Where: Ohio StadiumWhen: 7:30 PM (Thursday, Sept. 2nd)
TV: Big Ten Network
The last time that Ohio State met Marshall, it was 2004 and it took Mike Nugent's golden foot to save the day in the final seconds. Let's hope that the same situations doesn't present itself on Thursday night.
How odd does that sound by the way? A Thursday night game! At Ohio State! I never thought I would see the day, yet I am not shocked as it is all about the dollars and cents that are thrown at the universities and athletic departments these days. Still, it will be very odd when I am in the Shoe on a weekday watching Buckeye football. I digress...
Football is finally back in the good graces of the present and for once, ladies and gentleman, optimism in Columbus is back in full force to begin the 2010 season. Not since the season opener of the 2006 season (OSU entered the polls ranked #1 in the nation) has there been this much hype and anticipation for Buckeye football, and it isn't hard to figure out why. Going into the 2006 campaign, the men of the scarlet and gray were coming off a 34-20 Fiesta Bowl victory over Notre Dame. Hmmm... sounds familiar.... oh yeah! The Buckeyes overcame the red-hot Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl 26-17 back in January to set up a run at the national championship in 2010 -- correction, in a few days. Thursday will mark the first time in four years that the Bucks will enter a season coming off a bowl victory. Winning bowl games in college football is the ultimate spring board to bigger and better things the following year, and for a team starving for success as much as Ohio State had been in recent years things could be very, very interesting this season.
The Thundering Herd shouldn't present any major obstacles for OSU to hurdle en route to a season opening victory, but there are a few things to watch out for here. Starting defensive end and pass rush specialist Nathan Williams will not play against Marshall, so junior Solomon Thomas will start in place of him. Watch to see if he can make anything happen in season opener, mainly because if he is impressive enough then he could be another piece to the puzzle of an already stacked OSU defense. Speaking of injuries, the secondary has been banged up throughout training camp as evidenced by C.J. Barnett starting at strong safety as projected started Ohrian Johnson was unable to practice for a few weeks. Starting cornerback Chimdi Chekwa has been hampered by a hamstring injury as well (those are tough to shake), so we will just have to see how everyone plays despite some issues there. I expect big things from this secondary despite the early injury issues.
Here are the top two things that I am looking for in this game: offensive line play and the true progression of Terrelle Pryor. OSU's offensive line has been average at best in games such as these the past several years, and the time is now for this group to come out and start the year off with a bang against a lesser opponent. If the line is able to impress, then the night will certainly be a success. Then it all comes down to Terrelle Pryor. How much has he progressed since the Rose Bowl, really? It is only one game -- not to mention the first game of the season -- but if he can come out and show maturity, smart decision making and a penchant for making the best play possible when given his opportunities then that will mark the beginning of what should be a continuing developmental process for a guy that has all the potential in the world. With that kind of potential comes the usual Heisman talk, but I will refrain from such talk until near the end of the year.
We all know that OSU will win this game, as the odds are probably around 99%. I don't have much to say strategically or X's and O's-wise, but OSU will win this game. I like Pryor to account for at least two total touchdowns, with the defense pitching a near shutout. A night game atmosphere should kill any chances of a potential upset (ala last year's Navy game, 2008 Ohio U.).
Note to Buckeyes: PLEASE don't look ahead to Miami. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Brian Sambecki
Prediction:
Ohio State- 31
Marshall- 7
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