Ohio State vs. Toledo Preview
Ohio State Buckeyes 1-0 (15) vs. Toledo Rockets 1-0
September 10, 2011
12:00 noon - Big Ten Network
Ohio Stadium
Columbus, Ohio
The Drama: 48-0 is nice but these guys aren’t Akron.
With the first game out of the way you would think rookie head coach Luke Fickell could take a breather. Not so. Toledo is probably the best team in the MAC and had an impressive victory last week over New Hampshire. While UNH isn’t a national powerhouse, the Rockets still put up 591 yards and 58 points on the Wildcats last week and dominated the game from start to finish. The Buckeyes can’t afford to take the Rockets lightly and with the big prime time game coming up against Miami (FL) the following week, coach Fickell needs to keep himself and his the young Buckeyes focused on the task at hand.
The Buckeyes will win because: Early scoring and strong defense.
Toledo will try to come out and score early using emotion and fresh legs to keep up with the Buckeyes. If the Buckeyes can get up two touchdowns early, it should deflate any hope that Toledo can compete. I’m not expecting a shut out here but the earlier OSU scores the sooner the Rocket’s well of adrenalin dries up.
The Buckeyes will lose because: Lack of focus and turnovers.
The big game against Miami (FL) under the lights next week is looming and will be a huge distraction to the young Buckeye squad if the coaching staff can’t keep them focused. Toledo is hungry for a victory and will not pull any punches looking for any opportunity to strip the ball and put it in the end zone. There is plenty of talent on the Rocket roster and early scoring by Toledo will not only keep their emotions high but also keep the game within reach.
The Rocket spotlight is on: QB Austin Dantin and the Toledo wide receivers.
Eight Rocket wide receivers had double digit yards with senior Bernard Reedy leading the pack with 113. Toledo will lean heavily on the passing game Saturday to move the ball quickly down the field.
“Cooler” Stat of the game (macho stats for the water cooler): 16 – 6
Ohio State has 16 players tipping the scale at 300 pounds or more. Toledo? 6.
The Bottom line: Closer than I like it.
My guess is that the Rockets will ride a tidal wave of adrenalin and get on the board first. After a few short, unsuccessful drives, the Buckeyes will get an ear full from coach Fickell and staff and right the ship. It will be a 10 point game at halftime but the Bucks pull away starting in the second half.
Prediction: OSU 38 – UT 13
It won’t be pretty at first and most likely will be close at halftime but the Silver Bullet defense will shut down the Rockets and the OSU offense will cruise to a victory.
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By 'Pia' Pete Quint
TBDBITL 1992-96
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