Ohio State football: The one area I’m most anxious to see against ND

There is one area that I’m very anxious to see when Ohio State football begins its season against Notre Dame Saturday night. It might surprise you because it is not the defense. The area that I’m anxious to see and most concerns me is running the ball in short yardage.

This became a real Achilles heel for the Ohio State offense last season. Time and time again opposing defenses stuffed short-yardage run attempts. This issue really hurt how effective the Buckeyes were in the red zone as well. Third and seven? C.J. Stroud is going to find an open receiver and pick up the first down. Third and a yard? The defense had them right where they wanted them. While the struggles of the defense were frustrating, this problem absolutely drove me up the walls.

I’ve said here many times low man wins in football. I don’t care what era or level you discuss, this has never changed. Low man wins. I was never in favor of the Buckeyes moving 6’6” tackles inside to play guard. Thayer Munford and Paris Johnson, Jr. are exceptional linemen, but they are still guys who are 6’6” trying to block defensive lineman in the 6’3” or 6’4” range. In a short-yardage situation when those d-linemen are already in a low stance, it is not going to be easy for tall guys like Munford and Johnson to get underneath and move them.

All last season I said the Buckeye offense needed true guards. I’m getting what I want in 2022. Matthew Jones and Donovan Jackson are taking over at that position. Both are 6’4” and well suited to do battle in short yardage with defensive tackles.

Jones has been the interior line’s super sub who has started some of OSU’s biggest games in the last few seasons. He’s played very well in those games and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do as a full-time starter for the first time. Jackson is a former five-star recruit who has gotten rave reviews from everyone for his practice performances so far. These two, along with veteran center Luke Wypler, are going to go a long way in determining if the offense’s short-yardage woes are solved.

I’m going to be holding my breath the first time the Buckeyes have second or third and short. If this problem is solved, it will only make the Ohio State offense more difficult to deal with.