OSU Sunday
So let's talk about OSU. I end up watching a number of their games (yes, I know, forgive me) as I have a number of Bucknut relatives. We've actually come to a peaceful way to manage this divide: we each cheer the other's team on (I mean, not really, but you know) until The Game, which we never talk about. I recommend it as an approach to staying friendly and cordial.
Anyhow, I watched the Buckeyes a number of times this season. There are things that make me happy, and things that make me worry. Right now, my top happiness: I think their defense is not very good. They do have a few playmakers (Tuimoloau is a beast at DE, and Eichenberg is a good linebacker), but I think their line isn't much different than last year, and their back four are not great bordering on bad. So, this is good: we will be able to move the ball on them, and will be able to score. Not sure if they'll be as Charmin soft as last year though.
A second happiness: Stroud under pressure. He is NOT the same QB when the rush arrives. He is also not a gifted runner (at one point he kept the ball against Maryland on an option read and got lit up). Clearly, getting to him is the difference between him being a Heisman candidate and just ok.
Things that make me unhappy. Well, there are the obvious things. Marvin Harrison Jr. is a beast. He is tall and fast and honestly makes all our receivers seem as if they are in a different class. Even if JSN doesn't come back next week (and I really hope he doesn't) they are a handful because of MHJ.
And, my biggest new unhappiness: they may have found a running back yesterday, some true freshman named Dallan Hayden. Honestly he looked way better than anything I've seen from them this year. Perhaps the only good news is that running is anathema to Day; it feels like they don't think they can depend on it. I hope this continues.
Anyhow, what do you all think? What makes you happy about OSU, and what makes you worry?
My prediction for the Game: it will be a tough one. I'm hoping it's close into the fourth, because the longer it stays close, I think the more we have a chance (OSU really is a frontrunner). But I'm not as optimistic as I was say a few weeks ago. My head says 34-31 OSU, but let's go with the heart: 38-34 UM.
November 20th, 2022 at 7:22 PM ^
OSU alum here. I come in peace. I have the utmost respect for the rivalry and can honestly say that both teams coming in 11-0 is how it should be. I know I’m supposed to talk smack but I honestly have no idea how Saturday will turn out. I think it comes down to which team is able to impose its will upon the other.
November 21st, 2022 at 9:44 AM ^
Imposing our will is definitely a strength of this team. Leaping WR who can catch anything thrown their way are a problem, though.
November 21st, 2022 at 8:29 PM ^
I completely agree. I have a hard time seeing OSU imposing its will on a fully-healthy Michigan, but that's the big question.
Unclear what's going on with our most reliable receiver (Schoonmaker), best DE (Morris), one starting CB (Gemon Green), best return man (AJ Henning) and RBs 1a (Corum) and 1b (Edwards, who is also a great receiving threat) (plus a couple OLs--Trevor Keegan and Trente Jones). With all of those guys out, we're toast unless JJ and the WRs miraculously play lights-out (not holding my breath). But it seems some of them were just resting this weekend.
I'm genuinely curious to hear whether an OSU fan thinks the Michigan team that demolished Penn State would get out-physicaled by OSU. That seemed like an impossibility to me a few weeks ago.