2020 Ohio State Buckeyes football team

2020 Ohio State Buckeyes football
Big Ten champion Big Ten East Division champion Sugar Bowl champion
Big Ten Championship Game, W 22–10 vs. Northwestern
Sugar Bowl (CFP semifinal), W 49–28 vs. Clemson CFP National Championship, L 24–52 vs. Alabama
Conference	Big Ten Conference
Division	East Division
Ranking
Coaches	No. 2
AP	No. 2
Record	7–1 (5–0 Big Ten)
Head coach	Ryan Day (2nd season)
Offensive coordinator	Kevin Wilson (4th season)
Offensive scheme	West Coast spread
Defensive coordinator	Kerry Coombs (1st season)
Co-defensive coordinator	Greg Mattison (2nd season)
Base defense	4–3
Captain	Wyatt Davis Tuf Borland Shaun Wade Justin Hilliard Justin Fields Jonathon Cooper Josh Myers
Home stadium	Ohio Stadium
Seasons ←  2019 2021  →

2020 Big Ten Conference football standings

v t e	Conf							Overall
Team		W		L					W		L
East Division
No. 2 Ohio State xy$^		5	–	0					7	–	1
No. 12 Indiana		6	–	1					6	–	2
Penn State		4	–	5					4	–	5
Maryland		2	–	3					2	–	3
Rutgers		3	–	6					3	–	6
Michigan		2	–	4					2	–	4
Michigan State		2	–	5					2	–	5
West Division
No. 10 Northwestern xy		6	–	1					7	–	2
No. 16 Iowa		6	–	2					6	–	2
Wisconsin		3	–	3					4	–	3
Minnesota		3	–	4					3	–	4
Nebraska		3	–	5					3	–	5
Purdue		2	–	4					2	–	4
Illinois		2	–	6					2	–	6
Championship: Ohio State 22, Northwestern 10
^ – College Football Playoff participant $ – Conference champion x – Division champion/co-champions y – Championship game participant Note: Due to COVID-19, the Big Ten suspended the season on August 11, but later decided to begin play on October 24. In addition to the title game that was played on December 19, the conference seeded all remaining teams for "championship week" games. [1] Rankings from AP Poll.

The 2020 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented Ohio State University in the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season. They were led by second-year head coach Ryan Day, and played their home games at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. It was the Buckeyes' 131st season overall and 108th as a member of the Big Ten Conference.

The season was played amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Big Ten Conference initially cancelled the fall sports season, on August 11, 2020, ^[2] but reversed course on September 16, announcing an eight-game conference-only schedule. ^{[3] [4]} Ohio State's nonconference games against Bowling Green, Oregon, and Buffalo were cancelled. Precautions were taken to promote player, staff, and fan safety, including regular COVID-19 testing, isolation requirements, and mask wearing; games were largely played with no or few fans in attendance.

Ohio State began the season ranked second in the preseason AP Poll. In the regular season, the team secured victories against ranked opponents Penn State and Indiana, but had games canceled, due to COVID-19 outbreaks, against Maryland, Illinois and Michigan. Big Ten Conference rules established before the season specified that teams would need to complete at least six conference games in order to be eligible for the conference championship game. After Ohio State's game against Michigan was canceled, and Ohio State having only completed five games, the conference voted to change these rules and allow the undefeated Ohio State team to represent the East Division. The conference cited the fact that Ohio State would have won the division with either a win or loss against Michigan. ^[5] In the conference title game, Ohio State defeated West Division champion Northwestern, 22–10, winning their fourth consecutive Big Ten title. In the final College Football Playoff rankings of the season, Ohio State was ranked third, earning them a place in the national semi-final game to be played at the Sugar Bowl against second-seeded Clemson. In that game, a rematch of the previous season's semifinal, Ohio State won by a score of 49–28. The team advanced to the CFP National Championship against top-seeded Alabama, who had advanced by winning the Rose Bowl. The Buckeyes lost, 52–24.

The Buckeye offense was led by junior quarterback Justin Fields, who led the Big Ten Conference with 2,100 passing yards and 22 passing touchdowns, and was named the conference's Offensive Player of the Year. The team's leading rushers were Trey Sermon and Master Teague, the former setting a school record with 331 rushing yards in the Big Ten Championship Game. Wide receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson were each named first-team all-conference. Offensive lineman Wyatt Davis was a consensus All-American and the conference's Offensive Lineman of the Year. On defense, the team featured consensus All-American cornerback Shaun Wade, who was the conference's Defensive Back of the Year. Linebacker Pete Werner was also named first-team all-conference and led the team in tackles.

Schedule

Ohio State had games scheduled against Bowling Green, Oregon, and Buffalo, but canceled these games on July 9 due to the Big Ten Conference's decision to play a conference-only schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ^[6] The Big Ten successfully voted to postpone all fall sports, including football, on August 11, ^[7] but announced on September 16 that the decision had been reversed, and that the football season would begin on October 23. ^[8]

In Big Ten Conference play, Ohio State will play all members of the East Division and the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Illinois Fighting Illini from the West Division. On November 11, Maryland announced the game scheduled for November 14 was canceled due after team-related activities were paused because of an elevated number of coronavirus cases within the Terrapins' program. ^[9]

On November 27, it was announced that head coach Ryan Day contracted COVID-19 and was in self isolation. Larry Johnson was named interim head coach for the Illinois game to be played on November 28. On the evening of November 27, the Ohio State - Illinois game was officially canceled as the OSU athletic department paused all team-related football activities amid further positive tests for COVID-19 were discovered. ^[10]

On December 8, Michigan announced the game scheduled for December 12 was canceled and all team-related activities were paused because of an elevated number of coronavirus cases within the Wolverines' program. ^[11] Due to the cancellation, Ohio State would have not reached the 6 game minimum for the Big Ten Championship Game, but the conference lowered the minimum requirement to 5 games, allowing the team to face the Northwestern Wildcats in the championship game.

On December 19, Ohio State beat the Northwestern Wildcats in the Big Ten Championship game 22–10. The following day, the Buckeyes were selected as the No. 3 seed by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee, resulting in a spot in the Sugar Bowl against the No. 2 Clemson Tigers.

On January 1, 2021, the Ohio State defeated the Clemson Tigers in the Sugar Bowl 49–28, advancing them to the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide.

Date	Time	Opponent	Rank	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
October 24	12:00 p.m.	Nebraska	No. 5	Ohio Stadium Columbus, OH	FOX	W 52–17	1,344
October 31	7:30 p.m.	at No. 18 Penn State	No. 3	Beaver Stadium State College, PA ( College GameDay )	ABC	W 38–25	1,500
November 7	7:30 p.m.	Rutgers	No. 3	Ohio Stadium Columbus, OH	BTN	W 49–27	1,275
November 14	3:30 p.m	at Maryland	No. 3	Maryland Stadium College Park, MD	BTN	No contest [9]
November 21	12:00 p.m.	No. 9 Indiana	No. 3	Ohio Stadium Columbus, OH ( Big Noon Kickoff )	FOX	W 42–35	635
November 28	12:00 p.m.	at Illinois	No. 4	Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL (Illibuck Trophy)	FS1	No contest [10]
December 5	12:00 p.m.	at Michigan State	No. 4	Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI	ABC	W 52–12	0
December 12	12:00 p.m.	Michigan	No. 4	Ohio Stadium Columbus, OH (rivalry)	FOX	No contest [11]
December 19	12:00 p.m.	vs. No. 14 Northwestern	No. 4	Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis, IN (Big Ten Championship Game, Big Noon Kickoff)	FOX	W 22–10	3,178
January 1, 2021	8:00 p.m.	vs. No. 2 Clemson *	No. 3	Mercedes-Benz Superdome New Orleans, LA (Sugar Bowl—CFP Semifinal , College GameDay)	ESPN	W 49–28	3,000
January 11, 2021	8:00 p.m.	vs. No. 1 Alabama *	No. 3	Hard Rock Stadium Miami Gardens, FL (CFP National Championship, College GameDay)	ESPN	L 24–52	14,926
*Non-conference game Rankings from AP Poll and CFP Rankings (after November 24) released prior to game All times are in Eastern time

^[12]

Rankings

Further information: 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings

Ranking movements
Legend:██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked ( ) = First-place votes

	Week
Poll	Pre	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	Final
AP	2 (21)	2*	—*	—*	6 (4)	6 (2)	6	5	3	3	3 (1)	3	3	3	3	3	3	2
Coaches	2 (17)	2*	—*	10 (2)	6 (2)	6 (2)	5 (2)	5 (2)	3 (2)	3 (2)	3 (3)	3 (1)	3 (1)	4 (1)	4 (1)	4	3	2
CFP	Not released												4	4	4	4	3	Not released

(*) Big Ten Conference members were not eligible for the Week 2 of the AP and Coaches Polls and Week 3 of the AP due to not having a scheduled season at the time.

Roster

2020 Ohio State Buckeyes football team roster
Players			Coaches
Offense Pos. # Name Class QB 1 Justin Fields  (C) Jr WR 2 Chris Olave Jr RB 3 Demario McCall Sr WR 4 Julian Fleming Fr WR 5 Garrett Wilson So WR 6 Jameson Williams So WR 7 Kamryn Babb  So RB 8 Trey Sermon GS QB 9 Jack Miller III Fr WR 10 Mookie Cooper Fr WR 11 Jaxon Smith-Njigba Fr QB 12 Gunnar Hoak GS WR 13 Gee Scott Jr. Fr QB 14 C. J. Stroud Fr WR 15 Jaylen Harris Sr TE 16 Cade Stover  Fr QB 17 Danny Vanatsky Jr QB 18 J.P. Andrade So QB 19 Jagger LaRoe So RB 22 Steele Chambers  Fr RB 24 Marcus Crowley So RB 25 Xavier Johnson So RB 28 Miyan Williams Fr RB 33 Master Teague So WR 38 Marvin Davies Fr RB 43 Robert Cope Jr TE 49 Patrick Gurd Fr C 50 Nathan Brock Sr OL 52 Wyatt Davis  (C)  Jr OL 53 Luke Wypler Fr OL 55 Matthew Jones So OL 59 Zach Stevenson So OL 60 Ryan Smith So OL 61 Gabin Cupp GS OL 62 Chris Kuhn Jr OL 64 Jack Jamieson Jr OL 66 Enokk Vimahi  Fr OL 67 Jakob James Fr OL 68 Ryan Jacoby  Fr OL 69 Trey LeRoux Fr OL 70 Josh Fryar Fr OL 71 Josh Myers  (C) Jr OL 73 Grant Toutant Fr OL 74 Max Wray So OL 75 Thayer Munford Sr OL 76 Harry Miller So OL 77 Paris Johnson Jr. Fr OT 78 Nicholas Petit-Frere  So OL 79 Dawand Jones So TE 80 Corey Rau Sr TE 81 Jake Hausmann Sr WR 82 Sam Wiglusz Jr TE 84 Joe Royer Fr WR 85 Austin Kutscher Jr WR 86 Chris Booker Sr WR 87 Ellijah Gardiner Jr TE 88 Jeremy Ruckert Jr TE 89 Luke Farrell Sr	Defense Pos. # Name Class DE 0 Jonathon Cooper  (C)  GS S 2 Kourt Williams Fr LB 3 Teradja Mitchell Jr CB 4 LeJond Cavazos Fr LB 5 Baron Browning Sr DT 6 Taron Vincent So CB 7 Sevyn Banks Jr DE 8 Javontae Jean-Baptiste  So DE 9 Zach Harrison So S 10 Cameron Martinez Fr DE 11 Tyreke Smith Jr S 12 Lathan Ransom Fr CB 13 Tyreke Johnson  So S 14 Ronnie Hickman So CB 16 Ryan Watts Fr S 17 Bryson Shaw  Fr LB 19 Dallas Gant Jr LB 20 Pete Werner Sr CB 21 Marcus Williamson Sr S 23 Marcus Hooker  So CB 24 Shaun Wade  (C)  Jr LB 25 Craig Young So CB 26 Cameron Brown Jr CB 29 Darryl Sinclair Sr S 30 Kevin Dever Jr LB 32 Tuf Borland  (C) GS S 34 Alec Taylor Jr LB 35 Tommy Eichenberg  Fr LB 36 K'Vaughn Pope Jr LB 37 Mitchell Melton Fr S 38 Cameron Kittle Fr LB 39 Cody Simon Fr S 41 Josh Proctor Jr CB 42 Lloyd McFarquhar Jr S 43 Ryan Batsch  Jr LB 44 Ben Schmiesing Jr LB 46 Cade Kacherski Jr LB 47 Justin Hilliard  (C) GS LB 51 Trayvon Wilburn Jr DT 52 Antwuan Jackson GS DE 54 Tyler Friday Jr DT 55 Jerron Cage Jr DL 56 Aaron Cox Sr DT 57 Zaid Hamdan Jr DL 58 Ty Hamilton Fr DL 59 Darrion Henry-Young Fr DT 72 Tommy Togiai Jr DL 83 Cormontae Hamilton  Fr DT 90 Jaden McKenzie  Fr DT 92 Haskell Garrett Sr DL 93 Jacolbe Cowan Fr DE 97 Noah Potter Fr	Special teams Pos. # Name Class K 28 Dominic Dimaccio Jr P 29 Zach Hoover Sr LS 42 Bradley Robinson Sr P 91 Drue Chrisman GS LS 94 Roen McCullough Jr K 95 Blake Haubeil Sr P 96 Michael O'Shaughnessy So K 98 Jake Seibert Fr	Head coach Ryan Day Coordinators/assistant coaches Larry Johnson (associate head coach / defensive line) Greg Mattison (co-defensive coordinator) Kerry Coombs (co-defensive coordinator / secondary) Kevin Wilson (offensive coordinator / tight ends) Al Washington (linebackers) Tony Alford (assistant head coach for offense / running backs) Brian Hartline (wide receivers) Greg Studrawa (offensive line) Matt Barnes (special teams coordinator / safeties) Corey Dennis (quarterbacks) Billy Fessler (graduate assistant – offense) Kennedy Cook (graduate assistant – offense) Joe Bolden (graduate assistant – defense) Grayson Miller (graduate assistant – defense) Keenan Bailey (quality control coach – offense) Parker Fleming (quality control coach – special teams) Drew Christ (quality control coach – defense) Mickey Marotti (assistant athletic director / director of football) Gene Smith (vice-president / athletic director) Legend (C) Team captain (S) Suspended (I) Ineligible Injured Redshirt Roster

Game summaries

Nebraska

Ohio State vs. Nebraska

1 2 3 4 Total Nebraska 7 7 3 0 17 •No. 5 Ohio State 14 10 14 14 52 Date:October 24, 2020 Location: Ohio Stadium Columbus, OH Game start: 12:02 p.m. EDT Elapsed time: 3:19 Game attendance: 1,344 Game weather: 46 °F (8 °C); Overcast; Wind N @ 8 mph Referee: Reggie Smith TV announcers (Fox): Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, Jenny Taft

See also: 2020 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team

The No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 52–17, in what was both programs' season debut. Both programs were reportedly behind the movement to reinstate Big Ten Football in the Fall. ^[13] The game was featured on Fox College Football's Big Noon Kickoff, with the hosts on location. The Ohio State Buckeyes were 27.5-point favorites. ^[14]

Statistics	Nebraska	Ohio State
First downs	17	28
Plays–yards	56–377	69–498
Rushes–yards	36–217	48–222
Passing yards	160	276
Passing: comp–att–int	16–20–0	20–21–0
Time of possession	26:46	33:14

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Nebraska	Passing	Adrian Martinez	12–15, 105 yards
	Rushing	Luke McCaffrey	19 carries, 87 yards
	Receiving	Wan'Dale Robinson	6 receptions, 49 yards
Ohio State	Passing	Justin Fields	20–21, 276 yds, 2 TD
	Rushing	Trey Sermon	11 carries, 55 yards
	Receiving	Garrett Wilson	7 receptions, 129 yards, 1 TD

Scoring summary

Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP Nebraska Ohio State 1 13:09 4 76 1:51 Nebraska Martinez 10-yard touchdown run, Culp kick good 7 0 1 8:04 11 75 5:05 Ohio State Teague 1-yard touchdown run, Haubeil kick good 7 7 1 4:02 6 76 2:18 Ohio State Wilson 42-yard touchdown reception from Fields, Haubeil kick good 7 14 2 8:24 11 78 5:17 Nebraska Mills 3-yard touchdown run, Culp kick good 14 14 2 3:12 11 71 5:07 Ohio State 34-yard field goal by Haubeil 14 17 2 1:10 6 46 1:15 Ohio State Teague 6-yard touchdown run, Haubeil kick good 14 24 3 11:24 8 75 3:36 Ohio State Fields 17-yard touchdown run, Haubeil kick good 14 31 3 8:02 0 0 0:00 Ohio State Fumble recovery returned 55 yards for touchdown by Banks, Haubeil kick good 14 38 3 3:56 9 72 4:00 Nebraska 22-yard field goal by Culp 17 38 4 9:58 7 42 3:18 Ohio State Smith-Njigba 5-yard touchdown reception from Fields, Haubeil kick good 17 45 4 0:18 6 40 2:35 Ohio State Miller III 2-yard touchdown run, Haubeil kick good 17 52 "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 17 52

At No. 18 Penn State

No. 3 Ohio State at No. 18 Penn State

1 2 3 4 Total •No. 3 Ohio State 14 7 10 7 38 No. 18 Penn State 3 3 7 12 25 Date:October 31, 2020 Location: Beaver Stadium University Park, PA Game start: 7:44 p.m. EDT Elapsed time: 3:44 Game attendance: 1,500 Game weather: 40 °F (4 °C); Mostly Clear; Wind NNE@ 10 mph. Referee: Jerry McGinn TV announcers (ABC): Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Maria Taylor

See also: 2020 Penn State Nittany Lions football team and Ohio State–Penn State football rivalry

The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. 18 Penn State Nittany Lions 38–25 in their annual rivalry game. It was the first time since 2009, that Penn State hosted Ohio State without the White Out due to crowd restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic. The game was featured on ESPN Saturday Night Football on ABC and hosted the College GameDay. The Ohio State Buckeyes were 10.5 point favorites.

Justin Fields was named co–Offensive Player of the Week for the Big Ten for completing 28 of 34 passing attempts for 318 yards and four touchdowns. Defensive tackle Tommy Togiai was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his performance which included seven tackles and three sacks.

Statistics	Ohio State	Penn State
First downs	24	20
Plays–yards	79–526	57–325
Rushes–yards	208	44
Passing yards	318	281
Passing: comp–att–int	28–34–0	18–30–1
Time of possession	37:01	22:59

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Ohio State	Passing	Justin Fields	28–34, 318 yards, 4 TD
	Rushing	Master Teague	23 carries, 110 yards, 1 TD
	Receiving	Chris Olave	7 receptions, 120 yards, 2 TD
Penn State	Passing	Sean Clifford	18–30, 281 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
	Rushing	Devyn Ford	8 carries, 36 yards
	Receiving	Jahan Dotson	8 receptions, 144 yds, 3 TD

Scoring summary

Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP Ohio State Penn State 1 13:43 3 75 1:17 Ohio State Teague 4-yard touchdown run, Haubeil kick good 7 0 1 8:39 5 45 2:42 Ohio State Olave 26-yard touchdown reception from Fields, Haubeil kick good 14 0 1 2:57 11 61 5:42 Penn State 31-yard field goal by Pinegar 14 3 2 2:23 15 89 6:06 Ohio State Ruckert 26-yard touchdown reception from Fields, DiMaccio kick good 21 3 2 0:00 1 0 0:01 Penn State 50-yard field goal by Stout 21 6 3 11:14 8 75 3:46 Penn State Dotson 14-yard touchdown reception from Clifford, Pinegar kick good 21 13 3 8:41 8 75 2:33 Ohio State Olave 49-yard touchdown reception from Fields, DiMaccio kick good 28 13 3 1:02 12 65 6:02 Ohio State 22-yard field goal by DiMaccio 31 13 4 14:30 5 75 1:32 Penn State Dotson 21-yard touchdown reception from Clifford, 2-point run failed 31 19 4 9:14 12 75 5:16 Ohio State Ruckert 1-yard touchdown reception from Fields, DiMaccio kick good 38 19 4 6:27 7 75 2:47 Penn State Dotson 20-yard touchdown reception from Clifford, 2-point pass failed 38 25 "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 38 25

Rutgers

No. 3 Ohio State vs. Rutgers

1 2 3 4 Total Rutgers 3 0 6 18 27 •No. 3 Ohio State 7 28 7 7 49 Date:November 7, 2020 Location: Ohio Stadium Columbus, OH Game start: 7:30 p.m. EST Game attendance: 1,275 TV announcers (BTN): Brandon Gaudin, James Laurinaitis, Rick Pizzo

See also: 2020 Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team

The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 49–27. The game was featured on BTN. The Ohio State Buckeyes were 37.5 point favorites.

Statistics	Rutgers	Ohio State
First downs	22	25
Plays–yards	81–373	65–517
Rushes–yards	141	203
Passing yards	232	314
Passing: comp–att–int	34–49–0	24–28–0
Time of possession	28:51	31:09

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Rutgers	Passing	Noah Vedral	22–33, 168 yards
	Rushing	Isiah Pacheco	7 carries, 68 yards
	Receiving	Bo Melton	7 receptions, 86 yards
Ohio State	Passing	Justin Fields	24–28, 314 yards, 5 TD
	Rushing	Trey Sermon	12 carries, 68 yards
	Receiving	Garrett Wilson	6 receptions, 104 yards, 1 TD

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP Rutgers Ohio State {{{Quarter}}} {{{Team}}} {{{Visitor}}} {{{Home}}} "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 27 49

At Maryland (Cancelled)

No. 3 Ohio State at Maryland (Cancelled)

1 2 3 4 Total No. 3 Ohio State 0 0 0 0 0 Maryland 0 0 0 0 0 Date:November 14, 2020 Location: Maryland Stadium College Park, MD Game start:3:30 p.m. EST Television network: BTN

See also: 2020 Maryland Terrapins football team

The Ohio State at Maryland game was canceled due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the Maryland football program. The game was not rescheduled; instead, both teams had a bye. ^[9]

Statistics	Ohio State	Maryland
First downs	–	–
Plays–yards	–	–
Rushes–yards	–	–
Passing yards	–	–
Passing: comp–att–int	–	–
Time of possession	–	–

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Ohio State	Passing	–	–
	Rushing	–	–
	Receiving	–	–
Maryland	Passing	–	–
	Rushing	–	–
	Receiving	–	–

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP Ohio State Maryland {{{Quarter}}} {{{Team}}} {{{Visitor}}} {{{Home}}} "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.

No. 9 Indiana

No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Indiana

1 2 3 4 Total No. 9 Indiana 0 7 14 14 35 •No. 3 Ohio State 7 21 14 0 42 Date:November 21, 2020 Location: Ohio Stadium Columbus, OH Game start: 12:06 p.m. EST Elapsed time: 3:45 Game attendance: 635 Game weather: 46 °F (8 °C) ;Cloudy, light rain: Winds NNW 11 mph; TV announcers (Fox): Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, Jenny Taft

See also: 2020 Indiana Hoosiers football team

The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. 9 Indiana Hoosiers 42–35. The game was featured on Fox College Football's Big Noon Kickoff. The Ohio State Buckeyes were 21 point favorites.

Statistics	Indiana	Ohio State
First downs	19	27
Plays–yards	–490	–607
Rushes–yards	16–1	50–307
Passing yards	491	300
Passing: comp–att–int	27–51–1	18–30–3
Time of possession	22:36	36:24

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Indiana	Passing	Michael Penix Jr.	27/51, 491 yards, 5 TD, INT
	Rushing	Sampson James	3 carries, 10 yards
	Receiving	Ty Fryfogle	7 receptions, 218 yards, 3 TD
Ohio State	Passing	Justin Fields	18/30, 300 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
	Rushing	Master Teague	26 carries, 169 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Garrett Wilson	7 receptions, 169 yards, 2 TD

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP Indiana Ohio State {{{Quarter}}} {{{Team}}} {{{Visitor}}} {{{Home}}} "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.

At Illinois (Cancelled)

No. 4 Ohio State at Illinois (Cancelled)

1 2 3 4 Total No. 4 Ohio State 0 0 0 0 0 Illinois 0 0 0 0 0 Date:November 28, 2020 Location: Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL Game start:12:00 p.m. EST Television network: FS1

See also: 2020 Illinois Fighting Illini football team and Illinois–Ohio State football rivalry

The No. 4 Ohio State at Illinois game was canceled due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the Ohio State football program. The game was be rescheduled; instead, both teams had a bye. ^[10]

Statistics	Ohio State	Illinois
First downs	–	–
Plays–yards	–	–
Rushes–yards	–	–
Passing yards	–	–
Passing: comp–att–int	–	–
Time of possession	–	–

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Ohio State	Passing	–	–
	Rushing	–	–
	Receiving	–	–
Illinois	Passing	–	–
	Rushing	–	–
	Receiving	–	–

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP Ohio State Illinois {{{Quarter}}} {{{Team}}} {{{Visitor}}} {{{Home}}} "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.

At Michigan State

No. 4 Ohio State at Michigan State

1 2 3 4 Total •No. 4 Ohio State 14 14 10 14 52 Michigan State 0 0 7 5 12 Date:December 5, 2020 Location: Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI Game start: 12:06 p.m. EST Elapsed time: 3:39 TV announcers (ABC): Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Maria Taylor

See also: 2020 Michigan State Spartans football team

The No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Michigan State Spartans 52–12. The game was featured on ESPN College Football on ABC. The Ohio State Buckeyes were 24 point favorites. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day did not coach due to COVID-19 protocols after a positive COVID-19 test. Instead, associate head coach Larry Johnson was acting head coach, serving as the first black head coach in Buckeye football history.

Statistics	Ohio State	Michigan State
First downs
Plays–yards
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passing: comp–att–int
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Ohio State	Passing		199
	Rushing		322
	Receiving
Michigan State	Passing		180
	Rushing		81
	Receiving

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP Ohio State Michigan State {{{Quarter}}} {{{Team}}} {{{Visitor}}} {{{Home}}} "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.

Michigan (Cancelled)

No. 4 Ohio State vs. Michigan (Cancelled)

1 2 3 4 Total Michigan 0 0 0 0 0 No. 4 Ohio State 0 0 0 0 0 Date:December 12, 2020 Location: Ohio Stadium Columbus, OH Game start:12:00 p.m. EST Television network: Fox

See also: 2020 Michigan Wolverines football team and Michigan–Ohio State football rivalry

The Michigan at No. 4 Ohio State game was canceled due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the Michigan football program. The game was not rescheduled. ^[11]

Statistics	Michigan	Ohio State
First downs
Plays–yards
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passing: comp–att–int
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Michigan	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Ohio State	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP Michigan Ohio State {{{Quarter}}} {{{Team}}} {{{Visitor}}} {{{Home}}} "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.

Vs. No. 14 Northwestern

No. 4 Ohio State vs. No. 14 Northwestern
(Big Ten Championship)

1 2 3 4 Total No. 14 Northwestern 7 3 0 0 10 •No. 4 Ohio State 3 3 7 9 22 Date:December 19, 2020 Location: Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis, IN Game start: 12:18 p.m. EST Elapsed time: 3:45 Game attendance: 3,178 Game weather: n/a (game played indoors) Referee: Mark Kluczynski TV announcers (Fox): Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, Jenny Taft

See also: 2020 Big Ten Football Championship Game and 2020 Northwestern Wildcats football team

The No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. 14 Northwestern Wildcats 22–10 in the Big Ten Championship Game. The Ohio State Buckeyes were 16.5 point favorites.

Statistics	Northwestern	Ohio State
First downs	19	24
Plays–yards	71–329	71–513
Rushes–yards	34–105	44–399
Passing yards	224	114
Passing: comp–att–int	24–37–2	12–27–2
Time of possession	28:40	31:20

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Northwestern	Passing	Peyton Ramsey	24/37, 224 yards, 2 INT
	Rushing	Cam Porter	16 carries, 61 yards, 1 TD
	Receiving	Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman	8 receptions, 103 yards
Ohio State	Passing	Justin Fields	12/27, 114 yards, 2 INT
	Rushing	Trey Sermon	29 carries, 331 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Julian Fleming	4 receptions, 53 yards

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP Northwestern Ohio State {{{Quarter}}} {{{Team}}} {{{Visitor}}} {{{Home}}} "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.

Vs. No. 2 Clemson

No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 2 Clemson
(Sugar Bowl–CFP semifinal)

1 2 3 4 Total •No. 3 Ohio State 14 21 7 7 49 No. 2 Clemson 14 0 7 7 28 Date:January 1, 2021 Location: Mercedes-Benz Superdome New Orleans, LA Game start: 8:16 p.m. EST Elapsed time: 3:50 Game attendance: 3,000 Game weather: n/a (game played indoors) Referee: David Alvarez (Big 12) [15] TV announcers (ESPN): Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Maria Taylor

See also: 2021 Sugar Bowl and 2020 Clemson Tigers football team

The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. 2 Clemson Tigers 49–28 in the Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Ohio State Buckeyes were 7 point underdogs to the Clemson Tigers.

Statistics	Ohio State	Clemson
First downs	26	23
Plays–yards	72–639	70–444
Rushes–yards	44–254	22–44
Passing yards	385	400
Passing: comp–att–int	22–28–1	33–48–1
Time of possession	34:05	25:55

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Ohio State	Passing	Justin Fields	22/28, 385 yards, 6 TD, 1 INT
	Rushing	Trey Sermon	31 carries, 193 yards, 1 TD
	Receiving	Chris Olave	6 receptions, 132 yards, 2 TD
Clemson	Passing	Trevor Lawrence	33/48, 400 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
	Rushing	Travis Etienne	10 carries, 32 yards, 1 TD
	Receiving	Cornell Powell	8 receptions, 139 yards, 2 TD

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP Ohio State Clemson {{{Quarter}}} {{{Team}}} {{{Visitor}}} {{{Home}}} "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.

Vs. No. 1 Alabama

No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 1 Alabama
(CFP National Championship)

1 2 3 4 Total No. 3 Ohio State 7 10 7 0 24 •No. 1 Alabama 7 28 10 7 52 Date:January 11, 2021 Location: Hard Rock Stadium Miami Gardens, FL Game start: 8:00 p.m. EST Game attendance: 14,926 Game weather: n/a (game played indoors) Referee: Brandon Cruse (Big 12) [16] TV announcers: Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Maria Taylor, Allison Williams

See also: 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship and 2020 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes lost to the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Ohio State entered the game as 8.5 point underdogs. ^[17]

Statistics	Ohio State	Alabama
First downs	19	33
Plays–yards	62-341	83-621
Rushes–yards	29-147	38-157
Passing yards	194	464
Passing: comp–att–int	17-33-0	36-45-0
Time of possession	22:34	37:26

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Ohio State	Passing	Justin Fields	17/33, 194 yards, 1 TD
	Rushing	Justin Fields	6 carries, 67 yards
	Receiving	Chris Olave	8 receptions, 69 yards
Alabama	Passing	Mac Jones	36/45, 464 yards, 5 TD
	Rushing	Najee Harris	22 carries, 79 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	DeVonta Smith	12 receptions, 215 yards, 3 TD

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP Ohio State Alabama {{{Quarter}}} {{{Team}}} {{{Visitor}}} {{{Home}}} "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.

Awards and honors

Weekly Awards

Player	Award	Date Awarded	Ref.
Justin Fields	Big Ten co–Offensive Player of the Week	November 2, 2020	[18]
Tommy Togiai	Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week	November 2, 2020	[18]

Players drafted into the NFL

See also: 2021 NFL Draft

Round	Pick	Player	Position	NFL Club
1	11	Justin Fields	QB	Chicago Bears
2	60	Pete Werner	LB	New Orleans Saints
2	62	Josh Myers	C	Green Bay Packers
3	86	Wyatt Davis	G	Minnesota Vikings
3	88	Trey Sermon	RB	San Francisco 49ers
3	105	Baron Browning	LB	Denver Broncos
4	132	Tommy Togiai	DT	Cleveland Browns
5	145	Luke Farrell	TE	Jacksonville Jaguars
5	160	Shaun Wade	DB	Baltimore Ravens
7	239	Jonathon Cooper	DE	Denver Broncos

References

1. Stevens, Matthew. "Big Ten To Play A "Championship Weekend" 9th Game Of 2020 Season". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
2. "Big Ten Statement on 2020-21 Fall Season". bigten.org. August 11, 2020. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
3. "Big Ten football to resume weekend of Oct. 24". ESPN.com. September 16, 2020. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
4. "The Big Ten Conference Adopts Stringent Medical Protocols; Football Season to Resume October 23-24, 2020". bigten.org. September 16, 2020. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
5. Kaufman, Joey; Rabinowitz, Bill (December 9, 2020). "Big Ten amends rule allowing Ohio State to play in conference title game". USA Today.
6. Myerberg, Paul. "Big Ten football reduces season schedule to only conference games, maybe setting stage for others to follow". USA TODAY. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
7. Michigan–Ohio State football rivalry
8. Blinder, Alan (September 16, 2020). "Big Ten Will Play Football in 2020, Reversing Decision". The New York Times.
9. Dinich, Heather (November 11, 2020). "Maryland vs. No. 3 Ohio State off due to coronavirus". ESPN . Retrieved November 11, 2020.
10. Rabinowitz, Bill (November 27, 2020). "Ohio State vs. Illinois football game canceled amid more positive COVID-19 tests". USA Today . Retrieved December 10, 2020.
11. VanHaaren, Tom (December 8, 2020). "Michigan-Ohio State football game called off due to COVID-19 cases with Wolverines". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
12. "Football Schedule". Ohio State Buckeyes . January 20, 2020. Retrieved January 20, 2020.
13. "Report: Ohio State and Nebraska football communicating behind scenes on Big Ten postponement". Buckeyes Wire. September 4, 2020. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
14. "Nebraska vs Ohio State". ESPN. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
15. Austro, Ben (December 23, 2020). "2020-21 bowl officiating assignments". footballzebras.com. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
16. Austro, Ben (December 23, 2020). "2020-21 bowl officiating assignments". footballzebras.com. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
17. "Alabama vs. Ohio State Updated Odds". oddsshark.com. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
18. "Justin Fields Tommy Togiai earn Big Ten Player of the Week Honors". Eleven Warriors. November 2, 2020. Retrieved November 2, 2020.