As Ohio State prepares for a high-stakes matchup against Penn State, head coach Ryan Day has zeroed in on the offensive line and the run game—two areas he views as critical to the Buckeyes’ success in this pivotal Big Ten clash. With Penn State’s defense ranked among the toughest in the nation, Day knows that refining Ohio State’s rushing attack and ensuring the offensive line’s consistency will be essential if they want to secure a victory.
The Buckeyes’ running game, which has been effective but inconsistent this season, will need to be at its peak against a Penn State defense that has excelled in containing opponents’ rushing yards. Running back TreVeyon Henderson has shown flashes of brilliance, but injuries have limited his availability, putting additional pressure on the offensive line to create openings and prevent the backfield from facing constant pressure. Day emphasized the importance of a balanced offense, stating, “For us to be successful, we have to be able to run the ball effectively. We know Penn State’s strengths on defense, and we’re focused on getting our offensive line and run game to match that intensity.”