The Ohio State Buckeyes moved to 2-0 in Week 2 with a victory over Youngstown State. When you're a 45-point favorite, a 35-7 win isn't going to leave anyone feeling particularly content though.
The Buckeyes have national title aspirations, but their offense doesn't even look Big Ten championship level just yet. The defense is closer after allowing just 10 points in the first two weeks, but that doesn't mean there isn't improvement possible on that side of the ball as well.
Which Ohio State players can help fix those issues?
Ohio State Buckeyes who deserve more playing time: No. 3 Caden Curry
Caden Curry is playing behind players like Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau but he should be starting.
The sophomore defensive end isn't blowing up the stat sheet. After posting a tackle for loss and four total tackles against Indiana, Curry didn't log a tackle against Youngstown State. But what he brings to the defense goes beyond stats.
Curry is Ohio State's best edge defender when it comes to the run. He reliably holds the edge and makes the defensive line unit as a whole look more stout because of it. Tuimoloau is far more inconsistent while Curry looks like a more explosive pass rusher than Sawyer.
Defensive line play has been the key to many Ohio State successes in the past. Curry could be something special if Ohio State lets him be.
Ohio State Buckeyes who deserve more playing time: No. 2 Sonny Styles
Sonny Styles is a young player. On paper, it makes sense why the Buckeyes might put more experienced players on the field for key third downs. But they need to stop.
Styles shouldn't be coming off the field like he did early against Youngstown State when Cameron Martinez got burned on third-and-short in the first quarter. Later on that drive, on another third down, Lathan Ransom was on the field instead of No. 6. He gave up the conversion.
That's not to say that Styles solves everything for the Buckeyes, but he's the kind of player Ohio State will want to rely on down the line. Letting him get those key reps in these early games matters.
Against Youngstown State, Styles had four tackles, including a highlight-reel hit that showed off his hard-nosed physicality. He's a versatile, tone-setting playmaker on defense. Let him make plays, regardless of the down or situation.
Ohio State Buckeyes who deserve more playing time: No. 1 Luke Montgomery
When it comes down to it, the Buckeye offense needs a lot more help than the defense. It all starts on the offensive line where San Diego State transfer Josh Simmons has struggled to impress at left tackle.
There will be message board debates for hours about whether or not Kyle McCord should start over Devin Brown at quarterback. There will be back-and-forth conversations about the pecking order at running back. However, a functioning offensive line would make all of those arguments moot.
It would go a long way for McCord if he didn't have to worry about the left tackle letting in pressure half the time. The offense as a whole would look more dangerous if left tackle wasn't an issue. But it is.
So where can the Buckeyes turn if Simmons isn't getting the job done? Simmons' direct backup is Tegra Tshabola, who should certainly get the chance to prove he can outperform the starter. However, the more exciting solution would be to move freshman right tackle Luke Montgomery over to fill that role.
Montgomery received rave reviews over the offseason. The Ohio product looks like he's already ready to contribute.
There's only so much time for the Buckeyes to experiment before they take on Notre Dame on Sept. 23. The Week 3 contest against Western Kentucky would be the perfect opportunity for Montgomery to play and maybe even win the job.
