With Ohio State having an open date on the schedule, it was Improvement Week in Columbus.
Before the week void of a game to play, the Buckeyes ripped off back-to-back wins against overmatched MAC foes in Akron and Western Michigan. Ryan Day's squad did what it was supposed to against those lesser opponents, blitzing the Zips and Broncos by a combined score of 108-6.
Logging wins by 46 and 56 points respectively, a lot went right for OSU though it's hard to know exactly how every facet of the team will look when the competition eventually ratchets up. The quality of opponent won't be much different next weekend as Marshall comes to town. For now though, let's look at Five Things playing a role in Ohio State's fast start to the 2024 season.
OFFENSIVE LINE STEPPED UP IN WEEK TWO
Breaking in a new starting right guard in Tegra Thabola and thrusting Austin Siereveld into a starting left guard spot in place of injured veteran Donovan Jackson, Ohio State's rushing attack was just kind of okay against Akron in the season opener. The Buckeyes tallied 170 rushing yards on 5.2 per attempt with two scores. Those aren't bad numbers on paper but Akron's defense was indeed very bad.
For a program looking to reestablish the run after a dismal 2023 saw the Buckeyes average just 4.2 yards per carry - OSU's worst mark in a single-season since 2004 - the results against the Zips weren't good enough.
Justin Frye's offensive line fared much better in week two against Western Michigan as the Buckeyes churned out 273 rushing yards on 7.0 yards per pop with six touchdowns.
| SEASON | 2024* | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YPC AVG | 6.2 | 4.2 | 5.4 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 5.6 | 4.2 | 5.8 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 5.8 | 6.8 | 5.2 |
Yeah, Western Michigan is awful but the offensive line opened gigantic holes and flashed a bit more nasty and want to with Day dishing out praise to right tackle Josh Fryar for blocking 50 yards down the field, center Seth McLaughlin showing veteran leadership and getting to the second level, and Tshabola and left tackle Josh Simmons finishing defenders into the ground.
Through two contests, Ohio State's run game is averaging 6.2 yards per carry. That's not likely to continue given history - only the 2020 (6.0) and 2013 (6.8) squads have averaged more than six yards per carry for a full season dating back to at least 1960 - but a sturdy, dependable run game against elite foes is the need in 2024.
With Jackson expected to be back next week, Ohio State should finally have it's full starting offensive line in place - Simmons, Jackson, McLaughlin, Tshabola and Fryar. Credit to Siereveld who performed solidly in Jackson's place and leads the team with 132 snaps. Tshabola also looked pretty good as a first-time starter and with Tegra receiving 104 snaps compared to just 37 for Carson Hinzman, he's obviously left no doubt where he stands in the eyes of the coaches and right now, Siereveld might be the first guard off the bench regardless of which side.
RUN / PASS BALANCE UNDER CHIP KELLY
Across these first two layups, Ohio State is averaging 221.5 yards per game on the ground and 322 through the air under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.
As noted, it remains to be seen how the offensive line and corresponding run game will hold up when it faces elite defenses but for now, the Buckeyes are generating 41% of their total offense via the rushing attack - the first time they've eclipsed the 40% mark since the 2020 season.
Out of 136 total snaps from scrimmage, Ohio State ran the ball 72 times, or 53% of the plays, while throwing it 64 times.
| SEASON | RUSHING YPG | NATL RANK | PASSING YPG | NATL RANK | % YDS RUSH | % YDS PASS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024* | 221.5 | 28 | 322.0 | 16 | 41% | 59% |
| 2023 | 138.9 | 86 | 269.1 | 31 | 34% | 66% |
| 2022 | 192.4 | 32 | 298.3 | 14 | 39% | 61% |
| 2021 | 180.3 | 47 | 380.9 | 3 | 32% | 68% |
| 2020 | 256.9 | 8 | 262.5 | 37 | 49% | 51% |
| 2019 | 266.8 | 5 | 263.1 | 36 | 50% | 50% |
Quarterback Will Howard, expected to be a run threat defenses have to account for, only has five rushing attempts for 34 yards (4.8 ypc) through two games. We'll see how his usage evolves but my bet is that when the competition steps up, so will Howard's carries whether by design or via scrambles outside the pocket. Right now, there's no point in subjecting him to hits but when games are in doubt, Kelly's reliance on Howard's feet could shift a bit.
Speaking of carries, Quinshon Judkins leads the way with 22 totes while TreVeyon Henderson has 18, just two ahead of third-stringer James Peoples' 16 attempts. While the lack of major carries for Judkins and Henderson thus far has kept their total yardage in check, both are averaging over seven yards per carry. As both would tell you, this season is about winning, not about usage rate, and through two games, Kelly was able to give these guys useful touches without putting notable mileage on their odometers.
SILVER BULLETS AS ADVERTISED
While questions at quarterback and offensive line dominated the offseason, there was little concern about whether Ohio State's defense would be elite and while the competition was poor, Jim Knowles' defense did what it was supposed to do against those teams - it suffocated both.
Before yesterday's games, Ohio State's defense boasted the following national rankings:
- #4 Scoring Defense (3.0 PPG)
- #5 Rushing Defense (37.5 YPG)
- #1 Rush Yards Per Carry Defense (1.1 YPC)
- #7 Passing Defense (100.5 YPG)
- #4 Yards Per Pass Attempt Allowed Defense (4.4 YPA)
- #2 Total Defense (138.0 YPG)
- #1 Yards Per Play Allowed Defense (2.46 YPP)
- #1 Red Zone Trips and Points Allowed (0)
Again, we know Akron and Western Michigan are bad but while many may still want more tangible proof as to the effectiveness of Ohio State's quarterback and offensive line when it comes to big games, we can more confidently believe this defense is no paper tiger.
Ohio State has allowed eight plays over 10 yards (#2 nationally entering yesterday) and just one play over 20 yards in 112 total snaps (#1 nationally).
The Buckeyes are also getting off the field on third down 77.4% of the time, good for 15th in the country entering yesterday's slate.
Knowles and staff are utilizing a lot of depth and still controlling offenses. Five defensive ends have logged between 29-57 snaps while three defensive tackles have played between 31-70 snaps (I see you Kayden McDonald). Four linebackers have seen 31-92 snaps and four cornerbacks have played between 44 and 93. The lack of depth at safety has yielded less time for reserves as Lathan Ransom and Caleb Downs have both played 96 snaps while top backups Jaylen McClain and Malik Hartford have just 19 snaps each under their belts.
Interior guys Tyleik Williams (8 stops, 1 sack) and Ty Hamilton (9 stops, 2 TFL) have been outstanding thus far and edge Jack Sawyer has lived in the offensive backfield.
Mike linebacker Cody Simon missed the opener due to injury but posted an active three tackles, one sack, one pass breakup performance against the Broncos. Sonny Styles is the clear top Will linebacker and appears to be the top backup to Simon in the middle. The main storyline in the linebacker room is C.J. Hicks becoming the fourth linebacker as Arvell Reese has logged a few more snaps through two games (53 to 48) while flashing a bit more versatility though their production on paper is about even.
In the secondary, Downs has shown his versatility as someone who can diagnose the run, race up the box and cut down a ball carrier while also patrolling the back line in a way that gives the other 10 defenders comfort. Ransom has been all over the field with a team-leading 11 stops, a QB hurry and fumble return for a touchdown. (Heads up: we'll have a sick new tee celebrating the defense very soon.)
JEREMIAH SMITH EVEN BETTER THAN ADVERTISED
So uh yeah, Jeremiah Smith doesn't look like a freshman. Yes it's just two games against bad teams but who doesn't think this dude is a legit No. 1 receiver right now?
He currently leads the Buckeyes in catches (11), receiving yards (211), touchdown receptions (3), receiving yards per game (105.5) and his 19.2 yards per catch are the best among any Buckeyes with at least two catches so far this year.
Heading into the season, my thought was Emeka Egbuka would be the clear No. 1 and his effectiveness would help create space for teammates like Smith but at this point, it kinda feels like Smith's presence is opening things up for his peers.
Kelly has already shown a few plays where he runs Smith on a vertical then staggers crossers underneath Smith's jet stream for big gainers. One example came against the Broncos on Ohio State's opening possession as Smith streaked up the right sideline, allowing Egbuka to cross below and haul in a 21-yard toss from Howard to set up a Henderson touchdown on the next play.
And of course, when Howard targets Smith, good things happen.
Jeremiah Smith is built different. pic.twitter.com/jjb18GEkfJ
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) September 8, 2024
Pretty wild to see the freshman dust five defenders on a hitch to create a 70-yard touchdown.
If Smith keeps this pace, he'll have 66 grabs for 1,266 yards at the end of the 12-game regular season. As the competition improves it'll be hard maintain but I'm not sure I'd bet against him at this point.
MEN ON A MISSION?
The narrative around the 2024 squad had been "natty or bust" ever since the Buckeyes lost to Michigan for a third-straight time and Jack Sawyer led the brigade of draft-eligible guys coming back for one last ride alongside some huge transfer pieces including Caleb Downs, Quinshon Judkins and Will Howard.
But talk is cheap and while the opponents have been junk, Buckeye fans have to like what they've seen and heard so far from the players and coaches.
Past teams with championship hopes had a tendency to play with their food and lacked killer instinct. This team took a half to warm up versus Akron but outscored the Zips and Broncos by a combined 91-3 over the next six quarters.
Right after last Saturday's win, players and coaches alike were quick to talk about how the W didn't mean a bye week was coming, it meant an "improvement week" was on tap. An old cynic, I immediately rolled my eyes but then soon after it felt like more.
This feels like a team led by a veteran group of dudes who do recognize it's one last ride for a lot of them and they aren't taking a chance to improve or an opportunity to win a game for granted. And of course no person in the program is more motivated than Day to beat Michigan, win the Big Ten and a national title.
Talk is only talk and they've got a long way to go but this squad seems pretty confident about its makeup.
