Game Thread Texas at tOSU, Sat. Aug. 30th, TBA

[scarletngray]

I think that because it's the first game of the year, with a young, new QB, that being at home in a friendly environment would be my preference.

 

[Bestbuck36]

My early prediction is 27-13 Buckeyes. The Defense won't be playoff good early on but they'll be Top 5 all season barring catastrophic injury.

Make Manning pass and all of his flaws will come to the surface.

 

[Jagdaddy]

I'm going to call my shot and say that Max Klare is going to be a big difference maker in this game, especially converting third downs for the Buckeyes to keep plays alive. The play of the Ohio State defensive front 7 seems like the biggest variable to me.

 

[Mike80]

I'm going to call my shot and say that Max Klare is going to be a big difference maker in this game, especially converting third downs for the Buckeyes top keep plays alive. The play of the Ohio State defensive front 7 seems like the biggest variable to me.

I think the running game will be a surprise too this year.

 

[Steve19]

Certainly will be a resume booster for either winner. Buckeyes have lost a lot of experience on both sides of the ball. I think it might be closer than 27-13.

 

[OregonBuckeye]

My early prediction is 27-13 Buckeyes. The Defense won't be playoff good early on but they'll be Top 5 all season barring catastrophic injury.

Make Manning pass and all of his flaws will come to the surface.

13 points is an unrealistic expectation to me for a D replacing their front 7. It's so far out but I see a 31-28 type game

 

[Jagdaddy]

I think the running game will be a surprise too this year.

I'd agree; except that I think most people are expecting it to be very good.

 

[Mike80]

I'd agree; except that I think most people are expecting it to be very good.

I think it will end up being more fluid than the passing game, especially early on.

 

[calibuck]

Agreed that will be a resume maker for both teams certainly. Also believe that Inness and Klare (TE?) will put up big numbers, as our new QB, whomever it may be, will see them first as they run underneath routes. Am looking forward to seeing the recobbled OL, and how well they stack up against the UT DL. Regardless, hope it is enjoyable. Also believe tOSU's DBs will make the Texas QB look merely human.

 

[Captain Buckeye]

I think the running game will be a surprise too this year.

With a good returning OL and two very strong blocking TEs (along with Klare) we should be very tough running the ball

 

[RB07OSU]

With a good returning OL and two very strong blocking TEs (along with Klare) we should be very tough running the ball

The OL should be pretty good despite the departures, just need to solve the left side. The good run blocking TEs is very important and its uncanny how our last two Nattys we had two very good run blocking TEs. Not that its everything, but man does it help.

On that topic, Texas has had a few departures from their front 7 I believe? Both sides are looking at new faces on that front but both are going to be very talented, should be one hell of an opening game.

 

[Captain Buckeye]

The OL should be pretty good despite the departures, just need to solve the left side. The good run blocking TEs is very important and its uncanny how our last two Nattys we had two very good run blocking TEs. Not that its everything, but man does it help.

On that topic, Texas has had a few departures from their front 7 I believe? Both sides are looking at new faces on that front but both are going to be very talented, should be one hell of an opening game.

Texas lost 4 of 5 on the OL, both starting WRs, and their TE.

On defense they lost a lot too. My figure is around half their starters are gone including the corner who did well vs JJ.

Will be super interesting to see two younger teams face off week 1.