Two units have done their jobs better than anyone in college football for the Ohio State football team so far this season. Both the defense and the offensive line have done a fantastic job thus far, and both units might be the best in college football, as evidenced by their play against Washington.
The Ohio State Buckeyes still haven't given up a red zone touchdown, nor have they given up double-digit points yet. They continue to be stingy. The offensive line continues to protect the quarterback at an elite rate, and the run blocking has started to improve, as well.
Part of the reason why the Buckeyes are playing so well up front has been due to their ability to build a recruiting fence around the state of Ohio. Ryan Day wants to keep the best players in the state of Ohio in Columbus, and that's what he did with most of the offensive linemen.
The Ohio State offensive line is the best the state of Ohio has to offer
Of the five starting offensive linemen the Buckeyes have, four of them are from the state of Ohio. Only Carson Hinzman is from a different state. He and three others were recruited by Ohio State out of high school. Only Phillip Daniels is a transfer, playing previously at Minnesota.
Keeping the best players in the state has been an emphasis for this program since Urban Meyer took over. Of course, Day will still recruit the best players in the country, no matter where they are located. But keeping the best guys local is a smart thing to do.
Austin Siereveld is the only tackle in the FBS to not allow a sack through four games. Luke Montgomery was named the offensive player of the game against the Huskies. Tegra Tshabola has made strides in recent weeks. The entire offensive line is firing on all cylinders so far.
They hope they can keep that play going on Saturday night against the Golden Gophers. Ohio State feels good that it should be able to execute offensively without too many problems.