Ohio State freshman wide receiver Chris Olave stepped up in a big way for the Buckeyes in the first half of Saturday’s game against the Michigan Wolverines.
Prior to Saturday, Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver and true freshman Chris Olave had yet to score a touchdown in his collegiate career. Fortunately for Buckeyes fans, that changed in a big way during The Game against Michigan.
The Buckeyes were able to get off to an early 14-6 lead thanks to not one, but two receiving touchdowns from Olave. That’s even more impressive when you consider that the true freshman only had two total receptions on the year prior to the start of November.
Olave got the Buckeyes going on their first offensive drive on a simple crossing route. That concept was working early and often for Ohio State, and this one helped them get off to a 7-0 start.
@chrisolave_ is on the scene👐🏼 1st career TD proud of u #MICHvsOSU pic.twitter.com/vo3195wsJk
— Brett Swain (@Brett_Swain16) November 24, 2018
Michigan’s defense started to hold its own for a few drivers, but in the second quarter Olave was able to make a play once again and find the end zone and help the Buckeyes make it an eight-point game at 14-6.
Big time players step up in big time games, even if they're a FRESHMAN.
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 24, 2018
Make that TWO for the @OhioStateFB stud WR Chris Olave 🙌 pic.twitter.com/X7A5vfofxn
Considering the weapons that the Buckeyes have, fans might have expected the likes of Paris Campbell, J.K. Dobbins or Mike Weber to be scoring the touchdowns early on. Instead, Heisman Trophy candidate Dwayne Haskins was looking for the true freshman in big moments, and Olave stepped up in a big way.
It was still way too early to say that the Buckeyes were pulling away, but in a game like this, you have to give credit to a freshman for having such a major impact.