Ohio State's offensive line may have found a way to win in the long run: observations from Andrew Gillis

Ohio State's offense has something to do with its new front five

Let's start by saying this clearly: Are the concerns about Ohio State's offensive line finally gone?

Absolutely not.

But the way the unit played against a good Penn State front four on Saturday should give fans cautious optimism about what the rest of the season will bring.

Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly called perhaps his best play as offensive coordinator at Ohio State when he engineered plays that allowed quarterback Will Howard to move in the pocket. The running game was designed to allow Ohio State's players to get into space and take pressure off the front five.

But that doesn't say anything about the unit's performance in the game's final minutes, when it outscored Penn State 5-13 and secured the victory at Beaver Stadium.

Can Ohio State's offensive line do this every week? Perhaps. But Saturday was a big step in the right direction for an offensive line that moved starting left guard Donovan Jackson to left tackle and reserve offensive lineman Carson Hinzman to left guard for the first time since high school.

Coach Justin Frye deserves credit. Kelly deserves recognition. The running backs and Howard deserve credit.

And most importantly, the offensive line deserves praise for the performance it showed against the Nittany Lions.

The Davison Igbinsoun Experience

If the last few weeks have highlighted the downsides of cornerback Davison Igbinosun, then his game looks at full strength on Saturday.

After a tough few weeks, Igbinsoun made one of the game's most meaningful plays: an interception in the corner of the end zone to preserve Ohio State's lead at halftime.

It was a play that came about because of Igbinosun's aggressiveness, which has caused frustration at times this season. On Saturday at Penn State, that was reason enough to celebrate.

Ohio State needs Igbinosun to play well, and the interception against Penn State could be the first step in the right direction.