Ohio State football faces a tall test in this primetime game against the Horned Frogs. Can the Buckeyes avoid the upset as they get ready for Big Ten play?
Ohio State’s offense has been one of the best in the country to start the season. Excellent execution in play-calling by fill-in coach Ryan Day and company have helped the Buckeyes avoid any awkward questions about the team’s stability during Urban Myer’s suspension.
Meyer comes off the suspension after this week but it looks like the Buckeyes won’t have an easy task ahead of them.
TCU comes into this game looking to push themselves towards a potential College Football Playoff spot. A victory over a top-five Ohio State team with vault them into the top 10 and help them control their own destiny when we get into bowl season.
As we look at this excellent match here are the five reasons Ohio State will beat the Horned Frogs.
5. Excellent defensive line play
Nick Bosa’s first two games this season have been as expected for the All-American. He’s scored a defensive touchdown and picked up a few sacks and should be a prime candidate for the Bednarik Award.
He isn’t the only force on the Ohio State front four but he is clearly the best.
The Horned Frogs will have to double-team Bosa most of the game if they want to do a good job of protecting the quarterback. On the other side of the defensive line is sophomore Chase Young. The speedster knows how to get to the ball and if the Horned Frogs double-team Bosa look for Young to have an immediate impact.
The key will be Ohio State’s ability to stop the run as they were gashed by Oregon State in Week 1 and could be vulnerable. If the Horned Frogs offensive line can’t get a strong push at the snap the offense will not be able to get in a rhythm. This could be a five or six-sack performance by the Buckeyes defensive line.