Northern Illinois Huskies: 12Ohio State Buckeyes: 35
The Ohio State Buckeyes proved they are ready for Texas next week by stomping on Northern Illinois. The game was played in Columbus on September 2nd, 2006 and kicked off at 3:30 PM EST.
The Buckeyes high octane offense scored on their first 4 drives with Ted Ginn, Jr catching 2 touchdown passes, Anthony Gonzalez catching one and third string running back Chris Wells scoring 1. Heisman hopeful Troy Smith was 18 for 25 for 299 yards passing and 3 touchdowns as the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes.
On the first series, wide receiver Ginn caught a 5 yard touchdown pass from Smith. In the first play of Ohio States second series, Ted Ginn, Jr. caught a 58 yard touchdown for his second of the day. The Buckeyes offense continued to dominate the rest of the day and scored on the first play of the third series when Anthony Gonzalez score on a 15 yard pass. Northern Illinois's defense did not stand a change.
The Ohio State defense lost a ton of players to the NFL with 3 players going in the first round alone. Before the game began, Jim Tressel's commented "Opening day is about finding out who you are and what you are all about." Coming into the game, the Buckeyes defense was returning 2 starters from last season. The new defensive players stepped up to the plate and had 1 interception and caused several Northern Illinois funbles.
Northern Illinois offensive had some chances throughout the day. Huskies running back Garrett Wolfe, a Warrick Dunn prototype, rushed for 160 yards and had 114 yards receiving. Dispite his efforts, Northern Illinois offense turned the ball over in critical scoring chances.
Heisman hopeful Ginn is proving to be the best college football wide receivers this season and ended the day with 5 receptions for 178 yards and 2 touchdowns. Antonio Pittman is another Heisman hopeful for the Buckeyes. Pittman ran for 111 yards and 1 touchdown.
Ohio State plays Texas in Austin next week on September 9th, 2006 in what will be a clash of two teams hoping to win the College Football National Championship Title.
Northern Illinois vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Highlights and Game Recap
1st Quarter: Northern Illinois 0 – Ohio State Buckeyes 21
Wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. caught a 5 yard touchdown reception from Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith capping off a 8 play drive that went 66 yards in 3 minutes 45 seconds. Ginn scored again in the next series on a 58 yard touchdown pass from Smith. In their third series, Smith threw a 15 yard touchdown pass to Anthony Gonzalez.
2nd Quarter: Northern Illinois 3 – Ohio State Buckeyes 28
Running back Chris Wells scored on a 8 yard touchdown run to end a 5 play, 43 yard drive. Huskies kicker Chris Nendick kicks a 35 yard field goal.
3rd Quarter: Northern Illinois 6 – Ohio State Buckeyes 28
Huskies kicker Chris Nendick nails a 37 yard field goal capping off the opening 8 play drive.
4th Quarter: Northern Illinois 12 – Ohio State Buckeyes 35
Buckeyes running back Antonio Pittman scored on a 1 yard touchdown run. Garrett Wolfe made a 4 yard touchdown reception for the Huskies.
