Ten bold predictions for the Ohio State football team
By Alex Austin
The defense will need to play as they did against Akron for Ohio State to look elite again.
The Buckeyes have two takeaways on defense
As I have already predicted, I think one of these takeaways is returned for a touchdown. I think Ohio State records another turnover that helps get this unit back on track. Even if Ohio State does not transform into a show stopper overnight, they could play the bend but not break strategy if they can cause turnovers. I think Rutgers will be playing from behind most of the game which will allow Ohio State to get more aggressive.
The Rushmen are able to generate pressure and record 3 sacks
One of the issues that plagued Ohio State for the first three weeks of the season was their inability to bring down the quarterback. Four sacks through three weeks are not what Buckeye Nation has become accustomed to. Last week Ohio State flipped a switch and recorded nine sacks in just one game. This week I think the defense scheme helps generate more sacks.
The defensive line might not have any individually elite players, but there is plenty of skill there. If Ohio State can use those players to stop the run, there will be plenty of opportunities between blitzes and individual matchups on passing downs to get after the quarterback. I wouldn’t be surprised if the sack leader for the game was a freshman, as the young class has started pushing for playing time.