The Ohio State football team won't need to rely on defense as much in 2024

The Ohio State football team was defense-first in 2023. They had an elite defense that they had to ride to win some tough games. The Wisconsin game jumps out as a game that was won by the defense. Forcing turnovers and limiting big pass plays were the key to that win.

Ohio State's defense is arguably better this year than they were last year. The secondary is better now that Caleb Downs has brought himself to Columbus. That means it's going to be even harder to throw against them. But the Buckeyes won't have to rely solely on the defense to get wins in tough games.

This year, they have an offense that is more explosive and is going to be better equipped to make comeback efforts as well. Will Howard raises the ceiling of this team above where it was a year ago. His legs give the offense a dimension that wasn't there under Kyle McCord.

If the Buckeyes end up trailing in a big game, this team is more equipped on offense to make a comeback because of Howard. He has the arm talent and the decision-making to make sure that the Ohio State football program is able to score points in a hurry.

Of course, the surrounding cast is pretty good two. The Buckeyes have two dynamic running backs in TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins who can make people miss and break off large runs. They will be a big part of this offense just like Howard and the receivers will be.

This will be closer to the type of offense that Ohio State football fans are used to seeing. Buckeye fans shouldn't need to be as nervous when things get tight late. This is a veteran offensive team that should know how to score points when it matters the most.