The Buckeyes look to get back on the winning side of things by taking on America this week.
Last week’s loss to Oklahoma was a tough one for Ohio State. It is difficult for me to relate to losing, however, as I rarely experience failure. After all, I began the season getting four of five predictions correct. Unfortunately, I do not have any way of going back in time to find out what my predictions were last week, though my assumption is that I was perfect.
So, to tally up my predictions to this point, I have gotten nine of 10 correct, which is over 85%.
This week I’m really excited to move above 90%, and I have a pretty good feeling that I will.
Let’s get started.
1. J.K. Dobbins will have a 40-yard carry.
No, not exactly a 40-yard carry. Rather, a carry of at least 40 yards. And I fully expect him to go over 100 yards in about 12-14 carries. This is a game where if he gets past the defensive line, he is going to make some Army defenders look foolish (no offense!). Dobbins is too quick and elusive in the second level to go without a home run in this one. I’m really feeling a long run for him and at least one more of 30 yards or more. I’m not going to predict three 100-yard rushers, but I could see three guys over 70 yards in this one.
2. Army will be held to 40 yards passing.
No, not exactly 40 yards passing. Rather, no more than 40 yards. Ohio State is currently No. 130 in the nation in pass defense, allowing 403 yards passing per game. Which means that I am predicting the Buckeyes to hold an opponent to 1/10th of their current pass defense average. That is an insanely-bold prediction that doesn’t need to be any further explored. Please stop exploring. Let’s move on. There’s nothing to see here. Fine. Army is currently dead last in the nation, averaging just 8.5 yards passing per game. To be fair to me, I don’t really feel comfortable about this prediction because I can see at least two completions of 40 yards happening in this one. If that happens, we’ll count this prediction as correct as well.
3. Dwayne Haskins will throw his first career touchdown pass.
And it will probably be exactly 40 yards. Urban Meyer said they’d know more about Joe Burrow being ready after Thursday and Friday, which means that he might be ready, but he won’t be J.T. Barrett’s backup. Meyer wants to get Haskins in a game, but the opportunity hasn’t presented itself yet. It should present itself in this game, even if it isn’t until the fourth quarter. When Haskins does get into the game, the Buckeyes won’t be so far ahead that they’ll just run the clock out. They’ll want Haskins to throw the ball, and when he’s in there, he’s going to look downfield. I expect him to hit something big, which will only further ignite a fan base that wants more production out of the quarterback.
4. The Buckeyes will have a non-offensive touchdown.
I’m thinking it might be a Parris Campbell kickoff return from about 93 yards. The Buckeyes almost had one last week with some fantastic blocking. Army will be wary of Campbell, but they have only put 5 of their 16 kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks. The defense is also due for some type of scoop and score, especially with how often the option teams put the ball on the turf. They have yet to score yet this year. Jerome Baker is probably due for something too. Maybe a 40-yard fumble return.
5. At least three true freshmen will have tackles.
There are seven true freshmen in the two-deep of the Ohio State defense, which gives me a pretty good shot here. Currently, only two freshmen are averaging tackles per game, if that is a sentence that makes sense. What I’m trying to say is that only four freshmen — Amir Riep, Baron Browning, Chase Young, and Blake Haubeil — have tackles in two games. I am calling for a 50% increase in this average, which is a prediction that demands respect. Who will make those tackles? Well, go ahead and chalk up Amir Riep on special teams as one. I like Haskell Garrett to make a stop on the inside in the fourth quarter. And for number three, how about Jeff Okudah helping out in run support.
Bonus: Johnnie Dixon will score.
I was thinking a catch-and-run, but then I just had a mind-movie flash with Dixon scoring from a deep pass down the sideline. So maybe it’s two touchdowns?
Bonus: Ohio State will go for it on fourth down at least twice.
There will be some situations where Urban Meyer may have to jump start the offense and he won’t take no for an answer when the Buckeyes come up short on third down.
Bonus: Austin Mack will get rewarded for his catch last week.
Or at least they will attempt to reward him this week. I’m thinking a fade pass in the end zone.