No. 4 Ohio State faces a crucial showdown against No. 3 Penn State this Saturday, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With a top-five defense, an offense averaging over 40 points per game, and a shot to remain in striking distance of first place in the Big Ten, you’d think excitement would be bubbling in Columbus. However, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day took a different path during his press conference this week, diving deep into the woes of the offensive line and the running game following a hard-fought 21-17 victory over Nebraska in Week 9.
Is the pressure mounting in Columbus, or was last week merely a pit stop on the road to a much-anticipated clash with the Nittany Lions? As we gear up for this epic showdown, let’s dissect some real—and perceived—issues facing the Buckeyes.
Why is Ohio State’s Offensive Line Struggling?
In their last encounter, the Buckeyes managed to muster only 64 rushing yards on 31 attempts against Nebraska. The star running back duo of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson was held in check, combining for a paltry 54 yards. Even quarterback Will Howard struggled to make an impact on the ground. Ohio State managed to rip off just two rushes of ten yards or longer—a far cry from the explosive gameplay fans have come to expect.
What’s behind this concerning shift? The Buckeyes’ offensive line underwent a shake-up after left tackle Josh Simmons suffered a devastating season-ending knee injury in a previous loss to Oregon. Zen Michalski, his replacement, encountered difficulties and is now listed as questionable for this week. The potential reshuffling could see guard Donovan Jackson slide to tackle, with sophomore Luke Montgomery stepping in at left guard.
Day kept fans on their toes, saying, “We’re still going to work through it. I’m not going to throw that out there. We’ll see how the week works.” With the right guard position rotating between Tegra Tshabola and Austin Siereveld, the scrutiny will be on this line against the formidable Penn State defense.
The Buckeyes also return to a glaring statistic—1 of 10 on third down conversions. The inability to convert on crucial downs, particularly in situations where passing is often expected, was alarming. Day succinctly pointed out, “The bottom line is we have to convert on third down. We need a balance of running and throwing.” It’s a recipe that just needs the right spice to succeed.
Passing Game Needs a Spark
Despite some eyebrows raised over Howard’s decisions in the past, he has recently shown signs of promise, completing 80.3% of his passes over the last two weeks with five touchdowns to just one interception. His accuracy and a solid connection on deep throws signal a potential breakthrough. The young quarterback’s stats underscore a crucial narrative: he’s a force capable of taking those shots downfield to a receiving corps brimming with talent, including Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Carnell Tate.
Howard, a Pennsylvania native who grew up a Nittany Lions fan, expressed his excitement ahead of the clash. “I’m stoked! I can’t wait. It’s going to be a homecoming for me. They didn’t think I was good enough, but guess what? We’ll find out!” His fire for this game is palpable and a clear indication he’s ready to prove doubters wrong.
Defense Must Rise to the Occasion
The Ohio State defense displayed resilience against Nebraska, tallying three sacks and 13 tackles for loss—an improvement from earlier performances that left fans shaking their heads. With veteran talent across the board, the Buckeyes sit at fourth in the FBS in terms of scoring defense (11.9 points per game). Yet questions linger about defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, especially considering the alarming statistics against top-tier teams, allowing 31.8 points per game since his arrival.
Fortunately for Ohio State, Lathan Ransom is set to return after missing the previous game, which could provide a much-needed boost in the secondary.
Amid Pressure, Ohio State Seeks Redemption
As if the whispers of a $20 million offseason spending spree on transfers weren’t enough, the pressure is palpable. Fans are not just hoping for victory; they expect it, especially after consecutive losses to Michigan. The Buckeyes have been tested severely, and they must find a way to play complementary football.
“If we can get the offense playing the way it has in the past combined with how we played defense this week, that’s our goal,” Day articulated. The ramifications of this weekend are immense; a win would keep the Buckeyes firmly in the race for the Big Ten Championship, breathing life into their playoff aspirations.
As the sun sets on another week of tension and anticipation, there’s no denying the urgency in Columbus. A victory against the Nittany Lions would certainly quench the critics’ thirst and stamp Ohio State’s credibility firmly back on the map. As Day put it succinctly, “It’s time to go win this game and get a top-five victory.” And if there ever was a moment to stand tall and shine, it’s now!
