Ohio State Football: Buckeyes have to revive the rushing attack
The Ohio State offense has to find a rushing attack in order to beat the feared defenses MSU and Michigan have to become a national contender again.
Ohio State’s offense hasn’t eclipsed 100 rushing yards rushing since week six versus Indiana.
It feels as if 2018-19 season has just started, but it is more than halfway finished with only four games left to play. The Buckeyes currently rank 69 in the country in rushing offense according to NCAA.com.
This could be a major problem for Ohio State if they do not assert their dominance in the trenches throughout the next four weeks.
Heisman-candidate Dwayne Haskins has shown his ability to make tight throws inside and outside of the hash marks. In order to build a serious post-season and Heisman resume, Urban Meyer has to allow Haskins to tuck the ball and run more than he has; similar to the designed draws, counters and sweeps that allowed JT Barrett to be a duel-threat quarterback.
The running game can’t get back on track with just Haskins. Sophomore J.K. Dobbins and junior Mike Weber have combined for just over 1,000 rushing yards through eight games this season, according to NCAA.com.
When compared to last season, the numbers show there is a difference in the ground game. Through the first eight games last season, Dobbins had rushed for 90+ yards in five games. Through eight games this season, Dobbins has rushed for 90+ yards only once, according to ESPN.com.
Mike Weber has had similar statistics to last season but hasn’t found the end-zone since week one.
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This week’s game versus Nebraska is the perfect time for Ohio State to come out and pound the rock. Nebraska is ranked No. 71 in the country in rushing defense giving up an average of 166 yards per game.
Coach Meyer and Ryan Day have a plethora of run schemes to keep defenses honest. These schemes need to be on full display this weekend to make a statement to the rest of the country, as well as to the CFP committee.
If the Buckeyes can establish the run early, particularly a “north and south” style of football, the playbook will burst wide open, along with the scoreboard.
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Since coach Meyer took over the program, there has been plenty of “east and west,” schemes that allow players such as Parris Campbell to get out in space on pop-passes and jet sweeps. But the focus this week should be re-establishing the line of scrimmage and getting back to playing disciplined, sound football just in time for the biggest games of the year.