In his recent analysis on The Triple Option, Urban Meyer identified Ohio State's offensive and defensive line struggles as pressing concerns that the program must address immediately. Meyer offered candid insight into both the root causes of these issues and some solutions that could help Ohio State get back on track.
Meyer first pointed to the evolving challenge of recruiting offensive linemen, noting that in the past, it was easier to find quality linemen during recruiting cycles. "You used to be able to find linemen anywhere," Meyer explained, contrasting that with today's situation where "you can't find linemen anymore." This mirrors a broader trend in college football, where skill positions have gained more focus in recruitment, making top-tier offensive linemen harder to come by.
Ohio State has felt this pinch acutely, especially after an injury to key player Josh Simmons. Meyer called Simmons a "projected high draft pick" and said he had been playing at an elite level before going down with an injury during the Oregon game.
The absence of Simmons, combined with the struggles of backup Zen Michalski, has left the Buckeyes vulnerable in crucial games. As highlighted in my previous article, Michalski's struggles in the Nebraska game were particularly stark. With Ohio State managing just 64 yards on the ground, the offensive line's inability to create space for the run game was a glaring issue.
Meyer emphasized that the problem isn’t unique to Ohio State. "Every school in the country has offensive line issues," he said, highlighting how even top-tier programs face this challenge. However, Meyer is clear about the need for solutions, not just acknowledgment of the problem.
He proposed simplifying the offense as a potential remedy. He mentioned reducing the complexity of Ohio State’s run game, advising the team to "go zone right, zone left, power right, power left, and that’s it." According to Meyer, simplifying schemes can reduce the stress on a depleted offensive line, making it easier for them to execute under pressure.
He also recommended integrating the quarterback more into the run game, suggesting that Ohio State should run their quarterback "15 to 20 times" to gain an extra blocker advantage and alleviate some pressure from the offensive line.
This could be a crucial adjustment for Ohio State, given the struggles their offensive line has faced in recent weeks. By incorporating more read-option plays, they can take advantage of the quarterback’s mobility and force defenses to account for an additional runner.
On the defensive side, Meyer acknowledged the improved performance, particularly against Nebraska, but raised concerns about the overuse of key players. The defensive line rotation has been an issue in the past two games, with starters like J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer playing too many snaps while backups saw minimal time on the field. As you noted, this over-reliance on starters has led to fatigue, which could become a critical issue as Ohio State heads into another top-five matchup.
While Meyer praised Ohio State's defense for playing "really well" against Nebraska and showing stout run defense, he also pointed out that they were fortunate that Nebraska’s quarterback missed several opportunities. Meyer’s concern echoed in my previous article, is whether the defense can maintain this level of performance against better opponents if the offense continues to struggle.
In conclusion, Meyer’s insights underscore that Ohio State’s line issues—both offensively and defensively—are not unique but are compounded by injuries and depth concerns. His solutions, which include simplifying the offense and rotating defensive linemen more effectively, offer a roadmap for the Buckeyes to stabilize their season.