The Ohio State Buckeyes face their first big test this season in Week 2. They will head down to Austin to take on Texas for the third straight year. The Buckeyes were able to win both previous matchups, including last year in the first game of the season. Now, this one is the toughest matchup.
Playing at night on the road will not be an easy thing for the Buckeyes to do and come out with a win. That's especially true if the offensive line is not up to snuff. Ryan Day was asked about that, and he was non-committal about whether or not changes will be made up front.
Ryan Day doesn't come commit to replacing Phillip Daniels at right tackle
The first question for Day during his weekly press conference was about making changes to the offensive line. Specifically, Phillip Daniels was singled out at right tackle. Day would not commit to making any moves ahead of the Texas game.
"We didn't run the ball the way we wanted to, and then it opened up better in the second half. We'll continue to evaluate that and determine if we have the right mix out there. The good news is we have flexibility if we need to (make changes). We'll evaluate the week and see how that goes."
It doesn't seem that Day was thrilled with Daniels' play in that first one against Ball State. He was rotated out on the third drive of the game because he gave up a sack. However, he did come back in and played most of the time when the starters were still out there.
Daniels played poorly down the stretch a year ago, as well. However, the coaching staff has been aware of that all offseason. They have spent the last six months determining who fits best at right tackle. They might be stuck leaving Daniels there, which could spell doom.
Ohio State needs the offensive line to be better against Texas
Texas comes in with a lot better athletes than Ball State has. The offensive line struggled to run the ball in the first half against the Cardinals. That needs to be addressed heading into this week, as well. The Longhorns gave up 161 yards rushing against Texas State in Week 1, so they are vulnerable.
Daniels' pass protection will certainly be a topic of conversation leading up to this game, as well. He needs an injection of confidence in order to play better. Daniels seems to be the weakest part of the offensive line, and the starting offense in general. The Buckeyes are counting on him, though.
It would be surprising to see changes already come up front to start the game. There is a chance that Daniels could get pulled again if he doesn't play well early. Ohio State has some flexibility, but they must not have much trust in the other guys if they haven't replaced Daniels already.
This is certainly something to follow this week as it continues to progress.
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