Ohio State Week 3: 5 Keys to the Buckeyes' First Test of 2011

The Ohio State Buckeyes will show what they are capable of doing this season when they face the Miami Hurricanes in their first real test of the 2011 college football season on Saturday night.

The Buckeyes are coming off a close game against the Toledo Rockets and Miami is playing only their second game of the season.

Both teams have several players returning from suspension, including running back Jordan Hall for Ohio State and quarterback Jacory Harris for Miami.

Here are five keys to an Ohio State victory this weekend.

Pressure the QB

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Jacory Harris will be making his first start of the season against Ohio State. He is coming off a one-game suspension. His tendency to turn over the ball could be more prevalent because this is his season debut and he may be a bit rusty.

If the Buckeyes can pressure Harris and force him to throw on the run, they will increase their chances of grabbing some interceptions. Capitalizing on those turnovers could be a key part of the game.

Two Buckeyes that have the ability to get into the backfield quickly are Nathan Williams and John Simon. Simon saved the Buckeyes against Toledo last week by pressuring the QB and forcing an errant throw on a fourth down in Buckeye territory at the end of the game. Williams did not play against Toledo but should return for the Miami game.

Improve Special Teams Coverage

For the past couple of years, the Buckeyes have not been the strongest team when it comes to special teams coverage. That has held true thus far in the 2011 college football season.

Having good field position goes a long way toward allowing a team to score points. It can also quickly shift the momentum of a game. On the other hand, burying a team deep in their own territory can be demoralizing in addition to making it extremely hard to score.

Improving their special teams coverage will seriously help Ohio State emerge victorious over Miami on Saturday. The players on special teams coverage need to step up their game and make sure the Hurricanes don't even come close to breaking a kick return for major yardage or a score.

Keep Stoneburner Involved

Having already doubled his total touchdown receptions from last season, Ohio State tight end Jake Stoneburner is off to an amazing start in 2011. He has been a key player in the Buckeyes' offense this season and leads the team in receptions.

While the young wide receivers have been improving fairly quickly, Ohio State must keep Stoneburner involved against Miami. His size creates a match-up nightmare for opposing defenses and his ability to break free in the secondary makes him very dangerous.

In the past, Ohio State has not used the tight end as a touchdown threat. However, it looks like first-year head coach Luke Fickell plans on changing that.

The game against Miami will be a hard fought battle, but the Buckeyes need to stick with what has worked so far this season, which includes getting the ball to Stoneburner.

Hold on to the Ball

As important as it is for the Buckeyes to force turnovers in order to beat Miami, it is equally as important for them to avoid turnovers themselves. Oftentimes, big games are decided by turnover margin; the team that gives up fewer balls usually wins the game.

In order to avoid turnovers, the Ohio State quarterback must make smart decisions with the ball. In addition, the running backs and receivers must make sure they secure the ball before contact with Miami defensemen.

Winning the turnover battle will go a long way toward an Ohio State victory on Saturday.

Get Ahead Early

If the Buckeyes can manage to grab an early lead from Miami on Saturday, their chances of winning will improve dramatically.

It is never easy to come back from behind when you are playing your opponent on their home turf. Playing from behind can also lead to desperation from a young team such as the Buckeyes, which makes mental errors more likely.

Getting out to an early lead will also allow the Buckeyes to utilize their talented running backs to control time of possession in the game. If you give your opponent less time with the ball, then you are also giving them fewer chances to score.

If the Buckeyes can be successful in at least a couple of these ways, they stand a good chance of beating the Hurricanes on Saturday night.