Three most explosive offenses Buckeyes will face this fall

COLUMBUS — Ohio State expects its defense to take another huge step forward in the second year of the Jim Knowles defense.

To do so, the Buckeyes will need to be at their best against the best offenses on their schedule.

In the spirit of the Fourth of July, Lettermen Row is breaking down the three most explosive offenses Ohio State will face this fall, what makes them so good and how the Buckeyes can defend them. Let’s dive in.

Sept. 16 — vs. Western Kentucky

Back in 2021, Western Kentucky boasted the country’s top passing offense, averaging 430.3 passing yards per game with now-New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe. But even when Zappe left, the Hilltoppers didn’t slow down, posting incredible passing stats again last year with quarterback Austin Reed, who led the country in passing yards. He’s back for an offense that will throw the ball. And throw the ball. And throw it more. The Buckeyes secondary hasn’t been great in the last three years, a bad thing to struggle with against Western Kentucky. This Hilltoppers offense is explosive, and Ohio State will need to show it has an improved secondary against this passing attack.

Oct. 21 — vs. Penn State

Ohio State will have plenty of buildup before its late-October showdown against Penn State in the Horseshoe. The Nittany Lions have the most balanced offense of any team on the Buckeyes schedule, and they’re expected to be explosive this fall. Sophomore running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen were a dominant tandem at running back and should be even better this season. First-time starter Drew Allar, a former five-star prospect, is still an unknown, but he has talented receivers such as KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Dante Cephus to throw to. Oh, and the Nittany Lions return key pieces from their offensive line. This offense is explosive. Ohio State will need a complete effort to earn a win at home over a should-be 6-0 Penn State team in October.

Nov. 25 — at Michigan

Not only has Michigan won two straight over Ohio State, but the Wolverines have done so in blowout fashion. They’re already gaining steam as a national title contender again this fall because of their offense. Led by second-year starter J.J. McCarthy, Michigan also returns running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. The offensive line has two the Joe Moore Award two straight years and has pieces back, and the receiving unit should be improved from last season. Oh, and The Game is in the Big House this time around. Ohio State will see some explosive offenses before late November. None of them will be as tough to defend as the unit at Michigan.

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