by Looking at the Buckeyes, they might have the most impressive team on paper in the entire country. It got even better when Shaun Wade and Wyatt Davis announced their returns to the team for this season.
Ryan Day is only entering his second season as the head coach and is already one of the best in the country after going 13-1 and a perfect 9-0 in the Big Ten last season.
The offense is a huge topic for the Buckeyes. Justin Fields is prepared for a Heisman campaign and will likely be a top 5 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Looking to keep their star quarterback upright is a loaded offensive line with three returning starters in left tackle Thayer Munford, center Josh Myers and right guard Wyatt Davis. The two additions to that already star-studded line is left guard Harry Miller and right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere.
Expect to see the offensive line open up big holes early against Nebraska and Oklahoma transfer Trey Sermon to take advantage of that in the first half. Master Teague is listed as questionable but if he plays, he will also get involved in that action.
Once the Cornhusker defense loads the box to cope with the ground game, Fields will be able to find his plethora of receiving weapons led by Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson.
The offense should have no problem putting up points in this game. That is why the defense is the most important factor on Saturday.
Filling Chase Young’s shoes is priority number one. It is nearly an impossible task to ask of anyone, but a strong committee will assist with that. Tyreke Smith, Tyler Friday and veteran Jonathon Cooper will look to contain Martinez and generate pressure. This could be the first big showing of the heir to Young in Zach Harrison though.
Harrison is a big defensive end at 6’6” and 265 pounds. His athleticism and open-end speed could result in a quarterback’s worst nightmare. Saturday will display if Harrison is ready.
Ohio State used to produce many great linebackers but over the last few years it has been the weakness of the defense. That narrative will change this season as the group is honestly two to three deep at each spot.
Three senior leaders are listed at the starting positions – Tuf Borland, Pete Werner and Baron Browning. Due to Baron Browning’s size, speed and pass rushing ability, a good season could turn him into a first-round draft pick.
It might sound strange but the weakest part of this defense might actually be the secondary this season. Shaun Wade will take on CB1 responsibilities and the rest of the group will have to showcase their abilities quickly. Martinez will likely look to test Sevyn Banks, Josh Proctor and Marcus Williamson early.
That being said, BIA (Best In America) has been practicing against Zone 6 (An electric wide receiver group) each day in practice. They will be ready for the test.
Cole’s Prediction on the next page
