And so it begins again . . .
Of course, you know by now that the Buckeyes have won 34
consecutive home openers with the last loss being . . . anyone? Anyone?
Buehler? Buehler? Penn State in 1978 (Art Schlichter’s first
game). Ohio State has won those 34 by an average of 23
points. Buffalo is up next and as you may know the Bulls are in the
MAC. Ohio State is 17-0 v. the MAC since 2000 and the Bulls are 1-5
v. the Big Ten with their only win coming just 113 years ago v. Penn
State. Yes, you read that correctly. They beat PSU in
1900. The Bulls have won a total of 9 games in the past 3 years, so
naturally Ohio State will roll and cover the 35 points Vegas has set for the
spread.
As Lee Corso would say, “Not so fast, my friend.”
Last year, Buffalo went down to Georgia (then ranked No. 6)
on the 2012 opening weekend and played with the Bulldogs, losing only 23-45 in
a game much closer than the score indicated. FYI – Georgia was a 38 point
favorite. In 2011, the Bulls went to Pitt, and although they were a
30.5 point underdog, Buffalo played the Panthers tough, eventually losing
16-35. Two huge point spreads against major conference teams, and
both times the Bulls not only covered, but made the games interesting.
Now imagine this scenario: Braxton Miller looking to
pass, and 2-time 1st team MAC LB Khalil Mack (No. 46 in your
program, with an NFL ready body of 6’3” 250), who by the way would have led the
Buckeyes in sacks, comes streaking in unblocked and Braxton doesn’t see
him. The collision occurs and Braxton doesn’t get up.
I worry about that. And if you think I’m overreacting,
well, you are correct. But, we had a lot of luck last
year. A lot of luck. Everything resorts to the mean and
I cannot help but think that some bad breaks may be coming. Khalil
Mack will be drafted in April and he’s a bad m---f---. We need to
be aware of him and not let him hit No. 5.
Buffalo can stay in games because they run, they run well,
and they don’t abandon the run despite the score. Senior Branden
Oliver (32) missed 5 games last year and still had 820 yards. He had
1,400 yards 2 years ago. When Oliver was out, Devin Campbell (21) had 3
100 yard games. And they are not piling up yards on the weak
sisters of the MAC, as the Bulls put up 200 yards rushing v. Georgia.
Given the newness of our front 7, Buffalo’s rushing game could keep our high
powered offense off the field and kill some clock. Unsure of who will
start at QB. Senior Alex Zordich (15) likes to run and throw, but he
missed the last 4 games. Sophomore Joe Licata (16) came in and threw the
ball very well, but does not run. So, two completely different
styles. When Buffalo throws, it goes to Senior Alex Neutz
(19). Neutz had almost 40% of Buffalo’s receptions in 2012 as he compiled
eye-popping stats of 65 catches for 1,015 yards and 11 TDs.
On defense – did I mention Khalil Mack already? – the Bulls
have 7 returning starters (all juniors and seniors) and arguably the best LB
and DB corps in the MAC.
Now, if this all sounds like doom and gloom, don’t worry.
Ohio State will win and win by double digits. I mean, in the past 14
years as a Division I program, Buffalo has won a total of 39 games.
None of those wins are against a team from one of the major conferences, unless
you give them credit for beating Rutgers in 2000 when Rutgers was not Rutgers
yet. My point is that the Bulls should not be underestimated.
That being said, I think the Buckeyes do win big and even
cover the 35. I think we have too much talent on offense and I think our
defense will be able to focus on stopping the run. And even Luke
Fickell covered v. Akron is his first game as head coach. I
don’t see Buffalo getting more than 13, and I see our offense putting up at
least 50. So, take the Buckeyes and give the points, and bet the
over (55.5):
Schaef says: Ohio State 56, Buffalo 13.
FYI – Current forecast for Saturday in Columbus: 90
with a chance of a T-storm. Hot and humid. Buffalo will have
60 players, Buckeyes should dress 85. Just sayin.
No comments:
Post a Comment