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TBBC Fans Interact: Ohio State Versus Penn State
WVaBuckeye via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Some of our participants have had some slow pitch softballs lobbed at them and others have been given an easy game to say their piece about. Even though it was a good win by the Buckeyes, this weeks crew had some interesting takes on the situations that occurred during the win. Huge shout out to Tammy – @buckeyecaligal, Jane – @JaneNiday, Ian – @lynch258, Steve – @SmartyHMcfly, and Jim – @capn33 as these weeks fans with a purpose to speak their minds!
It’s officially a controversy. What did you think of the results from JT Barrett taking over and should he be the starter and why?
@buckeyecaligal – The results? They’re clear to everyone, aren’t they? Allow me to embellish just a tad.
With all the hubbub surrounding the jersey color selection for this game, “It’s not tradition.” and “There is no black in Scarlet and Gray.” etc., the focus quickly turned to on field performance for the much anticipated prime time blackout, a Dark Night In The Shoe. It was very slow going to start and hard to watch.
#GoBucks #DarkNight #BuckeyeNation
✌☝ pic.twitter.com/A7MY5oyJZS
— buckeyecaligal (@buckeyecaligal) October 17, 2015
It was not fun to see Penn State up 3-0 at end of the first quarter. I’m not happy when The Buckeyes don’t score first. But that’s just me. Cardale wasn’t connecting and the receivers had difficulty getting open. We’ve seen this before. Yes, it’s frustrating. We couldn’t seem to make the needed plays and gain any momentum. This is all too familiar.
But then, as if a bat signal flashed in the Dark Night sky, JT entered the field and it happened. The offense just seemed to click. Plays were quicker. Scores resulted. There it was. It seemed we just may have found our groove. You know, that one we’ve been searching for this season.
The second quarter was even better with JT running for two touchdowns and Zeke for one, putting OSU up 3-21 at the half. The comfort zone was nearing. We were looking more like the number one ranked team we are. Proving our rank. Deserving of it.
We’ll skip the third quarter for now.
When JT picked up the pace again in the fourth quarter, more players saw a bit of red in the end zone for the Dark Night. They captured a field goal and two more touchdowns by “Miler,” oh wait, that’d be Miller and Thomas. (If they hire me, I’d perform much better quality control on those jerseys!) With JT leading the field, the quicker pace proved very beneficial for the offense. The rhythm was simply in sync. Something we’ve been waiting to see. Has it arrived for good? That is yet to be seen. In Urban we trust. And Urban has spoken.
@JaneNiday – First, let me say that I feel that the job should have been JT’s at the beginning of the season. When Braxton hurt his shoulder last season, as the “next man up,” JT took the field and VTech aside, lead the Buckeyes as if he were a seasoned QB. I don’t believe having an injury should cause a player to “lose his job.” However, I’m sure there was a great deal that went into the decision making process and I am a fan, not a coach, so I trust Coach Meyer’s decision.
I was at the game Saturday night, “Dark Night at The Shoe,” and the change in the atmosphere was palpable when JT came onto the field. I think JT has a command over the Offense that Cardale is lacking at this point. The entire offense seems to “click” when JT is at the helm, I believe he is a born leader. If a play doesn’t come to fruition, JT is a play maker… he is a hustler and quick on his feet. My thought is, if JT is good enough to play in the RED ZONE, he should be good enough to play the entire 100 yards.
Although statistically Cardale looks good, he is still lacking in converting 3rd downs and is not producing points on the board. In addition, he seems to be hanging onto the ball too long and overall is not quick with decision making or on his fee
@lynch258 – I think the offense runs a lot smoother and everything seems to calm down some with JT at the helm. I trust Urban and his decision making 1000% but based on what I have seen in games I believe JT should be the starting quarterback moving forward, mainly for the reasons I mentioned above. I also feel the fact that the other players voted him a captain says a lot about JT, his maturity, and the trust they have in him to lead this team.
@SmartyHMcfly – For me, it wasn’t ever a controversy, it was just a matter of time. I, like a lot of Buckeye Nation, was lobbying for JT from the get-go. I never liked the idea of JT coming in, in the red zone like he was doing. I don’t like gadget offenses. It appears to me that the loss of Tom Herman was a lot bigger deal that we imagined.
We put so much faith in Ed Warriner and Urban Meyer, two offensive geniuses, that it never occurred to us that the offense wouldn’t pick up where it left off last season. An even race gave us Cardale Jones in the end, and why not? He won on the biggest stages, and the ultimate prize. He deserved a shot.
When he got in there, though, he looked like a guy that didn’t spend time in the film room, a guy that couldn’t dissect defenses on the fly. He seemed to pre-select to whom he would throw the ball, before the play even began. The amalgamation was a recipe for disaster, and it showed on the field. JT kept getting more and more opportunities, and Cardale got worse when he had his chances. A switch was the only logical solution.
JT has a presence that is obvious on film. His players trust and believe in him, and they just didn’t have that with Cardale. I think the move, and three games that should be games where the offense gets back on track, will prove to be a great move, and put Ohio State as a favorite once again to win the Big Ten.
@capn33 – I’m sure like everyone else I see the same improvement in the offense when JT is inserted. The offensive unit seems to gel. JT does better on the option read. The threat of him running gives defenses one more thing to worry about, plus in passing situations he is a threat to tuck the ball and run.
This gives Elliott more space to get through the line. which in turn sets up blocking schemes. However, I do believe with the right set of receivers Jones could prosper.
To answer the question, yes J.T. is better suited for this offense.
How did you think the defense handled being gashed by Saquon Barkley while shutting down Hackenberg? Can they continue to play that way?
@buckeyecaligal – Let’s not forget the efforts of our worthy opponent, namely Saquon Barkley. Remember that name. I will. He looked good. He looked very good. Mental note made. We definitely have opportunities on defense to improve linebacker play and stop the run. Oh yes, and stop “targeting” (insert heavy sarcasm here).@JaneNiday – Although the defense is giving up a lot of yards each week, 194 by Barkley, they continue to shut down teams on 3rd down. I was really concerned when Joshua Perry went out in the 1st half, but overall I think they improved on that side of the ball. Joey Bosa and Adolphus Washington are wicked good and although the defense is giving up some big plays, the defense stopped the Nittany Lions in the red zone.
@lynch258 – I feel the defense handled being gashed by Barkley fairly well in that they kept him out of the end zone and limited Penn State very well on 3rd down. As long as we continue to force field goals/4th downs our offense is capable of doing more than enough to win games.
Getting pressure on Hackenberg was key because I don’t think he deals with people in his face/at his feet very well. However, I don’t think we can continue to play that way and win when Sparty and the other guys up north come calling, I feel the front 7 will have to play better against the run to win both of those games. If our run defense comes along as well as the pass rush has so far, it’s going to be tough sledding scoring on our defense.
@SmartyHMcfly – The eye test was much worse than the actual statistics, as the Buckeyes allowed only the third least total offensive yards they have allowed all season. Barkley and Hackenberg will both be playing on Sundays, so most would feel good about only allowing 315 total yards.
Allowing Barkley to gain 194 yards is a bit of a head scratcher. Breaking it down, several times during the game, the Buckeyes were getting fooled along the defensive front. They fell victim to fakes and counters, and with Barkley’s speed, the linebackers couldn’t catch him. I was not happy with how easily he was able to run, but I believe there will be a big adjustment next time there is a similar guy in the opposing backfield. I was pleased that Hackenberg was so limited, but he has not been all that impressive to me, so that was expected.
Right now, they are playing a bend-not-break style of defense, and while that may have worked against a team that is high tempo, high scoring, like Oregon, it might not work against the good ground and pound squads of the Big Ten where a field goal can beat you. They can win by containing either the air of the ground in any game, but only if they win field position as well as special teams. Seems like a gamble.
@capn33 – Sub-par. Not gap sound in the interior. I believe Ohio State is missing that proper hole plugger. Someone that requires a double team to keep blockers off linebackers.
I cannot take away the running ability of Penn States Running back with his one cut and go, lowering of his pads and that stiff arm he uses. Man! He’s dangerous.
All the same Ohio State was chasing way too much, poor angles, lowering the head on tackling. Simply put basics.
The flip side, the defense “blacked out” Hackenberg ability to get passes off accurately.
OSU needs to shore up the middle or they will be taken advantage of again.
Grade the overall team performance and what you think they can improve on?
@buckeyecaligal – B- The Buckeyes were scoreless and less productive in the third quarter. Hackenberg was able to connect narrowing the score (this is my barometer). The comfort zone was no longer comfortable. Where was the consistency? I saw intermittent progress though. I know I did. It’s coming together. I feel it.
Our ability to drive and score during the last quarter was enough to secure the 10-38 win. That’s the objective, right? Sure there are opportunities, but it’s one win at a time. One improvement after another. Bosa, Washington and the Silver Bullets stymied Penn State’s progress pretty well. At least well enough this round. Zeke completed another 100+ yard rushing game, the season record notches up to 7-0, we enjoy 20 straight Buckeye wins and we’re still atop the rankings at #1. It’s good to be a Buckeye, even with the adjustments to be made. That’s called continuous improvement and is required at any level.Confirming the starting QB will settle many debates and likely allow for a more cohesive unit moving forward. We saw glimpses of that Saturday night. I’m anxious to see more of that visible on the field this weekend.
Ah, yes. And all of this was done in a blackout. If this type of play is the result of a uniform color, I say wear them again. Not every game, but again. After all, our beloved Brutus just turned 50. That means he was once considered new & untraditional. Look at him now. A Buckeye staple. So let a new tradition begin. Because the Dark Night In The Shoe ended just right for me, and if you’re a Buckeye fan, I’d say for you too.
@JaneNiday – My overall performance grade is a B. They have really made strides on both sides of the ball and I feel like they are just beginning to put everything together. One of the big improvements that they are building on is not turning the ball over and efficiency in the Red Zone, 6 for 6 this past week. I think we are beginning to see a new comfort level. As much as we want to think this is the same team as last year, it isn’t. They lost players in key positions, have had injuries to deal with and have new coaches. This is their own journey and pursuing excellence and becoming a cohesive unit is where I think they need to improve.
@lynch258 – Overall I would give Saturday’s performance a B. I feel there was some room for improvement in the passing game, particularly a lack of a downfield passing game and obviously in defending the run. However, it’s exciting to be 7-0 while having plenty of room for improvement, and having Urban Meyer coaching our guys.
@SmartyHMcfly – Hard to pick apart a win, overall I will give the performance a B-. Cardale did not play well, and the defense was sub-par. I would like to see JT pass more, and not rely on his legs as much. #15 definitely needs to be getting the ball 20+ times a game, and should have a couple plays a game where he is able to receive the ball in space, not two yards beyond the line of scrimmage on a pass that he has to dive to catch. I would also like to see Nick Vannett in red zone and in long third down situations. He is an undervalued weapon that needs to be utilized more, outside of his blocking. Defensively, I just want the linebackers to stay home more, and as a whole, we need to tackle better. Special teams were EXCELLENT.
@capn33 – I grade them a improved B-.
I believe they need a series of plays that will move them down the field in order to get them in scoring position. Utilizing their key players (experiments are over). Speed the game up, if you need to go script 1st 3 plays so be it.
Play gap sound on defense. Pursuit angles and tackling needs worked on.
Look at the film of what didn’t work and prepare for that on defense, I’m almost sure that will be what you will see on Saturday.
Then again I’m sure I’m saying things that the Buckeyes are working on.
Rutgers Prediction
@buckeyecaligal – Tighten up the D, fine tune the O with the obvious QB changes coming and end the game on top. That’s all I ever want.45-21 Buckeyes. #GoBucks
@JaneNiday – I am excited to see the Buckeyes take the field this Saturday night. I feel the spokes on the wheel are aligned and big things are beginning to happen, a solid leader and consistency at the QB position and a defense and offense that are clicking on all cylinders.
My score prediction is 49 – 24….Buckeyes with a BIG WIN!
@lynch258 – I don’t expect Rutgers to be able to stop our running game after giving up nearly 5 ypc to Indiana while Indiana was without top back Jordan Howard. I’m very confident we’re going to see a heavy dose of Zeke and score plenty of points seeing how Indiana hung 52 on Rutgers in 3 quarters last week. Our defense, particularly the secondary, will be tested. They have a legitimate NFL wide receiver in Carroo and Laviano has been pretty solid at quarterback the last couple weeks.
Final score prediction: Ohio State 51 Rutgers 24
@SmartyHMcfly – Rutgers has shown that they can creep up on teams that aren’t going to score early and often to put them away. Chris Laviano is playing well and Leonte Carroo is a special player, so that connection is my main concern. If we score early, win the special teams battle, and keep those two in check, it should be a runaway victory for the Buckeyes. With the bend-don’t-break style defense I doubt very much that it will be a shutout, and with the energy JT brings I think OSU will score consistently.
My prediction is 52-20 OSU
@capn33 – I think Ohio State is going to move more efficiently on offense. Once in the red zone they will capitalize.
Defense the Buckeyes need to prepare for the passing game, which I believe Rutgers is a threat.
52-14 Buckeyes.
The post TBBC Fans Interact: Ohio State Versus Penn State appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.
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WVaBuckeye via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Some of our participants have had some slow pitch softballs lobbed at them and others have been given an easy game to say their piece about. Even though it was a good win by the Buckeyes, this weeks crew had some interesting takes on the situations that occurred during the win. Huge shout out to Tammy – @buckeyecaligal, Jane – @JaneNiday, Ian – @lynch258, Steve – @SmartyHMcfly, and Jim – @capn33 as these weeks fans with a purpose to speak their minds!
It’s officially a controversy. What did you think of the results from JT Barrett taking over and should he be the starter and why?
@buckeyecaligal – The results? They’re clear to everyone, aren’t they? Allow me to embellish just a tad.
With all the hubbub surrounding the jersey color selection for this game, “It’s not tradition.” and “There is no black in Scarlet and Gray.” etc., the focus quickly turned to on field performance for the much anticipated prime time blackout, a Dark Night In The Shoe. It was very slow going to start and hard to watch.
#GoBucks #DarkNight #BuckeyeNation
✌☝ pic.twitter.com/A7MY5oyJZS— buckeyecaligal (@buckeyecaligal) October 17, 2015
It was not fun to see Penn State up 3-0 at end of the first quarter. I’m not happy when The Buckeyes don’t score first. But that’s just me. Cardale wasn’t connecting and the receivers had difficulty getting open. We’ve seen this before. Yes, it’s frustrating. We couldn’t seem to make the needed plays and gain any momentum. This is all too familiar.
But then, as if a bat signal flashed in the Dark Night sky, JT entered the field and it happened. The offense just seemed to click. Plays were quicker. Scores resulted. There it was. It seemed we just may have found our groove. You know, that one we’ve been searching for this season.
The second quarter was even better with JT running for two touchdowns and Zeke for one, putting OSU up 3-21 at the half. The comfort zone was nearing. We were looking more like the number one ranked team we are. Proving our rank. Deserving of it.
We’ll skip the third quarter for now.
When JT picked up the pace again in the fourth quarter, more players saw a bit of red in the end zone for the Dark Night. They captured a field goal and two more touchdowns by “Miler,” oh wait, that’d be Miller and Thomas. (If they hire me, I’d perform much better quality control on those jerseys!) With JT leading the field, the quicker pace proved very beneficial for the offense. The rhythm was simply in sync. Something we’ve been waiting to see. Has it arrived for good? That is yet to be seen. In Urban we trust. And Urban has spoken.
@JaneNiday – First, let me say that I feel that the job should have been JT’s at the beginning of the season. When Braxton hurt his shoulder last season, as the “next man up,” JT took the field and VTech aside, lead the Buckeyes as if he were a seasoned QB. I don’t believe having an injury should cause a player to “lose his job.” However, I’m sure there was a great deal that went into the decision making process and I am a fan, not a coach, so I trust Coach Meyer’s decision.
️ (@JaneNiday) I was at the game Saturday night, “Dark Night at The Shoe,” and the change in the atmosphere was palpable when JT came onto the field. I think JT has a command over the Offense that Cardale is lacking at this point. The entire offense seems to “click” when JT is at the helm, I believe he is a born leader. If a play doesn’t come to fruition, JT is a play maker… he is a hustler and quick on his feet. My thought is, if JT is good enough to play in the RED ZONE, he should be good enough to play the entire 100 yards.
Although statistically Cardale looks good, he is still lacking in converting 3rd downs and is not producing points on the board. In addition, he seems to be hanging onto the ball too long and overall is not quick with decision making or on his fee
@lynch258 – I think the offense runs a lot smoother and everything seems to calm down some with JT at the helm. I trust Urban and his decision making 1000% but based on what I have seen in games I believe JT should be the starting quarterback moving forward, mainly for the reasons I mentioned above. I also feel the fact that the other players voted him a captain says a lot about JT, his maturity, and the trust they have in him to lead this team.
@SmartyHMcfly – For me, it wasn’t ever a controversy, it was just a matter of time. I, like a lot of Buckeye Nation, was lobbying for JT from the get-go. I never liked the idea of JT coming in, in the red zone like he was doing. I don’t like gadget offenses. It appears to me that the loss of Tom Herman was a lot bigger deal that we imagined.
We put so much faith in Ed Warriner and Urban Meyer, two offensive geniuses, that it never occurred to us that the offense wouldn’t pick up where it left off last season. An even race gave us Cardale Jones in the end, and why not? He won on the biggest stages, and the ultimate prize. He deserved a shot.
When he got in there, though, he looked like a guy that didn’t spend time in the film room, a guy that couldn’t dissect defenses on the fly. He seemed to pre-select to whom he would throw the ball, before the play even began. The amalgamation was a recipe for disaster, and it showed on the field. JT kept getting more and more opportunities, and Cardale got worse when he had his chances. A switch was the only logical solution.
JT has a presence that is obvious on film. His players trust and believe in him, and they just didn’t have that with Cardale. I think the move, and three games that should be games where the offense gets back on track, will prove to be a great move, and put Ohio State as a favorite once again to win the Big Ten.
@capn33 – I’m sure like everyone else I see the same improvement in the offense when JT is inserted. The offensive unit seems to gel. JT does better on the option read. The threat of him running gives defenses one more thing to worry about, plus in passing situations he is a threat to tuck the ball and run.
This gives Elliott more space to get through the line. which in turn sets up blocking schemes. However, I do believe with the right set of receivers Jones could prosper.
To answer the question, yes J.T. is better suited for this offense.
How did you think the defense handled being gashed by Saquon Barkley while shutting down Hackenberg? Can they continue to play that way?
@buckeyecaligal – Let’s not forget the efforts of our worthy opponent, namely Saquon Barkley. Remember that name. I will. He looked good. He looked very good. Mental note made. We definitely have opportunities on defense to improve linebacker play and stop the run. Oh yes, and stop “targeting” (insert heavy sarcasm here).@JaneNiday – Although the defense is giving up a lot of yards each week, 194 by Barkley, they continue to shut down teams on 3rd down. I was really concerned when Joshua Perry went out in the 1st half, but overall I think they improved on that side of the ball. Joey Bosa and Adolphus Washington are wicked good and although the defense is giving up some big plays, the defense stopped the Nittany Lions in the red zone.
@lynch258 – I feel the defense handled being gashed by Barkley fairly well in that they kept him out of the end zone and limited Penn State very well on 3rd down. As long as we continue to force field goals/4th downs our offense is capable of doing more than enough to win games.
Getting pressure on Hackenberg was key because I don’t think he deals with people in his face/at his feet very well. However, I don’t think we can continue to play that way and win when Sparty and the other guys up north come calling, I feel the front 7 will have to play better against the run to win both of those games. If our run defense comes along as well as the pass rush has so far, it’s going to be tough sledding scoring on our defense.
@SmartyHMcfly – The eye test was much worse than the actual statistics, as the Buckeyes allowed only the third least total offensive yards they have allowed all season. Barkley and Hackenberg will both be playing on Sundays, so most would feel good about only allowing 315 total yards.
Allowing Barkley to gain 194 yards is a bit of a head scratcher. Breaking it down, several times during the game, the Buckeyes were getting fooled along the defensive front. They fell victim to fakes and counters, and with Barkley’s speed, the linebackers couldn’t catch him. I was not happy with how easily he was able to run, but I believe there will be a big adjustment next time there is a similar guy in the opposing backfield. I was pleased that Hackenberg was so limited, but he has not been all that impressive to me, so that was expected.
Right now, they are playing a bend-not-break style of defense, and while that may have worked against a team that is high tempo, high scoring, like Oregon, it might not work against the good ground and pound squads of the Big Ten where a field goal can beat you. They can win by containing either the air of the ground in any game, but only if they win field position as well as special teams. Seems like a gamble.
@capn33 – Sub-par. Not gap sound in the interior. I believe Ohio State is missing that proper hole plugger. Someone that requires a double team to keep blockers off linebackers.
I cannot take away the running ability of Penn States Running back with his one cut and go, lowering of his pads and that stiff arm he uses. Man! He’s dangerous.
All the same Ohio State was chasing way too much, poor angles, lowering the head on tackling. Simply put basics.
The flip side, the defense “blacked out” Hackenberg ability to get passes off accurately.
OSU needs to shore up the middle or they will be taken advantage of again.
Grade the overall team performance and what you think they can improve on?
@buckeyecaligal – B- The Buckeyes were scoreless and less productive in the third quarter. Hackenberg was able to connect narrowing the score (this is my barometer). The comfort zone was no longer comfortable. Where was the consistency? I saw intermittent progress though. I know I did. It’s coming together. I feel it.
Our ability to drive and score during the last quarter was enough to secure the 10-38 win. That’s the objective, right? Sure there are opportunities, but it’s one win at a time. One improvement after another. Bosa, Washington and the Silver Bullets stymied Penn State’s progress pretty well. At least well enough this round. Zeke completed another 100+ yard rushing game, the season record notches up to 7-0, we enjoy 20 straight Buckeye wins and we’re still atop the rankings at #1. It’s good to be a Buckeye, even with the adjustments to be made. That’s called continuous improvement and is required at any level.Confirming the starting QB will settle many debates and likely allow for a more cohesive unit moving forward. We saw glimpses of that Saturday night. I’m anxious to see more of that visible on the field this weekend.
Ah, yes. And all of this was done in a blackout. If this type of play is the result of a uniform color, I say wear them again. Not every game, but again. After all, our beloved Brutus just turned 50. That means he was once considered new & untraditional. Look at him now. A Buckeye staple. So let a new tradition begin. Because the Dark Night In The Shoe ended just right for me, and if you’re a Buckeye fan, I’d say for you too.
@JaneNiday – My overall performance grade is a B. They have really made strides on both sides of the ball and I feel like they are just beginning to put everything together. One of the big improvements that they are building on is not turning the ball over and efficiency in the Red Zone, 6 for 6 this past week. I think we are beginning to see a new comfort level. As much as we want to think this is the same team as last year, it isn’t. They lost players in key positions, have had injuries to deal with and have new coaches. This is their own journey and pursuing excellence and becoming a cohesive unit is where I think they need to improve.
@lynch258 – Overall I would give Saturday’s performance a B. I feel there was some room for improvement in the passing game, particularly a lack of a downfield passing game and obviously in defending the run. However, it’s exciting to be 7-0 while having plenty of room for improvement, and having Urban Meyer coaching our guys.
@SmartyHMcfly – Hard to pick apart a win, overall I will give the performance a B-. Cardale did not play well, and the defense was sub-par. I would like to see JT pass more, and not rely on his legs as much. #15 definitely needs to be getting the ball 20+ times a game, and should have a couple plays a game where he is able to receive the ball in space, not two yards beyond the line of scrimmage on a pass that he has to dive to catch. I would also like to see Nick Vannett in red zone and in long third down situations. He is an undervalued weapon that needs to be utilized more, outside of his blocking. Defensively, I just want the linebackers to stay home more, and as a whole, we need to tackle better. Special teams were EXCELLENT.
@capn33 – I grade them a improved B-.
I believe they need a series of plays that will move them down the field in order to get them in scoring position. Utilizing their key players (experiments are over). Speed the game up, if you need to go script 1st 3 plays so be it.
Play gap sound on defense. Pursuit angles and tackling needs worked on.
Look at the film of what didn’t work and prepare for that on defense, I’m almost sure that will be what you will see on Saturday.
Then again I’m sure I’m saying things that the Buckeyes are working on.
Rutgers Prediction
@buckeyecaligal – Tighten up the D, fine tune the O with the obvious QB changes coming and end the game on top. That’s all I ever want.45-21 Buckeyes. #GoBucks
@JaneNiday – I am excited to see the Buckeyes take the field this Saturday night. I feel the spokes on the wheel are aligned and big things are beginning to happen, a solid leader and consistency at the QB position and a defense and offense that are clicking on all cylinders.
My score prediction is 49 – 24….Buckeyes with a BIG WIN!
@lynch258 – I don’t expect Rutgers to be able to stop our running game after giving up nearly 5 ypc to Indiana while Indiana was without top back Jordan Howard. I’m very confident we’re going to see a heavy dose of Zeke and score plenty of points seeing how Indiana hung 52 on Rutgers in 3 quarters last week. Our defense, particularly the secondary, will be tested. They have a legitimate NFL wide receiver in Carroo and Laviano has been pretty solid at quarterback the last couple weeks.
Final score prediction: Ohio State 51 Rutgers 24
@SmartyHMcfly – Rutgers has shown that they can creep up on teams that aren’t going to score early and often to put them away. Chris Laviano is playing well and Leonte Carroo is a special player, so that connection is my main concern. If we score early, win the special teams battle, and keep those two in check, it should be a runaway victory for the Buckeyes. With the bend-don’t-break style defense I doubt very much that it will be a shutout, and with the energy JT brings I think OSU will score consistently.
My prediction is 52-20 OSU
@capn33 – I think Ohio State is going to move more efficiently on offense. Once in the red zone they will capitalize.
Defense the Buckeyes need to prepare for the passing game, which I believe Rutgers is a threat.
52-14 Buckeyes.
The post TBBC Fans Interact: Ohio State Versus Penn State appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.
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