With a passing attack loaded with talent running back James Peoples is the X-factor for the Buckeyes offense.
Ohio State is coming off a magical playoff run that led to a national championship in the first year of the expanded 12-team playoff. After a disheartening loss to the rival Michigan Wolverines, the Buckeyes went on a run that included several lopsided playoff games that were a lot of fun for Ohio State fans to watch.
Looking to go back-to-back, the Buckeye offense will have a good amount of turnover and new faces. Both running backs Quinshon Judkins (Browns) and TreVeyon Henderson (Patriots) have moved on to the NFL, and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is also NFL-bound after being taken in the first round by Tampa Bay. They’ll also have a new quarterback under center after the Steelers drafted Will Howard.
Of course, their best player on offense, superstar wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, is returning to Columbus after a crazy true freshman season in 2024. Expect Smith to have a monster year, and add in a great number two in Carnell Tate, and transfer tight end Max Klare, and you have a trio that many defenses will be focused on trying to slow down.
Therefore, sophomore running back James Peoples is this year's X-factor for the Ohio State offense. The passing game will garner so much attention because of the talent. As long as the quarterback play can maximize that talent, Peoples will have plenty of chances to do serious damage with his home run-hitting ability. Peoples was a track star in high school, in addition to playing football. He’s an explosive accelerator and can kick it into high gear when he’s in the open field to run away from defenses.
Peoples isn’t just a fast runner; he runs hard and has more power than expected. He’s also so explosive in and out of his cuts, and he can be a big part of the passing attack with his ability to create separation as a route runner and pick up extra yardage in the open field.
With all the attention paid to passing the attack, he could have a big season and take pressure off the new starting quarterback.
Category: General Sports
