ESPN Exposes Ohio State’s Weakness Following the Season for the National Championship

The Ohio State Buckeyes, one of the most storied programs in college football, have long been considered elite. With a long history of conference championships, playoff appearances, and national title aspirations, the Buckeyes have consistently been a powerhouse in the sport. However, in the aftermath of a season that ultimately fell short of securing the coveted National Championship, ESPN’s analysis has unveiled key weaknesses that plagued Ohio State’s bid for glory.

While Ohio State’s 2024 season featured several high points, including a dominant offense and a stout defense at times, ESPN’s breakdown pointed out areas that cost the team in critical moments. As much as the program boasts its success, the analysis shows that the Buckeyes were not invincible, especially when facing teams that were well-prepared for Ohio State’s tendencies and potential vulnerabilities. Let’s dive deep into these identified weaknesses and examine what they mean for Ohio State moving forward.

1. Quarterback Play and Consistency

One of the most scrutinized positions in any college football program is the quarterback position, and for Ohio State, 2024 was no different. With the departure of the dynamic C.J. Stroud, many wondered if his successor, Kyle McCord, could fill his shoes and lead the Buckeyes to a National Championship. While McCord showed flashes of brilliance, his performance remained inconsistent throughout the season, especially during high-pressure games.

ESPN’s analysis emphasized that McCord struggled with decision-making at times, particularly when under duress. While his arm strength and mobility were rarely questioned, his inability to read defenses quickly or execute at a high level in crucial moments was evident. Against teams with elite defenses, McCord’s tendency to hold onto the ball too long or force throws into tight coverage often led to turnovers or stalled drives. In particular, Ohio State’s loss to Michigan was marked by a series of McCord’s misfires, which kept the team from taking full control of the game.

2. Offensive Line Play

Another glaring weakness exposed by ESPN was Ohio State’s offensive line. While the Buckeyes traditionally have one of the top offensive lines in college football, 2024 saw a drop-off in performance, especially when it came to protecting McCord in passing situations. Against top-tier defenses, Ohio State’s line failed to create consistent running lanes and allowed pressure to mount on McCord at critical moments.

The Buckeyes’ offensive line struggled particularly in their biggest games of the season. In their loss to Michigan, McCord was sacked multiple times, and the line was unable to sustain drives due to poor pass protection. This exposed Ohio State’s lack of balance on offense, as they were unable to establish a consistent running game with their running backs, who were often met at or behind the line of scrimmage. ESPN noted that the lack of offensive line cohesion forced Ohio State to abandon their usual offensive approach and forced McCord to take risks that didn’t pay off.

3. Defensive Vulnerabilities Against the Pass

For most of the 2024 season, Ohio State’s defense was regarded as one of the nation’s best. Led by a ferocious defensive front and a secondary with plenty of talent, the Buckeyes’ defense often seemed suffocating. However, ESPN highlighted a significant flaw in Ohio State’s defensive scheme — a vulnerability against the passing game, especially in the deep third of the field.

Despite possessing talented cornerbacks and safeties, Ohio State’s defensive backs occasionally struggled against skilled quarterbacks with strong deep ball accuracy. In their loss to Michigan, for example, the Wolverines’ passing attack exposed Ohio State’s secondary, as they consistently hit long passes that stretched the Buckeyes’ coverage. Even against teams with lesser offenses, Ohio State’s secondary showed cracks, allowing big plays in key moments.

In particular, ESPN pointed to Ohio State’s defensive backs’ lack of consistent positioning and ability to track the ball in the air. For a team with so much talent on defense, this inconsistency in coverage ultimately proved to be one of the key factors in Ohio State’s inability to secure a National Championship.

4. Lack of Playmaking at Wide Receiver

Another factor that ESPN’s analysis drew attention to was Ohio State’s inability to rely on their wide receivers in crucial moments. The Buckeyes have been known for producing high-caliber wide receivers, and with players like Marvin Harrison Jr., it seemed that the passing attack would continue to be one of the nation’s most feared. However, the consistency of the wide receiver group as a whole was called into question, particularly in the most high-pressure situations.

Although Harrison Jr. remained a dominant force on the field, Ohio State’s reliance on him alone left the offense somewhat predictable. In crucial games, including their loss to Michigan, the Wolverines’ defense was able to double or even triple-team Harrison, forcing McCord to look to other targets. Unfortunately, the other Ohio State receivers did not consistently step up. ESPN noted that the Buckeyes lacked a second or third reliable wideout who could stretch the field or make plays when the game was on the line. This lack of depth at wide receiver became a problem as the season went on, limiting the offensive playbook and making Ohio State more one-dimensional.

5. Coaching and In-Game Adjustments

Another significant area of concern for Ohio State, as highlighted by ESPN, was the team’s ability to make in-game adjustments. While head coach Ryan Day is considered one of the top coaches in the country, his decision-making under pressure was occasionally criticized. ESPN’s analysis showed that in certain high-stakes situations, such as their loss to Michigan in the Big Ten Championship game, Day seemed hesitant to make the necessary adjustments in real time.

Ohio State’s offensive scheme, while dynamic and successful in the regular season, struggled to adapt to the aggressive defense of Michigan, failing to adjust when it became clear that McCord was under pressure. Similarly, Ohio State’s defense lacked the necessary adjustments when it was evident that the Wolverines were targeting weak spots in the secondary. ESPN pointed out that in big games, Day’s lack of timely adjustments seemed to cost the Buckeyes, leaving them unable to fight back when things went wrong.

6. Special Teams and Kicking Game

Another hidden weakness that surfaced during the season was Ohio State’s special teams play, particularly in the kicking game. While the Buckeyes’ special teams had been a relatively stable unit in recent years, their kicker struggled to make critical field goals in key moments. ESPN’s analysis pointed to missed opportunities and a lack of consistency in the kicking game, particularly when the team was within field goal range but unable to convert.

In a close game, every point counts, and Ohio State’s inability to rely on their kicking game in pivotal moments contributed to their inability to secure a spot in the National Championship. Whether it was missed extra points or a failure to make a long-range field goal, this instability in special teams proved costly for the Buckeyes.

7. Mental Toughness and Composure

One of the final weaknesses that ESPN examined was Ohio State’s mental toughness and composure in high-stress situations. The Buckeyes have always been known for their physical play, but in 2024, ESPN pointed out that they lacked the mental fortitude required to push through adversity, particularly against their biggest rivals.

Against Michigan, when faced with a late-game situation where they could have mounted a comeback, Ohio State seemed to lose focus. From missed assignments to uncharacteristic penalties, the Buckeyes faltered under the weight of the occasion. This inability to stay composed during crunch time raised questions about Ohio State’s ability to handle the intense pressure that comes with vying for a national title.