Michigan State football: Power ranking head coach candidates, Week 4

Michigan State football: Power ranking head coaching candidates after Week 4

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 04: Head coach Mike Elko of the Duke Blue Devils congratulates Todd Pelino #29 following his field goal against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the game at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 4, 2023 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

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Sep 16, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Brian Hartline monitors warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Ohio Stadium. /

Brian Hartline’s offense had a decent showing against one of the better defenses in college football in Week 4. His Buckeyes went on the road and put up over 360 total yards in a win over Notre Dame and he drew up the game-winning play-call with one second left. The pressure in that situation had to be enormous.

While Ohio State was only able to muster 17 points against Notre Dame, that’s all the Buckeyes needed and it’s not like they couldn’t move the ball regularly.

In fact, Ohio State had 19 first downs and averaged 6.3 yards per pass attempt and 4.7 yards per carry. Putting up those kinds of numbers against a stingy defense like Notre Dame’s is impressive and it shows that Hartline can draw up a game-winning game plan against a top-10 team on the road.

Michigan State fans would love a coach like Hartline who’s young, is a really strong offensive mind, and can recruit at a high level. I can see him continuing to climb the power rankings this season.

Right now, who says no to Hartline?

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