Scarlet and Game
Fansided

Ohio State Football: 4th and Short, questions for Week 11

By Blake Biscardi

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 3: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes passes in the fourth quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Nebraska 36-31. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 3: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes passes in the fourth quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Nebraska 36-31. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next

Q: How concerned are you heading into “The Game” after that performance [versus] Nebraska?

A: Personally, my confidence heading into “The Game” is certainly beginning to fade as Ohio State and Michigan seem to be trending in opposite directions at times. However, after watching the Buckeyes this past Saturday against the Cornhuskers, I learned a few things about this team.

  1. Do not count them out just yet.
  2. The glaring issues are being mended…slowly, but surely.
  3. The offensive line is healthy and will continue to get stronger allowing for the rushing attack to come alive for the stretch run
  4. The targeting call on Safety Jordan Fuller was one of the best things that could have happened to the Buckeyes.
  5. Brendon White will get more playing time and provide the spark the defense has been craving.
  6. The defense will not be stout like in years past, but as a whole it is getting better and will rise to the occasion in big games. The Silver Bullets will not totally shut teams down, but I believe they will be able to do enough if the offense comes through.

Q: Is this the year [Ohio State] can’t fix their glaring issues and finally loses to [Michigan]?

A: As I explained above, I believe the Buckeyes will show improvements in their areas of weakness, whether or not the repairs are good enough to beat a team like Michigan remains to be seen.

Ohio State fans need to accept the fact this team is unlike any other in years past, especially during the Urban Meyer era. This group of players is arguably the most talented Meyer has had, yet they have been underachieving for a good part of the season by playing to the level of their competition.

One thing is for sure, Urban Meyer’s approach to rivalry games, especially “The Game,” is extremely serious with nothing taken lightly. Motivation is never lacking during rivalry weeks for Meyer’s teams and I do not expect anything less this November.

According to Westgate in Las Vegas, Michigan is currently a (-3.5) favorite in Columbus against Ohio State. That number can be taken as you will as it will most likely change in the coming weeks, but it speaks as to how Ohio State and Michigan are currently viewed by the oddsmakers.

Home/Ohio State Football