It's a good thing I am not a handicapper, because I would be hemorrhaging money this year. Up is down. Black is white. Ohio State is good. Feels like the entire world is melting down. The lacrosse world, at least. Tomorrow's matchup against Denver is one that sees Ohio State in its strongest position in ages.
Denver hosts the Buckeyes with a 4-3 record this year. Their losses are to all of the good teams on their schedule. Ohio State lost a laugher to Utah that I know is down to coaching and some putrid personnel decisions. And it has rattled off win after win since.
Denver hasn't been the same since its Hall of Fame coach left. And this year's edition is the meekest in years. For the first time, Denver is not elite at anything. That has to be scary for the Pios, and music to all Buckeye fans' ears. A lovely appetizer before the main course of Big Ten play.
Attack
Denver is highlighted by an escaped Ohioan, Marek Tzagournis (#34). Tzagournis is the most productive Ohio prospect in modern history, and his matriculation to Denver highlights the trouble Ohio State had for years in keeping Ohio players with talent home. Tzagournis has 8 goals and 8 assists this season, stirring the drink for his team. Ohio State has the option to erase him with Van Buren, or bludgeon him with Cullen Brown. This is a poor man's version of the Virginia attack unit, and we all saw how that turned out.
Midfield
Denver's most productive player is Mic Kelly (#21). Kelly has 18 goals in 7 games, but also has 28 more shots than his next closest teammate. Kelly is where Denver wins or loses. If Kelly gets hot, the Buckeyes are in trouble. If they can use Jonny Cool to ice him, Denver will struggle to hit 5 goals. Simple as. After Kelly, there's a muddle of JAGs, all taking up space and not offering much. Stop Kelly, you stop Denver.
Defense
Denver's defense is deceptively average. They'll keep bad teams well under 10 goals, but the fewest goals allowed in a loss is 13. Teams are getting right at 60% of shots on goal. That's terrible, and includes Denver's wins. For the year, the defense is allowing teams to shoot .270. That's good, until you remember that Denver gets shellacked by teams not in bottom tier conferences. Sorry Utah
The Pios have one player, Jimmy Freehill (#15) who has 10 caused turnovers. In one more game, Ohio State has 3. And one of those players has more than double the number of CTs. Needless to say, the offense SHOULD have opportunities. Need to capitalize on them tomorrow.
Goalie
Denver has started 2 different goalies, and gotten poor results from both. Last game, Grayson Manning (#48) started. He promptly allowed 5 goals in 6 minutes. Malcolm Kleban (#53) came in, saved 15 shots, but still allowed 10 goals to Yale. Neither player scares you. But then again, we don't know who will start. Do we care? I say no.
Faceoff
And finally, we reach my most gleefully written part of the preview. How the mighty have fallen. Denver, scions of the sport in this phase for a decade, have crumbled this season. The Pios are winning 43% of draws. Michael Kraus (#57) has won just 46% all year. Jack Oldman, credit to him, has completely turned himself around this year. From getting destroyed against Utah to dominating Notre Dame, the Canadian Cutthroat has been a revelation the past 3 games. If he gets over 50% tomorrow, Denver is cooked. COOKED.
Overall
I have to admit, I didn't see a 7-game win streak coming after game 1. I thought I would be drawing up Myers replacements by game 5. Now, we have a legitimate threat to go to the Final Four on our hands. Ohio State is elite defensively. That's just true now. The offense is not good enough. That's also true. IF Ohio State can get a step or two forward on offense, the Buckeyes are legitimate title threats.
Who the hell saw that coming Jan 1? Because I sure as shit didn't. This team is good. I am going to act like it. And write like it. Denver is not good. The Pios haven't ever approached 2015 levels of talent and scheme in the subsequent seasons. This is their weakest team in years. Daylight Savings and 2 time zones be damned. Bucks roll.
Final prediction: Ohio State 11, Denver 6.
Denver Ohioan Counter:
Ohio Vibes Reading: My Grandpa was at 10 cent beer night. Sounds like a wild time.
Go Bucks!
Game is at 2 EDT, on something called Midco Plus. And ESPN Radio. With family in town, my updates will be scarce. Post a recap when I can.
