Navy-Ohio State: Five Questions (and Answers) about Saturday's Matchup

College football returns to Ohio Stadium tomorrow as the Buckeyes host the Midshipmen of Navy. The game will mark the 120th season of Ohio State football.

What should people expect from the Ohio State offense?

There is no doubting the fact that Terrelle Pryor is a great athlete and has the ability to run with the football. There will be plays specifically designed for Pryor to keep the ball. The Buckeyes would be foolish not to utilize his talents.

However, if he is the leading rusher tomorrow afternoon, we have a problem.

By Ohio State standards, last year's offensive line was pathetic, finishing tied for 83rd in the country in sacks allowed. They must improve if the Buckeyes expect to put points on the board. 

With Southern California coming to Columbus next week, don't expect Jim Tressel to show his entire hand offensively. I do hope he opens up the playbook a little and allows Pryor to throw the ball around. Pryor's ability to get the ball to the receivers on a consistent basis will directly impact this offense's success.

Navy was ranked 103rd nationally in pass-efficiency defense last season. It would seem to be a perfect scenario for Pryor to get a good passing game under his belt.

How will the Buckeyes be against the run?

We should definitely find out tomorrow. Navy will run the triple-option, a scheme that has helped them lead the nation in rushing four years in a row. They averaged 292 yards per game last season, 5.3 per carry.

The Ohio State defense will have to be aggressively patient, being careful not to let Navy catch them by surprise with a long pass. Navy does not throw much, finishing with a total of 792 yards last year, but they did average 17.2 yards per completion.

That would be a quick way to silence 100,000 people.

How should the Ohio State fans respond when Navy enters the stadium?

There has been a lot of talk the past couple of weeks on whether or not it is okay to boo a service academy when their football team visits your home stadium. You have probably seen the video about welcoming Navy to Ohio Stadium and cheering their young men.

I have also heard the argument that it would be demeaning to the Navy players to treat them differently than any other team. Some people say that, on Saturday, they are football players who are trying to upset your home team. I don't feel that way.

If I were going to be in Ohio Stadium tomorrow, I would do three things. First, I would stand and applaud these young men as they enter the stadium. Second, I would root for the Buckeyes to beat them 42-0. Finally, I would stand and applaud them as they left the building, fully realizing that they are part of something much more important than football.

So, does Navy have a chance?

History would say no. The Buckeyes have not lost a home opener in 31 years. Success running the triple-option would allow Navy to control the clock and quiet the crowd. A couple of early scores by the Buckeye offense would allow everyone in Columbus to breathe easier.

Who has the best hiney?

If you are a Buckeye fan and don't know what I am talking about, shame on you.

The nation's best tailgate party was forced to find a new home when Ohio State bought the Holiday Inn on Lane Avenue. A restaurant/bar called the Thirsty "I" will serve as the new location for Hineygate, even though the university also owns that property and is trying to evict them.

BUTT... (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

Anyone who was been there knows that the heart and soul of the tailgate party is the Danger Brothers, who have performed at the event for 26 years. They have been hired to perform at a new party called Hineefest.

Hineefest will take place in the parking lot of Across the Field, a retail store located at 2781 Olentangy River Road.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot my prediction. Ohio State 27, Navy 14.

Go Bucks!