Canes

"Ohio State Preview: Keys to UM offense (9/7)"

Sep 07, 2010

I think the University of Miami has the best chance of competing against a team like Ohio State since the 2005 season. That year Miami got as high as number three in the country with three weeks to play in the season.
 
The 2005 team had a defense that featured players such as Calais Campbell, Jon Beason, Roger McIntosh, Kenny Phillips, Kelly Jennings and Brandon Merriweather. That team lost two regular season games by a combined 7 points, going 9-2 and the season was considered a failure. An interception and a botched field goal attempt kept them from an undefeated regular season.
 
But that is well in the past. Beating Ohio State is a massive challenge. Let’s look at the Miami offense and what they have to do and what they’re up against.
 
First, Ohio State has speed on defense at every level. Speed on the defensive line, at linebacker and in the secondary. This allows them to run through clear air and get to the ball quickly.
 
The Buckeyes defense is the backbone of their team. 7 starters return to a defense that allowed just 262 total yards per game, 12.6 points per game, and 171 passing yards per game and forced 35 turnovers with 24 interceptions.
 
They have gone 23 straight games without allowing a 100 yard rusher and held 6 opponents to 10 or fewer points. They’ve allowed only 13 touchdowns over their last 51 quarters.
 
The Ohio State defensive line has 47 career starts including Cameron Heyward with 34. Linebackers Brian Rolle will be playing in his 40th career game and Brian Homan will play in his 45th. Homan is a bruising hitter, who also had 5 interceptions last year.
 
In the secondary corner back Chimdi Checkwa is considered one of the best cover corners in the country and will be playing in his 41st career game.
 
Miami must find a way to establish the run to take the pressure off Jacory Harris and spread the ball around to keep the Buckeyes off balance. Ohio State will make Miami earn every yard and force Mark Whipple to go deep into the playbook. Conversely, Whipple wants to force Ohio State to defend every blade of grass and make them tackle one on one in open space.
 
To win, the Miami offensive line will have to play great so Miami can run the ball into the teeth of the defense and allow Harris time to throw to his playmakers.

If Miami turns the ball over early it will be a long day. Under Jim Tressel, the Buckeyes are 26-2 at Ohio Stadium versus non-conference teams.