Ohio State Football: Don't Write off the Buckeyes Offense Just Yet

Exposed. Unprepared. Disappointing.

These were all used to describe Ohio State's lackluster offensive performance against Virginia Tech Saturday night. The 35-21 loss showcased a woeful outing from a team stocked with 4- and 5-star talent.

Quarterback J.T. Barrett only completed nine of his 29 pass attempts and threw three interceptions. The Buckeyes rushed for just 108 yards, averaging 2.7 yards per carry. The offensive line surrendered six sacks in the game's final nine minutes—and seven total—while failing to open any consistent lanes for the running backs.

Virginia Tech's Cover 0 scheme and bear front surprised Ohio State, and when looking back, Urban Meyer lamented what could have been.

“Pain of regret is phenomenal, and there is so much regret about things we could have done better to win that game,” Meyer said, according to Patrick Maks of Eleven Warriors. “But there are positives and we'll address those in great detail tomorrow.”

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With the memory of Virginia Tech's defense swarming through the minds of Buckeye fans, it's hard to fathom what positives Meyer drew from Saturday's upset loss.

But he has a point. Despite the inefficiency Ohio State showed against Virginia Tech, there is still a lot of potential for this offense.

It starts up front.

For the Buckeyes to establish a rhythm, they have to get better play from the offensive line. That's easier said than done—Ohio State is replacing four multiyear senior starters along the unit, and that process is clearly behind schedule.

That much became clear right out of the gate, when the Buckeyes struggled against an undersized and overmatched Navy defense.

“I’m very disappointed," Meyer said after the season opener, according to Eric Seger of The Ozone. "There is a standard set for offensive line play for many, many years and it’s been enhanced by our line coach Ed Warinner over the past few."

Warinner, though, is the biggest reason for optimism. Under his guidance in 2012, Ohio State's offensive line transformed from one of the team's greatest weaknesses into its biggest strength. The turnaround was noticed nationally, as Warinner was named FootballScoop's Offensive Line Coach of the Year.

If he can work that same magic this year, the Buckeyes offense could utilize their many playmakers.

Even during the dreadful performance against Virginia Tech, Ohio State showed flashes of potential. Barrett showed some elusiveness in back-to-back 20- and 25-yard runs midway through the first quarter. Dontre Wilson hauled in a circus catch to start the second quarter despite blanket coverage. Michael Thomas gave the Buckeyes a spark early in the third when he took a quick slant 53 yards to the house.

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Things unraveled in the fourth quarter, though, when Ohio State managed just 33 total yards. The offensive line collapsed, stifling any chance of a Buckeyes rally.

It also prevented Ohio State from getting its running backs involved.

Much has been written about the Buckeyes' deep stable of backs, but through eight quarters of play, Ezekiel Elliott, Curtis Samuel and Rod Smith have failed to produce at half the level Carlos Hyde did for the Buckeyes a season ago.

It's not a lack of talent that's bogging down the Ohio State offense, though. With Barrett, Wilson, Elliott and a host of others, the Buckeyes are brimming with potential.

All they need is some blocking up front and for the coaching staff to establish a clear identity. If that happens, Ohio State could be lighting up Big Ten scoreboards in the coming weeks.

That's the message Meyer preached to his team after the Virginia Tech loss—the Buckeyes can still have a special season.

"Coach Meyer let us know in the locker room that 11-1 isn't bad," Adolphus Washington said, according to Bill Landis of The Plain Dealer. "We just have to come back hungry next week."

All stats via OhioStateBuckeyes.com. 

David Regimbal covers Ohio State football for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @davidreg412.