Game Thread Ohio State vs Oklahoma, 09/09/17 @ 7:30 ET (ABC)

[OSUK]

Riley is playing with house money IMO. If OU comes in here and gets spanked, that's what a lot of people expect. If they play it close and lose, then that's a great job of getting your team ready for a big game. If they win, the state of Oklahoma won't be big enough to hold the expectations for his tenure. I don't see a downside for him unless there is something beyond a spanking that resembles an annihilation.

You never know what a team is going to be this time of year. And like Jwin said, teams in game 2 are sometimes completely different in game 12 or 13 - in a positive or negative way. And also like Jwin said (I see a pattern emerging here), football is a crazy game of momentum where things can go in one direction in ways that are inexplicable and unpredictable. There are so many variables and intangibles in play that I will be nervous that night until I see how it is playing out.

I think Mayfield is the type of QB who always gives you a chance if he is hot. He will make plays - like he did last year. We will have to see if he can make enough to give them a chance against an OSU defense that I think has the potential to be historically great.

If Ohio State has truly exorcised its offensive demons, it may not matter how well Mayfield plays because Barrett and company may be able to do more than keep up with them - and I like the Buckeye defense more than I like the Sooners'.

 

[RCSooner1974]

Pretty sure Bosa runs faster than an Arkansas doughnut eater.

Mayfield runs for his life and the good guys prevail.

 

[RCSooner1974]

A ferocious DL typically outclasses a great OL, which you know personally because OU has had some terrific DL over the years.

Except it's 5 guys vs. 3 or 4 in an O-line vs. D-line battle. Sometimes there's a 6th or 7th guy if tight ends are used to block on a run play.

 

[jwinslow]

Except it's 5 guys vs. 3 or 4 in an O-line vs. D-line battle. Sometimes there's a 6th or 7th guy if tight ends are used to block on a run play.

Yes, that is the arithmetic (when no one blitzes). Do you dispute what I said?

Great DL typically overwhelm great lines unless there's also a great QB to minimize the arrival of said disruption. Which doesn't change the frequency of great DLs beating great OLs, it just describes when it ends up mattering less.

Baker could do that, especially if the fairly young osu secondary isn't up to par early on. But all things being even and looking just at the trenches, I'll take the disruptive DL any day.

 

[bukIpower]

Yes, that is the arithmetic (when no one blitzes). Do you dispute what I said?

Great DL typically overwhelm great lines unless there's also a great QB to minimize the arrival of said disruption. Which doesn't change the frequency of great DLs beating great OLs, it just describes when it ends up mattering less.

Baker could do that, especially if the fairly young osu secondary isn't up to par early on. But all things being even and looking just at the trenches, I'll take the disruptive DL any day.

I'm just going to say it... OU's offensive line will be overwhelmed. If we dominated the game last year and return everyone in the three deep you just don't all the sudden get their number. Couple that with losing your top 3 play makers and it doesn't look promising

Btw It'll be interesting to see what we do with our 5 defensive lineman packages.

 

[greyscarlet]

Btw It'll be interesting to see what we do with our 5 defensive lineman packages.

2016: Qb draw, jet sweep

2017: bubble screen, quick slant, over the top, qb draw, jet sweep

If one of the most predictable offenses couldn't be stopped it'll be quite the challenge to stop a predictable all be it new offense. I like the buckeye o chances after the experience they gain in practice daily against a tremendous d, makes gameday feel slow and easy

 

[bukIpower]

2016: Qb draw, jet sweep

2017: bubble screen, quick slant, over the top, qb draw, jet sweep

If one of the most predictable offenses couldn't be stopped it'll be quite the challenge to stop a predictable all be it new offense. I like the buckeye o chances after the experience they gain in practice daily against a tremendous d, makes gameday feel slow and easy

Good point...there was no hiding what we wanted to do last year on offense and still put up 42 points in roughly 3 quarters.

SO we return 4 of 5 offensive lineman, have our skill positions intact, have a 5th yr senior, and become less predictable.. yet OU somehow will keep us in check? Doubt that.

 

[RCSooner1974]

Yes, that is the arithmetic (when no one blitzes). Do you dispute what I said?

Great DL typically overwhelm great lines unless there's also a great QB to minimize the arrival of said disruption. Which doesn't change the frequency of great DLs beating great OLs, it just describes when it ends up mattering less.

Baker could do that, especially if the fairly young osu secondary isn't up to par early on. But all things being even and looking just at the trenches, I'll take the disruptive DL any day.

Would you take the "disruptive DL any day" versus a championship caliber O-line such as these recent national champion offenses???


1995 Nebraska vs. Florida



2000 Oklahoma vs. Florida State



2001 Miami vs. Nebraska



2004 USC vs. Oklahoma



2006 Florida vs. Ohio State



2008 Florida vs. Oklahoma



2012 Alabama vs. Notre Dame



2014 Ohio State vs. Alabama



2015 Alabama vs. Clemson



2016 Clemson vs. Alabama

 

[RCSooner1974]

And you're 100% correct about the quarterback being the centerpiece to the offense, J. But in terms of his supporting cast, the offensive line is far more important than the skill players.

Most every national champion HAS to have an all-time great O-line. I'm sure the Joe Gibbs coached Redskins would agree.

 

[BuckeyeNation27]

Heh....the Florida/Ohio State NC as an example of OL > DL. Never change.

 

[bukIpower]

The issue is OU doesn't/didn't have a dominant offensive line. Sure you return 4 starters but we return our literal 3 deep (think about that) from a defensive line that controlled our game last year. Btw we didn't even have one of our best DTs last year as he was lost for the year after game 1.

So again both teams have a extra year... we lose no one and add a starting DT. While you guys lose a player, come to our house, replacing all your skill but somehow itll be different then last year?

Just not sure where OU has an advantage.

 

[RCSooner1974]

The issue is OU doesn't/didn't have a dominant offensive line. Sure you return 4 starters but we return our literal 3 deep (think about that) from a defensive line that controlled our game last year. Btw we didn't even have one of our best DTs last year as he was lost for the year after game 1.

So again both teams have a extra year... we lose no one and add a starting DT. While you guys lose a player, come to our house, replacing all your skill but somehow itll be different then last year?

Just not sure where OU has an advantage.

Orlando Brown is a preseason All-American and he is projected to go in the first round of the NFL Draft next April. Dru Samia and Bobby Evans are all-conference caliber, and Ben Powers and Erick Wren are not too shabby at left guard and center, respectively, either. Perhaps I'm exaggerating a little when describing the OU offensive line as "the best in football", but it's still not far off considering they have a combined 97 starts and are coordinated by Riley's "Air Raid" schemes. I don't know, but I do remember they had their way against your defense when Joe Mixon carried the ball on offense last year for nearly 10 yards a pop.

 

[TDunk]

Orlando Brown is a preseason All-American and he is projected to go in the first round of the NFL Draft next April. Dru Samia and Bobby Evans are all-conference caliber, and Ben Powers and Erick Wren are not too shabby at left guard and center, respectively, either. Perhaps I'm exaggerating a little when describing the OU offensive line as "the best in football", but it's still not far off considering they have a combined 97 starts and are coordinated by Riley's "Air Raid" schemes. I don't know, but I do remember they had their way against your defense when Joe Mixon carried the ball on offense last year for nearly 10 yards a pop.

OU has a solid OL, I cannot fathom someone arguing otherwise. But Mixon is gone. Not sure what replacements you have. I'm sure there is talent. Also, you should have included this one video too:

 

[greyscarlet]

Orlando Brown is a preseason All-American and he is projected to go in the first round of the NFL Draft next April. Dru Samia and Bobby Evans are all-conference caliber, and Ben Powers and Erick Wren are not too shabby at left guard and center, respectively, either. Perhaps I'm exaggerating a little when describing the OU offensive line as "the best in football", but it's still not far off considering they have a combined 97 starts and are coordinated by Riley's "Air Raid" schemes. I don't know, but I do remember they had their way against your defense when Joe Mixon carried the ball on offense last year for nearly 10 yards a pop.

This doesn't seem to be the video you meant to add, I see two solid runs one of which was during prevent mode on d when game was out of hand. You bring up a good point, or the video does, special teams helped keep ou in the game last year so tOSU would do well not to overlook this segment of the game. As far as a o line, year over year change and development carry more weight than wants, hopes, and desires. I'm sure you can see why there is little fear in the buckeye fans, the players will need to come to play.

 

[Buckeyeskickbuttocks]

Defense, not Offense, wins football games. Things become cliche for a reason.

This is from 2012 and thru 2011

Adding the 5 years since the article:

2012 Alabama was 12th in Offense, 1 in Defense
2013 Florida State was 1 on O and 2 on D
2014 Ohio State was 5 on and 26 on D
2015 Alabama was 30th on O and 2nd on D
2016 Clemson was 14th on O and 10th on D

Not sure what Joe Gibbs would say about that.