Ohio State football vs. Missouri: Three keys to victory in the Cotton Bowl
By Ryan Stano
2. The Ohio State football team must run the ball effectively
TreVeyon Henderson seems likely to play based on the fact that he has been practicing in full pads with the team. He needs to be the focal point of this offense with Marvin Harrison Jr. likely sitting out. Henderson needs to have at least 150 rushing yards in order for the Buckeyes to feel comfortable.
Henderson should get 95% of the snaps in this game because Miyan Williams is out and Chip Trayanum and Evan Pryor are at new schools. Dallan Hayden will get the backup snaps but expect a healthy dose of Henderson in this game. He needs to be established early and often.
Getting Henderson involved in any way would be the best thing that Ryan Day can do for his offense. I wouldn't mind seeing some screen passes thrown to him either. That would also help Brown get comfortable. Henderson might be the second-most important Buckeye in this game besides Brown.
I'd expect Brown to get involved in the run game too. He was used in some read-option packages close to the goal line until he got hurt. Don't be surprised if you see Brown run 8-10 of those against Missouri. No use in keeping it in the playbook afraid someone will see it on film in the final game of the game!
We'll see whether or not the offensive line can be tough enough to open holes for Henderson to get through. They were really good for one drive against TTUN and pretty bad for the rest of the game. The reverse needs to be true on Friday.
The final key for the Buckeyes to be victorious in the Cotton Bowl has to do with the defense.