OSU vs YSU Game Preview

Ohio State – Youngstown St. Game Preview

The 2008 season starts with several entertaining games on Thursday and Friday of this week. Most notably Georgia Tech, under new coach Paul Johnson, will unveil their “triple option” attack against Jacksonville State on Thursday night. Go Jackets!!!! However entertaining this game (and others) may be, everyone knows the season really starts on Saturday and one of the first games to kick-off will be Ohio State vs. Youngstown State from the “Shoe”. . Last year’s game ended 38-6 in favor of the Buckeyes. I don’t think it will be that close this year. With the negotiations between Time Warner and the Big Ten network finally producing results, I’ll be able to watch the game in the comfort of my home instead of at a bar. That is a pleasant surprise.

What to look for on Saturday:

· Like I said in my preview of the upcoming year, Ohio State’s season hinges on several key factors…all of which will be on display this Saturday. The running game will be a constant all year. I’m excited to see what a healthy Beanie Wells will do. The short and intermediate passing game should also be able to consistently deliver positive yards.
There are only two questions most Buckeye fans have about the offense. #1 Will Todd Boekman be a better decision maker this year? #2 How soon/often will Terrelle Pryor see playing time? I want to see Boekman stay patient in the pocket, going through his reads and finding the open receiver. I do not want to see him with happy feet, forcing the ball into double coverage. While it won’t make a difference in the outcome of this game, solid play by Boekman this week and next would make me feel much better about the USC game in week three. I’m going against conventional wisdom and stating that while we will see Pryor for several series on Saturday (I’m guessing the 3rd or 4th series plus several others), anyone thinking the Coach Tressel is going to dust off the “Stanley Jackson – Joe Germaine Revolving QB Attack” is going to be disappointed. The depth chart at Bucknuts.com still reads Boekman – Bauserman – Pryor. I’m comfortable with that progression.
· I also mentioned the need for improved play on the defensive line as well as a more physical presence by the cornerbacks and safeties. Creating a few more turnovers should be a key by- product of those two things. I don’t expect YSU to be able to mount any serious challenges on the ground or through the air. The second and third teams should see extensive time in the second half.
How it will go:
· Beanie will go for 135 yards on 20 carries. He’ll score two touchdowns, one on a run of 30+ yards.
· Boekman will throw the ball all over the field (in a controlled manner) to six different receivers. He’ll throw 2 touchdowns, one on a long pass to Robiskie. I’m saying he will avoid throwing any interceptions.
· The defense will pitch the first of several shutouts this year.
· The bad taste left in our mouths after the BCS title game will be replaced with the sweet taste of victory.
I have it 45 – 0.
Go Bucks!!!!!!

-Buckeye John