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

That was a pretty difficult stretch, but OSU is 9-0.  

As I mentioned before the season began, 2023 is probably the most challenging schedule for Ohio State since 2008.  

For the second time in 10 games this season, Ohio State will play an opponent this Saturday who has more than 2 losses; and 6 of 9 previous opponents entered their game against the Buckeyes undefeated.  If you remove the game against Purdue (they are terrible), the schedule for nearly the last two months was pretty challenging.  

The Buckeyes had to get ready both physically and mentally without being able to take a breath for many weeks in a row now.  The Buckeyes have shown great toughness taking care of business every Saturday, and demonstrated meaningful depth with so many injuries mounting through the brutal stretch.

Here's what I would love to see as we get deeper into November:

- Kyle McCord NOT run and put himself in danger of more hits on his left ankle. (...and Kyle's ankle heals)
- Devin Brown is back and DOES run in the red zone...that package was working well as another option before Devin was hurt.
- Keep throwing to Marvin in the red zone - OSU red zone woes were relieved last week by perfect execution to Marvin in the end zone.
- Cody Simon (and maybe CJ Hicks) play in place of Tommy the next two weeks to make sure Tommy is ready for November 25th. Tommy's arm injury at the end of the game last week didn't look great.
- Cade back on the field and continuing to gel in the blocking scheme with the OSU offensive line.  I think the biggest issue with the Buckeye o-line is confusion and miscommunication...they need as many reps together as they can possibly get. (...include TreyVeyon in this too)
- Sonny Styles continue adjusting to playing Lathan's safety spot as Lathan is out of action (...and hopefully Lathan gets healthy soon)
- Marvin, Emeka, TreVeyon and Cade all on the field together - they are all a threat to score on any play from anywhere on the field
- Special teams do not suck, they just need to be slightly below average...that's all OSU needs from this unit.  If special teams can be average, that's a big bonus.
- A little bit of rest for Tyliek, JT, Jack Sawyer and Mike Hall to make sure they are ready to play a lot of snaps against matchup opponents
- Good footwork and decision making from Kyle - especially when under pressure.  OSU may be fine if Kyle just manages the game, if taking too much risk leads to putting the defense in a bad position. 
- Silver Bullets keep doing what it's doing...maybe a game without any third down conversions (which probably should have happened against Penn State)

If Ohio State needs to recharge, this would be the moment to do that. But, it feels like that's not part of the culture of this team or the way the Buckeyes are led.  OSU just keeps coming despite barriers, very physical games, sluggish offense, injuries, third and short difficulties, and terrible special teams execution.  They just keep coming and getting the job done.    
 

Touchdowns:  Marvin Harrison Jr., Marvin, TreVeyon, TreVeyon, JT Tuimoloau

OSU 35 MSU 0

Go Bucks!  Beat MSU!  Harry Miller for Heisman!

Papa Grande