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Game Preview: Indiana at Ohio State
David ThurmanNov 4, 2011
Dave Thurman (2:27 pm)
After facing a murderous October (Michigan State, at Nebraska, at Illinois, Wisconsin), the Buckeyes get an opponent over whom they are heavily favored, as Indiana (1-8) comes to town. Although OSU fans have grown accustomed to having a half dozen games each year that are yawners, there have only been two in 2011 (Akron and Colorado) and this appears like the only other chance for an easy victory on the schedule. Despite Luke Fickell's warning about the potency of the Hoosiers offense, and the opportunity for a letdown after an emotional and hard-fought win against Wisconsin, it is still hard to see Indiana staying in this game for long. Their only victoy was against South Carolina State of the FCS. But in a eerily strange season, anything is possible.
Although there are few (if any) compelling story lines attached to this contest, it does provide Ohio State with the chance to play a lot of guys, and to polish up their offense, which is a work in progress. It would seem a perfect time to give Braxton Miller more opportunities to throw, and see if he and the receivers can make strides in the passing game. But all of that is dependent on getting a quick lead, and playing sharp, focused football.
When Indiana has the ball:
After auditioning no less than three players for the quarterback position, the Hoosiers have finally settled on athletic freshman Tre Roberson, He bears some similarity to Braxton Miller, and while more comfortable running the ball at this stage in his career (44.5 ypg, 4.3 ypc), he has shown signs of being a solid passer (59.7%). Last week against Northwestern, Roberson rushed for 121 and threw for 169, so he is a true dual threat, and the Silver Bullets need to take him seriously. Sophomore power back Stephen Houston (6-0, 228) has been a nice surprise for Indiana, rushing for 577 yards at 5.2 per carry, with 6 touchdowns. However he will be running right into the teeth of a tough, physical Buckeye line and it is hard to see Houston having a big day. Roberson would appear the bigger threat on the ground.
After facing a murderous October (Michigan State, at Nebraska, at Illinois, Wisconsin), the Buckeyes get an opponent over whom they are heavily favored, as Indiana (1-8) comes to town. Although OSU fans have grown accustomed to having a half dozen games each year that are yawners, there have only been two in 2011 (Akron and Colorado) and this appears like the only other chance for an easy victory on the schedule. Despite Luke Fickell's warning about the potency of the Hoosiers offense, and the opportunity for a letdown after an emotional and hard-fought win against Wisconsin, it is still hard to see Indiana staying in this game for long. Their only victoy was against South Carolina State of the FCS. But in a eerily strange season, anything is possible.
Although there are few (if any) compelling story lines attached to this contest, it does provide Ohio State with the chance to play a lot of guys, and to polish up their offense, which is a work in progress. It would seem a perfect time to give Braxton Miller more opportunities to throw, and see if he and the receivers can make strides in the passing game. But all of that is dependent on getting a quick lead, and playing sharp, focused football.
When Indiana has the ball:
After auditioning no less than three players for the quarterback position, the Hoosiers have finally settled on athletic freshman Tre Roberson, He bears some similarity to Braxton Miller, and while more comfortable running the ball at this stage in his career (44.5 ypg, 4.3 ypc), he has shown signs of being a solid passer (59.7%). Last week against Northwestern, Roberson rushed for 121 and threw for 169, so he is a true dual threat, and the Silver Bullets need to take him seriously. Sophomore power back Stephen Houston (6-0, 228) has been a nice surprise for Indiana, rushing for 577 yards at 5.2 per carry, with 6 touchdowns. However he will be running right into the teeth of a tough, physical Buckeye line and it is hard to see Houston having a big day. Roberson would appear the bigger threat on the ground.
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Like Ohio State, the Hoosiers are looking for dependable receivers. The best of the bunch has been Kofi Hughes (20, 298, 2). They utilize their tight ends and backs a little more than the Buckeyes (doesn't everyone) but none of these players has put up impressive numbers. The Indiana offensive line is tiny by Big Ten standards, averaging just 280 lbs. per player, relying more on quickness than strength. They have surrendered 23 sacks, although many of them came before Roberson entered the lineup. Overall, it is kind of amazing this team has averaged 378 yards per game, because it lacks standout players.
Shane Wynn, a former Glenville Tarblooder is a player to keep an eye on. The tiny freshman will play some receiver, and return kicks. He has taken one to the house this year, and does possess big play ability. Indiana also has a fine kicker in Mitch Ewald, and he is 9-11 on field goals.
When Ohio State has the ball:
A few weeks ago the Buckeye offensive unit looked all but dead, but the emergence of Braxton Miller along with the return of Boom Herron and Mike Adams has revitalized it. Now comes an opponent with a very shaky defense, as the Hoosiers surrender 458.3 yards and 36.2 points per game. Northwestern torched them for 59 last week, matching the number the Badgers had put up against Indiana two weeks earlier. So the Buckeyes have to be licking their chops.
Obviously everything starts with the offensive line and Ohio State's has been firing on all eight cylinders of late. With Boom Herron, Carlos Hyde (who should play a lot due to the injury to Jordan Hall) and Braxton Miller running behind them, it is hard to believe Indiana will succeed in slowing down the Buckeyes. And, Indiana is giving up a mind boggling 234.7 ypg, at 5.1 ypc. However, look for Bollman to work some on the passing game, which probably means a few bombs to Philly Brown and Devin Smith. It would be great to see the team employ more of Jake Stoneburner, Zach Boren and the tailbacks, but I'm not holding my breath.
Indiana lacks playmakers on defense, though Ohio native Adam Replogle is a nice defensive tackle who has 39 tackles, (5.5 tfl; 4 sacks). The leading tackler is middle linebacker Jeff Thomas (59 tackles, 8.5 tfl), who is a solid football player. Three freshman and a sophomore start in the secondary and have yielded 223.7 ypg, while surrendering 22 touchdowns, so if OSU chooses to throw the ball they should have success.
Dave's Wildcards:
With Ohio State outclassing the Hoosiers in every facet of the game, intangibles should not play too big of a role, but here are some things to watch for:
-Fatigue and overconfidence. The Buckeyes have to guard against a letdown, and will surely be a little sore after a very physical contest last weekend. If they come out lacking focus, Indiana could hang around for awhile, and that is always frightening.
-Turnovers. Although both teams are young, neither has turned it over much. However, if Ohio State is lackadaisical and coughs it up, Indiana might be able to keep it close. The fact that Jordan Hall is out means new guys returning kicks and punts which makes fumbles a definite possibility (though Hall was shaky last week himself).
-Something to prove. Indiana has 16 players on its roster from the great state of Ohio, and you know they will be motivated. I doubt that is enough this week, but you have to believe these guys will give it their all and be fired up.
Score Prediction:
Dave: Ohio State 37, Indiana 10
Drew: Ohio State 31, Indiana 9
Shane Wynn, a former Glenville Tarblooder is a player to keep an eye on. The tiny freshman will play some receiver, and return kicks. He has taken one to the house this year, and does possess big play ability. Indiana also has a fine kicker in Mitch Ewald, and he is 9-11 on field goals.
When Ohio State has the ball:
A few weeks ago the Buckeye offensive unit looked all but dead, but the emergence of Braxton Miller along with the return of Boom Herron and Mike Adams has revitalized it. Now comes an opponent with a very shaky defense, as the Hoosiers surrender 458.3 yards and 36.2 points per game. Northwestern torched them for 59 last week, matching the number the Badgers had put up against Indiana two weeks earlier. So the Buckeyes have to be licking their chops.
Obviously everything starts with the offensive line and Ohio State's has been firing on all eight cylinders of late. With Boom Herron, Carlos Hyde (who should play a lot due to the injury to Jordan Hall) and Braxton Miller running behind them, it is hard to believe Indiana will succeed in slowing down the Buckeyes. And, Indiana is giving up a mind boggling 234.7 ypg, at 5.1 ypc. However, look for Bollman to work some on the passing game, which probably means a few bombs to Philly Brown and Devin Smith. It would be great to see the team employ more of Jake Stoneburner, Zach Boren and the tailbacks, but I'm not holding my breath.
Indiana lacks playmakers on defense, though Ohio native Adam Replogle is a nice defensive tackle who has 39 tackles, (5.5 tfl; 4 sacks). The leading tackler is middle linebacker Jeff Thomas (59 tackles, 8.5 tfl), who is a solid football player. Three freshman and a sophomore start in the secondary and have yielded 223.7 ypg, while surrendering 22 touchdowns, so if OSU chooses to throw the ball they should have success.
Dave's Wildcards:
With Ohio State outclassing the Hoosiers in every facet of the game, intangibles should not play too big of a role, but here are some things to watch for:
-Fatigue and overconfidence. The Buckeyes have to guard against a letdown, and will surely be a little sore after a very physical contest last weekend. If they come out lacking focus, Indiana could hang around for awhile, and that is always frightening.
-Turnovers. Although both teams are young, neither has turned it over much. However, if Ohio State is lackadaisical and coughs it up, Indiana might be able to keep it close. The fact that Jordan Hall is out means new guys returning kicks and punts which makes fumbles a definite possibility (though Hall was shaky last week himself).
-Something to prove. Indiana has 16 players on its roster from the great state of Ohio, and you know they will be motivated. I doubt that is enough this week, but you have to believe these guys will give it their all and be fired up.
Score Prediction:
Dave: Ohio State 37, Indiana 10
Drew: Ohio State 31, Indiana 9
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