With Julian Sayin expected to miss at least several weeks after an arm injury against Indiana, the Ohio State offense will rely more heavily on the running game to support freshman quarterback Luke Fahey. The Buckeyes have a bye week before traveling to USC on October 31, giving the staff time to emphasize the run and get healthy at the position.
Ohio State’s Current Rushing Numbers
Through seven games, Ohio State has rushed for 1,072 yards as a team. Sophomore Bo Jackson leads the group with 516 yards on 107 carries (4.8 yards per attempt) and four touchdowns. He is the only Buckeye to reach 100 yards rushing in a game this season. Senior Ja’Kobi Jackson, a transfer from Florida, has 354 yards and six touchdowns on 59 carries (6.0 average) in six games but missed the Indiana contest with a foot injury. True freshman Legend Bey has 56 yards on 15 carries, while Isaiah West has 125 yards on 28 carries and one touchdown.
How Ohio State Used the Running Backs Against Indiana
Against Indiana, Bo Jackson carried 18 times for 56 yards and scored a touchdown on a 2-yard reception. Ja’Kobi Jackson’s absence placed more of the workload on Bo and opened additional opportunities for Bey. West was listed as questionable heading into that game. The bye week provides time for Ja’Kobi Jackson to recover. If he is available against USC, he can help share carries and reduce the load on Bo Jackson. Bey and West remain options for a three-back rotation.
Why the Running Game Matters for Ohio State Right Now
The offensive line’s run blocking will also be important for Ohio State. Establishing the run can create manageable third downs and limit the number of high-pressure dropbacks for Fahey, who completed 0 of 2 official passes in limited action after Sayin exited against Indiana. Earlier this season in mop-up duty, Fahey completed 9 of 11 passes for 203 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Ohio State’s remaining schedule includes road games at USC and Nebraska, plus home games against Oregon, Northwestern, and Michigan. A consistent ground game reduces the burden on a first-time starter and keeps the offense balanced. Bo Jackson is positioned for a larger share of carries in the short term. Ja’Kobi Jackson’s return, when it happens, would restore the primary tandem that has produced most of the team’s rushing yards. Bey and West provide depth if the staff wants to keep all three backs involved.
Ryan Day has indicated the staff will adjust the offense while Sayin is out. The running backs and offensive line are the groups best positioned to make those adjustments effective over the next several weeks. How consistently Ohio State runs the ball will help determine how smoothly the offense functions with Fahey under center.
