September 03, 2005
Game Day
The Buckeyes open the season today loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. But there are key questions facing them as they take on a tough Miami University team.
Can Josh Huston do an adequate job replacing All-American placekicker Mike Nugent?
Can Justin Zwick do an adequate job keeping the quarterback spot warm for Troy Smith's return from his suspension for this game?
Will a reliable tailback emerge? Will it be Antonio Pittman or one of the other youngsters behind him, like Eric Haw, or freshman Maurice Wells?
Note that all of these questions have to do with the offense. The defense is so good that I don't think Miami will be able to score more than about 10 points. And Ted Ginn Jr. might just beat that on punt returns alone. Buckeyes, 27-10.
UPDATE 9/3: All three questions are answered in the affirmative this afternoon, as the Bucks roll 34-14, dominating the Miami Redhawks, who got two late scores against the Buckeye backups.
Pittman had 100 yards rushing with a 7.1 yard average. Zwick was sharp, and Josh Huston had a perfect day kicking. Bring on the Horns.
UPDATE: Here's Steve Helwagen's game story from Bucknuts.com
Posted by dan at September 3, 2005 12:55 AMI am really looking forward to this season. There are unanswered questions, of course, but also enough talent to make a person think that this squad has a chance of becoming a very, very special team.
In fact, given the way things are going right now, I don't think it's utter fantasy to think that at the completion of their seasons next year, both the football team and the men's basketball team could bring national championships to Columbus.
But before getting carried away, the Buckeyes definitely need to win today.
Posted by: Mark Daniels at September 3, 2005 09:24 AM