Ohio State game plan for victory
It looked like Ohio State was going to speed past a top ten Penn State team last week until the turnover bug bit the Buckeyes. Weather most likely played a small factor, but the bottom line… you must protect the ball.
Turnovers kept the Nittany Lions in the game, but the Buckeyes showed some grit to play through adversity and come out on top. The Bucks won’t have the advantage of playing in front a friendly home crowd this week and you don’t want to give a team who’s salivating for an upset any extra confidence.
Offensively, just take care of the ball. Don Brown will have the Michigan defense ready to go, especially after being embarrassed in the ‘Shoe last year. But Ohio State has shown itself to be an offensive juggernaut. The Bucks could’ve realistically beat Penn State by 30 plus if not for coughing the ball up several times.
The offense will need to rely on workhorse back JK Dobbins to open up the passing game. Michigan gives up over 100 yards rushing per game, but sit only behind the Buckeyes in passing yards allowed. If Dobbins can get going, Justin Fields has plenty of options to throw the ball.
That being said, the offensive line will need to give Fields time. Thayer Munford seemed to have problems with Yetur Gross-Matos at times last week. Things won’t get any easier against UM sack specialist, Josh Uche, who has 8.5 sacks on the season.
Defensively, Ohio State will face a Wolverine offense that has been finding its stride in recent weeks. Shea Patterson still makes some questionable decisions, but he’s been finding Nico Collins more and more. Collins is averaging 20.9 yards per catch and has 7 touchdowns on the season.
Collins is an athletic freak and will be a load to handle coming in at 6′ 4″ and 222 pounds. The key will be getting pressure on Patterson and not allowing him to get comfortable in the pocket. Patterson can run, so the Bucks will need to stay disciplined and may even utilize a spy on Patterson with Malik Harrison.
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Next … The key players for Ohio State
Two Key Players For Ohio State
JK Dobbins, Runningback. Dobbins carried the load in the backfield against Penn State and did so with timely big runs. The O line has been opening up holes and Dobbins has been patient in finding them. The run game will need to be clicking on all cylinders once again to open up the passing game. JK is averaging 6.6 yards per carry, but will be challenged against Michigan’s front seven.
Everybody: “JK Dobbins”
Gus Johnson: “JAAAAAAAY KAAAAAAY AALLLLLLLLLLLLLL DDAAAYYYYYYY” pic.twitter.com/Wp5FkF8o6L
— Arrogant Ryan Day (@ArrogantBuckeye) November 23, 2019
Shaun Wade, Defensive Back. Wade was tasked with hanging with KJ Hamler, Penn States big play maker and made the most of it. Hamler only had 3 receptions for 45 yards. Michigan has a trio of receivers that have a chance to play on Sunday and Wade will be asked to shut one down again. Shaun Wade gets overshadowed some by Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnett, but he quietly goes about his business and just gets the job done.
Shaun Wade breaks up a 4th down pass late in the fourth quarter to keep Ohio State up by 11. pic.twitter.com/mmyEMsqDMo
— Tom Orr (@TomOrr4) November 23, 2019