OSU’s offense seems to have lifted itself from its first half funk with the thrashing of Northwestern.  Amazingly, Minnesota’s defense is actually ranked worse than that of NW.  With indoor conditions, I think that OSU is going to get up on Minnesota rather quickly.  Look for another multiple touchdown game from Brian Robiskie.  I also think you are going to see another touchdown toss to Ray Small.

Speaking of Ray Small, look for him to be giving the Buckeyes excellent field position on special teams all game long.  As strong as OSU’s defense is, they are going to be punting to us a lot.  If they are smart they will go with the roll out rugby style bounce and roll punts that have been all the rage of late with some teams.  This will keep Small’s returns to a minimum. 

At running back, the only back with a lot of experience we have that is completely healthy is Maurice Wells.  Chris Wells suffered a minor ankle injury last week, and there has been no news out of the team as to whether he will be 100%.  Brandon Saine is still out after having his knee scoped.  I say that Maurice Wells has put in his time and paid his dues, and he should get a solid 25 to 30 carries and a chance to top the century mark running the ball.  Keeping Chris Wells on the shelf this game might be just what the doctor ordered. 


I’d also like to see Marcus Williams and Joe Ganz get a few carries, but we’ve got some fullbacks who can carry the ball, so why not let the big bruisers go up the middle a few times, especially in the second half when the defensive line is going to be tired?  Try stopping Tyler Whaley when you are tired and he has a head of steam going.

The offensive line gained a lot of depth last week with the return of Kyle Mitchum from injury.  Once Jon Skinner gets back that line is going to be a terrible thing for a defense to behold (right now it’s just an awful thing for a defense to behold).

Boeckman needs to continue to get better with his throws.  No more underthrows, and no more late throws over the middle.  There is nothing wrong with sailing the ball into the stands, Todd.  Since I will be in the stands this week, I wouldn’t mind a souvenier.  I hope to be seeing a lot more of Robbie Schoenhoft, and I hope that he will get his act together.  Thus far, I have been unimpressed by his tendency to fumble snaps, one hop balls into the WRs, and throw behind people.  The only things that I have seen out of him so far in fact, are no interceptions, and the ability to scramble when the situation requires it.  Lastly, I would love to see Joe Bauserman get a few snaps if the game gets out of hand.

The defense is going to be very rude indeed to their hosts, and they will do nothing to hurt their ranking as the third best statistical defense in college football.  I’m thinking that we are going to see some interceptions this game as the Gopher offense gets frustrated and tries to start forcing the ball in bad situations.  The only scoring is going to come from a field goal or two or a turnover from our offense.  I hope to see the defensive line not just getting pressure, but getting sacks and stops for loss.  I also would like to see James Laurinaitis get a few more interceptions this game.  His total number of interceptions by the end of this year is going to be impressive.

Minnesota is averaging four turnovers per game, and is starting a freshman QB.  They are another spread offense team, and while they average a decent amount of points per game (35), this is not the defense of Florida Atlantic (L), Bowling Green (L), or Miami, Ohio (W), that they are going to be playing.

My prediction on the score is OSU 50 Minnesota 6.

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