The only two bright spots for OSU was the play of RB Michael Wiley and Matt Keller. Both, playing in their final home game as Buckeyes tried their best to rally for a win. However, they came up short. On a young and inexperienced team, Wiley and Keller have provided experience and knowledge of being a veteran. Wiley had two touchdowns, runs of 35 and 6. Keller caught a 38 yard touchdown.
Wiley's stats: 128 yards on 19 carries, 2 TD's.
Gary's stats: 7 solo tackles, 6 assisted tackles
The offensive stats: 317 passing yards, 217 rushing, 534 total yards.
The Buckeyes faced the threat of falling to 2-2 in the Big Ten, but Wiley and Stultz stepped up to save the game. Stultz hit two crucial field goals, a 43 yarder to tie the game, and a 40 yarder for the win. Michael Wiley finally had his break through game as he rushed for over a hundred yards and provided both scores on runs of 3 and 44 yards.
Stultz's stats: two FG's, 43 and 40 yards
In a game where the Buckeyes offense completely stalled, it was a defensive battle between Lavar Arrington and Na'il Diggs that kept the game interesting. Diggs provided the only touchdown when he sacked QB Kevin Thompson in the endzone causing a fumble.
Diggs's stats: 6 tackles, 1 forced fumble
On a sloppy and dreary day in the 'Shoe, defensive linemen Brent Johnson provided the biggest play of the game. With OSU leading by a slim three points, and Purdue attempting a game-tying field goal, Johnson blocked the field goal, preserving the victory.
Johnson's stats: BLOCKED FIELD GOAL!!!
On a day when the whole Ohio State team disappeared in the second half, two people at least kept at it, and tried to keep OSU in the game. While the rest of the defense was getting run over, Jason Ott and Donnie Nickey continued to try and stop the 'Great Dayne.' While the other members of the defensive probably didn't give up, Nickey and Ott had the best all around games.
Nickey's stats: 14 tackles
The offense once again had a hard time getting started, and they fell behind to the Bearcats, who were in search of yet another upset of a Big Ten team. Yet, Ken-Yon Rambo made sure that the Buckeyes were not going to be embarrassed. He came to life, sparking the OSU offense. He caught a long touchdown pass that tied the score at 10-10 at halftime. He caught another two passes that set up OSU scores.
Rambo's stats: 3 receptions for 164 yards, 1 TD.
With the offense struggling, tied 10-10 at halftime with the Ohio Bobcats, Rambo emerged in the second half and helped the offense explode, especially in the third quarter. He caught a 68 yard touchdown reception from QB Steve Bellisari, one of three third quarter TD's for the Buckeyes.
Rambo's stats: 7 recpetions for 181 yards, 2 TD's.
After struggling against Miami, in the season opening loss, Steve Bellisari showed the Buckeye coaches and fans what he is made of. Bellisari had a breakout game, nailing down the starting job that was tettering heavily toward Austin Moherman. Not only did Bellisari throw the ball, but he showed to be a hard-nosed runner and a blocker as well. He showed his toughness when he completely leveled a UCLA defensive lineman on a reverse.
Bellisari's stats: 11 for 16, 159 yards, 2 TD's, 3 rushes for 50 yards.
The pressure had to be high on Austin Monherman as he played in the Kick-off Classic before a national television offense. That and a lack of experience would explain why his numbers were not great against the Miami Hurricanes. However, he fared better than most of his offensive counterparts. The rushing game was stopped cold, and the offense generated only 220 total yards. Yet Moherman was good, but no where near the calivar of Joe Germaine. He will most likely improve as the season wears on.
Moherman's stats: 10-22, 107 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT.
Ohio State 1999 Results
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