“ Hell, there are no rules here – we’re trying to accomplish something…†~ Thomas Edison
Leave it to Thomas Edison, an Ohioan and considered “The Father Of Inventionâ€, to appropriately summarize the goals for the 2016 Ohio State football team. No rules – just accomplish something.
“Something†is a pretty vague and open concept. Considering how much talent Ohio State lost to graduation and the NFL Draft, considering how I have written throughout spring practice about how 44 players on Ohio State’s roster are either redshirt freshmen or true freshmen…Damn right, Mr. Edison. There are no rules. Ohio State fans are just looking to see what this team can accomplish against a much tougher schedule in 2016 than 2015, with tremendously talented, yet inexperienced, players.
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Maryland Terrapins (Game 10)
2016 OSU Opponent Ranking: 8 out of 12
Players Recruited By Ohio State: Players Recruited By Ohio State: OL Derwin Gray, OL Damian Prince, WR Taivon Jacobs, RB Wes Brown, DL Adam McLean. Jacobs actually gave a verbal commitment to Ohio State back in 2013, but decided to sign with Maryland to be closer to his young daughter.
Game Date: November 12, 2016
Kickoff Time: TBA
Location: Byrd Stadium (College Park, Maryland)
Rationale For The Ranking: Maryland gave Ohio State a tougher than expected game in 2015, eventually losing 49-28 in Ohio Stadium. Ohio State had no problems with Maryland in Byrd Stadium, defeating Maryland 52-24. Why is Maryland ranked higher than other Ohio State opponents?
As in most things in life, timing is key. Ohio State will be coming off a night game against Nebraska on November 5th, and a revenge game is on the horizon at Michigan State on November 19th. Will Ohio State be tempted to be looking ahead?
Prediction: Former Urban Meyer protege D.J. Durkin is at the helm for Maryland now, and look for the Terrapins to become a more physical team that will be able to compete against the other traditional powers in The B1G East. Ohio State should be able to control this game, provided the Buckeyes do not take the Terrapins too lightly or look ahead to the trip to East Lansing.
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