton Speight to Hill. Ohio State reduced Michigan's lead to three points via a one-yard touchdown run from Mike Weber, before Tyler Durbin recorded a 23-yard field goal as time expired in the fourth quarter to tie the game and force overtime. In overtime, Ohio State scored via a seven-yard touchdown run from J. T. Barrett. Michigan responded with a five-yard touchdown pass from Speight to Amara Darboh to force double overtime. In double overtime, Michigan scored via a 37-yard field goal from Allen. On a controversial 4th and 1 play, J.T Barrett ran up the middle and was tackled in such a way that the forward progress made it difficult to determine where the ball would be spotted. The result was ultimately that the officials gave Ohio State the first down. The next play, Curtis Samuel recorded a 15-yard touchdown run to win the game.[31]

Dave Adolph served as honorary captain for both Michigan and Ohio State. The game marked the 11th time that Michigan and Ohio State took the field both in the nation's top-five rankings; and is just the second time that both programs were ranked in the nation's top three. The other was the No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup in 2006 at Ohio Stadium. The game also marked the first overtime in the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. Michigan's defense recorded a season-best eight sacks against Ohio State. It is the program's most since posting nine against Notre Dame on September 15, 2007. The Wolverines have recorded at least three sacks in each of the last four games. Wide receiver Amara Darboh surpassed the 2,000-yard receiving milestone in the contest. Darboh caught eight passes for 68 receiving yards, upping his career total to 2,026. Darboh has recorded a reception in 32 consecutive games, earning a share of the fourth spot among Michigan's all-time leaders in the category. He is tied with Marquise Walker (1998–2001).[30]

Raekwon McMillan was named the conference Defensive Player of the Week for his performance. He recorded a career-tying 16 tackles, including seven solo stops.

Statistics

Statistic OSU MICH
Total Yards 330 310
Passing Yards 124 219
Rushing Yards 206 91
Penalties 2–6 7–59
Turnovers 1 3
Time of Possession 28:47 31:13
Statistic OSU MICH
Passing J. T. Barrett (124) Wilton Speight (219)
Rushing J. T. Barrett (125) De'Veon Smith (60)
Receiving Noah Brown (40) Amara Darboh (68)

CFP Playoff

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Clemson (Fiesta Bowl – CFP Semifinal)

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Fiesta Bowl (CFP Semifinal)
1 234Total
#3 Ohio State 0 000 0
#2 Clemson 10 777 31
  • Location:
    University of Phoenix Stadium
    Glendale, AZ
  • Game start: 7:00 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:23
  • Game attendance: 71,279
  • Game weather: Indoors (dome)
  • Referee: Land Clark
  • TV announcers (ESPN): – Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (color), Samantha Ponder & Tom Rinaldi (sideline)
Overall record Previous meeting Previous winner
0–3 January 3, 2014 Clemson, 40–35

Awards and honors

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Weekly Awards
Player Award Date Awarded Ref.
J. T. Barrett Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week September 5, 2016 [32]
Marshon Lattimore Walter Camp Defensive Player of the Week September 11, 2016 [33]
Noah Brown Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week September 19, 2016 [34]
Jerome Baker Big Ten Co-defensive Player of the Week September 19, 2016 [34]
Mike Weber Big Ten Freshman of the Week October 3, 2016 [35]
J. T. Barrett Big Ten Co-offensive Player of the Week October 17, 2016 [36]
Curtis Samuel Co-Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week November 7, 2016 [37]
Mike Weber Big Ten Freshman of the Week November 21, 2016 [38]
Raekwon McMillan Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week November 28, 2016 [39]
Individual Yearly Awards [40]
Player Award/Honors
J. T. Barrett Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year (Big Ten)
Chicago Tribune Silver Football Award Winner
Mike Weber Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year (Big Ten)
AP Big Ten Newcomer of the Year
Pat Elflein Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year (Big Ten)
Rimington Trophy Winner
Outland Trophy Finalist
Tyquan Lewis Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year (Big Ten)
Cameron Johnston Eddleman-Fields Punter of the Year (Big Ten)
Ray Guy Award Finalist
Joe Burger Big Ten Sportsmanship Award
Sam Hubbard Academic All-American (first team) [41]
Curtis Samuel Chicago Tribune Silver Football Finalist
All-Conference Honors [40]
Player Position Media Vote Coaches Vote AP [42]
J. T. Barrett QB 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team
Curtis Samuel WR 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team (WR)
2nd Team (A-P)
Pat Elflein C 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team
Billy Price G 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team
Tyquan Lewis DL 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team
Raekwon McMillan LB 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team
Malik Hooker DB 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team
Cameron Johnston P 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team
Marshon Lattimore DB 2nd Team 1st Team 2nd Team
Mike Weber RB 2nd Team 2nd Team 2nd Team
Jamarco Jones OT 2nd Team 2nd Team 2nd Team
Gareon Conley DB 2nd Team 3rd Team
Tyler Durbin K 3rd Team 3rd Team
Parris Campbell RS 3rd Team HM
Jerome Baker LB HM HM
Michael Hill DL HM HM
Jalyn Holmes DL HM HM
Sam Hubbard DL HM HM
Marcus Baugh TE HM HM
Damon Webb DB HM
Denzel Ward DB HM
Chris Worley LB HM
NCAA Recognized All-American Honors[43]
Player Position AFCA AP FWAA Sporting News WCFF Designation
Pat Elflein C 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team Unanimous
Malik Hooker S 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team Unanimous
Curtis Samuel ATH 1st Team 2nd Team 1st Team None
Billy Price G 1st Team 2nd Team - 2nd Team 2nd Team None
Raekwon McMillan LB 2nd Team 2nd Team 2nd Team 2nd Team None
Cameron Johnston P 2nd Team 2nd Team None

*The NCAA and Ohio State only recognize the AP, AFCA, FWAA, Sporting News and WCFF All-American teams to determine if a player is a Consensus or Unanimous All-American. To be named a Consensus All-American, a player must be named first team in three polls and to be Unanimous, they must be named first team in all five.

Other All-American Honors[43]
Player Position Athlon CBS Sports ESPN FOX Sports Phil Steele SI USA Today
Pat Elflein C 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team
Malik Hooker S 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team 1st Team
Raekwon McMillan LB 2nd Team 2nd Team 2nd Team 2nd Team 2nd Team
Billy Price G 3rd Team 3rd Team 2nd Team
Cameron Johnston P 3rd Team 3rd Team 2nd Team
Curtis Samuel HB 1st Team 2nd Team 2nd Team
Nick Bosa DE 1st Team (FR)
Mike Weber RB 1st Team (FR)

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