Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
In the last three games of Ohio State’s legendary national title run, running back Ezekiel Elliott went on a rampage, rushing for 696 yards on 76 carries and eight touchdowns. This performance bolstered his season stats to 1,878 yards (49 yards shy of Eddie George’s school record) and 18 scores. The scary thing is, Elliott’s rushing yards only went up each game (220 yards in the Big Ten Championship against Wisconsin, 230 in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama and 246 in the CFP National Championship game against Oregon). This was no doubt an ideal way to end the 2014 season.
Elliott’s performance will only get better in 2015. So much so that he will be Ohio State’s first single season 2,000-yard rusher in school history.
Last season, there were six games that Elliott failed to reach the century mark. This was largely because Ohio State was trying to find it’s offensive identity, and because it was Elliott’s first full year as the starting back. Yet he still rushed for 1,878 yards. Now that Ohio State’s offensive line has jelled and they return four of the five starters from last season, Elliott will have an experienced front to clear running lanes for him.
However, it will not be easy for Elliott to do so, but it is not because of the opposing defenses the Buckeyes have to face. No, the biggest challenges for Elliott this season are internal. Tom Herman, the offensive coordinator for the last three seasons, is now the head coach at Houston, leaving former offensive line coach Ed Warriner to the play calling duties. Both Warriner and Elliott will need to be on the same page for the rushing attack to be successful. Furthermore, Elliott has more competition this season. Sophomore Curtis Samuel will be at his heels every week and will no doubt get 10-12 touches a game, and freshman Mike Weber (a four-star recruit) will be vying for playing time as well. Elliott will no doubt be the starter throughout the season, but if he is to reach 2,000 yards, he will need to make the most of every carry.
Again, the opposing defenses will not be the biggest of challenges. The toughest defense Elliott and the Buckeyes will face will more than likely be Michigan State (who gave up 154 yards and two scores to him the last time they played), and that won’t be until the second-to-last week in the regular season.
All the pieces are there for Elliott to have an excellent season, and thus rewrite Ohio State Football history.
Brooks Hooley is a Junior Big Ten Football Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Brooks on Twitter @brookshooley.
