1) PROTECT THE PIGSKIN – Oregon has a bend but don’t break defense. They’ll
give up yards between the 20’s and maybe a couple of TD’s, but they also create
a lot of turnovers by stripping the ball or picking off a pass or two. They are
a plus 20 in the giveaway/take away category, so Cardale Jones and Ezekiel
Elliott who will handle the ball a lot on Monday night, need to take extra
special care of the football in this game, as both had turnovers in the win over
Alabama. Luckily the Buckeyes were able to overcome those mistakes in the Sugar
Bowl, but do that against the Ducks and you’re in trouble. Oregon’s offense
thrives on scoring, getting a turnover from their “D”, getting the ball back
quickly to get into a rhythm so they can score again and play from ahead. For
Zeke it’s tuck it high and tight. For Cardale it’s protect it on runs and in the
pocket and throw it away if necessary. All of the other Buckeye weapons must be
aware of this as well. Don’t give the Ducks a short field.
Photo courtesy of Cameron Roda
2) PRESSURE MARIOTA – I know he’s only thrown three picks all year, but he threw
one last week against F.S.U. Why? The Seminoles kept him in the pocket and
pressured him forcing the Heisman Trophy winner to throw the ball before he
wanted to. That’s what the Buckeyes defense line needs to do as well. You’d love
to get sacks of course, but if not, then Joey Bosa, Adolphus Washington, Michael
Bennett and Steve Miller need to control the line of scrimmage, contain the edge
so Mariota can’t roll out and throw as much as he likes to. Continually get in his face and
then when you get a chance, like the 2002 Buckeyes did to Miami’s Ken Dorsey,
hit him hard and hit him often. Make him pay the price for some throws so he’s
keeping an eye out for a defensive lineman and maybe not completely focusing on
his receivers. In a heavyweight title fight like this, body blows will add up in
the later rounds.
Photo courtesy of Cameron Roda
3) WIN T.O.P. – Against a fast paced, rhythm type offense, the best way to
disrupt their rhythm is by keeping the ball away from them. So Ohio State’s best
defense against Oregon may be their offense. In the Ducks four losses over the
last three years with Mariota at QB, they lost the “Time Of Possession” battle
in all four games. Arizona beat them twice and Stanford beat them twice. Both
teams did so by running the ball, controlling the clock and keeping the high
flying Ducks grounded on the sidelines. The Wildcats and Cardinal as a team
rushed for over 200 yards in all four of those games. Enter Ezekiel Elliott, he
of the 450 yards rushing and four touchdowns over the last two games for Ohio
State. Zeke needs to again have a big game on the ground to chew up that clock
and also help set up the play action passing game for Cardale Jones. A third
straight 200+ yard game on the ground by EZ and there is a very good chance the
Buckeyes will be National Champs.
Photo courtesy of Kenny Roda
4) SCORE 7 NOT 3 – Early in the win over Alabama the Buckeyes had two different
“First and Goal” opportunities and both times Urban Meyer’s offense had to settle for
field goals. O.S.U. was able to overcome that then, but they can ill afford to do that
against a potent Oregon offense. The Ducks are averaging 47 points a game, so
when you get in the redone against them you have to score 7. If Oregon holds you
to 3, they look at that as like creating a turnover because they feel their
offense will come down and put up 7 on you.
Photo courtesy of Cameron Roda
5) DUCK WRAP – Oregon is going to score some points against the Buckeyes. You
have to accept that. They’re that good. But you have to make them earn it. Don’t
give up the big play. In order to do that you must be fundamentally sound in
your tackling technique. You must hold up, wrap up and tackle the ball carrier
at first contact. Don’t go for the highlight hit, instead just do your job, be
where you’re supposed to be and make the tackle.
Prediction: OHIO STATE 45 OREGON 42
