In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr answer listener questions about Saturday’s game between Michigan and Ohio State. Following Saturday’s 52-51 win at Maryland, questions about the Michigan game were solicited. As you might expect, the questions we received were of a particular tone. It turns out that Buckeye fans are a bit concerned. How valid are those concerns? Let’s talk it out.
The Rundown
+ The mood of the questions aren’t so light.
+ It’s not our fault.
+ Michigan struggled against Indiana, so there is more hope for OSU than previously believed.
+ Are both fan bases convinced that something terrible is going to happen?
+ That’s what makes this so great.
+ Let’s get to the questions.
+ How badly will Michigan’s tight ends abuse Ohio State’s linebackers.
+ Just make friends now with the bootleg to the tight end for 27 yards.
+ The linebackers could be in trouble against more than just the tight ends.
+ Has Ohio State’s defense performed best against offenses like Michigan’s?
+ The Silver Bullets have performed well against similarly-located offenses.
+ What does a “defensive stop” mean?”
+ Are you wanting to feel optimistic about something?
+ Michigan will do a lot of things that are well-suited to OSU’s defense.
+ Things get dark.
+ What should you be drinking before the game?
+ Why must Ohio State wait until halftime for adjustments on defense?
+ Is it time to move Greg Schiano back to the press box?
+ Will Terry McLaurin be okay?
+ You can’t go into the Michigan game without Mack and McLaurin and expect to be okay.
+ Guys are going to have to be damn near dead to not play this week.
+ Will the Michigan Wrinkle this year be defense?
+ Gotta pull out all of the stops this week.
+ It’s Time for War
+ How many defensive coaches will still be stealing $$$ next week.
+ Over/under on defensive coaching changes after the season is 1.5.
+ Let’s over/under the rushing total for JK Dobbins and Mike Weber.
+ How about 117.5 yards?
+ Does 175 yards between the two of them mean a win?
+ Would you rather have Everett Withers or Greg Schiano?
+ This defense would be unacceptable if it was Withers instead of one of Meyer’s best friends.
+ Which Michigan player would you add to Ohio State’s roster?
+ Are there any counters to the answer being Devin Bush?
+ Would it even matter if Bush was on this defense?
+ Why aren’t more players playing on defense?
+ Where is all of this talent that we hear about?
+ Are we going to see an increase in carries by Dwayne Haskins?
+ This is a fast Michigan defense, so a bunch of runs by the QB isn’t necessarily a good thing.
+ You can’t play cutesy field position this weekend.
+ Will Lee Corso be wearing the Brutus headgear this weekend?
+ If Herbstreit’s kids aren’t with him on the stage, then it’s all Michigan on Saturday.
+ Who do you think Desmond is picking?!?!
+ How far behind can OSU get and still win?
+ Would it be better for Meyer to tell his team that they likely aren’t going to the playoffs and that THIS game is their title game?
+ Michigan Week should have it’s own holiday music channel.
+ This week is just the best. Don’t dread it, embrace it.
Also, with the podcast name change, it would help us out if you could rate the show and review it on iTunes. If you screencap your rating or review and DM or email Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman, tonygerdeman-at-gmail.com), once we get a certain number of submissions, we’ll randomly pick out a handful and send them a copy of The Thrillogy, which is the unbelievably-true story of Ohio State’s postseason run in 2014.
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Astute analysis, as always, gents. I was in lockstep with just about everything, though I semi-disagree with Tom’s assessment that Ohio State needs to run the ball, bleed clock and keep the defense on the sideline. If we’re winning in the second half, sure. But I don’t think Ohio State can come out on its first possession with the goal of establishing the run. Our O-Line is too weak, and Michigan’s rush D is too raw.
In my opinion, Ohio State needs to spread Michigan out, play tempo, take some deep shots and stretch the field. If we can get up 7-0 or 10-0 and force Michigan to throw, we’ll have a chance. If we fall behind, the stadium gets quiet, Michigan is running right at us, and it’s an uphill battle.
This is the game where I hope we see Tate Martell – and not just in the red zone. He is the X-factor. If by some chance we get up 10 points in the second half, I would love to see Tate come in and run read-option – and not just in the red zone. If he gets 12+ snaps, we’re winning this game.
Also, look for Ohio State to run a screen to Dobbins on the first possession. We need to put that in Don Brown’s mind from the start.