As we continue to discuss/diagnose/debate the issues with our run game, I found this older article Land Grant Holy Land wrote up about Justin Frye upon his hiring. It's a solid overview of what he was hired to bring to the table. It's got video clips of plays in it as well.
Frye comes to the Buckeyes with experience working for Ryan Day, Chip Kelly, and a reputation for improving stagnant run games. The Buckeyes the last two seasons have relied on basic zone schemes and every so often mixing in some gap run schemes.
We've tossed around injuries, first year starters, scheme, play calling, execution, and attitude (softness) as reasons why the run game isn't clicking.
Reading the article and thinking about our run game, I do think it's probably a little bit "all of the above." I believe our run game is better than the last two years. It's not "there" yet and probably needs some time to take root in the room. We've seen the execution issues as well as injuries. I personally feel like we're not running enough gap/power and a little reliant on stretch/outside zone.
Ryan Day’s most successful team offensively in my eyes was the 2019 team with Justin Fields and J.K. Dobbins in the backfield because they were a balanced attack that featured an extremely physical ground attack.
We likely need to be patient. I know we'd all (Day included) would like to see that 2019 balanced attack. I know it's hard with TTUN and the postseason looming. Our inability to run well cost us the game against TTUN because while we could score, we couldn't control the clock and keep our defense off the field. We need to run well to achieve our goals. As the article says...
If Ohio State wants to be a national championship team it starts with rejuvenating the run game and implementing some of these power run schemes.
Just want to put this out there into the ongoing discussion:
- Do you see a better run game (overall) than 2020 & 2021?
- Do you see more diversity?
- What do you think works best for this team in the run game?
- How would you grade Frye so far (A, B, C, D, F)?
- Other thoughts?
