Now that we’ve had a chance to read and digest Jim’s game preview for the Toledo match-up, the BBC writers have come up with this week’s list of things they want to see.
Malibuckeye
– More of the same. Ohio State started out well against the Zips, but the Rockets will be more of a challenge. Control and poise on offense, discipline and aggression from the defense.
– New wrinkles. Jordan Hall will be back… how will he be a part of the offense this year? Also, how will the Rocket skill positions enjoy their trip to Howard Island?
– Ebner Touchdown. We wrote about him, and he got a sack and made great special teams plays. Would a score be too much to ask?
– No False Starts. Last week it was a backup… but “no” means “no”.
Joe L.
– Continued QB play like the we saw this past Saturday. Both Bauserman and Miller were efficient last week. I would like to see a special package put in for Miller. Give the reigns of the team to Bauserman, but Miller is too explosive and can provide a different package for teams to have to defend – think Leak and Tebow from Florida in Tebow’s freshmen season. Ed – I have no idea what he’s talking about. Do you? I didn’t think so.
– More speed from our team. At times we looked slow against Akron – guys were playing a little tentative. I want to see us hitting the hole a little quicker, filling the hole a little quicker, WR’s in and out of their breaks, quicker reads from the QB’s, and better breaks on the ball from DB’s. Toledo should be a much better team to showcase against than Akron was.
– Big Plays. I want to see a play or four over 40 yards. It seemed that while we were very efficient against Akron, and we pounded them, there was a lack of the feeling that we could put up a big explosive play whenever we wanted.
– A three to four touchdown win.
Joe Dexter
– New Packages and Formations. Can the Buckeyes open up the playbook as they move into the season? With all the young talent it’s time to get them in the ball game. Get Jordan Hall’s feet moving after the suspension and throw him in the slot. Let’s see the work that coach Drayton has put in this season. Running off the tackle this week should be a priority as we head into tougher non-conference play. How about some more shotgun? I’d love to see it.
– Keep Burnin’ Em. It might have been vanilla and it might of been boring offense against the Akron Zips, but, if you can, continue to get the production out of the tight end positions. Jake Stoneburner can move the chains and keep the clock rolling all at the same time. Keep feeding him the rock.
– Big Fat HOLES. Did you know the Buckeyes have six offensive lineman? Zach Boren is one of the best in the country at throwing the lead block. Last week we saw huge holes collapse around the backs. The offensive line started the season off great. It’s time to keep it up and give these young backs a chance to create plays until Boom Herron makes his way onto the field.
Eric
– Points from the defense (or special teams). This is the only thing we didn’t see against the Zips. The one turnover collected by Andrew Sweat was excellent, but let’s see some more of those turn into scores.
– Three catches for the RBs or TEs. I ask for it again, as usual. Last week, I got so much more than I asked for, including three touchdowns for Jake Stoneburner. With that kind of success, how could I not ask for it again?
– Nathan Williams Sacks. We’ve successfully beat this horse to death this week, but I could really go for some tremendous Sacks (with a capital “S”) for Nate – or anyone else on the starting defensive line for that matter.
– Continued excellence from Mr. Bauserman. He was a spectacular leader against Akron. I want to see more from him this week in that department. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but it should definitely be progress towards making this team “his”.
Jeff
– A fast start. Toledo thinks they can win this game, and most of the country wants to see it happen. If it’s 14-0 at the end of the first quarter, a lot of TVs outside of our beloved state borders will change channels.
– Reverse the QB time. Bauserman got most of the first-half snaps, Braxton got most of the second-half ones. Reverse than and see what happens. Let’s see what Braxton does in a 0-0 game instead of what he can do when it’s already 21-0.
– A shutout. It’s unlikely because Toledo is a good team, but it would be nice to quell the chirping if we open up the year with 8 straight goose eggs on defense.
Jim
– Pressure the QB and force turnovers. Luke Fickell is an aggressive defensive guy. He has been all his life. He hasn’t been the head coach all his life. Those two things together equal pressure and turnovers.
– Pressure from the defensive line. Bliltzing is nice, but getting pressure from your front four and only your front four is even better.
– Creative play calling on offense. Now that Jordan Hall is back on the field, I want to see some of the creativity that the team has been practicing on offense. Not a lot- we don’t want to give anything away, but enough to make future opponents worry.
– Nate Ebner forcing a fumble on special teams. He was rewarded for his effort by being named a captain. Now let’s see his effort rewarded with a big play.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
