The number five Buckeyes face a few question marks as they take the field against Navy this Saturday. Playing without Braxton Miller is a huge blow to the title hopes of Ohio State, but they will try to kick off the year with a win regardless.
Navy is one of the top rushing teams in the country, and will look for the upset behind duel-threat quarterback Kennan Reynolds.
2013 Records:
Ohio State: 12-2 (8-0)
Navy: 9-4
Last Meeting: 2009, Ohio State won 31-27
Key Stat: Braxton Miller accounted for 3,100 all purpose yards and 36 touchdowns in 2013. The Buckeyes will be without their star quarterback for the entire 2014 season.
Ohio State Outlook: Without quarterback Braxton Miller, the Buckeyes are in for a tough task. Freshman JT Barrett will take over, trying to lead the #5 team in the nation to its National Championship hopes.
The offense will also have to deal with the loss of Carlos Hyde, who accounted for over 1,400 yards rushing last season.
Sophomore Ezekiel Elliot will take over at tailback, where he will try to offset the loss of the Buckeyes two biggest threats.
Navy Outlook: After a 9-4 2013 season, Navy comes into the year riding a wave of confidence.
They finished second in the nation with over 325 yards rushing per game last season. Led by quarterback Keenan Reynolds, who rushed for 1,300 yards and 31 touchdowns as well as throwing for 1,057 yards and eight more scores.
The ground game will continue to be explosive as Reynolds returns to lead the offense.
What to watch for: Navy kicks off their 2014 season with a tough matchup, hosting Ohio State.
The Midshipmen have never beaten the Buckeyes in four tries, but will face a team that is searching for an identity in their first game without Miller and Hyde.
Ohio State still possess far superior talent, but Navy's rushing game could still provide some headaches for the Buckeyes defense.
Navy put up a fight the last time these teams met up, and playing at home should give them a boost.
What they're saying:
Defense ready for Navy's unique offense
Game Prediction:
Ohio State - 49, Navy - 28
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