My Game Plan

I am an Ohio State fan through and through. Instead of giving you my prediction, I will give you my game plan. As much as I want to say Ohio State will win, which I will, there are allot of variables to the victory. First and foremost, the defensive line has to show up and not like they did against Wisconsin, but better, and in some sense perfect. Secondly, as much as Cardale and the coaches have voiced their supreme confidence in his second start, that confidence has to translate into instinctual plays and runs in this game. Alabama is nothing like Wisconsin and with that being said, his time in the pocket will most likely consist of moving the pocket after a couple reads, to make his final reads because Alabama is not going to let him sit in the pocket all day and our offensive line cannot be expected to hold their defense all day. Third, our receivers, tight ends, running backs, and hybrids have to make plays whether they are open or covered, there is no excuse. There can be no dropped balls. Fourth, our defense has to b smart. Meaning, our line has to get penetration, and our linebackers have to play with discipline. They have to recognize run and passing plays, then apply pressure as necessary. Alabama has way too many weapons to account for, for the Buckeyes to leave anyone open for more than a second.

So here we go...... What I would do.......

Jalin Marshall and Cardale have to be on the field at all times. What this does is put in the back of Alabama's mind that there are two possible quarterbacks on the field. If Jalin touches the ball behind the line of scrimmage, there is a possibility of him running the ball or throwing it which puts pressure on their entire defensive line. For Cardale, he's got his arm and his legs. His height and weight can make it hard to bring him down with one person, and his arm could pose a threat to their secondary. Cardale has to throw the long bowl far to allow our receivers to run underneath it or throw it early enough to allow the receiver to turn around and have the ball be there already. Their secondary may be weak, but that does not mean they won't be opportunitistic if the ball is under thrown.

Secondly, I would rotate between Elliot and Samuel. Fresh legs is always a good thing especially if they are getting success at the perimeter, which in turn may result in inside run success. Alabama's defense is disciplined, but not extremely fast, which bodes well for our offense.

Third, I would never question the strategy of the best offensive coaches in college football. There is no reason why Urban did not win Big Ten Coach of the Year or NCAA Football of the Year. However, Ed Warriner and Tom Herman did and they are both offensive coaches here. Larry Johnson, Luke Fickell, and Chris Ash put together a defense that destroyed ranked opponents. Michigan State and Wisconsin were not match for us, and it showed. Saban and Kiffin will game plan for blitzes from the linebackers and cornerbacks, but our defense will have other plans.

This game is all about keeping the same game plan, but bringing it in a different manner. We will throw the kitchen sink at Alabama, the only question is how and how often.

Ohio State is up against more than just a team, but also the media in general. I sit here and watch Michigan State and Baylor, and I cannot help but think about the game tonight. I mean, it is obvious the significance of this game. It is obvious the Titans will be on the sideline, as much as they will be on the field. Everyone is saying Ohio State has no chance. What they do not understand is that all we want is a chance. That chance is coming in the form of the Nokia Sugar Bowl.

This game reminds me of the movie 300. The Spartan warriors faced Armies ten times the size of their own unit, but overcame unsurmountable odds in the name of an idea. That idea for Ohio State is not the freedom of a nation or people, but instead the silence their doubters. This team will be ready. I wish that was all that needs to be said, but it's not. For 60 minutes, Ohio State has to be dominant because Alabama will never go away. Here is to the Buckeyes!

O - H!