Ohio State's best offensive players came ready to play in the Peach Bowl, as C.J. Stroud and Marvin Harrison Jr. shine in the first 30 minutes in their team's CFP matchup with Georgia.
The Buckeyes' first offensive drive was a three-and-out, which wasn't the start offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson and head coach Ryan Day wanted when facing the top-seeded Bulldogs. However, a stop by Ohio State's defense allowed the team another chance to march down the field and score. Stroud and Harrison did not waste the opportunity.
The Buckeyes strike first. C.J. Stroud to Marvin Harrison Jr. pic.twitter.com/Td9Tu6OGQM
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) January 1, 2023
That touchdown for Ohio State was the first in a string of three consecutive scores for the Buckeyes. On the next drive, Stroud and company orchestrated an 11-play, 75-yard drive that took the offense to the goal line. From there, Miyan Williams punched in a touchdown from 2 yards out.
Miyan Williams is back, folks. pic.twitter.com/tjKTquErHR
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) January 1, 2023
The third score for the Buckeyes came quicker than expected, as Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett tossed a pass directly to Steele Chambers, who intercepted the ball and returned it deep into enemy territory. Ohio State capitalized with a magical play from Stroud, who evaded multiple rushers and scrambled before throwing a strike to a diving Harrison in the end zone.
C.J. Stroud and Marvin Harrison Jr. are cooking. pic.twitter.com/6gn1CPem4R
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) January 1, 2023
That touchdown brought out emotions seldom seen out of Day, whose stoic demeanor has traditionally been a mainstay on Ohio State's sideline. At this point, though, the fourth-year head coach let it all out as he showed his approval of the Buckeyes' execution.
Ryan Day has had a different energy tonight. pic.twitter.com/VLQtqdHX2e
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) January 1, 2023
As the half came to a close, Stroud continued his phenomenal half and connected with Xavier Johnson for a 37-yard touchdown to put Ohio State up 28-24. Johnson used a Braxton-Miller-like spin move to reach the end zone, which almost seemed too good to be true as he danced into the painted turf.
Weapon X. Unleashed. pic.twitter.com/ARcklNmHUL
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) January 1, 2023
Ohio State leads Georgia, 28-24, at the break despite he Bulldogs scoring three touchdowns, adding a field goal and outgaining the Buckeyes 313-248.
The Buckeyes' primary objective will be to keep the offensive success rolling and for the Silver Bullets to make necessary adjustments to secure a Peach Bowl win. We'll see if that happens. The final 30 minutes of the Peach Bowl are set to take us into the new year.
