Change is the theme for the 2014 college football season, so with that in mind, I’m changing up the TV Guide structure, packaging games in groups to help you enjoy the best of the national landscape, follow all our fellow Ohio schools and conference foes, and/or scout our remaining schedule.

BUCKEYES

Ohio State @ Navy. Noon, CBS Sports Network.

This is the moment of truth. It might have been less stressful to open the season in the Shoe against an Ohio MAC or FCS opponent with Braxton’s injury casting a shadow of doubt over the season, but a road test against a tricky opponent will tell us more about our young QBs heading into a pivotal battle against Virginia Tech next week.

Note that the game is on CBS Sports Network, not regular CBS. This should be DirecTV 221, Dish 158, Time Warner 1322, U-Verse 1643 & Verizon FiOS 594. Check to make sure you get this channel now! (If anyone knows of corrections or additions to this list, leave them in the comments!)

UPCOMING OPPONENTS

(8/28)

Eastern Illinois @ Minnesota. 7:00p, Big Ten Network.

Rutgers @ Washington State. 10:00p, Fox Sports 1.

(8/29)

Jacksonville State @ Michigan State. 7:30p, Big Ten Network.

(8/30)

Penn State vs. UCF in Ireland. 8:30a, ESPN2.

Appalachian State @ Michigan. Noon, ESPN2.

It’s unlikely that we’ll see a repeat of the 2007 game, but we can dream, can’t we? Despite being a far worse team now than back then, App State does have one thing going for them: motivation. You think these kids don’t want to do the same thing their predecessors did? You think they haven’t been hearing all about how they won’t be able to? And let’s not forget: Michigan isn’t the team they were back then either.

Indiana State @ Indiana. Noon, ESPN News.

Youngstown State @ Illinois. Noon, Big Ten Network.

James Madison @ Maryland. 3:30p, Big Ten Network.

William & Mary @ Virginia Tech. 4:00p, ESPN News.

Ohio @ Kent State. 6:00p, ESPN3 (online).

Cincinnati: no game.

OTHER BIG TEN TEAMS

(8/30)
Northern Iowa @ Iowa. Noon, Big Ten Network.

Western Michigan @ Purdue. Noon, ESPNU.

California @ Northwestern. 3:30p, ABC/ESPN2.

Florida Atlantic @ Nebraska. 3:30p, Big Ten Network.

LSU vs. Wisconsin in Houston. 9:00p, ESPN.

This is the first chance for the Big Ten to make a big statement in 2014. Both teams had solid seasons last year, with only one blowout loss (LSU’s 21-point loss to Alabama) between them. Rumor is that the Badgers will give the athletic Tanner McEvoy the nod at QB over the more experienced (and more predictable) Joel Stave. You may remember McEvoy as a safety, the position he played most of last year after switching from wide receiver due to a wrist injury. Did I mention he’s athletic?

OTHER OHIO TEAMS

(8/28)

Howard @ Akron. 7:00p, ESPN3 (online).

(8/29)

Bowling Green @ Western Kentucky. 7:30p, CBS Sports Network.

(8/30)

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

New Hampshire @ Toledo. 7:00p, ESPN3 (online).

OTHER TOP NATIONAL GAMES

(8/28)

Texas A&M @ South Carolina. 6:00p, SEC Network.

(8/30)

Alabama vs. West Virginia in Atlanta. 3:30p, ABC/ESPN2.

Clemson @ Georgia. 5:30p, ESPN.

Despite the departures of Tahj Boyd and Aaron Murray, this should still be an entertaining and competitive game. Georgia is probably the better team this year, but that’s what most people thought last year too.

Florida State vs. Oklahoma State in Arlington. 8:00p, ABC.

(9/1)

Miami (Florida) @ Louisville. 8:00p, ESPN.

College football is back. Or rather, something that looks kind of like college football is here. 2014 brings us a new Big Ten–now with 14 teams, reshuffled and renamed divisions, and an air of unpredictability the conference hasn’t seen in a while, thanks in part to an abrupt change that has Buckeye fans on the edges of our seats: Braxton Miller’s season-ending injury and the as-yet-unseen impact it will have on the offense.

But things are just as uncertain on the national landscape. For the first time since 2006, the returning national champion does not hail from the SEC. The conference will have to console itself with its shiny new TV network, bolstered by ESPN’s Inception-level layers of conflict of interest.

The ACC welcomes Louisville to replace Maryland (now in the Big Ten) and hopes last year’s Seminole crystal football will be the start of a long streak of their own. Of course, there will be no more actual crystal footballs as the championship will now be decided by a four-team playoff with its own more understated trophy.

How to get into that playoff may be the biggest unknown of the upcoming season. Teams will be selected by a 13-member committee from diverse backgrounds applying vague guidelines. No one really knows what factors will end up being the most important, but suffice it to say that winning will always the best bet. And don’t think it will get any easier going forward. If we learned anything from the BCS, it’s that every season is a unique universe that produces its own unanswerable questions. What works this year might not work next year.

Buckeye fans are hoping the inverse is true: that what doesn’t work this year will work next year. Namely, Braxton Miller’s ailing shoulder. The dynamic QB has stated he’d like to return to the team in 2015–a decision that makes sense whether or not he’s able to make the jump to the NFL.

But first we have to see what this season brings. One-handed grabs, Hail Marys, crazy tip-drill interceptions–those are guaranteed. There’s sure to be a massive controversial officiating blunder or two, like the insulting end of last year’s Wisconsin/Arizona State game. Maybe we’ll get lucky and witness another did-you-see-that moment like Auburn’s “Kick Six” in the Iron Bowl.

One thing is for certain: you just never know.

– Woody Hayes

It’s here, it’s finally here. No more questioning what this team is capable of without captain and former Heisman candidate Braxton Miller. No more questioning what the defense will look like with new co-coordinator Chris Ash at the helm. It’s time to put foot to ball and go play. First up, Navy and their incredibly annoying and efficient triple-option offense. Let’s take a look at the key players to watch in this Saturday’s match-up.

Navy

Keenan Reynolds- Quarterback

Urban Meyer has stressed time and time again about the importance of the quarterback position in his spread read-option offense, the same can be said for the Navy triple-option offense. In fact, one could argue that the position that carries the most responsibility and level of difficulty in all of college football is the Navy starting quarterback. Keenan Reynolds has not only embraced the task of mastering this difficult offense, but has been very successful in doing so.

Now normally this is the part where I talk about how great his arm is, or how accurate he can be, or how he works through his progressions well and can potentially nickel and dime you down the field, but we’re talking about Navy and the triple-option, so for you traditional quarterback lovers this may be the time you abandon ship. Instead I’m going to talk about Reynolds impressive 4.3 yards per carry last year, and his astounding 32 rushing touchdowns, which included a ridiculous 7 touchdown performance vs. San Jose State.

Now I’m almost positive San Jose State did not field 4 defensive lineman that could all potentially be 1st or 2nd round picks in the NFL draft as Ohio State does, but none the less, a 7 touchdown performance and 32 total is nothing to downplay. The Buckeyes must be careful with Reynolds and his running ability. If the Buckeyes allow the quarterback to have an impact in the run game, lookout for the Midshipmen’s play-action game and for them to take shots against an inexperienced secondary.

Midshipmen Offensive Line

This collective unit could absolutely become a nightmare for the Buckeyes. While they are undersized and do not possess a remarkable amount of talent, their technique of cut blocking is one that frightens any coach and player that faces them. For those who are unfamiliar with the technique, cut blocking is when an offensive lineman, or blocker in general, dives at his opponents feet and ankles to block them instead of their numbers. This technique is very controversial and is often confused with chop blocking which is illegal in college and professional football. A chop block consists of a blocker diving at his opponents knees or thighs to bring him down. Both can be an absolute nightmare for those being blocked, and both have been known to weaken and injure players.

However, it is not just their technique that could cause the Buckeyes problems, it is the quickness of the offensive lineman that pose a threat as well. The Midshipmen’s biggest lineman will be their right guard Jake Zuzek who weighs an astounding 290 pounds. While yes that is small for a big ugly, the Midshipmen possess mobile big uglies that can cause defensive lineman, and linebackers alike, a major issue getting off the ball first and initiating contact. If the Buckeyes want to slow down this rush attack they will have to win at the point of attack and use their size advantage against the Midshipmen. If they fail to do so, the Midshipmen cut blocking techniques could be come very effective and harmful to the Buckeyes front seven.

Ohio State

J.T. Barrett

The moment has finally arrived for redshirt freshman John Thomas Barrett to take the field as the starting quarterback for The Ohio State Buckeyes. While that is a mouthful, Barrett will not be dealing with a dumpster fire situation Braxton Miller found himself in for his first start as a true freshman. Barrett will be surrounded by great talent and a very experienced coaching staff to guide him through his first start, which will be on the road.

However, in my opinion, it will be a blessing in disguise to have his first start on the road at a neutral site. While the game will be in “Navy country”, the largest contingent of Ohio State alumni resides in Northern Virginia and as usual, Buckeye nation is expected to show well. The balance of not dealing with a home crowd that is watching your every move and also not dealing with too hostile of a crowd should bode well for Barrett.

What could also play in Barrett’s favor is that he will not be facing the most daunting defense in the country. While the Midshipmen defense has been known to be stubborn in the red zone, the Buckeyes will find no issue moving the ball between the 20’s as the Midshipmen ranked 56th last season in total defense. The Buckeyes were also incredibly efficient last year in the red zone, and with the plethora of weapons Barrett has he should do well in his first start. Barrett will only be asked to be the distributor that the coaches know he can be, nothing more, nothing less. If he stays on that path the redshirt freshman should be successful and avoid any major bumps and bruises during his first start.

Curtis Grant

The senior linebacker has faced many questions the past two seasons. Will he live up to the five star hype? Can he play in coverage? Is it only a matter of time before McMillan passes him? In spite of all the doubt and questions, Grant has began to play his best football for the Buckeyes.

The young and inexperienced Buckeye defense will need Grant to continue his quality play this Saturday against a tricky defense. Grant does a good job of filling holes and attacking downhill, however the blocking scheme he will face this Saturday will be less traditional than what he is used to. While I do not think this will pose a huge problem for Grant, it will be important for him to play well and set the tempo and standard for the linebacking play in this game.

Not only will Grant need to lead by example, but his vocal leadership will be valuable on the field Saturday. Grant must be the commanding voice for the Buckeyes defense and keep them disciplined and calm. The option offense requires a great amount of communication and patience to defend against. If the Silver Bullets show well on Saturday, expect Grant to be a large contributing factor to a successful performance.

But What Do I Know???

Let me know in the comments section below which players you think will play the biggest role in Saturday’s game and any other predictions you may have.