The Ohio State Buckeyes are struggling mightily against the Penn State Nittany Lions Lions and I honestly have no idea where to even start to complain. As a reminder, this is the same Penn State team that failed to finish off a miserable Illinois Fighting Illini team in nine overtimes.
However, there were certainly some injuries that contributed to that effort and it looks like at least quarterback Sean Clifford is much more healthy in this one.
Heading into this game, Ohio State was favored by almost three touchdowns and I for one did not expect that big of a whooping, but I also did not think I would be sitting here in fear of a loss. Now it is halftime and there are three major items of discussion that I feel need more attention.
Next… The offensive line’s struggles?
The offensive line is getting pushed around
Three pre-snap penalties on Ohio State on this drive. Just not a crisp night on offense for the Buckeyes, as C.J. Stroud's accuracy has been erratic and the offensive line isn't creating any push.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 31, 2021
Every expert in the world mentioned the fact that the weakness of the Nittany Lion defense was their defensive line, especially after they were thoroughly pushed around by a below-average Illinois team last week. All of that makes it even more mind-blowing that the Buckeyes look downright pathetic on the offensive line. All-American candidate Thayer Munford is getting pushed around, Paris Johnson looks lost, and Luke Wypler is struggling just getting snaps off. Hopefully, this can be resolved before any more damage is done.
Next…No pass rush
Pass rush is inconsistent
Ohio State's front four is not getting pressure on Sean Clifford early. Might have to start dialing up some blitz packages more often. #GoBucks
— Buckeyes Wire (@BuckeyesWire) October 31, 2021
We have mentioned that the Buckeyes have struggled in the pass rush department previously, but with the infusion of freshman talent with J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer mixed with Zach Harrison elevating his play and the return of Tyreke Smith the production tonight has been disappointing. We are seeing the defense resort to defensive back blitzes, which is fine, I mean you got to do what you got to do, but it is not an ideal situation.
The line started to get to Clifford a little late in the half, most notably when both ends crashed around the end and forced a fumble that was returned for a touchdown, so hopefully, that will continue.
Next…Where is the run game?
The run game has been non-existent
The lack of a running game by Ohio State is perhaps the biggest surprise of the first quarter.
Last week, Illinois pounded Penn State on the ground for 357 yards.
The Buckeyes so far have five yards on seven carries.
— Joey Kaufman (@joeyrkaufman) October 31, 2021
We already dove into the disappointment of the offensive line and many of those issues trickle down into this topic, but I honestly thought freshman phenom, TreVeyon Henderson, could still be productive without a dominant line performance. It is not 100% his fault, but something is missing from his performance tonight. Even on his reception the movement after was just lacking. Is it nerves? Frustration?
Either way, you can bet that Ryan Day will stick with the run because these body blows could eventually pay off and result in some gash plays in the second half.
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