Ohio State’s sloppy win raises big questions ahead of Washington game

Ohio State’s 36-9 victory over Ohio University hides more than it reveals. The scoreboard suggests a comfortable win, but the game film and situational football tell a different story: the Buckeyes controlled possession and field position, yet struggled to finish drives, leaving unanswered questions before a tougher stretch of the schedule.

Between sloppy execution in short-yardage situations, uneven decision-making from quarterback Julian Sayin, and an unsettled running-back rotation, Ohio State didn’t play like a dominant top-10 team. The defense held strong, but if the offense doesn’t clean up those issues, the upcoming trip to face the Washington Huskies could get interesting.

Why the final score is misleading: yards vs. control

At face value, the Buckeyes outgained the Bobcats by a huge margin — a stat line that should indicate dominance. Yet the flow of the game showed that Ohio State’s offense often stalled when it mattered most. Drives that reached the red zone too frequently turned into field goals or short, contested passes instead of touchdowns.

Big-yardage plays masked an inefficient finish rate. When the field was open Ohio State could hit it deep and stretch the defense, but once the field shrank and the defense tightened near the goal line, the offense lacked the variety and execution to consistently convert.

Three problems that stood out and why they matter for Big Ten play

1. Poor red-zone and goal-to-go execution

   Too many possessions in scoring range ended without touchdowns. The offense repeatedly settled for one-on-one throws or predictable play calls that the Bobcats’ defense, well coached and disciplined in short spaces, was ready to defend. Those missed opportunities reduced what should have been a much larger margin of victory.

2. Questionable reads and timing from Julian Sayin

   Sayin showed his arm on deep shots, but in tight quarters he seemed hurried by down-and-distance or by penalties forcing obvious passing downs. He missed easy checks to running backs in the flats and too often locked onto his primary receiver instead of cycling through options. That pattern cost drives and points.

3. Unclear running-back hierarchy and underused explosiveness

   The ground game has been the offense’s weakest phase through three games. While James Peoples and CJ Donaldson provide pass-protection reliability and experience, the team also has an explosive freshman back — a powerful 220-pound runner from Cleveland listed as one of the team’s most dynamic options — who averaged eye-popping yards per carry when given opportunities.

   Coaches need to decide whether to ride the more explosive runner more often or continue a rotation that prioritizes pass protection. Against stiffer defenses, consistent touches for the most potent ball carrier could open up play-action and shorten drives.

How penalties and schematic choices compounded issues

Pre-snap and procedural penalties repeatedly put Ohio State in third-and-long or obvious passing situations, forcing the offense into a conservative, perimeter-heavy approach. When the Buckeyes did attempt creative wrinkles, the timing was often off and the execution inconsistent. That combination made Ohio State look less sharp than its talent level suggests.

• Penalties led to longer third downs and fewer rushing opportunities.
• One-on-one throws in tightened windows allowed Ohio to make several pass breakups on contested catches.
• Runs were more successful when the offense could create space with downfield threats — something that appeared late in the game.

Defense remained the team’s backbone

While the offense sputtered at times, the Buckeyes’ defense continued to operate at a high level. The lone touchdown came on a contested jump-ball play rather than sustained offensive pressure. The pass rush showed incremental improvement, winning a handful of key snaps and forcing the opponent into rushed decisions.

If the defensive unit keeps progressing, Ohio State can afford offensive hiccups — but only to a point. Against higher-level competition, the offense will need to convert more of its red-zone visits into touchdowns to relieve pressure on the defense.

What to watch next: adjustments before a Washington road test

The bye week gives this staff time to correct short-yardage play-calling, refine protections for Sayin, and decide whether to feature the team’s most explosive runner more prominently. Ohio State’s next meaningful challenge comes in Seattle, where the Huskies will present speed and an aggressive front. Adjustments over the next two weeks will determine whether the Buckeyes cruise through conference play or face an early scare on the road.

Key indicators to monitor in practice and the next game plans:

• Red-zone play design and goal-to-go success rate
• How often Sayin utilizes checkdowns and progressions under pressure
• The distribution of carries and whether the explosive freshman back receives a heavier workload
• Continued improvement from the pass rush to create easier long-field opportunities

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John Davis

John Davis is a sports journalist focused on the NBA, NFL, and major global championships. With seven years of live coverage, he breaks down performances and key strategies. His expertise gives you a clear view of every game and its impact.