The 2012 Buckeye Offense (Part I) - The Overview

Urban Meyer's offense made its first appearance in the Buckeye Spring Game back on April 21, and not only did they manage to show very little while looking efficient; but the identity of this offense was kept a secret.  Braxton Miller didn't run the ball, Jordan Hall didn't play, and Jake Stoneburner wasn't really targeted much.  Identity is something that last year's offense lacked for most of the year, and I guess the one thing we learned was that the loss of Coach Tressel meant the loss of a logical offensive game plan. The importance of establishing an identity on offense early in the season is crucial to success...enter Urban Meyer.

Urban Meyer leads his squad out in front of  over 81,000 at the Spring Game

Coach Meyer and Coach Tom Herman are working on establishing the fundamentals of this offense, but it may take some time for this offense to be where Buckeye Nation wants it to be. We all know that this team will run the spread, and it appears as though they're going to fully utilize Coach Mickey Marotti's strength and conditioning program by running an up-tempo, no-huddle offense.  This offense wants to get to the point where they're operating as efficiently as Oregon's offense.  This could be very effective as the Buckeyes have a few versatile players (and are recruiting more) that can lineup at a couple positions.  This allows the offense to create mismatches through a variety of different sets while not allowing the defense to sub in the best possible personnel.

Freshman Michael Thomas is a fighter

This offense is set up to get the ball in space and will utilize the athleticism of the skill position players to beat defenders in the open field.  The reason we saw, Freshman WR, Michael Thomas pull in 12 receptions during the Spring Game is because the offense used short, quick passes.  This is the easiest way to get a player the ball in space and why we saw Thomas pick up 131 yards without having to do much after the catch.  Just imagine what can happen when the receivers start making guys miss.

The short-range passing game is an area that the Buckeyes have struggled with for quite some time.  This lack of a quick passing attack basically funnelled defenders right into the middle of the field where our run game was attempting to power through.  The Buckeyes still managed to get by on offense, but Ohio State fans are done with just getting by.  We want offense!  We want good play calling!  We want big plays and touchdowns!  For us to get these things, we must trust the system and the coaches.  It may take time, but the foundation is set.  Unlike last year, we will have a logical game plan every week.  Unlike last year, we will find ways to get the ball in space.  And unlike last year, we will play with an attitude.

This attitude has sprouted from the seed of expectation planted by Coach Meyer.  No longer will the Buckeyes come out flat and lacking energy because now they have to prove themselves.  Oh, you scored a 30 yard TD against Akron?  I bet SEC defenses are shaking in their cleats.  (Wonka'd!)  Coach Meyer has made it clear that what we're doing isn't good enough, and he is begging for Buckeye players to show him something.  No longer are we going to be happy with trying.  The expectations aren't to try but to do, they aren't to attempt but to accomplish, and they aren't to ask but to take.

Miller and Hall are set for standout years

I fully expect to see that attitude exemplified in the Buckeye ground attack.  The passing game will have its struggles with young and still learning QB's and WR's, but the running game has always been the Buckeyes claim to fame.  The pieces are set for the Ohio State to have a very effective running game which will focus on the Miller/Hall/Carlos Hyde zone read.  The offensive line is in much better shape, and the spread offense will set the running game up for big plays.  We didn't get to see too much of the ground attack in the Spring Game, but it will very much be apart of this offense's identity.  The coaches understand that there are too many good running options for the Buckeyes to not utilize that this season.  Good things will come from the running game this season, I will guarantee that right now.

Many of you have questions such as what the run to pass ratio will be, who will get the ball, how they'll get the ball, and who the playmakers will be?  If there's something we do know about Meyer's offense it's that the ball will be put in the hands of the playmakers, and the more a player produces, the more carries he gets.  I can answer those questions, and they will be highlighted in the next two parts of this series.  Part II - The Arial Assault will feature a breakdown of our passing game; and Part III - The Ground Attack will feature a breakdown of the running game.  These segments will go more in depth with what players we'll see and how they'll be used in those specific aspects of the game.  This will be followed by a three part series on the defense and a single post on special teams.

-JM