College Football Playoffs

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

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day reacts to a replay during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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.

Nervous young Latin man using TV remote control on home couch, feeling annoyed, angry, concerned, watching football match, show, getting problems with broadcasting

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?