Ohio State Football: 3 Things Buckeyes Must Do to Avoid Navy Upset

With less than three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of Ohio State’s 2009 season opener, Navy’s offense lined up for a game-tying two-point conversion. A successful attempt would have likely forced overtime, something the Buckeyes desperately wanted to avoid after surrendering 13 consecutive points and all of the game’s momentum.

Instead of keeping it on the ground—where a majority of Navy’s success had come from—quarterback Ricky Dobbs dropped back and threw an errant pass into the end zone. That pass was intercepted by linebacker Brian Rolle, who took it the other way for two points to preserve a Buckeyes victory.

Five years ago, Ohio State learned how difficult it is to beat a disciplined and dangerous Midshipmen team. As another opener against Navy looms, what do the Buckeyes need to do to avoid an upset?

Limit the Run, Contain Keenan Reynolds

Under the direction of head coach Ken Niumatalolo, Navy has maintained one of the most dangerous rushing attacks in the country. The Midshipmen piled up 325.4 rushing yards per game a season ago, which ranked No. 2 in the country behind Auburn.

Quarterback Keenan Reynolds—who has been tabbed as a dark-horse Heisman contender—triggers the vaunted triple-option attack.

Limiting Reynolds and the running game will be the Buckeyes’ top priority this Saturday.

That’s easier said than done. Reynolds set an NCAA single-season record for quarterbacks with 31 rushing…

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