Ohio State football: Running game seems fixed

Ohio State’s biggest issue coming into the Penn State game was the running game, specifically with the running backs. That seems fixed going into the Rutgers game.

Ohio State struggled in the running game in the opening game against Nebraska. The running backs were not impressive and they lacked burst. It was a big concern heading into the Penn State game since Penn State is a much better team and has a stronger defense.

That concern seems to have been put in the rearview mirror. Master Teague showed that he is the running back that should be used the most after he ran 23 times for 110 yards and a touchdown. He still has some room to improve, but he looks to be the best back the Buckeyes have right now.

Ohio State is a team that thrives with a good running game. Even though Justin Fields has been incredible so far this year, they are going to need a running game against a team like Alabama or Clemson if they make the College Football Playoff.

Rutgers won’t be a hard test for the running game. Even so, it is a chance for the backs to improve themselves. Indiana is the next opponent after Rutgers and may pose the toughest test for Ohio State in this conference. Having the backs running well against Rutgers is a good way to prepare for the Hoosiers.

Rutgers won’t be smashed by as much as they have been in the past. Greg Schiano has grabbed a bunch of transfers and has already changed the culture within the program. They still don’t have the talent that Ohio State does though and should still lose by a wide margin.

The biggest thing for the Buckeyes in this game is to keep the running game chugging along. They may not need it in the Big Ten, but they will need it against the big boys.