After a successful opener last Saturday that saw the Buckeyes take care of the Akron Zips 52-6 it’s time for another MAC team to invade Ohio Stadium. In fact this is the first time since 2015 that Ohio State has faced back to back MAC schools. Ironically in 2015 one of those teams were the Broncos of Western Michigan. In the 2015 meeting the Buckeyes took care of business 38-12 in “The Shoe”. When it comes to facing MAC schools the Buckeyes have a 37-1 (1894 Akron) record all time. Following the Akron win, Ohio State has now won seven consecutive opening games. Coach Ryan Day is perfect in season openers.
While the Buckeyes are heading into this Saturday prime-time matchup with a record of 1-0, the Broncos lost a tough, hard fought game to the Wisconsin Badgers 28-14. Second year head coach Lance Taylor heads into this matchup with an overall record of 4-9. Coach Taylor is trying to turn around this Western Michigan program with hopes of sitting atop of the MAC yet again. Last Friday’s effort against the Badgers shouldn’t go unnoticed though. With 14 minutes to play in the 4th, the Broncos took their only lead of the game at 14-13 after the one yard touchdown run by the talented and shifty Sophomore running back (#6) Jalen Buckley. The Broncos offer a three running back by committee offensive attack lead by Buckley who had 64 yards last Friday on 16 carries. Passing the football wasn’t a strong point for the Broncos against the Badgers as Senior quarterback Hayden Wolff was just 12-18 for 141 yards and an interception. Being one dimensional won’t be an option when facing the 2nd ranked team in the country. Somehow the Broncos will need to pass the ball more in order to stay in the game.
Needless to say, the key for this matchup defensively for the Buckeyes will be on the front seven to shut down the Bronco running attack. Cody Simon missed the season opener last week due to an injury. He is a game time decision to play. Having Cody’s impact back on the field will definitely add depth and create a smooth chemistry on the defensive side of the ball. The one critique from last week was that they had a slow start both on offense and defense.
Western Michigan seems to be extremely vulnerable defensively against the run. The Broncos gave up 196 yards on the ground to Wisconsin. Quinshon Judkins looks to establish more of a rhythm in this offense as the Ole Miss transfer wants to find more downhill running lanes this week. Last week against the Zips, running back TreyVeon Henderson averaged 8.1 yards per carry. Henderson has the break away speed and ability to give the Broncos issues on the ground. Veteran guard and NFL prospect Donovan Jackson also is listed as questionable for the game. Jackson’s elite run blocking could be a game changer if he is healthy enough to play. The one-two punch of Jenkins and Henderson will definitely be a key factor offensively for the Buckeyes Saturday evening.
Ohio State hosts Western Michigan Saturday, September 7th at 7:30pm on the Big Ten Network.