Ohio State lost to USC by two scores even though the Buckeyes won nearly every statistical category. The real reason for the defeat was a collapse in the red zone. True freshman quarterback Luke Fahey completed just seven of twenty passes inside the forty-yard line. The program now faces its worst stretch since the “Tattoogate” scandal in 2011.
Ohio State has dropped four of its last ten games. The last time the team went 6-4 over a ten-game stretch was back in 2011. That year, the program was dealing with the fallout from Jim Tressel’s resignation. Interim coach Luke Fickell led the team to a 6-7 finish before Urban Meyer took over. Meyer soon restored the program to national prominence with a title and a win against “that team up North.” Today, the Buckeyes must adapt their offense to support Fahey if they want to reach the playoff conversation again.
The Red Zone Breakdown
The box score from the USC game shows a team that dominated but still lost. Ohio State advanced to the red zone on four occasions yet managed to score a single touchdown. The team settled for field goals or failed to score on the other three trips. They finished with just twelve total points in that area. Those missed chances were the main reason for the loss.
The offense had eleven drives total. Eight of those drives reached USC territory into what is called the “fringe.” One drive reached the USC 21-yard line and ended in a field goal. Another reached the 31 but ended in a fumble. A third reached the 22 and ended in a field goal. A final drive arrived at the 36 but concluded with a punt following a loss on the play and a five-yard penalty. These stops inside field goal range killed the momentum.
Defensive Adjustments by USC
USC changed how they played to stop the Ohio State offense. Defenses can play more two-high, middle-of-the-field-open coverages like Cover 2 or Cover 4. This approach lets defenders play aggressively against the run without worrying about deep passes. This also complicates efforts to feature a standout receiver such as Jeremiah Smith. The Trojans dedicated two defenders to Smith while keeping support in the box against the run. This strategy worked well against the freshman quarterback.
Between the USC 40-yard line and the goal line, Fahey finished with only 7 completions on 20 attempts. Fahey threw a pass that should have been intercepted. The offense struggled to find open lanes in this tight space. USC’s defensive coordinators knew exactly how to stop the play. They limited Ohio State to long field‑goal attempts rather than scoring touchdowns.
Smith’s Impact Remains High
Despite the loss, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith continues to produce at a high level. With 1,067 receiving yards, he leads the Big Ten after eight games. Indiana’s Charlie Becker trails with 865 yards. Smith also has 13 touchdowns and 62 receptions. He clinched the Buckeyes’ wide receiver “triple crown” in a Week 5 win over Iowa. He now holds the program record for receiving touchdowns, receiving yards, and receptions.
With 40 scores, Smith holds the Big Ten record for all-time receiving touchdowns. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning knows the challenge Smith presents. Lanning said, “You have to know where he’s at at all times; he’s dynamic in every phase. I think our players are excited to take on that challenge. But defending a guy like him is a real challenge.” Smith has played well even without star quarterback Julian Sayin, who is out indefinitely with a throwing arm injury.
Lanning also noted that Smith is ready for the next level. “He’s certainly pro-ready. I think anybody that’s played against him already would tell you that he probably was two years ago, right? So he certainly is now,” Lanning said, according to Fox Sports. Smith has earned Heisman Trophy buzz and a projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
The Path Forward
Ohio State must find a way to support Fahey to keep their playoff hopes alive. The team hosts the Ducks next. Oregon is 5-3 and out of playoff contention, but the talent matchup will be high quality. Settling for field goals is not enough to win in this conference.
They must find ways to get Smith open even when defenses cover him with two players.
