Ohio State is dealing with more injuries right now than they have all season, especially on the offense. Wide receiver Carnell Tate didn't play against Purdue or UCLA, running back CJ Donaldson was also out vs UCLA, and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was on a limited snap count.
Luckily, the Buckeyes have running backs Bo Jackson and James Peoples, and while Jackson got the lion's share of the carries, Peoples still made the most of his time on the field. Against UCLA, Peoples has six carries for 42 yards and two touchdowns.
This just adds more depth to the running back room for Ohio State, as the sophomore running back has really begun to come into form this season. People certainly haven't gotten on the field as much as Jackson and Donaldson, but his time on the field as of late has proved to be useful, and Ryan Day wants the Big Ten to know he still has even more in the tank.
James Peoples could end up being a big problem for the rest of the Big Ten
After Ohio State beat UCLA on Saturday, head coach Ryan Day spoke with the media, and when asked about James Peoples, the Buckeyes head coach definitely had a lot to say.
"I think [Peoples] is another one of our young running backs that hasn’t reached his potential yet," Day said. "I think you’re seeing his work ethic and his mindset really change as the season has gone on, maybe not change, but really develop in my opinion."
So far this season, Peoples has 58 carries for 289 yards and two touchdowns. Those two touchdowns came against UCLA when the Buckeyes needed more help than normal. Peoples has also started to get into the passing game wth 10 receptions for 50 yards.
It feels like Day's comments about People really have him thinking he has a high ceiling, especially in years to come for the Buckeyes.
"Now you’re starting to see him really run downhill, you’re seeing him break tackles," Day said. "Now, he’s really starting to show what he can do, and I still think there is a lot left for James."
The rest of the Big Ten better watch out for years to come because Say seems pretty happy with his young running back and can easily find a bigger role for him in the offense going forward.