The Ohio State football team is looking much better against the Youngstown State Penguins, going into halftime with a 28-7 lead. Now, I understand the Buckeyes had a much slower start than anticipated, but I think there have been more positive takeaways than negative despite the fact that they are playing an FCS opponent.
I don’t want to spoil the list too much, but some of the issues from last week have seemingly disappeared and that should make Ohio State fans happy. Now, some of the same old issues have shown their face, but it is so hard to gauge what is planned considering that the coaching staff was aware of the huge talent discrepancy. Now let’s dive into the five most noticeable things from the first half.
Kyle McCord looks good
A look at the QBs today for Ohio State. pic.twitter.com/RtMICdHWI3
— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) September 9, 2023
What we noticed
I know the first response will be “but it’s against Youngstown State,” and I don’t care — McCord’s ball placement and movement within the pocket have been much better today than last week and those are things that are not affected by an opponent.
Play calling has been better
Just like that TreVeyon Henderson has his first touchdown of the season! pic.twitter.com/Fo8jckv2ug
— The Scarlet and Gray Podcast (@TheSG_Podcast) September 9, 2023
What we noticed
The play calling was heavily criticized last week and I’m not sure that’s fair. Ohio State should be using the opportunities against less talented opponents to test the limits of their offense, but it is nice to see Ryan Day and Brian Hartline call plays that allowed his playmakers to work in space in the second quarter.
Short yardage is still an issue
Fourth and 1 and OSU didn’t bang their head against the wall. Spread it out, got Egbuka on a LBer on a WR screen
— Ross Fulton (@RossRFulton) September 9, 2023
What we noticed
As the X (formerly known as Twitter) post above illustrates, the Buckeyes far too often come up empty-handed in short-yardage situations, and after witnessing the same plays run in the same situation and never work, its time to move on. Hopefully, that Emeka Egbuka first down was a sign of things to come.
QB battle over
Brown’s accuracy is somewhat wanting thus far
— Ross Fulton (@RossRFulton) September 9, 2023
What we noticed
This may seem like I’m repeating myself, but this post is different from above because we noted that Kyle McCord played well, but it also needs to be noted that Devin Brown did not. Brown is a good player and will continue to get better, but his accuracy is lacking that of McCord.
Marvin Harrison Jr.= slot stud
4 catches, 122 yards and 2 TDs in the first quarter for Marvin Harrison Jr. 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/SYxelpmr6R
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) September 9, 2023
What we noticed
Ohio State has been lining Marvin Harrison Jr. up in the slot and it looks great. It could cause some real issues against top-tier opponent down the stretch. Harrison is one of the best receivers in Ohio State history and finding ways to move him around is ideal.
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