Ohio State’s National Championship Repeat: Pros and Cons Analyzed
Ohio State University is once again showing why it’s a powerhouse in college football. After a dominant start to the season, the Buckeyes are sitting atop the AP poll with a spotless 7-0 record.
Their performance has been wild—they’ve outscored opponents 255-41. The team doesn’t look like it’s slowing down anytime soon.
Projections even give Ohio State the best odds to win the Big Ten, make the College Football Playoff, and maybe clinch another national title. But let’s be real, the path is never easy, especially with the expanded Playoff format that demands more wins over quality teams.
So, what’s fueling their run, and what could trip them up?
Contents
Reasons Why Ohio State Can Win Another National Championship
Dominant Defense
This Buckeyes defense? It’s been spectacular. Through seven games, they’ve allowed fewer points than any team since the 1993 Florida State squad.
What really stands out is their red zone defense. They’ve given up just two touchdowns in 12 opponent trips there.
This is thanks to a scary defensive line and some serious athleticism at linebacker and safety. The numbers are impressive:
- Red zone touchdown rate allowed: 16.7% (No. 1 in the country)
- Points per red zone trip: 2.08 (best in the nation)
- Rushing yards allowed in the red zone: 19 yards on 17 attempts
Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia has leaned on linebacker Arvell Reese, who leads Power 4 conference linebackers in pressures with 19 and has 5.5 sacks. Safety Caleb Downs is making the calls in the secondary, keeping things tight and organized.
Altogether, this defense just makes it tough for anyone to score, especially when it matters most.
Elite Quarterback Play
Sophomore quarterback Sayin has been a revelation. He’s completing an FBS-high 80% of his passes, which is just wild.
He’s calm, prepared, and honestly, he makes it look easy. Sayin is second in pass efficiency, fourth in touchdowns, and seventh in yards per attempt.
His deep throws and ability to make plays under pressure have really driven Ohio State’s offense. Here’s what jumps out:
- Completion rate: 80%
- Pass efficiency: 189.7
- Touchdowns: 19
- Yards per attempt: 9.6
With receivers like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, Sayin’s got plenty of options. His game against Wisconsin—36 of 42 for 393 yards and four touchdowns—was something else.
Strong Individual Performances
The roster is stacked with guys making big plays. Linebacker Arvell Reese is looking like a top NFL Draft pick, leading in tackles and pressures.
He’s versatile and seems to always be in the right spot. Safety Caleb Downs brings leadership and stability to the secondary.
Key Players:
- Arvell Reese: 42 tackles, 19 pressures, 5.5 sacks
- Caleb Downs: Defensive leader in the secondary
These individual efforts, plus a sharp coaching staff, have Ohio State in a great spot.
Challenges Ohio State Might Face
Rushing Attack Inconsistencies
The passing game is electric, but the rushing attack? Not so much. Lately, the team’s struggled to find balance, especially in the last two games where they averaged under four yards per carry.
Rushing Stats:
- Yards per carry vs. Illinois: 2.9
- Yards per carry vs. Wisconsin: 3.5
They’ve been a bit predictable, running into stacked boxes. Freshman Bo Jackson has been a bright spot, averaging over six yards per carry, but the team needs a better plan on the ground.
Offensive Line Issues
The offensive line is holding up in pass protection but hasn’t been consistent in the run game. The right side, in particular, has had its share of issues.
Tegra Tshabola, who’s started all seven games, has allowed the most pressures on the team. The coaches will probably tinker with the lineup during the idle week to fix things.
Offensive Line Stats:
- Pressure rate allowed: 19.9% (second-lowest in the nation)
- Sacks allowed: 3
Finding the right mix up front is crucial. If they can get the run game going and keep Sayin upright, their title chances look pretty good.
Special Teams Concerns
Special teams have been a headache for Ohio State fans for years. This season? Not much has changed.
Kicker Jayden Fielding’s been up and down. The punt teams? Let’s just say they’ve had moments they’d rather forget.
These kinds of issues can sting, especially in tight Playoff games when every detail matters.
Special Teams Issues:
- Fielding’s field goal percentage: 8 of 10
- Punt coverage inconsistencies
One extra possession here or there—sometimes that’s the difference. Ohio State really needs to get these special teams headaches sorted out before they become a real problem down the line.
