""Definitely bothers me," defensive lineman Kayden McDonald said. "If we want to be the best defense in the country, we can't let people score." As the midpoint of the 2025 season arrives, even the most dominant unit on the most dominant team is looking for areas to improve. This has largely been a season of imperfections and invalidated predictions. Don't stare directly at the preseason polls or you'll damage your eyes."
"But Ohio State's run game remains a work in progress after losing TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins to the NFL from the national championship team. The Buckeyes averaged just 2.9 yards per carry in Saturday's win at Illinois, with only one rush longer than 10 yards. CJ Donaldson reached the end zone twice, and Ohio State's offensive line generated good movement early on, but the explosive runs didn't come."
Ohio State surrendered 16 points at Illinois, prompting visible frustration from defensive players and coaches. The Buckeyes sit 6-0 and have outscored opponents 221-41, yet the running game has struggled after losing key backs to the NFL. Ohio State managed only 2.9 yards per carry and produced almost no explosive runs, though CJ Donaldson scored twice and the offensive line showed early movement. At the season midpoint, multiple top teams nationwide display varied flaws—offensive inconsistency, third-down troubles, turnovers and sloppy execution—that could alter rankings and postseason trajectories.
Read at ESPN.com
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