3. Will Ohio State finally look like a No. 1-ranked program against Maryland?
Ohio State (No. 1) does not deserve the top spot in the rankings. But with the other top teams from last weekend also failing to make any kind of a statement, or losing altogether, the voters kept the Buckeyes at No. 1. A close examination of the tape, though — with no preconceptions and tossing out last year’s national championship — would lead you to the conclusion that Urban Meyer’s program isn’t up to snuff.
Not since Week 1 have we witnessed the excellence you would expect out of a top team.
In the four games since, Ohio State’s offense has sputtered like a Model T, rather than the Lamborghini Gallardo it’s supposed to be. Neither Cardale Jones nor J.T. Barrett has been able to get the thing out of second gear, and former quarterback turned receiver Braxton Miller has been a ghost since Week 2 in the passing game.
Perhaps we’ll see a wrinkle near the goal line this week, as Meyer has suggested Barrett might be in line for some snaps in that area of the field.
Maryland shouldn’t offer much resistance this weekend, especially considering the Buckeyes are at home. Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines handles the Terrapins with ease last weekend, and Ohio State should do the same. If the team’s struggles continue, however, then the Buckeyes absolutely must not retain the top spot heading into Week 7.
This game is being broadcast on the Big Ten Network starting at noon ET.