As we head into the final month of the regular season, keeping the momentum built up in wins over Penn State and Rutgers may prove to be difficult. Despite Ohio State playing some of its best football of the year over the last three halves, the Buckeyes have to contend with a week off from competition, the suspension of starting quarterback J.T. Barrett, and a mounting injury list.
How can Urban Meyer’s troops keep their mojo going into November with all of that going on?
1. Get a complete game out of Cardale Jones
The Buckeyes can keep the magic going if Cardale Jones can seize his opportunity with no Barrett looking over his shoulder. Theoretically, Jones should be able to play relaxed, knowing Meyer would prefer not to put Miller in at quarterback. If he can play loosely, throw the ball well and play with the swagger he had in the 2014 postseason, it should open up the run game for Ezekiel Elliott. When the Buckeyes can run, they are a much better team.
2. Continue the Slobs’ improvement
The offensive line started clicking over the last couple of games. When the line play is strong, Ohio State is very difficult to stop. Minnesota has a physical defense. If Taylor Decker and company can continue to blow holes for Elliott and keep Jones upright in the backfield on passing plays, there’s no reason for the team to lose any of its steam.
3. Keep covering for Tommy Schutt
When the other three defensive linemen are being disruptive, it’s difficult to simply double team Joey Bosa every play. Bosa has been an incredible force over the past several games and it looks as if he’s only getting stronger. If the team can continue to fill in for the missing Schutt (wrist), Bosa will keep on destroying opposing teams’ linemen and eating their quarterbacks.
What would kill the team’s momentum? There are a few things that could derail what the Buckeyes have built over the last two games.
1. A poor game from Jones
Ohio State could still win if Cardale doesn’t come through on Saturday. However, winning itself doesn’t guarantee a continued progression of positive momentum. If Jones doesn’t do well, it could stall the progress the offense has made over the past couple of games.
2. More injuries
Depth has been depleted at wide receiver and in the defensive secondary. Any more hits to those position groups could negatively impact the team, making the offense less efficient and the defense more porous.
3. Not covering for Tommy Schutt
At times, we’ve seen Ohio State struggle against the run this season. Schutt has been by far the steadiest player to line up at nose tackle. When he’s played well, it’s allowed the linebackers to flow to the ball and for Adolphus Washington, Joey Bosa, Tyquan Lewis and others to make plays. When that position has not performed well, teams have found chunk yardage up the middle of the defense, getting blockers to Raekwon McMillan at the second level. Ohio State must plug up the middle.
