dwccrew wrote:The size OSU has over Oregon could be a decisive advantage, if used correctly.

It can also be an advantage for Oregon. The ducks run the read option differently than almost anyone else. Instead of reading the backside defensive end as is typical, they block both defensive ends and read the defensive tackle instead putting those big 300 pounders in space to make the play on Masoli or James, which is not what 300 pounders are designed to do. OSU has a counter to that because Cameron Hayward is big enough to play tackle and athletic enough to play end. But the ducks have a counter to that because they can move the read point back and forth between the backside end and tackle. As the saying goes if you can't block him, read him. Oregon does some pretty trippy things with their offense, like reading the playside tackle on their shotgun power series. Conceptually this offense is very similar to what Florida has run with Tim Tebow, the main differences are the lack of the percy position for Oregon. Also Florida likes to dictate match ups through motion, Oregon doesn't do that nearly as much.

dwccrew wrote: I have a lot of confidence as well. I think our running game will be very successful against Oregon. OSU has much bigger linemen. As long as we stay away from trying to pass alot (which is what hurt us against Florida and LSU), we will be ok. Running the ball will keep their offense off the field and also is our strong point on offense.

Defensively, I believe our D-line will destroy their o-line. Oregon has a very good run game, but I think our D-line can disrupt that and shut Oregon down.

The size OSU has over Oregon could be a decisive advantage, if used correctly.

I think against LSU and Florida, Tressel went into panic mode too fast and stopped running the ball to go to the pass (the run is what we were having success with). We need to have the same strategy as the Miami game in 2003. Run, run, run, run and keep running. Mix it up with Pryor, Saine and Boom.

Good post this is exactly how I feel about the game. OSU needs to run the ball and keep running it. They need to play that ball control offense to keep Oregons explosive offense off the field. If OSU isnt capable of running the ball well this could get ugly

dwccrew wrote:The size OSU has over Oregon could be a decisive advantage, if used correctly.

Yeah I agree with 3reppom on this one. I really don't understand how having a bunch of bigger guys -read slower, fatter- save Thad Gibson is going to be an advantage for Ohio State. Its one thing if Oregon runs dives up the middle, like Ohio State does, (it would then be advantageous) but as 3reppom said, Oregon doesn't. They get out on the edges.

jordo212000 wrote:

dwccrew wrote:The size OSU has over Oregon could be a decisive advantage, if used correctly.

Yeah I agree with 3reppom on this one. I really don't understand how having a bunch of bigger guys -read slower, fatter- save Thad Gibson is going to be an advantage for Ohio State. Its one thing if Oregon runs dives up the middle, like Ohio State does, (it would then be advantageous) but as 3reppom said, Oregon doesn't. They get out on the edges.

Simon is very quick, undersized but yet strong DT. Gibson and Williams are both fast DE's basically OLB's at DE and Heyward is the best of the group.

Ohio State will be fine with holding the edges, look for Williams to get more PT against the Ducks. Both him and Gibson are perfect stoppers for this offense.

devil1197 wrote:
Simon is very quick, undersized but yet strong DT. Gibson and Williams are both fast DE's basically OLB's at DE and Heyward is the best of the group.

Ohio State will be fine with holding the edges, look for Williams to get more PT against the Ducks. Both him and Gibson are perfect stoppers for this offense.

If Ohio State does this, then yes they'd be fine IMO. However, they will no longer be as big up front, and thus defeating the "bigger is better argument"