Ohio State is facing a recurring issue that’s costing them games, and it’s time to address the elephant in the room. But here’s where it gets controversial: while many point fingers at individual players or specific plays, the real problem runs deeper—and it’s not just about one person’s performance. Let’s dive in.
The Bold Truth: Ohio State’s recent 13-10 loss to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game wasn’t solely on kicker Jayden Fielding’s shoulders. Yes, his missed 27-yard field goal with 2:51 left sealed the deal, but this isn’t an isolated incident. It’s part of a larger pattern that’s been haunting the team—and it’s not just about missed kicks. And this is the part most people miss: Fielding’s struggles are a symptom of a broader issue, one that involves questionable play-calling, execution errors, and a team that’s failing to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Fielding’s role as a kicker is a high-stakes one—he’s either the hero or the villain, with no middle ground. His 84.2% field goal success rate (45 of 56 attempts) might seem solid, but it’s the when and where of his misses that sting. For instance, in 2023, a missed 45-yarder against Penn State kept the door open for a closer-than-necessary 20-12 win. Later that season, a missed 52-yard attempt against Michigan in a critical moment didn’t help in a 30-23 loss. Fast forward to 2024, and his missed 42-yarder against Nebraska gave the Cornhuskers a glimmer of hope in a 21-17 win. The breaking point? Last year’s missed 38 and 36-yard field goals in a 13-10 loss to Michigan, which felt like the final straw.
The Controversial Take: While Fielding’s misses are glaring, they’re often the result of games being unnecessarily close due to other units’ failures. If Ohio State’s offense had sealed the deal earlier in those games, Fielding’s misses wouldn’t be the focal point. But that’s the life of a kicker—you’re only noticed when you fail. The real question is: Can Fielding handle the pressure, and does head coach Ryan Day still believe he’s the right man for the job?
Day’s stance is clear: “We’re not putting guys in the game that we don’t believe in.” But after repeated high-pressure misses, it’s fair to wonder if Fielding’s mental toughness is up to par. His job isn’t just about consistency—it’s about delivering when the stakes are highest. And right now, that’s where he’s falling short.
Food for Thought: Is Fielding’s issue a matter of skill, mindset, or both? And more importantly, how much responsibility should Day and the coaching staff take for putting him in these situations? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—do you think Fielding deserves another chance, or is it time for Ohio State to explore other options?
