How many of those passing yards against Georgia have come when a team is down two or more scores? We have to have some semblance of a balanced attack. If we are counting on 500 yards passing to keep us in the game - well it wasn't enough for LSU who still lost by 20.
I might be crazy... Actually I know I am... Does any one else think our best chance of winning is the under covering? Long balacned drives with RedZone TD's instead of quick strike big plays. That with the Defense coming up big and standing on thier heads with a some quick 3 and outs... Again i'm just a fan behind a keyboard but I'm scared to get in a shootout and thinking we can win if the over hits?
We run the ball all over these dawgs.. I'm saying 200+. The SEC is down this year, that's why their numbers look good. We have two AA tackles on our team. We good.
Their interior DL will humiliate our interior OL. It's clear that you have not watched us or them. It doesn't take a superior trained eye to project how a matchup will go. In the trenches, they are a BAD matchup for us.
That all depends on how many players Larry rotates. He does it way too much. When you look at how many snaps our best DL are logging, they aren't on the field that much. Guys like Jerron Cage. Ty Hamilton and Taron Vincent are average interior DL. I saw Taron Vincent get absolutely ABUSED on one of Edwards busted runs for a TD. Those 3 guys are not good enough or physical enough to control the LOS against an elite SEC team. The reason why they see the field more than they should is because Tyleik Williams, although talented, doesn't always do his job. That's why we gets pulled and then tweets "FREE 91". Mike Hall, who is really good, has been banged up all year. Jack Sawyer only saw 15 snaps against M. That's CRAZY to me. But that may speak to him not being as dominant of a player we projected or hoped he would be. There is a reason M scorched us on the ground again. The tape doesn't lie. M made adjustments and they killed us upfront again, a stark contrast to the Cover 0 we ran in the 1st half.
I mean, not every SEC team has an elite offensive line. O-Lines are not as easy to evaluate as a defensive line. They have guys who can be absolutely abused by the Bucks defensive front. Do they have the hunger and the preparation?
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
I can guarantee you this homer also picked a blowout over Michigan last 2 years and Oregon. Don’t be so damn ignorant to make a ridiculous comment like that
Those who stir the shit pot should have to lick the spoon.
Homer? Damn Ignorant? Sheesh! Pump the brakes, DTB, I could be your neighbor, boss or... barber ;)
Johnson and Jones are AA tackles. There's every reason to believe we can put up 200+ rushing on the dawgs. We ran all over UM until Day decided that we should stop.
What's your prediction for rushing against the Dawgs?
Must be all of those dominant defenses in the mighty SEC that has you talking shit about the B1G. Take a look at Tennessee, LSU, Ole Miss, Miss State, Auburn, ALABAMA, Florida, South Carolina. None of those teams could stop a 4 year old riding a big wheel.
Georgia is very good but they also went up against mediocre competition this year. Like OSU.
Buckeye football isn’t every thing on Saturday. It’s the only thing on Saturday
I get it we play to our strengths....1 or 2 passing offense in the country. That said TN was #1 and lost...LSU put up big numbers in the air and lost. Defense wins National Titles it's been stated forever. We have to have balance period and as was pointed out already....offensive efficiency since the bye has been bad. If we can't get to the end zone with TDs not FGs in some sort of balanced attack at least initially to open up an air raid when up by a score or two we're toast.....and we have to contain/pressure SB4 and stifle the run at the same time not one or the other. Explosive plays will kill us....
Defense does not ALWAYS win championships..... Joe B and LSU comes to mind. I like our punchers chance1. If we come out hot and get a couple of scores (unanswered) we can shake them to the core! Whole new ball game. That is what happened to our last natty team against Alabama. Once we took the lead they took chances and the rest is history.
You never get a second chance to make the first impression
This example doesn't hold any water. Yes, 2019 LSU had the greatest passing offense of all time. JaMarr Chase and Justin Jefferson were the most insane 1-2 punch at WR I've ever seen, and they're insane in the NFL. Terrace Marshall and Thaddeus Moss were good enough threats that allowed Chase and Jefferson to only face single coverage. Nobody could stop them. Joe Burrow was a really good runner, and he scorched people to move the sticks. They also had Clyde Edwards-Helaire who was a STUD, to keep defenses honest. You couldn't key in on anyone on that offense. Also, they had a lot of great players on defense. Patrick Queen was the best MLB in the nation and he's killing it for the Baltimore Ravens. Rashard Lawrence was a dominant interior DL. K'Lavon Chaisson was great off the edge. Keep in mind, that LSU defense held Lawrence and Etienne in check, when we didn't weeks before. Lawrence had over 100 yards RUSHING against us, LSU held him to 49.
That LSU team was insane and record-setting on offense, and adequate enough on defense.
Yes, Young Boss, The big difference between LSU in 2018 at #7 and 2019 at #1 was their Defense.
You could also mention safeties Stevens (all SEC) and Delprit (Jim Thorpe award),
and the amazing young DB Stingley (#3 overall in NFL draft),
and the LB Philips (lead SEC in tackles) and...
Yes QB Burrow and QB coach Brady made a great team, but it was also the Defense.
Ua Mau ke Ea o ka 'Aina I ka Pono. The life of the land is preserved in righteousness. (Hawai'i state motto) Aloha nui kakou.
Defense and running the ball wins national titles. You need both. That's how we won in 2002 and 2014. This year's team, we don't have the physicality, the personnel or the ability to dominate in these areas against Georgia.
Well I can post this for you. From Young Boss earlier today. Like it or not he has some solid points here:
That all depends on how many players Larry rotates. He does it way too much. When you look at how many snaps our best DL are logging, they aren't on the field that much. Guys like Jerron Cage. Ty Hamilton and Taron Vincent are average interior DL. I saw Taron Vincent get absolutely ABUSED on one of Edwards busted runs for a TD. Those 3 guys are not good enough or physical enough to control the LOS against an elite SEC team. The reason why they see the field more than they should is because Tyleik Williams, although talented, doesn't always do his job. That's why we gets pulled and then tweets "FREE 91". Mike Hall, who is really good, has been banged up all year. Jack Sawyer only saw 15 snaps against M. That's CRAZY to me. But that may speak to him not being as dominant of a player we projected or hoped he would be. There is a reason M scorched us on the ground again. The tape doesn't lie. M made adjustments and they killed us upfront again, a stark contrast to the Cover 0 we ran in the 1st half.
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
Outside of the LSU game the opponent passing yards don't look particularly gaudy. But in their 3 losses since 2020 giving up huge passing yards is a common denominator. If it's going to happen we're going to have to hit some plays early AND allow that to set up a run game.
Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted.
Nothing against Josh Poloha, but articles like this are the reason why the buckeyes will struggle in big-time games.
In big-time games, focus should be on running the ball, which will make those TD passes even more damaging. Attempting swing short passes to replicate the run will not cut it. Hoping to injured RBs to get healthy to help will not cut it. Give Hayden, Trayanum, and the offensive line a month to work out the kinks with the running game. This game calls for hungry RBs looking to establish themselves, and will refuse to go down on the first tackle.
If we attempt 30+ passes in the game against UGA, then we are in for a long day. Like the 48 attempts against TTUN when we had no issues running the ball. If 18 of those passes where runs with Trayanum (or Hayden) at 6 yards a carry, it would have been a different game.
The running game will win us a championship. If we want to spotlight the QB and WRs, then it will be a long night. Take that passing game strategy and put it somewhere. We need to run the ball, getting single coverage for route-man Marv and burn those Dawgs!!!
Thank you, Little Mikey! If OSU fails to run the ball effectively, then a 20 point defeat is imminent. No team has been able to do so vs GA since last year, and that's why they're 13 and 0.
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
OSU needs to simply play to it’s strengths…. Trying to be who they aren’t, playing not to lose instead of playing to win. This OSU juggernaut, with National Championship talent, has been reduced from Great to Good—and it is on the coaching staff. Something happened during the bye week—and we haven’t seen the same team since…. Time to relax, and let it fly…. We might all be surprised by such an approach.
Please note that the 7 bubbles screens that K State ran against TCU amounted to a total of about 10 yards. But they kept running them. And their run game was very effective. Which tells you that they might serve a purpose aside from positive yardage. It’s comparable to establishing a threat to run that effectualizes play action (yes pretty sure I made up a word there). The bubble represents a threat that has to be covered - I would just love to see a pump fake off it after we run it twice
Day has run a play this year that was effectively what you described. A fake bubble with one of the blocking receivers leaking out for a deep ball. Of course that play was also poorly executed. Day has plays that set up other plays all over his playbook. That's what makes him a great offensive mind. We just don't have a mentally strong enough group of guys to go out and execute consistently.
This might be the most insightful post I’ve seen concerning Ryan day play calling. In ‘15 and ‘16 I used to go ape shit because it felt like we were running plays strictly for down and distance. When Day came in ‘17, you could see one play setting up another.
Stroud looked downfield all day against Michigan. And he just looked and looked and stared into the abyss. No scramble attempts, no check downs no slants or crossing patterns. He just threw the ball deep into double and triple coverage in the middle of the field continually. If Day’s offense is designed to limit CJ’s interceptions, he sure doesn’t call plays like it.
Buckeye football isn’t every thing on Saturday. It’s the only thing on Saturday
Meh… I know the red zone one hit the receiver but he wasn’t expecting the ball. He may have been expecting CJ to tuck and run because the play was too far along and Stroud was near the LOS at that point. The last thing he should have done was throw that when there was a Michigan defender draped on him. Stroud had a wide open alley to run. The other one was forced downfield into tight Michigan coverage also. When there is no deep pass available and the short red zone throw is covered, a QB has very little options. Run or throw it away.
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
Am I the only one who thinks that what they are gonna focus more on is the run game? Focusing on the mentality that they are gonna run the ball on Georgia no matter what with passing being the secondary option. I think Justin Frye is going to get 110% out of this run game against Georgia and I think 110% is enough to break open some big runs then passing is going to be a lot easier.
As much as I want it to happen against Georgia.. I don’t think forcing the run is going to be the way to beat these guys, either.. We need to be able to run effectively and pick up the much needed first downs in short yardage situations or in instances where everyone else in the building knows that is what’s coming.. But if they can do so, then the play action game will blow the top off their Defense and hopefully allow us to hang around and perhaps even pull this one out. I’m cautiously, optimistic about our chances. Georgia’s defensive backs haven’t proven to be as good as last year.. So let’s get after them.
We have to put a running game on the field, or they'll sit back in coverage ..... one thing we used against Bama was the receiver pass on an end around - Michigan embarrassed us with a RB pass .... we need to put a few trick plays on the menu, but execute them better than our fake punt ....
Not sure who said but I believe the quote is football is a simple game which we make complex. Our Coaches need to just let the players play and stop over thinking it. Call a quick tempo plays that get 3-4 yards at a time and take timely shots. Everything play doesn't have to be a home run.
I don’t know why Day falls in love with the pass. We are beyond the point of giving Stroud a chance to showcase his skills. It’s gonna be hard to run consistently on Georgia but if it’s working, keep running til they scheme against it.
Buckeye football isn’t every thing on Saturday. It’s the only thing on Saturday
For me it's not necessarily the pass, it's the passing play that's called. Throwing a jump ball to the corner of the end zone doesn't seem to be the best option. When we last defeated TTUN guys like Paris Campbell and KJ Hill were shredding the TTUN defense consistently on crossing routes. I'd also like to see tight end crossing routes near the goal linen or play calls like the one Kam Babb scored on. Those have higher success percentages than jump balls to the corner. Day has confidence in his players to make the most difficult plays, I don't think he needs to put them in that position.
Not sure how Georgia run D compares to Michigan’s, but we WERE pushing their D line around in the first half. I think that our run game woes were greatly impacted by the “die tryin’” mentality of the stretch to the boundary with RBs who were running at 75% speed. When they focused on quick hits - better suited to the massive line talent - we were running well. I can only imagine what a full speed Dallan Hayden would have done with the holes opened up by the line that Miyan could barely squeeze through at 75% health.
You are bang on - even Pop Warner coaches know that you run AT speed, not AWAY from it .... quick hitters, mixed in with some counter plays, should allow our backs to get into level 2, putting us ahead of the chains .... with our massive O-Line, we should be moving bodies off the LOS and getting 4 yards .....
I live in Georgia and watch a lot of UGA games, it helps with office conversation. There’s a reason why no one can run on them. Georgia’s defensive line is unlike anyone else in the country. The new buzz word is “different”, they are massive and athletic. Success has to come through the air first and force Georgia to drop players back and change out for smaller personnel to stop the pass. Then the run will open.
Wait there was a remake 15 years ago? I’m looking that up. Thats very interesting but I’m sure it does no justice it THE O-RIG-IN-AL. Go Bucks! And Run THE dang ball CJ!
Something happened to this offense after the bye week. If we can get back to the offense we saw early in the season, we will be able to move the ball. I’m hopefully with over a month between games that we can somehow get things back on track. Gonna need to play our best game, hope Georgia makes a few mistakes, and have some things go our way to win the game. Have to be ultra aggressive taking shots down the field. Have to get more creative like how day used to be. If we come out and throwing bubble screens against Georgia we will get smashed. I’m interested to see how our d matches up against their offense. We held up against TTUN running game until they broke those 2 long runs. Georgia doesn’t have those elite WRs, but their TEs are amazing. Have to figure out a way to slow Bowers down. Does Lathan Ransom guard him? He would be our best bet IMO.
No secrets to winning football games. Execute: control time of possession, get positive yards. protect the football, block, tackle, no penalties, and no turnovers.
The games that Georgia has struggled in (relatively) this year has been due to turnovers and specifically fumbles. They have also not been a team that has a tremendous number of sacks (so far this year they have 26, Buckeyes by comparison have 32) so hopefully our line can keep Stroud not only upright but also minimize the scrambles needed.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
Yep and they know they have to pressure him because he stresses under that....if they let him sit there he'll hit somebody so they're gonna come after him.
THIS^^
Our offensive line played lights out against Michigan and he couldnt hit anyone.
He could have ran tons of times for a first to keep the drive going - but then he would not be doing his job - which is throwing the ball! He cant do that now!
The second half was a dumpster fire though. He could throw for 500 yards a but he then threw a pick in the red zone when he could have ran it up the gut for a touchdown. When people say take what the defense is giving you, it’s usually in the form of a cheap 5 or 10 yards and stroud won’t do it. He thinks every pass play is going to go for 60 yards. Those are rare.
Buckeye football isn’t every thing on Saturday. It’s the only thing on Saturday
And that's why Georgia could call a vanilla defense. Georgia doesn't need to blitz to win on defense. They just need to take away big plays and have us stall out in the RZ. Several defenses in the last 2 years have held us to 30 points or less, regardless how many yards we moved the ball. Yards from scrimmage is the most misleading stat in football. It's about scoring points and execution.
Ohio State was first in the country this year in team yards per point, meaning they converted their yards gained into points more than any other team. This isn't the end all/be all as there are other factors like defensive TDs and short fields, but does show that OSU has been very efficient scoring points in relation to scrimmage yards gained.
This is a good point. Alabama was destroyed in 2018 by Clemson despite gaining over 500 yards. Bama didn’t do shit inside the 20 lol. It was almost funny to watch. And I hate Clemson
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
Georgia will be a very tough challenge on both sides of the ball. The pass game will have to be elite and Stroud may not have as much time as he's used to. Wonder if they'll use tempo at all to get things going and keep Georgia on their heels.
“If trees could scream, would we be so cavalier about cutting them down? We might, if they screamed all the time, for no good reason.”
-Jack Handey
I think the check with me before a play to make a "good play into a perfect play" doesn't work and keeps the team (CJ in particular) from developing a rhythm. Have a player go in motion to have the D tip off the coverage, call an audible or go with what is called. I bet that will cut down on offensive penalties and delays. This late in the year I'm sure CJ can figure it out a respectable amount of the time. Maybe build some confidence if they get it right most of the time.
Stroud is gonna have to make plays with his legs when it’s called for. Just like Cardale vs Bama in 2014 and Fields, their are moments when a pass is called that if the pocket collapses (and it will vs UGA), QB gotta get up field with his legs. I SECOND - NO WR SCREENS/LOS quick hitters.
Stroud needs to watch some NFL games if he thinks he belongs in the league, because even in the NFL now you aren't going to win games by playing the way he does. He needs to watch and study Joe Burrow every week until the playoffs, especially how he steps FORWARD into the pocket. Anytime things break down Stroud runs directly backwards five yards and then tries to move sideways to escape, that isn't going to work against GA
Mods on this site are so fragile. They'll censor comments that don't even break any rules and ban you for calling them out on it.
Stroud needs to watch some NFL games if he thinks he belongs in the league, because even in the NFL now you aren't going to win games by playing the way he does. He needs to watch and study Joe Burrow every week until the playoffs, especially how he steps FORWARD into the pocket. Anytime things break down Stroud runs directly backwards five yards and then tries to move sideways to escape, that isn't going to work against GA
Preaching to the choir on all this. Not sure who is giving Stroud QB advice but it’s clear they aren’t painting the whole picture for him. If he hasn’t learned to take yardage and slide by now, I don’t see him magically doing this before the combine
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
I know one thing. CJ Stroud is NOT the kind of guy who will run and truck over a guy like Landon Collins and talk shit afterwards. Georgia knows that. They won't need to be aggressive and blitz much, they just need to take away big plays. They know we won't run on them. I honestly believe Georgia has the personnel in which their staff could call a vanilla defense, and still hold us to 30 points or less. Let CJ get his through the air, and have us kick FGs.
It's all in Stroud's hands. Things will go Georgia's way from time to time because they are very good and instead of sitting on the bench looking down and out and playing tight, he needs to play angry and go for it.
I am torn between needing to play a balls to the wall air it out creative pass game of like 40-50 passes OR Tresselball field position with calculated play action deep shots and high-percentage passes like slants and such.
Either way, our defense is going to need a defensive backfield to show up and show out.
A balanced offense and quarterback runs will keep us in the game. And our defense can't let big plays happen like against that team up north. Hopefully Henderson is healthy.
Hate to say it, but I don't think Henderson should play. We can't waste even a single play in this game on someone that is just 95%. Day needs to pick two RBs that are 100% healthy and stick with them whoever they are. Splitting carries between 4 guys, 2 of which weren't 100% killed the rhythm against *ichigan.
Mods on this site are so fragile. They'll censor comments that don't even break any rules and ban you for calling them out on it.
Henderson at 95% is likely a better option than Hayden or Chip. Folks here seem to forget how explosive he is in the open field, when healthy. I do agree that if he is signigcantly hampered then don't play him. But this is quite a long layoff for him (6 weeks), I would expect both he and Chop to be healthy and form their usual one-two punch, which would provode a huge boost to the offense. If Henderson is healthy we need to find ways to get him in space.
I think we need to be able to run the ball first. Then get thier big defensive lineman running side to side in order to be able to pass protect better later on. Gonna be nerve racking that’s for sure.
It’s no secret the key to winning is Stroud Stroud Stroud. We need to see a gritty, bloody, don’t blink performance from him to have any chance to win. He needs to transform into Craig Krenzel, Troy Smith and Justin Fields which I believe will this young man has the capability of doing.
It would be good to see Stroud stop pump faking right before he throws. If the D is playing zone with its eyes on the QB, it gives them an extra half second to close in on our WR and limit YAC.
If we throw the ball over 40 times we will be defeated. If you run bubble screens like we tried against Penn St. we will lose big time. Its no secret on how to win games, first and foremost we must block and tackle at a 90% level, second we have to run the ball and put up good numbers running it and a average of six yards per carry should get the job done with 30 attempts with two tds, and lastly the passing game we will need to hit some long balls and be consisted with the mid range passing game and come up with four tds. special teams need to be at a level we haven't seen all season and come up with some points or just don't give up no big plays!!
I mean, we've seen CJ throw for 484 yards against Oregon, and we scored 28, 394 against M last year, and we scored 27, 349 this year against M, and we score 23. All L's.
This team has to be able to run the ball somehow, or we will see another ghastly ass-kicking where we score under 30 points. If we cannot get any push from our OL and achieve any semblance of balance, I don't see a pathway to a W. Throwing the ball 350-400+ yards guarantees we score some points, but that's it. Regardless of the playcall, we need to tire them out upfront by playing FAST, FAST, FAST. If that means CJ has to take 3 step drops and get the ball out quick, then that's what we have to do. Those are the only ways to potentially neutralize an opposing dominant DL. We did that against Clemson in 2019 and 2020 and they were on their heels. I think we have to do the same thing, and even more so against Georgia. Georgia's defense is so good, that we would have to play above our heads for 60 minutes. We have NOT seen that at any point this year. This game will be won or lost up front.
Tennessee runs the ball a higher % than Georgia. They pass for bigger yards tho. In that game it was a few key situations. Tennessee o line couldn’t protect hooker long enough or get the running game going enough. 27-13 wasn’t a whooping on the scoreboard. Stetson played his best game.
OSU's run game IS NOT GOING TO BEAT GEORGIA! Georgia is allowing <3 yards a carry. Georgia is allowing >6 yards per pass. Since the bye week OSU's run game has been very unreliable. RB's have been injured to the point that Day started the 4th string RB against scum. Hayden, for whatever reason, isn't Day's go to guy. The OSU QB and receivers on the other hand, are the strongest unit in CFB. If Day will turn them loose. Everyone would love for OSU to have a dominating run game but that just isn't the reality. OSU is going to have to go to their strength which is a pass 1st to set up PAP, draws and "some" QB runs littered in to take advantage of Georgia having to keep CJ from beating them over the middle. Day said the bubble screen "has a purpose as it spreads the field". PFFFFTTTT! The sideways game, passing and running, has not worked all year and it absolutely won't beat the Dawgs. OSU has the athletes to beat Georgia in an uptempo game. Day said CJ understands the game and sees how to defeat defenses. Well, let him do it for the 1st time this year. Let the team line up, see where the D's weakness is, and here is where it gets tricky, let them run a damn GOOD play instead of stopping to check with the sideline to get a PERFECT play. Allow them to get into a rythm (something that has been missing most of the year) and trust the best collection of athletes in CFB to ball!
I agree that thinking we will be able to bulldoze them for a big rushing day is wishful thinking. We will certainly have to be effective at running the ball in spots, but the game is going to be on Stroud's shoulders.
Passing stats v. Michigan are very misleading. Ohio State moved the ball through the air against Michigan UNTIL they reached the red Zone. Then the passing game dried up. And Ohio State couldn't run either. We only scored 3 points in the 2nd half.
This is why I'm surprised that Georgia isn't at least a two-touchdown favorite. Georgia will play bully-ball, and Ohio State won't be able to match them.
I got to attend the UGA @ South Carolina game this past September. From what I observed, Georgia will handle OSU comfortably because they will simply dominate both lines of scrimmage. Player development and leadership matter more so than talent as defined by recruiting rankings. I hope oherwise, but I see UGA 34 TOSU 10. Our beloved Buckeyes are simply not built to play grown ass man football, something Day, Knowles and Stroud cannot change in the brief time before 12/31.
Oh and Michigan still sucks!
Too much time spent at the North Heidelberg rather than the classroom. SSD 68-72
I 100% agree with this - I am blown away you are downvoted into oblivion lol.
I have a tiny bit of hope that Day and Stroud decide to show up with heart - because I know the OL will. They did against Michigan and CJ and Day failed them with the horrible play calling and lack of leadership and passion from CJ Stroud. he could have cared less imo
I thought prior to the national championship two years ago that our one chance was to just try to keep pace with Alabama on the scoreboard (they were almost impossible to stop), and then just hope for a break. And it worked for a quarter or so.
Day needs to approach this game in a similar way. Although Georgia is probably not a threat to run away and hide on the scoreboard, they really turn up the pressure on defense once they have a lead, so it's important to prevent that as long as possible. None of this "feeling out process" stuff for the first couple of drives. We need to come out and punch them in the nose, get them into an unfamiliar position of being in a second half dogfight.
what Ga does is methodically beat the snot out of teams for the entire 4 quarters. i don't think they "run away" with it quickly. but i don't think the game will end up close at the end.
I think we have a better shot at winning this one as opposed to Bama 2020. Our defense now is much better than it was then, I really didn't see anyway that we would stop their offense. The 2020 and 2021 defenses were not good by any stretch, despite what happened in The Game our D has been much much better this year.
I think we can get some stops vs UGA by stuffing their run and getting them in 2nd/3rd and long, and hopefully containing Bowers. It certainly won't be easy but I like the matchup of their O vs our D better now than I did vs Bama. Need to find a way to create some turnovers.
"All we need to do" (and I put that in caps because this is a tall order) is get to Stetson Bennett early and often. Bennett reminds me of Baker Mayfield (OK QB, not dumpster fire NFL QB). When he's feeling himself, dropping air bombs, looking like Brett Faavrah, Georgia is virtually unstoppable. We know their defense is going to show up (maybe their secondary IS questionable). Their defense IS better than ours, I believe, but our offense is--when healthy--better than theirs. They have the advantage at the RB and TE positions (healthy or not), but we have the advantage at the QB and WR positions. SO, insum, it all comes down to the defense getting to their QB, and ours showing up like the guy we saw for most of this season, and in last season's Rose Bowl. This IS the "national championship." The winner of this game WILLL beat TCU in the National Championship (see what I did there? lol). GO BUCKS!!
If Chop and Hednerson are 100% healthy they stack up with the UGA RBs. They are better at TE obviously and really at all levels of the defense. We do need our front 7 to really step up and get after the QB, no doubt. Need a JTT vs Penn St type or performance from somebody.
My mom just told me she read Stroud's announcement that he won't be playing in the playoffs, but I can't find it anywhere. Has anyone else heard this or is she going crazy?
The headline of this article is correct. The one area we are superior to Georgia is in the passing game. We must feed Marvin until Georgia proves they can shut him down. Put him in motion or do whatever is necessary to try to give him some space as he will catch anything close to him. This will open up our run game if we have healthy backs IMO.
You guys keep saying Stroud is going to run…He doesn’t know HOW to run. Has never been part of his game. It is not natural. So dream on. Plus Coach Day hasn’t Allowed him to even try to run all season. Northwestern doesn’t disprove this…that was desperation.
Unfortunately, Coach Day’s playcalling has made Stroud’s shortcomings worse. What happened to our genius playcaller?
You must've missing the NW game where Stroud RAN for more yards than he PASSED. I agree, he's "not a dual threat QB," but with a defense as talented as Georgia's he needs to "take what they're going to give him." If that means there's a numbers mismatch and he's got an open field to get some yards, then he most certainly must tuck the ball and run. He must ALSO protect himself by sliding or running out of bounds. Rinse and repeat. Also, Kyle McCord better be ready to play, if only for a play or two if Stroud is knocked out of the game. Georgia has a defense that can and will hurt you if they can. They fly all over the field.
Good points OldTownBuckNut. Well taken on my end. However…Stroud only ran in Evanston because Coach Day finally figured out after 25 incompletions, you can’t throw the ball in a 40 mph windstorm. Has Stroud run the ball more than once or twice this year to elude a sack or for a positive gain and then slid like just about all QB’s at all levels do these days? I am dumbfounded why he cannot do this or won’t even try? If he is scared or afraid of injury, why can’t he be coached to learn how to slide to avoid being tackled?
if you were an NFL Scout, would you draft a QB who won’t run? If so, your team will never be a contender. Not the way the game is played and officiated today.
Coach Day… Just come up with damm gameplan for once with the talent you’ve got. If Stroud runs againt UGA, knowing our luck, he’s likely to get POPPED and injured.
Even if it was desperation in the NW game, it was still very effective, and proves that he can run. He's obviously not going to turn into a big time scrambler over night, but no reason they can't work with him a bit over the next moth and show him that he can pick up some key first downs here and there with his legs.
My keys for us to have a fair chance:
1. Players canNOT wait for someone to turn hero and put the team on their back - they ALL have to play like it could be their last game of football, because folding like a cheap suit and looking around is the recipe of having your will+soul ripped out of you on the field.
2. The deep chances will be there so have to play with patience and TAKE WHAT THE DEFENSE GIVES YOU to stay on schedule - amazing confidence can grow if we move the ball CONSISTENTLY - and conversely, it will make them feel desperate, which will be when our deep balls really put the game away
3. Defense has to make sure STIV doesn't kill them with his feet. He is good on short and medium throws, so play with patience, but no big plays. Keep everything in front and be friggin tough in the red zone.
"I don't apologize for anything. When I make a mistake, I take the blame and go on from there." - Woody Hayes
This article actually has me amped up to play the Dawgs...play loose, play free, and play aggressively...I have a good feeling about the outcome of this game.
TOSU defense needs to play disciplined, assignment football. Keep everything in front. The UGA defense is going to come after Stroud on every down. He must be ready for it. Study the Tennessee film, because their defensive game plan will be very similar. Stroud hasn't done well under pressure, and that worries me. The O-line is the key in this matchup.
Interesting that you say OSU's D needs to keep everything in front of it while pointing out that CJ doesn't do well under pressure and Georgia's D game plan is to come after him every down. Why shouldn't OSU play aggressive attacking D to put pressure on the Georgia QB possibly forcing mistakes & turnovers? Since that works for them maybe we should give it a shot.
Why shouldn't OSU play aggressive attacking D to put pressure on the Georgia QB possibly forcing mistakes & turnovers?
OSU will have to get to Bennett with a four man rush. On occasion send a blitz. But if you blitz too much, you saw what happened against Michigan. The DBs couldn’t tackle a mannequin and those 20 yard passes went for 75 yard touchdowns. The Bucks would be wise to keep everything in front of them, but that is contingent on if they can get their defensive line pressure with four guys
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
Up tempo! Up tempo! What does Geogia expect the Buckeyes to do? Da set up the running game. What have the Buckeyes done all year? They run up the middle. With the offensive talent of the Buckeyes you can set up the run by spreading out the field and that makes a good offensive line great.
I may not be the sharpest crayon in the box but I'm one of the most colorful.
I think he is so arrogant he will choose NOT to run just to prove a point to the fans and NFL that he can do everything with his arm and will never need to move.
If you go into this game vs Georgia thinking you are the Underdog you will play like an Underdog! Scared! You gotta smack Georgia right in the mouth they will be SEC Cocky talking shit the whole game. Just let your play do the talking.
Being indoors with the weather not being a factor, that sets up well for the Buckeyes' passing game. The running attack must complement the air attack, though, especially on short yardage situations. I think there has to be a few times where CJ has to run, albeit if only for 5-10 yards. It certainly will help if TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams are totally healthy.
A great running game plan will open up the air attack. And part of having a good running game plan (in this day and age) involves having the QB running WITH A PURPOSE TOWARD THE FIRST DOWN MARKER. Lateral and backwards running, as well as passive forward run WILL NOT CUT THE MUSTARD. Georgia is already studying lack of forward running commit from CJ, and is counting on more of the same (that 20 yards of open lane last game is a study point). A little bit of Woodyball (with the guts to do so), can and will open up the air attack. But QB7 will need to show up and run like Cornelius Green was willing to, when it matters.
No forward run attack with a purpose from CJ Stroud will lead to disastrous results. Once again, CJ Stroud needs to find his inner Audie Murphy, and show some guts out there. Because if he shows ANY timidness out there? Jaylen Carter will make it his mission to put the hurt on him, each and every play, until he snaps him like a twig.
Go for broke, CJ. That is the only way the offense gets it started and finished.
If CJ doesn’t use his legs , UGA wins. I’m not saying he has to rip off huge runs . Just 4 or 5 yards here and there to make short yardage situations or first downs .
Ryan Days offense is predictable to me , a sofa dwelling couch potato.
imagine how UGA defensive coordinator’s will be licking their chops at his silly little bubble screens
CJ really is not a good runner. His 40 time at the combine is going to be slow. And his game speed 40 is even slower. It was shocking that he did not score on that run at Northwestern. With that much space, any player on the team could have gotten the gain he did, even a lineman. It was like a fake punt in terms of surprise. If he runs once or twice, it will only highlight how darn slow he is and reveal there is no threat.
I think he has the athleticism of a baseball pitcher--off the charts amazing on arm strength and vision but poor on everything else. Yes, I know Krenzel wasn't blazing fast, nor was JT (remember how long it took him to score against Minnesota) but those guys never had the option of relying on arm alone, so they probably had been running the ball since Pop Warner. And because of that they were willing to get hit (particularly JT) . . I really think CJ cannot do it. So let's not ask him to do it. And let's make sure that next year we do not have a statue back there. Yes, he can move side to side to avoid pressure but he has practiced that. He has never practiced running for yards.
Get into the red zone and score.
Have to have some creativity with play-calling.
Defense will have to play lights out and contain the passionate leader Mr. Bennett.
Throwing DOWN FIELD - hitting slants - seem routes - and I absolutely beg Ryan Day, if the bubble screen IS NOT WORKING - DO NOT RUN IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN! LOL
Run downhill vs east west zone reads. Gap running has been successful but ryan day consistently goes away from it and anything else that seems to be working.
If Ryan day can be creative with play calling, offense and defense play disciplined, focused, mentally tough football, we got a big shot at winning this game.
The offense has to win this game and is going to have score more than 2 TDs the whole game. The offense is the strength, and the passing game is the strength. Use it and use it aggressively from the start of the game. On key downs and in key moments, the offense shouldn't be running it every other play or setting up overthought plays.
We relied way too heavily on the defense against Michigan and inexplicably played scared on offense. That needs to change to have a shot at beating Georgia.
Here's the news, it's impossible to project how OSU does against UGA based off the LSU game because LSU's defense is TRRRRRRRRRRRRRASH.
Ohio State's defense isn't perfect, obviously, but it is NOT trash. So for me, I feel comfortable saying Ohio State won't allow UGA to put up 50...
The question is, can OSU's pass game, which when it's rolling is the best in the country, make UGA adjust enough so that the Buckeyes can get SOMETHING going in the run game against the nation's most stingy run defense?
If Ohio State is multiple and creative enough in the pass game to force Georgia to adjust so that the Buckeyes can get the run game going, I think then and only then the Buckeyes really have a shot.
The Excellence of Execution, the Best there is, the Best there was, the Best there ever will be!
Agree. I would add that Georgia will likely believe that because Alabama isn’t in the playoffs, they will soundly beat the other three teams and won’t adjust much off of what they’ve done or shown all year. That’s when turn overs can happen and why risk it when no one has stopped you this year. When you have the best passing offense in the country (Ohio State), don’t try and get overly clever. A Clemson 2020 game plan or just say F it and sling away like the second half of the Utah game last season.
One thing you said that I think is getting underplayed for sure, defending champs, what's Georgia's mindset going into this post-season? Do they think they need to do anything differently? Will there be particular wrinkles for the Buckeyes or are they confident enough to just do what they've done all year? If it's the latter that means Ohio State has everything they need on film already to be prepared.
The Excellence of Execution, the Best there is, the Best there was, the Best there ever will be!
I live in Georgia, so I get the joy of hearing about how great the SEC is compared to the rest of college football. I also watch a lot of SEC games, mainly Georgia, to help with casual social conversation. Many SEC fans truly believe that the bottom tier SEC teams would be conference champs in the other four power 5 conferences. The SEC coaches and players don’t respect anyone outside of the conference. I don’t think Georgia does anything different unless forced to do so.
I’m noting the names of regular posters calling for Ohio State to run and not pass. After the game is over, some these same people will be complaining and asking why Ohio State didn’t pass more. In the past two years, Georgia has lost one game and that was to Alabama in the SEC championship game last year. Alabama passed all over Georgia and they couldn’t stop it, winning by three TDs. In the national championship game, Alabama’s top two WRs were injured and they couldn’t run on Georgia, resulting in a big loss. Even when Georgia wins big, they often struggle with pass defense. When the data clearly supports Georgia has a weakness with passing defense and Ohio State has the best receiving group and receiver, why would we think running first is the magic solution when on one has been able to run on Georgia?
i don't see it happening. lsu threw for 500 yards and lost by twenty. i get what you're saying; but you're only looking at bulldogs possible weakness and ignoring the glaring issues the bucks have. i'd love to see osu win; but i don't think it's going to happen. the only possible way bucks can win is if Ga has a lot of penalties/TOs.
I’m not saying Ohio State wins, but to have a chance, our best players are the receivers and CJ has one of the best arms I’ve witnessed at the college level when he’s on. You can forget trying to run on Georgia unless the pass opens it up first. In their two games last year, Alabama could run on them.
In the Natty 20 years ago I think they forced Miami into 5 turnovers. They might need at least three or four in this game, and cash them all in. Perhaps 3 TDs and a FG for example. And that will be a tall task
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
Not really concerned about the passing game so much as I wonder what Day and Stroud will do when UGA drops into coverage and relies on getting pressure with their front 4. Stroud probably isn't going to run, instead electing to scramble around trying to find a passing lane. Day has a tendency not to rely on the run game once a play or 2 fail.
If some combo of chop/Henderson/chip/ Dallan doesn’t touch the ball 30+ times we are going to lose in my opinion. 6 yard rushing average against tun which is a very good defense should still be good to be effective against uga. Day just needs to use it
So I'm gonna throw a wild idea out here. Run some series with Kyle McCord; RPO's to force GA to account for QB run will loosen the RB game and open intermediate passing lanes. He has the arm to complete passes and the legs to be a dual threat QB. Once we loosen the GA D a bit and run some time off the clock, let Stroud throw the daggers and win the game. I think a Two look QB will mess GA completely up. It's worth a try to break some ground game open and MCCord will likely be starter next year so we should trust him.
Going to have to come up with some wrinkles like this to catch them off guard and pick up some "free" yardage and points. Coach Day going to have to earn his paycheck in this one.
Definitely this. ^^^ Day is going to have to change up the one page of plays he called against TTUN. He might need 10 pages of unique alignments and assignments. Get them off guard a bit and show them looks that they don’t often see in film from OSU. I agree that the Run Pass Option is going to have to be incorporated at some point. And the QB is actually gonna have to run with it. Or the QB read option. If not Stroud, then McCord. Even if he’s not accustomed to running, if he’s willing to do it, get him in the game.
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
A big piece of strategizing is about matchups and strengths vs weaknesses. While everyone always would like to establish the run on offense, that seems like an OSU weakness and a UGA strength - so why emphasize a bad matchup? OSU's strength on offense is passing and that happens to be a lesser part of UGA's D, so I think it makes a lot more sense to look for advantages there.
One can also hope that OSU mixes things up in offensive play calling. Good defenses are hard to beat when they know what to expect most of the time.
My other hope is that OSU's D is effective enough against UGA to keep them from scoring too much. Obvious stuff, I guess, but it would help if OSU doesn't need to have huge success on offense to win. A 24-17 type win would be just fine....
To win this game, we will need Stroud. But not just his arm. We only win this game if he has a few designed runs and takes off running when nothing is open. Often he has ten yards clear, but forces a throw.
Our Buckeyes are in a dark place right now. They have no heart, no overpowering desire to win. They play not to lose. I hate to say it, but I don't see them keeping within three touchdowns against Georgia
Even tho day can't say it, because he chooses violence. What this grandma thinks he means is... he has to score a lot of points against the best defense in the nation, not because they have a prolific offense...but because he has a problematic defense.
We will be fine. eliminate the mistakes. take what they give you. I have zero concerns about our offense that concern Georgia. I do think we can become our own worst enemy and if that happens against team as good as Georgia, we get whooped. Its hard to predict how to play them without knowing who we have available in the backfield but if its Henderson at full go, i will be excited. Although i don't think he is our best running back, He is our best weapon at running back. Hes the only one we chance a throw to i am not sure if any of them will make a living running straight ahead anyway. I would use two WR sets with Hendo motioning in and out of the backfield to the slot. Utilize the extra pass protection while they double Marvin and go to him anyway. Thier secondary is a soft spot but lets first try to beat it while maintaining numbers at the LOS. I would bet on Marvin all day long with Hendo or a chipping TE mixing it up instead of 4 or 5 wides with a lack of protection and a QB trying read too much. 3 options every pay until they fall asleep on Fleming.
Basically, NO mistakes, Protect the QB. MARVIN, MARVIN, MARVIN. After we cross their 45, we can utilize Williams, Chip or Dallan to shorten the game and protect the D or Mirco to maintain field position.
You don't think that Georgia knows we want to go to Marv? Michigan put their best CB and a safety on him and in all honesty pretty much took him out of the game. I would hope that the staff uses some new routes and uses Marv to run defenders away from the other WR's on shorter routes, crossing routes, rubs, pick plays. you can't go into a game hoping to just use the obvious guys because they will prepare for that. My guess is the first series we will see soft zone or soft man with 2 deep safeties wide to find out what we want to do. I would love to see some TE mixed with Rossi at FB/TE 5-6 yard routes. One thing that I guarantee you is not going to work is the chunk plays or Day trying to score a TD on every play. Our WR's are so good if they run these guys off and come back routes will open up in the 6-10 yard range. You must be disciplined and stay with it, something Day struggles with because he is like a spoiled brat when play calling and runs a few successful plays then tries to throw something 15-20 yards downfield. If we just run the stuff we ran all year This will get ugly!
I do know they will try to take away marv.i ain't giving up the list to involve him. I am going to make them prove they can. I'm done selling out somewhere to try and beat you. Prove it. I'm going down with my best vs you selling out to stop my best. Kinda like Michigan with the run .we sold out and got burned..quests what, you can get burned not selling out. Imma feed marve and if that's in double coverage, better for me.cause marv gonna win his share and make things easier elsewhere.
Cardale had to run the ball to help beat Bama in 2015. CJ can throw all day long, and I still feel like it won't be enough. He has to get past his fear of getting hit, and run the damn ball. And for the love of football, no bubble screens! That's how we beat Georgia.
"There's always going to be an element of pressure when you walk on the stage." -Eddie George
The four and five man routes sacrifice the los and give our coach and QB way to much to process.8 times of 10 someone comes open 3 times of 8 the Qb has that particular guy in his sights. One of three times he makes the throw. F all that. I'm going down with my best. Tired of seeing the least mobile yet least sacked QB in the big 10 (nation) have all the time in the world to process too much. If I'm coaching imma make it simple. Guess when I'm targeting marv and hope you can stop it ..you cant
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How many of those passing yards against Georgia have come when a team is down two or more scores? We have to have some semblance of a balanced attack. If we are counting on 500 yards passing to keep us in the game - well it wasn't enough for LSU who still lost by 20.
Michael
I might be crazy... Actually I know I am... Does any one else think our best chance of winning is the under covering? Long balacned drives with RedZone TD's instead of quick strike big plays. That with the Defense coming up big and standing on thier heads with a some quick 3 and outs... Again i'm just a fan behind a keyboard but I'm scared to get in a shootout and thinking we can win if the over hits?
We run the ball all over these dawgs.. I'm saying 200+. The SEC is down this year, that's why their numbers look good. We have two AA tackles on our team. We good.
Their interior DL will humiliate our interior OL. It's clear that you have not watched us or them. It doesn't take a superior trained eye to project how a matchup will go. In the trenches, they are a BAD matchup for us.
BOATS and HOES.
Their defensive line is elite. There’s no getting around it. Now how does OSU’s defensive line do against their O-line?
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
That all depends on how many players Larry rotates. He does it way too much. When you look at how many snaps our best DL are logging, they aren't on the field that much. Guys like Jerron Cage. Ty Hamilton and Taron Vincent are average interior DL. I saw Taron Vincent get absolutely ABUSED on one of Edwards busted runs for a TD. Those 3 guys are not good enough or physical enough to control the LOS against an elite SEC team. The reason why they see the field more than they should is because Tyleik Williams, although talented, doesn't always do his job. That's why we gets pulled and then tweets "FREE 91". Mike Hall, who is really good, has been banged up all year. Jack Sawyer only saw 15 snaps against M. That's CRAZY to me. But that may speak to him not being as dominant of a player we projected or hoped he would be. There is a reason M scorched us on the ground again. The tape doesn't lie. M made adjustments and they killed us upfront again, a stark contrast to the Cover 0 we ran in the 1st half.
BOATS and HOES.
I mean, not every SEC team has an elite offensive line. O-Lines are not as easy to evaluate as a defensive line. They have guys who can be absolutely abused by the Bucks defensive front. Do they have the hunger and the preparation?
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
Is it, is it really? Thank you for telling us what they think.
I can guarantee you this homer also picked a blowout over Michigan last 2 years and Oregon. Don’t be so damn ignorant to make a ridiculous comment like that
Those who stir the shit pot should have to lick the spoon.
Homer? Damn Ignorant? Sheesh! Pump the brakes, DTB, I could be your neighbor, boss or... barber ;)
Johnson and Jones are AA tackles. There's every reason to believe we can put up 200+ rushing on the dawgs. We ran all over UM until Day decided that we should stop.
What's your prediction for rushing against the Dawgs?
The B1G is a joke this year. That's why our numbers look good
bobbyd
Yeah only 3 teams from the B1G east in the top seven...pfft /s just in case
Must be all of those dominant defenses in the mighty SEC that has you talking shit about the B1G. Take a look at Tennessee, LSU, Ole Miss, Miss State, Auburn, ALABAMA, Florida, South Carolina. None of those teams could stop a 4 year old riding a big wheel.
Georgia is very good but they also went up against mediocre competition this year. Like OSU.
Buckeye football isn’t every thing on Saturday. It’s the only thing on Saturday
I get it we play to our strengths....1 or 2 passing offense in the country. That said TN was #1 and lost...LSU put up big numbers in the air and lost. Defense wins National Titles it's been stated forever. We have to have balance period and as was pointed out already....offensive efficiency since the bye has been bad. If we can't get to the end zone with TDs not FGs in some sort of balanced attack at least initially to open up an air raid when up by a score or two we're toast.....and we have to contain/pressure SB4 and stifle the run at the same time not one or the other. Explosive plays will kill us....
Bbc11
Defense does not ALWAYS win championships..... Joe B and LSU comes to mind. I like our punchers chance1. If we come out hot and get a couple of scores (unanswered) we can shake them to the core! Whole new ball game. That is what happened to our last natty team against Alabama. Once we took the lead they took chances and the rest is history.
You never get a second chance to make the first impression
This example doesn't hold any water. Yes, 2019 LSU had the greatest passing offense of all time. JaMarr Chase and Justin Jefferson were the most insane 1-2 punch at WR I've ever seen, and they're insane in the NFL. Terrace Marshall and Thaddeus Moss were good enough threats that allowed Chase and Jefferson to only face single coverage. Nobody could stop them. Joe Burrow was a really good runner, and he scorched people to move the sticks. They also had Clyde Edwards-Helaire who was a STUD, to keep defenses honest. You couldn't key in on anyone on that offense. Also, they had a lot of great players on defense. Patrick Queen was the best MLB in the nation and he's killing it for the Baltimore Ravens. Rashard Lawrence was a dominant interior DL. K'Lavon Chaisson was great off the edge. Keep in mind, that LSU defense held Lawrence and Etienne in check, when we didn't weeks before. Lawrence had over 100 yards RUSHING against us, LSU held him to 49.
That LSU team was insane and record-setting on offense, and adequate enough on defense.
BOATS and HOES.
Yes, Young Boss, The big difference between LSU in 2018 at #7 and 2019 at #1 was their Defense.
You could also mention safeties Stevens (all SEC) and Delprit (Jim Thorpe award),
and the amazing young DB Stingley (#3 overall in NFL draft),
and the LB Philips (lead SEC in tackles) and...
Yes QB Burrow and QB coach Brady made a great team, but it was also the Defense.
Ua Mau ke Ea o ka 'Aina I ka Pono. The life of the land is preserved in righteousness. (Hawai'i state motto) Aloha nui kakou.
Yeah they were studs in college. The Browns draft Jacob Phillips and he sux. And he’s out for the year. Delpit has turned into Burnpit
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
Defense and running the ball wins national titles. You need both. That's how we won in 2002 and 2014. This year's team, we don't have the physicality, the personnel or the ability to dominate in these areas against Georgia.
BOATS and HOES.
How foolish, Young Boss. Should I just call you Young for short? We don’t have the “physicality, personnel or ability”?
Explain that. I’m 90% ears.
I like cookies.
Well I can post this for you. From Young Boss earlier today. Like it or not he has some solid points here:
That all depends on how many players Larry rotates. He does it way too much. When you look at how many snaps our best DL are logging, they aren't on the field that much. Guys like Jerron Cage. Ty Hamilton and Taron Vincent are average interior DL. I saw Taron Vincent get absolutely ABUSED on one of Edwards busted runs for a TD. Those 3 guys are not good enough or physical enough to control the LOS against an elite SEC team. The reason why they see the field more than they should is because Tyleik Williams, although talented, doesn't always do his job. That's why we gets pulled and then tweets "FREE 91". Mike Hall, who is really good, has been banged up all year. Jack Sawyer only saw 15 snaps against M. That's CRAZY to me. But that may speak to him not being as dominant of a player we projected or hoped he would be. There is a reason M scorched us on the ground again. The tape doesn't lie. M made adjustments and they killed us upfront again, a stark contrast to the Cover 0 we ran in the 1st half.
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
Outside of the LSU game the opponent passing yards don't look particularly gaudy. But in their 3 losses since 2020 giving up huge passing yards is a common denominator. If it's going to happen we're going to have to hit some plays early AND allow that to set up a run game.
Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted.
Nothing against Josh Poloha, but articles like this are the reason why the buckeyes will struggle in big-time games.
In big-time games, focus should be on running the ball, which will make those TD passes even more damaging. Attempting swing short passes to replicate the run will not cut it. Hoping to injured RBs to get healthy to help will not cut it. Give Hayden, Trayanum, and the offensive line a month to work out the kinks with the running game. This game calls for hungry RBs looking to establish themselves, and will refuse to go down on the first tackle.
If we attempt 30+ passes in the game against UGA, then we are in for a long day. Like the 48 attempts against TTUN when we had no issues running the ball. If 18 of those passes where runs with Trayanum (or Hayden) at 6 yards a carry, it would have been a different game.
The running game will win us a championship. If we want to spotlight the QB and WRs, then it will be a long night. Take that passing game strategy and put it somewhere. We need to run the ball, getting single coverage for route-man Marv and burn those Dawgs!!!
I like it.
Josh Poloha how dare yo do this!
Thank you, Little Mikey! If OSU fails to run the ball effectively, then a 20 point defeat is imminent. No team has been able to do so vs GA since last year, and that's why they're 13 and 0.
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
Woody Hayes
Yes, Little Mikey, In my best Gus Johnson voice:
"Sermon, SERMON, SERMON!"
Ua Mau ke Ea o ka 'Aina I ka Pono. The life of the land is preserved in righteousness. (Hawai'i state motto) Aloha nui kakou.
OSU needs to simply play to it’s strengths…. Trying to be who they aren’t, playing not to lose instead of playing to win. This OSU juggernaut, with National Championship talent, has been reduced from Great to Good—and it is on the coaching staff. Something happened during the bye week—and we haven’t seen the same team since…. Time to relax, and let it fly…. We might all be surprised by such an approach.
Please swap crossing routes with those hideous bubble screens that DO NOT WORK.
Same "passing attack" from all season, against a good defense, will not be successful. Day needs to get creative.
There are three different types of people in the world.....those who can count, and those who cannot.
Please note that the 7 bubbles screens that K State ran against TCU amounted to a total of about 10 yards. But they kept running them. And their run game was very effective. Which tells you that they might serve a purpose aside from positive yardage. It’s comparable to establishing a threat to run that effectualizes play action (yes pretty sure I made up a word there). The bubble represents a threat that has to be covered - I would just love to see a pump fake off it after we run it twice
Day has run a play this year that was effectively what you described. A fake bubble with one of the blocking receivers leaking out for a deep ball. Of course that play was also poorly executed. Day has plays that set up other plays all over his playbook. That's what makes him a great offensive mind. We just don't have a mentally strong enough group of guys to go out and execute consistently.
This might be the most insightful post I’ve seen concerning Ryan day play calling. In ‘15 and ‘16 I used to go ape shit because it felt like we were running plays strictly for down and distance. When Day came in ‘17, you could see one play setting up another.
Eliminate the bubble screen. They don't work.
Go Bucks!
Stroud will need to look downfield for this to happen , nickel and dime passes will not add up to 500 yards passing.
Stroud looked downfield all day against Michigan. And he just looked and looked and stared into the abyss. No scramble attempts, no check downs no slants or crossing patterns. He just threw the ball deep into double and triple coverage in the middle of the field continually. If Day’s offense is designed to limit CJ’s interceptions, he sure doesn’t call plays like it.
Buckeye football isn’t every thing on Saturday. It’s the only thing on Saturday
Needs to be said that both of CJ's interceptions hit our receivers in the hands and were catchable.
I don't always finish my sentences but when I do
Meh… I know the red zone one hit the receiver but he wasn’t expecting the ball. He may have been expecting CJ to tuck and run because the play was too far along and Stroud was near the LOS at that point. The last thing he should have done was throw that when there was a Michigan defender draped on him. Stroud had a wide open alley to run. The other one was forced downfield into tight Michigan coverage also. When there is no deep pass available and the short red zone throw is covered, a QB has very little options. Run or throw it away.
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
Am I the only one who thinks that what they are gonna focus more on is the run game? Focusing on the mentality that they are gonna run the ball on Georgia no matter what with passing being the secondary option. I think Justin Frye is going to get 110% out of this run game against Georgia and I think 110% is enough to break open some big runs then passing is going to be a lot easier.
I agree - establish a run game, a little RPO and then a few shots down field to back off the safties ...
Establish the pass game to set up the run game.
As much as I want it to happen against Georgia.. I don’t think forcing the run is going to be the way to beat these guys, either.. We need to be able to run effectively and pick up the much needed first downs in short yardage situations or in instances where everyone else in the building knows that is what’s coming.. But if they can do so, then the play action game will blow the top off their Defense and hopefully allow us to hang around and perhaps even pull this one out. I’m cautiously, optimistic about our chances. Georgia’s defensive backs haven’t proven to be as good as last year.. So let’s get after them.
https://youtu.be/KuUhr5MHEVk
We have to put a running game on the field, or they'll sit back in coverage ..... one thing we used against Bama was the receiver pass on an end around - Michigan embarrassed us with a RB pass .... we need to put a few trick plays on the menu, but execute them better than our fake punt ....
we ran on Michigan until we decided we didn't want to.
THIS ^^^
Our Offensive line played amazing that game and we just stopped running because it was working
Bronson Lillemon
Not sure who said but I believe the quote is football is a simple game which we make complex. Our Coaches need to just let the players play and stop over thinking it. Call a quick tempo plays that get 3-4 yards at a time and take timely shots. Everything play doesn't have to be a home run.
I don’t know why Day falls in love with the pass. We are beyond the point of giving Stroud a chance to showcase his skills. It’s gonna be hard to run consistently on Georgia but if it’s working, keep running til they scheme against it.
Buckeye football isn’t every thing on Saturday. It’s the only thing on Saturday
For me it's not necessarily the pass, it's the passing play that's called. Throwing a jump ball to the corner of the end zone doesn't seem to be the best option. When we last defeated TTUN guys like Paris Campbell and KJ Hill were shredding the TTUN defense consistently on crossing routes. I'd also like to see tight end crossing routes near the goal linen or play calls like the one Kam Babb scored on. Those have higher success percentages than jump balls to the corner. Day has confidence in his players to make the most difficult plays, I don't think he needs to put them in that position.
RemainCalm — All is well.
Not sure how Georgia run D compares to Michigan’s, but we WERE pushing their D line around in the first half. I think that our run game woes were greatly impacted by the “die tryin’” mentality of the stretch to the boundary with RBs who were running at 75% speed. When they focused on quick hits - better suited to the massive line talent - we were running well. I can only imagine what a full speed Dallan Hayden would have done with the holes opened up by the line that Miyan could barely squeeze through at 75% health.
You are bang on - even Pop Warner coaches know that you run AT speed, not AWAY from it .... quick hitters, mixed in with some counter plays, should allow our backs to get into level 2, putting us ahead of the chains .... with our massive O-Line, we should be moving bodies off the LOS and getting 4 yards .....
I live in Georgia and watch a lot of UGA games, it helps with office conversation. There’s a reason why no one can run on them. Georgia’s defensive line is unlike anyone else in the country. The new buzz word is “different”, they are massive and athletic. Success has to come through the air first and force Georgia to drop players back and change out for smaller personnel to stop the pass. Then the run will open.
Shatinkycat1
That’s exactly what Michigan did to us….the opposite of their strength.
I'd rather be an hour early than a minute late.
There’s no reason to fear Utah is here? Just kidding, hoping no one is so young that they think that’s a nod to Utah. Loved that show
Brutus for president
Wally Cox voiced Underdog if I recall. Who was "Polly Purebred" ?
Born and bred a Buckeye - Buckeye 'til I die
Wiki lists Norma Macmillan as the voice of Polly in the 60's tv cartoon and Amy Adams in the ill fated movie back in 2007.
As for me, I was more into George of The Jungle and Magilla Gorilla.
Too much time spent at the North Heidelberg rather than the classroom. SSD 68-72
Wait there was a remake 15 years ago? I’m looking that up. Thats very interesting but I’m sure it does no justice it THE O-RIG-IN-AL. Go Bucks! And Run THE dang ball CJ!
Brutus for president
Loved that show as a kid. I think the Buckeyes will play loose as an underdog…worked in 2014.
The Underdogs versus the Dawgs.
Ua Mau ke Ea o ka 'Aina I ka Pono. The life of the land is preserved in righteousness. (Hawai'i state motto) Aloha nui kakou.
They’re going to have to play out of their minds to beat Georgia. Could happen…….
Big chance at redemption for so many players who shat the bed against TTUN.
Enjoy the wins over *ichigan, ....I still remember the dark days of the 1990's....
Something happened to this offense after the bye week. If we can get back to the offense we saw early in the season, we will be able to move the ball. I’m hopefully with over a month between games that we can somehow get things back on track. Gonna need to play our best game, hope Georgia makes a few mistakes, and have some things go our way to win the game. Have to be ultra aggressive taking shots down the field. Have to get more creative like how day used to be. If we come out and throwing bubble screens against Georgia we will get smashed. I’m interested to see how our d matches up against their offense. We held up against TTUN running game until they broke those 2 long runs. Georgia doesn’t have those elite WRs, but their TEs are amazing. Have to figure out a way to slow Bowers down. Does Lathan Ransom guard him? He would be our best bet IMO.
We had a guard that was playing on one good foot and two running backs who weren't healthy enough to make it through a full game.
No secrets to winning football games. Execute: control time of possession, get positive yards. protect the football, block, tackle, no penalties, and no turnovers.
Try not to suck
The games that Georgia has struggled in (relatively) this year has been due to turnovers and specifically fumbles. They have also not been a team that has a tremendous number of sacks (so far this year they have 26, Buckeyes by comparison have 32) so hopefully our line can keep Stroud not only upright but also minimize the scrambles needed.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
Yep and they know they have to pressure him because he stresses under that....if they let him sit there he'll hit somebody so they're gonna come after him.
Bbc11
He had FOREVER to pass against Michigan, and failed to hit somebody, several times. It’s not automatic that he’ll pick them apart if given time.
THIS^^
Our offensive line played lights out against Michigan and he couldnt hit anyone.
He could have ran tons of times for a first to keep the drive going - but then he would not be doing his job - which is throwing the ball! He cant do that now!
Bronson Lillemon
31/48 for 349 yds
"couldn't hit anyone"
The second half was a dumpster fire though. He could throw for 500 yards a but he then threw a pick in the red zone when he could have ran it up the gut for a touchdown. When people say take what the defense is giving you, it’s usually in the form of a cheap 5 or 10 yards and stroud won’t do it. He thinks every pass play is going to go for 60 yards. Those are rare.
Buckeye football isn’t every thing on Saturday. It’s the only thing on Saturday
Point being…….THREE points in second half, and he didn’t score them or hit anyone that did. Stats are for losers.
And that's why Georgia could call a vanilla defense. Georgia doesn't need to blitz to win on defense. They just need to take away big plays and have us stall out in the RZ. Several defenses in the last 2 years have held us to 30 points or less, regardless how many yards we moved the ball. Yards from scrimmage is the most misleading stat in football. It's about scoring points and execution.
BOATS and HOES.
Ohio State was first in the country this year in team yards per point, meaning they converted their yards gained into points more than any other team. This isn't the end all/be all as there are other factors like defensive TDs and short fields, but does show that OSU has been very efficient scoring points in relation to scrimmage yards gained.
https://www.teamrankings.com/college-football/stat/yards-per-point
Ohio St also had the 5th best red zone TD % in the country this year, scoring TDs on 76% of RZ trips. Tenn was #1 at 79%, UGA was 35th at 68%.
This is a good point. Alabama was destroyed in 2018 by Clemson despite gaining over 500 yards. Bama didn’t do shit inside the 20 lol. It was almost funny to watch. And I hate Clemson
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
You mean yards don’t win games?
Georgia will be a very tough challenge on both sides of the ball. The pass game will have to be elite and Stroud may not have as much time as he's used to. Wonder if they'll use tempo at all to get things going and keep Georgia on their heels.
“If trees could scream, would we be so cavalier about cutting them down? We might, if they screamed all the time, for no good reason.”
-Jack Handey
The offense needs to use tempo. If they don't use tempo against Georgia...no real chance to beat them.
You standing around staring at the sideline waiting for a play won't work ?
I think the check with me before a play to make a "good play into a perfect play" doesn't work and keeps the team (CJ in particular) from developing a rhythm. Have a player go in motion to have the D tip off the coverage, call an audible or go with what is called. I bet that will cut down on offensive penalties and delays. This late in the year I'm sure CJ can figure it out a respectable amount of the time. Maybe build some confidence if they get it right most of the time.
BUCKSRUS
Stroud is gonna have to make plays with his legs when it’s called for. Just like Cardale vs Bama in 2014 and Fields, their are moments when a pass is called that if the pocket collapses (and it will vs UGA), QB gotta get up field with his legs. I SECOND - NO WR SCREENS/LOS quick hitters.
Mr. Figure Four
Totally agree. He has to take off when and get positive yards against them when the pocket break down.
That goes against his game. If you ask/tell him to do that, he’ll get caught ‘thinking’ too much.
Or he may be timid about taking hits. And that’s no way to go into a game thinking like that. Embrace the contact.
Buckeye football isn’t every thing on Saturday. It’s the only thing on Saturday
Stroud needs to watch some NFL games if he thinks he belongs in the league, because even in the NFL now you aren't going to win games by playing the way he does. He needs to watch and study Joe Burrow every week until the playoffs, especially how he steps FORWARD into the pocket. Anytime things break down Stroud runs directly backwards five yards and then tries to move sideways to escape, that isn't going to work against GA
Mods on this site are so fragile. They'll censor comments that don't even break any rules and ban you for calling them out on it.
Preaching to the choir on all this. Not sure who is giving Stroud QB advice but it’s clear they aren’t painting the whole picture for him. If he hasn’t learned to take yardage and slide by now, I don’t see him magically doing this before the combine
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
I know one thing. CJ Stroud is NOT the kind of guy who will run and truck over a guy like Landon Collins and talk shit afterwards. Georgia knows that. They won't need to be aggressive and blitz much, they just need to take away big plays. They know we won't run on them. I honestly believe Georgia has the personnel in which their staff could call a vanilla defense, and still hold us to 30 points or less. Let CJ get his through the air, and have us kick FGs.
BOATS and HOES.
Other keys to upset
1. Stroud playing unaffraid
2. Defensive DB playing up to potential
3. Team discipline
4. Coach Day calling an attacking uptempo offense
5. Coach Knowles calling a stiffling defense
It's all in Stroud's hands. Things will go Georgia's way from time to time because they are very good and instead of sitting on the bench looking down and out and playing tight, he needs to play angry and go for it.
YES ^^^^^^^ THIS !!!!!! This behavior may cause Coach Day to change the calls to build up his QB's confidence ?
I am torn between needing to play a balls to the wall air it out creative pass game of like 40-50 passes OR Tresselball field position with calculated play action deep shots and high-percentage passes like slants and such.
Either way, our defense is going to need a defensive backfield to show up and show out.
You win with people.
And so forth...
9 Units Strong!
A balanced offense and quarterback runs will keep us in the game. And our defense can't let big plays happen like against that team up north. Hopefully Henderson is healthy.
Cedar Point, America's Rock'n roller coast.
Hate to say it, but I don't think Henderson should play. We can't waste even a single play in this game on someone that is just 95%. Day needs to pick two RBs that are 100% healthy and stick with them whoever they are. Splitting carries between 4 guys, 2 of which weren't 100% killed the rhythm against *ichigan.
Mods on this site are so fragile. They'll censor comments that don't even break any rules and ban you for calling them out on it.
Henderson at 95% is likely a better option than Hayden or Chip. Folks here seem to forget how explosive he is in the open field, when healthy. I do agree that if he is signigcantly hampered then don't play him. But this is quite a long layoff for him (6 weeks), I would expect both he and Chop to be healthy and form their usual one-two punch, which would provode a huge boost to the offense. If Henderson is healthy we need to find ways to get him in space.
I think we need to be able to run the ball first. Then get thier big defensive lineman running side to side in order to be able to pass protect better later on. Gonna be nerve racking that’s for sure.
Fire Kevin Warren
It’s no secret the key to winning is Stroud Stroud Stroud. We need to see a gritty, bloody, don’t blink performance from him to have any chance to win. He needs to transform into Craig Krenzel, Troy Smith and Justin Fields which I believe will this young man has the capability of doing.
osuflash
It would be good to see Stroud stop pump faking right before he throws. If the D is playing zone with its eyes on the QB, it gives them an extra half second to close in on our WR and limit YAC.
If we throw the ball over 40 times we will be defeated. If you run bubble screens like we tried against Penn St. we will lose big time. Its no secret on how to win games, first and foremost we must block and tackle at a 90% level, second we have to run the ball and put up good numbers running it and a average of six yards per carry should get the job done with 30 attempts with two tds, and lastly the passing game we will need to hit some long balls and be consisted with the mid range passing game and come up with four tds. special teams need to be at a level we haven't seen all season and come up with some points or just don't give up no big plays!!
JRG
I mean, we've seen CJ throw for 484 yards against Oregon, and we scored 28, 394 against M last year, and we scored 27, 349 this year against M, and we score 23. All L's.
This team has to be able to run the ball somehow, or we will see another ghastly ass-kicking where we score under 30 points. If we cannot get any push from our OL and achieve any semblance of balance, I don't see a pathway to a W. Throwing the ball 350-400+ yards guarantees we score some points, but that's it. Regardless of the playcall, we need to tire them out upfront by playing FAST, FAST, FAST. If that means CJ has to take 3 step drops and get the ball out quick, then that's what we have to do. Those are the only ways to potentially neutralize an opposing dominant DL. We did that against Clemson in 2019 and 2020 and they were on their heels. I think we have to do the same thing, and even more so against Georgia. Georgia's defense is so good, that we would have to play above our heads for 60 minutes. We have NOT seen that at any point this year. This game will be won or lost up front.
BOATS and HOES.
True dat....as always...TN #1 passing attack came out with a loss
Bbc11
Tennessee runs the ball a higher % than Georgia. They pass for bigger yards tho. In that game it was a few key situations. Tennessee o line couldn’t protect hooker long enough or get the running game going enough. 27-13 wasn’t a whooping on the scoreboard. Stetson played his best game.
OSU's run game IS NOT GOING TO BEAT GEORGIA! Georgia is allowing <3 yards a carry. Georgia is allowing >6 yards per pass. Since the bye week OSU's run game has been very unreliable. RB's have been injured to the point that Day started the 4th string RB against scum. Hayden, for whatever reason, isn't Day's go to guy. The OSU QB and receivers on the other hand, are the strongest unit in CFB. If Day will turn them loose. Everyone would love for OSU to have a dominating run game but that just isn't the reality. OSU is going to have to go to their strength which is a pass 1st to set up PAP, draws and "some" QB runs littered in to take advantage of Georgia having to keep CJ from beating them over the middle. Day said the bubble screen "has a purpose as it spreads the field". PFFFFTTTT! The sideways game, passing and running, has not worked all year and it absolutely won't beat the Dawgs. OSU has the athletes to beat Georgia in an uptempo game. Day said CJ understands the game and sees how to defeat defenses. Well, let him do it for the 1st time this year. Let the team line up, see where the D's weakness is, and here is where it gets tricky, let them run a damn GOOD play instead of stopping to check with the sideline to get a PERFECT play. Allow them to get into a rythm (something that has been missing most of the year) and trust the best collection of athletes in CFB to ball!
BUCKSRUS
I agree that thinking we will be able to bulldoze them for a big rushing day is wishful thinking. We will certainly have to be effective at running the ball in spots, but the game is going to be on Stroud's shoulders.
At this point play loose and who cares. Win or lose, I want to have a good game
Passing stats v. Michigan are very misleading. Ohio State moved the ball through the air against Michigan UNTIL they reached the red Zone. Then the passing game dried up. And Ohio State couldn't run either. We only scored 3 points in the 2nd half.
This is why I'm surprised that Georgia isn't at least a two-touchdown favorite. Georgia will play bully-ball, and Ohio State won't be able to match them.
Class of ‘71
I got to attend the UGA @ South Carolina game this past September. From what I observed, Georgia will handle OSU comfortably because they will simply dominate both lines of scrimmage. Player development and leadership matter more so than talent as defined by recruiting rankings. I hope oherwise, but I see UGA 34 TOSU 10. Our beloved Buckeyes are simply not built to play grown ass man football, something Day, Knowles and Stroud cannot change in the brief time before 12/31.
Oh and Michigan still sucks!
Too much time spent at the North Heidelberg rather than the classroom. SSD 68-72
I 100% agree with this - I am blown away you are downvoted into oblivion lol.
I have a tiny bit of hope that Day and Stroud decide to show up with heart - because I know the OL will. They did against Michigan and CJ and Day failed them with the horrible play calling and lack of leadership and passion from CJ Stroud. he could have cared less imo
Bronson Lillemon
I thought prior to the national championship two years ago that our one chance was to just try to keep pace with Alabama on the scoreboard (they were almost impossible to stop), and then just hope for a break. And it worked for a quarter or so.
Day needs to approach this game in a similar way. Although Georgia is probably not a threat to run away and hide on the scoreboard, they really turn up the pressure on defense once they have a lead, so it's important to prevent that as long as possible. None of this "feeling out process" stuff for the first couple of drives. We need to come out and punch them in the nose, get them into an unfamiliar position of being in a second half dogfight.
The most "loud mouth, disrespect" poster on 11W.
what Ga does is methodically beat the snot out of teams for the entire 4 quarters. i don't think they "run away" with it quickly. but i don't think the game will end up close at the end.
danny
I think we have a better shot at winning this one as opposed to Bama 2020. Our defense now is much better than it was then, I really didn't see anyway that we would stop their offense. The 2020 and 2021 defenses were not good by any stretch, despite what happened in The Game our D has been much much better this year.
I think we can get some stops vs UGA by stuffing their run and getting them in 2nd/3rd and long, and hopefully containing Bowers. It certainly won't be easy but I like the matchup of their O vs our D better now than I did vs Bama. Need to find a way to create some turnovers.
Who said we were not better ?? !!! Oh, you ? " fans " !!!!!
big buck!
I totally feel like OSU has the athletes to beat UGA. The Ryan Day needs to realize it and put in a game plan to beat the brakes off of them!
BUCKSRUS
"All we need to do" (and I put that in caps because this is a tall order) is get to Stetson Bennett early and often. Bennett reminds me of Baker Mayfield (OK QB, not dumpster fire NFL QB). When he's feeling himself, dropping air bombs, looking like Brett Faavrah, Georgia is virtually unstoppable. We know their defense is going to show up (maybe their secondary IS questionable). Their defense IS better than ours, I believe, but our offense is--when healthy--better than theirs. They have the advantage at the RB and TE positions (healthy or not), but we have the advantage at the QB and WR positions. SO, insum, it all comes down to the defense getting to their QB, and ours showing up like the guy we saw for most of this season, and in last season's Rose Bowl. This IS the "national championship." The winner of this game WILLL beat TCU in the National Championship (see what I did there? lol). GO BUCKS!!
Round on the ends and "HI" in the middle. O-HI-O.
If Chop and Hednerson are 100% healthy they stack up with the UGA RBs. They are better at TE obviously and really at all levels of the defense. We do need our front 7 to really step up and get after the QB, no doubt. Need a JTT vs Penn St type or performance from somebody.
I agree, passing game needs to be ready...but, Defense has to show up as well.
CBus love
My mom just told me she read Stroud's announcement that he won't be playing in the playoffs, but I can't find it anywhere. Has anyone else heard this or is she going crazy?
...and Michigan still sucks.
Nevermind. She was reading Stroud's statement about JSN not playing. I was freaking out for a sec
...and Michigan still sucks.
The headline of this article is correct. The one area we are superior to Georgia is in the passing game. We must feed Marvin until Georgia proves they can shut him down. Put him in motion or do whatever is necessary to try to give him some space as he will catch anything close to him. This will open up our run game if we have healthy backs IMO.
You guys keep saying Stroud is going to run…He doesn’t know HOW to run. Has never been part of his game. It is not natural. So dream on. Plus Coach Day hasn’t Allowed him to even try to run all season. Northwestern doesn’t disprove this…that was desperation.
Unfortunately, Coach Day’s playcalling has made Stroud’s shortcomings worse. What happened to our genius playcaller?
PacificCoastBuckeye
You must've missing the NW game where Stroud RAN for more yards than he PASSED. I agree, he's "not a dual threat QB," but with a defense as talented as Georgia's he needs to "take what they're going to give him." If that means there's a numbers mismatch and he's got an open field to get some yards, then he most certainly must tuck the ball and run. He must ALSO protect himself by sliding or running out of bounds. Rinse and repeat. Also, Kyle McCord better be ready to play, if only for a play or two if Stroud is knocked out of the game. Georgia has a defense that can and will hurt you if they can. They fly all over the field.
Round on the ends and "HI" in the middle. O-HI-O.
Good points OldTownBuckNut. Well taken on my end. However…Stroud only ran in Evanston because Coach Day finally figured out after 25 incompletions, you can’t throw the ball in a 40 mph windstorm. Has Stroud run the ball more than once or twice this year to elude a sack or for a positive gain and then slid like just about all QB’s at all levels do these days? I am dumbfounded why he cannot do this or won’t even try? If he is scared or afraid of injury, why can’t he be coached to learn how to slide to avoid being tackled?
if you were an NFL Scout, would you draft a QB who won’t run? If so, your team will never be a contender. Not the way the game is played and officiated today.
Coach Day… Just come up with damm gameplan for once with the talent you’ve got. If Stroud runs againt UGA, knowing our luck, he’s likely to get POPPED and injured.
PacificCoastBuckeye
Even if it was desperation in the NW game, it was still very effective, and proves that he can run. He's obviously not going to turn into a big time scrambler over night, but no reason they can't work with him a bit over the next moth and show him that he can pick up some key first downs here and there with his legs.
My keys for us to have a fair chance:
1. Players canNOT wait for someone to turn hero and put the team on their back - they ALL have to play like it could be their last game of football, because folding like a cheap suit and looking around is the recipe of having your will+soul ripped out of you on the field.
2. The deep chances will be there so have to play with patience and TAKE WHAT THE DEFENSE GIVES YOU to stay on schedule - amazing confidence can grow if we move the ball CONSISTENTLY - and conversely, it will make them feel desperate, which will be when our deep balls really put the game away
3. Defense has to make sure STIV doesn't kill them with his feet. He is good on short and medium throws, so play with patience, but no big plays. Keep everything in front and be friggin tough in the red zone.
"I don't apologize for anything. When I make a mistake, I take the blame and go on from there." - Woody Hayes
This article actually has me amped up to play the Dawgs...play loose, play free, and play aggressively...I have a good feeling about the outcome of this game.
Faster, tougher, and more violent...
TOSU defense needs to play disciplined, assignment football. Keep everything in front. The UGA defense is going to come after Stroud on every down. He must be ready for it. Study the Tennessee film, because their defensive game plan will be very similar. Stroud hasn't done well under pressure, and that worries me. The O-line is the key in this matchup.
The O-line pass protection has actually held up very all season. CJ had all day against Michigan.
Shatinkycat1
Interesting that you say OSU's D needs to keep everything in front of it while pointing out that CJ doesn't do well under pressure and Georgia's D game plan is to come after him every down. Why shouldn't OSU play aggressive attacking D to put pressure on the Georgia QB possibly forcing mistakes & turnovers? Since that works for them maybe we should give it a shot.
BUCKSRUS
OSU will have to get to Bennett with a four man rush. On occasion send a blitz. But if you blitz too much, you saw what happened against Michigan. The DBs couldn’t tackle a mannequin and those 20 yard passes went for 75 yard touchdowns. The Bucks would be wise to keep everything in front of them, but that is contingent on if they can get their defensive line pressure with four guys
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
The ‘desperation’ versus NORTHWESTERN should be everyone’s hint.
Up tempo! Up tempo! What does Geogia expect the Buckeyes to do? Da set up the running game. What have the Buckeyes done all year? They run up the middle. With the offensive talent of the Buckeyes you can set up the run by spreading out the field and that makes a good offensive line great.
I may not be the sharpest crayon in the box but I'm one of the most colorful.
RUN. THE. DAMN. BALL.
Not Ohio born; Not Ohio Bred; but through thy firm friendship; forever Ohio cred! Developed Here.
Bet Stroud is shitting his pants knowing he's going to have to run the ball sometimes for us to have a chance. Bet he still doesn't.
Stroud can completely change everyone's perspective of him if he goes out and plays like he has a set and gets the win!
I think he is so arrogant he will choose NOT to run just to prove a point to the fans and NFL that he can do everything with his arm and will never need to move.
Bronson Lillemon
If you go into this game vs Georgia thinking you are the Underdog you will play like an Underdog! Scared! You gotta smack Georgia right in the mouth they will be SEC Cocky talking shit the whole game. Just let your play do the talking.
Being indoors with the weather not being a factor, that sets up well for the Buckeyes' passing game. The running attack must complement the air attack, though, especially on short yardage situations. I think there has to be a few times where CJ has to run, albeit if only for 5-10 yards. It certainly will help if TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams are totally healthy.
A great running game plan will open up the air attack. And part of having a good running game plan (in this day and age) involves having the QB running WITH A PURPOSE TOWARD THE FIRST DOWN MARKER. Lateral and backwards running, as well as passive forward run WILL NOT CUT THE MUSTARD. Georgia is already studying lack of forward running commit from CJ, and is counting on more of the same (that 20 yards of open lane last game is a study point). A little bit of Woodyball (with the guts to do so), can and will open up the air attack. But QB7 will need to show up and run like Cornelius Green was willing to, when it matters.
No forward run attack with a purpose from CJ Stroud will lead to disastrous results. Once again, CJ Stroud needs to find his inner Audie Murphy, and show some guts out there. Because if he shows ANY timidness out there? Jaylen Carter will make it his mission to put the hurt on him, each and every play, until he snaps him like a twig.
Go for broke, CJ. That is the only way the offense gets it started and finished.
If CJ doesn’t use his legs , UGA wins. I’m not saying he has to rip off huge runs . Just 4 or 5 yards here and there to make short yardage situations or first downs .
Ryan Days offense is predictable to me , a sofa dwelling couch potato.
imagine how UGA defensive coordinator’s will be licking their chops at his silly little bubble screens
CJ really is not a good runner. His 40 time at the combine is going to be slow. And his game speed 40 is even slower. It was shocking that he did not score on that run at Northwestern. With that much space, any player on the team could have gotten the gain he did, even a lineman. It was like a fake punt in terms of surprise. If he runs once or twice, it will only highlight how darn slow he is and reveal there is no threat.
I think he has the athleticism of a baseball pitcher--off the charts amazing on arm strength and vision but poor on everything else. Yes, I know Krenzel wasn't blazing fast, nor was JT (remember how long it took him to score against Minnesota) but those guys never had the option of relying on arm alone, so they probably had been running the ball since Pop Warner. And because of that they were willing to get hit (particularly JT) . . I really think CJ cannot do it. So let's not ask him to do it. And let's make sure that next year we do not have a statue back there. Yes, he can move side to side to avoid pressure but he has practiced that. He has never practiced running for yards.
Get into the red zone and score.
Have to have some creativity with play-calling.
Defense will have to play lights out and contain the passionate leader Mr. Bennett.
Throwing DOWN FIELD - hitting slants - seem routes - and I absolutely beg Ryan Day, if the bubble screen IS NOT WORKING - DO NOT RUN IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN! LOL
Run downhill vs east west zone reads. Gap running has been successful but ryan day consistently goes away from it and anything else that seems to be working.
If Ryan day can be creative with play calling, offense and defense play disciplined, focused, mentally tough football, we got a big shot at winning this game.
Bronson Lillemon
The offense has to win this game and is going to have score more than 2 TDs the whole game. The offense is the strength, and the passing game is the strength. Use it and use it aggressively from the start of the game. On key downs and in key moments, the offense shouldn't be running it every other play or setting up overthought plays.
We relied way too heavily on the defense against Michigan and inexplicably played scared on offense. That needs to change to have a shot at beating Georgia.
Coach Day WAS scared! Which is why the whole offense played the way they did in the second half.
They cannot play that way again.
Bronson Lillemon
Here's the news, it's impossible to project how OSU does against UGA based off the LSU game because LSU's defense is TRRRRRRRRRRRRRASH.
Ohio State's defense isn't perfect, obviously, but it is NOT trash. So for me, I feel comfortable saying Ohio State won't allow UGA to put up 50...
The question is, can OSU's pass game, which when it's rolling is the best in the country, make UGA adjust enough so that the Buckeyes can get SOMETHING going in the run game against the nation's most stingy run defense?
If Ohio State is multiple and creative enough in the pass game to force Georgia to adjust so that the Buckeyes can get the run game going, I think then and only then the Buckeyes really have a shot.
The Excellence of Execution, the Best there is, the Best there was, the Best there ever will be!
Agree. I would add that Georgia will likely believe that because Alabama isn’t in the playoffs, they will soundly beat the other three teams and won’t adjust much off of what they’ve done or shown all year. That’s when turn overs can happen and why risk it when no one has stopped you this year. When you have the best passing offense in the country (Ohio State), don’t try and get overly clever. A Clemson 2020 game plan or just say F it and sling away like the second half of the Utah game last season.
Shatinkycat1
One thing you said that I think is getting underplayed for sure, defending champs, what's Georgia's mindset going into this post-season? Do they think they need to do anything differently? Will there be particular wrinkles for the Buckeyes or are they confident enough to just do what they've done all year? If it's the latter that means Ohio State has everything they need on film already to be prepared.
The Excellence of Execution, the Best there is, the Best there was, the Best there ever will be!
I live in Georgia, so I get the joy of hearing about how great the SEC is compared to the rest of college football. I also watch a lot of SEC games, mainly Georgia, to help with casual social conversation. Many SEC fans truly believe that the bottom tier SEC teams would be conference champs in the other four power 5 conferences. The SEC coaches and players don’t respect anyone outside of the conference. I don’t think Georgia does anything different unless forced to do so.
Shatinkycat1
That's championship hubris... Hopefully it bites them in the ass.
The Excellence of Execution, the Best there is, the Best there was, the Best there ever will be!
If Brady Cook can throw against you it's a big problem. I hope the whole offense can find some rhythm. Hasn't happened much lately.
vacuuming sucks
Georgia wasn't great that day, but they still held Mizzou to 22 points. They will have the gameplan against us. Bend but don't break.
BOATS and HOES.
I’m noting the names of regular posters calling for Ohio State to run and not pass. After the game is over, some these same people will be complaining and asking why Ohio State didn’t pass more. In the past two years, Georgia has lost one game and that was to Alabama in the SEC championship game last year. Alabama passed all over Georgia and they couldn’t stop it, winning by three TDs. In the national championship game, Alabama’s top two WRs were injured and they couldn’t run on Georgia, resulting in a big loss. Even when Georgia wins big, they often struggle with pass defense. When the data clearly supports Georgia has a weakness with passing defense and Ohio State has the best receiving group and receiver, why would we think running first is the magic solution when on one has been able to run on Georgia?
Shatinkycat1
i don't see it happening. lsu threw for 500 yards and lost by twenty. i get what you're saying; but you're only looking at bulldogs possible weakness and ignoring the glaring issues the bucks have. i'd love to see osu win; but i don't think it's going to happen. the only possible way bucks can win is if Ga has a lot of penalties/TOs.
danny
I’m not saying Ohio State wins, but to have a chance, our best players are the receivers and CJ has one of the best arms I’ve witnessed at the college level when he’s on. You can forget trying to run on Georgia unless the pass opens it up first. In their two games last year, Alabama could run on them.
Shatinkycat1
In the Natty 20 years ago I think they forced Miami into 5 turnovers. They might need at least three or four in this game, and cash them all in. Perhaps 3 TDs and a FG for example. And that will be a tall task
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
Not really concerned about the passing game so much as I wonder what Day and Stroud will do when UGA drops into coverage and relies on getting pressure with their front 4. Stroud probably isn't going to run, instead electing to scramble around trying to find a passing lane. Day has a tendency not to rely on the run game once a play or 2 fail.
Go Buckeyes!
If some combo of chop/Henderson/chip/ Dallan doesn’t touch the ball 30+ times we are going to lose in my opinion. 6 yard rushing average against tun which is a very good defense should still be good to be effective against uga. Day just needs to use it
So I'm gonna throw a wild idea out here. Run some series with Kyle McCord; RPO's to force GA to account for QB run will loosen the RB game and open intermediate passing lanes. He has the arm to complete passes and the legs to be a dual threat QB. Once we loosen the GA D a bit and run some time off the clock, let Stroud throw the daggers and win the game. I think a Two look QB will mess GA completely up. It's worth a try to break some ground game open and MCCord will likely be starter next year so we should trust him.
Steelybuck54
Going to have to come up with some wrinkles like this to catch them off guard and pick up some "free" yardage and points. Coach Day going to have to earn his paycheck in this one.
Definitely this. ^^^ Day is going to have to change up the one page of plays he called against TTUN. He might need 10 pages of unique alignments and assignments. Get them off guard a bit and show them looks that they don’t often see in film from OSU. I agree that the Run Pass Option is going to have to be incorporated at some point. And the QB is actually gonna have to run with it. Or the QB read option. If not Stroud, then McCord. Even if he’s not accustomed to running, if he’s willing to do it, get him in the game.
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
A big piece of strategizing is about matchups and strengths vs weaknesses. While everyone always would like to establish the run on offense, that seems like an OSU weakness and a UGA strength - so why emphasize a bad matchup? OSU's strength on offense is passing and that happens to be a lesser part of UGA's D, so I think it makes a lot more sense to look for advantages there.
One can also hope that OSU mixes things up in offensive play calling. Good defenses are hard to beat when they know what to expect most of the time.
My other hope is that OSU's D is effective enough against UGA to keep them from scoring too much. Obvious stuff, I guess, but it would help if OSU doesn't need to have huge success on offense to win. A 24-17 type win would be just fine....
If we are going to pull this off the blocking on bubble screens has to be on point. /s
To win this game, we will need Stroud. But not just his arm. We only win this game if he has a few designed runs and takes off running when nothing is open. Often he has ten yards clear, but forces a throw.
Our Buckeyes are in a dark place right now. They have no heart, no overpowering desire to win. They play not to lose. I hate to say it, but I don't see them keeping within three touchdowns against Georgia
Ohio st only wins this game if they FIGHT with all their heart. Period.
"Life is not about how hard you can hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. THATS HOW WINNING IS DONE!!" - Rocky Ballboa
Take the points - hell take the money line.
Go Bucks!!
Even tho day can't say it, because he chooses violence. What this grandma thinks he means is... he has to score a lot of points against the best defense in the nation, not because they have a prolific offense...but because he has a problematic defense.
If only he would be transparent. Damn it
We will be fine. eliminate the mistakes. take what they give you. I have zero concerns about our offense that concern Georgia. I do think we can become our own worst enemy and if that happens against team as good as Georgia, we get whooped. Its hard to predict how to play them without knowing who we have available in the backfield but if its Henderson at full go, i will be excited. Although i don't think he is our best running back, He is our best weapon at running back. Hes the only one we chance a throw to i am not sure if any of them will make a living running straight ahead anyway. I would use two WR sets with Hendo motioning in and out of the backfield to the slot. Utilize the extra pass protection while they double Marvin and go to him anyway. Thier secondary is a soft spot but lets first try to beat it while maintaining numbers at the LOS. I would bet on Marvin all day long with Hendo or a chipping TE mixing it up instead of 4 or 5 wides with a lack of protection and a QB trying read too much. 3 options every pay until they fall asleep on Fleming.
Basically, NO mistakes, Protect the QB. MARVIN, MARVIN, MARVIN. After we cross their 45, we can utilize Williams, Chip or Dallan to shorten the game and protect the D or Mirco to maintain field position.
Let it be done!
JDK
You don't think that Georgia knows we want to go to Marv? Michigan put their best CB and a safety on him and in all honesty pretty much took him out of the game. I would hope that the staff uses some new routes and uses Marv to run defenders away from the other WR's on shorter routes, crossing routes, rubs, pick plays. you can't go into a game hoping to just use the obvious guys because they will prepare for that. My guess is the first series we will see soft zone or soft man with 2 deep safeties wide to find out what we want to do. I would love to see some TE mixed with Rossi at FB/TE 5-6 yard routes. One thing that I guarantee you is not going to work is the chunk plays or Day trying to score a TD on every play. Our WR's are so good if they run these guys off and come back routes will open up in the 6-10 yard range. You must be disciplined and stay with it, something Day struggles with because he is like a spoiled brat when play calling and runs a few successful plays then tries to throw something 15-20 yards downfield. If we just run the stuff we ran all year This will get ugly!
Count on Georgia being all over Marvin, but their pass defense is nowhere near the level of TTUN's. I like Marvin's chances.
"There's always going to be an element of pressure when you walk on the stage." -Eddie George
I do know they will try to take away marv.i ain't giving up the list to involve him. I am going to make them prove they can. I'm done selling out somewhere to try and beat you. Prove it. I'm going down with my best vs you selling out to stop my best. Kinda like Michigan with the run .we sold out and got burned..quests what, you can get burned not selling out. Imma feed marve and if that's in double coverage, better for me.cause marv gonna win his share and make things easier elsewhere.
JDK
Cardale had to run the ball to help beat Bama in 2015. CJ can throw all day long, and I still feel like it won't be enough. He has to get past his fear of getting hit, and run the damn ball. And for the love of football, no bubble screens! That's how we beat Georgia.
"There's always going to be an element of pressure when you walk on the stage." -Eddie George
The four and five man routes sacrifice the los and give our coach and QB way to much to process.8 times of 10 someone comes open 3 times of 8 the Qb has that particular guy in his sights. One of three times he makes the throw. F all that. I'm going down with my best. Tired of seeing the least mobile yet least sacked QB in the big 10 (nation) have all the time in the world to process too much. If I'm coaching imma make it simple. Guess when I'm targeting marv and hope you can stop it ..you cant
JDK