COLUMBUS, Ohio — Big Ten play is on the horizon, but one more test awaits Ohio State football before it shifts its focus to a Sept. 27 trip to Washington.
Ohio State hosts in-state foe Ohio on Saturday (7 p.m., Peacock). The Bobcats enter the matchup as significant underdogs, though they’re coming off a thrilling Week 2 win against West Virginia.
Ahead of the OSU-OU matchup, Buckeye Talk Subtext subscribers submitted their most pressing questions. Ohio State beat reporter Stefan Krajisnik provided answers.
Will Bo Jackson have a bigger role for Ohio State?
Freshman running back Bo Jackson ran for 108 yards and a touchdown in Ohio State’s win vs. Grambling State last week. As a result, he’s become a talking point while the Buckeyes look for ways to get their running game going.
However, Jackson has also been in the headlines because of a mistake he made in an otherwise thrilling debut. He fumbled a ball out of bounds late in the contest vs. Grambling State. Ohio State’s coaches removed him from the game afterward.
When discussing the situation Tuesday, coach Ryan Day said things seen in games are oftentimes seen in practice as well. Jackson’s fumble, paired with that comment, could mean a couple of things:
- Ball security is an issue for Jackson, and Ohio State’s staff doesn’t fully trust him in big situations yet
- Jackson was used as an example by a staff looking to get a message across
Regardless, Jackson should get opportunities to earn the trust of his coaches this week.
If he continues to play at a level comparable to what he showed last week, Jackson should factor into Ohio State’s running back rotation alongside CJ Donaldson and James Peoples.
If you could clone one Ohio State player across every position, who would it be?
Jeremiah Smith is seemingly the right answer to this intriguing question.
Ohio State has a plethora of athletes who could develop into quality players at various positions. Smith would be the most likely to produce at any position because of his combination of size, strength and speed.
Safety Caleb Downs could be a good option at receiver, running back or linebacker. However, I’d have concerns about him in the trenches. Linebacker Arvell Reese is also a freak athlete, but I’m not sure how he’d work at receiver or defensive back.
Smith’s floor would be higher than most across every position.
Will Ohio State’s helmet stripe theme work?
Ohio State is finally hosting a regular season night game, and the Buckeyes are hoping to coordinate a helmet stripe theme into the stadium. Fans along the sideline have been asked to wear gray while the student section will resemble OSU’s iconic helmet stripe.
Sections 31 and 32 are being asked to wear black. Sections 33, 34, 35 and 36 should wear white. Sections 37, 38 and 39 are expected to wear scarlet.
If Ohio State isn’t giving out free shirts, it’ll be interesting to see how the theme turns out. Fans at programs such as Penn State are invested in the different themes. We’ll see if OSU supporters can produce at a similar level.
Will Brutus Buckeye get in a fight?
Ohio State and Ohio last faced off in 2010 – a vacated win for the Buckeyes. The most memorable moment from that contest had nothing to do with the game, though.
When Ohio State mascot Brutus Buckeye ran from the tunnel pregame, Rufus the Bobcat was lurking. The visiting mascot then attacked the host, tackling Brutus inside Ohio Stadium.
Eyes will surely be on the mascots Saturday as Rufus and Brutus reunite at The Horseshoe.
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