The Ohio State Buckeyes are 5-0, but there's still a sense of unease right now after a way-too-close 34-27 win at Indiana on Saturday. The Hoosiers came this close to offing the #1 team in the nation, but close only counts in Horseshoes (snicker, snort) and...
We're really happy with that pun, so we'll stop there.
Here's 5 Things We Know About Ohio State Football Through 5 Games.
5) We need to calm down about the QB situation
After another sloppy performance by Cardale Jones on Saturday, the QB conversation is once again getting loud (and somewhat obnoxious) in Columbus.
The offense wasn't totally sharp all game, but there were definite signs of life. Jones looked out of sync and Indiana gave it all they could to knock off #1, but this team is still 5-0 and is a better position schedule-wise than any of the current crop of College Football Playoff contenders. Whether it's Jones or JT Barrett under center, we're still not worried right now.
4) The defense is still better than people think
There's too much individual talent on this defense to dock Ohio State for finishing 26th in scoring defense and 25th in yards per play in 2014. DE Joey Bosa, LB Darron Lee and safety Von Bell aren't just impact players -- they're superstars that'd key any defense in the country, excluding none. The D bent a fair amount against Indiana, but they still got the job done in the clutch. How many other "top programs" around the nation wish they had that problem?
3) Ohio State is back to running the ball
Urban Meyer worked hard to limit Ezekiel Elliott's carries to start the season, but that was thrown out the window against Indiana. Elliott carried 23 times for an eye-popping 274 and three scores, including a couple of Madden-esque (catch me if you can) long scampers. We jumped on Ohio State earlier this season for going a little too balanced with the offense. Urban Meyer is smarter than us. He saved Elliott's legs for the Big Ten push.
2) Turnovers are an issue
Ohio State has shown a tendancy to beat themselves this season as they've turned the ball over 13 times already, including three against the Illini.. The Buckeyes are heavy favorites in every game they'll play this season, but turnovers are a GREAT way for a less talented team to pull an upset -- which almost happened on Saturday thanks to a ghastly -3 turnover margin.
1) Ohio State is having a regular season...
...like Florida State had last year. FSU escaped a handful of near-upsets to bulldoze their way into the College Football Playoff last year. Ohio State has already staved off the upset bug twice in five weeks. We're not saying that it's going to continue on this way. But, Buckeyes fans still might want to hold on to their seats.
Follow our Ohio State Buckeyes team page for the latest Ohio State Buckeyes football news!
Back to the Ohio State Buckeyes Newsfeed