Northern Illinois Huskies cornerback Shawun Lurry (19) tackles Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Nick Vannett (81) at Ohio Stadium.(Photo: Greg Bartram, USA TODAY Sports) Arkansas coach Bret Bielema seemed to be rooting against Ohio State when he questioned the Buckeyes’ schedule two weeks ago. But was he actually giving them good advice? The No. 1 Buckeyes have not looked like the engaged, motivated team that a national championship favorite is supposed to in their past one and a half games. Coach Urban Meyer criticized the offense’s effort, particularly that of the Buckeyes’ highly regarded offensive line, in a 38-0 Week 2 shutout of Hawaii. Then today, in its next time out, Ohio State trailed Mid-American Conference contender Northern Illinois for more than 20 minutes of the first half. Ohio State entered the game as a 34½-point favorite. FOR THE WIN J.T. Barrett replaces Cardale Jones, throws beautiful touchdown pass That half saw starting quarterback Cardale Jones throw two interceptions in nine attempts before J.T. Barrett replaced him early in the second quarter with the Buckeyes trailing 10-3. Barrett immediately led Ohio State on a 44-yard scoring drive in less than a minute, a reminder that Ohio State has the luxury of replacing one talented option with another mid-game. Follow the road to the 2015 College Football Playoff at The Football Four, our home to rate and debate the nation’s best…
Continue Reading: Why Ohio State might actually need to play a stronger schedule
