Week 3: Ohio State vs. Western Kentucky Keys to the Game
If the Ohio State Buckeyes want to win their first championship behind coach Ryan Day, they'll need to be almost flawless.
They're part of the way there, having won two games so far, but even still, Day's squad has more to accomplish. And while there is just one more season of the current CFP format before the expanded 12-team scheme takes effect, there isn't any doubt that the Buckeyes want to earn their while less teams are up for it.
To achieve the near perfect status they'll need next season, however, will require Ohio State to gain early momentum, including a win against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
Here's how they could do that, or how they could end up being upset at home against their Conference USA opponent:
Ohio State will win if ...
The Buckeyes can easily take care of business if they lock in mentally. With a smaller opponent, it can be difficult to prepare the same way, though Day and the rest of the coaching staff are fully aware of that. Making use of their passing weapons will be crucial early on for the Buckeyes, especially if completed passes come against Upton Stout and Talique Allens — two of the Hilltoppers best secondary defenders — to wear down the defense early. If Western Kentucky falls to the Buckeyes' passing game, it will be a long game and a rather ugly defeat.
Western Kentucky will win if ...
The Hilltoppers can make the game competitive if they hold down the fort on defense. The Buckeyes will be attacking their best defenders early, attempting to wear them down, but if Western Kentucky can generate a few stops, it could give them the momentum they need to make noise on offense. Behind star quarterback Austin Reed and Malachi Corley, the Hilltoppers have weapons at their disposal to throw the Buckeyes off of their game, but it would take a bit of good fortune at the same time.