Not everyone was happy with Ohio State’s blowout. Are its short-yardage problems real?, tell me about this news in (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7620859/2026/09/23/ohio-state-running-game-problems/)

The article examines why Ohio State’s lopsided blowout win over Kent State failed to satisfy analysts, coaches, and fans, focusing on underlying systemic problems in the Buckeyes’ running game and situational offense:

• Short-Yardage and Red-Zone Failures: Despite putting up massive final point totals, Ohio State continued to struggle in high-leverage short-yardage downs and goal-line situations. A recurring pattern of getting stuffed on 3rd-and-short and 4th-and-shortwhich previously proved costly in their loss to Texasshowed up again, preventing sustained drives and failing to meet the coaching staff’s standards.

• Lack of Push from the Offensive Line: The analysis highlights inconsistency along the interior line. The blocking unit has frequently struggled to generate push or create push-lane movement against loaded boxes, leading to stalled runs and negative-yardage plays against opponents Ohio State would typically physically dominate.

• Running Back Room Execution: While running backs like Bo Jackson and Ja’Kobi Jackson have posted reasonable cumulative numbers, the ground game has lacked consistent explosive plays (runs of 10+ or 12+ yards). Head coach Ryan Day and the staff emphasized the need for backs to “run angry,” make decisive downhill gap reads, and secure extra yards after contact rather than waiting for clean seams.

• Play-Calling and Predictability: The piece scrutinizes offensive coordinator play-calling and game flow. Observers noted predictable tendencies in late-down situations, where the team either abandoned effective ground looks or ran heavily telegraphed power designs that defensive fronts easily anticipated.

• The Looming Big Ten Test: The central conclusion of the article is that while these execution gaps can be masked against non-conference or overmatched opponents in blowout victories, the short-yardage weaknesses are very real. Unless corrected immediately before the heart of the Big Ten schedule, they pose a significant threat against elite defensive fronts in conference championship and playoff contention.