There’s no need to spend much time previewing the Ohio State – Indiana game on Saturday. In theory, one could make an argument that this game is potentially an early trap game. It’s a Big Ten game on the road to open the season. The underdog has been preparing and licking their chops for months thinking about this game, probably since the final whistle to end the 2022 season.
If Indiana still had quarterback phenom Michael Penix, Jr, this would be a contest. Penix gave Ohio State difficulties two years ago playing for Indiana and showed great potential leading a resurgent Hoosier offense. However, after the 2021 season he entered the transfer portal and landed in Seattle. Penix had a great year in 2022 for the Washington Huskies. What could have been for the Indiana Hoosiers…
The relevant question to ask is what can Ohio State do on Saturday to help them prepare for the game in South Bend against Notre Dame on September 23? Ohio State has three games against overmatched opponents leading up to the showdown with the Fighting Irish. After Indiana, Ohio State plays lower division Youngstown State followed by Western Kentucky. Please cover your mouth when you yawn.
There are a few looming questions for Ohio State fans? How will Kyle McCord fare as the new starting quarterback, and can he live up to the parade of star quarterbacks that have been leading the Buckeye offense in recent years? Has McCord rekindled the magic with his high school wide receiver Marvin Harrison, Jr.? I would venture to say yes, but to what extent we won’t find out in these first three games.
Will someone emerge in Ohio State’s backfield as a durable, go-to running back? TreVeyon Henderson showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman in 2021 but was hampered with a foot injury for the majority of 2022 and underperformed. Miyan Williams is a great north-south runner in the trenches but has not showed the speed to break a run outside or take it to the house. Both running backs should get fair number of reps in the upcoming three games, but they aren’t against quality opposition. We just want to see how they look.
A few more questions will undoubtedly arise after the dust has cleared from the Indiana game, but nothing that can’t be ironed out the next two weeks. So just sit back and relax, don’t get too nervous if the game is still close a few minutes before halftime. Ohio State will win by at least four touchdowns.
Guancous Armore
August 31, 2023 at 11:57 pm
Very astute analysis!
Excited to see what Marvin Harrison can do this season.