I didn’t expect to write a blog where I scream into the unending darkness that is the internet, but alas, here we are.
Most people walked away from the Shoe on Saturday afternoon, pleased with a 59 – 3 convincing win over in state opponent Kent State. Like I said, most people.
I, however, have become a part of what this fan base has deemed the “lunatic fringe” and my ability to pick a part the flaws of a meaningless September game against a school our third stringers could’ve beaten will not be caged.
Let’s start with the good first though, something to soften the next half of this blog.
The defense looked outstanding, holding the Golden Flashes to a whopping 134 yards of total offense. As far as things you love to see, that ranks amongst the top.
Sayin looked efficient yet again, completing 18 of his 22 passes for 241 yards and 2 touchdowns on the day.
Jeremiah Smith did Jeremiah Smith things and in doing so, became the all-time leading receiving yards leader for a University widely claimed as WR U.
But as great as all of that was, this day wasn’t absent from noticeable flaws.
Twice Ohio State turned the ball over on downs, once on a drive that started at Kent State’s 13-yard line. Another just over midfield into Kent State territory. On a separate drive, Ohio State had to convert another 4th down and goal attempt which resulted in a touchdown. I know a touchdown counts regardless of how you got there, but Ohio State’s inability to punch in touchdowns in the run game on short yardage appearances reeks of the same horrors we saw every time CJ Donaldson took a snap.
If Ohio State aims to win a Championship, the efficiency in enemy territory just simply must get figured out.
Another thing this Ohio State team must figure out, and asap, is the WR room. Something I never thought would be an issue has become obvious to me. Outside of Jeremiah Smith, there wasn’t a single person in that room who had stepped up and proven to be his Robin. In years past, you had guys like Carnell Tate, Emeka Egbuka, BOTH. Devin McCuin has been underwhelming, Brandon Innis has been underwhelming, and guys who were talked about ALL OFFSEASON as explosive playmakers are seeing the field in garbage minutes. (We will get to that here in a minute). Ohio State HAS to find the second option for Sayin, or this offense will be significantly hindered.
The last thing before I go on about my afternoon realizing that a majority of this blog is complaints after a 59 – 3 drubbing and I sound ridiculous is this…
GET THESE YOUNG GUYS EXPERIENCE!
I’m tired of seeing a lack of production from McCuin and Innis while guys like Boyd & Henry Jr sit most of the game on the sidelines, while guys like Legend Bey, who showed a TON of explosiveness against Ball State (Yes, I know it’s Ball State), hardly see the field.
In today’s style of College Football, the difference between underclassmen and upperclassmen has become thin. These guys can play and when they get reps, they’ve made em! I’ve seen great routes from both Henry Jr and Boyd, as well as phenomenal effort on blocking in the run game. I’ve seen what Legend Bey can do! I know we’re only 3 games into the season but as I look at next season, and who this team is bringing back, the WR room looks A LOT less intimidating to me once Jeremiah Smith leaves, and it’ll be these guys time to shine. Get them the experience now, so you can avoid the growing pains next season when you must rely on them.
Go Bucks!
