B1G Conference play starts this week for the Buckeyes, who still have an opportunity to successfully complete one of their goals – a spot in the B1G Championship Game, and yet another, B1G Championship.
Saturday’s game against Michigan State, is a huge game for the Ohio State football team. Not only does Saturday’s match-up start the B1G Season, it marks the last game Devier Posey, Daniel “Boom” Herron, Mike Adams and Solomon Thomas must sit-out for their part in “Tat-gate”. Their returns, especially Posey, Herron and Adams, will bring a huge boost to a struggling Buckeye offense.
True freshman Braxton Miller, brought a spark to Ohio State’s offense on the heels of the first start of his young career as a Buckeye. Although Miller needs to do a better job of reading the pass-coverage, he at least was able to make plays with his feet, gaining positive yardage where Buaserman was throwing the ball away to avoid a turnover. Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, Jim Bollman, told reporters after the win on Saturday, that they had a good idea which way the offense was heading with Miller at QB, that’s good news for Buckeye Nation.
It’s a shame Jordan Hall didn’t get more than one carry in the 2nd Half in the loss to the ‘Canes. Any question that the Miami game was a fluke for Hall, was answered against Colorado. Hall was excellent on Saturday, racking-up 222 yards of total offense, and wowed fans with “Ginn-like” returns in the kicking game. Don’t expect Hall to lose much playing time when Herron does return. Herron may eventually take most of the carries, but there are other ways to get Jordan the ball. He brings a dynamic athletic ability to an offense that otherwise seems to lack play-making abilities of Jordan’s caliber.
Even though it was a struggling Colorado team, it was good to see a wide receiver finally step-up and makes plays in place of the suspended Posey. While it’s discouraging it has come in the form of freshman Devin Smith (meaning what little veteran leadership the position does have isn’t stepping-up) it’s encouraging for the future of the position. Smith was on the receiving end of both Miller touchdown’s, and seemed to get outstanding separation from the Buffalo secondary. Michigan State will provide a stiffer test, so it’ll be interesting to see if the young receivers can continue to make their presence felt.
This defense may not be on the same level as some of the previous Ohio State defenses, but they’ve played inspired football when needed. Their poured their hearts out in the Miami game, and, despite giving-up over 200 rushing yards, hit the ‘Canes with everything they had. That game seemed to bother the likes of Etienne Sabino, Tyler Moeller, Travis Howard, John Simon and Johnathan Hankins. For much of the game, the Colorado offense was shut-down in both the passing and running game.
Michigan State, again, will prove to be a tougher test for the Buckeye Defense, especially with the weapons on the Spartan offense.
Michigan State QB, Kirk Cousins, has plenty of talent around him. Edwin Baker, Larry Caper and Le’Veon Bell provide a three-headed monster for the rushing attack, while B.J. Cunningham, Keshawn Martin and the rest of the Spartan receiving core pose a serious threat in the passing-game. The young Buckeye secondary will have to play their best game of the season, and the defense as a whole can ill-afford to give-up over 200-yards on the ground – which the Spartans are more than capable of doing.
Miller will need to continue mistake-free football, and look for what very few weapons he does have on offense. Smith needs another big game, but Chris Fields and Verlon Reed need to pitch-in.
Tight end Jake Stoneburner absolutely must contribute to the offense heading into B1G play. Jake has been a no-show for two straight games, and is a necessity for the Buckeye passing attack. He currently leads the team in touchdown receptions, but all 4 have come in the first two games, with 3 coming in the season-opener against Akron. Miller needs all the help he can get, not only to get wins, but to build his confidence.
I’ve been critical of this Ohio State team, as has much of the country and Buckeye Nation, but I think we were all a little relieved with last week’s win, even though it was against the Colorado Buffalos. The win has, like the team, given Buckeye Nation a little bit more confidence heading into this Saturday’s game against Michigan State.
Let’s start the season 1-0 in B1G play, and continue to fight for what’s ours – a B1G Championship! Go Bucks!
