Ohio State Football: Buckeye offense poised to be No. 1 in 2020
The Ohio State football team’s rise to the top of college football’s offensive powerhouse mountain is almost complete. The Buckeyes were among the top scoring teams in 2019.
Last season the Ohio State football team averaged 46.9 point-per-game finishing No. 3 in the FBS behind LSU and Alabama. A four-year journey that started with the hiring of Ryan Day and Kevin Wilson after the 31-0 blanking against Clemson in 2016, Ohio State is poised to be next year’s LSU on the offensive side of the ball.
I realize the separation between these two offenses is razor-thin, but LSU almost doubled Ohio State’s points and yards against Clemson. That is the difference.
Unlike last season, the losses to graduation and the NFL most likely will be less impactful.
J.K. Dobbins, K.J. Hill, Branden Bowen and Jonah Jackson are special. Losing all four is definitely a blow, but not insurmountable.
The obvious reason why Ohio State will own the No. 1 offense in 2020 will be the progression of Justin Fields. This was a learning year which turned into a magical season.
I would argue his health is more important than his arm though. His mobility drives the engine. Being 85-percent against Clemson limited the offense, especially in the red zone.
Speaking of Clemson, can the Buckeyes swap schedules with the Tigers? Not having to play a meaningful or physical game all season should help keep Fields healthy..
I digress.
Offensive linemen Thayer Munford, Wyatt Davis and Josh Myers returning is huge. The trifecta from the 2017 class form the nucleus of what will be the premier unit in the Big Ten and likely all of college football.
As good as Chris Olave was his freshman season, Garrett Wilson was even better. Together, along with Jameson Williams, Julian Fleming, Gee Scott, Jr and Jaxon Smith-Nigba, this unit will be lethal.
I think we are about to see Olave go through an off-season with the same determination as Dobbins last year. The last play against Clemson will fuel his preparation.
Normally when you think of Big Ten tight ends, Iowa, Penn State and Wisconsin typically come to mind.
Not anymore. You will be hard pressed to name another team that has a more athletic tight end duo than Jeremy Ruckert and Luke Farrell.
Wilson coaches the tight ends. Seems reasonable that he’ll utilize his combo more often.
Maybe the most important factor is keeping the coaching staff mostly intact. Losing Mike Yurcich hurts, but Corey Dennis will do a phenomenal job.
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The only question mark is the backfield. Some have been down on Master Teague but I’m not sure why.
He finished with 789 yards rushing this year good enough to be no. 7 in the Big Ten as a backup.
Regardless, it might be running back by committee with Teague, Marcus Crowley and Steele Chambers splitting carries until one takes the reigns.
Given all the other weapons, it is difficult to imagine a major dip in rushing production.
Next. 2014 National Champion quarterbacks, 5 years later. dark
It looks like four out the five offensive position groups will be improved in 2020. If the running backs can make a solid leap and the players stay healthy, Ohio State will have the best offense in college football next season.