What’s a Hoosier? Players to Watch Week 13

Hoosier

This week the Buckeyes host the Indiana Hoosiers and their electrifying pass attack. The Buckeyes also host the abysmal Hoosier defense, as well as recognizing the Buckeye seniors in their last home game in The Shoe. Thank you to all of the seniors (and Roby and Shazier) for providing Buckeye Nation with your heart, body, and soul during your years at Ohio State, and good luck to all of you in the NFL or other endeavors. Now, lets get to some players to look out for on Saturday.

Indiana

Nate Sudfeld, Quarterback #7- Sudfeld is an imposing quarterback at 6’5 230 pounds. He’s got a powerful arm, is very accurate throwing the ball down-field, and even has a little mobility in him. He will be one of the best quarterbacks the Buckeyes will face this year not only because of his physical gifts, but also because of his knowledge and comfort in this offense. Sudfeld has had a very good year stat wise as he’s thrown for over 2,200 yards, 19 touchdowns, and has a 60% completion percentage. However, Sudfeld has had accuracy issues this season, especially away from home. While at home Sudfeld has an average completion percentage of 66.1, and has thrown for 18 touchdowns. Away from home Sudfeld has thrown for an abysmal 43.7% completion rate, one touchown, and two interceptions. For the Buckeye’s secondary, they can only hope he continues his sub par play away from home.

Tevin Coleman, Running back #6- Coleman did not play last week against Wisconin due to an ankle issue and is unsure whether or not he will go this week. Before his injury, Coleman was racking up stats comparable to Carlos Hyde. Coleman is averaging 7.3 yards per carry, as well as running for 12 touchdowns and 958 yards. In November, Coleman is averaging 11.1 yards per carry, and has ran for 3 touchdowns. Coleman is an all-purpose back, which will require the Buckeye linebackers to pay attention to him in the passing game as well. The Buckeye rush defense has been pretty stout this season, however, without Grant and Perry playing last week Shazier was the only linebacker who was able to make plays, which allowed the Illini backs to gain chunk yards occasionally. Good news for the Buckeyes is that Perry is listed as probable for the game Saturday, and is the Mike linebacker for the Buckeyes in their nickel defense. He should provide a little more run support for the Buckeye D and continue to improve his play.

Cody Latimer- This offense may be the last offense the Buckeye secondary wants to see after their continued struggles this season. Latimer is another big time wide out who will present a serious challenge to the Buckeye corners Roby and Grant. Latimer is 6’3, 215 pounds with good speed, and a quality pair of hands. Latimer has 60 receptions this year, for 926 yards, and 8 touchdowns. He’s a very good route runner and is Sudfeld’s favorite target. So far this season against the oppositions number one receiver the Buckeyes have consistently failed in locking down the quarterbacks main target. Latimer will have to be kept in check this weekend if the Buckeyes want to hold this offense down.

Ohio State

Carlos Hyde- Hyde should have a monster game again this Saturday. It will not only be his senior game, but also his opportunity to become Coach Meyer’s first thousand yard rusher. Hyde could easily go for 250 yards again this week, just go watch the Wisconsin-IU game from last weekend. I will be interested to see how long Hyde is left in. If the game remains close Hyde will run in to the fourth quarter and could put up stats that you can’t even rack up on NCAA ’14.

Devin Smith- Smith has been quiet this season. He had early success in the non-conference schedule, but since then his explosiveness has been kept in check for the most part. Against this defense Smith should have an explosive day. The offense will have plenty of opportunities to push the ball down-field, as long as the weather cooperates. Look for Smith to have one or two big time plays this week that will stretch this Hoosier defense out to open more run lanes for Hyde and Miller.

Bradley Roby, or just the Buckeye secondary in general- Seriously, if this secondary can’t hang with the likes of Illinois or Indiana, I can’t imagine what Jameis Winston or AJ McCarron will do to it. This will be a huge test for this unit. Last years game should weigh heavily on their minds as they were absolutely embarrassed by the Hoosiers. The Buckeye secondary needs to break up passes early, stay disciplined on run action, and stay focused for the whole duration of the play and game. If they do not it will be a long senior day, and the Hoosiers could pose another upset bid.

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