After a tough game against Nebraska, Ohio State's running back Quinshon Judkins addressed the media, reflecting on the team's struggles in the running game. The Buckeyes managed only 64 rushing yards, with 24 of those coming from quarterback Will Howard and Judkins contributing just 29 yards on 10 carries. This lack of production was largely attributed to issues on the offensive line, particularly following the injury two weeks ago to starting left tackle Josh Simmons.
When asked about the offensive line's performance, Judkins acknowledged the challenges they faced. "I would say, you know, for our offensive line definitely wasn’t our best day up front," he said. "But I think those guys will get it corrected. Coach Frye does great at what he does as far as coaching, and I think he’ll definitely fix it for next week."
Zen Michalski replaced Simmons in the lineup but struggled significantly, earning a 57.2 offensive PFF grade, which included a dismal 14.2 pass-blocking grade and allowing four pressures in just 21 pass-blocking snaps. Judkins noted that the rotating pieces on the line could disrupt the rhythm of the running game. "Especially when you have new guys in the rotation, they have to get used to the tempo and how things go up front," he explained. "It’s not anything that they couldn’t handle, but it requires mental adjustment."
Despite the disappointing performance, Judkins remained optimistic about his teammates and their ability to improve. “Just staying poised, not being too high, not being too low in these situations where the holes aren’t there—it’s a four-quarter game. I believe in my teammates,” he said. His resilience shone through as he expressed faith in the offensive line's capacity to bounce back. "I know those guys can go out there and execute, so I’m not going to give up on them or be frustrated that the plays don’t work."
Another point of concern was the impact of injuries on the offensive line's performance. Judkins emphasized that new players needed time to adjust, especially in a game scenario as opposed to practice. "Having those guys mentally dialed in and getting those reps that they need, I think that's the biggest part," he stated.
In the face of adversity, Judkins highlighted the importance of confidence-building moments. He referred to the last drive, which he felt was a confidence boost for the team moving forward. “I think it helped our team. I want to give a big thanks to our defense, man—they played tremendous today,” he praised. "Those guys really showed up."
As Ohio State looks to regroup ahead of their next matchup, Judkins' faith in his teammates and recognition of the need for improvement will be crucial for overcoming their recent struggles on the ground.
With Ryan Day remaining tight-lipped about Michalski’s injury status, fans are left uncertain about the left tackle position moving forward, which adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation for the Buckeyes.