Buckeyes, Coaches Look for More Progression

The Buckeyes Celebrate the Big 'W'

In a season that has contained some highs and many lows, the Buckeyes are currently soaring about as high as they possibly could. It's not unlikely for a team to under-achieve when put in the situation that the Buckeyes are facing right now, but this is a team that has just found new life. They are back home against an inferior Indiana team as they look to avoid any kind of hangover from their upset win of Wisconsin in a game that was emotionally exhausting but well-worth the cost.

The Bucks have been solid in almost all aspects of the game over their last two contests as the team has started to mature and gel, but the one big problem seems to be finishing games. Saturday almost marked the second instance of the season when the Bucks gave up a big lead in the 4th quarter. This isn't including the late charge that Illinois took at the Bucks which came up very short. For some reason, the players seem to give up big plays and stop moving the ball on offense as they attempt to sit on the big lead.

The issue all revolves around coaching whether we're dealing with attitude, endurance, or play-calling. This team has taken total 180's twice only to be saved in their most recent contest by the late game heroics of a true freshman QB. Something is happening on that sideline and in that press box that needs to change. These coaches and players can't get comfortable with a lead especially against a solid offense. The rotation on the D-line needs to be a little more active to avoid draining key players before the 4th quarter. These, like the QB rotation, are minor coaching errors that need to be made if this team expects to continue to make noise down the home stretch of their season.

The season was very blurry before it unexpectedly came into focus last week, and OSU will look to avoid stumbling back into the haze of uncertainty. The cloud of NCAA sanctions will fall on the Bucks in the coming weeks, but the effects of that will be dealt with as needed. The cloud could catch back up to the Bucks if they stumble down the stretch in games which they should be favored. They look to continue their current trend of winning this weekend against Indiana.

Boom Herron is a Force for the Buckeyes

OSU is the heavy favorite as they head into the game with Indiana this weekend. Look for the Bucks to build a big lead by running the ball, playing solid special teams, and harrassing the gimpy Indiana offense with their dominant defense. This has been the key to the Buckeye's success.

Herron should have a huge game, but don't be surprised to see Carlos Hyde try to make the most out of any opportunity he gets since Jordan Hall will sit with an ankle injury. This offensive line should dominate the game, and I wouldn't be surprised to see OSU get 250-275 yards as a team.

The passing game is something that is expected to have recently taken a few steps in the right direction, but look for Jim Bollman to stay conservative with the passing game as he does not want to risk losing the confidence Braxton Miller has built. I wouldn't rule out 15 passes, but they will surely work on basics.

Ryan Shazier Blocks a Wisconsin Punt

The return game took a shot with Hall's injury, but Chris Fields will step in; and he is the only Buckeye who has a TD return this season. Hall will return for later games, but Fields and others should fill in fine. The defensive special teams got a big punt block from Ryan Shazier last week, and they have looked must better against returns this season. We could see some more big plays this week from the OSU special teams. Don't forget that OSU's kickers have been spot on. These guys don't get mentioned unless they're messing up, so it's good that they're not the center of attention.

The defense has been stellar in recent weeks.  Indiana loses their best two WR's for the season starting this week, so I would expect their offense to sputter against a solid Buckeye D. I would like to see more lineman get in the rotation for OSU to prepare for this final stretch, and we know the Bucks have the players. At the very least, we should see guys come in for mop-up duty.

Curtis Grant Celebrates Blocked Punt Recovery

Speaking of mop-up duty, hopefully we will see Kenny Guiton take his first snaps of the season. I know fans are waiting for the moment to shove that in Bollman's face, but it will be nice if we could see players like Curtis Grant and Doran Grant among many other stars in waiting for this young Buckeye squad.

I look for a dominant victory for the Buckeyes this weekend, and as long as OSU only worries about themself; the rest of the cards will fall in place. I mean, look where this team is in the Big Ten and how far they've come. As long as they focus on improving their own game, they will be just fine.

Go Bucks!