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Is Virginia Tech the Ideal Opening Opponent?

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buckeye phi's picture
September 5, 2015 at 5:56pm
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It's safe to say there's been more "buzz" about Monday night's game between Ohio State and Virginia Tech than there would typically be for the #1 team in the country verses an unranked opponent. 

Obviously, that is almost entirely due to the fact that the Buckeyes' only loss last season was to the Hokies in week two.  For that reason and more, it wouldn't be outlandish to suggest that Virginia Tech may actually be the best possible opening opponent Ohio State could face. 

There has been a lot written about the threat of complacency setting in this year.  Of course, it's there with any team coming off a national championship.  That could have easily been the case with this year's team, particularly considering how impressive the Buckeyes were during the championship run. 

Facing the team that handed them their only loss last year - in the first game - should have helped to keep that kind of attitude from creeping in.  Although, given Ohio State's coaching staff and the leadership that's been exhibited among the players on this team, complacency was probably never too much of a concern in the first place. (suspensions aside)

Perhaps more than complacency, the expectations these young Buckeyes are facing could pose a problem.  In a close game with an unranked team that has "nothing to lose", it's far more likely the top ranked team would be the one feeling the most pressure.  A team could start playing a little tight in that situation.

The Hokies may be tough enough to keep this one close - at least, for a while.  That could provide a valuable trial-by-fire for this year's Ohio State team.  No matter how scarlet-tinted one's glasses are, it's unlikely every game is going to be a blow-out.

Besides the benefits of having survived a hard fought game against a scrappy opponent on their home turf, the experience of having played against some of the best defensive backs and defensive linemen in the country could serve the Buckeyes well down the road. 

Seeing some of the unusual schemes Bud Foster is sure to implement should prove helpful to Ohio State against future opponents, also.  Whoever Urban Meyer starts at quarterback will be tasked with reading the Hokie defense.  And as every Buckeye knows by now, that can be tricky.  Ohio State's quarterback will be sure to gain from the experience - making it harder for defensive coordinators to confuse him later on.

While the Virginia Tech offense doesn't appear to be nearly as impressive as their defense, The Silver Bullets are bound to see a lot of different looks from Offensive Coordinator, Scot Loeffler's group, as well.  The Buckeye defense could see anything from a traditional pro-set to a three-tight end formation. 

Incidentally, Virginia Tech has two tight ends who made the Mackey Award watch list.  And any time there's a 6'7" tight end (who can run) in the line-up, it poses a legitimate threat to the defense.  That could provide some valuable experience for Ohio State before meeting a certain team up north.

Though the Buckeyes will have three new starters on the defensive line for this game, most of those match-ups look to be in their favor.  One problem area could be the Hokies' very strong left guard, who much of the game will be lining up across from Ohio State's "1 technique" tackle.  Urban Meyer has expressed concern about that particular position more than once.

So, even when the Hokie offense has the ball, a little trepidation may be warranted.  But by and large, the talent level will weigh heavily in favor of the Buckeyes.  And this is the second year in Chris Ash's system - not the first.

Head Coach, Frank Beamer has said this will be one of the biggest games in Virginia Tech history.  Anyone who's been following the lead-up to this game has heard about the raucous crowd Ohio State can expect in Lane Stadium.  That will definitely be the scenario for a season opening, nationally televised, night game verses the nation's #1 ranked team.  Having played in such a hostile environment could certainly come in handy for the Buckeyes down the road.

No matter what, this game should provide valuable experience against a tough and unpredictable team on their home field.   And that could pay big dividends for Ohio State as the season progresses -

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