Ohio State Football: Confidence level against Western Kentucky
By Eric Boggs
The Offense – Confidence Level 9
Ryan Day finally announced a starting quarterback earlier this week. Kyle McCord will be the signal caller moving forward while Devin Brown will assume the position of being his backup. Solidifying who the leader of the offense is for the remainder of the season is a positive thing for the rest of the team. Developing chemistry and timing with the receivers is going to be key for success when Ohio State restarts conference play beginning next month.
The struggles on the offensive line have been well noted by the media. While the line did take a step forward from game one to game two, there was still a glaring weakness on the left side in left tackle Jimmy Simmons, who had multiple penalties in last week’s win over FCS opponent Youngstown State.
The Western Kentucky defensive line isn’t exactly filled with superstars, but neither was Youngstown State’s. It is critical that this offensive line makes big strides in order for McCord to have the confidence he needs in the passing game.
As for running the football, this might be one of the weakest defenses we face all year at stopping the run. The Buckeye backs should be chomping at the bit to get into the game and tear off big runs. Too many times during the first two weeks the offensive line was missing blocks, allowing defenders to get into the backfield which disrupted the flow of the running game.
That cannot happen anymore. Getting a good push at the point of contact and establishing the line of scrimmage is key for this running game and it needs to start this weekend against an opponent who gave up 374 rushing yards in their season-opening win against USF.