Tressels, Fickells, Urbans, Days, Johnsons and Days,

Am I a masochist for really enjoying this Ohio State team?

Am I a masochist for preferring the 2023 Buckeyes more than the OSU squads from 2020-2022?

My friend Ramzy calls it "Large Father" football.  I love watching a disruptive, disciplined Buckeye defense.  Last weekend against Maryland, the Terps offense was done midway through the 3rd quarter.  The OSU defense pounded them again and again...and just wore them down.  The Silver Bullets are getting better every week.  This is definitely the best OSU defense since 2019; and they are showing glimpses comparable to the 2002 Silver Bullet squad.  

I wish we could Frankenstein together the 2022 OSU offense with the 2023 defense.  That's a championship team, and I don't think any of the games would be that close.  CJ Stroud deserved to play with the 2023 defense, as we are seeing with his outstanding NFL debut.

I do think that McCord is a good fit for what Ohio State is this year.  The 2023 OSU offensive line is historically bad, and I'm not sure we should expect much from that unit.  The OSU offense needs to do one of two things every possession...either 1) manage the game and don't make big mistakes or 2) put the pedal down and score a touchdown by staying out of 3rd down (because they really struggle converting on third down).  With this defense, either of those possession scenarios will work.  

Last week, I thought Kyle did a good job managing the game in the first half, and winning it in the second half.  In the first half, Maryland coverage seemed to be confusing Kyle and the Maryland defensive backs were doing a very good job in coverage.  Kyle didn't make any big mistakes while the offense was struggling and confused.  Just ask the OSU special teams what happens when you make big mistakes and hand the ball to Maryland only 30 yards from the end zone.   

Ohio State makes its third trip to the state of Indiana this weekend.  Hopefully, they play in Indiana again this season.  As fans, this is a revenge game for the last trip to Purdue.  I'm making popcorn and pulling the chair closer to the TV when the Silver Bullets are on the field to exact revenge.

Touchdowns:  Marvin Harrison Jr., Cade Stover, TreVeyon, Chip Traynum, JT Tuimoloau

OSU 38 Purdue 7

Go Bucks!  Beat Purdue!  Harry Miller for Heisman!

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