Preview: #19 Ohio State vs. Miami

Can Bauserman lead the Bucks?

The Ineligi-bowl is upon us. After an atrocious off-season for both Miami and Ohio State, both sides are looking to push that aside for the rest of the season, starting with this game. #19 Ohio State is coming off of an ugly 27-22 win over in-state opponent Toledo (who plays at Boise later today). Miami, meanwhile is returning 7 starters on both sides of the ball in the wake of their opening game loss to Maryland.

Last season, the talk of both towns was a rematch of the 2002 National championship game, in which Miami would exact it's revenge. Now, both are trying to get a win so they can move on and hopefully have a successful 2011 campaign. For Ohio State, Jordan Hall and Travis Howard return to the lineup, which should be a tremendous help. Joe Bauserman was again named the starter, but Braxton Miller is still listed as "OR" next to Bauserman. I wonder if Fickell is trying to save him as a secret weapon. There were rumors swirling that Miller was in the doghouse, injured, and didn't know enough of the playbook to play. The good thing is that this week he has done much better and he's now 100% healthy.
Carlos Hyde, Jaamal Berry, and Jordan Hall will be the ones toting the rock this week, as Rod Smith fumbled in the first two games of the season, the last one coming with 4 minutes left in the 4th quarter trying to finish out the game, and giving Toledo life instead. For the Hurricanes, they will be lead by star running back Lamar Miller, who I imagine will have a huge game against the Buckeye's defense.

I think Ohio State's defense is superior to Miami's but I think Miami is clearly a better offensive team loaded with talent and speed. I can't get the picture of Boeckman against LSU out of my head and envisioning Bauserman the same pose as that, just with Miami players instead of the Tigers. I'm going to give the edge to the Buckeyes, but it's damn close and maybe a little bit of homerism showing up. Final Prediction: Ohio State Wins 24-21