FanPost

3 Keys for a Buckeye Win in East Lansing

Osu-msu_medium

Run The Ball "Downhill"

With Carlos Hyde returning this week from injury, it will be critical that Ohio State takes pressure off of Braxton Miller to produce on the ground. A focused attack with Hyde and even Jordan, between the tackles, is paramount. The offensive line will have their hands full with MSU's D-line. If they can open just a few holes and rip off some big games, it'll open up a lot of flexibility in the passing game

Play Them On The Line

Soft zone coverage has plagued the Buckeyes in the first 4 weeks of the season. They'll be facing a different animal this weekend in East Lansing with better talent both at the quarterback position and the wide receiver position. If they continue to allow the 5-8 yard slant/crossing pattern to be given away, MSU will have a field day with it. They'll need to press the wideouts hard at the line of scrimmage and not give them any ground. With the weak play of the linebackers this year, allocating additional resources this weekend to stop Le'Veon Bell will be critical. Have to be ALL OVER the guys catching the ball this weekend if you're the Bucks.

Leveon-belle_medium

Let's Not Kid Ourselves

This game, like every other for the Buckeyes this season, is going to come down to the play of Braxton Miller. I think a key to the game will be to rely on his feet as a last resort. The Buckeyes will need to be varied in their pass attack with a variety of screens and quick three-step drop scenarios, but that will ultimately lead to a few big opportunities down the field and Miller will need to be spot on with those limited chances. Miller's best scrambles this year have been on the "broken" plays; don't look for that to change with a healthy pair of tailbacks this weekend. If the Bucks can get the run game going, expect a few UNDER CENTER late game play action plays for big play potential.

All FanPosts are the opinions of the author only. By posting a FanPost, you give OTE permission to edit or remove content as management of OTE, SBNation, or Vox deem necessary. FanPosts not in line with community guidelines will be removed.