The Buckeyes are back on the field after a week off. The Marshall Thundering Herd come to Ohio Stadium and will be trying to become the first team this season to score a touchdown against the Buckeyes.
Ohio State, meanwhile, will be focused on picking up where they left off two weeks ago in a 56-0 win over Western Michigan. Ryan Day has talked constantly about his team playing up to their standard regardless of opponent. They’ll have that opportunity again on Saturday.
The game kicks off at noon tomorrow, but if you are not able to wait that long, I’m gonna go ahead and tell you what everybody will be saying about the Buckeyes after Saturday’s game against the Herd.
“I missed watching Jeremiah Smith.”
Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has done something special each game he has played, which means he’s likely to continue that trend against Marshall. I don’t know what special thing he’s going to do on Saturday, but that is 80% of the fun. The other 20% is watching the replays.
“Maybe this defense isn’t going to allow a touchdown this year.”
After allowing a score on their first drive of the year, the Ohio State defense has allowed just one scoring drive on the next 25 possessions from opposing offenses. That streak is going to continue against a Marshall offense that has some potential but has been inconsistent this year. The Buckeye defense is ready for anything because they have the talent and scheme to adapt to whatever they see.
“I know somebody I’d like to have Arvell Reese hit like that.”
Even though tomorrow is Saturday, you’re mind is never far from the office. After watching sophomore linebacker Arvell Reese flatten ball carriers for three quarters, you’re going to have a list of people that you wouldn’t mind seeing carry the ball against the Buckeyes. Steve from accounting would be at the top of the list.
“The defense is gonna have to clean up the quarterback run.”
Marshall quarterback Stone Earle has rushed for 86 yards on 18 attempts this season, including a handful of sacks that has reduced the yardage number. He is very much a running threat for the Thundering Herd. Even though the Buckeyes are going to get after him, he is still going to have a couple of runs that will concern a segment of Ohio State fans. Especially after they watch Alex Orji run wild on the USC defense.*
*Offer may not be valid in Ann Arbor.
“It’s good to have Donovan Jackson back.”
The Ohio State running game took a big step between game one and game two, and now that they get senior left guard Donovan Jackson back this week, they should take another step in game three. Ryan Day calls Jackson the best offensive guard in the nation. He might be biased but Jackson’s impact will be felt on Saturday. This will be the first time Buckeye fans get to see the Ohio State starting offensive line. It should be enjoyable.
“I’m thinking of sending Chip Kelly an edible arrangement.”
Ohio State has only had back-to-back 600-yard total offense games twice in the past decade. They had 683 yards two weeks ago against Western Michigan. Based on how things are looking right now, it’s okay to expect another 600-yard game on Saturday. If the Buckeyes go over the 650-yard mark, it will be the first time they’ve had back-to-back 650-yard games possibly ever. It hasn’t happened since Urban Meyer was hired in 2012, and if an offensive feat hasn’t happened since 2012, it’s likely to have never happened. For that reason alone, you’re going to be looking online for something to send to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center care of Chip Kelly. But then you’ll see the price of those edible arrangements and think that maybe just an email will suffice.
“I like the way they keep using these tight ends.”
Ohio State played seven different tight ends against Western Michigan. They probably won’t do that this week, but with the way tight ends coach Keenan Bailey keeps rolling out Gee Scott, Will Kacmarek, and Jelani Thurman, the variety is going to continue to be fun to watch. Eventually somebody is probably going to take over as the No. 1, but right now the rotation is working well. The three guys mentioned above all have different skill sets, but the more each of them can be equally effective in the running game and passing game, the more unpredictable the OSU offense will become.
“You can tell Denzel Burke wanted to play today.”
After being ejected from the Western Michigan game two weeks ago, cornerback Denzel Burke is ready to get back at it. His readiness will show in his play on Saturday. Whether that means an interception or a no-knock barbecue search, his excitement will be noticeable. Expect a big game from Burke on Saturday, presuming Marshall quarterback Stone Earle throws his way.
“I’m so glad the non-conference schedule is finally over.”
The Big Ten schedule is almost upon us. The worst non-conference schedule Ohio State has faced in years will be mercifully over in a matter of hours. Not that people aren’t enjoying the blowouts, they’d just rather see them come against teams that are more nationally respected.
“This is the best TreVeyon Henderson has looked in years.”
TreVeyon Henderson has played well so far this season, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. That average is going to go up after Saturday’s game because Henderson is going to hit a home run or two and remind everybody of his long-distance abilities that can hit at any moment. Henderson’s hefty average is a product of consistency. He’s only had one carry of 20+ yards and nothing beyond 30 yards. His numbers are not inflated. At least not yet. TreVeyon Henderson will continue to be consistent, but he’s also going to add more explosion this week. And you’re going to like it.
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