This was a very good test for the 2015 team to open the season. They played a very strong defense in a hostile environment and had a nice opening performance. If I was a playoff voter, I would take note of a team that has the stones to open on the road versus a quality opponent. That counts more to me than the slew of neutral site games that SEC schools schedule that are ALWAYS at a neutral site in the South.
I thought that Urban Meyer and his staff had the guys ready to roll out of the gates, which is very important in a loud environment. I am sure that many of the Hokie fans at Lane Stadium were scared when we quickly went up 14-0, especially since they received the opening kickoff. Our issue was we then proceeded to have a “Murphy’s Law” second quarter. We missed a FG, had a tipped ball INT, and muffed a punt in a very regrettable stretch. Those three combined to give them life when in fact they should have been buried. That is a great teaching moment for this team, and I think they will benefit from it in the long run.
I thought Ed Warinner had a nice debut as offensive coordinator versus a very good defense on the road. There will always be a few rocky moments against a team that runs exclusively Bear defense, but that defense allowed us to yield multiple highlight reel moments. The Bear is the ultimate “Feast or Famine” defense, as the alignment of the defensive line and the proximity of the linebackers and safeties will yield short gains in the running game and some tackles for a loss. While that sounds sexy on the front end, you better be ready to give up some explosive plays on the backend. Ohio State did just that, ripping off 360 yards rushing and 572 yards of total offense. We had three TDs of 50+ plus in distance, which is why teams only dabble in the Bear, as opposed to using it full time. Once you get either past your man in the throwing game or past the first level in the running game, there is literally nobody home.
Luke Fickell and Chris Ash did a nice job of running exotic 3rd down blitz packages that were either in an Odd(3-4) look or a straight Bear front. This makes more difficult to distinguish who the known rushers are for the offensive line, and confusion often leads to pressures and sacks. We have some elite pass rushers(Sam and Adolphous), and we get to add our 105 mph fastball back this weekend as Joey Bosa returns to his familiar 5-Technique DE spot. This defense has a very high ceiling and it is truly amazing how the tackling has progressed since 2013. Credit the defensive staff on that one.
There isn’t enough that can be said about Braxton Miller and his selfless switch to playing the H receiver. He was the difference in the game, as his two 50+ yard scores helped propel the team from a 17-14 hole to a commanding 28-17 lead. I think that his eight touches are about perfect for him in his new role, as the biggest goal is just keeping him healthy for the stretch run. In addition, I think his draft stock will soar. He is a more explosive version of Antwaan Randle El, who was chosen 62nd overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. I believe 62nd is Braxton’s floor in terms of draft position, as long has he stays healthy.
In closing, and I have said this in a few threads already, please enjoy this season. We have a coach who is absolutely in the zone and a team that is as physically gifted as I’ve ever seen in college football. We would be substantially favored versus any team in college football. We will likely set the record for NFL Draft picks in a single year come next May. We are KILLING it in recruiting. This is the Platinum Era of Ohio State football. It will never be better than it is now. Enjoy it.
