Ohio State Football: Buckeye offense similar to one in 2014

Urban Meyer always said he wanted his Ohio State offense to be balanced. Coach Day is obviously striving for that and his offense certainly is.

The offense in 2014 was close to having the balance Urban Meyer always said he wanted, 250 yards rushing and passing, and Ohio State won the National Championship. This year’s Buckeye offense is also balanced and may be even better.

First a look at the two rushing attacks.

In 2014 Ohio State averaged 264.5 yards per game rushing with Ezekiel Elliot leading the way with 1,878 yards. Curtis Samuel totaled 383 yards on the ground backing up Zeke as well as playing the H-back position.

Running back Brionte Dunn rushed for over 100 yards (101) as did H-backs Jalin Marshall (145) and Dontre Wison (100). Quarterback J.T. Barrett also ran for 938 yards and Ohio State scored 41 touchdowns on the ground in 15 games.

This year the Buckeyes are averaging 289 yards rushing. The leading  rushers are J.K. Dobbins with 826 yards, Master Teague (416), Justin Fields (283) and Marcus Crowley (102).

Ohio State has 18 rushing touchdowns through six games.

Now a look at the passing attacks of both teams.

More from Ohio State Football

• Ohio State Football: How Denzel Burke has bounced back so far this season
• Ohio State Football rolling into form at the perfect time
• How Ohio State football has done historically versus new Big 12
• Ohio State Football: We need to see “Killer Ryan Day” at South Bend
• Ohio State Football vs. Notre Dame Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for College Football Week 4

In 2014 Barrett and Cardale Jones threw all but three passes and performed well as the stats prove. A 63.8 percent completion rate, 247.1 yards per game and 33 yards through the air complimented the strong rushing attack.

This year the sophomore Fields has led the way in the passing attack and Ohio State quarterbacks have completed 70.9 percent of their passes for 1,476 yards (246 yards per game) and 21 touchdowns.

The Buckeye offense just has the feel of the one in 2014. Ohio State will pound the rock, throw the ball down field or get the ball in the hands of an athlete in space.

A good balance on offense is always a good thing as defenses can’t just prepare for either the running or passing game. That concept worked five years ago and has so far this season as the Buckeye offense has been on a roll.