The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
UNLV looks to get creative against Buckeyes
COLUMBUS » Army didn’t put up much a fight against Ohio State last week, so it was hard to tell whether the No. 10 Buckeyes had solved the glaring problems that doomed them in the previous week’s loss to Oklahoma.
Saturday’s game against Nevada-Las Vegas won’t be much of a measuring stick, either.
The Mountain West school known more for basketball has had just three winning football seasons in the past 30. The Runnin’ Rebels were 4-8 last season, and opened the 2017 campaign with a mystifying loss to 45-point underdog Howard.
Ohio State will use this game to iron out some problems with the passing game that have lingered since last season and some soft spots in the defensive secondary. The Buckeyes next big test won’t be until No. 5 Penn State comes to town Oct. 28.
“A big part of getting ready for this game is the continued growth of pass defense, execution of our pass game, playing with rhythm and tempo on offense,” Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said this week.
Some other things to look for on Saturday:
A star in the making
Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins continues to turn heads with his elusiveness and breakaway speed.
The true freshman rushed for 172 yards and pair of touchdowns against Army, none of the carries more electrifying than a 52-yard romp to the house in the third quarter. He shared Big Ten freshman of the week honors.
With last year’s 1,000-yard back, Mike Weber, still hampered by a hamstring pull, Dobbins again will get most of the work. But Meyer said there will be a role for Weber when he’s healthy.
“It’s not that Mike is a lost soul around here,” Meyer said. “He’s very critical for us as we continue to move forward in conference play coming up in a few weeks. He’s still not at full strength. We have to make sure we get him full strength.”
Meyer said he can envision using both in the backfield at the same time.
Burrow good to go
Ohio State backup quarterback Joe Burrow has been cleared to play after breaking his throwing hand in practice last month.
That reopens the competition for No. 2 QB behind J.T. Barrett. Dwayne Haskins was impressive in mop-up duty against Army. Meyer wouldn’t say this week who will be the first one in behind Barrett this week.
Both players are trying to get the edge in the race to start next year after Barrett’s departure.