Archives for September 2014

Virginia Tech Preview, Sept. 6th, 2014 at 8:00PM EST ESPN
Ohio Stadium

After a successful opening weekend for the Ohio State Buckeyes, it’s on to week two and their home opener against the Virginia Tech Hokies. Head Coach Frank Beamer just entered his 28th season at the helm for the Hokies. This certainly isn’t his most talented team, but Va Tech always plays sound and disciplined defense and fields great special teams units. The Buckeyes will have to play well if they expect to leave the “Shoe” with a victory.

As expected, Ohio State defeated Navy 34-17 in Baltimore to open their season. All things considered, JT Barrett performed well going 12-for-15 with 226 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception as the Buckeyes were knocking on Navy’s door step. His only real mistake was the interception. He also led the Buckeyes in rushing with 50 yards. I don’t expect this to happen again this season as the Buckeyes offensive line really struggled early in the game. Ohio State had balance with 226 yards passing and 194 yards rushing. The defense played a bend but don’t break style. They yielded 390 yards rushing (most of which came in the 2nd half) and 20 yards passing. When all was said and done they only gave up 17 points which is a far cry from where they were toward the end of last season.

Virginia Tech opened their season strong with a 34-9 victory over William & Mary. The Hokies are trying to break in new QB Michael Brewer who went 23-for-30 with 251 yards and 2 touchdowns. Their offensive attack was very balanced. They passed for 266 yards and ran for another 222. However, they turned the ball over twice and that could spell disaster if they do that in Columbus against the Buckeyes. The Va Tech defense gave up less than 200 total yards of offense to William & Mary. I would take some of these stats with a grain of salt given the level of competition they played. However, the Buckeyes can’t sleep on this Virginia Tech team.

There are a few key matchups that will go a long way in deciding who wins the game under the lights on Saturday night. A big one is whether or not Virginia Tech can run on Ohio State’s defensive line? The Hokies had some success on the ground against a far less superior team in William & Mary. They rolled up 222 yards rushing. Shai McKenzie and Marshawn Williams are expected to receive the bulk of the carries. Both are freshman so it will be interesting to see how they handle the atmosphere on Saturday. I like the Buckeyes chances of holding Va Tech under 100 yards total rushing. If they do, Va Tech will be too one dimensional against Ohio State’s revamped pass defense.

Texas Tech transfer QB Michael Brewer is now the starter for Virginia Tech as Logan Thomas departed after last season. If Brewer has some time to throw it will really shed some light on Ohio State’s revamped pass defense. The secondary is expected to be pressing the Va Tech receivers and give them far less cushion than the defense did the past few seasons. With the combination of Ohio State’s front four overpowering the Hokie offensive line and the improved secondary play, I don’t expect Brewer to have a great game.

When the Buckeyes have the ball it’s simple — protect redshirt freshman QB JT Barrett. If the Buckeyes offensive line comes out Saturday like they did in the first half against Navy, it’ll be a long night. Assuming Barrett has some time to throw, he’ll have to be extra careful with Va Tech CB’s Kendall Fuller and Brandon Facyson. Both are capable of breaking on the ball in a heartbeat. If Barrett protects it and the offensive line comes together, I like the Ohio State skill guys to take over the game.

Lost in translation last week against Navy was all-purpose back Dontre Wilson for the Buckeyes. He racked up 166 all-purpose yards among his duties returning punts/kicks, catches and carries. His cat like quickness will be electrifying Saturday night against a far more athletic defense in Virginia Tech. Stud true freshman Curtis Samuel is also someone to keep an eye on. It seemed he was the main back that did the toughs sledding between the tackles against Navy. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry and Urban Meyer gleamed over his first collegiate game.

Traditionally, the Frank Beamer teams that aren’t hyped up and don’t have much to lose play better. The teams that have lofty preseason rankings rarely win big cross conference games like this one. We’ll find out Saturday night which Ohio State and Virginia Tech teams show up. Ohio State just doesn’t lose many night home games, especially when the King, LeBron James is in attendance. I think Ohio State wins going away in the 2nd half, 31-16. This is what Ohio State football is all about, primetime and under the lights. Oh how glorious it will be.

BUCKEYES

(9/6) Virginia Tech @ Ohio State. 8:00p, ESPN.

We didn’t learn a lot from either team’s opening game, but it’s worth noting that the offenses had nearly identical performances. Both teams were breaking in new QBs, and each one threw 2 TDs and 1 pick with yardage in the mid-200s. Virginia Tech’s Michael Brewer threw the ball twice as much as J.T. Barrett with a similar completion rate, but that only amounted to 25 more yards of offense. Both teams also rushed about 40 times for around 200 yards.

Defensively, who knows? You don’t learn much about your defense from playing Navy, and I can’t imagine you get a good feel for it by playing William & Mary either. This is going to be an enormous game for both teams. I know we’re the comfortable favorite, but I’m not taking anything for granted.

UPCOMING OPPONENTS
(9/6)

Middle Tennessee @ Minnesota. 3:30p, Big Ten Network.

Howard @ Rutgers. Noon, Big Ten Network.

Michigan State @ Oregon. 6:30p, Fox.

Well, Wisconsin couldn’t hold against LSU after losing the rock-toting services of Melvin Gordon, so the Big Ten turns to returning conference champ Michigan State and this massive matchup, easily the best game in the country this week. Sparty plays the type of defense that gives Oregon fits, but the Ducks are as unrelenting on offense as ever.

Akron @ Penn State. Noon, ABC/ESPN2.

Michigan @ Notre Dame. 7:30p, NBC.

It’s the last time this game will be played for a long time, maybe forever. Despite large amounts of hatred for both teams, this is still usually a fun game to watch. Not that I’ll be watching most of it, but it’s still worth keeping an eye on.

Western Kentucky @ Illinois. Noon, Big Ten Network.

Maryland @ South Florida. 3:30p, CBS Sports Network.

South Alabama @ Kent State. 2:00p, ESPN3 (online).

Indiana: no game.
Cincinnati: no game.

OTHER BIG TEN TEAMS

(8/30)

Ball State @ Iowa. 3:30, ESPN2.

Central Michigan @ Purdue. Noon, ESPN News.

Northern Illinois @ Northwestern. 3:30p, Big Ten Network.

McNeese State @ Nebraska. Noon, ESPNU.

Western Illinois @ Wisconsin. Noon, Big Ten Network.

OTHER OHIO TEAMS

(9/6)

Missouri @ Toledo. Noon, ESPN.

Ohio @ Kentucky. 3:30p, ESPNU.

Eastern Kentucky @ Miami (Ohio). 3:30p, ESPN3 (online).

VMI @ Bowling Green. 3:30p, ESPN3 (online).

OTHER TOP NATIONAL GAMES

(9/6)

USC @ Stanford. 3:30p, ESPN.

Literally the only non-Big Ten game worth watching this week.

(This preview is brought to you by aspiring blogger (and writer) Jacob Seymour. We hope to hear and read more from Jacob in the very near future! -Ed)

After a tough week one opponent, the Buckeyes look to continue their regular season winning streak. While Virginia Tech seems to be the second best opponent on Ohio State’s schedule, the Buckeyes might be in a position to do something not many would expect.

Va. Tech’s Last Game in Review

Last week Va. Tech played William & Mary and won 34-9 and gained almost 500 yards of total offense. Now when we look at the box score it looks like Virginia Tech had no problems against William & Mary, but for those who actually watched the game the score is a bit misleading. Several times when Va. Tech was inside the 5 yard line they had difficulties putting the ball in the end zone in 2 attempts. Also when Va. Tech was inside the 5 yard line they seemed to struggle against William & Mary’s D-Line or shoot themselves in the foot with stupid penalties. At halftime the score was 17-6, William & Mary shot themselves in the foot on a miscommunication around the 50 yard line, when the center snapped the ball before the quarterback was ready. William & Mary were playing well up to that point and if they get another field goal or a touchdown on that drive who knows how the momentum of the game swings. When you look at the box score again and see that William & Mary only gained 76 yards of rushing, consider this. When a quarterback gets sacked it actually goes against their rushing yards. William & Mary’s Mikal Abdul-Saboor ran the ball 10 times for 85 yards, although almost half came from a 40 yard run. William & Mary was able to move the ball on the ground with some success against the Hokies. Also Tre McBride had 4 catches for 62 yards, 43 of those yards came on one play. The Hokies seemed to give up a few big plays and if William & Mary had a better offensive line, we may have had a different ball game.

Virginia Tech on Offense

The Hokies like to create a very balance attack and keep defenses on their toes. Va. Tech has a good freshman running back named Shai McKenzie. McKenzie is a powerful back who has some speed; McKenzie averaged around 11 yards per carry and had a good 39 yard run. If the Hokies are to pull the upset Michael Brewer, the quarterback, must have an exceptional game. Brewer played well in his first start, after transferring from Texas Tech. While Brewer had a good performance throwing an interception and having an adjusted QBR rating of 72.2 is not going to win the game against Ohio State. A guy Ohio State does need to watch for is freshman WR Isaiah Ford. This freshman is not your average freshman wide receiver. Ford had 4 receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown. Ford is quick and has some good height at 6-1 and if the Buckeyes’ secondary is not ready, Ford could have a breakout game. The Hokies offensive line does need to step up this week, the Hookies start two sophomores. The offensive line did not have its way with William & Mary, like they should of, and I expect the O-Line to come out and be very physical.

Ohio State on Offense

Ohio State’s offense failed to score a single touchdown in the first half, which is a bit surprising because Ohio State was moving the ball in the first half. Ohio State’s offensive line must improve; the Hokies have a quick D-Line and need to give Barrett some time to throw the ball. Barrett will need to be sharper throwing the ball. While the Hokies lost two very good players in the secondary to the NFL, this secondary does not miss a step. Most of the players returning in the secondary played quite a bit last year and the Hokies secondary could be arguably top ten in the nation after the season is all said and done. Barrett is going to have to keep his eyes out for Brandon Facyson and Kendall Fuller. Both of those cornerbacks, who are sophomores, are very good and have a future in the NFL if they continue to play the way they are. The Buckeyes will need to give Devin Smith some more deep ball chances because the Hokies defense has the secondary to play one on one with Ohio State and crowd the box. The Buckeyes need to establish a running game to help Smith and the other receivers to get open. I expect a lot more play action from the Buckeyes this coming Saturday.

NFL Future for Virginia Tech

While there are a few players on the Hokies roster that could play in the NFL someday, I want to focus on the best player and that is Kendall Fuller. The sophomore cornerback is the fourth Fuller to play at Virginia Tech, but he could be the best one. Fuller had 58 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 6 interceptions, 11 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble in his freshman campaign. Not only is Fuller physical, he is a playmaker. Fuller has great hands and plays the ball beautifully when it is in the air, as seen by his six INT’s last year. I see Fuller having potential going in the Top 15 in the 2016 NFL draft, if he stays healthy and continues to play better jamming wide outs at the line of scrimmage.

Buckeye to Watch

Last week we predicted Darron Lee to have a big game, which he did. So hopefully we can go two for two. Devin Smith is the Buckeye to watch this week. He will probably be matched against Fuller all night, so if Smith wants to prove that he should be on the rise, in next year’s NFL draft this is the week to do it. The Buckeyes will need Smith to stretch the field and make some plays after the catch because I expect the Hokies to stack the box and make Barrett beat them through the air.

Bottom Line

Ohio State wins BIG. After seeing how the Hokies offense played against William & Mary, I have a tough time seeing them showing up against the best D-Line in the country on the road. Ohio State’s Bennett and Washington dominated the line of scrimmage most of the game and with Va. Tech playing a more traditional style of offense I expect them and the rest of the D-Line to man handle this O-Line. While the Buckeyes defense is able to keep off the field, I feel the Buckeye offense will find its groove at some point and start piling up the points.

National Perspective of the Game

If Ohio State is able to shut down Va. Tech, like I believe they will, the voters give Ohio State a bit more credit. What will also help Ohio State’s victory is Navy going on the road and just dismantling Temple.

Weekly Getting SEC Fans Fired Up About the Truth

Alabama is so overrated they made a four win team, in the Big Twelve conference, look like a Top 25 team. Alabama’s pass defense is in need of a lot of work. I understand that Trey DePriest was suspended, but come on now West Virginia threw the ball almost fifty times, it’s not like you didn’t know what they were going to do. One of Alabama’s biggest strengths is their wide receivers’ ability to stretch the field vertically, but the problem with that is their quarterback, Blake Sims, has as much arm strength as Jamie Moyer throwing a fastball. The defensive line is not what I thought it would be, neither are the linebackers. Luckily Alabama played a team who has a pretty horrendous defense, otherwise Alabama loses that game. If Alabama plays to this caliber all year long, which they will not, Bama is in for a long year. After this game, I do not see Alabama winning the SEC West and I see them losing to LSU, Auburn, Texas A&M and/or Ole Miss. Which means once again we have to hear from SEC fans how hard their conference is because a team who dominated the BCS era could lose three games in this conference. Somehow Alabama to the voters will be like the popular guy at your high school reunion. You know the star quarterback who comes to the reunion fat, bald, but still gets all the attention because of what he used to be.

Look, I’m as excited as anybody for the new playoff in college football. Yes, there will still be controversy and we’re not where we need to be yet, but it will be nice to see things settled on the field more than ever before.

But would it be possible to not talk about who’s going to make the playoff until at least October?

I made the mistake of turning on ESPNU yesterday, and almost immediately there was a lengthy segment about which four teams would make the playoff if the season ended right now. Yes, really. Actual human beings collecting paychecks for talking about sports were having a serious discussion about a hypothetical college football season that only lasts one week, long enough for most teams to play a single game and for some to play even fewer than that.

Of course these brilliant college football philosophers (I don’t remember who they all were, but Tom Luginbill was one of them) put their heads together and came up with an answer that no one saw coming: Lots of SEC teams! Despite what was by most accounts a fairly lackluster showing for the conference last weekend, ESPN still can’t get enough of that sweet, sweet SEC. I can’t imagine why.

Each of the four or five panelists included at least two SEC teams in their groups, usually mixed in with Florida State and Oregon. Luginbill (there’s a reason I remembered him) actually slotted his top three with SEC teams. I know ESPN has long since given themselves over to the almighty dollar, but would it kill them to sometimes pretend to have the slightest shred of professional integrity?

From time to time, ESPN also likes to pretend their not just a collection of desperate newspaper writers, bitter ex-athletes and -coaches, and Syracuse grads. So they come up with nonsensical new “stats” like QBR or FPI. The FPI, simply, is just a number ESPN plans to hype the crap out of in an effort to influence the playoff committee. Unsurprisingly, FPI is also remarkably kind to the SEC.

Two SEC teams (Alabama and Auburn) are currently in the FPI top four, and seven more make appearances by the time you get to #21. But don’t worry, they also went ahead and put together a conference-based version of the number and sure enough, the SEC came out on top.

Interestingly, the article touting the conference’s dominance in these rankings even points out that SEC teams didn’t play as well as people expected and that the Big Ten dropped in the rankings even though they had a “strong week.”

Now I’m not one for conspiracy theories (although we’ve seen examples of ESPN’s misleading rhetoric before) and I would never deny anyone their right to try to hype up the assets that are going to make them money. But when the hype becomes a blatant attempt to influence a selection committee, that’s something I have a problem with.

Top ranked teams struggle as first week of the season kicks off

As the sun faded on the first week of college football, there were a number of different games that come to mind. No. 1 Florida State escaped Jerry’s World with a 6 point win over unranked Oklahoma State. No. 2 Alabama was on the ropes the majority of the game against an unranked West Virginia team down in Atlanta. Yes, even the 5th ranked Buckeyes were losing at halftime against an unranked Navy squad in Baltimore. No. 7 UCLA pulled out only an 8 point victory over a bad Virginia team. Not to mention, the 9th ranked and SEC East favorite South Carolina Gamecocks were dismantled by a Johnny Football-less Texas A&M team. It was a weird first week.

The favorites to make it to the inaugural College Football Playoff all struggled against inferior, unranked opponents. Does this mean that these so called “favorites” aren’t as good as we all think? Or was it just a bunch of first game jitters? Well, as the season goes on we will find out who the true contenders and pretenders are. But I wouldn’t read too much into the Noles, Tide, and Buckeyes struggling. I expect them all to be in the Playoff conversation come late November.

Notable Games Last Week

Texas A&M 52 South Carolina 28

No Johnny Football? No problem!! New A&M quarterback, Kenny Hill, went 44 of 60 for 511 yards and three touchdowns. That is a huge stat line for a first game starter against a highly ranked opponent. It may very well be the system that HC Kevin Sumlin is running, but the Aggies are contenders in the SEC. The Gamecocks should drop considerably in the polls after this one and Steve Spurrier will have to go back to the drawing board. Losing Clowney and Shaw could be bigger than we think.

Georgia 45 Clemson 21

Todd Gurley left, Todd Gurley right, Todd Gurley up the middle. #3 for the Georgia Bulldogs solidified himself as a Heisman Trophy candidate after 198 yards rushing on 15 carries, 2 touchdowns, and a 100 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. He made it look easy against the Tigers. Mark Richt and the Bulldogs will contend for the SEC East Title and could find themselves in the Playoff if they play their cards right.

Florida State 37 Oklahoma State 31

The defending National Champion Seminoles opened their season against the Cowboys (not Jerry Jones’, but in his Taj Mahal Stadium) and got more of a test than they thought they would. Heisman Trophy Winner and crab leg connoisseur, Jameis Winston, struggled at times but ended up having a decent night. He went 25 of 40 for 370 yards and 2 touchdowns, one of which was a beautiful 28 yard run that landed him in the endzone. We learned that the Noles are beatable, but in a weak ACC they will be heavy favorites to be undefeated heading into the playoff. Oklahoma State has a lot to look forward to as they had the champs on the ropes late in the game. The Cowboys could also be in the playoff hunt late in November, only Baylor and Oklahoma pose a threat in the Big 12.

LSU 28 Wisconsin 24

Oh, Wisconsin. Gary Andersen and the Badgers had a 17 point lead go to nothing as Les Miles’ Tigers came roaring back to win the game late in the fourth quarter. Wisconsin QB Tanner McEvoy struggled most of the night and threw a pair of costly picks late in the game to help squander that lead. It still puzzles me why Andersen stuck with him while 2013 B1G honorable mention Joel Stave was on the bench, but what do I know. Melvin Gordon had a Heisman worthy first half then he mysteriously went away in the 3rd and 4th quarters. I heard rumors that he had a hamstring problem but nothing has been confirmed. That will be a puzzling game for folks in Madison for the rest of the season.

Big Games this Week

Michigan State at Oregon

Autzen Stadium will be rocking for this one as the defending Big Ten and Rose Bowl Champs roll into town. Both the Ducks and Spartans have a lot to prove and a win here could be huge down the road when being considered for the playoff. It will be Oregon speed against Michigan State toughness. It would be a big W for the Big Ten in terms of national respect. I strongly suggest you tune in for this battle.

Saturday, September 6 at 6:30pm on FOX

Virginia Tech at Ohio State

Home opener. Night Game at the newly renovated Shoe. LeBron may be in the house along with the best collection of 2015 recruits. Yea, this is going to be one hell of an atmosphere at 411 Woody Hayes Drive. Frank Beamer brings in an overmatched Hokie team but don’t think for a second that they plan on lying down for the Buckeyes. Expect the running game with Elliot, Samuel and Wilson to be much better. J.T. Barrett will also be more efficient. But the Buckeye D-Line you’ve been hearing about all summer will make their presence felt. Expect a lot of sacks.

Saturday, September 6 at 8pm on ESPN

Michigan at Notre Dame

The Irish and Wolverines will square off for the last time in the foreseeable future when they take the field Saturday. Yes, I probably hate these two teams just as much as you. But I love tradition and have always enjoyed watching these two battle it out in South Bend or Ann Arbor every year. It’s great for college football. Brady Hoke’s hot seat could be cooled off a bit with a win in this one but Everett Golson and Notre Dame have national title aspirations of their own. Although neither are highly ranked, expect one for the ages.

Saturday, September 6 at 7:30pm on NBC

Michigan Update

History did not repeat itself as the Wolverines were finally able to even up the series against those pesky Mountaineers 52-14. However, this was not your grandfather’s App State team. In 2007, they were coming off of a national championship in Div. 1-AA (now FCS). But they went 4-8 last season as they transition to the big boys. We will find out a lot about this team this Saturday when they take on the Irish in South Bend.

Heisman Watch

Jameis Winston, Florida State

The reigning Heisman winner went 25 of 40 for 370 yards and 2 touchdowns against Oklahoma State last week in the Cowboys Classic. He’ll face a much easier foe this week against Citadel? The Citadel? I have no clue what their called or where they’re from. Famous Jameis should be out by the 3rd quarter.

Marcus Mariota, Oregon

My Heisman pick at the start of the season went 14 of 20 for 267 yards along with 4 total touchdowns against South Dakota. We’ll find out how if he’s deserving of being my favorite when he goes up against a monster Michigan State defense on Saturday.

Bryce Petty, Baylor

Petty sat out the second half after taking a shot to his back on a touchdown run but he is expected to start his next game against Northwestern State. He completed 13 of 23 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns, all in one half. IF he is healthy then I expect him to be in New York for the Heisman ceremony.

Todd Gurley, Georgia

The Bulldogs RB is quickly becoming the SEC’s most explosive player after his 293 all-purpose yard performance. He sliced and diced the Clemson defense all night. Georgia’s next game is in Columbia against South Carolina (9/13) so look for him to have another big day.

Rising Star

Kenny Hill, Texas A&M

Kenny Football!! The Aggies didn’t skip up a beat Thursday night after Hill went a whopping 44 of 60 for 511 yards and 3 touchdowns. After that performance he has to be included in the Heisman discussion and if he can win a few games in the SEC, we may seem him hoisting the trophy in December.

Dropping Fast

It’s too early in the season to say someone has dropped. Come back next week.

My Playoff if the Season ended Today

1. Florida State (37-31 win over Oklahoma State, plays Citadel this week) They were less than impressive this week but I will keep them at my top spot. They just have too much talent for me to drop them right now.

2. Oregon (62-13 win over South Dakota, plays Michigan State this week) The Ducks were very impressive this week against an inferior opponent. We will find out how good this team is this Saturday when they take on Sparty.

3. Auburn (45-21 win over Arkansas, plays San Jose State this week) The Tigers had a shaky first half but once they settled in against Bert’s Razorbacks they were able to pull away. They are still my favorite to win the SEC West.

4. Ohio State (34-17 win over Navy, plays Virginia Tech this week) Our Buckeyes struggled in the first half but if they can get by the Hokies on Saturday, they have a clear path to Sparty on Novemver 8. As of right now, they’ll hold onto the last spot in the Playoff.

Just Missed the Cut

5. Oklahoma (48-16 win over Louisiana Tech, plays Tulsa this week)

6. Michigan State (45-7 win over Jacksonville State, plays Oregon this week)

7. Georgia (45-21 win over Clemson, plays South Carolina next week)

8. Alabama (33-23 win over West Virginia, plays Florida Atlantic this week)

9. Baylor (45-0 win over SMU, plays Northwestern State this week)

10. UCLA (28-20 win over Virginia, plays Memphis this week)

I struggled to come up with a proper introduction for this weeks Players to Watch. This game hits home for me and I’m probably more excited about it than I would be for any other Week 2 match-up. I grew up in a small town in central Virginia, Prince George County, where the large majority of my friends were Hokie fans. If you were not a Hokie fan, you were immediately assumed to be an elitist UVA fan. I was a fan of neither, therefore I suppose I grew up being a college football hipster in the state of Virginia. I always viewed Virginia Tech as good not great and UVA as… well I’ll spare the Cavaliers fan base, they know what their record has been. All of my personal life story aside, this weekend I bid all of my friends, who are Hokies until they die, good luck. They are some of the most loyal fans in a sport where second guessing is as natural to a fan as breathing. Now that the sap is done and respect has been given, lets get down to the guys who will help decide the outcome of this contest Saturday night.

Virginia Tech

Luther Maddy- Defensive Tackle

Since it is Virginia Tech, and Bud Foster has one of the best defensive minds in college football, it is only appropriate that one of his stars is first on this list. Just say this kids name, Luther Maddy. This guy is big, athletic, and an absolute terror on the interior of a line. Maddy is the heart and soul of this Hokie defense. He does most of his damage in the run game beating blockers off the ball and violently meeting the running back in the backfield. He also does an excellent job of moving from sideline to sideline, working through blocks and meeting the running back in the hole. So how do you block him? Double team him right? Not so fast. He is very similar to Michael Bennett in that if you try and double team he does a very good job of getting thin and turning his body to split the double team.

When pass rushing, Maddy likes to use his quickness to get off the ball, get in to his blockers body before they can get hands on him, and spin off of the blocker to make his way to the quarterback. He is also intelligent enough to know that if he gets stonewalled in his initial rush, to watch the quarterback and get his hands up to knock passes down. Maddy is a very experienced and well coached player, and will be a handful for the young OSU offensive line. However, if the Buckeyes can manage Maddy and prevent him from creating negative plays it will eliminate a huge strength in Virginia Tech’s defense.

Michael Brewer- Quarterback

Logan Thomas has been the familiar face under center for the Hokies in recent years. With Thomas’ graduation many Hokie fans are relieved and excited to see new transfer Michael Brewer taking snaps. Brewer was a back up at Texas Tech where quarterbacks throw the ball around like a hot potato getting it in to their hands of their play-makers, while racking up gaudy stats. The question with Thomas was never his physical tools, but whether he could be more of an accurate passer. The complete opposite is true with Brewer. He is extremely accurate, as that is a required trait for Red Raider quarterbacks, but his height could hinder his play. Brewer is listed at 6’1 but looks about all of 5’11 to 6’0. He does not have the mobility of Johnny Manziel so he is not overly reliant on his legs, which has generally helped shorter quarterbacks like Manziel, Vick, and Russel Wilson. Brewer beats people with high quality, quick decision making.

Offensive coordinator Scot Loefller, a former assistant under Urban Meyer at Florida, has adapted his offense to fit Brewer’s strengths and increase his comfort level with the new offense. The Hokies, traditionally a huddle offense, have joined modern football in going to a no huddle offense that has the option to go up tempo in situations. Brewer did very well in his debut for the Hokies going 23-30 for 251 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT. Brewer will need a similar performance on Saturday for the Hokies to have a chance. He will be going against a secondary that is young and untested, which should make for an interesting match-up.

Kendall Fuller

Like the Buckeyes, Virginia Tech also had a Freshman All-American making highlight after highlight for their defense last year. Kendall Fuller comes from a long line of shut down corners in his family (older brothers Kyle and Vincent), and is carrying the family flag high and proud in his sophomore campaign. Fuller registered 6 interceptions his freshman year and is looking to continue his All-American level play this season.

He is everything you desire in a top corner. He’s very long at 6’1, can run with anyone in the country, is a sure tackler,and Foster loves to blitz him off the edge. He completely shuts off his side of the field which helps Foster in his scheming knowing not many balls will be thrown Fuller’s way. I expect to see Fuller on Devin Smith most of the night, but don’t be surprised if he shifts inside when Dontre Wilson is lined up at receiver. Redshirt Freshman J.T. Barrett will need to know where #14 is on the field at all times Saturday night.

Ohio State

J.T. Barrett

This almost goes without saying. The Ohio State quarterback has to play well every week in order for Urban Meyer and Tom Herman’s offense to have success. However, this weekend is a big test for the young quarterback. A test that I think should benefit Barrett if he prepares for it properly. Bud Foster as I have said, is one of the most creative minds in college football. He blitzes from everywhere, his corners are in your face and physical, his safeties fly around to make plays, and his front four stunt, shift, and cover sideline to sideline. Barrett’s play will come down to how well he prepares this week. It would be the same story with Braxton Miller. Foster challenges quarterbacks, especially young ones, mentally more than physically. Barrett is known to be a football junkie and a guy who lives in the film room. The young quarterback will need to be glued to his iPad this week. Barrett will be given more of the playbook and he will have to be very responsible with his decisions versus the Hokies.

Dontre Wilson

There may be a wiser choice here, like Jeff Heuerman who could serve as a safety blanket for Barrett, but Wilson could have a more electric impact. Maybe I’m alone, but Wilson looked very close to breaking a punt return and kickoff return last week vs Navy. You can tell he has more confidence in his role in the offense and is playing much faster compared to last year. While the Hokies are known for their sound special teams, Meyer and his Buckeyes aren’t too shabby either and Wilson is the key to that this year.

A prime time, electric environment could be completely set off by Wilson and his game breaking speed. It won’t only be Wilson’s big plays that inspire the Buckeye performance, but he will need to be a consistent threat for Barrett and the offense. Wilson was used in several ways versus Navy as he accumulated 166 all-purpose yards (43 rushing, 46 receiving, 77 return yards). If Hokie fans don’t know Wilson’s name, they certainly will after Saturday’s game. He should have a big impact under the lights.

Joey Bosa

Ohio State need a big game out of their true sophomore superstar just like Tech needs one out of theirs. Bosa did not get much opportunity to have an impact Saturday, but when he did he forced the fumble that led to Darron Lee’s 61 yard touchdown return. Before getting to Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds, Bosa tossed aside his blocker like a sack of potatoes. He is honestly one of the most impressive college players I’ve watched. Saturday night he will have a good amount of opportunities to get after Hokie quarterback Michael Brewer and I not only expect Bosa to collect a sack, but I expect to see one or two passes batted down. Bosa is a freak athlete and without Noah Spence, he will have to have a big game on the edge for the Buckeyes.

But What Do I Know?

Whether you’re a Hokie or Buckeye fan, leave your thoughts on the game below. What players do you think will have the biggest impact?