“In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins…” ~ Ulysses S. Grant
A proud son of Ohio, hailing from Point Pleasant, former Civil War general and the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant would be a strong advocate for as much advanced scouting of the enemy as possible before a battle was engaged. While I have the utmost confidence in Urban Meyer and his strong staff of assistants, below are three areas I will be keeping an eye on when Ohio State travels to Piscataway, New Jersey, to battle the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in High Point Solutions Stadium.
A quick glance of Rutgers’ roster shows two Ohioans on it – former Michigan Wolverine Ross Douglas from Avon, and Columbus native Brendan Bordner. Neither player was extended a scholarship offer by Ohio State. By comparison, Ohio State lists two players from New Jersey on its roster, in safety Jordan Fuller and offensive lineman Kevin Feder.
3 Things To Watch For From The Scarlet Knights
~ Stay Focused On Kiy Hester When Ohio State Is On Offense ~
Rutgers has one of the B1G’s interception leaders with junior safety Kiy Hester. Hester had a solid game against Nebraska last week, with seven tackles and an interception that he returned for a touchdown. It will be interesting to see how Ohio State decides to attack Hester in passing situations.
Hester to the ?!@RFootball with another pick, and Kiy Hester had reservations for six: pic.twitter.com/YMze49W4k7
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 23, 2017
~ Jerome Washington May Be A Matchup Challenge For Ohio State’s Defense~
Tight end James Washington is listed at 6’4″, 258 pounds. Washington’s knack for making acrobatic catches notwithstanding, he has caught 15 passes for 135 yards this season, averaging 9 yards a reception. Will Ohio State try to cover Washington with a linebacker like Jerome Baker?
Jerome Washington with one of the best catches you'll see all year for #Rutgers. pic.twitter.com/t5ZTBJ0o5i
— Brian Fonseca (@briannnnf) September 23, 2017
~ Janarion Grant Will Be Back Against Ohio State ~
A 5’10”, 178 pound wide receiver, Grant is used in a variety of ways by Rutgers. Grant did not play last week against Nebraska, but has been cleared to go against Ohio State, and is used as a receiver, runner, and is a tremendous special teams player on both kickoff and punt returns. Will Ohio State even kick to him, considering the challenges they have had with their coverage units?
