This week, the #3 Ohio State Buckeyes will face an unranked Arkansas State team for the first time. Butch Jones will lead his team into The Shoe in a bid to upset the Buckeyes. Ryan Day will look to defend their home field and stay undefeated.
Both teams are coming off of wins. The Buckeyes downed the then #5 Norte Dame 21-10 to start the season off on a good note. The Red Wolves obliterated Grambling State with a final score of 58-3.
Offensive Woes
One of the best offenses in the nation was held to 21-points in the season opener and they will look to improve and regain their identity this week. With JSN and Fleming likely to sit out due to injuries, look for Stroud and his receivers to step up.
Enter Egbuka, MHJ, Ballard, and Johnson to be the next men up. Egbuka and Johnson were the only two receivers to catch passes for scores. With Johnson being an unknown.
To compliment the passing attack, look for Ohio State to establish the run early and often with Henderson and Williams. I think Hayden will see some time late, but not until late.
Can Stroud build rapport without JSN? Or will we see another week of out of sync offense? The O-Line played great and will also look to keep Stroud upright.
Defensive Momentum
The Silver Bullets might be back, but an old face will be on the other sideline again in RB Brian Snead. A former back from Florida, Snead left after an investigation and now he finds himself back in the Shoe.
The Buckeyes played lights out and will look to continue improvements on that side of the ball. The trenches can use added confidence, but it’ll be tricky against Blackman (former FSU QB).
It’ll be another test against a former D1 starter, but it’ll be another day at the office for all players in the trenches. Hall and friends will likely wreak havoc against an inferior team. Eichenberg will lead and make players at the second level.
This should be a decent test but look for the Buckeyes to put it away early and put in backups to keep their stars healthy on both sides of the ball.
Predictions:
- The Buckeyes put it away early and starters sit at halftime.
- The defense continues to improve with 3+ sacks and a pick or fumble recovery
- There’s a Special Team and a defensive TD
- McCord and Brown showcase their skills
- Egbuka and MHJ combine for 100+ yards and two scores
- Henderson and Williams combine for 160 yards and 3 scores
- Stroud passes for 250 yards and 4 scores
Final: Ohio State defeats Arkansas State 42-13
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