Ohio State is currently riding high with a 9-1 record, but as they approach the final stretch of the 2024 regular season, questions linger about their identity and readiness for the College Football Playoff. Their only loss came in a nail-biter against the undefeated No. 1 ranked team, Oregon, but even that defeat hasn’t quelled the skepticism surrounding the Buckeyes.
Colin Cowherd’s Concerns
Prominent sports commentator Colin Cowherd has been vocal about his doubts regarding Ohio State’s performance this season. While they have managed to secure victories in tough matchups, Cowherd believes that the team has struggled to find a cohesive identity. “If Ohio State lost to Oregon and Indiana, man, that doesn’t — you’re certainly not getting a home game from me in the playoff,” Cowherd remarked during a podcast with ESPN’s Greg McElroy.
What exactly is Cowherd’s issue with the Buckeyes? It’s not just the loss to Oregon; it’s the inconsistency that seems to plague the team. He describes Ohio State as a “Whac-a-Mole team,” where every game reveals a new concern. “First it was their defense against Oregon. Then it was their offense against Penn State. Or it was their offense against Nebraska. And then it was their quarterback play, Will Howard, against Penn State. And I’m like, ‘Something’s off.’ There’s just something,” Cowherd explained.
Winning but Worrying
Despite Cowherd’s criticisms, Ohio State has managed to secure crucial wins, including a 20-13 victory over Penn State and a 21-17 win against Nebraska. However, the underlying question remains: does Ohio State have a clear strategy that will allow them to compete for the national title? Cowherd believes that the Buckeyes are relying too heavily on their immense talent rather than a well-defined game plan.
“By the way, I felt this for the last two to three years against Michigan. Where Michigan had an absolute identity. Nick Saban’s teams: Identity. What is Ohio State, in your eyes? Beyond talented?” Cowherd pressed, highlighting the need for the Buckeyes to establish a more recognizable style of play.
Struggling with Identity
This lack of identity is something that resonates with McElroy as well. He likens Ohio State’s situation to a team that aspires to be tough and rugged but still possesses a roster full of flashy talent. “I think they’re a team that wants to be rugged but they still have a bunch — you know what I mean? — they want to be rugged but they still have a lot of sports cars,” McElroy explained.
He further elaborated on the metaphor, stating that Ohio State is caught between two worlds. “They have a dirt road that you have to run in the Big Ten to win a championship, and they can’t decide if they want to take their Ford F150 or their GMC Sierra or if they just want to say, ‘Forget it. Who cares if we blow an axle? Let’s drive the Ferrari and see what happens.’”
The Road Ahead
With only two games left in the regular season, Ohio State has a critical opportunity to solidify their playoff credentials. They need to find a way to blend their high-octane offense with a more rugged, defensive approach. The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting. Will they rise to the occasion and prove their doubters wrong, or will they continue to struggle with their identity?
As the Buckeyes prepare for their next opponents, the focus will be on establishing a clear game plan that showcases their strengths while addressing their weaknesses. Fans are eager to see if Ohio State can transform from a team with potential into a powerhouse ready to make a deep playoff run.
Final Thoughts
The narrative surrounding Ohio State this season is one of promise mixed with uncertainty. With a talented roster and a strong record, they have the tools to compete at the highest level. However, without a clear identity and strategy, the road to the College Football Playoff could be fraught with challenges. As they gear up for the final stretch, all eyes will be on the Buckeyes to see if they can find their footing and emerge as a true contender. Will they embrace their rugged side, or will they continue to chase the flash? The answers will come soon enough, and the college football world will be watching closely.
