The Ohio State Buckeyes entered Week 2 of the college football season with the weight of expectations that comes with being ranked the No. 1 team in the nation, and they showed absolutely no signs of being overwhelmed by the pressure. Hosting Grambling State at Ohio Stadium, the Buckeyes turned in the kind of dominant performance that programs of their caliber are expected to produce against an FCS opponent, rolling to a 70-0 victory that never left room for suspense. While the final score tells the story of an overwhelming mismatch in talent, speed, and depth, the real takeaway from the game was how efficiently Ohio State executed in all three phases, treating the game less like a walkover and more like a showcase of precision, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence. For fans and analysts alike, grading out this performance was an exercise in balancing the reality that Grambling State could not truly measure the Buckeyes’ national title readiness, while still acknowledging that Ohio State did everything within its control to validate its top ranking.
Offensively, the Buckeyes delivered a clinic in how to dismantle an overmatched opponent. The quarterback play stood out most prominently, with the starter displaying complete command of the offense. Accuracy, poise in the pocket, and the ability to stretch the field vertically were all on display as Ohio State opened the floodgates early and never looked back. Every possession seemed engineered with ruthless efficiency. By halftime, the Buckeyes had already put up a scoreline that resembled a full game, and the tempo never dipped. The offensive line deserves immense credit, as the pass protection was nearly flawless and the run blocking created gaping holes for the backs to exploit. For a unit that had been under the microscope coming into the season due to questions about depth and chemistry, this performance earned top marks. Grambling’s defensive front was simply no match, but what made the performance so impressive was that the Buckeyes never took plays off. Even in the second half, when reserves rotated in, the execution stayed sharp.
The running backs were equally sensational, with multiple players getting opportunities to contribute. The starter’s ability to plant and explode through running lanes showcased elite athleticism, and the balance between power and finesse was evident with every carry. Behind him, the depth at the position was once again a strength, as backups turned in highlight runs that could have been the feature of any game. Perhaps the most impressive element was the consistency — there were no wasted runs, no fumbles, and very few plays that failed to gain positive yardage. This kind of discipline in the ground game is what coaches emphasize when preparing for tougher opponents later in the season.
The wide receivers lived up to their billing as one of the best units in the country. From crisp route running to acrobatic catches, the group put on a show. Each receiver seemed determined to prove that they were capable of being the go-to target, and in truth, the depth chart is so stacked that any of them could be the focal point in a given week. The explosiveness after the catch added another layer to the offensive onslaught, turning routine completions into big plays. Grambling State’s defensive backs were overwhelmed, unable to match the combination of size, speed, and skill that Ohio State receivers brought to the field.
Defensively, the Buckeyes were suffocating. Grambling State could not establish any rhythm offensively, and the box score reflected just how dominant Ohio State’s defense was. The defensive line won at the point of attack on virtually every snap, collapsing the pocket and eliminating running lanes. Edge rushers disrupted plays before they could even develop, and the interior line pushed Grambling backward consistently. If there was any lingering question about Ohio State’s ability to generate pressure without blitzing, this game provided a resounding answer.
The linebackers were equally effective, flying to the ball with speed and delivering crisp, clean tackles. They read the backfield well, never over-pursuing, and consistently closed gaps that might have otherwise turned into opportunities for Grambling. Beyond stopping the run, the linebackers also showed their versatility in coverage, blanketing tight ends and running backs who tried to slip out into passing lanes. The speed and instinct of this group stood out as one of the biggest strengths of the defense.
The secondary had one of its cleanest performances in recent memory, holding Grambling State’s passing game to almost nothing. Corners were glued to their assignments, rarely giving up more than a few inches of separation, while safeties provided support both in coverage and against the run. The communication was clear, with no signs of busted coverages or mental lapses. Shutting out any opponent requires precision from the back end of the defense, and Ohio State delivered exactly that. Every time Grambling State tried to test the defense with a deep shot, the Buckeyes were in position, making it nearly impossible to string together first downs.
Special teams often go overlooked in games with such lopsided scorelines, but Ohio State’s unit graded out just as well as the offense and defense. Kick coverage was disciplined, limiting return opportunities and preventing Grambling from gaining any momentum with field position. The punting unit, although not heavily used, executed cleanly when called upon. More importantly, the return game flashed its potential, with dynamic returns that set the offense up with short fields. These are the kinds of hidden yardage plays that become critical in closer matchups, and seeing Ohio State execute them flawlessly in a blowout is a testament to the program’s overall attention to detail.
Coaching also deserves recognition in this evaluation. Blowout games can often lead to sloppy play, but the Buckeyes were locked in from kickoff to the final whistle. The game plan was clear: establish dominance early, rotate depth players strategically, and maintain focus throughout. Substitutions were handled smoothly, giving young players valuable reps while ensuring the overall performance did not dip. Discipline was evident in the lack of penalties, turnovers, or miscues that sometimes plague teams in lopsided contests. This was as much a statement about the culture in Columbus as it was about the talent level — a refusal to play down to the competition and a determination to hold every snap to the same standard.
One could argue that the 70-0 score does not tell us much about Ohio State’s ability to handle a future playoff-caliber opponent, and in some ways, that is true. Grambling State was simply overmatched in every aspect, and the Buckeyes’ true tests lie ahead against conference rivals and other top-ranked programs. However, the way in which Ohio State dominated does carry meaning. It showed that the team is not just talented, but also disciplined, cohesive, and motivated. The lack of complacency was perhaps the most encouraging sign for fans and coaches alike. In college football, where the margin for error is slim and a single misstep can derail championship aspirations, that kind of consistency is invaluable.
Looking at individual performances, several players earned near-perfect grades for their efforts. The quarterback’s precision and decision-making were reminiscent of some of the program’s greats, and his ability to spread the ball around bodes well for the offense’s balance moving forward. The lead running back showcased explosiveness that will be critical in Big Ten play, while the top receivers reaffirmed why they are considered among the elite in the nation. Defensively, the pass rushers and linebackers looked like they were in midseason form, setting the tone with relentless energy. Even the reserves made strong cases for more playing time as the season progresses.
From a grading perspective, it is difficult to find flaws in a performance that resulted in a 70-point shutout. The offense earns an A+, not just for the score, but for the efficiency and execution. The defense also earns an A+, given the shutout and the complete erasure of Grambling’s offense. Special teams merit an A, as every assignment was handled cleanly and opportunities were maximized. Coaching receives an A+ as well, reflecting the focus and discipline instilled in the team. Altogether, the Buckeyes produced the kind of report card that championship teams are built upon.
Ultimately, Ohio State’s 70-0 demolition of Grambling State was a masterclass in taking care of business. While the opponent was not a true barometer of how the Buckeyes will fare against elite competition, the manner of the victory revealed a team that is locked in on its larger goals. Dominating inferior competition is expected, but doing so with this level of precision and focus is what separates good teams from great ones. As the season progresses and the challenges grow steeper, Ohio State will undoubtedly be tested in ways Grambling State could not provide. But if this game was any indication, the Buckeyes are prepared to meet those challenges head-on, with the confidence and consistency that comes from knowing they can execute at the highest level. For now, the grades are in, and they reflect what everyone saw on the field: a No. 1 team playing exactly like a No. 1 team should.
