Report Card: Grading Buckeyes offensive position groups through four games

COLUMBUS — Since Ohio State hired Ryan Day as its quarterback coach and offensive coordinator in 2017, the Buckeyes have averaged at least 40 points in every season.

And the offensive output has gotten even better since he became the head coach before the 2019 season. Day knows how to coach an explosive offense, no matter who the quarterback is.

So the fact that the Buckeyes are averaging just 34.5 points per game through four games is a bit surprising, especially considering they’ve scored just 23 points and 17 points in games this season. The offense hasn’t been bad, either. It’s just different than normal Day offenses.

Of course, there’s still time for the offense, which just named its starting quarterback two games ago, continues to improve and top the 40-points-per-game mark with starting signal caller Kyle McCord and an offensive line that is gaining experience and confidence.

Lettermen Row is passing out grades for each of the Buckeyes offensive position groups through the first four games this season. Let’s dive In.

Quarterback: B

This grade would be much worse if Kyle McCord didn’t orchestrate a game-winning touchdown drive in the final two minutes at Notre Dame to secure a top-10 win. But he did. After going through standard growing pains against Indiana, the first-year starting quarterback still didn’t lock down the starting spot until after he showed flashes in the win over Youngstown State. He then dominated Western Kentucky in his first start as the full-time QB1 and outplayed veteran Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman on the road. McCord is showing progress in each game, and he can only keep getting better. Oh, and the Buckeyes know they have a capable backup in Devin Brown.

This unit has earned its B grade through four games.

Running back: B

The running backs are receiving a B grade, but it’s not entirely their fault. Through four games, TreVeyon Henderson has showed that he is back to being the Henderson that dominated as a freshman — much different than his injury-plagued sophomore season. His 61-yard touchdown run at Notre Dame was even further proof of that. And Chip Trayanum has surprisingly seemingly leaped Miyan Williams as the second back in the Buckeyes offense. But the Ohio State offensive line is leaving plenty to be desired in the run-blocking, causing these backs to be held back. If the offensive line can improve in that category, Ohio State will have a potent rushing attack. The backs are certainly talented enough to make it happen.

Wide receiver: A

Ohio State has the best group of wide receivers in the country, and that’s showing itself out through four games. While Marvin Harrison Jr. is getting star treatment from opposing defenses — bracket coverage and double teams — McCord is finding Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming, among others, for big-time plays. That was on display Saturday night at Notre Dame. That’s not even mentioning that freshman Carnell Tate is still on the path to potentially having a bigger impact down the road this season and senior captain Xavier Johnson can make a play when his number is called. The receiver unit is absolutely loaded and is backing up the talent level with its production. This group deserves an A grade without much thought otherwise.

Tight end: B

Cade Stover had 36 catches last season for the Buckeyes, the most by a tight end in recent memory. He is nearly halfway there through just four games this year, and that’s even with a catch-less game. Stover has 17 catches for 240 yards so far this season, giving McCord a much-needed security blanket to check down to — and find down the field for explosive plays. He’ll continue to be that for the Buckeyes as pass defenses key on Egbuka and Harrison out wide. Sure, Stover isn’t the best blocker in space, but he’s also asked to defend athletic safeties on the outside — and that’s a tough task. He’s been a quality in-line blocker. So has Gee Scott Jr., who has emerged as the second tight end on the roster and is shwoing progress with each week.

Offensive line: C

The growing pains were to be expected. But how much longer can the struggles of the offensive line, particularly against better defensive lines, be chalked up to just being standard growing pains? Matthew Jones has been the Buckeyes best offensive lineman, and Josh Fryar and Donovan Jackson have had their bright moments so far this season. First-year center Carson Hinzman handled his first primetime road showdown well, as did transfer left tackle Josh Simmons. But both need to continue getting better ahead of the tougher challenges that are coming later this season. This group has been better in pass-protection than it has been in the running game so far, and that needs to even out to give the Buckeyes balance on offense.

Early growing pains were to be expected. But those need to fade away, and the offensive line needs to come together in a major way across the next few weeks. If it doesn’t, this could be the unit that holds this offense back down the stretch.

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