Ohio State Football: Three keys for a national title run

Ohio State Football is on the cusp of another national title run. Here are 3 things that need to be done for the Buckeyes to have a real shot at the crown.

The Ohio State football team takes on the Northwestern Wildcats this Saturday at noon for a run at another Big Ten Championship. If they win that game it is looking like they will get into another College Football Playoff at a chance for another National Title.

The Buckeyes are favored heavily against the Wildcats, but to make a real run at the National Championship I believe there are a few things they still need to work on to have a legitimate shot. Here are 3 keys Ohio State needs to do or work on to have a shot at winning the Big Ten title and a National Championship.

#1:  Win the Big Ten Title

The Ohio State football team at 5-0 cannot afford to lose a game. Nothing beyond this point matters if they don’t take home the Big Ten crown. I believe they have to beat the Northwestern Wildcats fairly easily to leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that they belong considering across America their lack of games is an issue to many. Just win and leave no doubt in doing so is step one.

#2:  Get A Pass Rush

We see what Chase Young is already doing in the NFL, but replacing someone like that can be close to impossible. The secondary for the Buckeyes have been a bit of a weak point this season and as the competition stiffens they are going to need to tighten it up.

One thing that will help that can take the pressure off of a younger unit is getting a pass rush on the opposing quarterback so the defensive backs don’t have to hang on to coverage as long. I’d like to see senior defensive end Jonathon Cooper, sophomores Zach Harrison, and Javontae Jean-Baptiste play their best stretch of football to date.

That will go a long way in the growth and protection of the back end of that defense. This is paramount in keeping the big play from happening as often and competing against offenses like the Clemson Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide who have elite talent on the offensive side of the ball.

#3:  A Consistent Run Game

The running game started off a bit slow this year which is to be expected a little bit when you lose the likes of a J.K. Dobbins. Lately, it has been coming on strong. From here on out I’d like to see it make huge strides. Master Teague, Trey Sermon, and Freshman Miyan Williams will play a major role in this title run.

They need that running game to get the tough yards when short yardage is needed to move the chains. Controlling the clock and the line of scrimmage can make or break a title run. When they get a lead late, it is all about controlling the clock to keep the ball out of a potent offense’s hands. That is a major key to surviving and moving on.

The offensive line will also need to be a huge help in making this happen by opening those holes, holding onto those blocks, and limiting penalties that can kill good clock management. Great Ohio State teams have always been able to count on the running game and if the Buckeyes want to take home hardware this season it will need to be no different. The talent is there and it is time for a major breakout.

If Ohio State can do these 3 things consistently and keep doing great things with Justin Fields at the quarterback position and that ultra-talented receiving corp, there is no doubt the Buckeyes can not only win another Big Ten title but also make a run at bringing home another National Title for Buckeye Nation.