Ryan Day doesn't need to banish Brian Hartline, but Ohio State's head coach must take over the offense

A flawed plan against Indiana showed that Ohio State can't move into the playoff with the status quo on offense.

COLUMBUS — Brian Hartline had to juggle being South Florida’s new head coach and Ohio State’s offensive coordinator last week as the Buckeyes prepared for their Big Ten Championship against Indiana. Hartline, meeting with the media down in Tampa on Monday after being formally introduced at his new job, summed up the experience of balancing both gigs with six words.

“Last week was a tough week,” he said.

That much was apparent in Ohio State’s game plan against the Hoosiers.

If what the Buckeyes showed on offense in a 13-10 loss was indicative of what they’ll put on the field as their offensive coordinator and play caller tries to thread this needle between Florida and Ohio, then things need to change in Columbus for OSU’s College Football Playoff run.