Ohio State Buckeyes versus Central Florida Knights
Ohio Stadium - Columbus, Ohio
Saturday, 9/8/2012
12:00PM
The Buckeyes handled Miami of Ohio last week once the offense got on track, and that took the first quarter. This week the face a bigger challenge as they take on the University of Central Florida, a team that has better athletes and overall players than Miami did.
What to watch for this week:
How Long Will The Offense Take To Get Going?
Against Miami (OH), the offense didn't get into gear until after the first quarter. However, once the offense got hot, it was an unstoppable force for the Redhawks.
You can attribute the slow start to being the first game in a new offense, to rust since there are no preseason games, or to nerves. I am going to say it was a combination of the first two. I don't think it was nerves, a lot of the offensive players played in games last season and Braxton Miller was a starter for most of last season.
This week however, the offense cannot afford to be slow out of the gates. Central Florida is a much better team than Miami of Ohio, and if the Buckeyes can't get into an offensive rhythm, it could spell possible disaster for the Buckeyes on Saturday.
How Will The Pass Defense Fare?
Last week, Ohio State's pass defense had the following statistics:
32/52 pass attempts for 313 yards, 1 TD, 1 Sack, 2 INT
I expected better by the Silver Bullets, but Zac Dysert might just be the best quarterback we face all season. He has such a lighting fast release that the ball is gone before you can sack him. He's going to be an NFL quarterback.
UCF didn't throw a lot last week against Akron, they didn't have to with their run game being dominant. However, Blake Bortles did throw three touchdown passes.
The Buckeyes need to tighten up their pass defense. If the offense starts slow and the defense can't stop the Knights passing game....they could be looking up at the Knights on the scoreboard before they know it.
Will Braxton Miller Put On Another Show?
Last week Miller had one heck of a game. His stat line:
14/24 for 207 yards and 2 TD; 17 rushes for 161 yards and 1 TD
UCF has a much better defense than Miami's does...will Miller be able to make the big plays that will give the Buckeyes a lead? I think he will. He's improving as a passer and is the best athlete on the team, and one of the best in the nation.
He will be making big plays again this week, just watch.
Game MVP: Braxton Miller
Score: Ohio State 43 - UCF 17
