Time for a football interlude

OK, this is an Indians blog but once in a while we digress into other topics.   Today it is Ohio State football.

Three years ago Ohio State lost to Clemson 31-0.   Ohio State never adjusted to what Clemson was doing against them.   Basically, they could never get anything going.

But this is not that coaching staff.   Unlike essentially every year under Urban Meyer, this coaching staff has made in-game adjustments that have turned the tide in games that we close early.   I love what Urban Meyer did at Ohio State but, in my opinion, the man had an ego that hurt him in these situations.  Apparently Ryan Day's staff doesn't suffer from that from that issue.

That being said, here is what I think needs to happen in this game.   Note that these comments are just from a nervous fan who is just talking to himself, in public, prior to this game.   I am not a football expert by any means.   But, that notwithstanding, here goes:

1. Ohio State needs to move Chase Young around more than it has this year.   Essentially every play.   They have to give Clemson's offense different looks with Young.   He will always have a target on his chest but if the Buckeyes create enough confusion he should get a sack or two and other guys should be free for more sacks.

2. The Buckeyes have to trust their corners in man coverage and blitz more from the safety spot.  Yes this is risky but we have to make Trevor Lawrence uncomfortable.   His recent success is due to his comfort that he is going to have time and not get hit or hurried.

3. We need to adjust our offense to what we have.   We don't want Fields to have to make intricate reads against disguised defenses and hold the ball for a long time as it increases the chance he will get hit and that he will make a bad read or force something.   One way to avoid that is a more Baker Mayfield-like passing game.  Quick throws to slanting receivers and backs isolated against linebackers. There is some question about whether the Buckeye receivers can gain separation from the Clemson cornerbacks.   If we establish the quick passing game that could allow us to gain that separation late in the first half and, occasionally, in the second half.  As funny as it sounds, a quick passing game should open up the run for Fields, too.   If everyone is keyed on the pass he should get a couple of steps before the defense readjusts.

4. If what I think about the coaching staff is accurate we just need to make sure that the game is close at halftime.  I think our coaching staff can adjust better than any coaching staff in the country and I am betting on them to win the second half pretty substantially.

If all these come to pass here is my prediction:

Halftime score: Clemson 21 Ohio State 17

Second half scoring:  Ohio State 21 Clemson 13

Final score: Ohio State 38 Clemson 34