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CFB’s Biggest 2019 Surprises: Led by Ohio State and Oregon

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NavyBuckeye91's picture
October 21, 2019 at 2:16pm
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Full disclosure, this is an ESPN article.
https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/27890718/college-footba...

Bill Connelly (SP+) provides an excellent breakdown of the explosion of offense we've seen from the Buckeyes this season, as compared to last, especially in the run game. He has the Bukeyes as number 1 in his biggest surprises of 2019.

Ohio State looks so dominant this year, and it looks so utterly natural, that it's easy to forget just how many questions we had about this unit heading into the season.

A year ago, the Buckeyes' run game ranked a paltry 54th in Rushing SP+ -- 41st in rushing marginal efficiency (one's success rate, adjusted for down, distance and field position) and a baffling 120th in rushing marginal explosiveness. This year, through eight weeks: first in Rushing SP+, 11th in efficiency, third in explosiveness.

Ohio State offense:
Projected SP+ ranking: ninth in offensive SP+
Current SP+ ranking: Fifth

Ohio State defense:
Projected SP+ ranking: 13th in defensive SP+
Current SP+ ranking: First

Connelly lists all the players and coaches lost on both sides of the ball, as well as the additions. The only question that he sees that needs to be answered is on defense, which hasn't faced a Top 40 (SP+) offense yet, outside of IU. And they played OSU without an injured Penix (yes, I did that on purpose).

This is a forum post from a site member. It does not represent the views of Eleven Warriors unless otherwise noted.

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