Ohio State concentrated on its future controllables, beginning with the Iowa game.

As the 2024 college football season progresses, Ohio State University finds itself in a pivotal moment in its journey toward success. The program, one of the most storied and successful in college football history, faced challenges throughout the season that required a change in approach. Amidst these challenges, the Buckeyes understood that the only way to truly control their destiny was by focusing on what they could control.

As the season progressed and Ohio State geared up for its showdown against Iowa, it became increasingly clear that the Buckeyes’ outlook on the rest of the season would hinge on their ability to focus on their controllables—things that were within their power to improve or change. The Iowa game was critical not just as a standalone contest but as the beginning of a broader philosophy shift that would guide Ohio State’s focus for the rest of the season. The decision to hone in on what could be controlled, rather than getting lost in external factors, would ultimately define Ohio State’s future trajectory.

This article explores how Ohio State’s approach to the Iowa game and the rest of the season was not only about the outcome on the field but also about recalibrating its mindset and approach. By concentrating on controllable elements, such as player development, game preparation, and in-game adjustments, the Buckeyes were able to set a course that would help them push forward toward their goals for the remainder of the season.

1. The Shift in Mindset: Focusing on Controllables

In the world of college football, teams often become distracted by the external pressures that come with being a national powerhouse. Whether it’s rankings, expectations, or outside criticism, there is an immense amount of pressure on top programs like Ohio State to perform at a high level week in and week out. However, the key to success is not simply responding to these external forces but instead focusing on the internal factors that can be controlled.

For Ohio State, a shift in mindset was necessary to regain control over the direction of the season. Instead of being overly concerned with external perceptions, rankings, or outside noise, the focus turned to areas that were directly within the program’s influence. This included refining offensive and defensive schemes, improving player performance, focusing on mental preparation, and fine-tuning game-day execution.

• Player Development: One of the most important controllable factors was player development. Ohio State understood that in order to achieve long-term success, especially in big games like the Iowa matchup, players needed to continue developing and improving. Head coach Ryan Day and his staff emphasized the importance of individual growth, whether through technical refinement or increasing players’ understanding of the game. With talented athletes on both sides of the ball, Ohio State’s ability to keep players sharp, healthy, and mentally focused was crucial.
• Game Preparation: The staff also emphasized more focused and efficient game preparation. While previous weeks may have seen a degree of distraction or overemphasis on opponent tendencies, the Buckeyes dialed in on honing their own schemes. Game preparation was focused on executing Ohio State’s strengths—getting the most out of its star players, making the most out of the opportunities presented by the opposing defense, and creating defensive opportunities based on fundamental execution.
• Mental Toughness: A major controllable that Ohio State honed in on was mental toughness. Whether dealing with setbacks, injuries, or tough losses, the Buckeyes understood the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. The mental aspect of the game often determines success, particularly when faced with adversity. Ohio State coaches and players alike dedicated time to cultivating a mindset that would carry them through tough moments, ultimately ensuring that they wouldn’t be thrown off course when challenges arose.

2. The Iowa Game: The Perfect Opportunity to Reset and Regain Focus

The Iowa game was not just another match-up on Ohio State’s schedule—it represented an opportunity for the Buckeyes to recalibrate and prove that they could indeed focus on the things they could control. After a challenging stretch of games, Ohio State needed a solid performance against a team like Iowa, which posed its own set of challenges. Iowa’s defense, known for its discipline and tenacity, offered a perfect test for Ohio State to see how well they had honed their ability to focus on the controllables.

Iowa’s defense, though often maligned for its lack of high-profile talent, plays a sound, fundamental game that can cause problems for opponents who lose focus or become too reliant on flashy playmaking. This was a perfect opportunity for Ohio State to focus on fundamentals and execute the small details that would determine success in the game and beyond.

• Offensive Line Play: One of the key controllable areas for Ohio State was its offensive line play. After a few disappointing performances, it was clear that for the Buckeyes to truly regain momentum, they needed to perform better in the trenches. Iowa’s defensive front would challenge Ohio State’s offensive line, which made it a key focal point in the week leading up to the game. By honing their technique and focusing on improving individual matchups, the Buckeyes were able to show progress in their offensive line play, which would be critical for the rest of the season.
• Quarterback Play: Another area that Ohio State had to control was the play at quarterback. With a talented group of receivers and a strong running game, the quarterback’s role was to execute the offense with precision and consistency. The Buckeyes’ quarterback—whether it was Kyle McCord or Devin Brown—needed to take what the defense gave him and avoid forcing mistakes. Iowa’s defense would likely provide some resistance, but the key to success would be managing the game, making the necessary throws, and not getting too caught up in the noise or pressure. The game against Iowa was the perfect stage for the quarterback to assert control over his game and help the offense operate efficiently.
• Defensive Dominance: On the other side of the ball, Ohio State had to focus on its defensive fundamentals to contain Iowa’s offense, which was known for being methodical and gritty but lacking in explosive playmakers. The Buckeyes’ defense, led by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, emphasized controlling the line of scrimmage, limiting big plays, and forcing Iowa’s offense into predictable situations. While Iowa had a strong running game, Ohio State’s defense worked tirelessly to limit the Hawkeyes’ effectiveness on the ground, which ultimately gave the Buckeyes’ offense more opportunities.
• In-Game Adjustments: One thing that Ohio State had to constantly improve on was its ability to make in-game adjustments. Against Iowa, Coach Day and his staff had to quickly assess how the Hawkeyes were attacking and adjust accordingly. Whether it was making changes to offensive play calls or tightening up the defense against Iowa’s unpredictable offensive looks, the ability to adjust mid-game was critical. Focusing on these types of strategic adjustments allowed Ohio State to stay in control of the game and not be caught off guard by Iowa’s game plan.

3. The Importance of Controlling the Narrative: Handling External Pressure

While Ohio State concentrated on its internal controllables, another key factor in their season was the ability to manage external pressures. College football programs, particularly those of Ohio State’s caliber, often face intense media scrutiny, rankings debates, and fan expectations. However, the focus on controllables also extended to handling the outside noise and staying true to the internal philosophy of development, team-first mentality, and strategic improvement.

• Managing Rankings and Expectations: As the season unfolded, Ohio State’s position in the rankings was often the subject of much discussion. The Buckeyes, as a perennial top program, faced expectations to win the Big Ten and make a deep run into the College Football Playoff. Rather than getting caught up in the whirlwind of rankings, Ohio State knew that its ultimate success would be determined by its performance on the field, not by outside opinions. Focusing on what they could control—player performance, coaching decisions, and weekly execution—allowed Ohio State to ignore distractions and stay locked into their mission.
• Staying Focused on Goals: Ultimately, Ohio State’s primary goal was to win the Big Ten and position themselves for a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Iowa game was the first step in a larger process of staying focused on this goal. By not allowing distractions to dictate their performance, the Buckeyes showed that their focus was solely on executing their game plans and playing their best football, rather than getting sidetracked by the weight of external expectations.

4. Looking Ahead: The Rest of the Season

With the Iowa game in the rearview mirror, Ohio State turned its attention to the remainder of its schedule. After having established a stronger grasp on its controllables—offensive line play, quarterback efficiency, in-game adjustments, and defensive consistency—the Buckeyes were now positioned to carry this momentum forward.

• Big Ten Championship: The road to a Big Ten title would require Ohio State to maintain this newfound focus on their controllables. Games against conference rivals like Michigan, Penn State, and others would provide their own unique challenges, but with the proper adjustments and continued player development, Ohio State could assert itself as a dominant force within the conference.
• College Football Playoff: Beyond the Big Ten, Ohio State’s ultimate goal remained a spot in the College Football Playoff. By concentrating on what was in their power, the Buckeyes could ensure that they were in the conversation as one of the top teams in the country. Controlling their performance on the field and managing in-game situations effectively would provide them with the best chance of achieving a berth in the playoff.