Ohio State football: Which running back should start?

The Ohio State football team has struggled to run the ball effectively for the last few weeks. It hasn’t helped that the running backs have been in and out of the lineup because of injuries. Miyan Williams was carted off the field against IU and didn’t play last week. TreVeyon Henderson got pulled last game and put into a walking boot.

With both of those backs, who have been bouncing back and forth as the starters, out the last few weeks, Dallan Hayden has stepped up. Hayden ran for over 150 yards and three touchdowns against Maryland last week. More than that, he seemed to hit the holes when they were open. That’s been an issue for Henderson and Ryan Day called him out for it. 

So with The Game in just a couple of days a big question needs to be answered. If all three backs are healthy Saturday, who should get the bulk of the carries? All three have shown the ability in the past to get the job done. This is the most important game of the season though. 

In my mind, Williams should be the starter if he’s healthy enough to go. He’s been the best back the Ohio State football team has had this year. His combination of power and speed will help wear down TTUN. He’s also shown that he has the vision to hit the right holes that open up.

Hayden should back him up. Based on what he did last week, he has earned some carries. I think he’s earned the trust of the coaching staff as well so they wouldn’t have any issues putting him in a position to get a lot of work.

We won’t know the health of the backs until right before the game starts. I think if all three are healthy, this is how the playing time should unfold.