GAME 3: Ohio State v Kent State

September 19 Predictions

MY THOUGHTS.....Texas

 

Ohio State built a 20-point lead through three quarters, then became completely undone in losing by one point to the Longhorns in Austin.  It marked the biggest blown lead since October 8, 2011, when the Buckeyes blew a 27-6 lead at Nebraska and lost 34-27. 

                Play calling became a bit predictable once the Buckeyes had built up the lead and the Longhorns were able to tighten their coverage on Jeremiah Smith and the other Ohio State receivers.  It would be too easy to lay the blame on kicker Connor Hawkins as his missed field goal late would’ve made it a two-score game.  The truth is the defense wore down late and were unable to stop Texas, particularly on key third and fourth down situations; any of which would’ve sealed the game for the Buckeyes. 

                Julian Sayin had a good game, at least through three quarters, throwing for 278 yards and a touchdown against one interception.  The “wow” factor of this offense was Jeremiah Smith as he hauled in eight catches for 164 yards and a touchdown.  Bo Jackson showed his versatility out of the backfield, catching four passes for 37 yards.  But, as I mentioned to someone at halftime, I felt that Ohio State should’ve had a larger lead.  Red zone struggles again surfaced, prompting field goals on a couple of occasions when a touchdown could’ve put the game out of reach before halftime. 

                The defense may have been hung out to dry a bit by the stagnant offense in the second half and once they allowed the Longhorns to get their first touchdown, the defense was on their heels the rest of the way.  An inability to get off the field on a few crucial third and fourth downs did them in.  Despite that, I was impressed with the play of senior safety Earl Little Jr., who seemed to be all over the place in leading the defense with 11 tackles.  Payton Pierce also had an impressive game, with nine stops and forcing the fumble on the first play from scrimmage.  Devin Sanchez had eight stops and Jay Timmons six stops as well as the fumble recovery leading to the first Ohio State score of the game.

                Only time will tell how this loss will affect the Buckeyes for the rest of the season.  It is hopeful the team responds as they did in 2014 after losing to Virginia Tech.  The road back begins next week with Kent State.

GAME 2: Ohio State v Texas

September 12 Predictions

MY THOUGHTS.....Ball State

 

Ohio State’s season opener against Ball State eventually went as planned despite a slow start to the running game as the Buckeyes netted a mere 35 yards on the ground in the first half.  The second half was a different story as the Ohio State offense finished with 237 yards on the ground.  Bo Jackson and newcomer Ja’Kobi Jackson led the way with 83 yards and a touchdown each.  Legend Bey saw his first action and despite getting off to an unsure start with kick returns, Bey managed 37 yards rushing and a receiving touchdown.  Isaiah West contributed 27 yards on the ground as well.  The passing game was clicking on all cylinders from the start as Julian Sayin threw for 320 yards.  Backups Luke Fahey and Tavian St. Clair got into the game; each was five out of six.  Jeremiah Smith led the receivers with eight receptions for 151 yards, picking up right where he left off last year.  His two touchdown receptions came against tight coverage with the defender all over him.  Newcomer Devin McCuin had an outstanding first game, catching six passes for 97 yards and a TD while Brandon Innis and Isaiah West each contributed three receptions.

Riley Pettijohn led the defensive effort with six tackles as Matt Patricia’s rebuilt defense held Ball State out of the end zone and provided game experience to a lot of young players.  T.J. Alford had an outstanding game with five stops, a tackle for loss, and an interception and Beau Atkinson continued his improvement with four tackles and a TFL.

Despite the dominant performance, there are things to work on for both sides of the ball.  The aforementioned running game didn’t get it in gear until the second half, and the defense recorded just one quarterback sack.  Both of these issues will need to be solved if the Buckeyes are to come out with a win at Texas next week.

GAME 1: Ohio State v Ball State