Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State Football: Lightning Early Might Help The Offense?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Mike Weber is the “Thunder” and Curtis Samuel the “Lightning” for Ohio State.

The Ohio State offense has been most effective this season when there was lightning early in the game. I’m not meaning in the sky overhead but the flashes that occur on the field when Curtis Samuel has the ball in his hands early and often.

The first four games of the season Samuel was used often at the beginning of the game as the featured running back. Ohio State was averaging 57 points a game.

The last three games Mike Weber has been the primary running back early in the game. The Buckeyes averaged 29.7 points a game in those games.

Also, Weber’s production has decreased significantly since becoming the featured back. He went from averaging 123 yards rushing to 63 a game the last three. Most of the time opposing teams are stacking the box trying to stop him.

J.T. Barrett has filled the void in the rushing totals but I don’t think Urban Meyer really wants his star quarterback to run as often as he has been. Barrett has averaged running the ball 21 times a game the last three. His passing totals have declined as well.

Samuel’s touches have come down from around 16 a game playing in just over three quarters to about 12 in the last three games. His total yards per game average in the first four games were 171. The last three about 108.

The junior running back was used primarily as a receiver against Penn State, usually with his back to the endzone when he caught the ball on a comeback route. Finally in the third quarter he had the chance to run with the football for the first time. The result, a 74 yard touchdown.

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Lately, Samuel has been used at running back primarily when the Ohio state offense has stalled and he comes in to jumpstart things. He has been very effective in doing so but why not let him get things rolling at the beginning of the game.

When an exceptional talent like Samuel is on the field, and being used often enough, every defensive coach has to account for him every play. That opens up big play possibilities for other players.

Getting Samuel involved early in the game could result in a big play or two. If that happens, the opposing team’s defensive coordinator may alter his game plan, and at the very least get the defenders back on their heels.

I previously tabbed Mike Weber and Curtis Samuel as “Thunder and Lightning” and I’m sure you can figure out which is which. Both players are extremely talented but doesn’t lightning scare you more than thunder?

The Ohio State offense operates at a higher level when the Curtis Samuel has the ball in his hands and strikes first. Then the “Thunder” will roar.

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