3 Things to Know About Ohio State vs. Miami on Saturday

Ohio State University Buckeyes (2-0) at University of Miami Hurricanes (0-1)

Saturday, 7:30pm: ESPN

1.  Are you ready for some moralizing by old white guys in the booth?

So these teams seem to have run into a bit of trouble with the NCAA, is that what I'm hearing?

Ha, if you think the offseason was bad, just wait until you get the Buckeyes and Hurricanes in the same building. Get ready for split screen shots of Luck Fickell and Al Golden both looking forlornly into the distance preparing for what could be the worst year of each's professional life. Expect plenty of screen time for Gene Smith and or Gordon Gee from a luxury box, as the announcers talk about Tressel. And if I was a betting man, I would throw some money behind a prop bet that rests on at least one graphic that shows both Terrelle Pryor and Jacory Harris.

In the end, what has happened off the field this offseason only affects the game in so much as the teams are without a few suspended players. However, these two scandals will be talked about so much that you would swear that it was actually Nevio Shapiro phoning in plays (I wonder how much you have to donate to get a few play calls).

2. Jacory Harris' ongoing struggle to solidify his name as a synonym for "interception".

Fan one: "Did you see MNF last week?  Jay Cutler threw three Jacorys."

Fan two: "Yeah, but it was Grossman's Harris-six in the final minute that ended the game."

Jacory Harris: "My work here is done." /is beamed up to the mothership to find another galaxy that needs to learn the kindness of sharing.

But in all seriousness, dude likes to throw the ball to people—jersey color notwithstanding. Harris was 88th in the nation in pass efficiency last year while throwing more interceptions (15) than touchdowns (14). In his career he has thrown two interceptions or more in 11 games including two three-interception games, and two four-interception games.

Harris is rejoining the team this week after serving his one-game suspension for the aforementioned scandal. He is also back for what will be his first game under Al Golden. Last time these teams met, Harris threw the ball to the Buckeyes four times. It could be a long night if Harris continues his crusade to turn "Jacory" into a verb.

3. Joe the Quarterback

Joe Bauserman has got to be having the best year ever. First, the prohibitive starter and face of the program gets run out of town, leaving the starting quarterback job wide open. Second, the rest of the competition chokes away spring and fall camps, other than a true freshman. Third, the interim coach has such a win now mandate hanging over his head, he is practically forced to go with the guy who will mess up the least.

Joe Bauserman has gone from being the white guy on the bench that 75 percent of fans confuse as the punter, to the starting quarterback of one of the most visible college football programs in the country.

Joe has made the most of the opportunity so far. In two games he has thrown for four touchdown passes on 352 yards without an interception.

If the good times are going to continue to roll, it is going to be up to Joe to get the team through the next three games until reinforcements arrive (the four suspended Buckeyes). This will be no easy task with the road trip this weekend to Miami and a home date in two weeks with Michigan State.

Don't get too comfortable yet, Joe. Never know when the locals might turn on you.

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Now for a bit of actual analysis.  This game is going to come down to Miami's ability to move and hold on to the ball. In game one, the Hurricanes had four turnovers and only converted six of 13 third down attempts. If Miami's offense continues to shoot itself in the foot, the Buckeyes will be more than happy to oblige by loading the gun.

Ohio State will be in full on Tressel-ball mode. Lots of running between the tackles, safe intermediate throws, and punts from places on the field that would warm Lloyd Carr's heart. Ohio State doesn't need to beat Miami, it needs to let Miami beat itself.

Thankfully for the Big Ten, I think the Hurricanes do just that:

Prediction: OSU 27 - Miami 17