Ryan Day explains why the running game is 'very important' to Ohio State offense

From 2012-20, Ohio State averaged more than 200 rushing yards per game eight times. The running game didn’t get back there over the last two years, though, as the passing game became more of a focal point.

Ryan Day knows how much a good running game means for an offense. He also pointed out one important game in which showed that: the 2021 loss to Oregon at The Horseshoe. In that matchup, Ohio State got out-rushed 269-128 in the 35-28 loss.

The ability to run the ball is pivotal for offenses to score multiple ways, and Day said the Buckeyes continue to make progress.

“The running game is going to be very important,” Day said. “You think about the first years for Justin [Fields] and for CJ [Stroud], it was important to have a good running game. We learned the lesson on that, the Oregon in my opinion, on offense.

“You have to be able to run the football when you get in the red zone, when you get in third down situations. First and second down, it sets up play action pass. So it’s something that we’ve been spending a lot of time on. I like our progress there, but we’ve got to keep building on it.”

The passing game — no matter how’s at quarterback — is obviously a big piece of what Ohio State does. But the rushing attack led by Treveyon Henderson, Dallan Hayden and Miyan Williams is also a difference-maker. When it gets going, Day said the vibe changes.

“You can tell,” Day said of when the running game looks good. “I mean, yeah, just week in week out, day in and day out, you just feel it. The ball is getting to the second level, Tre’s hitting the hole, the timing, the guys rocking off the ball. You can see it when you’re out there, and there’s promise here.”

Henderson entered the 2022 season as the lead back, but injuries got in the way of his season as Williams led the Buckeyes with 825 rushing yards. Both will be back this year, though, to create an intriguing two-headed monster in the backfield if they can stay healthy. Ohio State hasn’t hit 200 rushing yards per game since 2020, but that part of the offense could be something to watch this season amid the ongoing quarterback competition.

The Buckeyes will kick off the 2023 campaign Sept. 2 when they head to Bloomington to take on Indiana. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.