The Clash In C’bus

Photo Credit: @CFBONFOX

After a Covid ravaged season in 2020, the Buckeyes will host their first home game of the season against an Oregon team that squeaked by Fresno State in week 1. The Buckeyes on the other hand utilized Coach Days’ knack for engineering second half adjustments to defeat Minnesota on the road by double-digits. This game was supposed to be the second leg of a home-and-home but with Covid, both parties were restricted to only conference games during the regular season.

In a showdown between two of Nike’s favorites teams in terms of uniform combinations, the 3rd ranked Buckeyes will face the 12th ranked Ducks at home. Will there be a special jersey combination for this week? While it is doubtful, one could hope but this game will be a spectacle to see from start to finish.

Both teams are 1-0 and are looking to make it to 2-0, but both are young and are unproven at this post of the 2021 season. Both teams must figure it out quickly on defense because both offenses have talent that could put up points in a hurry.

Ohio State has a new toy at QB in CJ Stroud, a redshirt freshman. They have stars that share the backfield with him in Miyann “Chop” Williams, Master Teague III, Treyveon Henderson, and Evan Pryor (who we didn’t see yet). They have a wall of pancake with Petit-Frere, Munford, Miller or Wypler (if Miller cannot go), Johnson Jr and Jones. Beyond the line, WR’s Olave, Wilson, Smith-Njigba, and TE Ruckert are the available pass catchers.

For Oregon, Anthony Johnson is their starting QB and he has CJ Verdell and Travis Dye to form a trio of game breaking speedsters in the backfield. On the perimeter he has Johnny Johnson and Micah Pittman to throw to. Oregon has a three new starters along the offensive line and with Penei Sewell departing for the draft, they sit 52nd overall in sacks allowed per NCAA.com, giving up 3 sacks for a total loss of 11 yards.

On defense, the Buckeyes started slow but the defense is young and inexperienced, and we’re also without a few starters at cornerback. No excuses but they’re still green. Linebacker is the same but the trenches contain the difference-makers. Smith, Harrison, Vincent, and Garrett are the disrupters that have yet to make it to the opposing quarterback consistently. They have one sack from the group but they could feast in week two.

Oregon will return their two players at corner in DJ James and Jamal Hill. They have McKinley and Stephens and that adds more depth to the secondary. The talent in the front seven is young but there are questions and rumors about who is available and who isn’t. Kayvon Thibodeaux, a presumptive first round talent and #1 overall NFL prospect siffeeed a sprained ankle and might now suit up in week two. Justin Flowe has fans panicking over rumors that he broke his foot and is out for the season.

Here are my five bold prediction for Saturday:

  1. CJ Stroud will have at least 210 yards passing with at least 3 TD’s.
  2. Williams has another 100 yard rushing game with other backs chipping in for a 190+ yard 2 TD day.
  3. Defense shuts Oregon down on offense and holds them to under 20 points.
  4. Buckeyes gather a fumble, an interception, at least 2 sacks, and a defensive score.
  5. Ruckert-focused game plan with at least 4 catches, 45 yards and a score.

Final Score: 45-17

#GoBucks

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