I spoke to a source tied in to the program ahead of this weekend's game and here is what I got to pass along:
- "The expectation is that UC will try to play 'Tressel Ball', eating the clock whenever they can and playing keep away from us, when they're on offense. Time of possession, field position, tough defense, limit mistakes---that is the name of the game for Fickell this week. They're going to try and get things going with their running back [Michael Warren], who is a physical runner. Yeah, he's banged up a bit, but I don't expect that to stop him from trying to run through people. This is a kid who definitely wanted to play at Ohio State and felt he could. He is going to be playing with some juice in this one."
- "Look for UC to also use their tight end. You saw how effective the FAU tight end was, and I think UC feels their guy is better. He reminds me of Jake Butt a lot when I watch him. They're definitely going to try to test Pete [Werner] with him throughout the game. I would actually look to put Malik [Harrison] on him and let him go to work."
- "I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bearcats use their corners to pinch against our run and blitz. FAU had a lot of success with this last week and I expect Fickell and [Marcus] Freeman to play copy cat. It was clear in watching the film that a number of players had missed assignments in the blocking game---ranging from the O-line to J.K. [Dobbins] to [Luke] Farrell to receivers. We have to be better this week in recognizing what the defense is doing on the blitzing/pressure front and adjust quicker."
- "Our staff expects UC to try and load the box, shut down the run game, and force [Justin] Fields to beat them with his arm. They will not let us beat them with Dobbins and Fields on the ground. I wouldn't be surprised if Coach Day calls some deep shots early--if he hits a couple it will loosen the box up a bit."
- "The first quarter will be key in this one, in my opinion. I think if we don't star fast, it's going to be a long and gut-wrenching night. Need to get points on the board early and put them in a hole so that they can't lean on their game plan/comfort zone."
- "Luke [Fickell] can say all the right things publicly, but I know him personally---he wants to win this game more than anything. You're going to get his best shot, believe that."
- "Master Teague has been told to expect to play more. I wouldn't be surprised to see him come in on the third or fourth series and how he runs then will dictate how much he plays after that. Obviously that could change if J.K. comes out hot and is rolling. They'll definitely play the hot hand, but the expectation going into this one is that Master earned more carries."
- "Hate to give predictions, but since you ask (I did), is that this one is a closer game for three-and-a-half quarters, but that we pull away in the back half of the fourth, and win by something like 13 or 14."
