Football has become largely a passing league, but the 2025 Ohio State Buckeyes opponents have yet to be called for this penalty.
Common sense would suggest that since the Ohio State Buckeyes, who possess two of the best wide receivers in the entire country, would be see more flags for a defensive pass interference against them.
In the case, common sense would be wrong.
Through the first nine weeks of the season, the Buckeyes' opponents have yet to be flagged for a defensive pass interference, according to Parker Fleming on X.
While shocking, it is not all that surprising.
Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate have solidified themselves as top five receivers in the country, and probably the top two at the position. The lack of pass interference calls can be explained by those two creating separation as shown in the screenshot below.
Big Ten on NBC YouTubeRegardless of the Buckeyes not drawing any pass interference penalties, they are the most efficient passing attack in all of America.
The biggest question mark heading into the 2025 season was whether or not redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin could carry the torch from Will Howard's National Championship run in 2024. Ohio State's offense was firing on all cylinders last year, setting a high standard to reach this season.
Luckily for the Buckeyes, the offense has cleared it with room to spare.
Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline and the his entire staff have made a conscious effort to get Tate going in every game this season. Once the junior settles in, they force-feed it to Smith to mix it up.
Throughout it all, Sayin has proven week after week that he can consistently make the right play and distribute the ball to the right place.
As Ohio State enters the third quarter of its season, the program must have a strong finish the regular season. Thankfully, their schedule has work in head coach Ryan Day's favor, as his team has yet to play any of the top competition in the Big Ten, avoiding Oregon, Indiana, and the "good version" of Penn State.
With their eyes set on clearing each obstacle in front of them, they have Michigan in their crosshairs at the end of November.
If the Buckeyes were to repeat this season, it's clear that the passing attack must continue its efficient pace. Hartline and the rest of the coaching staff need to keep Sayin confident while also building the offensive attack through Tate and Smith.
Ohio State is the scariest team in the country without having achieved their final form. If and when they do, they will be nearly impossible to beat.
Maybe somewhere along the way they will get a pass interference call.