Michael Citro
Guest
Judkins, Henderson are looking as formidable as expected in Ohio State’s backfield
Michael Citro via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Buckeyes’ star running backs have looked the part (as expected) through the first couple of games.
Ohio State’s opponents were already dreading having to face transfer running back Quinshon Judkins in 2024 after the former Ole Miss star declared for the Buckeyes out of the transfer portal on Jan. 9. Three days later, things went from bad to worse for the teams on the 2024 schedule when TreVeyon Henderson announced he would return for another season in Columbus, postponing his jump to the NFL.
While there were some questions as to how the duo would be used, few doubted the Buckeyes would have a formidable ground game under Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly. In addition to the combined talent of Judkins and Henderson, the Buckeyes have solid young running backs behind them, the ability to involve wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (among others) in the run game, and a quarterback in Will Howard who can also tote the rock when called upon.
It’s still early in the season, and the competition will get much more difficult, but so far, Ohio State’s star running back tandem looks as good or better than expected, even with some early offensive line issues in the opener against Akron. The Buckeyes have run the football well, especially in Week 2 in a 56-0 win over Western Michigan. The duo have combined for an average of 147 rushing yards and 2.5 touchdowns per game through the first two weeks of the season. Those totals would be higher if either had seen much action beyond the midway point in the third quarter of either game.
Judkins leads the way through two weeks, carrying 22 times for 163 yards and three touchdowns — all team highs. Henderson is right on his tail with 18 rushing attempts for 131 yards and two scores. Both backs are averaging more than 7 yards per carry, with Judkins (7.41) slightly ahead of Henderson (7.28). Sam Williams-Dixon is the team leader in yards per carry (11.0), albeit with a small sample size of only four rushing attempts.
Kelly has yet to show a package with both of his star running backs on the field, which would surely keep defenses guessing. But the OSU offensive coordinator is already mixing things up by showing a willingness to run Judkins outside and Henderson inside. With each back showing versatility in the run game, defenses can’t assume the Buckeyes will run outside when Henderson is in and inside with Judkins in the backfield.
Further, their success has helped Howard in the passing game, with Kelly’s offense featuring plenty of run-pass option plays, keeping defenses off balance and giving future (read: tougher) opponents having to do a lot of preparation. It’s probable that Kelly still has a lot of surprises to unveil as the offensive line continues to gel — and will get Donovan Jackson back — and players get more comfortable in his system. For example, designed runs for Howard have been sparse in the opening two weeks against Mid-American Conference competition.
The Buckeyes have one more non-conference opponent to sharpen things up against before the Big Ten portion of the schedule arrives. It will be interesting to see what new wrinkles get added and how Judkins and Henderson progress as the games get more difficult.
Continue reading...
Michael Citro via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Buckeyes’ star running backs have looked the part (as expected) through the first couple of games.
Ohio State’s opponents were already dreading having to face transfer running back Quinshon Judkins in 2024 after the former Ole Miss star declared for the Buckeyes out of the transfer portal on Jan. 9. Three days later, things went from bad to worse for the teams on the 2024 schedule when TreVeyon Henderson announced he would return for another season in Columbus, postponing his jump to the NFL.
While there were some questions as to how the duo would be used, few doubted the Buckeyes would have a formidable ground game under Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly. In addition to the combined talent of Judkins and Henderson, the Buckeyes have solid young running backs behind them, the ability to involve wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (among others) in the run game, and a quarterback in Will Howard who can also tote the rock when called upon.
It’s still early in the season, and the competition will get much more difficult, but so far, Ohio State’s star running back tandem looks as good or better than expected, even with some early offensive line issues in the opener against Akron. The Buckeyes have run the football well, especially in Week 2 in a 56-0 win over Western Michigan. The duo have combined for an average of 147 rushing yards and 2.5 touchdowns per game through the first two weeks of the season. Those totals would be higher if either had seen much action beyond the midway point in the third quarter of either game.
Judkins leads the way through two weeks, carrying 22 times for 163 yards and three touchdowns — all team highs. Henderson is right on his tail with 18 rushing attempts for 131 yards and two scores. Both backs are averaging more than 7 yards per carry, with Judkins (7.41) slightly ahead of Henderson (7.28). Sam Williams-Dixon is the team leader in yards per carry (11.0), albeit with a small sample size of only four rushing attempts.
Kelly has yet to show a package with both of his star running backs on the field, which would surely keep defenses guessing. But the OSU offensive coordinator is already mixing things up by showing a willingness to run Judkins outside and Henderson inside. With each back showing versatility in the run game, defenses can’t assume the Buckeyes will run outside when Henderson is in and inside with Judkins in the backfield.
Further, their success has helped Howard in the passing game, with Kelly’s offense featuring plenty of run-pass option plays, keeping defenses off balance and giving future (read: tougher) opponents having to do a lot of preparation. It’s probable that Kelly still has a lot of surprises to unveil as the offensive line continues to gel — and will get Donovan Jackson back — and players get more comfortable in his system. For example, designed runs for Howard have been sparse in the opening two weeks against Mid-American Conference competition.
The Buckeyes have one more non-conference opponent to sharpen things up against before the Big Ten portion of the schedule arrives. It will be interesting to see what new wrinkles get added and how Judkins and Henderson progress as the games get more difficult.
Continue reading...