Opinion: Ohio State’s road to a national championship is challenging, but still reachable

Jenny Kalis
Wed, 04 Dec 2024 05:39:26 +0000
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The No. 2 Buckeyes head into the Ohio Stadium ahead of their 13-10 loss to Michigan on Saturday. Credit: Carly Damon | Asst. Photo Editor

How can the Buckeyes bounce back??

That’s the one simple question many Ohio State fans are asking, after an unexpected and dismaying 13-10 loss to Michigan Saturday.

But the season isn’t over just yet.

Ohio State will earn an at-large bid into the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes’ journey to a national championship, however, will be defined by three key fronts: offensive efficiency, defensive toughness and mental resilience in high-pressure moments.?

The Buckeyes boast one of the most consistently talented rosters in college football, so room for error is not tolerated.?

First, the offense must return to form. Head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must improve at balancing the rushing attack with quarterback Will Howard’s passing game.

Howard and the Buckeyes must rely on the team’s explosive playmakers, incorporating star wide receivers Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate into the offensive attack far more than they did against the Wolverines.

Defensively, the Buckeyes must prove toughness, particularly in the trenches. For Ohio State to win it all, its defensive front must disrupt opposing quarterbacks, thereby lessening pressure on their secondary.

Michigan’s offense racked up 172 rushing yards against the Buckeyes, successfully executing its run-heavy game plan once again.

After struggling against a weaker Wolverines offense than in years past, Ohio State’s defense needs to prove its ability to shut down the high-powered offenses it’s destined to face in the College Football Playoff.

Last but not least, Ohio State must demonstrate a greater degree of mental resilience on the field. The 2024 Buckeyes have suffered two heartbreaking losses to Oregon and Michigan, and overcoming these setbacks will require leadership and determination from the top down.

Staying focused, implementing mid-game adjustments and maintaining proper execution under pressure are nonnegotiable in their upcoming games. The Buckeyes cannot afford another scoreless and poorly executed second half — as seen in their loss to Michigan — in the playoffs.

A multitude of talent lies in Columbus, and the opportunity to win big is in the Buckeyes’ grasp.?

For Ohio State, winning the championship is not just about strategy — it’s about seizing the opportunity in front of them, moving past their loss to the Wolverines and proving they belong at the top.