Buckeyes ready to roll against Northern Illinois
No. 1 Ohio State (2-0) enters Saturday’s game against defending Mid-American Conference champion Northern Illinois (2-0) with something to prove, at least on offense.
Whether it was the short turnaround time between games, tired legs or lack of focus, the sluggish offensive performance against Hawaii caused a little grumbling among Buckeye Nation.
Despite playing flat, Head coach Urban Meyer did not seem too concerned in Monday’s weekly press conference.
“So we’ve just got to play better. And the great thing is I have an excellent line coach and excellent players, and I imagine they’re going to have a great week.’
It is doubtful that the Buckeyes would overlook any opponent, let alone a MAC school. Last week proved the conference is formidable when Toledo upset Arkansas and Bowling Green defeated Maryland.
Besides, Northern Illinois is not a typical mid-tier program. It has a fair share of wins over Big Ten schools over the last two seasons beating Iowa, Northwestern and Purdue. The Huskies can handle hostile environments. Are the Buckeyes ready for the challenge?
Here is an early preview of the game:
Offense
Is it fair to suggest that the offense is missing Tom Herman a little more than expected? Even with Meyer and offensive coordinator Ed Warriner at the helm, the change in leadership is impacting the offensive rhythm right now. No doubt this unit is a juggernaut, but getting all of the playmakers in sync is going to take a few games.
The key against Northern Illinois is getting the passing game going early to open up the running lanes. The Huskies’ secondary is giving up 305 yards-per-game which is why the defense is allowing 28 points-per-game.
Taking advantage of this obvious weakness starts upfront with the Slobs. With the line dominating the trenches, expect quarterback Cardale Jones to earn the first 300-yard passing game of his career and lock down the starting role.
Northern Illinois’ defense is better against the run, but it may not matter. Ezekiel Elliott and Braxton Miller are a lethal combination. With the passing game humming, both will rack up significant yards against the Huskies’ front seven that is on the smaller side.
Defense
For the first time in Meyer’s tenure, the defense is on par with the offense early in the season. Outside of a few busted coverage plays against Virginia Tech, this unit is playing at a high level. It is creating turnovers, pressuring the quarterback, winning the battles in the trenches and tackling well.
While a second-straight shutout would be nice, it is unlikely. Northern Illinois’ offense is lighting up the scoreboard averaging 47.5 points-per-game. Leading the way is junior quarterback Drew Hare who is picking up where he left off last season. In wins over UNLV and Murray State, he has 718 yards passing with six touchdowns and zero interceptions. He is smart and effective quarterback.
Hare likes to spread the ball around, but favorite target is junior Kenny Golladay who has 357 yards and two touchdowns. Expect Eli Apple and Gareon Conley to track where Golladay is on the field at all times to avoid giving up any big plays.
The Huskies also have a strong rushing attack to compliment their passing game. Junior Joel Bouagnon already has 204 yards with five touchdowns. Though he is traditional pocket passer, Hare is a threat as a runner. He finished 2014 with 900 yards and is capable of moving the chains with his legs.
Northern Illinois will mix up the play calling to try to keep the Buckeyes’ off-balance. The key for the defense is getting quick pressure on Hare. The Huskies have three new starters on the line who have not been tested yet. Fans are eager for Joey Bosa to show why he is the best defensive end in the nation and this is a perfect game for him to dominate.
Sep 12, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Joey Bosa (97) leaps clear as linebacker Darron Lee (43) tackles Hawaii Warriors quarterback Max Wittek (13) at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Special Teams
Outside of a mishandled snap on a field goal attempt, the kicking game improved against Hawaii with Jack Willoughby making a 20-yard field goal and hitting all five extra points.
Punter Cameron Johnston was busier than expected last week, but he demonstrated why he is one of the top punters in the nation averaging 43.6 yards on five attempts. Fans are hoping he is less active this Saturday, but delivers when needed.
Jalin Marshall coming back from suspension paid immediate dividends in the return game. The offense was unable to capitalize on his 32-yard punt return late in the second quarter, but he is ready to explode. Marshall will get his first punt return touchdown of the season this week.
The Huskies’ kicking and return game are both solid. Sophomore kicker Christian Hagan has a strong leg. He is two-for-two this year including a 48-yard field goal against UNLV. Punter Jacob Ambrose is averaging 39.7 yards on nine attempts.
The player to contain on kickoffs is Aregeros Turner. The junior from Copley, Ohio is averaging 21.8 yards-per-return on six attempts. He is capable of breaking free if containment collapses.
The key to winning the special teams’ battle is fundamental blocking and tackling. Giving Marshall time and space to work his magic provides the offense momentum. Tackling the Huskies’ return men on first contact forces the Huskies into bad field position. Meyer is meticulous in winning this part of the game. This unit is ready to flatten the Huskies.
Analysis
With a full week to prepare and little more rest between games, the Buckeyes’ offense will be sharp and efficient. The Huskies’ potent offense will test the defense early in the game, but it will make quick adjustments to lock them down in the second half. Buckeyes cruise late to a comfortable 52-21 win.
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