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"Other" Players to Watch vs Western Michigan

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buckeye phi's picture
September 25, 2015 at 4:49pm
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For the truly obsessed football fan, sometimes it's interesting to focus on a few key players who might not necessarily be handling the ball.  Valuable insights can be gained by following other action closely, assuming one has enough of a borderline-unhealthy level of interest to do so.  For the real crazies, this is especially true when watching a game for the second or third time. 

The television coverage will undoubtedly zero in on the play of the Buckeyes' offensive backfield - as well as Western Michigan's duo of star wide receivers.  That's fine - but here are some other, more under-the-radar suggestions:

Opposing defenses have found success recently using "odd fronts" against against the Buckeyes.  Focusing on the play of Jacoby Boren could be helpful in determining whether those issues have been ironed out yet, or not. 

So much of Ohio State's offense depends on excellent blocking from the tight ends - that's alway an interesting position to watch.  Urban Meyer has voiced his concerns lately about blocking at the edge - making this area even more worthy of a watchful eye. 

It's already been a lot of fun this season watching Ezekiel Elliott without the ball.  Zeke may have the most "star power" on the team, but that hasn't stopped him from being a tremendous blocker every time he's had the opportunity.  No wonder the coaches love him so much.

The only defensive position that has not been grading out well so far has been OSU's "1 technique" tackle.  Keeping a closer eye on Tommy Schutt may be a good way to anticipate what kind of success the defense will have in general - not just verses the inside running game.  His job is to be such a potentially disruptive presence in the middle, that he demands a double team. If he fails to do that, a chain reaction can be felt throughout the entire defensive front. 

Against a pass-happy offense like Western Michigan, it's likely the Buckeyes will be in a nickel defense a good part of the day.  Going back to last season, the coaches have been taking a defensive tackle out of the game when converting to the nickel (and obviously, adding a defensive back).  In those situations, Cam Burrows might be deserving of a closer look. 

Middle linebacker is always an interesting position to follow, as well.  Especially when it's a talented but still relatively inexperienced young player like Raekwon McMillan. 

Obviously, this sort of thing isn't for everyone.  Most fans are perfectly happy simply following the ball.  They'd rather concentrate on what the running back is doing than the center, for instance.  And this clearly wouldn't be appealing to those who are preoccupied with the quarterback situation. 

But look at it this way - if anybody does anything spectacular with the ball - that'll be shown over and over again.  It's possible to follow both kinds of action.  It's actually much more enjoyable for the truly obsessed.  Again - it' even easier if one is kooky enough to watch the game a second time. 

There's probably nobody like that reading this, though - 

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