COLUMBUS, Ohio — Despite Ohio State’s abundance of talent at nearly every position, the Buckeye Talk podcast has spotlighted a potential Achilles’ heel that could derail the Buckeyes’ title hopes: defending the run.
“What if Ohio State can’t stop the run?” asked Stephen Means during a recent episode, laying out a troubling scenario focused on the team’s interior defensive line — an area of growing concern among fans and insiders alike.
The discussion examined Ohio State’s run defense over the years under head coach Ryan Day, uncovering a worrisome trend:
“Here’s what the numbers look like since Day took over,” Means said. “In 2019, they allowed just 2.98 yards per carry — sixth-best in the FBS and second in the Big Ten. In 2020, that climbed to 3.35 after losing stars like Chase Young. Then came 2021 — arguably the worst defense of the Day era — with 3.68 yards per attempt.”
Even after bringing in Jim Knowles to revamp the defense, the issue lingered. “In 2022, Knowles’ first year, they allowed 3.52 — still average at best,” Means noted.
Things improved in 2024, with Ohio State’s defense surrendering just 2.65 yards per rush — second nationally. However, with key contributors now gone from the defensive interior, the hosts fear a major step backward.
And it’s not just about the stats — it’s about whether highly-touted players are ready to finally live up to expectations. Means put it plainly:
“You’ve got a head coach looking at his defensive line coach and saying, ‘Jason Moore was a top-100 guy. Taiwan Malone was a top-100 recruit. It’s been three years. Are they ready to step up?’”
The concern is amplified by how this one flaw could unravel everything else the Buckeyes do well. As Means bluntly stated: “If they can’t stop the run, they’re not winning a national title. No defensive tackle depth. No proven run-stoppers.”
Andrew Gillis agreed, pointing out how easily this vulnerability could be exploited: “We all know the blueprint — run the ball, control the clock. Keep Jeremiah Smith off the field. He can’t hurt you if he’s watching from the sideline.”
Means didn’t mince words about the stakes: “Remember what happened in 2021 when they couldn’t stop the run? Oregon steamrolled them.”
Looking ahead, the podcast pointed to several opponents who could capitalize on this weakness — Michigan’s ground game, Penn State’s star backfield, and Texas all present major challenges. And in the postseason? Notre Dame, possibly boasting the best offensive line and running back combo in the country, could be a nightmare matchup.
For a team with national championship ambitions, this one glaring flaw could be the deciding factor between achieving greatness or falling short.
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