As Ohio State football fans eagerly anticipate a potential national championship run, one factor looms as a major obstacle to their success: the performance of the offensive line. While the Buckeyes have numerous strengths, including a potent offense and a talented defense, their offensive line’s struggles may ultimately prevent them from reaching their ultimate goal of a national title.
The Importance of the Offensive Line
The offensive line is often referred to as the backbone of a football team. It’s responsible for both protecting the quarterback and creating lanes for the running game. For Ohio State, their offensive line’s ability—or inability—to consistently execute on both fronts could make the difference between victory and defeat.
While much of the national conversation surrounding Ohio State’s championship hopes centers around their dynamic quarterback play, explosive receivers, and star running back, the offensive line’s performance is perhaps even more crucial. A dominant offensive line allows a team to control the game, set the tempo, and establish the run, all of which are essential for a balanced offense that can withstand the pressures of high-level competition.
Offensive Line Struggles: A Season-Long Concern
Throughout the 2024 season, Ohio State’s offensive line has shown signs of inconsistency. Despite having high-rated recruits and experienced players, the unit has failed to consistently deliver at the level expected of a national championship contender. These struggles have manifested in several key areas:
1. Pass Protection: One of the most glaring weaknesses has been the offensive line’s protection of quarterback Kyle McCord (or whoever leads the offense). While McCord has shown flashes of brilliance, his effectiveness is often compromised by poor protection from the offensive line. Against top-tier defenses, this could lead to critical sacks, hurried throws, or turnovers at crucial moments.
2. Run Blocking: Ohio State’s running game, which has historically been a staple of their offensive identity, has been less effective than usual. Running back TreVeyon Henderson, despite his talent, has found it more difficult to find space behind the line. The lack of push at the line of scrimmage has resulted in fewer explosive runs, forcing the Buckeyes to rely more heavily on the passing game than they would prefer.
3. Penalties: Another concerning trend has been the frequency of penalties committed by the offensive line. Holding calls and false starts have stalled drives, disrupted offensive rhythm, and created long-yardage situations that are difficult to overcome. At this level of competition, such mistakes can be disastrous.
4. Injuries and Rotation Issues: Injuries have also played a role in the offensive line’s struggles. Depth is key, but with injuries disrupting the continuity of the starting five, the Buckeyes have had to rely on inexperienced or less-developed players in critical situations. This lack of continuity affects both the chemistry of the unit and their ability to execute plays effectively.
The Texas Factor: A Distraction or a Symptom?
As much as Texas has made noise this season with their strong play and claims to national contender status, they aren’t the true threat to Ohio State’s national championship aspirations. While the Longhorns are undoubtedly a formidable opponent, Ohio State’s primary challenge lies within their own locker room. The focus on Texas, and the potential to meet them in the playoffs, has created a distraction from the internal struggles that are actually hindering their championship chances.
If Ohio State can’t fix their offensive line issues, they will likely fall short against top-tier teams in the playoffs, no matter who those teams are. Even Texas, or any other highly-ranked opponent, would be able to exploit the Buckeyes’ vulnerabilities up front. With the best teams in the country, including those with elite defensive lines like Georgia, Michigan, and Alabama, any weaknesses in the trenches could spell doom for Ohio State’s title hopes.
Potential Solutions and Fixes
Despite these concerns, the Ohio State coaching staff has the talent and experience to address these issues. Here are several strategies that could help shore up the offensive line before the playoffs:
1. Better Play Calling: Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline must adjust the game plan to account for the offensive line’s struggles. Shorter, quicker passes, designed rollouts for the quarterback, and screens to running backs can help mitigate pass protection issues. Additionally, using more misdirection and motion can create better angles for the offensive line to block and open up running lanes.
2. Increased Physicality: The offensive line’s struggles could be a result of not being physical enough at the point of attack. It’s crucial that the line plays with more aggression, using their size and strength to push defenders off the ball. Implementing more zone-blocking schemes or utilizing extra tight ends could provide the boost needed.
3. Depth and Rotation: Given the injuries and lack of consistency in player performance, rotating in different players might provide a spark. Ensuring that backups are getting meaningful snaps could help develop a deeper, more cohesive unit. Additionally, identifying the most effective five players to start should be a priority.
4. Quarterback Mobility: Incorporating more design runs or rollouts for McCord could also help alleviate the pressure on the offensive line. A mobile quarterback who can escape the pocket or extend plays will make it harder for defenses to capitalize on weak protection.
Conclusion
As Ohio State looks toward the College Football Playoff, the biggest question surrounding their national championship hopes isn’t their offense, defense, or even their special teams—it’s the performance of their offensive line. If the Buckeyes are unable to find solutions to their line struggles, it won’t matter who they face, be it Texas, Michigan, or Georgia. No matter how talented the skill players are, a shaky offensive line will hinder any championship aspirations.
Ohio State must recognize that it’s not the Longhorns that pose the greatest threat—it’s their own offensive line. With the right adjustments, however, this issue can be addressed, and the Buckeyes can still make a run for the title. But until that happens, the national championship remains just out of reach.