Drew Thurman (11:46 am)

Check out our Know the Opposition feature for full information of EMU. Below we have five things to look for this afternoon, to keep things interesting as you watch the Buckeyes play a cupcake...

1) Watch to see if Saine and Herron finally break through.

Two weeks ago, we thought we had a First Team Big Ten running back in Brandon Saine. Since his 103 yards against Marshall though, Saine has managed just 55 yards on 27 carries. For you mathematicians, that means he has averaged just over two yards a carry in the last two games. Herron has been Herron in the first three games, and though he gets the tough yards, is not an explosive option out of the backfield. Lucky for both guys, they are playing the 112th ranked rushing defense today. So watch to see if the staff can get both of these guys back on track. Part of the issue thus far is the play calling, which has been focused on getting Pryor in rhythm. My guess is that this will change today, but will Saine or Herron step up? 

2) Watch to see if Jordan Hall or Jaamal Berry make a statement for more carries.

Thanks to slow start of aforementioned Boom and Zoom, there has been an outcry from Buckeye Nation to give the younger running backs an opportunity. Both Hall and Berry have gotten most of their carries in garbage time, which is tough to judge, but each have definitely passed the looks test. Obviously the staff has both guys helping on special teams, but I think if the running game continues to look anemic, the Buckeyes could need one of these guys down the stretch. So watch to see if one of these youngsters shines today. Also watch to see how they block and how dependable they are with the ball. A missed assignment leading to a sack or a fumble could really hurt the opportunity for future PT. 

3) Watch to see if someone steps up at the No. 3 wide receiver spot.

Through three games, the preseason predictions have come true for the Buckeye passing attack. DeVier Posey, Dane Sanzenbacher and Jake Stoneburner are dependable as expected, but who is the guy at the No. 3 wideout spot? Between Grant Schwartz, Taurian Washington, Corey Brown and Chris Fields there is not a guy who has more than 20 yards receiving. They have all had moments of solid play, but none of them have showed the ability to be a big time, every play receiver. They should all get some major reps today at EMU, watch to see who emerges.   

4) Watch to see if the defensive pass rush improves today.

As strong as the defense has been so far the biggest weakness has been the ability to bring pressure, primarily from the defensive end position (only three sacks in '10). Much of this is due to the fact that Cameron Heyward sees a ton of double teams, but that means the rest of the line has to step up, especially Nathan Williams. He has yet to record a sack, and the Buckeyes need him to step up his pass rush before entering Big Ten play. A game like this could be exactly what the doctor ordered to get the defensive line back or track, so keep an eye on guys like Williams, Heyward, and Solomon Thomas.    

5) Watch for injuries.

Just pray they don't happen. We don't want this again...