What to Expect

History Lesson
Urban Meyer doesn't want to become the second coach in history to lose his Ohio State coaching debut game. He doesn't want to become the next Jack Ryder, who lost his first game as an Ohio State coach in 1892. You history buffs may point out Jack Ryder's contributions to the football team as the first paid coach, or his long career as a sports reporter in Cincinnati, but for the purposes of  this article he lost his first game. Urban Meyer did get a scare from Miami in his last year at Florida, and Miami did play a close game against Ohio State in 2000 under Coach Cooper.

More History
Ohio State has won its last 33 home opening games, with the last loss in 1978 to Penn State long before the team joined the Big Ten. Ohio State is 106-12-4 overall in opening weekend games, including games on the road.

The Future
On Saturday you can expect three things: (1) rain; (2) more rain; and (3) an OSU running game display. The forecast calls for a large amount of rain as the remnants of Isaac go throw the midwest. Fans will see Braxton Miller elude defenders and Carlos Hyde bulldoze over defenders. Braxton Miller will pass the ball, even with rain. Look for passes to Devin Smith, Corey Brown, Michael Thomas, Jake Stoneburner, Zach Boren, and Carlos Hyde. There is much anticipation over the no-huddle spread featuring a power running game. It is difficult to predict the offensive numbers under the new system, and based on the weather, but I anticipate 300 yards rushing and 250 passing yards. The potent passing game of Miami will get 200 passing yards, but the running game will be limited to 75 yards. Ohio State will win 42-17.