Ohio Football Topic
Topic: Keys to BEATING Kentucky
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The Optimist
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Posted: 9/2/2014 9:59 AM
1.  Obviously, we cannot afford a -4 turnover margin against Kentucky. I am not overly concerned about the fumbles as this has never been a problem before on Frank’s teams. I wouldn’t completely write it off as a “fluke” as I do think the inexperience we have at HB may have played a role, but I do expect that issue to be resolved by next Saturday.

On the flip side, I hope our defense can force some turnovers against Kentucky. Our defense played great against Kent. I would love to hear arguments against an “A” grade for their showing in Kent. That said, A+ for me would happen if we can force 2+ turnovers. If we can get pressure on their QB (who seems talented but unproven) that may force him into making some mistakes that could flip this in our favor.

2.     2. Limit the big play from Kentucky. Kentucky hasn’t been great the last couple years, but I do think Stoops has brought in some playmakers to their team. Kent didn’t have many guys offensively capable of breaking it with the ball in their hands. I think Kentucky will. We gotta be ready for that.

3.     3. On that same line, we need another great day rushing and defending the run. If we can control possession running the ball consistently and prevent Kentucky from steadily marching down the field, we can keep this game low scoring.

Bonus: Vick looked great throwing. I think running/stopping the run is the big key, but I would LOVE it if Vick went out and had another 250+ yardage day with no turnovers. Hopefully he can break a long run also. 

Last Edited: 9/2/2014 9:59:51 AM by The Optimist
ytownbobcat
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Posted: 9/2/2014 10:13 AM
The theme I heard in Coach Stoops presser was that his team was very inconsistent against UTM. He kept emphasizing that players on both sides of the ball were trying to do too much.

He is playing lots of young guys too. I think we have a good chance against UK if we can keep this game from becoming a track meet.
goherd25
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Posted: 9/3/2014 12:01 PM
Uk is absolutely an awful football program. You should beat them handidly. 
Deciduous Forest Cat
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Posted: 9/3/2014 12:50 PM
goherd25 wrote:expand_more
Uk is absolutely an awful football program. You should beat them handidly. 


Historically, that's true, but I don't think that has any impact on Saturday. Kentucky appears to be loading up on talent and improving quickly.
Pataskala
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Posted: 9/3/2014 1:20 PM
They have five very good RBs.  Heard seems to be the most explosive, although he's nursing an ankle.  Two years ago this would've been highly winnable.  Not so this year. 

One thing that may be in our favor is reduced crowd interest.  They had their lowest opening day attendance in more than five years vs UTM last week.  Usually they have big crowds at the beginning of the season that dwindle as the losses pile up.  The past few seasons apparently has left many of their fans with a "wait-and-see" attitude.  Plus there's apparently a lot of construction around the stadium so fans would rather watch in HD at home instead of putting up with the construction hassles.  They'll still have 50,000+, but the veterans on this team have played before a bigger, more vocal crowd and won.
A-townBound
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Posted: 9/3/2014 3:17 PM
Pataskala wrote:expand_more
They have five very good RBs.  Heard seems to be the most explosive, although he's nursing an ankle.  


Heard may be out for Saturday - http://ukfootball.bloginky.com/2014/09/03/rb-heard-doubtful-for-ohio-game/
JerseyArnie
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Posted: 9/3/2014 3:36 PM
I think one of the keys will be Vick's scrabbling/running ability. There is nothing more disheartning than the defense locking down receivers, but then we  still end up gaining yards via a QB run, or a completed pass due to a scramble. On the same note, run a real no huddle offense, and watch a bunch of their big guys get winded.
Bcat2
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Posted: 9/3/2014 5:43 PM
JerseyArnie wrote:expand_more
I think one of the keys will be Vick's scrabbling/running ability. There is nothing more disheartning than the defense locking down receivers, but then we  still end up gaining yards via a QB run, or a completed pass due to a scramble. On the same note, run a real no huddle offense, and watch a bunch of their big guys get winded.


Key IMHO is OL giving Vick the extra beat to figure out who will be getting open.  Someone will.
L.C.
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Posted: 9/3/2014 6:07 PM
In my opinion, the key against Kentucky will be the same as the key for me will be in every game this year: Defense. Kentucky runs a variation of the "Air Raid" offense, and if the defense isn't sound, it could get out of hand. I don't see Ohio winning this MACtion style, but if the defense keeps Kentucky under 28, I  like Ohio's chances.
JHSbobcat08
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Posted: 9/3/2014 7:15 PM
Scoring more points than them. Boom.
Pataskala
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Posted: 9/3/2014 8:23 PM
JHSbobcat08 wrote:expand_more
Scoring more points than them. Boom.


Ah, the spirit of Norm Cash strikes again.  In the '60s he was asked what the Tigers had to do to catch up with the Yankees.  He said, "If we win some games and they lose some, we'll gain on them."  I hear Mensa calling.
BillyTheCat
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Posted: 9/3/2014 9:33 PM
L.C. wrote:expand_more
In my opinion, the key against Kentucky will be the same as the key for me will be in every game this year: Defense. Kentucky runs a variation of the "Air Raid" offense, and if the defense isn't sound, it could get out of hand. I don't see Ohio winning this MACtion style, but if the defense keeps Kentucky under 28, I like Ohio's chances.
+1
@tomicrodge1804
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Posted: 9/4/2014 4:55 AM
Deciduous Forest Cat wrote:expand_more
Uk is absolutely an awful football program. You should beat them handidly. 


Historically, that's true, but I don't think that has any impact on Saturday. Kentucky appears to be loading up on talent and improving quickly.

"handidly" ......idk. I'd take another walkoff.  But really,  I think it'll be a battle. 1804
Last Edited: 9/4/2014 4:56:58 AM by @tomicrodge1804
C Money
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Posted: 9/4/2014 8:37 AM
Time to see how good the front four on D really are. If we can get pressure without blitzing, that will help tremendously in coverage against the Air Raid.
cincybobcat99
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Posted: 9/4/2014 10:29 AM
My thoughts:

Defense: Continue the bend don't break (i.e., no big plays)
Offense: Control the running game
Special Teams: I think this game can be won/lost on kickoff and punt returns/coverage. I don't know why, but I see Daz breaking one for TD. 

NOTE: All is lost if Ohio doesn't win the turnover battle.

NOTE2: Starting out of the gates hot may be key as well. Kentucky is very talented, but young. It will be interesting to see if they get error prone in a tight ballgame. 
Beat Michigan
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Posted: 9/4/2014 1:22 PM
key to winning is ZERO turnovers converts third downs and get into the endzone. on defense make it kick FG's and force turnovers. 
bobcat695
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Posted: 9/4/2014 2:26 PM
The pass coverage on the left side of the ball was not very good Saturday.  Kent ran the same play over and over again with success.  I still don't know why they tried to run the ball because the play action seemed to work every time.  Our front 7 on defense was fantastic, which kept the pressure on their QB.  The DBs will need to not play so soft on pass coverage and the front 7 will need to play like they did Saturday. 

Vick was very good at Kent.  I'd like to see a 2nd and short go to Cochran on a deep ball occasionally to keep the defense honest.  His speed is tough to defend.  The WRs and TEs played well, too.  It's too easy to tell the RBs not to fumble 4 times in a half, but limiting the mistakes may keep Ohio in this game.
D.A.
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Posted: 9/4/2014 2:50 PM
bobcat695 wrote:expand_more
The pass coverage on the left side of the ball was not very good Saturday.  Kent ran the same play over and over again with success.  I still don't know why they tried to run the ball because the play action seemed to work every time.  Our front 7 on defense was fantastic, which kept the pressure on their QB.  The DBs will need to not play so soft on pass coverage and the front 7 will need to play like they did Saturday. 

Agreed on this. I am thinking the opposite of "avoid the big play" strategy this week with a young QB and their first string tailback doubtful.  Play the receivers tight, let the front seven put immense pressure on the QB and dare them to beat us over the top until they prove that they are proficient with the deep threat.  Certainly Caintuck wouldn't be expecting this from us, especially because our default is bend don't break conservatism.

 
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