Put a lid on the rushing attack
Ohio State’s reloaded defense faces an early test from Minnesota star Mohamed Ibrahim when the Buckeyes’ season opens Thursday night.
“Any time you're playing in the Big Ten, you're going to go against really good running backs.” https://t.co/fuuA94ydZI
— Joey Kaufman (@joeyrkaufman) September 1, 2021
Minnesota has arguably the best running back in the Big Ten with Mohamed Ibrahim. He absolutely lit it up in a shortened season in 2020, and everything the Golden Gophers like to do on offense starts with establishing things on the ground.
Even with a new quarterback under center, Ohio State will want to go fast on offense, and the only way to push back if you are Minnesota is to try and play ball-control offense and keep the explosive weapons off the field for the Buckeyes.
Win the rushing battle at the point of attack, and OSU wins this game.