Does Ohio State Have A Case For Nation's 'Best Running Back Room?'
While Ohio State Buckeyes fans never like to be ranked below their arch-rival Michigan Wolverines, this time around, the ranking may be up for discussion.
In an NCAA-wide ranking of running back rooms, CBS Sports analyzed some of the country's best rushing schemes ahead of this season, putting the Buckeyes at No. 2 overall. And that'd be a great thing, too, if the Wolverines weren't No. 1.
The ranking will likely stir up some "friendly" conversations between fanbases, but do the Buckeyes have a case for having the true best running back room in college football?
"The Buckeyes are led by stars Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson, both of whom could be true No. 1 running backs on virtually every other team in the country," the site wrote. "Henderson got banged up a bit last year, but it didn't seem to matter all that much to a team that came within one missed field goal ... from making the CFP National Championship."
The first part is key for Ohio State's case. Both of their star backs could be first options anywhere else in the country. With the kind of speed, athleticism and shiftiness they bring to an offense, it's no wonder the Buckeyes rushed extremely well last season.
Combined, Henderson and Williams rushed for 1,396 yards, but behind them, even true freshman Dallan Hayden had himself a year, rushing for over 500 yards as a so-called "third option."
"Hayden had his moments in 2022 as well, which makes this unit as dangerous as they come," the site continued. "Plus, the entire Ohio State running back room will benefit from a wide receiver room that is the best in the nation. The Buckeyes will leave defensive coordinators' heads spinning this season."
Sure, the receiving aspect does change things, but not necessarily on a pure running-back-room-comparision. If that was the only factor, Michigan does have the edge. Sorry, Buckeyes fans.
The Wolverines' top option last year was Blake Corum, who by himself out-gained Henderson and Williams. And the second-string back? Donovan Edwards was a first-down short of breaking the 1,000 yard mark himself. So from a pure-running perspective, no squad overtakes Michigan, especially if the Wolverines' backs perform at a similar level.
There is something to be said about the aforementioned receiver aspect, however. The Buckeyes are armed with both Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka — arguably the best receiver-duo in college football. So while defenses are busy focusing on them, Henderson, Williams and Hayden could have their shot to breakout even more.
A trio of backs also makes for more variety, especially when all three are pulling their weight, which only makes the Buckeyes that much more dangerous. So, maybe they don't have the best running back room in the country, but assuming either Kyle McCord or Devin Brown finds a rhythm — they certainly have a case for the best offense in the country.
And that absolutely bests having just the best running backs.
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