Ohio State comes off a 45-12 win over Arkansas State last week, and now faces an in-state school in Toledo. This is the first meeting between the Buckeyes and Rockets since 2011, when Toledo put a genuine scare into Ohio State, only losing by five points, 27-22.
Ohio State has not lost a game against an Ohio school, since 1921 when they dropped a 7-6 game against Oberlin and are 46-0-1 against in-state rivals in Ohio Stadium all time.
But in spite of the long winning streak and gaudy numbers against other teams in the Buckeye State, you can be sure that Ohio State head coach Ryan Day isn’t overlooking the Rockets, who are led by Jason Candle in his eighth season. While the Buckeyes won big against the Red Wolves last week, some would say they looked flat in terms of energy. They can’t do that in when facing the Rockets tonight under the lights. If the Buckeyes can consistently play at a higher energy level and play in sync tonight, they have a chance to roll right into the Big Ten schedule. This game could serve as a springboard to the bigger goals they have in sight. Let’s take a look at the Keys to Victory.
Get the running game going: Ohio State has one of the most talented running backs in the country in TreVeyon Henderson, and a solid #2 option in Miyan Williams. The Buckeye backfield is definitely solid. But they need to use them more often. Sometimes it works better to establish physical play with the run, and then lighting opponents up with a high-octane passing game. I know the game has evolved since he coached Ohio State, but sometimes you need to go with the tried and true philosophy Woody Hayes used to use: Three yards and a cloud of dust. Leaning on the running game will not only wear down Toledo, it will also get Henderson and Williams into a rhythm just in time for the Big Ten portion of the schedule when the Buckeyes play Wisconsin next week.
Contain Finn: Yes, Toledo played Long Island University and UMass in their first two games. But Rocket quarterback Daquan Finn showed that he not only can get the job done with his arm, but also his legs. In the last game against UMass, Finn rushed for 77 yards, while also throwing for 177 yards. The Buckeyes need to set the edge, not allow Finn or other offensive weapons to get outside, and shut things down before the Rockets are able to break things outside. This leads into my third Key to Victory:
Get the pass rush brewing, and bring the energy on defense: Ohio State’s defense definitely didn’t seem as energetic or “complete” last week against Arkansas State, but I still remember the second half of that Notre Dame game. THAT is the kind of Buckeye defense fans expect, and the kind of defense new coordinator Jim Knowles is trying to install in his first season in Columbus. Swarming, hard-hitting, solid tackling, stingy, and just nasty in terms of physicality. Every great Buckeye team has had great defense, including the last two National Championship teams in 2002 and 2014. Stout defense is the hallmark of any truly special Ohio State team!
Clean up the penalties: Ohio State has been penalized 16 times for 160 yards over the first two games. That needs to change. The Buckeyes may have overcome their struggles to beat Notre Dame in Week 1, and may have been able to get by on talent alone against Arkansas State in Week 2. But as the season rolls on, the games will get tougher. I’m sure the Buckeyes will find themselves in a close game that ends up being a dogfight somewhere down the road. Teams that win those games are the teams that play cleaner football. And even if a game isn’t completely clean, certain penalties at certain times can be absolute killers. The Buckeyes have a good opportunity tonight to clean up any issues they’ve had with penalties and play a chance to play a clean, disciplined game.
Ohio State has a chance to get any issues ironed out in their last nonconference game. Toledo has an upset on their mind as they look for their 10th win all-time against a Power 5 school. Buckeyes vs. Rockets under the lights at Ohio Stadium. Tune in at 7 PM tonight on Fox to catch the action! GO BUCKS!
Sources: ESPN, Buckeyes Wire at USA Today, Buckeyes Now on FanNation
Photo Credit: clutchpoints.com
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