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COLUMBUS — Ohio State is 3–0, ranked No. 1, and beat Ohio 37-9. On paper it looks like another blowout, but the closer you look, the more you see it’s not perfect. The biggest problem? The Buckeyes’ red-zone offense and early down run game needs work.
Last Saturday, Ohio State got inside the 20-yard line six times. Normally that should mean a big lead by halftime. Instead, they only scored two touchdowns, settled for a few field goals, and left points on the board. Against Ohio that’s okay. But against Penn State, Washington, or Michigan? Settling for field goals instead of touchdowns could cost them the game.
A Different Game Near the Goal Line
Out in open field, Ohio State’s offense looks unstoppable. Their passing game spreads defenses, Bo Jackson finds space, and the tempo keeps opponents off balance. But once they’re inside the 20, everything changes. Defenders tighten up. Safeties creep closer. And Ryan Day’s offense stops looking so smooth.
That’s why so many drives end with long 3rd-and-goal plays. If you’re facing 3rd and 9 from the 11-yard line, the defense pretty much knows you’re going to throw. That gives pressure to the QB, forces quick decisions, and has receivers fighting for space in a very small area. Those plays rarely go well. Sayin has shown in his first three starts his ability to improvise and keep his eyes downfield. A perfect example is Max Klare’s first touchdown as a Buckeye.
Making Early Downs Count
All Buckeye fans know this too well: explosive offense that still struggles to get good runs on early downs. Especially in the red zone, Ohio State’s early downs didn’t go as planned. We know their bread and butter: get behind the safety, force opponents into man coverage. That’s been Day’s formula.
But when you can’t convert into six points in the red zone, and you still haven’t found a consistent identity on early-down runs… that’s a problem that needs solving.
The Positives
Ohio State has plenty of film for its Big Ten opener @ Washington. One thing you can never question about Ryan Day’s coaching: his ability to adjust and plan. If I had to pick one coach in the country to use the extra prep time wisely, it’d be him. With this bye week, expect them to sharpen things up. They’ll be ready when they go for 4-0.
Ohio State goes to Washington to open up their big ten gauntlet. First Road game for Julian Sayin. What we have seen is an excellent defense built by the secondary and led by Caleb Downs who I believe to be the best player in the sport. Similar to the Texas game the offense just has to be “Okay” it doesn’t need to be special. If any game this season requires Julian Sayin to be “Superman” they failed as a team. This team on the defensive side is just too good for the offense to truly need to be excellent. Treat this bye week as a wake up call. Lousy week vs Ohio now it’s time to lock back in.
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