Slow Offensive Starts Continue to Plague No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes struggled during the opening half of their game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Saturday, a trend which has afflicted them all season.

The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes remain undefeated after defeating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Saturday.

Despite managing to keep their perfect record intact, the Buckeyes got off to a very slow start against the Scarlet Knights, a trend that has plagued them all season long.

Ohio State managed to cross the goal line in the first quarter off of a reception from tight end Gee Scott Jr., but that was it for the opening frames. The second quarter resulted in 38 total yards, 19 each on the ground and through the air.

The Buckeyes have only scored more than seven points in the first quarter in two games: September 9 against the Youngstown State Penguins and October 14 when battling the Purdue Boilermakers. In the other seven games, Ohio State has either scored seven points, three points, or none at all.

The Scarlet and Gray have always managed to fight back in the second half and come out with the victory, but that won't work forever. Ohio State has yet to face their toughest opponent of the season: the No. 2 Michigan Wolverines.

Nothing but the best from the Buckeyes will get them past the Wolverines, especially with the game being held in Ann Arbor, Michigan at Michigan Stadium (a.k.a. "The Big House"). The Buckeyes will need to figure out how to start quickly over the next two weekends against the Spartans and Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Ohio State returns home this weekend to battle the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 11. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., with live coverage airing on NBC.