The Ohio State Buckeyes need to take care of business against UCLA. Here's how they do it, and here's how they feel good about it.
The word "upset" isn't on the mind of anyone before Saturday Night's matchup in Columbus, OH between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the UCLA Bruins.
Ohio State is by far the better team on Saturday night, and there is no concern about them getting the victory. Similar to every other week except for Week 1, the Buckeyes are not evaluating themselves off of the scoreboard. Saturday Night is an evaluation against the Ohio State standard.
Earlier this week, Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day challenged his team by upping the requirement to be graded out as a Champion.
That is the ultimate goal for every Buckeye on game-day, and this will now become a much harder task for the No. 1 team. The prerequisite to achieve that grade is an 80 percent grade, but after Day’s remarks, that mark is now 83 percent because the Buckeyes are all playing too well.
Ohio State has its eyes set on getting back to the Playoffs and making another run at the National Championship. The well-rounded can't look too far ahead, however, as that is how teams get find themselves on the brink of an upset. There is no concern that they will, so here are three keys to their victory and their game.
1. Start Fast
The Buckeyes have become known this year for their quick starts. Five of the last six weeks they have tallied points on their first drive of the game. Their streak ended last Saturday against the Purdue Boilermakers when they ended up going three-and-out after a 70 yard touchdown got called back.
Starting fast is important for two reasons. The first is that it allows the offense to get into a good rhythm. When Ohio State comes out on their first drive and put up six points, it's an huge feat to achieve and a great start to the game.
In addition to a good offensive rhythm, the second reason is that it will ignite the home crowd. There are only two guaranteed home games left, including Saturday's contest against UCLA. Getting star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith going early will surely electrify The 'Shoe and will certainly have all of the fans ready to watch another dominant day.
2. Keep Tinkering Up Front
It's no secret anymore that the right side of the Ohio State offensive line is a bit of an issue.
Coach Day did not speak highly about the position last week after the game, and he obviously knows it is an area of concern. They slotted Ian Moore in for the injured Philip Daniels, and he was incredible in his first action. There is the possibility that he has the skill to slide down and play guard for Ohio State.
The Buckeyes will continue to tinker up front until they have their very best combination heading into the playoffs.
3. Stay Healthy
Last week, we got our first injury scare of the year when junior wide receiver Carnell Tate was sidelined for an apparent back injury.
The Buckeyes’ coach staff would ultimately hold Tate out of the game for precautionary purposes, but it was a sobering reminder that the Buckeyes, and all teams for that matter, are just one play away from their season flipping on its head. The Buckeyes need to get out of Week 12 with a win, along with a healthy roster.