Back in the Sattel: Ohio State vs Oregon State

The Oregon State Beavers opens with their toughest test they’ve had in multiple years. Going into one of the toughest places to play in the nation and a sour taste of 1-11 on their tongue. To have a hope of making this game competitive they are going to have pull out all the stops and play a perfect game. Here are the keys for Oregon State to pull off the impossible and upset the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Key 1: Find a way to stop their D-Line.

This is the most important and the most near and dear to my heart...Jake Luton excels in the pocket and this experienced Offensive Line has to find a way to give him a pocket. Coverage is going to be tough and running room may be hard to find. They have to stay out of 3rd and long situations so players like projected number 1 pick Nick Bosa can’t pin their ears back and come at Jake. This is gonna mean the offensive line is going to have to find a run game and throw a variety of looks at the D-Line such as jump sets and cuts to keep them on their toes.

Key 2: Oregon State’s D-Line and linebackers have to step up.

They are facing a serious challenge in trying to stop J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber. These are two running backs that have the ability to be the best in the nation. If they get started early it will be a very long game for the Beavers. This will also open up long passes for the strong arm of Haskins.

Key 3: Don’t come out scared or get discouraged.

The Beavers are gonna have to show they have no fear playing the Buckeyes and come out swinging. They can’t come out and roll over and they get ran up and down the field. They have to try their best to come out and hit Ohio State in the mouth and force mistakes. The teams that have upset Ohio State in the past have come out and hit them in the mouth and didn’t let off all game.

Key 4: TAKE CHANCES.

Oregon State has nothing to lose. If they lose 82-0 no one will bat an eye. They have to come out with reckless abandon. Throw it down the field on the first play. All out blitz. Trying to sit back and man up this team will not work with the athletes they have. The coaches are gonna have to play a hell of a game and take some risks that, if they pay off, will turn the tide of the game.

It will not be an easy game for the Beavers but this is college football and there is always a chance. What better way to erase a 1-11 season than beating one of the top teams in the nation.

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