Ohio State Rewatch: On stopping the run and running the ball vs. Penn State

Additional thoughts on the Buckeyes' win against Penn State after rewatching the game.

Ohio State’s offensive line helped put up the Buckeyes’ best rushing average since September against Penn State. (Photo courtesy of Ohio State athletics)

COLUMBUS — Additional thoughts on Ohio State’s 38-14 win against Penn State after rewatching the game.

Did Penn State run the ball well on Ohio State?

No. Not really. One particular play had success a few times, but by and large, Penn State did not run the ball well. We’ll get to that one successful play, a toss sweep from a heavy formation featuring seven offensive linemen, in a second.

First, let’s acknowledge that Penn State finished this game averaging 1.77 yards per carry, the second-lowest mark of any team against the Buckeyes this season. That number does include sack yardage. Take that away, and Penn State “rushed” for 117 yards on 30 touches, an average of 3.9 yards per attempt — for that total, I’m including jet sweeps and shovel passes, which are effectively called runs.