Ohio State Football: 3 things to improve in 2022

Jan 1, 2022; Pasadena, CA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Ronnie Hickman (14) and safety Bryson Shaw (17) and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (35) celebrate after a stop in the fourth quarter against the Utah Utes during the 2022 Rose Bowl college football game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2022; Pasadena, CA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Ronnie Hickman (14) and safety Bryson Shaw (17) and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (35) celebrate after a stop in the fourth quarter against the Utah Utes during the 2022 Rose Bowl college football game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
The Ohio State Football team needs to be stronger with their run blocking. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
The Ohio State Football team needs to be stronger with their run blocking. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

Everyone knows that TreVeyon Henderson is a special talent. Unlocking his full potential should be a top priority for the team in 2022. The passing offense was spectacular and should continue to be with a stable of new receivers getting their shot at playing time, but the run game needs to be there too.

The Buckeyes struggled to run the ball in three of its biggest games of the season. Against Oregon, they only mustered 128 yards on the ground, getting only 54 from Henderson. Against TTUN, they ran for a paltry 64 yards. They lost both of those games and survived just 110 yards against Utah because C.J. Stroud had a record-breaking performance.

Those types of efforts can’t happen in 2022. The Buckeyes must correct the run blocking. Too many times the offensive line couldn’t get push or open up holes for running backs. They have to be the aggressors and impose their will on opposing defensive lines.

Having a better run game makes their incredibly dangerous passing game even more effective. Play-action can be used to suck up safeties so Stroud can take deep shots down the field. It also makes Ohio State less predictable if they can mix in run plays.

New offensive line coach Justin Frye will be tasked with this very important duty. He will look to improve the toughness up front and get his guys to open up some holes. They have plenty of experience on the offensive line next season to get that done too.

The next thing the Buckeyes must improve has to deal with the defensive line.