Ohio State's running backs collectively had 122 yards during the Buckeyes' 42-19 win over Illinois in Week 4.
That doesn't spell "crisis," even if it also doesn't necessarily spell "elite."
Trust, though, that there is very much a crisis in this running back room right now.
Ryan Day recently called out sophomore running backs Bo Jackson and Isaiah West for being out-hustled by Ja'Kobi Jackson. He said that the pair isn't running as hard as the Florida transfer.
Against the Fighting Illini at the "Shoe," Ja'Kobi was the hardest runner again. He paced the room with 56 yards on 10 carries and found the end zone in his goal-line role. Bo had 53 yards on 11 carries. West had 15 yards on two carries.
Bo and West's numbers weren't bad. That Ja'Kobi was the standout again meant that Day's request to the pair fell on deaf ears, though.
Ohio State's offense cannot be carried by Jeremiah Smith
WR1 Jeremiah Smith is being utilized perfectly in Arthur Smith's offense. Frankly, none of Julian Sayin's other skill-position threats can say the same thing.
The receiving corps behind Smith has been completely underwhelming. Day directly challenged them to step up to support the potential Heisman frontrunner. They did not rise to the occasion, just like Bo and West.
While Devin McCuin looked like an early standout, the UTSA transfer has cooled off since his debut against Ball State.
The young talent in the room is showing nothing more than flashes.
Captain Brandon Inniss is having a fairly slow start to what was shaping up to be a breakout season.
The running game could be of serious assistance here. It's not, though.
Ohio State's future at the running back position is a big question mark
If Ja'Kobi is becoming the workhorse, then Ohio State will have a great one-year rental on its hands. Beyond him, and beyond this year, it's unclear what the plan is.
Legend Bey didn't get a chance to show what he can do after injuring his ankle during the first half of the Kent State win. Day says not to worry about Bey's long-term prospects, but it's hard not to consider how rough his tenure in Scarlet and Gray has been.
Bey needs reps. If he doesn't get them, there's a chance he'll choose to move on from what has been a difficult situation next year.
It'd frankly be shocking if West stuck around. After flashing RB1 tendencies in fall camp and sporting an impressive physical transformation, West has become a non-factor in the room.
Bo has not continued the momentum from the tail end of last season into meaningful progress. Bo continues to be a solid option, but not particularly game-changing.
What is the answer in this room moving forward? It's seemingly anyone's guess at this point. You hope it reveals itself over the next few months.
If Ja'Kobi is going to be the only running back to shine, though, optimism about this position group will be extremely tough to come by.
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