That was one of the weirdest and ugliest Ohio State games I've seen in recent memory. But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter who you play, it doesn't matter how you win, all that matters is THAT you win. The wind was definitely a factor, but I'm not excusing how Ohio State played. It was ugly. Absolutely hideous. But at the end of the day, Ohio State continues on at 9-0 on the season. Doesn't matter how ugly it was, a win was a win. I expect Ohio State to drop in next week's Playoff rankings. But at the end of the day, at least they're still undefeated. Let's check out this week's Keys to Victory to see how Ohio State got the job done, and where they could improve for next week when they face Indiana.
Impose your will early
The Buckeyes didn't impose their will early and struggled mightily against both Mother Nature and Northwestern. There's no other way to say it other than this was another slow start for the Ohio State offense. They need to get off and rolling here late in the season. I know a certain team in Ann Arbor who would be keen to embarrass the Buckeyes on November 26th if they play like they did in the early going today.
But they did end up running the football and imposing their physicality on Northwestern on the ground as time went on. Ohio State ran the ball as a team 35 times for 207 yards. On a day when there were consistent 30 MPH winds, that's just what the Buckeyes needed. Plus it also forced CJ Stroud to run the ball, and he actually did pretty well when he had to take off. Stroud carried the ball only six times, but he ran for 79 yards, including a long of 44 yards. I support CJ Stroud as our quarterback, but it absolutely frustrates me when he's got an open field in front of him and he absolutely refuses to take off and go get the first down and more. I think Mother Nature or somebody upstairs was trying to teach him a lesson.
Don't play down to the competition
There's no rhyme or reason to this one. I'm still left scratching my head. I love Ohio State. Been a Buckeye fan since 1996. I stand up for the team when they're doing legitimately well, and rightfully criticize them when they are playing poorly. That's what being a true fan is all about. And it was definitely a case of the latter today. Using the wind as an excuse only goes so far. They most definitely did NOT look like, nor do they deserve to be ranked #2 in the country right now. They rely too much on the passing game, and only ran it when they were absolutely forced to because nothing else was working through the air.
Because they took way too long to realize that they needed to switch from passing to running, that gave Northwestern hope. Pat Fitzgerald is a fantastic coach, but he's had an awful season this year. So it would've absolutely made his year if the Wildcats had won. But the Buckeyes let them hang around WAY too long before they finally closed the book on them. That's definitely concerning.
Sharpen up the weaker areas of the game/Get the reserves some action
The backups never saw action for obvious reasons. And the Buckeyes were forced to work on the weaker aspect of their game (rushing) out of necessity rather than for practice. But one of the few positives of an ugly game was that Ohio State did run the football well, and play solid on defense later in the game. Yes, Ohio State played against one of the worst teams in the country, and definitely the worst team in the Big Ten. But they CAN run the football well when forced to. It would just be nice to see them run it as a complementary part of a dangerous offensive scheme, rather than being backed into it with no other options.
Nevertheless, the Buckeyes continue their undefeated season. Next up? A home game for Ohio State against Indiana. But until then, a win is a win. GO BUCKS!
Statistical Leaders
CJ Stroud: 10-26, 76 yards
Miyan Williams: 26 carries, 111 yards, 2 TDs
Marvin Harrison Jr., 5 receptions, 51 yards
Source: ESPN
Picture Credit: clutchpoints.com
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