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Luke Fahey’s composure and ability to escape the pocket Saturday against USC stood out. The kid doesn’t panic when things break down. He can move, extend plays, keep his eyes downfield and make things happen with his legs. 21/38, 260 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT. Wasn’t perfect. Plenty to clean up. But there’s a TON to work with. Without a doubt, Ohio State can win with #13. #BuckeyeFilmBreakdown

Ohio State dropped a frustrating one to Oregon, and there’s plenty to get off our chest. We break down the loss, the missed opportunities, the defensive struggles, and where the Buckeyes go from here. No excuses. No sugarcoating. Just an honest reaction. 🎙️ Oregon Was an Absolute Gut Punch #BuckeyeFilmBreakdown @jake_burns18 @CoachSlater25 @bucknut27 substack.com/@coachslater/no…

There’s been plenty of discussion about Ohio State’s alignment on Oregon’s 3rd-quarter TD. This exact look showed up earlier on a critical 3rd down, when John Walker made a huge TFL. The alignment, while unconventional, is correct. The execution has to be better. I’d also like to see a coverage paired with this that allows Timmons to fit the run. Alliegro is in a MUG technique (a Jim Knowles staple). When the OG to his side pulls, he has to scrape over the top. The 3-tech cannot get washed, and KJ, as the Apex defender, has to trigger quicker off the EMOL. #BuckeyeFilmBreakdown

McClain’s dropped INT proved to be a turning point, but the play itself was executed decently. Pettijohn is communicating late pre-snap, which affects the timing of his blitz, but the design still frees him up. The Zion/KJ exchange gets Zion 1-on-1 with the OT. Russaw’s wide alignment creates a 1-on-1 on the edge, with the stunt occupying the interior. The backend executes Cover 1 well, with McClain in position over the top. He reads Raiola’s eyes, and the pressure affects the throw just enough. We just have to make the play! #BuckeyeFilmBreakdown

GY Counter with Legend Bey. Running between the tackles is something the coaches have wanted to see more of from him. The explosiveness and contact balance are evident. Maybe this leads to more opportunities over the final three games of the season. Would love to see him get more touches and see what he can do with them. Let’s hope! #BuckeyeFilmBreakdown

3rd & long. MUST get off the field. Ohio State gets into what looks like Cover 3. Both corners play a divider, Little and Alliegro are the hook players, and Pettijohn and Timmons work the flats. The Buckeyes bring four instead of three (we brought 3 and dropped 8 often), leaving the middle exposed. Against empty, you have to concede something when in zone. Typically, that’s the boundary flat, not the hole. This wasn’t an isolated issue. Ohio State repeatedly left the low and high holes vacant, allowing Oregon to pick up easy first downs. On 3rd & long, make them earn it. #BuckeyeFilmBreakdown

JJ was visibly frustrated last night, and plays like this certainly contributed to it. The subtle flash fake to West holds Perich for just a split second. Perich is responsible for the help over the top of JJ, and that hesitation allows JJ to get behind the coverage. Fahey’s eyes are initially on that side, but IMO he comes off it too quickly. The pocket is clean. Give it another beat and see if the shot develops. If you don’t like it, take the checkdown to West and let him try to make someone miss. There were opportunities left on the field. #BuckeyeFilmBreakdown

Get Devin McCuin the ball more. It has to happen. Hitches, slants, now screens. Find ways to get him the football in space and let him create. We have evidence that it works. The downfield connection hasn’t been consistent, despite McCuin getting open plenty. That doesn’t take away from his playmaking ability. Yes, the nature of RPOs means the QB won’t always take the throw (hitch, slant etc.). That’s understood. But finding ways to get McCuin involved early and often has to be a priority. He’s too good with the ball in his hands to be an afterthought. #BuckeyeFilmBreakdown