The Bill and Doug Show: Ohio State beats Purdue 34-10 – Postgame Breakdown
Episode Air Date: November 8, 2025
Hosts: Doug Lesmerises (A) & Bill Landis (B)
Main Theme:
A comprehensive, live postgame analysis following Ohio State’s 34-10 victory over Purdue, with specific attention to lineup adjustments, the performance of emerging stars like Jeremiah Smith, a shorthanded offense, offensive line rotations, and implications for the Buckeyes moving forward in the season.
Episode Overview
Doug and Bill dive deep into Ohio State’s methodical win at Purdue, breaking down how the Buckeyes navigated missing key starters, spotlighting Jeremiah Smith’s big day, examining the “sloppiness” debate, and forecasting the implications for the team’s playoff push. They touch on the psychological dynamics for a program with sky-high expectations, tackle position battles (especially at offensive line), and explore not only the what but the why behind the on-field performances.
Key Discussion Points
1. Handling the Spread — Buckeyes Cruise, But Not Cover
- 00:00–01:10
Bill and Doug open with jokes about the betting line, noting Purdue’s garbage-time touchdown spoiled the cover for -28.5 and -29.5 bettors. But, as Doug quips, “Not a betting show. The Buckeyes.”
2. General Impressions: "Businesslike" Dominance, Minor Flaws
- 01:11–02:00
- Ryan Day used the word “business” to describe the win, and both hosts concur: this was a typical, by-the-book Ohio State victory, never truly in doubt.
- The defense gave up an early drive then locked in; the offense was largely effective despite being shorthanded.
3. Impact of Missing Carnell Tate & Offensive Adjustments
- 02:01–05:20
- Jeremiah Smith shined with Carnell Tate out, exposing what “normal” life is like with only one true superstar receiver and forcing others to step up.
- Bill: “After the first two or three drives, Purdue started doubling Jeremiah Smith a lot and daring the other Ohio State receivers to kind of step up... They did. Not always, but enough.”
- Ryan Day wanted to work on the run game. OSU finished with 43 carries in 76 plays—a heavier rushing tilt, partially as a result of Tate’s absence.
- Doug rebuts fan complaints about “sloppiness”: “If Julian S. doesn’t throw that pick in the end zone, people are talking about another dominating offensive performance. They did what they wanted all game.”
4. Offensive Efficiency vs. Criticism
- 05:21–07:56
- While the Buckeyes’ 6.2 yards/play was just “fine,” the advanced stats (79% leverage rate) show consistent offensive advantage.
- Doug reiterates: OSU did not punt after its first drive; every other series produced points, a turnover inside the red zone, or time expired.
- Notable Quote (Doug, 04:05): "They moved the ball at will up and down the field... They only have 34 on the board, but they did what they wanted to all game.”
- Room for improvement is mainly in red-zone finishing and shoring up the right guard spot.
5. Jeremiah Smith Emerges Solo
- 06:07–07:57
- Smith sets a personal best with 10 receptions (on 10 targets!), thriving even with double teams.
- Julian Sayin’s stat line (27/33, 303 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT) is considered an “off day”—a testament to OSU’s astronomical standards.
- Bill, 06:52: "That’s not the first instance of your coverage is good, my throw is better... Jeremiah did a great job adjusting to it."
6. Julian Sayin’s Accuracy and the Receiver Chemistry
- 07:58–11:28
- Sayin admits this “wasn’t his most accurate game”—receivers had to adjust to a few throws.
- Chemistry with new faces like Mylan Graham and Bryson Rogers looked promising, showing depth at receiver.
- Tate’s absence led to more defensive attention on Smith, and fewer downfield explosive plays.
- Notable Quote (Bill, 11:29): “You felt the absence of Carnell Tate most in the attacking downfield... If it’s Mylen Graham and Bryson Rodgers, they’re not quite ready to do that yet, and that’s understandable.”
7. The Carnell Tate Situation – What Happened?
- 08:58–10:25
- Carnell Tate experienced muscle tightness pregame and was held out as a precaution—could have played if needed, but staff elected to play it safe.
- Sayin showed trust in the “next men up,” but Tate’s reliability and chemistry are clear loss.
8. Offensive Line Shuffle: Ian Moore Steps Up
- 25:57–29:31
- With starting RT Philip Daniels out, Indiana native Ian Moore started at right tackle and “played pretty well”—no major mistakes noted by hosts or by Ryan Day in the presser.
- Moore’s mature attitude and poise are praised.
- Bill, 27:22: “If you don’t notice an offensive lineman, that’s a good thing.”
9. Right Guard Woes & Rotations
- 32:39–48:49
- Right guard continues as a trouble spot. Tegra Tshabola struggled; coach Day is no longer sugarcoating it:
- Day (quoted by Bill, 39:15): “I agree. I saw the same thing [about right guard struggles]...it wasn’t good.”
- With Josh Padilla injured, OSU experimented with rotations (even third-stringers); clear signals that a change may be coming.
- The staff appears ready to move on from Tshabola as the default starter once Padilla is healthy.
- Bill predicts: “If Josh Padilla can play next week, I think he’ll start the Michigan game.”
- Right guard continues as a trouble spot. Tegra Tshabola struggled; coach Day is no longer sugarcoating it:
10. Presidential/Lincoln Keenholz Package – Red Zone Weapon
- 34:24–37:23
- OSU again used its short-yardage QB package, giving Lincoln Keenholz a red-zone TD behind lead-blocking CJ Donaldson.
- Doug and Bill call it a “worthwhile” and “real” part of the arsenal, especially for upcoming high-leverage games.
- Bill, 35:22: “It’s just a nice thing to have in your back pocket... teams have to worry about.”
11. Defensive & Game Vibe Notes
- 51:07–52:00
- Purdue’s offense is stifled; Ohio State holds them to 186 yards total, 94 passing.
- Buckeye fans dominated the stadium—felt almost like a home game in the second half.
- Quick appreciation for Purdue’s stadium renovations and game day experience.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Doug (04:05): “They moved the ball at will up and down the field... Only 34 on the board, but they did what they wanted all game.”
- Bill (06:52): “That’s not the first instance of your coverage is good, my throw is better...”
- Bill (16:28): “I believe I typed, ‘What an effing throw,’ is what I said [on the Sayin-to-Smith TD].”
- Bill (27:22): “If you don’t notice an offensive lineman, that’s a good thing.”
- Bill (39:15): “I agree, I saw the same thing [re: right guard struggles]; it wasn’t good.”
- Doug (51:12): “Ohio State goes on a trip like this...handle business against Purdue...reminder that’s how they’re viewed. 95% of the Big Ten would love to have Ohio State’s problems.”
Notable Timestamps
- 03:00–05:20 — OSU’s methodical scoring drives detailed; “sloppy” narrative debated.
- 06:00–08:00 — Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin’s day, chemistry with backup receivers.
- 08:58–10:25 — Carnell Tate injury details and postgame reaction.
- 25:57–29:31 — Ian Moore’s debut at right tackle analyzed.
- 32:39–38:11 — Deep-dive into right guard rotations, coaching frustrations, and Padilla’s status.
- 34:24–37:23 — Lincoln Keenholz red zone package: rationale and results.
- 51:07–52:00 — Quick defensive summary, game vibes, and crowd at Ross-Ade.
- 54:04–56:35 — Breaking down Sayin’s red zone interception; context and learning moment.
Flow & Tone
Conversational but analytical, with plenty of nerdy football detail, humor, and a fan’s “in the weeds” curiosity. Bill and Doug don’t shy away from critique (especially with the line) but maintain perspective by juxtaposing sky-high OSU expectations with how the rest of the Big Ten views the Buckeyes’ “problems.” Both hosts keep the mood light, frequently poking fun (at each other, the game broadcast, or the peculiarities of college football).
Overall Takeaways
- Ohio State handled business efficiently—not perfect, but never in doubt—even with significant pieces missing.
- Jeremiah Smith can win as “the guy,” but the offense loses top-end explosion without Carnell Tate; backups showed flashes.
- Julian Sayin’s “off day” (303 yds, 1 INT) illustrates the absurd standard; small dips in precision highlighted.
- Offensive line mixing and right guard dilemma are top concerns heading into tougher matchups.
- Red zone weaponry is more diverse (Keenholz package), and rotating linemen shows a focus on playoff readiness.
- Big picture: While Buckeye fans dwell on flaws, the rest of the Big Ten sees OSU as “setting the standard.”
For Further Deep-Dives (Topics Promised for Sunday Show)
- Running back rotation analysis (Bo Jackson, Isaiah West, CJ Donaldson)
- Defensive personnel packages seen vs. Purdue
- The effectiveness and evolution of the OSU two-minute/“fast” offense
This summary captures the full scope of the postgame episode, serving as a detailed primer for anyone seeking insight into both the specifics of the Purdue win and the broader season narrative for Ohio State football.
