Ohio State offense lacking punch

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Fans in a chilly and wet Ohio Stadium on Saturday got to see a two-quarterback system work — not to perfection, but good enough to defeat a ranked opponent.

Unfortunately for Ohio State, that tandem of Tyler O’Connor and Damion Terry played for Michigan State, and the replacements for the injured Connor Cook led the Spartans to a 17-14 upset.

It wasn’t supposed to be that way for the No. 9 Buckeyes (10-1, 6-1 Big Ten), who play at No. 12 Michigan on Saturday.

Ohio State, coming off its College Football Playoff championship, had an abundance of talent, especially at quarterback, where the twoheaded monster of J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones was going to crank out 50 points a game.

Instead, the Buckeyes were held to 132 total yards and five first downs. Their two touchdown drives totaled 38 yards and their scoring average dropped to 34.4, 36th in the nation.

Afterward, Heisman Trophy hopeful running back Ezekiel Elliott criticized the coaches for giving him the ball only twice in the second half and 12 times total for 33 yards.

The game was yet another step in a season-long attempt by the team to set its identity. Jones, the better deep-ball thrower, has started eight games. Barrett, more comfortable with the read-option, has started three of the past four — he was suspended against Minnesota after a receiving a citation for driving while impaired.

Center Jacoby Boren said Ohio State’s best game offensively was Barrett’s first start, a 49-7 win against Rutgers on Oct. 24.

“I don’t know if there’s any one solution,” he said. “As a group we need to take ownership. Everyone that’s out there playing has to reflect on themselves and look at what they can do better to help the team.”