Ohio State hasn’t pulled off many blowout victories this season outside of early season matchups against three overmatched opponents: Tulane, Oregon State and Rutgers.
The Buckeyes needed overtime to beat Maryland and had a five-point win versus Nebraska. Even multi-touchdown wins against Indiana, Minnesota and Michigan State remained tight for much of the game.
Many factors contributed to the unusually large amount of close games. An offense led by a classic pocket-passing quarterback took a while to mesh. Urban Meyer missed fall camp and the first three games of the season while on suspension. The defense, filled with first-year starters, has struggled to maximize its talent.