Ezekiel Elliott was dealt a nearly impossible task this season: replacing Carlos Hyde as Ohio State's starting running back.
He's not doing it alone — he's listed as a co-starter with Curtis Samuel and Rod Smith — but there's no doubt he's been seeing the bulk of the workload.
"Ezekiel is the best option of being the most consistent, all-around back right now and that’s running inside and outside and blocking," Ohio State running backs coach Stan Drayton said.
Elliott's production through two games hasn't been staggering. He's carried the ball just 20 times for 76 yards, but he has scored touchdowns in each game so far for the Buckeyes.
Part of that, head coach Urban Meyer says, is because of the two defenses Ohio State has seen so far. Navy ran an obscure 3-4 defense while Virginia Tech surprised the Buckeyes with a 46 Bear defense that totally took away the running game.
Although he's happy with his role to this point, Elliott said if more responsibility comes along he will be ready.
“I’m satisfied. I’m always hungry, always want more," he said. "Like I said, the way the coaches call the plays are better for the grand scheme of the team and I’m all for the team.”
Eilliott said it's not just him who's hungry, though. There's a certain itch for the entire team to get back out on the field after Ohio State experienced its first regular-season loss under Meyer.
“We’re hungry. It’s just that want to get back on the field and make up for Saturday, it’s just crazy," Elliott said. "It’s that feeling in your stomach and you’re ready to go. We’re gonna come out angry Saturday and play hard.”
Conventional wisdom would say Kent State may try to play a similar style to Virginia Tech that limited Ohio State's running game, but that type of defense is very difficult to execute without the proper personnel.
The Buckeyes are hopeful seeing a more traditional defense will help get them back on the right track.
“They’re a more conventional team and hopefully if they come out and play conventional we’ll be able to play Buckeye football.”
