I am genuinely torn about this game. On the one hand, Ohio State lost because the offense is garbage. This is not new, nor is it worth getting all spun up over. Because on the other hand, the offense wasn't THAT bad. Statistically.
No, there aren't any difference makers. And no, there isn't a consistent player. But, the Buckeyes have really stepped up their SOG% of late. Today they hit the cage on 74% of their shots.
The Buckeyes also potted a respectable 30% of their shots. It's not the worst offensive performance of the year. Not by a long shot. The problem was that the Buckeyes took so few shots.
Only 23 times did the Buckeyes pull the trigger. That's more than 18 fewer shots than they're averaging on the year. There are reasons for that, namely the Terp defense. But, for all the problems with this team, the offense actually showed a little life.
The jarring thing about this game is how so many points were even, except for the most critical. Ohio State only won 5 of the 18 faceoffs taken. Maryland had 9 more groundballs on the day. Maryland also had 12 more shots than Ohio State on the day. There's your difference.
Maryland played incredibly sloppy. They had 19 turnovers, 2 more than then Buckeyes. Maryland also failed to convert any of their Man Up opportunities.
Yet again, Ohio State had a quality win in its grasp but failed to take advantage. It's another close loss that should have been a win.
Your best offensive player missed all 4 of his shots. There still isn't a dodger in sight who can be consistent. Maybe three of today's seven goals were really earned, and not somewhat lucky? The scheme continues to do the personnel no favors, even if it is more of a proper college offense. Just so poor for no real reason.
But, really, the Buckeyes were done in by two defensive failures that led to Maryland getting TWO pole goals. Quite literally, Maryland's offense wheezed to 6 goals, just be bailed out by LSMs launching rockets in transition. No one deserves to truly feel they did okay today in Columbus. Fyock is closest.
But in all honesty, where are we seeing consistent improvement that builds game over game? This team is exactly the same through 10 games as they were through 1. The only difference is personnel.
The pressure is really going to be on for the final game of the year. If the Buckeyes don't beat the Wolverines, I think we see a sea change after the Big Ten tournament. I fail to see how the new AD will let this slide. But, he is also laser focused on money and the rev sports. So we will see.
Up next, Hopkins.
Go Bucks.
