Before every Ohio State football game, Matt Tamanini will get you ready with all of the information that you need for that day’s game on the “Land-Grant Tailgate” podcast.
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No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (-31.5) vs. UCLA | over/under 47.5
Game Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Columbus, Ohio
TV:
Radio: 97.1 FM/1460 AM
The Ohio State Buckeyes have two games left to iron out any issues and address any deficiencies in their game and performance before their postseason unofficially starts in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 29. That means that tonight’s game against UCLA and next week’s contest with Rutgers are incredibly valuable for the Buckeyes as they look to win their second-straight national title.
Coming into The Horseshoe tonight, the home team is expected to still be dealing with injuries across the offensive line, with Josh Padilla unlikely to play, and the status of Phillip Daniels unclear as of recording time. The same is true for wide receiver Carnell Tate.
Given the Bruins’ inabilities to stop the run this season, look for head coach Ryan Day, offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, and offensive line coach Tyler Bowen to try and make the most of the opportunity by playing different combinations of linemen, especially on the right side. Not only do the coaches need to see what each of their options can do against actual opponents, but they need to get as many guys reps as possible, in case the injuries linger into the stretch run.
So, I would imagine that – like last week against Purdue – we will see a concerted effort to run the ball behind the right side of the line. While the left side has been far from perfect this season, it is much more solid in comparison. So expect a healthy dose of Bo Jackson and company behind Tegra Tshabola and whoever else is healthy enough to suit up.
That being said, I don’t believe that the Buckeyes will abandon the passing game, especially since tonight will be an important recruiting opportunity with scores of top talent on hand. The Buckeyes have seemingly made a more conscious effort to promote Heisman Trophy candidates quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith this season, and I think Day and Hartline will continue to do that tonight, especially if Tate is unable to go again.
UCLA only allows 185.6 passing yards per game, but I believe that Sayin will go for at least 300 yards and four touchdowns tonight, with Smith accounting for 175 of those yards and three of the scores.
On defense, the quest to average less than 8 points per game is on. If the Silver Bullets allow a combined 30 points to UCLA, Rutgers, and Michigan, that would put their season average at 7.917 points allowed per game. I have no idea if that is a number that anyone over at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center is thinking about, but it seems like a worthy goal to me.
Ultimately, Nico Iamaliava – who was a major Heisman contender for much of last season – will likely be able to create a little bit with his legs, and has the ability to hit some passes, but he’s a one-man show, and the Buckeye defense has more than enough to shut him down.
Matt’s Predictions: Ohio State 49, UCLA 3
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