Buckeyes hitting on all cylinders
Ohio State is improving every week since loss to Oklahoma on Sept. 9.
Even Urban LINCOLN, NEB. —
Meyer seemed a bit overwhelmed.
The numbers were too dizzying to really even process. The list of contributors was far too long to try to rattle off. The improvements from early in the season are difficult to put in context because Ohio State almost looks like a completely different offense.
“Where do you start?” Meyer said after the 56-14 win on Satur- day at Nebraska.
Well, throw a dart at the box score and the Buckeyes are still guaranteed to have something to discuss with an attack that is clearly kicking into a higher gear.
Want some crazy statistics? Try another 600-yard performance, 41 first downs or the eight consecutive drives to start the game that all ended in touchdowns.
How about singling out a star? Good luck with that. J.T. Barrett may have accounted for seven scores, but four receivers caught touchdowns, running backs J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber racked up 188 yards and the offensive line manhandled the Huskers.
Where is Ohio State better than it was in the early loss to Oklahoma? In every conceivable way — and it’s only getting better.
“It feels natural,” Dobbins said. “I feel like we’re not even playing above the level, we’re playing below the level we can play at.
“We can play better, we can get better, and once we do, people will see it.”
The evidence has been crystal clear over the last five games, though seeing the improvements is perhaps not quite the same as believing them when the competition has been so overmatched.
It’s reasonable to apply a shake or two of salt to this stretch of
games since the Sooners planted a flag at the Horseshoe, since none of those opponents could even hope to match up with Ohio State’s deep, talented roster. But there can really be no doubt that the Buckeyes have used this month to retool their playbook and take advantage of their strengths, and each unit can make a solid case that it has improved dramatically since that September defeat.
Barrett is silencing his skeptics with pinpoint accuracy, even when the wind was whipping in Nebraska. He was ruthlessly efficient against the Huskers, completing 27 of 33 for 325 yards and five touchdowns — and he hasn’t thrown an interception in five games.
A much-maligned group of receivers has developed into a fearsome group that can roll out at least six different targets without experiencing any drop off in production. Against the Huskers, K.J. Hill took his turn in the spotlight with seven catches, making him the fourth different receiver to lead the team in receptions in as many games.
The offensive line did allow a sack. But the pass protection was routinely superb for Barrett, and the rushing lanes were typically clear for the rushing attack, despite Ohio State needing to replace injured right guard Branden Bowen and thrusting Demetrius Knox into the starting lineup.
The backfield is gaining strength with Weber now healthy, allowing Ohio State to keep its rushers fresh without needing to overwork anybody. That’s particularly useful for Weber as he gains strength from his preseason hamstring injury, while freshman Dobbins only seems to be getting better each week.
Even the tight ends got into the act, with Marcus Baugh and Rashod Berry finding the end zone.
From top to bottom, Ohio State has been tapping into its immense potential on offense. And while the real test is looming in two weeks against Penn State, it’s been acing every quiz leading up to it.
“It’s just about keeping on growing,” Barrett said. “Keep on preparing. Keep on getting better. I think everybody is attacking each day, and we’re just trying to get better at little bitty things. We want to get better at something each day, whether it’s me, the offensive line, receivers, tight ends. I think everybody’s approach is just to keep on getting better.
“We see the growth and progression of what’s happening on offense. Everybody sees it right now.”
It would be foolish to ignore it.
The signs have all been on public display. All of those games counted, road wins in the conference are always valuable, and there’s still some lingering mystique about going to Memorial Stadium.
On Saturday night, though, that once-vaunted Nebraska Blackshirt defense only served as a fitting wardrobe choice as Ohio State buried the memory of what happened against Oklahoma.
“Yeah, you wish you could have had one back or something like that,” Meyer said. “We have a lot of respect (for Oklahoma). Obviously, they’re a good team, but we didn’t play well. I just feel like there’s a good chemistry now, very good chemistry on offense. Receivers and quarterbacks are playing at a very high level, very efficient. J.T.’s efficiency (Saturday) was elite. Guys are making plays for him and protecting him.
“This is a good time to be cooking.”
After five weeks of prep work, now it’s time for Ohio State to taste the main course.