Buckeyes Finally Get Results on Special Teams Against Purdue

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Ohio State has been lackluster on special teams in recent years under head coach Ryan Day. The unit has not been an area where the team has gotten any sort of advantage. On Nov. 9 in their 45-0 win over Purdue (1-8, 0-6 Big Ten Conference), the No. 2 Buckeyes (8-1, 5-1) finally got the push they needed from the group. Defensive lineman Caden Curry blocked Purdue's punt near their own goal line in the first quarter. Curry's block set up the Buckeyes on the Boilermaker's 8-yard line. That incredible field position lead to a fourth-and-goal touchdown run from quarterback Will Howard to give the Buckeyes an early lead.

Recent Special Teams Struggles

The Buckeyes have had obvious struggles on special teams in the last few years. They have found little success in each area within that phase of the game. Ohio State has not returned a punt for a touchdown since 2014. They also have not scored on a kickoff return since 2010. They have experimented with various different players returning both this season, with only slightly improved results. The Buckeyes had not blocked a punt since 2022, where current safety Lathan Ransom had his second block of the season against Maryland. His block was a crucial play in a game where the Buckeyes were trailing in the third quarter.

Day made a key change in the offseason when special teams coordinator Parker Fleming was let go after the unit failed to produce with him leading the group. Day has been more heavily involved with the group himself this season, along with various other assistant coaches like Brian Hartline and Rob Keys.

Making Special Teams a Positive

Day stressed the importance of special teams in the media meeting after practice on Nov. 6 prior to facing Purdue. He stated that special teams "needs to be a plus for us." The Buckeyes have been sharper overall on special teams for the most part this season. However, they had yet to make a game-changing play that Day had desired. It was clear that they were attempting to change that against Purdue after Day stated the plan to be much more aggressive on the punt return unit.

Day elaborated on how the coaching staff orchestrated the blocked punt during the week. He explained how the shield players, who block for the punter in the backfield, presented an opportunity to attack. Day expressed how much the staff liked the matchup of defensive linemen Caden Curry and Mitchell Melton against the shield. He wanted the two of them to utilize their size to overwhelm the shield blockers, and that is precisely what happened. Wide receiver Carnell Tate shifted late before the snap and drew attention to himself in the middle. This forced the far right shield blocker to choose between blocking Melton or Curry. He chose Melton, allowing Curry to fire around the edge to block the punt with ease.

Building on Big Plays

Day has been very clear that despite all of the work going into special teams, they needed to start seeing results. He has brought up the importance of that phase of the game consistently since the early offseason. Now, the Buckeyes need to carry this momentum into future matchups. Making a huge special teams play in a game where you win by 45 points in a shutout is not the ultimate goal for this unit. Day has been very transparent that they need special teams to make a play in a big game.

The ability to steal a possession or jump-start the offense with great field position can be a huge turning point. The Buckeyes will look to build on the breakthrough they had been searching for throughout the rest of the season.