Ohio State Football: Five Things to Watch for, Hoosiers Edition

Check out our Know the Opposition feature for full information on Indiana. Below we have five things to look for against the Hoosiers, as the Buckeyes get their first look at basketball on grass this season...

1. Watch for How the Buckeye Defense Handles the Pistol Offense

As the experts will tell you, it's really not an offense, it's a formation. Still, it is the backbone of the air show the Hoosiers have put on thus far in 2010. The beauty of this formation is that is gives the Hoosier offense the ability to run downhill while also allowing Chappell to get the ball out quickly in a shotgun set. Not only that, but they will use the pistol to put a twist on play-action plays and confuse defenses. Below is a look at their pistol formation as broken down by the Big Ten Network (h/t Smart Football).

So watch to see how the Buckeye defense handles all the different looks IU throws at them. The running game wouldn't be the problem as the Hoosiers use it just to keep defenses honest. On top of that, running back Darius Willis is questionable going into the game. The issue is how the Buckeyes account for Ben Chappell and the intermediate passing game. Along the Olentangy does a great job breaking down Indiana's version of the pistol, and as they highlight, Chappell is great at finding the holes in defenses.

2. Watch to See How the Running Backs Perform

I have been pretty critical of the offensive line in recent weeks, but a simple look back at the game film has totally changed my perspective. After going back and checking out the Illinois game, I realized that the offensive line is not the issue, it's the running backs.

Now I've criticized the running backs, along with every other halfway intelligent fan out there, but the game film shows how bad this problem really is. Boom and Zoom are simply missing holes and not following their blockers. Boom has done a better job and at least runs the ball with purpose. Saine on the other hand just looks lost right now. He is running the ball timidly, dancing in the backfield, and more times than not, completely missing the hole.

So keep an eye on the running backs tomorrow and how well they follow their blockers, namely Zach Boren. Also watch to see how Tressel will divvy up the carries between Saine, Herron, and hopefully Hall/Berry. The boys from Bloomington are giving up more than 200 yards a game, and there is no excuse why the Buckeye rushing attack shouldn't get back on track.

3. Watch Christian Bryant

This one pretty much goes without saying, as all eyes in Ohio Stadium will be on No. 2 tomorrow. And no, I'm not just talking about Terrelle Pryor. The transition from Moeller to Bryant has been well documented this week, so I won't spend lots of time here, but this one had to make the list. Bryant steps in this week against arguably the best passing attack the Buckeyes will face all season, and he will be giving up lots of size when he is in coverage against IU's wide receivers. He was impressive in his starting debut last week; let's see how he does in outing No. 2.

4. Watch the Time of Possession for Both Teams

There has been a lot written about how Indiana will want to speed up the tempo and score lots of points, but that is not entirely accurate.

Last week Indiana had the ball for over 41 minutes, with three of their four touchdown drives lasting over five minutes. They won't be a big-play, quick scoring offense tomorrow, but instead will take their time marching down the field with intermediate passes.

The Buckeyes will do their best to milk the clock themselves by running the ball with authority and limit the amount of drives the Hoosiers get.

If Indiana stays in this game, look no further than the time of possession category. That will mean Ohio State has had lots of three-and-outs and/or turnovers, giving Indiana lots of opportunities to put drives together. Hopefully the defensive secondary will surprise us too, and leave us with little to worry about in this department.   

5. Watch Terrelle Pryor and His Health

Tressel claims Pryor is 100 percent, but sorry, I'm not buying it. Tressel has a history of keeping these sort of things under wraps, including Pryor's injury last season. So I will be watching Pryor's mobility tomorrow, and even how Tressel calls the game for him. If he is really completely healthy, then we won't see offensive play-calling that holds him back.

If Pryor isn't running the ball, which is an important part of the Buckeyes rushing attack, then we know for sure that there is something more here than Tressel is letting on.