5 things to watch for between Ohio State and Maryland

Junior H-back Dontre Wilson (2) carries the ball during a game against Indiana on Oct. 3 in Bloomington, Indiana. OSU won 34-27. Credit: Samantha Hollingshead / Photo Editor Ohio State looks to remain unbeaten on Saturday, as the Buckeyes are set to square off against Maryland (2-3, 0-1) at noon. Here are five things The Lantern’s sports editors Ryan Cooper and Kevin Stankiewicz will be watching for at Ohio Stadium. Can OSU convert on third down? Despite having one of college football’s premier punters in junior Cameron Johnston, OSU needs to try and save the Geelong, Australia, native’s leg by converting on third down at a higher clip. Through five games, OSU ranks 103rd in the country — and third-to-last in the Big Ten — in third-down efficiency. The Buckeye offense has only picked up the first down on 23 out of its 66 attempts so far this year. OSU’s ho-hum .348 conversation rate is in stark contrast to 2014, when the Scarlet and Gray was one of the nation’s top teams in third-down conversion percentage, ranking third overall with a mark of .520. OSU coach Urban Meyer said third-down conversation “hasn’t been our strength” this season, while adding that the issue stems from timing and execution issues from the quarterbacks and receivers. Redshirt junior quarterback Cardale Jones and his receivers will need to find the timing on third down soon if the team hopes to maintain a grasp on the No…

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