Ohio State's most concerning red flag for the rest of this season can be traced to one moment against Oregon
While pressure can make diamonds, sometimes the margin for error is impossible to overcome. The Ohio State Buckeyes might be learning the hard way that their much-maligned offensive line recruiting efforts and lack of development along the unit could cost them the season. Since star left tackle Josh Simmons suffered a season-ending torn ACL against […]
While pressure can make diamonds, sometimes the margin for error is impossible to overcome. The Ohio State Buckeyes might be learning the hard way that their much-maligned offensive line recruiting efforts and lack of development along the unit could cost them the season. Since star left tackle Josh Simmons suffered a season-ending torn ACL against Oregon, the Buckeyes' run game has disappeared.
Despite encouraging concepts and great success until about midway through the Oregon game, the Buckeyes' ground game has fallen completely flat in the six quarters since. One would think that a scheme from Chip Kelly featuring an elite talent tandem in Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson would be enough to be at least average.
But as we look at the run-by-run results, it's far from what's played out.
Since halftime against the Ducks, Judkins has averaged just 3.14 yards per carry, and Henderson is at 2.71 yards per carry. Here's a snap-by-snap breakdown to look at.
Ohio State's run-blocking grade by PFF was the worst of the season against Oregon, and then recovered to an average level against Nebraska, though it's hard to imagine that being true. Ohio State's run game totaled just 64 yards, with 54 of those coming from the two backs. How can PFF grade the unit so well when two All-American level backs struggled so much?
The pass blocking has been a tremendous issue since Simmons' injury. The unit went from a very good group that generated time for Will Howard to one averaging one of the lowest collective grades in the nation. That tracks with the eye test.
Replacement left tackle Zen Michalski has been atrocious in his time on the field. He's allowed two sacks and four hurries in only 76 pass-blocking snaps. His run blocking has graded much better, but Nebraska continued to abuse the senior and disrupt the offensive flow by attacking him.
The injury to Michalski opened the door for Ohio State's plan B at left tackle to come to fruition. Star left guard Donovan Jackson slid over to tackle, which is what head coach Ryan Day said would be the case if need be.
Now, entering a pivotal Big Ten matchup with Penn State, the Buckeyes will start a first-time left tackle against All-American candidate and projected top-10 pick Abdul Carter.
