COLUMBUS — There wasn't much for Ohio State to celebrate following Saturday's 30-18 loss to USC, but the Buckeyes did accomplish something that could prove valuable over the final month of the regular season. They ran the football effectively against a quality opponent, giving head coach Ryan Day something to build on as Oregon prepares to visit Columbus.
Ohio State rushed for 204 yards against the Trojans, averaging 4.7 yards on 43 attempts. Bo Jackson led the way with 121 yards on 21 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per attempt, while Isaiah West contributed another bruising 65 yards on 13 carries. Together, the two running backs accounted for 186 yards, providing the kind of production the Buckeyes will need with freshman Luke Fahey operating the offense.
The running game was especially encouraging because it came against a USC defense that had been difficult to run against this season. Ohio State generated 12 rushing first downs and controlled possession for 39 minutes and 28 seconds, allowing the offense to sustain drives and limit USC's opportunities.
Unfortunately, moving the football and scoring points are two different things. Despite gaining 464 total yards and recording 25 first downs, Ohio State managed only 18 points. Four drives ended in Connor Hawkins field goals, and the Buckeyes didn't score their only touchdown until the fourth quarter. The offensive production was there, but Ohio State repeatedly failed to finish drives. Which isn't the first time we've said that this year. Or last year. And so and so on.
That inability to capitalize shouldn't overshadow what Jackson and the offensive line accomplished. Ohio State has averaged 159.5 rushing yards per game this season, making Saturday's performance one of its better efforts on the ground. Establishing that kind of consistency would help protect Fahey.
Fahey completed 21 of 38 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown against USC without throwing an interception. For a freshman making his first start in a tough road environment, the performance was more than enough to win. But Ohio State cannot expect him to shoulder the load when the defense puts the offense, and team, behind in the score. And they especially can't rely on the same production from the quarterback position that Julian Sayin provided — at least at this stage of Fahey's young career.
The upcoming matchup with Oregon presents another for both Fahey and the Buckeyes' run game. The Ducks have allowed 133.8 rushing yards per game and 3.8 yards per carry, presenting a respectable challenge for Ohio State's offensive line. Jackson and West will need to earn their yardage, but their performance against USC gives the Buckeyes reason to believe they can establish a ground attack that helps control the clock and the game.
Jackson's performance against USC also showed why he should remain a central part of Ohio State's offensive plans. His combination of patience, vision, and acceleration gives the Buckeyes a back capable of turning modest openings into chunk gains. West provides another option, especially in short-yardage where West appears to be a bit more physical than Jackson does.
With Ohio State now 6-2 and ranked No. 11 nationally, the margin for error has narrowed to nil. Saturday's matchup against Oregon will test whether the Buckeyes can turn their offensive production into touchdowns and keep their postseason hopes alive.
If Ohio State can continue giving Jackson and West room to work, the Buckeyes will have a much better chance of putting Fahey in position to succeed against Oregon and throughout the remainder of the season. Provided the defense holds up its end of the bargain, of course..
