Buckeyes blast Kent State but still have plenty of work to do on offense

The Ohio State offense did what was expected of them against Kent State, pouring on 527 total yards of offense and winning by 56 in their 59-3 victory on Saturday. That's about 100 yards of offense and 24 points higher than they’ve averaged over the past two seasons and into this year, and it took Ohio State to its 55th straight win over in-state opponents.

They weren’t perfect, though. In fact, Ohio State had plenty to keep trying to correct and learn from. Julian Sayin struggled, missing a big third-down throw into the end zone, eating a sack on a fourth down, and overthrowing Jeremiah Smith on a fourth down.

These are definitely throws that a second-year starting, five-star, Heisman finalist like Sayin should be making, period. That said, he still finished the game 18 of 22 for 241 yards and a couple of touchdowns. He’s not exactly in danger of being benched.

Their struggle on money downs on Saturday is much more concerning. Ohio State only converted a single third down. They were 1 of 8 on third down. They didn’t exactly inspire confidence on fourth down either, going 2 of 4 against Kent State. You can get away with that against a team like Kent State, but you can’t when you play Indiana, Oregon, or even Illinois next week.

They also need to do better in the running game. Ja’Kobi and Bo Jackson were solid, rushing for 120 yards and three touchdowns. But as a team, they only averaged 3.8 yards per carry. All three offensive problems they have can be linked, to an extent, to a lack of push by the offensive line.

Some of the throws Sayin has missed have been because he’s been rushed; some failures to convert on third and fourth downs have been because there was no time or room to run, and plenty of the rushes would have gained more yards with better help for Jackson and Jackson.

The good news is that they have the players, coaches, talent, and instruments to get these things right. But the time is now, before more outcomes like Texas happen this year, as the Buckeyes play a tough Big Ten schedule. The greatest teams don’t let a loss and problems become chronic, and this team can be a great one, but they have to turn the corner and soon.

Play of the Game

Ohio State’s two fantastic freshmen wide receivers had some of the biggest highlights of the game. Brock Boyd made a ridiculous, toe-tapping sideline catch late in the game. The most impressive play to me, however, was Chris Henry Jr.’s 75-yard catch-and-run from Luke Fahey. The pass itself was about five yards; CHJ just did the rest, showing off his moves and speed and taking it all the way to the house. These two will be great ones at WRU.

Player of the Game

Can’t go with anyone other than Jeremiah Smith. Smith broke a record that Michael Jenkins set in January of 2004 when he finished his Buckeye career. Jenkins had 2,898 career receiving yards. Smith had five catches for 85 yards, breaking the record and putting his total at 2,958.

Smith is now 21 catches behind Emeka Egbuka for the career receptions mark. He is also five touchdowns behind Chris Olave for the career touchdowns record. Smith has 184 catches and 30 touchdown receptions for the Buckeyes.

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