Ohio State Football Adjusts Pace with New Offense Strategy

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State University‘s football team executed a remarkable offensive strategy during their game against Purdue on Saturday, running the most plays since 2022. The Buckeyes, under head coach Ryan Day, ran a total of 76 plays, scoring 34 points and gaining 473 yards. This marks a significant transition for the team, which previously had lower play counts in recent seasons.

Historically, Ohio State averaged 67.4 plays per game in 2022, but that number has dropped to just 63.1 plays per game this season, according to TruMedia. This shift can be attributed to several factors, including the performance of their defense. Led by defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, Ohio State’s defense limited Purdue to only 44 plays, contributing to the team’s overall efficiency and point total.

In a notable departure from previous seasons, Coach Day has slowed the pace of play intentionally. “Efficiency is what we’re after because when you’re efficient and you’re playing like that, a three-score game can feel like it is way out of reach,” Day explained during his radio show. This change is a response to evolving strategies within college football, especially as the College Football Playoff expands.

The Buckeyes entered their matchup against UCLA ranked No. 120 nationally in total plays, averaging three minutes and 19 seconds of possession time per drive, the slowest since Day took over as head coach. Despite this slower pace, Ohio State’s offense remains competitive, scoring an average of 3.56 points per drive and achieving a touchdown on 45.6 percent of their possessions.

Day’s strategic adjustments also came after he stepped back from playcalling a year ago to focus on broader team management. As defenses have adapted to high-tempo offenses, he has embraced a more methodical approach. “Now they can’t see your formation, they don’t know your plays,” Day noted, highlighting the advantages of a huddled offense.

Although there have been challenges with efficiency—averaging only 2.56 points per drive in some games this season—there has also been improvement. In 2024, the Buckeyes saw a slight uptick in performance, averaging 61.8 plays per game and improving their efficiency metrics.

As the season progresses and the competition intensifies, analysts are watching to see if Ohio State can maintain its newfound efficiency while adapting to different offensive strategies. With a critical game against Michigan approaching, the Buckeyes aim to solidify their identity and secure their place in the playoffs.

“When it’s time to turn up the game, we will,” Day said, expressing confidence in his team’s potential.