What's wrong with Ohio State?
Over the past few years, fans of Ohio State have become used to a high scoring, explosive offense complimenting a stout defense. However, this year has not been like the past. So, what's wrong with this seasons team?
Offense
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Since the start of the Urban Meyer era, the Buckeyes have had a good quarterback who is able to throw, but is also a big threat in the run game. This year the Buckeyes have experienced quarterback in J.T. Barrett, who is still able to be the quarterback from the championship winning team in 2014, but he needs help from his teammates around him. The receivers he has haven't been able to get open consistently forcing Barrett to throw into tighter spaces than what is normally wanted. It's not just the receivers that need to improve their game. Starting Halfback Mike Weber has been able to pick up short yardage, but needs to be able to break off longer runs to get the offense going when needed. There have been several occurrences this season when there would be nice hole opened up and then he gets shoe-string tackled. The most explosive playmaker they have is Curtis Samuel. He can make a difference in both the run and passing game. However, they need to find the right amount of touches for him. Against Wisconsin, it seemed they were trying to force the ball into his hands and then the next week versus Penn State they didn't give him nearly the amount of touches needed to have an impact.
Defense
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In the beginning of the season, the defense was outstanding. In the secondary, Malik Hooker, Gareon Conley and Marshon Lattimore were all making plays. At the second level, Raekwon McMillan has been making an impact, along with fellow linebackers Jerome Baker, Chris Worley and Dante Booker, when healthy. In the trenches, the defensive line has played well. They are able to apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks, even if they aren't able to get the sack every time. The one major thing that has changed with this defense is the ability to stop the run. The first 5 games they were able to stop the run with the exception of the Oklahoma game. The past two weeks the defense has allowed 236 yards and one touchdown against Wisconsin and 165 yards and one touchdown against Penn State. You don't win too many games when allowing those types of numbers. This defense is talented enough to be able to improve upon this aspect of the game and make a difference later in the season.
Recap
Several minor issues can turn into a major problem if they aren't corrected. This team is very talented, but is also a young team with several new starters on both offense and defense. With the team being so young, you can't expect perfection. If the Buckeyes fix these issues, I believe they will be in the Top 4 and a member of the College Football Playoffs.
1. Receivers need to get open
2.Find a good amount of touches for Curtis Samuel
3. Defense needs to stop the run
