The last time Ohio State traveled to West Lafayette, Indiana was a forgettable one. Since the trip to Purdue in 2000, Ohio State has won three times and suffered five losses. 2023 is different than 2018 on almost every level for the Buckeyes. Kyle McCord‘s strengths and weaknesses are vastly different than the late Dwayne Haskins‘. The Buckeyes do have a significantly better defense suiting up this year, so giving up 42 points in an Urban Meyer letdown-type of game is improbable.
As McCord gets more and more time running the offense, it is quickly becoming clear what the new signal-caller’s strengths and weaknesses are. Ohio State will have to mitigate the lack of McCord’s deep ball ability by opening up the offense with play-action, something the quarterback does well.
Kyle McCord’s Strengths Must be on Display to Avoid Purdue Upset
The Split Zone and McCord
There is one concept that Ryan Day favors over others: the split zone. This concept and those that build off of it are not unlike the other zone concepts Ohio State runs. However, it’s different in a few facets. First, the quarterback isn’t making a read. Second, it presents a challenge for the second level of the defense because while the play and running back are heading to one side, the tight end comes back across. On runs, the tight end comes across and seals the end, and opens up the running lane. For passes, he slips out and is the easy check down as McCord rolls out.
To this point, McCord has struggled at pushing the ball downfield. Against Maryland alone, he cost the offense at least four points after a pair of underthrows to Marvin Harrison, Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. If he hits both in stride, both score untouched without breaking a sweat. In all reality, Ohio State can mitigate McCord’s lack of a deep ball by opening up the offense via play-action.
With such prolific playmakers as Egbuka, Harrison, and even Cade Stover, utilizing play-action to freeze the offense and get the weapons in advantageous situations eases the burden. Day has done this in the past and it’s worked wonders. Some of the most iconic run-and-catch touchdowns of the last few years have been thanks to dynamic playmakers getting the ball in space after freezing the defense with play action.
Run Game Woes
Contrary to conventional belief, one does not actually need a threatening run game to adequately utilize play action. Getting to play with one of McCord’s strengths is crucial, especially with how the Ohio State rushing attack has been so stodgy of late.
Against Maryland, a team that averaged over 116 allowed on the ground leading up to Week 5, the Buckeyes managed just 62 yards. Of course, they were without TreVeyon Henderson but there are plenty of capable running backs to pick up the slack. The concern continues along the offensive line.
Even without a legitimate rushing attack at this time, the Buckeyes can take advantage of the stark talent discrepancy by keeping the Boilermakers honest with some play action. However, that Purdue defense has allowed 12 rushing touchdowns. Aside from the 11 yards allowed to Virginia Tech which has been proven to be an aberration, has allowed 182 yards per game. If there’s going to be a game where the Buckeyes get it going on the ground, it’ll be this week.
Spoilermakers off the Tracks
The thing Purdue is infamous for is their ability to knock off overwhelming favorites. Often, that team is ranked second in the nation, so, at the very least, Ohio State’s third ranking bodes well.
Regardless, that 3-5 record in West Lafayette looms over. Not since the 1990, ’93, and ’96 seasons has Ohio State won consecutive games at Purdue.
Taking advantage of McCord’s strengths in the play-action game will be key on offense. On defense, three words: unleash Tyleik Williams. The talented junior defensive tackle has had serious splashes thus far this year and leaps off of the film each week. The secondary will also have a test. At no point this year has Purdue been held under 200 yards passing. With weapons like Deion Burks and Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen, Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun will have to continue their top-tier play.
The Boilermakers are known for upsetting CFP hopefuls. With a potential top-five matchup that could decide the future of the conference circled next week, Ohio State cannot afford to look ahead.
