There’s been a lot of chatter this season about Ohio State’s offense — specifically, questions about their apparent lack of big-play explosiveness. Critics have pointed to the relatively measured pace of the Buckeyes’ attack and the absence of the jaw-dropping, highlight-reel moments that casual fans might expect from the nation’s top-ranked team. This last Wisconsin game we saw them open it up more, but fans are still asking… why are we not seeing more of that? But here’s the thing: this offense is working exactly as it’s supposed to.
A Slow-Offense That Dominates
Let’s start with the numbers. Ohio State, by tempo, is one of the slower offenses in college football (they rank 126th out of 136 teams in plays per game). They aren’t running the up-tempo spread or operating at a pace that wears defenses down purely with speed. Yet, despite their deliberate rhythm, they’ve been one of the most effective offenses in the country. They move the chains, control the clock, and, most importantly, score efficiently.
As Joel Klatt recently pointed out, the Buckeyes don’t need to hit “3rd or 4th gear” to win these games convincingly. That’s a key point that many casual observers overlook: the Buckeyes are so loaded with talent that they can dominate opponents without ever showing their full hand. Teams facing Ohio State know they’re outmatched and adjust accordingly, but Ohio State’s approach has been to stay comfortable, minimize mistakes, and control the game on their terms.
Opponents Are Playing to Take Away the Big Play
Part of the reason this offense might appear “limited” is because opposing defenses are playing specifically to limit Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate over the top. Teams are daring Ohio State to take the shorter, lower-risk opportunities while keeping everything in front. The goal for opponents is simple: force Ohio State to grind out 10-12 play drives rather than let Smith or Tate strike in a single explosive moment.
And it works — in theory. But here’s the reality: Ohio State is still overwhelmingly more talented than every team they face. Even on these methodical drives, they can wear defenses down, mix in well-timed play-action, and punch the ball in for scores. The big plays will come — and they usually do when it matters most.
Ryan Day and Brian Hartline: Masterminds at Work
If you’re worried about the lack of vertical explosions right now, it’s time to take a deep breath and relax. Ryan Day is one of the best offensive minds in college football, and Brian Hartline is a master of scheming wide receivers into open space. Together, they’ve consistently demonstrated an ability to adjust, attack weaknesses, and get their talent in positions to succeed.
Think back to last year’s College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes’ offense hit a whole other gear when it mattered most. All season long, they had been methodical and measured, and then — boom — in the postseason, defenses had no answers. That’s the blueprint for this year, too. Ohio State is cruising at the speed limit in the regular season because they can, and because they’re focused on winning consistently without taking unnecessary risks. Once the postseason arrives, the offense will open up, and opponents will be caught completely off guard.
Playing Smart, Not Flashy
There’s a method to this “slow and steady” approach. Ohio State knows that opponents want them to take the short, methodical drives, and they’re more than happy to oblige — all while staying in control of the clock and minimizing turnovers. Every opponent they face is playing from a talent deficit, and Ohio State is leveraging that advantage in a way that is both smart and sustainable.
This isn’t a team that needs to force explosive plays every game. What they need to do is win convincingly, stay healthy, and build momentum for when the stakes are highest. And that’s exactly what we’re seeing.
The Michigan Question
Of course, no discussion about Ohio State’s offense would be complete without mentioning Michigan. Ryan Day has lost four straight to the Wolverines, and it’s clear that his ultimate goal is to open up the offense strategically against them. I personally believe that he’ll “show his cards” a bit earlier than usual, likely in the final game of the season — the last Saturday in November — when all the chips are on the line.
Last year’s 13-10 defeat was a complete joke to put it bluntly. Ryan Day and Chip Kelly did nothing to the likes of “opening it up”. Instead it was arrogance. Arrogance in the terms that they were determined to beat Michigan at their own game – a physical brand of football while continuously running the ball into the teeth of Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant.
Even in that game, Day has the luxury of relying on a Matt Patricia-led defense that can handle most of the heavy lifting. Offensively, he can dial up the aggression when it counts most, knowing that the rest of the schedule has been carefully managed to maximize both wins and player health.
Why Fans Should Relax
If you’re a Buckeyes fan worried about the perceived lack of big plays or explosive moments, it’s important to trust the process. Ryan Day isn’t trying to impress casual observers with fireworks every week; he’s focused on winning games, maintaining player health, and preparing for when the pressure is highest. The big plays will come — they always do — and the offense will hit another gear when it matters most.
The Buckeyes are still dominating up to this point, and there’s no reason to panic over tempo or perceived limitations. Ryan Day and Brian Hartline have a plan, and their track record proves they can execute it. The postseason will be where we see Ohio State at full speed — and if you’re a fan, that’s the moment you really want to see.
Final Thoughts
Ohio State’s offense may look “limited” on paper, but in reality, it’s one of the most efficient and effective systems in the country. Teams can try to take away the big play, force the short drives, and play conservative defense, but Ohio State’s talent and coaching ensure they’ll win games convincingly.
The Buckeyes aren’t in a hurry. They don’t need to be. When the time comes — particularly against Michigan and in the postseason — the offense will open up in ways that will leave opponents reeling.
So relax, Buckeyes fans. The offense is doing exactly what it’s supposed to. And when the lights shine brightest, you’ll see just how deadly this team can truly be.
