Ohio State blew a gut-wrenching 23-3 lead in the fourth quarter against Texas, and Buckeyes fans are still feeling that sting. Even with a dominant 59-3 win over Kent State this past week, a game where Jeremiah Smith absolutely smashed the Buckeyes’ career receiving-yards record, that frustration from the Texas meltdown is probably still simmering for everyone in Columbus.
The Run Game Is Stuck at 4.6 Yards Per Carry and That’s Not Buckeye Football
So, we’re three games deep into the season, and what have we really learned? The same questions from preseason are still hanging over this team. Can Ohio State run the ball, wear down opponents, and do it with that offensive line? Right now, it’s a big question mark. The Buckeyes are averaging 4.6 yards per carry, and that’s simply not good enough by Ohio State standards. It needs to be over five yards per carry. While they’ve racked up 476 rushing yards through three games, averaging 158.7 rushing yards per game, that’s definitely not the dominance we expect. Bo Jackson is doing his part, averaging a solid 5.9 yards per carry. Give that man the ball! He needs to be the bell-cow running back once Big Ten play kicks off. Throwing the ball with Jeremiah Smith is awesome, but running the football has to be a vital part of this offense.
Julian Sayin’s Accuracy Disappears in the Marquee Moments
Julian Sayin? In most of his 17 starts, he’s been really good, even great in some. But here’s the rub: in his last three games against Power Four teams, Sayin hasn’t been as accurate. When accuracy is supposed to be a cornerstone of Sayin’s game, that vanishing act in Ohio State’s biggest matchups is a major concern. It brings us right back to Ryan Day. Will he coach conservatively in big games if Ohio State gets a comfortable lead, just like that Texas game? That’s a palpable fear among Buckeyes fans, a looming cloud over every high-stakes matchup. We’re about to learn a whole lot about both the run game and Sayin’s performance in these marquee games, because from here on out, the schedule hits different.
Big Ten play starts this Saturday against Illinois, and let me tell you, there are no layup games left. Every single matchup, whether it’s against Indiana, Oregon, or The Team Up North, will be tough and carry serious weight. Illinois is going to be a formidable opponent right out of the gate. Iowa is ranked, and that’s a road game, just for starters! Great Buckeyes teams don’t just win on the margins. They dominate, especially up front and by running that football. That’s what this team needs to do, because with conference play starting now, every game counts way more than those first three.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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