Once again we are in the middle of another Ohio State season of football that seems to have great promise. Every year it seems like the same song but different verse. Ohio State has a stud that sticks out on the defensive line with an offense that has a plethora of talent to surround a Heisman caliber quarterback. It seems like this has been the same story year after year at Ohio State, but why is it that this year could be Ohio State’s year to win it.
Here’s a few reasons why.
Ohio State’s Quarterback Play
With Justin Fields at the helm of the Ohio State offense, we are seeing the most balanced quarterback since the Heisman winning Troy Smith. He can sling it with his big arm, but can also use his running ability on designed runs and when things break down.
As fantastic as Dwayne Haskins was, there was nary a thought of him doing damage on the ground. Now, with Fields and his ability to be a part of the running game, it takes a defender to spy him, and allows for more room to work for both the receivers and running backs.
Next … Balanced — as all things should be
A Balanced Offense and Defense
Ohio State in recent years has struggled to be balanced across the board. This team may be the most balanced that we’ve seen in a few years. The team struggled at times in the run game last year, and the passing game was often inconsistent with J.T. Barrett at the helm.
But this year, you get the feeling the offense could dial-up almost anything and move the ball. Of course, like any team, there are always aspects of the game to work on but Ohio State’s start to the season is hard to beat.
In past years there have been questions about the team that never got fixed and cost the team later on in the season. Last year, even the defense was the Achilles heel of the team and it showed in the single loss of the year to Purdue. Haskins threw 73 times and the running game failed to cross the century mark with the defense giving up a combined 5 touchdowns and over 300 yeards of offense to D.J Knox and Rondale Moore.
In general Ohio State’s defense has not given up the big play like they did last year. They are significantly better at containing the big plays.
Next … Adjustments with the coaching staff
Dare we say, better Position Coaches
Urban Meyer assembled a great coaching staff, but had to deal with turnover almost yearly with the success the program had. Something was clearly amiss last year with the defense, and Ryan Day set to plug the leaks in the piping with some key hires. With the knowledge and the experience of co-defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach Jeff Hafley, along with the poaching of Greg Mattison and Al Washington from Michigan, there has been a noticeable improvement from last year to 2019.
With all the signs of improvement across the board, the Ohio State team does not show any weaknesses — at least not thus far. Could it be that 2019 is the year that Ohio State breaks the mold of blowing one game every year?
Like everything else, time will of course tell. But you have to like what you see so far.
