Well, a game in which Ohio State was supposed to handle easily has turned into one it might just hope to get out of the wind and rain with a victory. That’s because things have sputtered and smoked on offense for one of the nation’s best offensive ball clubs as the teams headed into the locker room tied 7-7.
There’s a lot to take from this game, and not much of it is positive. Every week we pull three things out and provide some observations on what’s working and what’s not for the game Ohio State is playing at halftime.
Things in Evanston have not been pleasant for the Buckeyes so far, so brace yourself for some pretty scathing commentary on how this one has gone in the first 30 minutes.
Off we go …
The production in the running game -- or lack thereof -- is inexcusable
Ohio State's lack of running game and not being able to play in any sort of bad weather is legitimately funny and should be talked about when discussing how good they are. They should not get a pass for that lol
— Wolverine Corum (@WolverineCorner) November 5, 2022
This is Ohio State. More often than not the players on the field are better than the others lining up against the Buckeyes. Yet, for three weeks in a row now, all of those four and five-star prospects have been unable to move the ball on the ground. It’s been very poor against a bad Northwestern defense, and wind or not, there’s no way it should be this hard to get one or two yards on third down to move the chains.
For me, it’s more about scheme than ability. This team is so focused on the passing game, it now seems apparent that the schematics and ability to put the team in position to gain yards on the ground just aren’t there, even with a new offensive line coach walking the sidelines.
Something has to change or we’re going to see a repeat performance of Michigan taking Ohio State’s lunch money last year.
The weather and results have made this team flat
The wind for Ohio State vs Northwestern 😳
pic.twitter.com/TbdpUarVbg— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 5, 2022
There’s flat, and then there’s whatever is flatter than a week-old Coke. Frankly, this team looks dejected and frustrated with the weather and opponent. There are games that arise during the course of the year that causes you to find some toughness, battle through obstacles and find a way to get it done.
Ohio State has been challenged by the elements and game plan and will have to find a way to reach back, and be the tougher team both physically and mentally. This game is no longer a sure thing, and winning is now the goal to keep all of the other more lofty goals on the table.
Yards on the ground are there for C.J. Stroud
as unbelievable as this first half has been, that C.J. Stroud run might be the most unbelievable.
— Spencer Holbrook (@SpencerHolbrook) November 5, 2022
Fans and analysts have been calling for C.J. Stroud to run the ball more than he has, but that has been explained away because his game is more about processing the field, picking out the correct receiver, and then delivering the ball with precision. But there are times when it can come in handy.
The weather is causing havoc with the passing game in this one and Northwestern is selling out on the running back because the coaching staff and Stroud haven’t shown any desire to run the ball.
And while I’ve not been as harsh on Stroud and his lack of production on the ground, this is the game to do it. Not only is it there, but it’ll give other teams something to think about going forward.
OK. let’s hope for a better second half. Please, and thank you.
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