Taking a Closer Look at Ohio State's Special Teams Unit

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The Ohio State special teams unit has been an issue for the team for a significant amount of time now. The No. 3 Buckeyes (3-0) continued to see issues persist on Sept. 21 against Marshall (1-2). Head coach Ryan Day stressed the need for improvement on special teams in the offseason. The Buckeyes had been very good through two games, but had some hiccups against the Thundering Herd.

Kicking

The main cause for concern within the unit was the seemingly unbelievable three-straight kickoffs that sailed out of bounds by place kicker Jayden Fielding. Day was visibly upset on the sideline with Fielding before replacing him with senior Austin Snyder. The backup proceeded to kick the next one into the end zone for a touchback, causing an eruption of cheers from the fans. Snyder also took over extra point duties late, going 2-of-2. He then had his black stripe removed on Sept. 24, a tradition where a player officially becomes a part of the team by gaining their scarlet stripe in place of a temporary black one.

Does all of this mean Fielding will no longer be the starting kickoff specialist? Probably not. Day was asked about the situation at the Sept. 24 press conference and stated there was a discussion and that Fielding had apparently kept a very minor injury to himself. Day went on to say that it was nothing long-term and he expressed to Fielding how much they needed him.

Fielding handled field goals last year and will be this season, having only attempted one thus far in a blowout win against Akron (1-3). His health will be important as Ohio State's schedule ramps up in Big Ten Conference play. They will be in closer contests going forward, meaning there will likely be crucial field goal attempts for him to take.

Punting

Joe McGuire has been the starting punter each game this season. Many were surprised by this after hearing constant hype for freshman Nick McLarty in the offseason. McLarty is a 6-foot-7, 255-pound Australian punter who seemingly has a cannon for a leg.

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His issue seems to be he is still not accustomed to American football's style of punting. He has only had two opportunities this year. One punt went for 35 yards, and the other for 30. McGuire on the other hand has been serviceable in his limited snaps due to the success of the offense. He has put one punt inside of the 20-yard line and has a net average of 44.4 yards per attempt. McGuire's abilities will be tested further as the team faces tougher defenses and he receives more important opportunities.

Kickoff and Punt Returns

Ohio State has a decade-plus drought without returning a kickoff or punt for a score. The last punt return touchdown came from Jalin Marshall in 2014. The last kickoff return dates back even further to 2010 from Jordan Hall. Fans have been very critical of this in recent years and everyone involved is hoping for one soon. Day even expressed his desire to do so this offseason, promising the streak will end this year.

Wide receiver Brandon Inniss has been the player upon which the task has been placed. The Day-lead Buckeyes operated under the philosophy of letting the offense handle the football until now. Fair catches and touchbacks were the norm. Inniss quickly quieted concerns of that being the plan this year. He returned four punts for 65 yards in the season opener. He almost broke off a long punt return against Marshall, but slipped on the turf after a 23-yard gain. In the same game, he muffed a punt that he seemingly lost in the sun and was recovered by the Thundering Herd. The Buckeyes did catch as break as the play was called back due to an illegal formation.

Inniss also took over kickoff return duty after wide receiver Jayden Ballard made a crucial mistake against Western Michigan (1-2) . Ballard called for a fair catch, but let the ball bounce before fielding it, causing the fair catch to become invalid and the Buckeyes took the ball where he caught it: the 6-yard line. The drive would end in a punt, partly due to the poor field position. Inniss took over the following week and is expected to continue in the role. He will now receive ample opportunity to end either drought himself.

The Future of Ohio State Special Teams

Special teams coordinator Parker Fleming was let go after last season. Afterward, Day stressed the importance of improving the unit and stated his intention to be more involved. There has certainly been an increase of aggression through three games. Starters have always played special teams under Day as a strategical carryover from former head coach Urban Meyer.

That is continuing this year, with an increased sense of trust for them to attack. The attacking nature will result in bigger plays, but will also surely result in some mistakes. You don't hit home runs without striking out from time to time. The key will be learning to balance the aggression. Extra base hits and singles are still more than acceptable. But, the team is looking to swing for the fences and finally knock one out of the park.