Ohio State 38, Indiana 15
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Ohio State defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau has not produced up to his skill set during a lot of his collegiate career. However, in this huge game against No. 5 Indiana, Tuiumoloau came through with a clutch performance to help shut down the Hoosier’s offense.
In the second quarter, Tuimoloau used speed to get past the left tackle, and he chased down Kurtis Rourke for a sack when he retreated backward. Tuimoloau followed that up getting upfield to get a tackle for a loss. Late in the third quarter, Tuimoloau got another sack when he was too fast to dart past a pulling guard and running back for a loss of seven yards.
Tuimoloau is strong at the point of attack and can hold his ground in the ground game. He has enough speed to get upfield with a burst to close when free. However, Tuimoloau has issues getting off blocks and needs more pass-rushing moves. He could be a power rusher as a defensive end in the NFL that also provides some quality run defense. Tuimoloau could be a day-two pick with upside but some boom/bust potential.
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Indiana defensive tackle C.J. West was phenomenal against Ohio State. In the first half, West was an animal making plays in the backfield. He helped make a fourth-and-goal stop for a loss to get the ball back for his offense. Shortly later, West burst into the backfield to get a tackle for a loss on a zone read run. On the very next play, West knocked the guard off balance and then fired down the pocket to get pressure on Will Howard to force an inaccurate throw. The ball was deflected and intercepted by the Hoosiers. In the third quarter, West plugged up a running lane as Ohio State tried to stretch the Hoosiers to the left side, but West got a push and started a gang tackle for no gain.
West is an impressive defender at the point of attack. He is a thick, strong, and quick tackle. West has a burst to close and fires off the ball. With a strong build, he has the strength to knock blockers back and shed blocks. This tape will really help his draft grade with NFL scouts.
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Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka came through with some clutch catches to help Ohio State open up a lead after Indiana took an early lead. In the second quarter, Egbuka ran a good route from the slot, swimming past a defender and then using speed to create separation, running into the middle of the end zone to get open for a 10-yard touchdown catch. After halftime, Egbuka ran another impressive route with a corner post to gain about 25 yards. Early in the fourth quarter, Egbuka got open on a crossing route for 26 yards. Egbuka had seven catches for 80 yards and a touchdown.
Egbuka is a polished receiver with quality size and quickness to be a No. 2 or 3 receiver in the NFL. While he is not overly fast or overly big, Egbuka could be a solid contributor to a pro offense. As a second-day pick, he could be a reasonably safe selection to not be a bust.
