As Ohio State prepares for a critical matchup against Penn State, the focus is on how effective the Buckeyes’ run game can be against the Nittany Lions’ defense. This game, scheduled for Saturday at noon ET, comes with heightened stakes, especially given recent coaching changes and performance trends.
Can Buckeyes’ Run Game Excel Against Penn State’s Defense?
Ohio State’s run game has faced challenges this season. Currently, the Buckeyes average 151 yards per game, which marks a notable drop from last year’s average of 166 yards. Recently, the team has struggled, recording only an average of 102 yards in their last two outings against Illinois and Wisconsin.
Recent Performance Insights
- Ohio State’s only had four runs of 20 yards or more this season, ranking them 119th nationally.
- Last season, the team managed 18 explosive runs over 20 yards.
- Issues in run execution and blocking have contributed to this decline.
Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day, acknowledged the necessity to improve. “In the bye week, we evaluated our performance, and there is room for growth,” he stated. Day emphasized the importance of downfield playmaking, advising his running backs to rely on their instincts after the initial four yards.
Focus on Key Players
Leading the running back rotation will be freshman Bo Jackson and West Virginia transfer CJ Donaldson. This duo aims to exploit a Penn State defense that has allowed an average of 200 rushing yards during a four-game losing streak.
- Bo Jackson has emerged as a significant contributor with 433 rushing yards so far.
- Kaytron Allen of Penn State has been effective, with 612 yards and nine touchdowns this season.
Penn State’s Challenges
Penn State’s offense faces its own hurdles with quarterback Drew Allar sidelined for the season due to injury. Redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer will start and was heavily reliant on the running game in his first outing, attempting to minimize risks.
Despite their recent woes, Day remains cautious, recognizing that Penn State possesses notable talent. “They have a lot of NFL-ready players and good coaching,” he reflected.
Game Strategy and Expectations
Ohio State’s success hinges on effectively executing their run game against a Penn State defense that ranks amongst the bottom in the Big Ten for rushing defense. The Buckeyes must capitalize on their opportunities and avoid being overly conservative, balancing their play-calling between run and pass.
If Ohio State can establish a productive ground attack, it may well dictate the game’s flow, placing added pressure on Penn State’s inexperienced quarterback. The anticipation is palpable as both teams prepare for this key confrontation, and given the stakes, it promises to be a game that could define their respective seasons.
Conclusion
With significant changes affecting the landscape for both teams, including a coaching shakeup at Penn State and a struggling run game at Ohio State, the implications of this matchup are profound. As the Buckeyes aim to hone their strengths, the focus will be on whether they can effectively execute their run game against a vulnerable Penn State defense.
