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Five Thing To Watch For: Illinois
David ThurmanOct 1, 2010
Dave Thurman (9:12 pm)
Check out our Know the Opposition feature for full information on Illinois. Below we have five things to look for Saurday in Champaign, as the Buckeyes play their Big Ten opener on the road...
1) Watch to see who wins the rushing battle.
Most years this rivalry comes down to who rushes for the most yards. Although Ohio State is more two-dimensional than in the past, it is still vital for the Buckeyes to run the ball effectively. Outside of Pryor's scrambles the rushing game hasn't been overly impressive, so this would be a good week for Saine and Herron to get their mojo back. Illinois, on the other hand, is clearly a runnng team and needs a big day on the ground. Can Homan, Rolle, and the rest of the Silver Bullets plug the middle and force Nathan Scheelhaase to try and beat them through the air? That will go along way toward deciding this contest.
2) Watch to see who is victorious in the turnover battle.
Illinois is talented enough to win this game if they can play mistake free football and force the Buckeyes into some turnovers. So far Ohio State has been very careful with the pigskin, but that was the case last year, too, until OSU traveled to Purdue. Road games are never easy, especially in conference, and it is essential that Pryor and company make good decisions and hold onto the football.
3) Watch to see if DeVier Posey (pictured) can have a big day.
As has been well documented, Jake Stoneburner is not making the trip to Champaign, taking one dangerous weapon away from Pryor's aresnal. In addition, Dane Sanzenbacher apparently injured a finger on Thursday and there is some concern about his effectiveness on Saturday. That means Posey needs to step up big time, which he is more than capable of doing. Of course, Pryor has other targets. All the tailbacks can catch, with Saine being a tremendous reciever. Certainly Fragel, Boren, and the backup wideouts are competent as well, but one gets the feeling that Terrelle will rely on Posey as much as possible.
Check out our Know the Opposition feature for full information on Illinois. Below we have five things to look for Saurday in Champaign, as the Buckeyes play their Big Ten opener on the road...
1) Watch to see who wins the rushing battle.
Most years this rivalry comes down to who rushes for the most yards. Although Ohio State is more two-dimensional than in the past, it is still vital for the Buckeyes to run the ball effectively. Outside of Pryor's scrambles the rushing game hasn't been overly impressive, so this would be a good week for Saine and Herron to get their mojo back. Illinois, on the other hand, is clearly a runnng team and needs a big day on the ground. Can Homan, Rolle, and the rest of the Silver Bullets plug the middle and force Nathan Scheelhaase to try and beat them through the air? That will go along way toward deciding this contest.
2) Watch to see who is victorious in the turnover battle.
Illinois is talented enough to win this game if they can play mistake free football and force the Buckeyes into some turnovers. So far Ohio State has been very careful with the pigskin, but that was the case last year, too, until OSU traveled to Purdue. Road games are never easy, especially in conference, and it is essential that Pryor and company make good decisions and hold onto the football.
3) Watch to see if DeVier Posey (pictured) can have a big day.
As has been well documented, Jake Stoneburner is not making the trip to Champaign, taking one dangerous weapon away from Pryor's aresnal. In addition, Dane Sanzenbacher apparently injured a finger on Thursday and there is some concern about his effectiveness on Saturday. That means Posey needs to step up big time, which he is more than capable of doing. Of course, Pryor has other targets. All the tailbacks can catch, with Saine being a tremendous reciever. Certainly Fragel, Boren, and the backup wideouts are competent as well, but one gets the feeling that Terrelle will rely on Posey as much as possible.
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4) Watch to see how the Buckeye secondary holds up.
It has been dangerous to be a defensive back for OSU this year with just about everyone other than Jermale Hines dealing with injuries. Hopefully corners Chekwa and Torrence can stay healthy in this game. because the backups have not been impressive. It would help if Travis Howard is able to go this week, providing valuable minutes off the bench. And it would also help if safety Orhian Johnson does his one-eleventh and is the right place at the right time.
5) Watch to see what the weather is like.
If you have been to the flatlands of Champaign-Urbana then you know that it can get ugly. The wind is always blowing, it just depends on how hard it is gusting. Rain is in the forecast, and if it is both wet and windy, the weather could have a major impact on the outcome. Illinois would love to make this a physical slugfest, with little passing and lots of power running, Pryor, I am sure, is praying for clear skies with little wind. It will be interesting to see how the weather conditions factor into the equation this week.
It has been dangerous to be a defensive back for OSU this year with just about everyone other than Jermale Hines dealing with injuries. Hopefully corners Chekwa and Torrence can stay healthy in this game. because the backups have not been impressive. It would help if Travis Howard is able to go this week, providing valuable minutes off the bench. And it would also help if safety Orhian Johnson does his one-eleventh and is the right place at the right time.
5) Watch to see what the weather is like.
If you have been to the flatlands of Champaign-Urbana then you know that it can get ugly. The wind is always blowing, it just depends on how hard it is gusting. Rain is in the forecast, and if it is both wet and windy, the weather could have a major impact on the outcome. Illinois would love to make this a physical slugfest, with little passing and lots of power running, Pryor, I am sure, is praying for clear skies with little wind. It will be interesting to see how the weather conditions factor into the equation this week.
Ant Daps Up Spurs Mid-Game 💀
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