Week 3: Ohio University Bobcats Preview

Most Buckeye fans remember the last time the Ohio Bobcats made their way to the Horseshoe. The Bobcats gave Ohio State everything it could handle-leading the game entering the fourth quarter. Eventually, the Buckeyes pulled away, but it was far from what was expected. Fortunately for Buckeye fans, this team is lead by junior Terrelle Pryor, not the solid but unspectacular Todd Boeckman. Also, in 2008, many thought the Buckeyes were looking ahead to the next week's showdown against USC. That won't be an issue this year-Eastern Michigan is up next. The Buckeyes open as 30.5-point favorites and the line feels just about right. With that said, there are still plenty of storylines to keep an eye on during the game. Below are three things to watch as the Buckeyes battle the Bobcats.

Posey vs. Posey

This week DeVeir Posey has an opportunity to win one for all of the little brothers out there. When he lines up, it will be his older brother, Senior defensive back Julian Posey lining up across from him. Expect the brothers to go at one another hard with some serious bragging rights on the line.

A Shakeup at Strong Safety

Against Miami Sophomore C.J. Barnett was the surprise of the game. He was all over the field, delivering some crushing blows. His second-quarter hit on Miami's Leonard Hankerson temporarily put the star wide receiver out of the game. The hit earned Barnett the Buckeyes' internal "Jack Tatum Hit of the Week" award. Unfortunately, in the fourth quarter Barnett suffered what was most likely a season-ending knee injury.

Replacing Barnett will be redshirt sophomore Orhian Johnson. At 6' 2" and 205 pounds, Johnson is significantly bigger than Barnett, but it remains to be seen how effective he can be in a live-game situation. Johnson was originally penciled in as the starter at strong safety on the preseason depth chart, but a late-summer injury allowed Barnett to steal the job.

The Return of the Return Game

Perhaps lost in the fuss regarding Ohio State's special teams shortcomings is the fact that, despite its troubles in kick coverage, the return teams have been outstanding. Sophomore Jordan Hall and redshirt freshman Jamaal Berry have come out of the gates with guns blazing. Against the Hurricanes, they averaged 32.5 and 43.5 yards-per-return respectively. Had it not been for his own teammate tripping him up, Berry would've added 40 more yards and a touchdown to his totals. If the trend continues this week, the game could get out of hand early.

What to Expect

Going up and down the depth chart, the Buckeyes have an advantage on paper at almost every single position. If the Bobcats win, it will be because the Buckeyes were looking past them, but with the memories of 2008 still fresh in the players' minds, I don't see that happening. Expect the Buckeye Defense to completely shut down the Bobcats' 85th-ranked offense. Then, look for the Buckeye offense to rely on its speed to outrun a Bobcat defense that lacks elite speed and strength. In the end, the odds makers will be just about right as the Buckeyes pull off a 44-13 victory..

Next up: Eastern Michigan Eagles