UAB averages 16.7 ppg. We gave them 15. UAB averages 101.7 rushing yards pg. We gave them 144.
Cal averages 27.8 ppg. We gave them 28. Cal avearges 175.8 rushing yards pg. We gave them 224.
These last two games, our defense has been nothing but average when it comes to scoring defense, and well below average when it comes to stopping the run. Not below B1G average...but below FBS average. I think other FBS teams are improving week to week, and this team is not. I feel like each week, our defense has gotten a little bit worse, to where now they go into the B1G season looking like a below average defensive football team. That is not what the talent level on this team would have you think, but if you watch how they have played, how can you come up with any other conclusion?
Those who say that every week is different, and hate using how a team plays last week to dictate how they will look in the future, are justified when you look at the past. Game to game, week to week, things change. But usually, the change is to get better, with bumps along the way for sure. But unless this is just a major two week bump for this defense, then the trend isn't there.
Michigan State will have the strongest O-line and run game Ohio State has seen. Of course this defense could come out, shut them down, and get on track to having a great year in conference. The talent is there. But from what we have seen, I am a little worried that this defense could get gashed. And it doesn't get any easier the next week with Nebraska. Their offense is legit. It will take a mighty effort to stop them.
These are probably the two best teams the Buckeyes have left to play, and it comes at a time where the defense has very little confidence and momentum. Somehow this team needs to be able to gain that confidence in the defense on the fly during these two difficult games. Come out of this 6-0, and it may be quite a special season. But if they don't get their butts in gear, then 4-2 can get ugly really quickly.