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Is Ohio State’s quarterback battle still truly a battle? Buckeye breakfast
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State’s quarterback competition has been discussed for months as a battle between Kyle McCord and Devin Brown for the starting spot.
What might be a better question now, though, is what specifically the word “competition” means.
McCord earned the starting nod against Indiana in Week 1, though coach Ryan Day stated that both quarterbacks would play. He confirmed that he wanted to get Brown into the game and give him a look, because he deserved reps in a game.
Tuesday, he reiterated that same point: Both McCord and Brown will play against Youngstown State, and McCord will once again start.
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But the plan to stick with The Same Plan might be an indication that the quarterback battle is more decided than anyone has said.
Consider the following: In Brown’s first series with the offense against Indiana, the Buckeyes did not throw a pass. With Ohio State set to run a two-minute drill at the end of the first half, McCord trotted onto the field a series after Brown ran three plays to end the half. And with Ohio State up 20-3 in the fourth quarter and the game for all intents and purposes over, McCord was the one taking snaps. Brown only saw the game’s final series, with the score and game already determined. McCord threw 33 passes. Brown threw just three.
While its true that there were far fewer possessions on Saturday than most expected, it’s conceivable, if not likely, that those drives could’ve been handed over to Brown.
But even with a shorter game, a closer one than most saw coming, the situations that McCord, and not Brown, were placed in should tell the story of where the competition stands after Week 1.
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Secondary options — are they enough to win?
Ohio State has some of the nation’s best wideouts in one receiving room. That’s known by everyone in the country, which unfortunately for the Buckeyes, includes their opponents.
Marvin Harrison Jr. had just two catches for 18 yards against the Hoosiers, while Emeka Egbuka had three catches for 16 yards. In total, their five catches for 34 yards combined for less than 20% of the passing attack.
Which is why, as defenses continue to try and take away the top two options, getting Cade Stover and Julian Fleming involved will be more key than ever. Those two delivered for 11 catches and 156 combined yards against Indiana. That’s exactly the performance you’ll need from those players.
But is it enough to take the Buckeyes where they want to go? In the short term, yes, but over time, they’ll have to try and figure out how to get Harrison and Egbuka involved more.
The Buckeyes are aware of this, naturally. And however it happens — quick slants, bubble screens or something more creative, their stars will have to see the football more.
Key Dates
- Ohio State vs. Youngstown State: 3 days, Saturday
- Ohio State at Notre Dame: 17 days, Sept. 23
- Penn State at Ohio State: 45 days, Oct. 21
- Michigan at Ohio State: 80 days, Nov. 25
- Winter transfer portal opens: 89 days, Dec. 4
- Early signing period starts: 105 days, Dec. 20-22
- College Football Playoff National Championship: 124 days, Jan. 8, 2024
- NFL Draft underclassmen entry deadline: 131 days, Jan. 15, 2024
- Regular signing period starts: 155 days, Feb. 7-April 1, 2024
- NFL Scouting Combine: 175 days, Feb. 27-March 4, 2024
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