Can the Ohio State Buckeyes, who are renowned for their potent rushing game, compete for the national championship without their typical offensive prowess on the ground? Recent running game setbacks and significant injuries raise questions about whether Ohio State’s potent offense can be sustained in the absence of improved backfield play.
Contents
Analysis of Ohio State’s running game
After a close 21-17 victory over Nebraska, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day recently reviewed the team’s rushing statistics during a press conference. For the Buckeyes, the numbers painted a concerning picture. Only 64 rushing yards versus Nebraska was a significant departure from the team’s typical output of more than 200 running yards each game.
On deeper inspection, running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins’ performances were particularly noteworthy. With an average of just 2.7 yards per run, these two important players only contributed 54 of the 64 rushing yards. Day expressed his displeasure directly as a result of this poor performance, saying, “That’s not getting it done.” We must perform better than that.
Aspirations for a national title require a balanced offense
Ohio State, a team that hopes to win a national championship, needs to keep its offense balanced. In addition to wearing down opposing defenders, an efficient rushing game creates space for the play-action throw, which has been essential to Ohio State’s passing success this year. However, without improvements in their ground assault, the Buckeyes might find it difficult to maintain their typical explosive offensive, as demonstrated by their recent performance against Nebraska.
It was surprising that the running game had declined, particularly after offensive coach Chip Kelly was added. This season, Ohio State’s offense was anticipated to benefit from Kelly’s play-calling, who is renowned for his successful running tactics. Even against tough opponents like Michigan State, Iowa, and Oregon, the Buckeyes put up impressive rushing performances, averaging 176 rushing yards per game. The situation has been made more difficult by Ohio State’s offensive line vulnerability as a result of the season-ending injury to left tackle Josh Simmons and the injury sustained by his replacement, Zen Michalski.
The function of the quarterback in Ohio State’s running game
This season, Ohio State’s running offense has benefited greatly from the contributions of quarterback Will Howard. Throughout his collegiate career, which included four seasons at Kansas State, Howard amassed roughly 1,000 running yards. His mobility gives the Buckeyes’ attack another dimension. While his running ability can help the team’s running backs, it won’t make up for the backfield’s lack of production.
Kelly, who has established himself as one of college football’s best offensive strategists, places a strong emphasis on a well-rounded attack. His designs enable quarterbacks like Howard to thrive by combining a strong play-action passing approach with a dynamic running game. The fact that play-action passes have accounted for more than half of Howard’s 1,567 passing yards so far this season highlights how important the running game is to Ohio State’s overall offensive approach.
The Dependency of Play-Action Passing on the Run Despite not having a potent ground attack, the Buckeyes kept their attention on their play-action passing game against Nebraska. “If you can’t run the ball, it’s kind of hard to get into the play-action world,” said Howard, acknowledging the difficulties of implementing play action without a strong rushing threat.
A strong running game is necessary for Ohio State’s offense to play at its best. In the absence of it, opponents can predict the pass, particularly in play-action scenarios, which eventually lowers the offensive effectiveness of the team.
Before it’s too late, can Ohio State make a comeback?
Ohio State still has time to turn things around before the lack of rushing becomes a regular problem, even with their recent setbacks. Throughout the season, the team’s running game has displayed glimpses of promise, indicating that the difficulties might be short-term rather than long-term. However, the Buckeyes’ chances of winning a national championship could be seriously jeopardized if they are unable to address these problems.
Day and his coaching team will need to concentrate on resolving these issues in the coming weeks. Ohio State needs to find ways to regain offensive balance, whether it is by changing up the offensive line, improving running back performance, or changing up their play-calling.
