I haven't done one of these for a few games, but I feel like the keys to this game are jumping out at me. This is going to be a quick highlight of those key points.
OSU's Running Game:
I called for the Hyde/Herron/Hall trio to put up about 230 yards rushing this week. That doesn't include Braxton Miller's rushing yards, but I'm hoping he doesn't have to take off too much. Illinois' pass rush is good enough to make him take off. Play-calling needs to rely on our rushing game to open up the pass. I hate thinking that this offense is all in the hands of Jim Bollman, but I feel like a man making as much money as he does can learn to get better. It's obvious that he didn't have to do much while Coach Tress was running the show. This is a team that needs smart play-calling. There has to be balance between conservative or aggressive and run or pass, but it is clear that the run needs to be used to open the pass. If the offense was put in a similar situation as last week, I would expect them to focus on running the ball; but whatever they do they need to sustain a drive to give the defense a break.
OSU's Passing Game:
This is an area that looked so much better last week...while Braxton was in. I do not want to see Joe Bauserman play meaningful snaps ever again. He hasn't done anything this year, or ever for that fact; so you have to give Kenny Guiton the #2 spot. The passing game used better play-calling and good decision making by Braxton to be efficient last week. Philly looked good, and it was nice to see Stoney get to run one in. The things I would like to see this week is an early shot downfield, if the wind's not too bad, and us passing to the backs more. Hopefully, that includes getting Jordan Hall in the slot like we'd heard about, and that's a possibility with Herron back. We need Braxton to have another efficient game, and much of that hinges on the offensive line's ability to keep one of the nation's best pass rushes out of the Buckeye backfield. JB Shugarts needs to play well with the Big Ten's leading sacker, who guarenteed a win over OSU and said said he wanted to rub it in, lining up around him throughout the game. A good running game can take pressure off the passing game, but if Braxton isn't slowed down by his ankle; he could have some big scrambling runs against this defense that brings pressure. This will be a good test for OSU. The bucks have to pick up the rush, and Braxton needs to either find the gap to scramble or get rid of the ball quick. This will be the most interesting aspect when the Buckeyes have the ball.
Illinois' Running Game:
The option is dangerous for this defense, and we saw it last week in the second half. Tackling is crucial. They play 3 RB's who run very different, like OSU's RB's. Etienne Sabino will need to play well. We need to be in position and execute proper tackling techniques. We can't stand for whiffing like Bryant did last week. We have to keep our feet moving to attack ball carriers. Sabino stopped moving his feet many times last week which allowed Nebraska's RB to run around him. These are the little things that happen when players get tired, but they're fundamentals that need to be executed. Illinois' QB is a tough player with talent. He likes running the ball and makes pretty good decisions with the ball. The Buckeyes need to slow this team early and stay on them. Our guys are young and capable of big things, but they are also prone to errors. As long as they continue to improve, we'll be okay.
Illinois' Passing Game:
AJ Jenkins, know where he is at all times. Travis Howard is great when he's facing the QB, but he has not played well when he's facing away. Bradly Roby ran his mouth this week saying AJ Jenkins wasn't really that good, so now he needs to backup his words with actions. The issue when playing this Illinois team is that they're capable of throwing short or deep and running at you or stretching the field. Our defense has to run and tackle well, but we have to play in position and not get lazy. Our pass rush has lacked, and that's an understatement, this season which is due to the injury of Nate Williams; but they need to find a way to get to the QB. The Illinois stadium is known for having some crazy winds, and this might be a factor in the down-field passing game. We can only hope.
Special Teams:
Illinois hasn't been getting good production from their punter, and they allowed Indiana to return a kickoff for a TD.
OSU needs some big returns to help with field position and momentum. Jordan Hall should have fresh legs, and he or Jaamal Berry are capable of taking one to the house. I feel that one of them will have a big return this week. Drew Basil has been solid since a shaky start, and Ben Buchanan has been dropping punts inside the 20 on a consistent basis. If the coaches call a good game, special teams could be huge for OSU.
The Conclusion:
The return of Boom Herron gives the Buckeyes some more production on the ground, but more importantly it gives us motivation, confidence, and leadership. Could he be the missing link? We'll find out soon enough.
This is a tough game for both teams who are playing different roles than they're used to. The Bucks need to pull it together, and if they do; they'll be rewarded with a win. If I had to put money on it, I'd say that Bollman somehow messes things up again; and our defense needs good play from the offense. We need this win so bad, to the point that it could change the direction the rest of this season goes. Let's all say a prayer for this one. Go Bucks!
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