Buckeye Talk podcast: Ryan Day, Ohio State, and six crucial factors for the 2024 NCAA football season

The Ohio State Buckeyes are a perennial powerhouse in college football. With a rich history, a tradition of excellence, and a passionate fanbase, Ohio State is always a team to watch come the fall. As we head into the 2024 NCAA football season, the Buckeyes are looking to improve on their already impressive resume. The 2024 season brings a new chapter, full of challenges, expectations, and opportunities. In this episode of Buckeye Talk, we’ll discuss six crucial factors that will define Ohio State’s season under head coach Ryan Day.

1. Ryan Day’s Leadership and Coaching Strategy

Ryan Day enters his sixth season as head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes. After taking over from Urban Meyer in 2019, Day has quickly proven himself as one of the premier coaches in college football. He has guided the team to multiple Big Ten titles and playoff appearances, though the ultimate goal of winning a national championship remains elusive.

For Ohio State to succeed in 2024, Day’s leadership will be more crucial than ever. He’s known for his offensive genius and his ability to develop quarterbacks, but this season, his ability to manage the complexities of a high-powered program will be under the microscope.

In 2024, Day must continue to develop his leadership skills, especially given the high expectations surrounding the team. The Buckeyes have consistently been in the conversation for the College Football Playoff, but they’ve fallen short in key moments. Day needs to bring more stability to the program, especially in big games, and ensure his team is mentally prepared for each challenge. With an experienced staff and some talented recruits, Day’s ability to adjust in crucial moments will be critical.

Key Questions for Day:

• How will Day evolve the offense to maintain its explosive playmaking, especially after losing key players?
• Can Day ensure his team maintains focus and discipline throughout the season, especially against high-profile teams like Michigan and Penn State?

2. Quarterback Play and Development

The quarterback position has long been a focal point for Ohio State, and 2024 is no exception. Ryan Day has been known for his ability to develop quarterbacks, with Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud both becoming high-profile NFL draft picks. With Stroud leaving for the NFL, Ohio State’s quarterback situation is in flux, and the 2024 season will likely feature some uncertainty at the position.

For the Buckeyes to contend for a national championship, they’ll need a quarterback who can step up and execute at a high level. The two main contenders to take over the position are Kyle McCord and Devin Brown. Both quarterbacks are highly regarded and bring different strengths to the table.

Kyle McCord has more experience, having served as Stroud’s backup for the past two seasons. He has had limited opportunities to showcase his skills in a starting role but has shown flashes of brilliance. McCord is known for his poise and accuracy and could provide the stability the team needs. However, there are questions about whether he can maintain consistency when the stakes are high.

Devin Brown, on the other hand, is a more dynamic and athletic option. Brown’s ability to extend plays with his legs and create opportunities outside of the pocket gives Ohio State a different dimension offensively. However, he’ll need to refine his decision-making and accuracy to be fully effective at the college level.

Key Questions for Quarterback Play:

• Who will win the starting quarterback job, and how will they handle the pressure of leading Ohio State’s high-powered offense?
• Can the quarterback maintain consistency throughout the season, especially in high-stakes games like The Game against Michigan?

3. The Run Game: Replacing J.K. Dobbins and Trayvon Henderson’s Health

Ohio State’s running backs have consistently been a major part of their offensive identity, and the Buckeyes will need to find their next star in the backfield. With J.K. Dobbins leaving for the NFL after the 2019 season, Ohio State has relied on several talented backs, including Trayvon Henderson.

Henderson has the potential to be one of the best running backs in the country. When healthy, he has elite speed, vision, and the ability to break tackles. However, injuries have plagued him throughout his career, and he has yet to put together a full, injury-free season. In 2024, Henderson’s health will be a key factor in Ohio State’s success on the ground.

Behind Henderson, Ohio State has a talented stable of backs who could step up. Players like Miyan Williams and Dallan Hayden will have important roles to play in the rotation. Williams brings a physical style, while Hayden has shown flashes of brilliance as a change-of-pace back.

For Ohio State to remain balanced offensively and not become too reliant on the passing game, the running back position will be crucial. A strong run game will help control the clock, open up play-action opportunities, and keep opposing defenses on their heels.

Key Questions for the Run Game:

• Can Trayvon Henderson stay healthy and return to form as one of the nation’s top running backs?
• Who will emerge as the backup running back to provide depth and give Henderson some rest when needed?

4. Defensive Improvement and the Front Seven

Ohio State’s defense has been a topic of discussion in recent years. While the Buckeyes have talent on that side of the ball, they have occasionally struggled with consistency, particularly in big games. The defense’s ability to stop explosive offenses and control the line of scrimmage will be critical in 2024.

The front seven, including the defensive line and linebackers, is an area where Ohio State will need to improve. J.T. Tuimoloau is one of the standout players on the defensive line, but the unit as a whole needs to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and be more effective against the run.

In the linebacker corps, Ohio State is hoping for a breakout year from C.J. Hicks and Tommy Eichenberg. Both players have shown potential, but they need to take their game to the next level in 2024. The linebacker group must be more disciplined and able to cover both the run and pass effectively.

For Ohio State to succeed in 2024, their defense must perform at a championship-caliber level. While the offense will likely continue to put up big numbers, the defense must ensure they can hold opponents in critical moments, especially in high-pressure games against teams like Michigan and Penn State.

Key Questions for the Defense:

• Can the front seven generate consistent pressure and stop the run effectively?
• Will the linebackers step up as leaders and make plays in big moments?

5. Special Teams and Kicking Game

Special teams are often overlooked in the discussion of championship-caliber teams, but they can make a huge difference in the outcome of games. Ohio State has had some struggles in the kicking game in recent years, and this could be a crucial aspect of their success in 2024.

Noah Ruggles, who was one of the top kickers in the country, has moved on, and Ohio State will need to find a reliable replacement. The ability to make clutch kicks in big games, especially in close matchups, will be essential for the Buckeyes to succeed.

Beyond field goals, the return game and coverage units will also need to perform at a high level. Ohio State has had solid special teams play in the past, but they’ll need to ensure that they’re maximizing their potential in all aspects of special teams.

Key Questions for Special Teams:

• Who will step up to replace Noah Ruggles and become a reliable kicker for Ohio State?
• Will the return units provide Ohio State with an edge in field position?

6. The Rivalry with Michigan and Big Ten Title Implications

No discussion of Ohio State’s 2024 season would be complete without mentioning the rivalry with Michigan. After losing to Michigan in back-to-back seasons, Ohio State will be hungry for revenge in 2024. The Game is always the most anticipated matchup of the regular season, and the Buckeyes will need to come ready to play.

The winner of The Game often has significant implications on the Big Ten Championship race and the College Football Playoff. For Ohio State to achieve their goals in 2024, they’ll need to come out on top in this rivalry and claim another Big Ten title.

Key Questions for Michigan:

• How will Ohio State prepare for Michigan and make adjustments after last season’s defeats?
• Can Ohio State’s defense step up and contain Michigan’s powerful offense?

 Ohio State’s 2024 Season Outlook

The 2024 Ohio State football season is shaping up to be an exciting one. With Ryan Day at the helm, a quarterback battle, a talented group of playmakers, and a defense that needs to step up, the Buckeyes are in position to make a run at a national championship. However, their success will depend on how they answer the key questions outlined here.

Ohio State’s potential is immense, but it’s going to take a complete team effort and an unwavering focus to navigate the challenges that lie ahead. Buckeye fans should be excited to watch how this team evolves in the 2024 season and how they stack up against the best the college football world has to offer.