After beating Indiana 23-3 in a clunky and sometimes concerning game last week, Ohio State opens the home portion of the schedule today against FCS opponent Youngstown State. I know big-time college football teams use games like these as tune ups before facing tougher opponents, but I just don't like them.
We already know what the outcome is going to be as soon as it's on the schedule, and it's a usually a bloodbath. But that's just the nature of college football these days, unfortunately. All the big teams do it somewhere on the schedule. And 99.9% of the time they win these. We know who the only team to ever drop a game like this was. *wink wink, nudge nudge* But I highly doubt the Buckeyes will even remotely let the Penguins pull an App State today.
This game is pretty much a foregone conclusion already, even hours before kickoff. But as I always like to do, let's check out the Keys to Victory for the Buckeyes today against the Penguins.
Get into a good offensive rhythm early
This especially goes for Kyle McCord. I know a lot of Ohio State fans were freaking out last week for how he looked against Indiana. Some of that was justified. Most of it probably was not. But if McCord struggles again today, then I'LL be the one smashing the panic button!
But I look for him to open things up, and take shots, as well as spread the ball around to all of his pass catchers. Marvin Harrison Jr., Julian Fleming, Emeka Egbuka, Cade Stover and everyone else who is a starting wideout or pass catcher better get plenty of looks today. McCord should have a field day playing pitch and catch with everybody, and he should have no problem getting his timing and rhythm down. If he's having a good day, the rest of the offense should follow suit.
Do the little things right
Along with McCord doing a better job of directing and leading the offense, this game is also an opportunity for the entire team on both sides of the ball to sharpen up. No matter who they play, every Buckeye fan absolutely loves it when the boys in Scarlet and Gray are clicking offensively and firing on all cylinders. I do too! It's fun to watch! But long before Ohio State kicks it into high gear during any game, one other thing always has to happen: They have to do the little things right.
Whether it's the offensive unit cutting down on, or eliminating penalties and playing at a fast tempo without any mistakes in the rhythm, or the defense is swarming to the football, forcing turnovers and lowering the boom with vicious hits, everyone needs to do the small things and do them right. Walk before you run.
For Ohio State today, doing the little things right means not shooting themselves in the foot with penalties, staying on schedule during drives by not making negative plays, blowing the opponent off the ball with solid blocking, and finishing plays at the point of attack. No disrespect to Youngstown State, but they're not supposed to even remotely make this a game. Can't let them think they have any hope of making it competitive. If they Buckeyes do all the small things right, they'll have this one under control.
Bring the energy everywhere on the depth chart
This will likely be one of those games where the backups will see a lot of action. They need to do all the little things right as well, just like the starters. They also need to play disciplined, fundamentally sound football. But the main thing I'm looking for from them, is playing with high energy and playing hungry. After all, they don't get into games as much. When they do? I'm expecting them to take full advantage of it.
If a team has guys that play like that all the way down the roster, that's the sign of a winning program, solid players, and a great culture. Yes, it's Youngstown State. Yes, Ohio State is supposed to roll, and roll early. But I hope the backups play like it's a regular season Big Ten game in terms of energy. If they do? I'll feel good about going into next week and beyond.
The Buckeyes are a 41-point favorite. The "Tressel Bowl" isn't supposed to be competitive. But regardless of who they play, any Saturday with Buckeye football in it is a great Saturday! GO BUCKS!
Time/Channel: Noon on Big Ten Network
Picture Credit: thestreamable.com
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