Ohio State star defender let out a few words he probably shouldn’t have after the Buckeyes beat Purdue
The Ohio State Buckeyes advanced to 9-0 on Saturday with a 34-10 win over Purdue. Although the Buckeyes fell well short of our predicted final margin, there were plenty of positives throughout a game where head coach Ryan Day’s squad asserted its will against an under-equipped opponent. It felt as though Ohio State was uninterested […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes advanced to 9-0 on Saturday with a 34-10 win over Purdue. Although the Buckeyes fell well short of our predicted final margin, there were plenty of positives throughout a game where head coach Ryan Day’s squad asserted its will against an under-equipped opponent. It felt as though Ohio State was uninterested in making a statement win on the road as it enters a weak lull in its schedule.
With Michigan looming at the end of the month, the Buckeyes are more concerned with staying healthy, spreading playing time while they can, and sharpening their craft before The Game. The fact that Ohio State can create 473 yards, control 40 minutes of the clock, and convert nine-of-13 third downs and never be concerned about the final is impressive.
But it also led to a dangerous statement post-game from star cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. Mathews told reporters something that will send Day’s head spinning as he tries to keep his locker room sharp against lower-tier threats.
Jermaine Mathews issues bold statement about Ohio State
In the wake of his interception off Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne and Ohio State surrendering only 94 passing yards on 13 completions and 186 yards total, Mathews’ confidence was at an all-time high. A known trash-talker who leads one of the most effective secondaries in recent college football history, it’s not surprising Mathews would call his shot. Here’s what he said about Ohio State’s standing in the country.
“I really think nobody in the country can hang with us, in my opinion. If we just go out there every Saturday and play our game, we don’t have much to worry about.”
Ohio State entered the matchup against Purdue, allowing only 6.9 points per game and 55 points total. Only two teams allowed fewer rushing yards this season, and this is the best passing defense in the nation. It helps that Ohio State has slowed the game down to the point that they’ve cut down their total offensive plays enough to shorten their season by one game.
Mathews is Ohio State’s fourth-highest-ranked defensive player in coverage by PFF this season. Including this week, he’s allowed only 14 receptions on 24 targets for 125 yards and one touchdown. Conversely, he’s broken up three targets and intercepted two passes.
Day has more to worry about than some trash talk, including the health of Carnell Tate and the ongoing right guard competition, but Mathews’ words could bring some consequence as the Buckeyes try to avoid a shocking upset. Then, the Buckeyes must leave any ego at the door as they look to beat Michigan to close out November.
Here’s a video of the interception Mathews snagged after Caleb Downs broke up the intended target.
