COLUMBUS — When people talk about Ohio State's offense, the conversation usually begins with Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith. That's understandable. Sayin is putting together an impressive season, and Smith is doing things that have Buckeye fans wondering whether they're watching the greatest receiver in program history.
But while the passing game receives most of the attention, Ohio State's running backs have been doing some pretty good work of their own.
Through six games, the Buckeyes are averaging 4.92 yards per carry. Bo Jackson and Ja'Kobi Jackson have combined for 814 rushing yards, averaging 5.5 yards per attempt.
Those aren't numbers from a struggling rushing attack.
The ground game hasn't been particularly flashy, and there have certainly been some frustrating stretches. However, Ohio State has found a productive balance that allows its passing attack to operate without asking Sayin to win every game entirely through the air.
Consistency Over Highlight Reels
Part of the perception problem is that Ohio State hasn't consistently produced the kind of explosive rushing plays fans have become accustomed to seeing from previous Buckeye teams.
There have been plenty of modest gains, occasional stuffs behind the line of scrimmage, and possessions where the running game hasn't established much rhythm.
But there's another side to those numbers.
A four- or five-yard run on first down can be just as valuable to an offense as an occasional 30-yard gain followed by several unsuccessful attempts. Productive early-down rushing keeps the playbook open, creates manageable third downs, and makes it more difficult for defenses to focus exclusively on the passing game.
Ohio State has been accomplishing that more consistently than the criticism of its running game might suggest.
And with Smith drawing attention from multiple defenders, establishing a credible rushing threat forces opponents to make some difficult decisions.
They can devote additional resources to stopping the run, potentially creating more favorable opportunities for Smith and the receiving corps. Or they can prioritize pass coverage and allow the Buckeyes to continue picking up yards on the ground.
Neither option is particularly appealing.
Bo Jackson Is Becoming a Reliable Weapon
Jackson's performance in Saturday's 45-16 victory over Maryland provided another example of what the Buckeyes can accomplish when their running game is productive.
The sophomore rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns, giving Ohio State a dependable source of offense alongside Sayin's passing attack.
His performance was especially valuable because it allowed the Buckeyes to continue moving the ball without depending exclusively on explosive completions.
Ja'Kobi Jackson has also made meaningful contributions, providing another option in the backfield and helping Ohio State distribute its rushing attempts.
Having multiple productive backs gives the offense flexibility, particularly when opponents begin adjusting their defensive alignments to account for Smith.
Sayin's willingness to run when opportunities develop adds another consideration for opposing defenses. He isn't being asked to operate as a traditional dual-threat quarterback, but his mobility can prevent defenses from completely ignoring him as a runner.
Indiana Will Provide a Serious Test
The Buckeyes will need that balance Saturday when they travel to Bloomington to face No. 5 Indiana.
Last season's Big Ten championship game offered a painful reminder of what can happen when Ohio State becomes too dependent on its passing attack. The Buckeyes managed just 58 net rushing yards in their 13-10 loss to the Hoosiers, while Sayin was sacked five times.
Those sacks contributed to the rushing total, but the larger problem was Ohio State's inability to consistently control the line of scrimmage.
Saturday presents an opportunity to demonstrate that the running game has made meaningful progress.
Ohio State doesn't necessarily need Jackson and Jackson to produce 200 combined rushing yards. It does need them to keep the offense ahead of schedule, make Indiana respect the possibility of a run, and prevent the Hoosiers from concentrating entirely on Sayin and Smith.
The Buckeyes have enough talent through the air to beat just about anybody. Their chances improve considerably when opposing defenses can't predict how they're going to attack.
Ohio State's running game may not be the most exciting part of its offense, but through six games, it has been a more valuable contributor than many people realize.
