Stormin in Norman
Fansided

Ohio State FanSided Expert Answers Questions on Sooners-Buckeyes

By Chip Rouse

Sep 10, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) looks to pass in the first half against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) looks to pass in the first half against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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We reached out to Ohio State FanSided expert Charlie Lockhart with several questions about Saturday’s epic matchup between the Sooners and the Buckeyes, the top two teams in the Associated Press All-Time Top 25. Here are his responses:

Q: Does Ohio State view its chances going on the road to play in Norman any differently than it did in the preseason after the Sooners loss to Houston?

FS/CL: Absolutely not. Urban Meyer has the utmost respect for coach Bob Stoops and knows that Oklahoma is a very good team. Also, he (Meyer) is taking a young team into a hostile environment where visiting teams don’t have very much success.

Q: From Ohio State’s perspective, what are the key factors in Saturday’s game?

FS/CL: According to Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, it’s establishing the run against the big, talented Oklahoma offensive line. In coach Meyer’s version of the spread offense, everything else works off the running game.

Q: What about Oklahoma concerns the Ohio State coaches the most?

FS/CL: The young Ohio State team going on the road for the first time and playing a much superior team than they have faced so far (in 2016). Co-defensive coordinator Greg Schiano said, it’s big-boy football now. And of course, Baker Mayfield and his big-play ability.

Q: What is the case for an Ohio State victory over the Sooners?

FS/CL: What I have called “thunder” and “lightning” will have to show up. Mike Weber is the thunder. Curtis Samuel and Dontre Wilson are the lightning. But against the Sooners, Noah Brown or one of the other receivers will have to step up to loosen the defense.

Q: What is the matchup that might best determine the outcome of this game?

FS/CL: I think it is J.T. Barrett and the Oklahoma defense. Coach Stoops is known as a defensive mastermind, and Barrett’s strengths are his ability to recognize defenses and make quick decisions. I think the winner takes all here.

Q: What is your prediction for the outcome of the game?

FS/CL: Ohio State has only given up six points on defense so far this season, but Oklahoma will score some points. I think the skill position players the Buckeyes have will score more. I have it Ohio State 38, Oklahoma 27.

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