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Western Ky at tOSU, Sat. 9/16, 4pm EST, FOX

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WESTERN KENTUCKY, SEPTEMBER 16TH​

I am legitimately somewhat worried about this game. I know that seems dumb and wrong, because the Ohio State Buckeyes will be playing a team named the Hilltoppers in Ohio Stadium, but let me at least attempt to freak you out a little bit.

First: if you're at all concerned, or anticipate being concerned, about the defensive secondary in 2023, know that WKU is bringing to Ohio Stadium the leading returning wide receiver in the country. Malachi Corley caught 101 passes for almost 1300 yards in 2022, and he did it by utilizing his skills as a converted running back and having 292 more yards after catch than any other FBS wideout. And "yards after catch", of course, is the combination of words that causes Jim Knowles to spontaneously combust in a shower of sulfur and flame. Second: there's also the matter of the guy throwing the ball. Quarterback Austin Reed led the country in passing last year, with 4744 yards and a ridiculous 40 touchdowns. Which is a lot. The WKU offense is going to repeatedly challenge linebackers and safeties to keep up with their tempo and scheme, and if Ohio State is caught napping the week before the Notre Dame game, they are going to have a bad time. Maybe not so bad that they actually lose, but this might be one of those games that you stay mad about for a week, and I would be surprised if you weren't mentally invested all the way to the end.

 
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2. WESTERN KENTUCKY (SEPT. 16, HOME)​

Average Ranking: 3.1
High Rank: 2
Low Rank: 6

Even though this is a buy game against a Group of 5 school, it might not be as much of a cakewalk as the Youngstown State game should be. At the least, it will be the first big test of the year for Ohio State’s pass defense. Western Kentucky led the entire FBS with 4,929 passing yards last season, and quarterback Austin Reed is back this year along with Malachi Corley, the leader in receiving yards among all returning FBS receivers.

Nine of our 10 voters still ranked Western Kentucky as one of the four easiest wins of the season, with half of our voters listing the Hilltoppers as the second-easiest opponent, but Johnny Ginter – who recently co-hosted an episode of the Eleven Dubcast in which they made the case for Western Kentucky being a quietly dangerous game – put the Hilltoppers sixth.

www.elevenwarriors.com

2023 Season Preview: Ranking Ohio State’s 12 Regular-Season Games from Easiest to Most Difficult

We rank Ohio State’s 12 regular-season games from the one we’re most certain the Buckeyes will win (Youngstown State) to the game we expect to be the biggest challenge (Michigan).
www.elevenwarriors.com www.elevenwarriors.com
 
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ScriptOhio said:


Just sayin': We'll see......:lol:
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Malachi Corley was carted off the field in week 1 against USF with an upper body injury (bruised ribs/sternum). Their coach said he would be available but didn’t play against Houston-Baptist.

This could be a big game for Styles, Carter, and Proctor. With the way them boys are playing, they might make Corley think twice about a crossing route over the middle.
 
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SEREbuckeye said:
Malachi Corley was carted off the field in week 1 against USF with an upper body injury (bruised ribs/sternum). Their coach said he would be available but didn’t play against Houston-Baptist.

This could be a big game for Styles, Carter, and Proctor. With the way them boys are playing, they might make Corley think twice about a crossing route over the middle.
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I was looking at their box score and wondered why he had no catches. They didn't need him yesterday, but I expect we'll see him Saturday.

I'm not afraid of WKU. The Bucks should beat them. But if they're able to move/possess the ball it could be a bad sign. Let's take another step forward and get ready for the big boy games.
 
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