After previously examining the basics of Ohio State’s run game, this column details the staples of the Buckeye pass game. As noted last month, some of the passing yards that result from Ohio State’s spread offense come from run-pass options (RPOs). Urban Meyer confirmed at the Big Ten’s Media Days that RPOs will be a larger part of Ohio State repertoire this season under new quarterback Dwayne Haskins.
Yet while an RPO may result in a pass attempt, it is based on a run play. An RPO allows the offense to “block” an unblocked defender for the base run call; by having the quarterback read that defender and determine whether to give to the running back or throw a quick pass in vacated area.
But Ohio State also has several passing game concepts that it frequently uses with drop back or play action. Two stand out —Mesh and Y-Cross.
Mesh
Both pass concepts reflect co-offensive coordinator (and acting head coach) Ryan Day’s influence on the Buckeye offense. And that, in turn, reflects the influence of Chip Kelly; both on his former assistant, Day, and, by extension, Ohio State. Mesh and Y-Cross have long been two of Kelly’s core concepts. Mesh has likewise long been a base play for Air-Raid teams.
Turn on a Buckeye game last season and you were likely to see mesh, as the play is detailed here.
