Western Michigan Broncos (0-1) v. (2) THE Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0)
Week 2 seems like a rinse-and-repeat of last week’s matchup. In it, you get the Buckeyes at home, squaring off against a mid-tier MAC opponent trying to find their way. The funny thing is, it is also a similar scenario for Western Michigan as they are once again on the road in a hostile Big Ten environment, hoping to shock the world or at least stay competitive.
The Broncos will come into Columbus on Saturday, a much tougher team than Akron. In theory, they will give the Buckeyes a much tougher challenge and should be more of a barometer for how the season will unfold. And while the Broncos aren’t the Zips, the Bucks aren’t the Badgers. Western Michigan will face a larger, if not more ruckus crowd, superstars on offense, and NFL-ready players on defense. The Buckeyes may have started slow last week, but all signs point to a master class under the lights of the Shoe.
General Information:
Date: 9/7/2024
Game Time: 7:30 EST
Venue: Ohio Stadium (Capacity: 102,780)
Series: Ohio State leads 1-0
Last Meeting: 9/26/15 Ohio State 38-12
What To Watch For:
Ohio State:
On offense, the Buckeyes must start fast and prove their backfield is legitimate. The running back tandem of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins will face a moderately midwestern-tough defensive front. Still, more importantly, these two need a statement game to show the nation this team is everything they’re touted to be, worthy of the number two spot in the country. Quarterback Will Howard, who got off to a rocky start, did not fail to impress in his debut last week, and freshman receiver, let me say that again, freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith looked like a man amongst boys.
Defensively, the Bucks are as advertised. Only allowing two field goals with hard-hitting, in-your-face toughness has set the tone that every opponent will need to fight for every blade of grass. Expect the same this week, even if the Broncos have a veteran quarterback. The Silver Bullet defensive backfield has too many in the chamber to think you can exploit the passing game. The list will most likely get longer every week, too. Caleb Downs, Lathan Ransom, and Denzel Burke will excel on Saturday night. The DBs will feast because the Buckeyes' defensive line touts names that you should be hearing on Sunday, combined with hungry players looking for their shot at forcing offenses into uncomfortable decisions.
Western Michigan:
There is a great deal to like about a fifth-year senior at quarterback and an equally impressive red-shirt sophomore at running back. Quarterback Hayden Wolff should be able to keep command of his offense with poise and good decision-making. In theory, Jaylen Buckley can keep the pressure off the QB with some solid runs. As long as Buckley can find the endzone like he did last week and maybe put up more than 64 yards, the Broncos will put up more of a fight.
As for the Broncos defense, pray for them. This will be the toughest group these young men will see all season, and for some, ever. The Buckeyes may get off to a slow start, which has been a bit of their mantra recently, but I don’t see WMU being able to plug the gaps, defend the middle, and the sideline all at the same time this week.
Prediction:
This is not the week to look at upsets. The Buckeyes once again come into an early-season matchup heavily favored. From the outside, Western Michigan should put up a much better fight against the Scarlet and Gray. However, we’re still looking at a MAC opponent that will be outclassed, overmatched, and overwhelmed by the second half. Ohio State will cruise to victory 48-10.
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