Buckeyes Mid-Week News And Notes – 9/14

Three Topics to Note Heading Into the Game This Weekend

1 – McCord Full-Time QB

It was named earlier this week that QB Kyle McCord will be the full-time quarterback moving forward for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Head Coach Ryan Day talked about how his overall consistency was a significant factor in making him full-time. “I felt after the game his overall poise and consistency led us all to think Kyle’s the guy right now,” Day said.

Watching two games, Day made the right call.  Devin Brown has a lot of talent but needs more development before getting more playing time as a quarterback.  McCord will give Ohio State the best opportunity to win on Saturdays.  As for a Big Ten Championship or Playoff birth, McCord will need to perform better, and giving him the entire game against Western Kentucky makes sense so he can iron out some issues before heading to South Bend.

2 – Defense Leads the Way

While most Buckeye fans focus on offense, the defense is doing very well so far, ranking in the top five in three categories:  Tied second nationally for points allowed, 4th nationally in yards-per-game, and 4th in yard-per-play.

So far, no big yardage plays have been given up outside of one 39-yard pass against the Penguins.  The competition has not been great, and that will change, but so far, so good for the defense.

3 – Running Game

Like the passing game, the running game is a work in progress.  The running game overall was better last week, but it still feels like it needs to be put in high gear.  Day has selected TreVeyon Henderson to be the lead back and he did better last week, but Chip Trayanum needs to get more touches as he flashes big play ability.  

The Buckeyes are still having issues with short yardage on offense.  On 3rd and 3 or shorter, according to TruMedia, they have only converted twice out of eight in such situations.

The new offensive line is also a factor in why the running game has not rocketed off, so time spent playing together as a unit will help. 

Day is using the running game more this year, so this part of the offense will need to show improvement for the Buckeyes to be successful in 2023.