I enjoyed asking this question for the YSU game, so I think I’m going to make this a weekly feature.
Just like last week, nobody actually expects Ohio University to win this game. But with the Trojan War looming just seven days later, there are plenty of reasons that make the Ohio U game important to us.
With that in mind, here’s a list of what I want to see during Saturday’s game.
1) A touchdown on the very first Ohio State possession – Just like last week, it’ll be important to hit them in the mouth fast. The longer the Bobcats stay close, the more dangerous they’ll grow.
2) A stop on the very first Ohio University possession – Just like last week, we need to shut down the opposing offense fast. Any score for the Bobcats on their first drive will only serve to inspire them. Don’t let it happen.
3) SIT DOWN, BEANIE – We love you, brother. But don’t take any chances. Word has it you’ll be ready and healthy before we head out west, so don’t risk it. 150 yards and 2 TDs against USC will be worth far more to your team and your Heisman Trophy than anything you could possibly accomplish against Ohio U.
4) More possessions for Terrelle Pryor – He got the 3 drives I wanted to see him get against YSU, so let’s set him up with 4 or 5 this weekend. It’ll help him grow and compose himself, because we ALL know he’s going to play against USC in specific situations. Let’s make sure he’s prepared for it.
5) Better pressure on the quarterback – Ohio University has no running game (39 yards on 21 carries….against Wyoming?). They’ll be counting on junior quarterback Theo Scott all day long. Send some linebacker blitzes at him and watch the sack count rise all day. Ohio has one main WR, Taylor Price (who caught 14 passes last week). With Malcolm Jenkins covering him, there won’t be many options for Scott to throw to. Consistent pressure will lead to….
6) Three takeaways – Last week was successful in so many ways that we forgot to win the takeaway battle. Forcing one fumble and picking off no passes is not enough. To win against USC, we will have to force turnovers. Get a taste for it this weekend and let it carry over.
7) 50 rushing attempts on the day – Pound the ball, pound the ball, pound the ball. Ohio U has no run defense (allowed 160 yards rushing to Wyoming), and we were chomping up 6 yards a carry last week. If Beanie sits and we still manage to put 300 yards rushing on the scoreboard, it’ll be noticed. Also, with this many holes in the Ohio U defense, I expect to see Pryor have a day good enough to make Rich Rodriquez cry.
8) A TD throw for Joe Bauserman – Come on, the guy is a damn fine QB. He’d start for at least 4 Big Ten schools already. Get him a passing TD for the record books, to satisfy him until his senior year (when Pryor has gone pro).
How about you? Anything I should add to this list? What do you want to see?
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