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CBS analyst explains why Ohio State’s offense is better than Alabama’s, LSU’s

Kevin Cunningham

By Kevin Cunningham

Published:

What makes Ohio State different this year compared to last year?

Offensively, the Buckeyes are still scoring a bunch of points. Defensively, though, the scarlet and gray are much improved. Look at any metric. Watch them play.

Ohio State’s defense is night and day better than what it was a year ago.

RELATED: Analyzing Buckeyes competition for CFB Playoff

However, when talking about the Buckeyes’ offense, CBS Sports analyst Aaron Murray — a former Georgia star QB — said he likes Ohio State’s offense more than Alabama’s and LSU’s right now. Why?

The balance:

As Murray said, Ohio State is much more balanced this year than it was a year ago. Last season, thanks to QB Dwayne Haskins, all the Buckeyes needed to do was throw to put up points. Now, Ohio State RB J.K. Dobbins is establishing himself as one of the best backs in the entire country.

It was up to Michigan State’s defense to try and hold tough against the Buckeyes. What did it do?

Allow 34 points and 323 rushing yards. If Ohio State can stay that balanced all year long — because we already know what QB Justin Fields is capable of through the air — it will make stopping the Buckeyes nearly impossible.

Alabama and LSU, for example, have actually had a better time throwing the ball rather than running it this season. Could Ohio State be the most complete team in the country?

It’s certainly playing like it through Week 6.

Kevin Cunningham

Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.