The Elusive Holding Call: What’s it Gonna Take for Ohio State to Get One?
Columbus, OH – As the Ohio State Buckeyes continue to dominate on the field, one statistic has left fans and coaches scratching their heads: the lack of holding calls against opposing linemen. Specifically, the defensive line has been eerily quiet in terms of drawing holding calls, with Caden Curry being the only player to accomplish this feat all season.
But perhaps even more astonishing is the drought experienced by standout defensive end Jack Sawyer. An impressive 50 games have passed since Sawyer last drew a holding call against an opposing lineman. The question on everyone’s mind is: what’s it gonna take for Ohio State to get a holding call?
To put this into perspective, holding calls are a crucial aspect of the game, as they can significantly impact the outcome of a play and, subsequently, the entire game. When a defensive lineman is held, it can prevent them from making a tackle or pressuring the quarterback, ultimately giving the offense an unfair advantage.
So, why the dearth of holding calls for the Buckeyes? Is it a result of exceptional opposing line play, or are the referees simply not calling it as tightly as they should? The answer, much like the holding calls themselves, remains elusive.
One possible explanation is that the Ohio State defensive line is simply too quick and agile for opposing linemen to hold onto. Curry, Sawyer, and company have consistently demonstrated their ability to burst off the line and pressure the quarterback, making it difficult for opposing linemen to get a good grip.
However, this theory doesn’t entirely hold water, as other teams have managed to draw holding calls against the Buckeyes’ opponents. It’s not as if the referees are completely ignoring holding calls across the board; rather, it seems that the Buckeyes are being held to a different standard.
Another possibility is that the Buckeyes’ defensive line is being too physical, making it difficult for referees to discern between legitimate blocks and holds. While this might be a contributing factor, it’s hard to imagine that the referees are consistently missing holding calls due to the Buckeyes’ physicality alone.
The truth likely lies somewhere in between. Perhaps the referees are being overly cautious when it comes to calling holding penalties, or maybe the Buckeyes’ defensive line is simply not creating the types of situations that typically result in holding calls.
Whatever the reason, the lack of holding calls has undoubtedly had an impact on the game. The Buckeyes’ defense has been forced to adapt, relying on their speed and agility to make plays rather than relying on the referees to call holding penalties.
As the season wears on, it will be interesting to see if the Buckeyes can find a way to draw more holding calls. Will they need to change their approach, or will the referees begin to call the game more tightly? One thing is certain: the elusive holding call has become a fascinating subplot in the Buckeyes’ season.
Related Stories
– “Ohio State Defensive Line Struggles to Draw Holding Calls”
– “Jack Sawyer’s 50-Game Drought Without a Holding Call: A Statistical Anomaly”
– “Referees Under Scrutiny as Holding Calls Remain Elusive for Buckeyes”
What’s Next
– The Ohio State Buckeyes will continue to push for holding calls as they face off against their upcoming opponents.
– The referees will remain under scrutiny as fans and coaches await a more consistent application of holding penalties.
– The Buckeyes’ defensive line will look to adapt and find new ways to make plays, even if holding calls remain scarce.
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