Ohio State’s JT Barrett played a big role in Ohio State’s win last season, but will be suspended Saturday night.
One week after coming painfully close to defeating then-No. 15 ranked Michigan, the Minnesota Golden Gophers will face another nationally respected Big Ten opponent. Minnesota will take on the No. 1-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, Nov. 7. The 7 p.m. game will be broadcast on ABC. Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge and Holly Rowe will have the call. Here’s more on the Ohio State University:
Successful Streaking
The Ohio State football program is currently on multiple impressive winning streaks. First, the Buckeyes have won a Big Ten-record 28 consecutive regular season conference games. Florida State holds the NCAA record of 29 consecutive conference wins, a record accumulated in ACC play during the 1992-95 seasons. Ohio State has also won their last 21 games in a row overall, making it the longest active streak in college football.
Barrett Backlash
Ohio State coach Urban Meyer recently announced that quarterback J.T. Barrett will be suspended against Minnesota. Barrett was arrested early Saturday morning for operating a motorized vehicle while under the influence. This means that junior Cardale Jones will line up under center. In eight games, Jones has thrown seven touchdowns and five interceptions. He has one rushing touchdown. Ohio State features a mediocre Big Ten passing offense, ranking eighth in the conference (217.6 yards per game).
Elusive Elliott
The Buckeyes have found tremendous success on the ground so far this season. They rank first in the conference in rushing yards per game (247) largely due to the effort of junior running back Ezekiel Elliott. The St. Louis, Mo. native is averaging 6.77 yards per carry and is making a point as a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate. He has yet to compile less than 100 yards in a game this season. In an Oct. 3 game against Indiana, Elliott amassed 274 yards and three of his season-total 13 touchdowns.
Making McMillan Miss
Ever heard of Raekwon McMillan? Neither did I before writing this article. He is a sophomore linebacker that currently leads the Buckeyes in tackles this season (74). Why is he emerging as a defensive tackling machine? It appears that teams are rushing in the direction opposite of fellow star linebacker Darron Lee. This leads backs directly into McMillan, the middle linebacker. Ironically, it looks as if establishing a consistent presence on the ground may be the Gophers’ best bet. Ohio State leads the Big Ten in passing defense, allowing just 149.3 yards per game through the air.
Unfortunate History
If a historical perspective of this matchup will tell us anything, it’s that Minnesota shouldn’t get their victory hopes up too high. The Buckeyes have won the previous nine matchups against Goldy. If you want to get really technical, one of those victories (2010) was vacated because multiple Ohio State players received improper benefits under former head coach Jim Tressel. The Bill Clinton administration worked the Oval Office the last time the Gophers salvaged a victory on Ohio State’s home turf. In a series that dates back to 1921, Ohio State leads the overall tally count 44-7.
On paper, it seems like nothing will be in Minnesota’s favor this Saturday. The maroon and gold will face the defending national champions in the colossal confines of “The Horseshoe.” They will face arguably one of the most athletic quarterback-running back duos in the nation. Hopefully Minnesota uses these long odds to approach this game with a nothing-to-lose mindset. Playing a college football playoff contender to a close game in front of a national audience could provide this team, and its frustrated fan base, a much-needed morale booster.