Game Thread #2 tOSU at #3 Oregon, Sat. Oct. 12, 7:30 pm ET, NBC

[Captain Buckeye]

What the fuck? This guy read my posts or something… I mean anyone else see how close we see this game?

I’ve literally said all those points days ago.

1. They couldn’t stop the run vs the only team that could do it.

2. We were able to run the ball vs a team known for stopping the run.

3. We have a big advantage matching up vs their WRs compared to them trying to match ours.

 

[BUCKYLE]

We're gonna fuck em up. Phil Knight is going to rebuke Oregon and embrace the Buckeyes. "You can't buy grit and tradition isn't for sale" he'll say. Bigfoot will abandon his PNW home in favor of a cabin in the Hocking Hills.

 

[Thump]

 

[Captain Buckeye]

Underrated part of this game is how their defense is built. They have I think 6-7 starters that were transfer players? I mean their whole defense basically is NIL/transfers.

Which is fine but our defense has been in the system for 3 years and is full of 3-4 year starters. Our only addition is Caleb Downs.

That has to account for something here.

Also, yes I agree. I think we’re going to “fuck them up”. The more I study the statistics and the way their roster is built I don’t see how they keep it within 2 scores.

Maybe I’m wrong but I think the only way I’m wrong is if we turn the ball over, give up special teams scores, and basically melt with self inflicted errors.

 

[DaddyBigBucks]

 

[Captain Buckeye]

Zach does know his ball. Him saying that Iowa has the better offensive line compared to Oregon is pretty eye opening.

Also thought it was funny the host says “if your main point of advantage is your crowd noise that’s a red flag”.

And I agree lol

 

[Bestbuck36]

Leaning towards closer game first half then ass beating second half.

40-13 Buckeyes

 

[heisman]

Zach does know his ball. Him saying that Iowa has the better offensive line compared to Oregon is pretty eye opening.

Also thought it was funny the host says “if your main point of advantage is your crowd noise that’s a red flag”.

And I agree lol

Iowa is one dimensional, and exponentially easier to defend. Oregon‘s offense is built to keep opposing defenses off balance. Going to be night and day in preparation.

 

[RB07OSU]

We're gonna fuck em up. Phil Knight is going to rebuke Oregon and embrace the Buckeyes. "You can't buy grit and tradition isn't for sale" he'll say. Bigfoot will abandon his PNW home in favor of a cabin in the Hocking Hills.

Hey man, Bigfoot stays here in the PNW. He is an esteemed guest at the RB07OSU household even though he has a tendency to break prized possessions, he is just big and can't help it. But Phil is welcome to join the Columbus party I suppose.

 

[bigdog3300]

Leaning towards closer game first half then ass beating second half.

40-13 Buckeyes

I agree - I think some will be frustrated with the defense early but Knowles seems to like to sit back early before deciding how he wants to attack. Oregon could (and likely should) take advantage of that and put some points up early, but after adjustments I'm certainly more confident in Knowles than I am Stein.

 

[Captain Buckeye]

Iowa is one dimensional, and exponentially easier to defend. Oregon‘s offense is built to keep opposing defenses off balance. Going to be night and day in preparation.

That’s not what I said. I said Iowa has a better offensive line according to Zach who doesn’t have to say that.

I agree with you but if they aren’t as good up front they won’t be able to handle the LOS.

 

[RB07OSU]

That’s not what I said. I said Iowa has a better offensive line according to Zach who doesn’t have to say that.

I agree with you but if they aren’t as good up front they won’t be able to handle the LOS.

I think we can wear them down on depth in both trenches. I may be way off, but it will take time to do so. If I am wrong and we come out to a fast start, I will be thrilled obviously. I just don't expect it is all.

 

[1926Buckeyes]

That’s not what I said. I said Iowa has a better offensive line according to Zach who doesn’t have to say that.

I agree with you but if they aren’t as good up front they won’t be able to handle the LOS.

Maybe the point was that their OL being worse is less of a story if they're running screens, draws, and options. Should matter more in the RZ or if OSU can get a big lead.

I'd love to see a blowout, but Oregon runs a lot of short stuff with a very good skill position group. That will be effective against OSU's softer coverage, especially early, and create some longer drives. And it's probably the right decision to make Gabriel drive the field and see if he makes a mistake on the way or with tighter windows in the RZ. Unless Oregon gets reckless, Kelly will have to patiently build up a lead as the game goes along. I have confidence that they'll move the ball, but they can't have empty possessions or get behind the sticks where Oregon will tee off with speed rushers.

 

[Captain Buckeye]

Maybe the point was that their OL being worse is less of a story if they're running screens, draws, and options. Should matter more in the RZ or if OSU can get a big lead.

I'd love to see a blowout, but Oregon runs a lot of short stuff with a very good skill position group. That will be effective against OSU's softer coverage, especially early, and create some longer drives. And it's probably the right decision to make Gabriel drive the field and see if he makes a mistake on the way or with tighter windows in the RZ. Unless Oregon gets reckless, Kelly will have to patiently build up a lead as the game goes along. I have confidence that they'll move the ball, but they can't have empty possessions or get behind the sticks where Oregon will tee off with speed rushers.

Yeah I think the short stuff isn’t really a problem for this defense. Especially behind the LOS (which Oregon does 25% of the time).

I think what gives is the most issues is a team that can run the ball and then go play action down the field (15-20 yard routes). I like our DBs against their wide outs though but I think they’re going to have a hard time with our top 3 WRs.

I think if Oregon can’t run the ball they’re in trouble. Most if not all of our losses occur when a team is able to run the ball enough to go play action.

 

[calibuck]

Believe everyone above has touched upon the keys to this game. One point maybe not mentioned enough is the QB play. Gabriel (six year man), has seen much, and appears to have the 'West Coast Offense' thingy down pretty well. Short, quick passes to the skill players. OK, get that, kinda the same thing the Buckeyes do, so maybe Knowles will bring the DBs up from the usual 10 yards deep? My question is about Howard and his decision making. Haven't been particularly impressed with his three interceptions, and tossing into double coverage. Even a couple of the TDs to Emeka had a pretty tight window, and coulda gone the other way. Finally, the sack he took instead of unloading it (Iowa) had me scratching my head. Oregon will be testing Howard a tad more than he's been tested, and worry a bit about his decision-making under fire. I'm hoping that tOSU OL bows their backs and keeps our QB clean, with the RBs thundering, and WRs running free. tOSU 34-14.