The #2 Ohio State Buckeyes Squeaked out a win vs #5 Notre Dame this past Saturday, however it wasn’t pretty. Many expected fireworks from the offense with two Heisman betting favorites, QB CJ Stroud and RB Treveyon Henderson, on the Ohio State offense. However, the showing left much to be desired. Phillip Riggs here at Gridiron Heroics has a great recap. Click the link to check a full in-depth recap on Ohio st. Vs Notre Dame.
Getting The Offense on Track
This Saturday, the #2 Ohio State Buckeyes take on the Arkansas State Red Wolves. This will be a much needed tune up game for the offense. Ryan Day, has always had a high powered offensive machine, and I don’t expect anything different this year. Look for this to be a “get right” game for the offense. CJ Stroud will look to his other playmakers for someone to step up in place of Julian Fleming and Smith-Njiba due to injuries. Ohio State is still loaded at the wide out position with Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, Jayden Ballard, and Xavier Johnson.
Xavier Johnson is a former walk-on and 5th year Red Shirt Senior. He stepped up big last Saturday, pulling in the go ahead touchdown. With the top two options in the Ohio State passing game likely to be sidelined, they will need him to continue this high level of play.
The two headed monster running back duo of Treveyon Henderson and Miyan Williams, will look to stay hot against the Red Wolves. The two proved Saturday night with the game on the line they can put it away. Williams averaged 6.0 YPC while Henderson had the slight edge at 6.1 YPC against a stout Notre Dame Defense.
Defensive Changes Look Good Early
Since Ryan Day took over as head coach and as good as the offense always is, the defense has had buckeye fans complaining for years. This off-season changes finally came. Kerry Coombs moved on, and as a result, Day brought in Jim Knowles. Knowles took the Oklahoma State Defense from laughable to one of the top defenses in the Big 12. Ohio state knew it had to make a splash and Knowles was the guy.
In his first game as Defensive coordinator, they allowed just 253 total yards against #5 ranked Notre Dame. Third down efficiency was key, allowing just three conversions on 13 attempts. Arkansas State put up 58 points against Grambling State last week, led by QB James Blackman a transfer from Florida State. Look for leading tackler and sack getter Tommy Eichenberg to make several more impact plays this weekend.
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