WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Down three running backs, Dallan Hayden stepped into the role and provided a big boost to the Ohio State offense, as the No. 3 Buckeyes ripped the Purdue Boilermakers 41-7 on Saturday.
For most of the season, Ohio State has struggled to get their ground game going. And to make matters worse heading into Saturday's game, TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams were both out with injuries.
Then in the first quarter, Chip Trayanum left the game after taking a big hit and stumbling as he walked across the field.
So Hayden, who had spent five games preparing for an opportunity that never came, finally got his chance and wound up finishing the day with 76 rushing yards and a score in his season debut.
“It's like the coaches always say, competitive spirit, you know. When your number is called, you’ve got make a play,” Hayden said. “ I think we have the best running back room in the country, so I feel like when one goes down, it's just next man up.”
The Buckeyes did also utilize receiver Xavier Johnson and backup quarterback Devin Brown to split carries with Hayden.
Quarterback Kyle McCord and the offense still managed to get off to a fast start, as he and the offense scored touchdowns on three of their first four possessions to take a 20-0 halftime lead.
The Buckeyes (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) continued to keep their foot on the accelerator, as they started the second half with two score touchdowns to jump out to a 34-0 lead.
It was a dismal performance for the Boilermakers (2-5, 1-3), who were held to just 257 yards of total offense, with 80 of those yards coming on their lone touchdown drive in the fourth quarter, when the Buckeyes had the game well in hand.
Purdue couldn't stop McCord, Hayden, receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. or tight end Cade Stover. Harrison caught six balls for 105 yards and had the first score of the game while Stover had four catches for 53 yards and two TDs, one in each half.
McCord finished the afternoon 16 of 28 with 276 yards, matching his single-game career high for TD throws.
Purdue quarterback Hudson Card was 13 of 32 with 126 yards and one touchdown. Devin Mockobee got over the century mark, carrying it 18 times for 110 yards for the Boilermakers.
Despite it being a blowout win, it was a big win for the Buckeyes, as it was their first victory at Purdue in a decade.
The Buckeyes can now turn their focus to next week as they face No. 6 Penn State in Columbus on Saturday.
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