The Ohio State offense scored 56 points on Saturday by successfully throwing the football to negate Rutgers’ run-first defensive strategy – taking another step forward with a passing offense that has become more explosive by threatening defenses horizontally.

Although Rutgers faced several critical injuries, the Scarlet Knight defense entered the game ranked 23rd in S & P+’s opponent-adjusted advanced statistical rankings, including 37th against the run. And Rutgers head Coach Chris Ash (perhaps drawing on his time with Ohio State) deployed a game plan designed to slow down the Buckeye run game.

Like many opponents, the Scarlet Knights aligned in an odd front with two tight 4i (aligned on the inside shoulder of the offensive tackle) defensive ends to limit double teams and force J.T. Barrett to keep the football on Ohio State’s base tight run play. Rutgers generally kept both outside linebackers near the box for a seven-man front. But unlike recent games, Ash frequently brought his strong safety down and played cover 1 man in the secondary.

In response, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson used several methods to run tight zone against the odd front, primarily by trying to keep the Scarlet Knight defensive ends off balance. The Buckeyes read the defensive end with the tight end fan blocking the outside linebacker. Knowing that the defensive end would likely account for the tailback, this provided Barrett an open run lane on the keep. For his part, Barrett appears to be running harder in recent weeks, making him more capable of creating explosive runs.

Alternatively, Ohio State wham blocked the defensive end.