Ohio State vs. Akron Preview
Ohio State Buckeyes 0-0 (18) vs. Akron Zips 0-0
September 3, 2011
12:00 noon – Alumni Game, 75th Anniversary of “Script Ohio”
Ohio Stadium
Columbus, Ohio
The Drama: So much going on my head hurts.
The soap opera that has been Ohio State this summer has been summarized and analyzed to the point of me wanting to jump off a bridge into the Olentangy. Gross. The drama isn’t over but finally the games are here so our focus will solely be on the game itself. First year head coach Luke Fickell has a couple of cupcakes to start the season and he really needs them to get the engine primed. While stocked deep with talent, the Buckeyes will have an unusual amount of first time starters; most notably at quarterback.
The Buckeyes will win because: The Buckeyes are bigger, stronger, faster and more talented.
With respect to the Akron players and fans, the Zips are just not in the same class of athlete. This will be a fabulous game for the Buckeyes to knock off the rust. Get out your depth charts because there will be a lot of new faces and names in the fourth quarter.
The Buckeyes will lose because: Turnovers.
The only thing that will derail a Buckeye victory would be a lot of offensive turnovers. The Zip defense is pretty good…by MAC standards. I expect to see a few loose balls while the new starters get acquainted with their teammates and the speed of the game.
The Zips spotlight is on: The Zip Defense.
Led by linebacker Brian Wagner, the veteran defense will be an early test for the young Buckeye offensive skill players.
"Cooler" Stat of the game (macho stats for the water cooler): Full circle.
Jim Tressel coached his first game at Ohio State in 2001 against Akron (28-14 win). Today, new head coach Luke Fickell will also meet the Zips on the field for his inaugural game at the head of the Buckeye program.
The Bottom line: Bucks roll and win big.
You can point out that Michigan losing to Appalachian State is the perfect example that on any given Saturday, any team can be beaten but this Saturday, it’s not happening. Akron was 1-11 in 2011 and the Buckeyes will prove too much. Get out the depth chart because there will be a lot of new numbers flying around the field.
Prediction: Killer Nuts 32 – Zip-a-Roos 10
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By 'Pia' Pete Quint
TBDBITL 1992-96
Buckeye50.com
