Ohio State’s win over Nebraska shined a light on key problem that could derail their entire season
Ohio State’s narrow win over Nebraska should be a major red flag with how inept they were on offense. The Buckeyes squeaking by Nebraska 21-14 a week after Indiana blew the doors off them is a very bad look. The Buckeyes, who came off their bye week into the game, recorded a season-low 285 yards […]
Ohio State’s narrow win over Nebraska should be a major red flag with how inept they were on offense. The Buckeyes squeaking by Nebraska 21-14 a week after Indiana blew the doors off them is a very bad look.
The Buckeyes, who came off their bye week into the game, recorded a season-low 285 yards of offense and 1-of-10 on third down. From the very beginning of the game Ohio State’s biggest worry going forward became clear.
With left tackle Josh Simmons out for the season, the Buckeyes had to turn to Zen Michalski and it did not go well at all. Howard was sacked a season-high three times and Michalski gave up two pressures and a sack on the very first drive of the game.
“Felt like for his first start he had to play through it. (We) didn’t want to panic and just pull him out,” head coach Ryan Day said after the game.
When Simmons went down it became a clear worry. Ohio State has not recruited the best along the offensive line lately and having to place the senior Michalski out there is a direct result of that.
“We knew that if that happened in a game that was our answer and solution to get out of the game,” Day said with the decision to move Jackson. “Now, we’re going to have to go back and figure out what's next.
Unfortunately, Ohio State never went to work really, and are very lucky to have not been upset on their home turf. The Buckeyes struggled to run the ball anywhere besides the right side of the offensive line and Nebraska knew it was a clear weakness.
Michalski had to exit with an injury in the fourth quarter and when that happened the Buckeyes moved left guard Donovan Jackson over a spot and placed Luke Montgomery at left guard.
With Penn State and stud pass rusher Abdul Carter next up for the Buckeyes, they have to make a chance. Michalski can’t be the guy they roll out there, perhaps they stick with the late-game switch. Jackson is a future NFL offensive lineman, so he will surely fare better on the edge of the offensive line.
“Today, it’s about action. It’s not about words. So we‘re going to work,” Day said before the game during the Skull Session.
Ohio State didn’t back up those pregame comments and now they have to really turn it up for a huge matchup with Penn State next week.
Ohio State would face off against Heisman Trophy frontrunner in latest CFP projections
Even after a painful 32-31 loss at Oregon the last time we saw them, the Ohio State Buckeyes are projected to be a force in the College Football Playoff. Our latest CFP projections have moved the Buckeyes out of the Big Ten champion spot, but the Buckeyes can benefit from the extended format that sees […]
