Ohio State football has a rich history of success, with a winning tradition that dates back decades. The team has consistently been a powerhouse in college football, with an impressive record that includes 14 more wins than any other team in the past 50 seasons. However, despite their success, the Buckeyes have not won a national championship since 2014 and have struggled to beat their archrival, Michigan, since 2019.
Ryan Day took over as head coach in 2019 and has had a successful tenure so far, with a record of 62-9. However, one glaring blemish on his resume is the team’s inability to defeat Michigan in recent years. The Buckeyes have suffered three consecutive losses to their rival, with an average margin of defeat of 14.3 points.
To address these shortcomings, Ohio State made significant moves in the offseason to bolster their roster. The team invested heavily in name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, allowing them to retain key players who were eligible for the NFL draft. They also made a splash in the transfer portal, adding talented players like running back Quinshon Judkins, safety Caleb Downs, and quarterback Will Howard. Additionally, Day brought in Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator, a move aimed at improving the team’s performance on that side of the ball.
Despite these efforts, Ohio State has yet to fully meet the high expectations set for them this season. While they are currently ranked No. 4 nationally, a one-point loss to Oregon has left some questioning the team’s ability to compete at the highest level. The Buckeyes narrowly escaped defeat against Nebraska and struggled against Iowa, raising concerns about their consistency and overall performance.
As Ohio State prepares to face Penn State, a top-three opponent, the stakes are high. A loss could jeopardize their chances of winning the Big Ten and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. According to the Allstate Playoff Predictor, a loss to Penn State would significantly decrease Ohio State’s playoff chances, while a win would greatly improve their odds.
In the lead-up to the Penn State game, there are several key areas that the Buckeyes will need to address. The team’s late-game defense, offensive line injuries, and quarterback play will all be crucial factors in determining their success. With a talented roster and a proven head coach in Ryan Day, Ohio State has the potential to achieve greatness this season, but they will need to overcome their recent struggles and inconsistencies to reach their ultimate goal of a national championship.
