Common assumptions by average Hokie fans:
The VT defense is an unbreachable wall. (Hitler thought the same thing about his Atlantic Wall)
Lane Stadium will present some noise/atmosphere challenge the Bucks can't handle (I present the cultists at Beaver Stadium as merely one refutation).
Braxton Miller can't learn the H position in a few weeks, and even if he can, the VT DB's will contain him.
They contained Ezekiel last year and will do so this year.
Common assumptions by average Buckeye fans:
The Ohio State offense will pick up where they left off on 1/12, and be even better.
There will be no problems with however the QB issue is resolved.
Braxton Miller can take a hard hit on his right shoulder.
Ed Warriner = Tom Herman (or there won't be any significant difference)
The Silver Bullets are back. (Get ready for a defense that allows 15 ppg)
I honestly think our assumptions are more likely to be true than theirs, but not all of them. There will be issues. If Zeke is ripping off chunky runs, and our QB's are completing balls, it will be a painful night for the Hokies. But given this is game 1, and defenses are usually ahead of offenses, and that Warriner will have to feel his way along with the play calling - I expect the game to start slow where the two sides feel each other out, but for the Ohio State offense to eventually prevail, and the Bucks win by 10 or a little more. If the game gets ugly, it will be in the favor of the Bucks. The only thing that would shock me would be a Va Tech blowout win.
Agree on almost all points. Both fan bases expectations are extreme in their own direction.
VT defense is not an unbreachable wall, and though it will be tough I think Bama and Penn State had better lines, it will be tough running inside, but the VT back 4 could easily get shredded if we find a go to receiver.
I expect the atmosphere in Lane Stadium to be difficult, but not as bad as penn state. I think if we played that Penn State game at home it would have been a blowout, so home field has some advantages. Similar to the Bama game, the stadium noise in the 4th quarter buried in their fans end zone probably had an effect on the team. Playing this game at Ohio Stadium this year would probably result in a 40+ pt performance, in Lane Stadium I expect more like a 30-35 pt performance.
I have no doubt brax will excel at the H in game 1, but I understand the doubt.
They have to be joking on Zeke. Our line will be outstanding and Zeke is a monster. Not ever close to this time last year.
Our offense will not pick up where it left off. Not even close, but it will still be a ton better than last year at this time. Run game will likely be unchanged, but receiving has too many question marks.
QB situation will be a little unknown just due to down time and getting used to new receivers starting. Should hit groove by half time.
No worries about injuries for brax. He will likely be in a steady rotation rather than playing every down.
I love Tom Herman, but the offense is Urbans. I only worry when the DCs leave. Ed Warriner is still coaching the line, and as long as we have a good QB coach, there should be absolutely no difference.
Silver Bullets will be back once Joey is back. This is a defense that plays tough and takes risks, as long as they don't blow up in our faces the silver bullets will be back by game 2.
Most importantly I think this game is going to be slow to start. I fully expect turnovers on both sides in the 1st half and some ugly ball. Perhaps tied at half, perhaps down, but I would bet it's a 1 score game whoever is winning. I think after the half we hit our groove, particularly on defense. I expect we outscore them 21-7 or 21-3 in the second half.
