So ... Ohio State's offense is pretty good, right? What a start from sophomore quarterback Dwayne Haskins, what an effort from Mike Weber in the backfield and what a day for veteran wideout Terry McLaurin to start the year.
At 1-0, the Buckeyes – coming off Urban Meyer's first week back at practice – now start Big Ten play hosting Rutgers at 3:40 p.m. Saturday.
Before the Scarlet Knights attempt to come into the Shoe and pull off what would be a huge upset, I'll attempt to answer your questions in this week's mailbag.
What sort of impact, if any, should we see in this week's squad as they prepare alongside Coach Meyer for the first time this season? — ChicagoBuckeye10
Acting head coach Ryan Day said Meyer's impact on the special teams has been noticeable this week in practice so I think if we see any sort of impact, it's there.
Will J.K. or Mike start? — Sanantonefan
We've all heard of the phrase "give respect where it's due." I think junior Mike Weber has earned that respect and gets the start Saturday. He rushed for a career-high 186 yards in last week's win and ran with authority, determination and speed. While we know Dobbins will get his fair share of playing time, unless I'm missing something, I don't see how you don't start Weber after his scathing season-opening performance.
Can we expect better linebacker play going forward? With a couple new starters, growing pains are to be expected but I'd just love an excuse for some optimism. — Tree_Trunk
Your wish is my command. I do think we see improved play at linebacker because, if nothing else, defensive coordinator Greg Schiano seemed adamant this week that positive changes were needed. I also think we see more sophomore captain Tuf Borland in the middle, which has no negative connotations. With Borland in the mix, changes implemented in practice and lessons learned, the linebackers will be better.
Feelings on the "fair catch" inside the 20 on kickoffs rule? Personally, I hate it and it takes all the strategy out of kickoffs. — Timhbomb
As Ohio State special teams player of the week Justin Hilliard said earlier this week, "I honestly hate it. You’re running 50 yards full speed, and you can see a guy catch it at the 5, perfect kick placement, and then they get that fair catch. It honestly kind of sucks.”
I couldn't agree more with Hilliard's take. I understand the rule and why it was put in place ... to protect players and to boost player safety. I get it. But even Hilliard said he didn't think it made that much of a difference when asked. Long kickoff returns or great kickoff coverage can produce momentum swings and exciting football for both players and fans. The new rule, in my opinion at least, takes an important element out of the game.
Will the offensive play count hit 90? — Hetuck
Yes, I think it does. The Buckeyes ran 87 plays against Oregon State and moved the ball downfield fast. I'm not saying it's not possible because it clearly is, but I don't think Ohio State hangs 77 points for a second straight week either. To me, that means it will take the offense a tad longer to score, meaning more offensive snaps. Rutgers' defense has to be better than Oregon State's, right?
They say a team has the most improvement between the first and second game of a season, so how would you guess and rank the units that will improve from most to least? — ISURVIVEDCOOPER
In order: the defense, special teams and the offense.
Here's my logic to that thinking: the defense needs the most improvement and I think the entire program knows that after last week's showing. That unit has the most to play for and, I think, will be the most motivated to prove something. Ohio State's special teams units were solid against Oregon State but didn't exactly get many opportunities to prove themselves. The Buckeyes punted just once and saw Oregon State signal for multiple fair catches on kickoffs. I think they'll get more chances in Week 2 and show they can be really good. As for the offense, how can you get much better than 721 yards and 77 points? They just need to continue to play at that level.
Will Touchdown Terry lead the receivers in receiving yardage for a second straight week? — ARMYBUCK
I don't think he does and that's not a knock on Terry McLaurin. I think what I enjoyed most out of Haskins' first career start was the fact that he spread the ball around. Four receivers caught four or more passes and Haskins connected with a total of eight teammates at least once. With that type of distribution, it's hard to predict who gets the most looks from the signal-caller. It's really a matter of Haskins reading the defense and finding the open man. But to say McLaurin leads the receiving corps in yards, or anyone for that matter throughout the year, for a second straight week ... I wouldn't bet money on it.
After only four passing attempts last week, how much more Tate Martell will we get to see this week? — Carnee42
The same amount or less. As I said, I don't think the Buckeyes are going to put up 77 points and even if they do, we saw how much Martell played in last week's game. Plus, the more experience Dwayne Haskins gets before traveling to Texas to take on TCU in a hostile environment, the better.
How much steering will Urban have over gameplan/play scripting before Saturday? — Clevelandbuck
I think he'll have a significant impact, but I think he had a significant impact last week as well. Day has repeatedly said he doesn't want to take over, he just wants to keep the ship moving in the right direction until Meyer returns for good. With how tunnel-visioned Meyer is on the task at hand, it'd be hard to say he doesn't have an impact on the gameplan. However, I also think when you talk about play-calling, it's more of Day's forte. Sure, he's calling the plays based off the program and Meyer's philosophies, but he's still calling those shots.
Over or under 5 sacks? — Txsbuckeye
Can I say even with five? If you're making me choose, I'll go over. The reason? Well ... Nick Bosa, Robert Landers, Dre'Mont Jones and Chase Young are all the reasons I need. I'm not betting against them.
More carries, Weber or Dobbins? — Ohiowhitesnake
First of all, if you're username is referencing Whitesnake as in David Coverdale's Whitesnake, I salute you. I've seen the band four times and hope for a fifth. There's nothing quite like hearing "Here I Go Again" live.
As for your question, I'll go with Weber this week but it's really 50/50. Dobbins could just as easily have a ton of carries, but I'll go with the hot hand.
