Ohio State Football: Offensive line needs to step up against Penn St.
The Ohio State football team needs a big performance from its offensive line on Saturday in Happy Valley against the Penn State Nittany Lions.
The Ohio State football team dominated the Iowa Hawkeyes last Saturday in Columbus 54-10. It was a frustrating first half for the Buckeye offense as they had to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns, but C. J. Stroud and the receiving corps took over in the second half to pull away.
But it was the play of the offensive line and running game that had fans concerned after Saturday’s performance. Only rushing for 68 yards total in the game, the Iowa defensive front seven had its way with the Buckeye offensive line.
That is not good enough for an offensive line that prides itself on being one of the best in the nation. Often times the Ohio State offensive line couldn’t get off its initial blocks and onto the second level, leaving Iowa linebackers free to make tackles at or around the line of scrimmage.
Playcalling had something to do with it. Miyan Williams had multiple outside zone plays called in the game and that’s not his strength. He’s better running up the middle with a full head of steam.
Nonetheless, this offensive line needs to play better on Saturday in State College if it wants to come out with a victory. The Buckeyes need to establish the run in this game because the Nittany Lions have maybe the best secondary in the Big Ten. They need to be able to loosen them up a bit by having success on the ground with Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson.
Ohio State football vs. Penn State: Three bold predictions. dark. Next
After watching the Iowa tape, the Ohio State offensive line should be angry. Luke Wypler, Paris Johnson Jr., Dewand Jones, Matthew Jones, and Donovan Jackson are way too talented to get pushed around by the Hawkeyes. And they need to come to Happy Valley with a mindset of dominating the Penn State defensive line.