Ohio State v. Western Michigan Preview

While Urban Meyer says " the best thing about being 3-0 is the opportunity to go 4-0," the best opportunity available today is one for the Ohio State Buckeyes to get their season rolling. While question looms and doubters have begun to put the pressure on this Ohio State program, this team has a chance to change all that today. A great game offensively from this veteran line and National Championship winning quarterback could flip the script on the buckeye season but it seems like this has been the narrative for the last two games; will it happen today? Below are my keys to the game, players to watch, and predictions:

Keys to the Game

1) Run the ball up the middle with Ezekiel Elliot early and often

We saw at the beginning of this season against Virginia Tech that this Buckeye offense opens up when Ezekiel Elliot can get moving downhill. One of the best examples of that was the 83 yard run ripped off by Elliot to begin the game, it set the tone for the rest of that game. To get this offense rolling and rolling fast a key is going to be Elliot up the middle one zone carries behind Boren, Eflein, and Price.

2) Consistent blocking on the outside

While many people will want to point finger at Cardale Jones and JT Barrett for this offense's struggles, the perimeter blocking has left much to ask for. This team has been feeling the effects of missing Evan Spencer and Devin Smith. Michael Thomas is a large physical player and has done well this season catching as well as blocking but the same cannot be said for his Zone 6 teammates. Jalin Marshall, Dontre Wilson, Johnnie Dixon, and Parris Campbell have seemed lost at times blocking on outside zone runs especially in the slot. This is important because when running the outside zone read Elliot is looking to read the last man on the line and if that defender has been reached. If that is the came Elliot looks to carry the run outside to the edge, however on many occasions this season that area will close fast due to a missed or poor block in the slot LB/DB. 

3) Defensively, play with discipline

This defense has been Grade A all season, no queston about that, but they showed in the Virginia Tech game that they may still be open to giving up the big play. In fact the defensive coverage scheme employed by Chris Ash, the cover 4 man press, is known for its big play susceptibility. Western Michigan comes in with a solid offense and two NFL caliber wider receivers that dropped a 24 spot on Michigan State. Therefore, to ensure a successful afternoon this Ohio State defense has to play disciplined in coverage, especially Vonn Bell and Tyvis Powell, and ensure no one gets behind the last man. A combination of a great pass rush and solid corners is always a winning group and to do so they must ensure they operate expecting the unexpected.

Players to Watch

Jalin Marshall

Expect Marshall to play a big roll in the passing game today running crossing routes in an attempt to draw Western Michigan's corners and safeties up. This could potentially open up the deep part of the field that we havent seen the OSU offense exploit yet. Also keep an eye on Marshall's pass blocking on the edge and in the slot. He has been hit or miss this season and making those blocka, while not flashy, are the key to this running game.

Tyquan Lewis

Lewis had a coming out party last week, with multiple tackles for loss, and I expect that to continue. Look for him to get a lot of 1 on 1 blocking in passing situations due to Joey Bosa's presence on the other side.

Prediction

Look for Ohio State's offense to run the ball early and often to force Western Michigan out of any exotic lineups or blitz packages. Then we should see some passing lanes open up for Cardale and Meyer may look to give him some easy reads, roll outs and play actions, to gain early confidence. I expect Ohio State to jump up to an early 14-0 lead by the end of the 1st. Defensively expect a lot of passing form Western Michigan and potentially 2/3 sacks from the OSU defensive line. However, I wouldnt be surprised if Western Michigan sneaks in a deep ball and capitalizes to bring the game close at half 21-7. The second half should be more of the first with Elliot getting solid carries and Miller making a nice play on a counter for a 40+ yd run. The defense will have a pick or two in the second half and this game will finish with a landslide Ohio State win. 

OSU 49 WM 17