If you analyze the Buckeye offense, it’s clear they are much better this year. The passing game is in place, they’re putting up points and for the most part Terrelle Pryor is making better decisions. While the identity of this offense rests with short passes and Pryor’s running ability, one area needs work, the run game.
It’s been four games and no one has emerged as a go to back. Both Brandon Saine and Dan “Boom” Herron have had good performances however, neither is consistent. While there have been big running plays many have come at the tail end of games. So how do the Buckeyes improve their running game?
1. The offensive line needs to have consistent performances.
For its part, the line has played much better. Mike Adams in particular has really stepped up his game. Still, they couldn’t run the ball consistently well against Eastern Michigan. Everyone runs the ball against them. Going forward, they need to step up and play with an attitude.
2. The coaching staff needs to stop running Saine between the tackles.
Brandon is a pop running back. What I mean by this is he’s one of those backs that need a small opening and he’s gone. Saine doesn’t have the build of a power back and he doesn’t have the moves of a NFL-caliber tailback, but he does have the speed. It is puzzling why they continue to run him up the middle given his strength. Allow him to stretch defenses vertically. If he gets to the corner or is able to find the seam, no one is going to catch him. This is more likely to happen if you don’t run him between the tackles.
3. Jordan Hall and Jamaal Berry need more touches.
I understand Jim Tressel is a loyal guy and as such he wants Herron and Saine to have the most carries. However, when both are not getting the job done, shouldn’t you move on? I’m not implying they should take away all the carries from these two, but they need to start dividing the carries more evenly.
Give Jordan and Jamaal some carries. Hall is a good back. He’s fast, he’s more physical and he has better moves. When he’s in the game, you can tell there’s a difference. He brings energy. The same goes for Berry. Jamaal is quick, he can get to the corners and he’s made some great plays in the return game. By dividing the carries more evenly it allows each back a chance to stay fresh, it gives the defenses more players to account for and allows someone to step up and have a big game when the others are not.
4. Give Zach Boren the ball.
It’s clear the Buckeyes lack a power back. While their offensive has evolved they still need someone who can run opponents over. Boren is your guy. He’s physical, he has speed for a bigger guy and he has attitude. If you have to run it up the middle to keep defenses honest, then give it to a back that is capable of breaking tackles and making plays.
Here are just several ways the Buckeyes can tweak their running game. It’s essential they find something that works. While their passing game is effective eventually, they’re going to face a defense (Iowa comes to mind) that is able to key on that. In this scenario, Ohio State has to have a good run game or else they may lose.
What are some ways you would like to see the run game evolve? Join the discussion on twitter.
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