In a week like this, I would usually write something like, “beware of the trap game.”
With a date with Michigan State in East Lansing looming next week, it would be easy to declare Ohio State’s game this weekend against UAB a trap game. The Spartans are a superior team and it will be the first Big Ten game under head coach Urban Meyer.
UAB is not a trap game, though. Breathe easy, Buckeye fans.
The Blazers will come into Ohio Stadium on Saturday and bring a 0-2 record with them, including a 49-6 loss last week to South Carolina. UAB also lost its opening game to Troy, 39-29 at home.
Maybe an opponent like UAB is exactly what the Buckeyes (3-0) need right now.
After blowing out Miami in its opener, Ohio State has struggled a bit in its last two games. The Buckeyes looked less than impressive in their 31-16 win against UCF and were on the ropes late last week against Cal. Braxton Miller found Devin Smith for a 72-yard touchdown to save the day for Ohio State, though, helping the Buckeyes to a 35-28 victory.
This is the type of game that Ohio State needs to work on improving. Last week, the defense did not look like we hoped it would. There were missed tackles all over the field that led to several big plays for the California offense.
Meyer is not satisfied with his team either. He knows exactly how big next week’s game is against the Spartans and he is going to want to issue a statement with the game against UAB.
Michigan State will be trying to make a statement too. The Spartans suffered a loss last week at the hands of Notre Dame and will be taking out all of that frustration on poor Eastern Michigan.
I’m usually cautious around games like the one Ohio State has with UAB. But, UAB isn’t exactly a threatening team. But more importantly, Urban Meyer is the head coach of the Buckeyes and he won’t let his team look ahead to Michigan State.
I am a strong believer in those so-called trap games. But this, my friends, is not one of them. Buckeyes roll.
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