Ohio State’s running game is drawing criticism, but are worries about the Buckeyes' backfield overblown? Bo Jackson boasts 50+ carries with a strong 5.7 yards per carry while Ja'kobi Jackson averages 6.6 yards and already has 5 touchdowns, showing solid production—even if explosive plays are scarce. The focus shifts to red zone and short yardage situations, where recent improvements, such as the 4-for-4 red zone touchdown conversion against Illinois, stand out.
Questions swirl around Ryan Day’s trust in special teams—his play-calling shows more aggressiveness, passing up field goals for fourth-down tries. Can kicker Connor Hawkins deliver in critical moments with so few in-game reps? As the Buckeyes chase a high-scoring identity, the tension between reliability and risk could define their offense and postseason fate.