A blown call could cost a key Ohio State transfer addition his role as performance concerns continue to mount

The Ohio State Buckeyes cruised to a 38-14 beatdown of rival Penn State on Saturday, using a third-quarter avalanche to finish off the Nittany Lions. The first half wasn't so smooth despite the Buckeyes out-gaining Penn State almost two-to-one, as a fumble changed the momentum of the game right before the teams went into halftime. Ohio State hoped to add another score with about two minutes left, but instead handed Penn State a touchdown.

It was the last time Penn State scored, and the Buckeyes ripped off 21 straight points after the fumble. Veteran running back CJ Donaldson was the one who put the ball on the ground. It was the latest frustrating moment for the former West Virginia starter, who hasn't been the impact presence as the Buckeyes hoped after he transferred in.

But later analysis showed that Donaldson was the victim of a bad call, and his role could now be in jeopardy due to that referee's decision.

Is CJ Donaldson's role at risk at Ohio State?

The senior did everything right to become a Day 1 starter with the Buckeyes leading up to Week 1. He lost weight to gain explosiveness, and he was already a solid workhorse prototype who could handle higher volume. The thought process was that adding an experienced option to supplement a young room without proven stars would benefit the Buckeyes.

Donaldson has had some moments, but they continue to be more specialized and less impressive. He was second in carries this week with seven, but he averaged only 2.4 yards on his touches. He totaled 17 yards and did hit the endzone once.

That touchdown came one drive after Donaldson's fumble, so it's clear the fumble didn't fully put him in the doghouse. But his touches are dwindling, as he's averaged only seven per game over the last five games. Ohio State is working with its young bucks to keep the rotation fresh, and Donaldson is only a short-yardage hammer option.

Still, Bo Jackson received a few goal-line carries, so it's possible we see more of a shift to the younger and more dynamic option instead of Jackson. Averaging only 4.2 yards on the season, the Florida native may need to point toward the fact that he should've benefited from a forward progress call that never came.