The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: Ohio State vs. Maryland
Ohio State dominated Maryland defensively, but turnovers and continued penalty problems gave the Buckeyes plenty to address before facing Indiana.
Frank Meyer | Staff | Published October 11, 2026
COLUMBUS — Ohio State improved to 5-1 Saturday with a convincing 45-16 victory over Maryland, extending its home winning streak to 12 games. The Buckeyes controlled most of the afternoon, outgaining the Terrapins 449-146, but there were enough mistakes to keep Ryan Day busy in the film room this week.
The victory keeps Ohio State undefeated in Big Ten play at 3-0, with a much more difficult challenge waiting next Saturday at Indiana. The Buckeyes have the talent to compete with anybody in the country, but they'll need a cleaner performance against the defending national champions.
The Good: The Defense
Ohio State's defense continues to make life miserable for opposing offenses. Maryland managed just 146 total yards, including a pathetic 64 through the air, as quarterback Malik Washington completed 12 of 25 passes. The Terrapins averaged just 2.8 yards per play and converted only three of their 12 third-down opportunities.
Maryland's lone offensive touchdown came on an 11-play, 75-yard drive in the second quarter, which the Buckeyes aided with some sloppy play of their own. Otherwise, the Terrapins accomplished very little against an Ohio State defense that has consistently frustrated opponents this season. Maryland finished with only 10 first downs and punted seven times.
The defensive performance was encouraging considering Ohio State was without starting linebacker Christian Alliegro and nickelback Jay Timmons. Their replacements helped limit Maryland to just 146 yards, providing another encouraging example of the Buckeyes' defensive depth.
The Bad: Penalties
Apparently, the Buckeyes weren't satisfied with last week's collection of penalties against Iowa, so they decided to add another eight against Maryland.
Ohio State was flagged eight times for 65 yards, with several mistakes helping Maryland extend possessions. The Terrapins were awarded two first downs by penalty, and those unnecessary opportunities were especially frustrating considering how thoroughly Ohio State's defense controlled the game.
Penalties have become a recurring problem, and we're now far enough into the season that dismissing them as early-season mistakes is getting difficult. False starts, unnecessary infractions, and poor decisions can be forgiven when you're beating Maryland by four touchdowns. They become much more expensive when you're facing a team capable of matching your talent.
Day and his staff have one week to address the problem before traveling to Bloomington. Indiana will be considerably less forgiving.
The Ugly: Turnovers
Julian Sayin finished with 242 passing yards and four touchdowns, but his two turnovers provided Maryland with opportunities it had little chance of creating on its own.
The first came on a lost fumble, prompting an animated Ryan Day to get all over Sayin for failing to secure the football with both hands. The second turnover was just as ugly, although Sayin wasn't entirely to blame. Isiah West completely whiffed on a block, allowing pressure to reach Sayin's throwing elbow. The resulting pass was intercepted by Maryland linebacker Daniel Wingate, who returned it 52 yards for a touchdown. The pick-six accounted for Maryland's only second-half points and briefly interrupted what had otherwise become a comfortable afternoon for the Buckeyes.
Sayin has been outstanding for much of the season, and one interception shouldn't overshadow another four-touchdown performance, particularly when the missed block contributed directly to the turnover. However, turnovers have a way of changing games quickly, especially against quality opponents.
Ohio State was never seriously threatened Saturday, even with the mistakes. The Buckeyes were simply too talented for Maryland, and their defense made sure the Terrapins couldn't take advantage of the opportunities they received. Next week, they'll face an opponent much better equipped to punish those mistakes.
