3 things we learned from Ohio State football's rout of Kent State

The No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Kent State 59-3 in a game on September 19. Three key learnings emerged from this rout:

Firstly, the Buckeyes still face situational challenges on the offensive side of the ball. They struggled with third-down conversions against Texas last week and found themselves in a similar predicament against Kent State. Only one of 14 third-down attempts resulted in a gain over the marker, highlighting a recurring issue. Key running backs had difficulty in short-yardage situations and a key throw to the end zone was intercepted by the opposing defense.

While freshman Favour Akih's final play moved the chains on third down, the overall situational execution needs improvement.

Secondly, the offensive coordinator Arthur Smith introduced a new strategy by utilizing an additional lineman on the field. Ohio State used Jake Cook as an extra blocker in various offensive situations, showing promising results. This heavy personnel grouping disrupted Kent State's defense and provided strength to the offensive line. However, the effectiveness of this approach remains to be seen in future games as the team evaluates its usage.

Thirdly, standout linebacker performances emerged as a positive aspect. Sophomore linebackers TJ Alford and Riley Pettijohn displayed great potential and played significant roles in the game. Both caused disruptions with Alford intercepting a pass and nearly forcing a pick. Pettijohn, known for his athleticism and instincts, nearly made another interception.

As the Buckeyes search for more playmakers on defense, their options are becoming more evident. Joey Kaufman, covering Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch, highlighted these key learnings from the game.