
Blog Article
Ohio State’s Championship Quest – Inside the Buckeye’s 2024 Campaign
The Buckeyes’ 13-2 season demonstrates how, when properly deployed, elite talent can overcome almost any obstacle.
An Aerial Assault That Commands Respect
Will Howard transformed Ohio State’s passing game into one of college football’s most lethal weapons.
The numbers tell the story of aerial dominance:
- 265.1 passing yards per game
- 71% completion rate
- 35 passing touchdowns
- Two 900+ yard receivers (Smith: 1,227, Egbuka: 947)
- 14 touchdowns from Smith alone
- 10 scores from Egbuka
This passing attack kept defensive coordinators awake at night.
Ground Game: The Perfect Complement
While the passing game grabbed headlines, Ohio State’s rushing attack quietly devastated opponents.
The two-headed monster in the backfield produced consistently:
- TreVeyon Henderson: 967 yards at 7.3 yards per carry
- Quinshon Judkins: 960 yards at 5.2 yards per carry
- Combined for 22 rushing touchdowns
- Team average of 163.2 rushing yards per game
- The perfect balance to keep defenses honest
- Exceptional ability to close out games
This rushing attack turned good drives into great ones.
A Defense Built on Disruption
Ohio State’s defense didn’t just stop opponents – it broke their will to compete.
The defensive dominance showed in multiple ways:
- Only 89.9 rushing yards allowed per game
- Held runners to 2.7 yards per carry
- Generated 51 sacks (led by J.T. Tuimoloau’s 11.5)
- Created 111 tackles for loss
- Limited opponents to 12 rushing touchdowns all season
- Consistently dominated the line of scrimmage
This unit transformed pressure into production.
The Day Factor: Strategic Evolution

Ryan Day’s approach to game management reveals a coach willing to adapt and innovate.
His impact manifested in several key areas:
- Increased deep passing plays to 15% in playoffs
- Implemented the crucial “middle eight” minutes strategy
- Moved offensive coordinator to the press box
- Created specific roles for key transfers
- Developed new film study protocols
- Built a “no bad days” culture
Results proved the effectiveness of these changes.
Playoff Performance That Demanded Attention
Ohio State’s postseason run showcased their ability to elevate their game when it mattered most.
Critical adjustments defined their playoff success:
- Increased vertical passing attack
- Strategic player rotation to maintain freshness
- Enhanced coordinator collaboration
- Systematic in-game adjustments
- Improved third-down conversion rate
- Superior momentum management
Each game revealed new depths to their capabilities.
Areas of Concern
Even championship contenders have their vulnerabilities.

Key weaknesses that need addressing:
- Red zone efficiency (73.3% field goal conversion)
- Pass protection issues, especially after key injuries
- Secondary vulnerabilities (59.8% completion percentage allowed)
- Fourth-quarter defensive fatigue
- Below-average punt return game (9.0 yards per return)
- Conservative tendencies in crucial moments
These issues provide clear focus areas for improvement.
The Day Difference
Ryan Day’s unique approach to game management sets Ohio State apart.
His distinctive strategies include:
- Reframing bye weeks as “improvement weeks”
- Increasing playoff game personal involvement
- Implementing systematic player rotation
- Using innovative analysis tools
- Creating accountability systems
- Maintaining consistent practice habits
This methodology has proven both effective and controversial.
The Championship Formula
Success in modern college football requires both innovation and tradition.
Ohio State’s formula :
- Elite talent development
- Strategic adaptability
- Cultural consistency
- Tactical innovation
- Physical dominance
- Mental toughness
One question remains: Will this be enough to claim college football’s ultimate prize?