Ohio State Football: 3 important position battles to watch

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 07: Ryan Day the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes watches his team practice before the start of the BIG Ten Football Championship game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 07: Ryan Day the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes watches his team practice before the start of the BIG Ten Football Championship game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The Ohio State football team may have a new starter at the running back position as well.Ohio State Football Spring Game
The Ohio State football team may have a new starter at the running back position as well.Ohio State Football Spring Game /

A top running must be selected before the start of the season

For those who have watched the Buckeyes over the past few seasons, we have seen some of the best and worst rushing attacks. We have seen when J.K. Dobbins set records and owned every opponent he faced. We have witnessed two talented backs split series to give equal playing time with the result being neither of them performed up to their ceiling.

There has been a rushing attack by committee that failed to muster the necessary firepower on the ground. What has been clear over the years is that after finding a starting running back it is critical to let them take ownership of the offense and not try to fit too many people in the backfield.

Ohio State currently has a crowded competition. Master Teague started most of 2020 but did not separate himself as being the next J.K. Dobbins type back who can do it all and line up for three downs. Miyan Williams showed flashes of brilliance at the end of last season when Teague went down and Trey Sermon needed a breather.

Marcus Crowley is a tenured guy who should be all the way back from injury. And the true freshman, TreVeyon Henderson, was recruited because of the brilliance he showed throughout his high school career.

The Buckeyes have plenty of talent, but finding the right guy who can consistently beat opponents with power and speed is what this team is looking for. The biggest concern here is Ryan Day trying to allow multiple players the chance to prove themselves into the season. This battle needs to be over and done by the time the season starts so the selected individual can move forward without looking back over their shoulder every snap.