The Ohio State Buckeyes host the Cincinnati Bearcats in a battle of Ohio teams. Each is looking for a statement victory, while the Buckeyes try to keep their 44 game win streak against in-state teams alive.
Records:
Ohio State: 2-1
Cincinnati: 2-0
Last Meeting: Ohio State won 37-7 in 2006
Key Stat: Ohio State quarterback JT Barrett tied a school record with six touchdowns in a 66-0 trouncing of Kent State on September 13th.
Ohio State Outlook: After a blowout win over Kent State and a bye last week, Ohio State's starters are well rested coming into this game.
Barrett should have regained a good amount of confidence with his latest performance after a terrible showing against Virginia Tech, and the Buckeyes will need him to help produce in this likely high-scoring affair.
The running game is still led by Ezekiel Elliot, but freshman running back Curtis Samuel ran for 100 yards and two touchdowns last game, partly due to the lopsided outcome. He could see added touches moving forward.
Cincinnati Outlook: The Bearcats offense has been unstoppable through two games, albeit against Toledo and Miami (OH). Still, quarterback Gunner Kiel has thrown for a ridiculous 689 yards and 10 touchdowns - putting him among the leaders in the nation, despite playing just two games.
The running game has been almost non-existent, and will have to do something to help balance the offense in this game. Hosey Williams leads the Bearcats with 114 yards rushing on 19 carries.
What to watch for: With Cincinnati's prolific aerial attack, Ohio State's secondary will be tested in this game.
That means the Buckeyes will have to be on their game offensively, as this game could become a shootout. The pressure is on JT Barrett, who struggled in his lone game against stronger competition (Virginia Tech).
What they're saying:
Players to watch: Ohio State vs. Cincinnati (Men of the Scarlett and Gray)
Cincinnati's aerial game seen as opportunity (The Colombus Dispatch)
Prediction:
Cincinnati - 24, Ohio State, 38
The Bearcats have talent offensively, and even against a good Buckeyes defense they should be able to move the ball.
The bigger question will be how well they hold up defensively. Ohio State probably has too many weapons for Cincinnati to stop, meaning pulling off the upset could prove difficult.
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