Post by doc on Aug 2, 2019 15:07:03 GMT
Training camp starts today for the Buckeyes, the first game is August 31 against Lane Kiffin and FIU. Some keys to watch the next few weeks...
1. Justin Fields will be the starting QB but who will be the back-up. Only one of the current QB's on the roster was around last year and he was probably 4th string and never saw the field, Chris Chugunov, a transfer from WVU who did start a few games there. We also picked up Gunnar Hoak from Kentucky who is from the Columbus area. Should Fields get injured, the Buckeyes are in serious trouble.
2. Does JK Dobbins bounce back from to his freshman form. I contend that last year's drop off was due to Haskins being zero threat to run the ball. Fields is a far bigger threat but as I stated above, if Fields get's hurt it could spell trouble. So how much do they risk running him? Still, being more of a run threat should help dobbins in the long run.
3. The linebackers. I'm hoping Teradja Mitchell, Baron Browning and some of the younger LB's come on and earn more playing time. Watching Borland and Werner trying to stop mediocre run games was painful. The DL should be deep and the DB's are seasoned - the LB's have to be better this season. I like Malik Harrison but the other spots need vast improvement.
4. Receivers. I expect KJ Hill, Austin Mack, Chris Olave and Binjimin Victor to have big years. OSU also has one of the top freshman receivers in Garrett Wilson who should challenge for playing time from the start - he was one of the bright spots in the spring game.
5. OL. 4 new starters but they're already raving about new center Josh Meyers and tackle Nicholas Petit-Frerre. Wyatt Davis started the Big Ten Championship and Rose Bowl so he has experience and held up well. Thayer Munford is the returning starter and he had an all Big Ten season last year.
6. Ryan Day. He did well filling in for Urban but now it's his team. He is a great QB coach and offensive mind. did he make the right hires to lead the defense? We'll see over the next 4 weeks! August 31 can't get here soon enough!!
