Cole’s Corner: Ohio State vs Minnesota Preview; Predicting Power Five Records

The Buckeyes are once again a favorite to make it back to the College Football Playoff, but this time would be behind the arm of redshirt freshman C.J. Stroud. Stroud is an excellent pocket passer but not as strong of a runner as Justin Fields. Don’t expect too many designed runs this season and a playbook that more similarly replicates the time when Dwayne Haskins was the starting quarterback.

Stroud should have plenty of time to operate behind a large, extremely talented offensive line. Josh Myers and Wyatt Davis are now in the NFL which caused some reshuffling upfront. Four natural tackles find spots in the starting group as Nicholas Petit-Frere moves from right tackle to left tackle and Dawand Jones fills the void at right tackle. Thayer Munford slides inside from left tackle to left guard and tackle Paris Johnson Jr. starts at right guard. Last year’s left guard, Harry Miller, moves to center.

The reshuffling on the o-line makes Ohio State’s line one of the biggest in the country.

LT: Nicholas Petit-Frere, 6’5”, 315 pounds

LG: Thayer Munford, 6’6”, 320 pounds

C: Harry Miller, 6’4”, 315 pounds

RG: Paris Johnson Jr, 6’6”, 315 pounds

RT: Dawand Jones, 6’8”, 360 pounds

The talented targets for Stroud might actually be the biggest story on this side of the ball. Senior wide receiver Chris Olave and junior wide receiver Garrett Wilson are two of the top five receivers in the country this season. Both are not only expected to have excellent seasons, but both are first round draft projections for 2022.

The list continues for the weapons at wide receiver as Stroud will also be able to target sophomore Julian Fleming, sophomore Jaxon Smith-Njigba, freshman Emeka Egbuka and freshman Marvin Harrison Jr.

Star tight end Jeremy Ruckert might be overshadowed by the receivers this season, yet a strong showing in the receiving game and as a blocker could establish him as a top tight end in the upcoming draft. Converted linebacker/defensive end Cade Stover and converted wide receiver Gee Scott Jr. might also get into the mix occasionally.

The running back room is full of talent like the rest of the roster, yet it provides the questions. Who really should start? Should it be Master Teague, the experienced back with plenty of strength and physicality? Will it be Miyan Williams, the breakout back in the offseason who runs like a human bowling ball? Might we see star freshman TreVeyon Henderson early on?

I would expect Teague to receive the first carries on Thursday night and then the other two will get incorporated slowly but surely week one.

The silver bullets will be dependent on their pass rushing ability, though it is hard to imagine that most offensive lines will be able to handle the defensive front of Ohio State. At defensive end junior Zach Harrison and senior Tyreke Smith will likely start with redshirt junior Javontae Jean-Baptiste, freshman Jack Sawyer and freshman J.T. Tuimoloau all getting reps. Senior end Tyler Friday will miss the entire 2021 season with a torn ACL.

The interior defensive line does not have quite the same depth but Haskell Garrett is expected to dominate. Lining up next to Garrett is most likely Taron Vincent with Jerron Cage and Antwuan Jackson prepared to see the field as well.

At linebacker, Teradja Mitchell and Cody Simon are expected to man the middle with Dallas Gant and K’Vaughan Pope as their backups. These roles will be extremely important as the bullet is expected to be used much more this season. Ronnie Hickman and Craig Young will both likely get some time at the bullet this season.

In the secondary, Sevyn Banks returns as the top corner with Cameron Brown opposite him. Josh Proctor, Marcus Williamson and Lathan Ransom will all have time at safety.

Cole’s Prediction on the next page