Ohio State's Two Biggest Weaknesses Could Derail Their Title Hopes
Ohio State is 4-1 and rolling after a big road win against Iowa, but two nagging issues at the line of scrimmage could decide whether the Buckeyes make a real run at a national championship. The offense is explosive through the air, and the defense is stout, but neither unit is getting enough from the trenches.
After watching all five of Ohio State's games this season, the concerns are clear: the run game lacks big-play ability, and the pass rush has not generated consistent pressure. Both problems were on display against the Hawkeyes, even in a double-digit victory.
Why Ohio State's run game is stuck in neutral
The Buckeyes rank in the top 25 nationally in nearly every offensive category, but the rushing attack barely cracks the top 75. That gap is a red flag as the schedule gets tougher.
Ohio State has not broken a run of 20 yards or more since Week 1 against Ball State, when senior Ja'Kobi Jackson and sophomore Bo Jackson each took long carries to the house. Since then, the ground game has been efficient but not explosive, and defenses are starting to notice.
The downfield passing attack, led by Heisman favorite Jeremiah Smith, has masked the issue so far. Smith leads the nation in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. But against elite defenses that can force the Buckeyes into obvious running situations, the lack of home-run ability in the backfield becomes a serious liability.
Bo Jackson has shown more big-play potential than his senior counterpart, and sophomore Isaiah West has also earned a handful of carries per game. But no one has seized the lead role, and the rotation has kept the running backs fresh without giving the offense a clear identity on the ground.
If Ohio State wants to keep defenses honest and protect its passing game, someone in that running back room needs to step up and deliver explosive runs when the box is light.
Ohio State's pass rush is not getting home
Last year, Ohio State boasted the No. 1 scoring defense in the country, powered by a dominant pass rush that made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. This season, the coverage and run defense have held up, but the pass rush has not.
The Buckeyes are averaging under two sacks per game, and many of those sacks look like coverage sacks rather than defenders beating their blockers one-on-one. The team lost 22.5 sacks to the NFL Draft last year, and the growing pains are showing.
Senior Kenyatta Jackson Jr. has been the most consistent pass rusher so far, but no one else has emerged from a heavy rotation on the defensive line. That is a problem with the schedule ahead.
Ohio State still faces Oregon, Indiana, and USC, all of whom have quarterbacks projected as potential high picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. If the Buckeyes cannot generate pressure without blitzing, those games could turn into shootouts that test the defense's limits.
What Ohio State needs to fix before the tough stretch
The Buckeyes have time to correct both issues, but the margin for error is shrinking. The next four games represent one of the toughest stretches in the country, and the line of scrimmage will be the deciding factor.
On offense, the coaching staff needs to find a way to spring a long run or two, whether that means more carries for Bo Jackson, creative run designs, or trusting the offensive line to open bigger holes.
On defense, the pass rush needs someone to step up opposite Jackson Jr., or the coaching staff must commit to more aggressive blitz packages to disrupt opposing quarterbacks before they can find their rhythm.
Ohio State has the talent to win a national title, but championship teams win in the trenches. Right now, the Buckeyes are vulnerable there, and their next four opponents are good enough to exploit it.
John Damon is a sports contributor for Just The News Iowa.