Each week, the BBC will be gathering opinions from all staff members regarding the upcoming game (and beyond). We call it “What Do You Want To See On Saturday*?”
No further explanation needed. Let’s get to it;
Jim? What do you want to see?
The offensive line needs to move people off the ball – The Navy defensive line is small, our offensive line is big, if we can’t shove them around it is going to be a long season. I will be particularly interested in seeing what kind of push the new interior of Boren, Brewster, and Browning are able to get. This is definitely something to keep an eye on.
The defensive ends need to be in the backfield – I wanted to say that the defensive ends need to pressure the QB, but since Navy doesn’t pass the ball much, seeing whether or not they are in the backfield will have to do. Our defensive ends are the strongest (and deepest) position on the team this year, and I will be looking for them to dominate early and often.
Pryor needs to go through his progressions and get rid of the ball – Too many times last year Pryor held on to the ball and was sacked. While a sack is better than a pick, Pryor needs to be able to check down to his second or third option and throw the ball if Ohio State is going to compete against top defenses this year. I will be interested to see if Pryor looks to his second or third option (possibly even looking to the tight end?) or if he will just take off running if his initial option isn’t open. Some passes to RB’s in the flats or to the tight ends would make me a very happy Buckeye.
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MaliBuckeye? How about you? What do you want to see?
The Ohio State/Navy Game – Stupid west coast feed of ESPN will probably show Iowa State and North Dakota State. Presupposing, of course, that our cable company hasn’t burned to the ground by then.
Nothing Fancy – First, with all due respect, we shouldn’t need to get flashy to win against the Middies. They are solid, we are spectacular. Second, the more vanilla we can look against a team that is “unique” will help us not tip our hand against U$C.
Solid Running Game – Make Woody proud- great line play, a good transition from Beanie to Boom, and churn up the yards.
No Third and Long – Not only does this mean the offense is clicking, but it means that the offensive line false starts are a thing of the past.
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Eric? Go for it, bro…..
At least two wide receivers step up and have a big game – This one is obvious given our young group of receivers this year. Herron and Saine, along with the stable of young backs will give us a decent run threat, but we cannot beat such a good running team with nothing but a running game. A pair of receivers will keep us from being one dimensional.
At least three completed passes to the Tight Ends – I’m honestly tired of OSU’s QBs not having enough time in the pocket to check down to the tight end the last few years. If the offensive line doesn’t perform to the level necessary, it would be nice to see some dump passes to the tight ends in the flat.
Decent play at left tackle, no matter who is there – After Alex Boone anything is an improvement. However we absolutely must have a left tackle this year to take some heat off of Pryor’s blindside. I want Pryor running to avoid a coverage sack, not running because the left tackle fell asleep on the job.
Defensive Line control the line of scrimmage – If our Defensive Line can stop Navy’s precocious running game, then they should be able to control just about any team in the country. This should keep the pressure off our young-gun linebackers and corners so that they can come of age at their own pace.
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As for me???
Under 250 yards rushing from Navy – The Middies average 7 pass ATTEMPTS per game. Yes, per GAME. They rely on the run 7 out of every 8 plays, and they’ll eat up chunks of yards with their triple-option. Buckeye fans shouldn’t panic when Navy gets a lot of yards early, but in order for us to keep them under 250, we have to make the adjustments fast.
Run the option pass!**- Let’s not kid around too much…we’re going to beat Navy. But with 8 starters missing from USC and a 9th being declared ineligible this week, the Trojans have got a lot to work on. Let’s have Pryor show them a wrinkle in our offense and make them work harder in practice all next week!
Bauserman! We want Bauserman!*** – Joe Bauserman is a fine quarterback and it’s to his credit that he hasn’t made a run for the transfer list in the wake of Pryor getting all the reps. So let’s reward him again this year, get out to a big lead, and let the kid throw a touchdown!
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Well, there it is. We’ll go through the list after the game and see if we all got our wishes granted. Go Buckeyes!
* – imaginative title, isn’t it?
** – The exact opposite of MaliBuckeye’s 2nd point! Fight! Fight! Fight!
*** – Through substitution, please. Not injury. Please, God?
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