Ohio State Football: 3 bold predictions vs Rutgers
1. J.K. Dobbins delivers a statement performance in his first Big-10 game
One of the best surprises of the Ohio State Buckeyes’ 2017 season has been the emergence of freshman phenom J.K. Dobbins. After arriving on campus a few short months ago, Dobbins has become an instant fan favorite for a team that still misses former All-American Ezekiel Elliott. Much like Elliot, Dobbins has become a favorite of sixth year head coach Urban Meyer.
A 4-star recruit from La Grange, Texas, Dobbins is currently averaging 130 yards per game, and has amassed 520 yards and three touchdowns on 69 carries for the Buckeyes in only four games this season. That’s good for a 7.5 yards-per-carry average.
Dobbins’ ability to control the pace of the game either between the tackles and on outside runs has helped to keep the Ohio State offense on the field. That’s helped keep the defense fresh. That trend should continue this week against Rutgers.
So far this season, Rutgers has fielded the 37th ranked rushing defense in the nation. The Scarlet Knights are giving up an average of 118.8 yards on the ground per game. However, these performances have come from opponents like Nebraska, Eastern Michigan and Morgan State, with only Washington serving as a relatively even basis for comparison against Ohio State.
But unlike Washington, who only ran the ball 24 times for 84 yards against Rutgers, Ohio state has shown that they are committed to the run regardless of the score. Dobbins is averaging almost 18 carries per game even in a number of lopsided blowout victories.
Next: 25 Bold Predictions for the Top 25 - Week 5
Even as Urban Meyer’s squad continues to blow out lesser opponents in impressive fashion, his team has continued to fall down the AP Top 25 Poll, so don’t expect the Buckeyes to take their foot off the gas in Week 5 against Rutgers regardless of the score.