Ohio State vs. Rutgers Preview

The story of the Ohio State football program this week was the move to JT Barrett at quarterback and today will be the opportunity for JT to show he;s the man for the future. The Buckeyes will be making their first trip to Piscataway as a Big Ten rival and the Scarlet Knights have the potential to give this Ohio State team some issues. While they don't have the athletic depth the Buckeye have, Rutgers does have arguably the best receiver in the Big Ten in Sr. standout Leonte Carroo. The secondary for Ohio State has played well all year however we have seen in the past that Chris Ash's quarters coverage is susceptible to the big play and you better believe that Carroo cant take advantage of any space he gets. Rutgers (3-3) is coming off a huge come from behind victory against Indiana and the week before took Michigan State deep into the 4th quarter. The Buckeyes will need to be ready for a game to ensure a victory in Piscataway.

Keys to the Game

Stop the Big Play

As mentioned above, Rutgers has the Big Ten's best wide receiver in Levonte Caroo and big play receivers tend to make big plays against Ohio State's defense. If Ohio State wants to make a statement today in Piscataway it will be important to hold off any big plays from Carroo that could cause a momentum change and get the crowd in the game. Plain and simple, if Carroo plays today he is going to get his, at least 100 yards, especially since their is a good chance the knights will be down in the score and throwing a lot. It would behoove Vonn Bell and Tyvis Powell to make sure Carroo isn't getting behind anyone all game. 

Take shots down the field

This is something that the Ohio State offense hasn't done very well all season but in order to play to their potential is going to have to get done. At some point during this game the Rutgers defense is going to bear down on JT and the running game with 8/9 defenders in the box and JT is going to have to show his ability to stretch the field vertically. This was what allowed JT and his offense to be so successful last year, JT and Tom Herman/Urban Meyer were dialed in on when to exploit defense's over-commitment to the run and throw play action. Look for those play action passes when they come.

Let JT come into his own

Today is JT Barrett day for the Scarlet and Gray,. Earlier this year I wrote that this QB battle was really getting to Barrett and it has seemed that these past couple games running the redzone offense has helped him tremendously. It'll be important for Barrett to continue this momentum and start to settle into the offense. When he is playing clear headed and confident he is the best quarterback in the Big Ten.

Players to Watch

JT Barrett

This is JT's opportunity to become 'the guy' for this team. He already is so as a leader but I think this offense needs him more than ever. Look Beck and Urban to let JT settle in early but getting the ride read and QB stretch game moving. Once they get some success running the ball expect Meyer to let JT sling it around the field. It wouldnt surprise me if JT throws the ball 30 times today

Expectation: 19-27 280 yards 4TDs   14 carries, 85 yards 1 TD

Vonn Bell

Bell has had an All Big Ten type of year however he has looked out of position against slot receivers  at times. That'll be important today as Rutgers will look to move Carroo around and try to get him favorable match ups against linebackers and safeties like Bell. Bell will have to make sure he is communicating and on the right page with guys like Darron Lee, especially when passing off receivers over the middle.

Expectation: 2 PBs, 6 Tackles

Prediction

Seven games into this season I still don't think that we know much about the identity of this Ohio State team but today could be the beginning of a roll. With JT taking over the reins expect a heavy dose of JT, Elliot, and Miller early today with a few easy pitch and catch throws from Barrett. The Buckeyes will jump out to an early 14-0 lead after a Barrett pass and Elliot run. As the first half goes on look for the Rutgers run game to hit a few 10 yard runs and Carroo to have 3/4 receptions. Early in the second quarter Carroo will get loose and take one home from 30 yards out bringing the game to 14-7. Ohio State will go back to the run game to quiet the crowd and at the right moment JT will throw a 60 yard bomb to Miller streaking over the middle. Halftime score: 21-7. Expect the Ohio State offense to really open up in the second half with Barrett completing 6 passes on a drive and tossing a TD to Thomas to bring the score to 28-7. Look for a big third down sack/forced fumble by Tyquan Lewis that Ohio State recovers setting up another TD toss by Barrett, again to Thomas. Finally look for the Rutgers offense to move the ball with Carroo and score an early fourth quarter TD, 35-14. Finally, a late drive with Elliot taking a majority of the carries will end with an Elliot TD,

Final: Ohio State 42-14