IDLE WEEK Thoughts

 

The Ohio State Buckeyes head into their idle week with a 6-1 record, still undefeated in conference play, with a major question at the QB position and other players that are banged up.

                The major concern, of course, is at the QB position with Julian Sayin apparently out for the rest of the season.  So, it will fall to either freshman Luke Fahey or sophomore Tavien St. Clair to lead the offense.  Fahey has been the established backup to Sayin, completing nine of his 13 throws for 203 yards and two touchdowns, but has also thrown two interceptions.  St. Clair, in his limited time, is five of seven for 52 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.  Add to the question at quarterback is RB Ja’Kobi Jackson, perhaps the best blend of power and speed at that position, is still hobbled after sitting out the Indiana game.  Fortunately, Bo Jackson stepped up against Indiana, and he leads the team on the ground with 516 yards, averaging nearly five yards per carry and four touchdowns.  His receiving touchdown at Indiana was key as it came just before the half and gave the Buckeyes the lead.  The highlight of the offense is, of course, the leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy, Jeremiah Smith.  His performance this season will soon become the stuff of legends; hauling in 52 catches for almost 1000 yards and 12 touchdowns.  Devin McCuin is a distant second with 19 catches, although he has been a reliable second option in the passing game and so has TE Nate Roberts who now has 11 reception and his 68-yard catch-and-run against Maryland raised eyebrows with his surprising speed for his size. 

                Other than the fourth-quarter collapse at Texas, the defense has performed very well, holding Iowa to 14 points and a potent Indiana offense to only one sustained TD drive.  Earl Little Jr. leads the way with 38 tackles to go along with four pass breakups and a fumble recovery.  Payton Pierce has played well in every game and is right behind Little Jr. with 37 stops and Jaylen McClain has led the way in the secondary with 32 stops, four pass breakups and a sack.  McClain also has two of the four interceptions the Ohio State defense has managed.  The four interceptions seem disappointing, but the defense has pounced on six fumbles for a total of ten turnovers in the seven games. 

                The schedule ramps up in intensity from here on out, beginning next week with a trip out to the West Coast and USC, followed by a game verses Oregon in the ‘Shoe.  It may seem strange, but out of the five remaining opponents, Michigan would seem to be the weakest as in addition to USC and Oregon, Northwestern and Nebraska have had better than expected seasons; both of whom took Indiana to the wire.  So, the second half of the season should prove interesting, especially with a new man under center.