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Pressure is on Bo Jackson, Ohio State running game amid injury news
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- Pressure is on Bo Jackson, Ohio State running game amid injury news
The Ohio State Buckeyes have to go on the road to play the USC Trojans on Saturday in a pivotal Big Ten game.
Ohio State is coming off its bye week, and the Buckeyes will likely start true freshman quarterback Luke Fahey, while five-star Tavien St. Clair could also get playing time. Yet, due to the injury of Julian Sayin, the Buckeyes need their run game to be much better.
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Ohio State has struggled to run the ball this season, as starting running back Bo Jackson is averaging 4.8 yards per carry, but has just 516 yards and four touchdowns. It hasn't been great for the sophomore after his 1000+ yard rushing season a year ago.
The Buckeyes could also use a running back committee, as Isaiah West and Legend Bey should also get some carries against USC.
The Trojans' defense has struggled this season, allowing nearly 115 rushing yards per game, so Ohio State needs its ground game to get going.
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If Fahey does get the start, he is a mobile quarterback, but he didn't look great throwing the ball against Indiana. Even if the game plan is short passes to Jeremiah Smith, USC can focus on defending him, so the Buckeyes will need the run game going.
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Ohio State already has one loss this season, so the Buckeyes likely can only slip up once more. They still have to play Oregon, Northwestern, Nebraska, and Michigan, which isn't an easy schedule, and if the offense can't get the run game going, it could be a rough couple of games for Ohio State.
So, the pressure is on Jackson and the Buckeyes' running backs to finally break through and have an impact and be the reason Ohio State beats USC on Saturday night.
Ryan Day sends clear message to Ohio State running backs
Ohio State Head Coach Ryan Day during the Indiana versus Ohio State football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
Ahead of Ohio State's game against USC, head coach Ryan Day sent a clear message to his running backs.
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The run game will be key for the Buckeyes, as avoiding third-and-longs for Fahey should help the true freshman. Ahead of the game, Day sent a clear message to his running backs, knowing how important they will be against the Trojans.
Related: Ohio State Buckeyes are in major trouble after Julian Sayin injury news
"Our running backs have been challenged a lot this year already, but this is the ultimate challenge right now," Day said . "Having a young quarterback, everybody has to step up, and the running backs have to step up. We need (Bo Jackson), Isaiah West, and Legend Bey to get downhill and run physically. I'm sure their numbers will continue to increase as these games move forward, and we're gonna need them."
USC's run defense has also started to turn a page, which could be an issue for Ohio State. In the Trojans' loss to Wisconsin last week, USC held the Badgers to 142 rushing yards on 43 carries, just one week after limiting Penn State to 2.2 yards per carry.
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So, the Buckeyes' run game will have their hands full, and Ohio State will need them to have success in order for the Buckeyes to leave California with a win.
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This story was originally published by Lindy's Sports on Oct 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Lindy's Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
