First Preview of the Colorado Game

After getting trounced 24-6 by Miami, the Ohio State Buckeyes (2-1) are looking to bounce back when they host Colorado on Saturday. The Buffaloes (1-2) are looking to use quarterback Tyler Hansen's rocket arm to add another win. 

Click "Begin Slideshow" to learn everything you need to know about Saturday's game against the Colorado Buffaloes. 

The Quarterbacks

Ohio State: Ohio State's quarterback performance was abysmal at best when the Buckeyes traveled to Miami over the weekend. Joe Bauserman and Braxton Miller threw for a combined 35 yards of offense, averaging a measly 1.9 yards per pass. After fans were hopeful that OSU would employ a successful two-quarterback system, neither Bauserman nor Miller could find his rhythm.

Colorado: Senior Tyler Hansen threw a school-record 474 yards against California two weeks ago. Though he was sacked seven times against Colorado State, Hansen still put up an impressive 223 yards of passing offense. He is experienced and has developed chemistry with receiver Paul Richardson. 

The Bottom Line: Colorado clearly has the advantage here. Even on Hansen's worst day, he is still 200 yards better than Bauserman and Miller combined. Until Coach Fickell solves the Buckeyes' quarterback problem, Ohio State will have a disadvantage for quite awhile.  

The Running Game

Ohio State: Now that Jordan Hall has returned after being suspended for the first two games, Ohio State has a strong running game. Against Miami, Hall averaged 6.2 yards per carry with a total of 87 yards. Sophomore Carlos Hyde, who had taken the bulk of the carries when Hall was out, added 54 more yards. So far, Hyde is on track to run for more than 1,000 yards this season. 

Colorado: Colorado's running game is average, and certainly not the forte of the Buffaloes' offense. Senior Rodney Stewart is the primary running back, and his longest run has been 17 yards. Tony Jones is the second leading rusher, with only 23 yards on the season.

The Bottom Line: Ohio State holds the advantage here. Hall and Hyde are a nice combination, and both carried the Buckeyes offensively against a stiff Miami defense. This will most likely be the driving force at this week's game.  

The Receiving Game

Ohio State: Against Miami, two wide receivers recorded one catch each. Though the wideouts performed well against Akron and Toledo earlier in the season, Bauserman and Miller hit a wall last week. Assuming the Buckeyes bounce back, look for key players Jake Stoneburner and Verlon Reed to lead the receiving game on Saturday.  

Colorado: The Buffaloes' star receiver is Paul Richardson, who has been hot and cold so far in the season. Against California, Richardson showed off his speed and caught an explosive 284 yards against the Bears. However, the next week against Colorado State, Richardson recorded only 27 yards.   

The Bottom Line: Even with Richardson's swings, he will still be Hansen's primary target. Concerning the Buckeyes, the wide receivers are only as good as their quarterback. That being said, the receiving game will be weak until the Buckeyes' QB situation is fixed. The advantage goes to Colorado.

The Defensive Game

Ohio State: Nathan Williams is still sidelined with a knee injury, but Ohio State can hopefully keep Hansen's arm under control. The Silver Bullets held Miami's Jacory Harris to only 124 yards, and Buckeye Corey Brown is back after being suspended the first two games.

Colorado: The Buffaloes have recorded just one interception this season, with junior Jon Major picking off California's Zach Manard in the first half. The defense has allowed 84 points in just three games so far.

The Bottom Line: Ohio State's defense is known for its tenacity on the field. With an in-depth knowledge and a strong level of experience, the Buckeyes have the advantage over Colorado.  

The Bottom Line

Yes, Joe Bauserman looked terrible on Saturday. Yes, Braxton Miller looked just as bad. Yes, it would appear that Ohio State will stay out of the AP's Top 25 for the second week in the row.

Or does it?

The Buckeyes do have some advantages. To begin, the game is in Columbus. Call me crazy, but I believe that home field advantage carries more weight than what some people believe. In addition, Colorado has lost its last eighteen road games. Finally, the disappointing performance by Bauserman and Miller might be just the spark they need for motivation.

After all, Coach Fickell insists, "We are men of action."

Score Prediction: Ohio State 21, Colorado 14