All Things Buckeyes:

THE OFFENSIVE STRUGGLE CONTINUES

If you have been mindful of how sloppy and out of sync the Ohio State offense has been over the past three weeks, I wouldn’t be too quick to doubt them any longer.  The end of the lack of offense is coming and it will come in just in time for the BIG Conference play.  Ohio State will pick up the pace and join the offense as a force to be reckoned with.  I am predicting that the Buckeyes will progressively grow as a dynamic offense.  After the Western Michigan game, I think the Buckeyes finally realized that they have the capability to once again be called a juggernaut on the offensive side of the ball.  Coach Meyer had been struggling to anoint a starting quarterback, but after Cardale Jones’ improved performance against a Broncos team, Meyer removed the dreaded “OR” on the most recent depth chart.  Now Jones has starting gig and I am sure that he will turn it up within the next few weeks because now he doesn’t have J.T. Barrett chomping at his heels.  Now he doesn’t have much to think about besides winning, and winning big.  I am almost certain that Jones torches the next two teams.  Indiana is currently 4-0 and afterwards we play a terrible Maryland team.  If there is a way to light a fire for the offense, I will offer the next two teams as tribute to prepare for Penn State and the rest of the Big Ten.

THE SILVER BULLETS PICKING UP THE SLACK

When it comes to scroring, the defense has scored at least once in the last three games.  So far our best offense is when the playmakers on defense make an impact while the opposing offense is on the field.  Against Hawaii, Vonn Bell recovered a fumble and scored.  Against Northern Illinois, Darron Lee had a pass thrown his way and he took it back to the house for six.  And lastly, and more recently Adolphus Washington blew up a Half Back screen and intercepted for a fat man touchdown.  The Defense has been on fire as of late and they are anxiously awaiting for the arrival of the offense.  The Defense has had a field day on opposing offenses.  Through four games the Buckeyes have registered 14 total sacks as a defensive unit, they have forced 9 total turnovers (4 interceptions and 5 fumbles recovered).  The Defense is currently allowing 12.3 Points Per Game!  Although having defense is a luxury at this point the offense will need to pick up the pace a bit, but I am not too worried about it.  Defense wins Championships, so until the offense finds itself, I have no problem watching the Silver Bullets wreak havoc on opposing offenses.

BIG TEN CONFERENCE PLAY IS HERE

I normally don’t get this excited for conference play, but this year I look forward to the Buckeyes playing familiar foes in the BIG 10.  This week we play a feisty Indiana Hoosiers team at Indiana.  The last two seasons the Buckeyes have handled business, but will this season bring something different?  I don’t think so, but I have a feeling that this game will be a good one for at least one half or a quarter while both teams try to figure each other out.  Once Jones finds the gas pedal, the Buckeyes will easily pull away.  Could I be wrong?  Sure, but it may not be likely.  After this week we play at the Shoe against a 2-2 Maryland team who is struggling mightily after dropping games to two potent offenses, West Virginia team and Bowling Green.  Yes, Bowling Green beat them on their home soil!  So after the two conference games, it should prepare the Buckeyes for a home game against rival Penn State.   That should be one heck of a game because last years walk-off sack is still fresh in their minds and I guarantee that the Nittany Lions are out for revenge.  That should be another good one!  After the Penn State game, the Buckeyes travel to Rutgers, then they have a home game against Minnesota and then travel the Champagne, Illinois to battle for Illibuck.  After those games comes the most lethal part of Ohio State’s conference schedule, a home game against rival Michigan State and a road game at the Big House, against TTUN.  Conference play is going to be tough and I am hoping for the best and I am trying not to downplay anything.  Every conference game will be tough.  Some will be more so than other.  Here’s to an exciting Big Ten season.  Go Bucks!!!

MY TWO CENTS

I am predicting a slow start against Indiana.  The Buckeyes will use the momentum from their defense to carry the offense again before the offense picks it up.  The Buckeyes will sack QB Nate Sudfeld early and often and they will force him into bad situations.  I am predicting at least 3 sacks, 1 fumble and 2 interceptions with one defensive touchdown.  Cardale Jones will go off evenly distributing the rock to his long list of offensive weapons.  There will be a Braxton Miller sighting too.  I am predicting Jones to have around 235 passing yards with 4 total touchdowns (3 passing and 1 rushing).  I know that the Buckeyes will be on upset alert week in and week out, but I just have a gut feeling that this game will set the stage for the rest of the season.  Buckeyes win in style on offense and defense:  38-24.

PREDICTING THE STAT LINES

Here is something new!  I will see how in tune I am with The Ohio State Buckeyes.  I will try to predict the stat lines from week to week.  Let’s see…

Offense

Cardale Jones:  26/46, 235 yards, 2 TD 8 rushes, 47 yards, 1 int

Ezekiel Elliot:  24 rushes, 127 yards, 1 TD, 2 receptions, 24 yards

Curtis Samuel:  12 rushes, 64 yards, 1 reception, 16 yards

Michael Thomas:  9 receptions, 79 yards, 1 TD

Jalin Marshall:  3 receptions, 47 yards, 1 TD

Braxton Miller:  4 receptions, 56 yards, 6 rushes, 22 yards

Nick Vannett: 2 receptions, 12 yards

Defense:

4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 FF, 1 fumble recovery, 1 interception for TD

FINAL SCORE:  38-24 (give or take TD for both teams)