Game Thread #2 Ohio State vs #3 Clemson, 8 pm ET, Dec 28th in Glendale, AZ

[Coleman Bazen]

What would yall say your biggest weakness this season has been? Also what area do yall think you'll be able to dominate in the game? Cant wait. Anyone going to Arizona let me know, we can have a hell of a tailgate.

 

[cjmik_75]

Maybe you’ve noticed the edit button.

Doesn’t matter bro this seems to be way over your head. I’m laughing with you not at you.

 

[Buckeneye]

I think we're going to see Venables test our O-Line and try to confuse Fields with various D-Line stunts and LB blitzes coming from multiple locations with different combinations and delay schemes.

Seems to be Clemson's M.O. this year. They look a bit trim up front, which is why I think they play so much man on the backend to compensate. Then couple that with the twists, stunts, slants, etc etc. They have trouble limiting the run with their dline alone so the extra bodies rally downhill are a necessity. Which really works to the Buckeyes benefit given the strength of our team is the interior run blocking and play action. The big key for our offense will be commit to the running game and not getting away from it - keep the Clemson offense on the sidelines. Then when we pass, do it off ball action and make sure Fields is seeing the field well, thus stepping into his throws with confidence.

If we try to just drop back and outgun the Tigers through the air, it just won't happen.

This needs to be a repeat of the Fiesta Bowl vs Notre Dame a few years ago. Give them a huge dose of Dobbins, let him pound his way to near 1st round status. Then let the receivers win downfield.

 

[BayBuck]

A misspelled word...ha, ha. Get it?

Not a misspelled word, but a commonly misused version of a word - which is the sort of thing that keeps @BuckeyeNation27 up at night.

 

[TampaBuckeyes]

I'd say "JK all day" and quick slants or crossing patterns; and if the pass blocking holds up and allows the time then go deep. Those sacks (like the 5 against Wisky) can be real "drive killers" especially against a good team.

Yes. I expect Clemson to play fast downhill to stop the run and rush Fields from the get go. Linebackers will have their eyes in the backfield. They need to be ready to start with the slants, crossing patterns and screens to make the defense honest. That should open up the run and the play action. If they try to air it out from the start then this will not go well. If their backers have to respect the short passes, then we'll have not problem with run blocking or pass protection. I expect Dobbins' horizontal teleportation skills to be helpful against a defense that may play too fast.

 

[cjmik_75]

Biggest weakness is the propensity to take unnecessary sacks. Whether it’s pass pro or just a young QB holding the ball too long. I don’t know maybe a little of both.

Also lack of QB depth.

I’d say defensively, it’s the MLB position. Borland is less athletic than Browning and the latter has a cast on his hand. Otherwise the D has been solid.

Strengths are the O Line and D Line. Both have talent and depth that hopefully gets tOSU over the hump against the tigers.
Edit-
I should clarify in saying O Line is a strength after listing pass pro as a weakness. Mostly a strength in moving the LOS in the run game.

WR group is deep and talented too.

Overall I think the biggest difference is your QB is playing really well and I expect the game plan to be stop the Clemson run game 1st and hope our athletes can force some turnovers.

How bout them Tigers? What do you feel the strengths and weaknesses are over there?

 

[BB73]

Not a misspelled word, but a commonly misused version of a word - which is the sort of thing that keeps @BuckeyeNation27 up at night.

@BN27 is the most dominate Grammar Nazi we have.

 

[MGMT]

Life should have hellcheck that way you can tell if you’re there already.

 

[Coleman Bazen]

Obviously hope fields is going to be 100% healthy.

Our biggest weakness offensively has got to be the Oline just because the skill players are so talented. Even with 4 seniors on the Oline, they have been suspect against bleh D Lines, and against Chase Young and Co. will have their hands full and Trevor will take Hits. No getting around that.

Defense, our back 7 is better than they have ever been Under BV. Unfortunately, our safety Tanner Muse is a huge weakness. He's a hot head hard hitter who makes great plays, but he gets beat because he takes too many risks. I expect Day and Fields to pick on Muse ALL night long. The DLINE isn't great, but with the amount of blitzes BV brings, its neutralizes that.

Each team is going to make HUGE plays because the skill players on both sides are so talented. Should be a hell of a ballgame.

 

[Jagdaddy]

This is exactly the kind of game bammer could lose. Come out totally flat and lose because it isn't for a national championship. Fortunately for them, they're playing scUM.

Josh Mettelus will be “covering” Bama receivers. Bama will kill them unless their D completely no shows.

“It’s nice to get away just for a second to a country that doesn’t have Ohio State. I need a break from being their bitch.”

I can see that being said.

I’m in Mexico right now. I have a Buckeye cap on so I can ruin the dude’s day if he happens to be around here.

The world wide leader is slobbering “The Tigers are hitting their stride at just the right time”

Against Ole Miss, Arkansas, aTm, and Georgia. That’s some really good offensives to ‘hit your stride against’.

I hope the team is as pissed off and disgusted as I am.

Buckeyes seem good at stride breaking this year.

Ha ha. But you spelled it right.

Using the WRONG word is different.

Just saying.

I’ve considered putting the dominate vs. dominant thing in the pet peeves thread. Astounding how often it’s screwed up.

 

[bukIpower]

https://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fbs

OSU has played 9 games against top 50 teams in Scoring Defense.

Clemson has played 1 team in the top 50 #37 Texas A&M.

OSU and Clemson have played 4 teams ranked in the top 50 for Scoring Offense. The highest ranked offense they have faced is Wake Forest at #39.

After looking at these stats I'm feeling more and more confident. Virginia put up almost 400 yards against them. A Virginia team that lost to Miami,Louisville,and Notre Dame.

That's what I mean... they have statistically and literally have walked through the year.

They are running a 3-3-5 for a reason and it's because they do not have the front they typically do. Physically bully them and keep their Offense off the field.

 

[Abenaki]

I’ve considered putting the dominate vs. dominant thing in the pet peeves thread. Astounding how often it’s screwed up.

Dominate vs dominant - Rivals.

Are we still doing that?

 

[Onebuckfan]

Just maul them ..quick running plays use tempo don’t let them put another lineman in if JK gets going.

 

[bukIpower]

Just maul them ..quick running plays use tempo don’t let them put another lineman in if JK gets going.

Yep. Literally physically punish them.

Bottom line we have the advantage where it counts most and that's up front on both sides of the ball.

 

[Zem]

Just maul them ..quick running plays use tempo don’t let them put another lineman in if JK gets going.

Yes. Part of their style on defense is to play a lot of people. They'll fake injuries to substitute, but tempo will mitigate the substitutions.