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OSU vs VT - Key Match-ups to Watch

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buckeye phi's picture
September 6, 2015 at 10:50pm
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Over the last few months, there have been a lot of articles written and a lot of opinions voiced about Ohio State's big game with Virginia Tech..  As game time approaches, it might be interesting to compare notes on some of the key match-ups - be they unit vs unit, player vs player or coach vs coach.

Since it's generally agreed among students of the game that most outcomes tend to be decided in the trenches, that's probably as good a place to start as any.  First of all, it should be noted that the Slobs' well documented struggles in last year's game were due more to scheme than to actual individual match-ups.  They were overwhelmed by numbers as much as by anything else.

It's highly unlikely Virginia Tech's renowned defensive coordinator, Bud Foster, will use a "bear-front", cover-0 scheme as frequently as he did in last season's meeting (he'll undoubtedly still use it, though).  In any case, during this game there should be more plays in which the numbers favor the Slobs.

The only individual match-up that looks like it could potentially be a problem will be when the Hokies' star defensive end, Dadi Nicolas, lines up across from the Slobs' only new starter, Chase Farris.  However, if Farris proves to be quick enough to engage Nicolas, he'll have approximately seventy pounds on him. 

Not to sell the rest of the Virginia Tech defensive line short, but Taylor Decker, Billy Price, Jacoby Boren and Pat Elflein should be able to push the quick but relatively undersized Hokies around effectively when there are fewer of them to push.  A slight edge goes to the Buckeyes.

Nick Vannett is big, strong and skilled enough to block any defender the Hokies have.  Contrary to last, years outing, he should get his share of opportunities as a receiver this time, too.  As Foster has noted in the past, the cover-0 is susceptible to a big play from a good tight end.  Advantage - Buckeyes.

The expected battle between Michael Thomas and Kendall Fuller has already been examined at great length many times.  The odds are there will be no definitive "winner" in that match-up.  Virginia Tech's other fine corner, Brandon Facyson, will present a major challenge for whoever the Buckeyes line-up at the other wide receiver spot.  Advantage - Virginia Tech.

Zeke has a distinct advantage over any Hokie linebacker or defensive back in quickness or size or both.  H-backs, Braxton Miller and Curtis Samuel, should present match-up nightmares, also.  Advantage - Buckeyes

Ohio State's quarterback will be in a constant battle of wits with Foster's safeties as he tries to determine what kind of scheme they'll be running from down to down.  If Urban Meyer starts who it looks like he's going to start, an edge could go to the Buckeyes in that regard as well.  Advantage - Buckeyes

By now, everyone's heard about Virginia Tech's tight ends.  The Hokies will probably operate out of a two tight end set fairly often.  A 6'7" tight end who can run presents an obvious match-up dilemma to any defense.  Advantage - Virginia Tech.

Much like the Buckeyes' Billy Price, the Hokies' left guard, Wyatt Teller, is the strongest man on the team.  Most of the time, he should be lined up across from Ohio State's "1 technique" defensive tackle - a position Urban Meyer has pointed out as an area of concern more than a few times.  Advantage - Virginia Tech.

In every other conceivable match-up with the Silver Bullets, Virginia Tech's offense comes up short.  In some cases - very, very short.  Big advantage - Buckeyes.

The coaching match-up between Bud Foster and Urban Meyer has received a lot of attention - and rightfully so.  Not many defensive coordinators get the better of UFM the first time - let alone twice in a row. 

It'll be very surprising if the Buckeye offense isn't fully prepared for anything the Hokies can throw at them defensively.  Foster knows there are inherent risks with a cover-0 scheme - especially, against a team with Ohio State's speed.  It'll be an interesting chess match.  However, in terms of national championships, it's Foster - 0, Meyer - 3.   Advantage Buckeyes.

The coaching match-up that has not received as much attention - but is every bit as important - will be between Virginia Tech's offensive coordinator, Scot Loeffler and Ohio State's defensive coordinator, Chris Ash. 

Since joining the Virginia Tech staff a couple of years ago, Loeffler's offenses have been inconsistent at best.  Some Hokie fans might say that's being too kind considering some of the embarrassing performances they've endured.  In fact, Loeffler's all-time "signature win" would have to be the one over Ohio State. 

Interestingly enough, Chris Ash's only loss in his first year as the Buckeyes' defensive coordinator was to Virginia Tech.  It's quite the contrast. 

Ash transformed a pass defense that ranked 110th nationally in 2013 into the 28th ranked unit in 2014.  Total defense went from 46th to 19th.  It would appear Loeffler's Hokies were fortunate to catch Ash's Silver Bullets in only their second game in his system.  This match-up isn't even close.  Major advantage - Buckeyes.

Since these match-ups don't all carry the same weight, it isn't as simple as adding them up to see where things stand.  For instance, if Virginia Tech's defensive backs are able to shut down Ohio State's receivers while staying in cover-0 most of the game, that alone could significantly influence the outcome. 

However, it ought to be pretty clear that Ohio State has a great many advantages going in to this one -  

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