Keep it Simple
Barrett will not have the entire playbook available on Saturday, and perhaps he won't for most of the season. He needs to work on the fundamentals and depend on star players to make big plays. Look for Ohio State to run the ball early and you can expect the passing game to involve fairly simple routes and relatively safe plays.
Navy is Unique
You will hear a lot of discussion of Navy's unique triple option offense, but it also has a unique defense. Ohio State will have to figure out the defense and its size advantage on the O-line should help.
Limit Mistakes
Navy limits its mistake and penalties, as they consistently rank near first in the nation for fewest turnovers and fewest penalties. Ohio State can't afford to turnover the ball as it did in 2009, a game in which Navy had a chance to tie the game in the closing minutes.
Barrett will not have the entire playbook available on Saturday, and perhaps he won't for most of the season. He needs to work on the fundamentals and depend on star players to make big plays. Look for Ohio State to run the ball early and you can expect the passing game to involve fairly simple routes and relatively safe plays.
Navy is Unique
You will hear a lot of discussion of Navy's unique triple option offense, but it also has a unique defense. Ohio State will have to figure out the defense and its size advantage on the O-line should help.
Limit Mistakes
Navy limits its mistake and penalties, as they consistently rank near first in the nation for fewest turnovers and fewest penalties. Ohio State can't afford to turnover the ball as it did in 2009, a game in which Navy had a chance to tie the game in the closing minutes.
Limit Passing Yardage
Ohio State hired Chris Ash, a former Brett Bielema assistant, in an effort to rehab the defense, in particular the passing defense. In order for Ohio State to improve its passing defense, it will rely on highly touted but inexperienced freshman. Look for Ohio State to apply more pressure in pass coverage, but don't get too excited after the first week because Navy is not known for its passing game. Predictions
Navy will run the ball, and it will run the ball again. It has an excellent running quarterback who will only attempt 10-12 passes/game. Ohio State needs to watch the quarterback who had 1,346 rushing yards last season, the fullbacks who had 1,120 rushing yards last season, and the slotbacks who had 1,084 rushing yards last season. Look for Navy to be limited to 200 rushing yards and 100 passing yards. Ohio State should have success on the ground and there will be mismatches in the passing game. Look for Ohio State to run for 300 yards and pass for 200 yards. Ohio State will win 31-17.
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