Game Preview: Miami Hurricanes Visit Ohio State Buckeyes

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Kickoff: Saturday, 3:40 p.m, Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH)

TV/Radio: ESPN, WQAM

Records: Miami (1-0), Ohio State (1-0)

Line: Ohio State by 8.5

Last Week: Miami beat FAMU 45-0, Ohio State beat Marshall 45-7

Canes Injuries: Out – LB Kevin Nelson. Probable – LB Jordan Futch, OL Jermaine Johnson, DL Micanor Regis, DB Jamal Reid, DL Curtis Porter, DL Andrew Smith. Doubtful – Graig Cooper

Ohio State Injuries: Questionable - DL Nathan Williams

Ohio State offense vs. Miami defense… The Buckeyes are a power football team. They’re at their best when the big boys up front control the line of scrimmage and pound the football on the ground. Once they get a rushing attack rolling they’re really difficult to stop when play action becomes a factor. Miami’s defense has two keys. First, they have to close down running lanes or it’s going to be a long day. Second, they have to keep Terrelle Pryor in the pocket and make him beat them with his arm. He has yet to prove that he can pick apart a good defense through the air.

Miami offense vs. Ohio State defense… Look for the Canes offense to employ a quick passing attack against a very talented Buckeyes defense led by star defensive end Cameron Heyward. Miami quarterback Jacory Harris is at his best on three step drops using the intermediate passing game. This will tone down quarterback pressures, preventing mistakes. I think the Canes will try to set up the run from the pass, exactly the opposite of Ohio State’s game-plan. Miami’s receivers are so talented they should be able to create opportunities down the field.

Ohio State Impact Player: Terrelle Pryor, QB – He’s big (6’6″, 235), talented, and fast. Nobody can impact a game like a mobile quarterback. Miami has had tough games with those type of players in the past. Containing Pryor’s legs is going to critical for the Canes.

Miami Impact Player: Allen Bailey, DT – He has exceptional talent and skill. It’s time for him to dominate a game against an elite opponent to put his doubters at bay.

Position Advantage

Quarterback

Running back

Receivers/Tight Ends

Offensive Line

Defensive Line

Linebackers

Secondary

Special Teams

Coaching

Prediction: Miami 30 Ohio State 27

Miami has the talent and experience to pull off the major upset in Columbus. Obviously home field advantage is huge and that’s going to be a difference maker when two equally talented teams go head to head. Miami’s best bet is to come out firing early to neutralize the massive crowd. Regardless of the outcome, this one should be a dandy.

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