Friday, September 25, 2015

Western Michigan

So what will happen on Saturday?  Let me bring in my spokesman to clarify what will happen.

Known Knowns – Hey.  The Silver Bullets are pretty good.  No. 5 in Total Defense.  No. 5 in passing yards allowed.  No. 4 in pass efficiency defense.   No. 11 in scoring defense.  And we have not allowed a rush of 20 yards or more – 1 of 4 teams to have that distinction.  We also know these people will be awesome.

Known Unknowns – How will this guy perform (especially on this diet?):

Honestly, all I ate today was two chocolate chip cookies and five peanut butter cookies

More

Will the slobs block?  Will Zeke get the 20-25 carries we all think he needs?  Will you be satisfied with this person as your sideline reporter for the game?

Unknown Unknowns – Well, I don’t know what I don’t know.

This is the first time TOSU and WMU have hooked up.  The Broncos have almost completed their goal of losing to every B1G team having gone 0-13 over the past 7 seasons to 9 different teams.  (After Saturday, only Penn State, Wisconsin, Rutgers & Maryland remain).  They do have former OSU Grad Asst and reigning MAC Coach of the Year PJ Fleck on the sidelines.  They also return 6 All-Mac offensive players as well as 2014 MAC’s Offensive player of the year and Freshman of the Year, Jarvion Franklin.  And their QB has thrown for over 300+ yards in each of the first three games.  So, their offense is supposed to be pretty good and you will undoubtedly hear this a few times on Saturday.

As for their defense . . . well . . . let’s just say they are not proficient in stopping . . . anyone.  The Broncos are giving up 225 yards/game on the ground, and they have surrendered 10 rushing TDs in 3 games.  Their passing defense stats are acceptable, but probably only because it is so easy (in theory) to run on them.  

The line opened up at -28, but it is now up to -31.5, with the over/under at 61.   The money seems to indicate that bettors believe the Buckeyes will get their offense woes ironed out.  If there ever was a time to get our act together, it would be this week.  This is not a stout defense with an All-American DB.  The Buckeyes SHOULD be able to move the ball down the field rather easily even with the Broncos stacking the box waiting for the run.  However, WMU has one of the best offenses in the MAC and did put 24 up on MSU.  I don’t think we completely stop them – just slow them down (and then they should sound like this – by the way, is it just me or does this guy look like our own Don Powell with shaggy hair?)

Buckeyes are 1-2 ATS and WMU is 2-1.   The Bronocos are also a very nice 8-3 as an away dog over the past 2+ seasons.  Our offense is not gelling.  Even if they were, I think I would still advise you to take points, but bet the over.


Schaef says:  Ohio State 42, Western Michigan  24.

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