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Miami Fla vs. Ohio State
9/11/10
Pointspread: Ohio State -9 O/U 45
330 PM EST - ESPN
Don't you just love early season games with huge implications? We got to see
Boise State and Virginia Tech throw down in a week one thriller, and in week two
we have a rematch of the 2002 Rose Bowl where the Ohio State Buckeyes will host
the Miami Hurricanes at Ohio Stadium.
The Buckeyes are a 10 point favorite, but it would be unwise to take Randy
Shannon's Hurricanes lightly. They won several big games
early in 2009 and they
have a dark horse Heisman candidate in Jacory Harris. Ohio State has a Heisman
candidate of their own in Terrele Pryor. This game will undoubtedly be one of
the best of the early 2010 season.
The Ohio State Buckeyes registered an easy 45-7 victory over Marshall to start
the year. They haven't lost a home opener since Hector was a pup, but they lost
in week two against Texas in 2005 and against USC in 2009. They hold a decisive
home field advantage, but they can't count on that alone to deliver a victory.
They will need a strong effort from QB Terrele Pryor. The junior really found
his rhythm towards the end of last season and was named the MVP of the Rose Bowl
after his team defeated Oregon 26-17. He will be pitted against a talented and
experienced 'Canes secondary. He will have to use his legs to try and scramble
for yardage. If Pryor doesn't put up big numbers then the Buckeyes will be hard
pressed to win this game.
Just as Ohio State needs a big performance from Terrele Pryor, the same can be
said for Jacory Harris and Miami. He had good efforts in 2009 against the strong
defenses of Oklahoma and Wisconsin. He put up 202 yards and 3 TDs while giving
up 2 INTs against the Sooners. He was effective against the Badgers in the
Champs Sports Bowl completing 16 of 29 for 188 yards and a single TD. Against
the killer defense of North Carolina in 2009 he threw 4 INTs. If he starts
turning the ball over it will be lights out for the Hurricanes. He proved he can
lead his team to big road victories by traveling to beat in state rivals South
Florida and Florida State.
Consensus Reports
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It will be up to freshman RB Lamar Miller and senior RB Damien Berry to get
yardage through the ground attack for The U. Both had good games in their
opener, but are unproven commodities. The Hurricanes have their top 2 WRs from
last year back, including Leonard Hankerson. He caught 6 TDs in 2009 and was
named 2nd Team All ACC. Harris protected by a solid line that includes 7 of the
top 10 from a year ago. This offense can get points on the board.
Ohio State has a strong passing game thanks to Pryor. He will benefit from a WR
corps that is among the best in the FBS. WR DeVier Posey had 60 catches for 828
yards and 8 TDs in 2009. If the passing game stalls the Buckeyes could be in
trouble. They have a nice running back in Brandon Saine, but the Miami
Hurricanes defensive line is one of the best in the country. Pounding the rock
against the 'Canes won't be an easy thing for them to do.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are among the most balanced teams in the country. They
have draft picks dotting both the offense and defense. Their LB corps and
secondary would give any offensive coordinator fits. The 'Canes can take solace
in the fact that OSU hasn't fared well against non-conference foes in recent
history. They were crushed by SEC foes twice in the BCS Championship Game, and
lost to Texas in the Fiesta Bowl back in 2008. They lost to a very subpar USC
team at home last year. They're good, but they aren't bulletproof. If Jacory
Harris and company can get points on the board and the defense makes trouble for
Pryor they will be in with a big shot to win.
We expect big things from Randy Shannon in his 4th year at Miami. This
Hurricane team beat some very good teams a year ago, and 3 of their 4 losses
were very close games. No one but Virginia Tech dominated this team last season.
Meanwhile, Ohio State was less than impressive in losing to Purdue, USC and
squeaking by Navy in their opener. We think Miami is a very live dog here. Wait
and see where the line goes. You'll want at least +8.5 but consider buying the
hook if you see any 9.5's out there. Miami +10 (1/2
point buy)