Here are five things to know as Ohio State looks for its fourth straight win:
1. This should be a step up in competition for Ohio State.
Since losing to Oklahoma 31-16 on Sept. 9, the Buckeyes have crushed Army, UNLV and Rutgers by a combined score 148-28.
Those teams are a combined 6-9 on the season and ranked 88th, 93rd and 98th in advanced metrics put together by FootballOutsiders.com.
RELATED: Freshman contributions; True tests ahead; Mike Weber
The 3-1 Terrapins check in at No. 58 while Ohio State is No. 2 behind Alabama.
2. J.T. Barrett and the Ohio State passing game have been rolling since struggling against the Sooners.
Maryland enters the game allowing 248 yards per game through the air, a figure that ranks 93rd in the country, so the Buckeyes could again take to the air on Saturday.
Barrett said it’s no coincidence the passing game has looked different on game days recently — and he’s tired of being asked about whether or not they have fixed their deep ball problems.
“I’m just a little confused why we keep on talking about it,” Barrett said Tuesday. “I mean, we’re going to take our shots. I guess to help everybody out, in the past we didn’t complete it in practice. Like, in practice it was awful. So in the game, we didn’t call it because it was awful in practice. We don’t do things that don’t work in practice in a game. That doesn’t make any sense.”
RELATED: Barrett sees much-criticized passing game clicking
3. This should be the healthiest the Ohio State running game has been all season.
Mike Weber, last year’s starter, has put a hamstring injury behind him, but the 2016 Big Ten Freshman of the Year has stiff competition for carries from true freshman J.K. Dobbins.
A four-star recruit from Texas, Dobbins has run for 573 yards this season. He is averaging 7.6 yards per carry, better than the 6.0 clip Weber posted in 2016.
The two are more similar than they are different, though, and Meyer said they might be seen in the backfield at the same time soon.
“We’re putting together the 21 (personnel) grouping (and) 20 grouping — that’s two backs, one tight end; two backs and no tight end,” Meyer said. “So it’s our best 11. I do that myself each week: Who are your best 11 players? If they’re in the best 11, which right now they are, get them on the field.”
Then there is Demario McCall. A cat-quick sophomore who was the No. 2 running back last year, he has also been slowed by injuries early in the season but broke out with two touchdowns (one receiving) last week at Rutgers. He can also play in the slot.
4. Maryland should present a challenge for the Ohio State defense.
The Terrapins are on their third starting quarterback of the season, but Max Bortenschlager looked like he belongs at this level while leading them to a 31-24 win at Minnesota last week.
On his radio show this week, Meyer compared his taking the reins of the Maryland offense from dual-threat QBs Tyrrell Pigrome and Kasim Hill to the Buckeyes replacing Barrett with Cardale Jones, a strong-armed drop-back passer, in 2014.
His top targets include the Big Ten’s leading receiver, D.J. Moore, and Taivon Jacobs, a senior who was once an Ohio State verbal commit.
Meanwhile, the Terms have a formidable one-two punch at running back in Ty Johnson and Lorenzo Harrison. The 5-foot-10, 210-pound Johnson leads the Big Ten in yards per carry (8.9).
5. Ohio State will still be missing at least one starter on defense.
Senior linebacker Chris Worley is expected back this week after missing the last two games with a leg injury.
Defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones will miss a second game after suffering a leg laceration last week, but he is expected back for the game next week at Nebraska. Jalyn Holmes replaced the sophomore last week at Rutgers.
Meyer said early in the week running back Antonio Williams is questionable while safety Erick Smith will not play.
Meyer seemed to indicate Smith’s absence is not health related.
“He’s got to handle his business,” Meyer said. “He won’t play this week. He’s got to take care of his business.”
Smith has been the team’s third safety when available.
Fans will also see a change on kickoffs, where true freshman Blake Haubeil has struggled to keep the ball in bounds.
Sean Nuernberger, who already handles place kicks, will take over kickoffs, too.
About the Author
