Preview: Kent State @ Ohio State

By Adam Kiefaber

Ohio State shouldn’t have problem stuffing the Golden Flashes’ rushing attack. However, Kent State has the next great mini-back in Eugene Jarvis.

Two weeks ago, Jarvis (right) ran for 230 yards on 30 carries and scored two touchdowns against the Ohio Bobcats. Through six games, Jarvis has rushed for 851 yards on 144 carries and has eight rushing touchdowns. He also has 15 catches for 201 yards and has two receiving touchdowns.

I have seen the five-foot-five sophomore Jarvis play and I can say that he struggles in short-yardage situations. But he sure can slice through defenders once he gets to the open field.

Junior quarterback Julian Edelman is second on the team in rushing with 358 yards. Kent State has struggled in the passing game this year. Edelman has completed 86 of 166 (51.8%) for 1,141 yards and has a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 6-to-8. I expect a couple of more turnovers from Edelman.

This game sounds way too easy, so the Buckeyes might come out slow. However, I think this OSU team will take care of business this Saturday. First, the Buckeyes will shut down Jarvis. I bet Jarvis will flash a couple of solid runs in the first half, but overall will be held to around 50 yards. Edelman will have to throw and will turn the ball over. Hopefully, the Buckeyes can get their backups in early in the second half.

With all that said, anyone can lose on any given Saturday. That is definitely the theme this year. In this game, I just don’t see the chance for a possible upset. The spread has the Buckeyes winning by 31. When the Buckeyes score 30 or more, their record is 38-0 since 2001. Compare that to Kent State when it scores less than 30, its record is 8-40. It’s hard to imagine that the Golden Flashes will score over 30 against the Buckeyes’ defense. Especially when you consider that OSU has allowed only 43 combined points in six games (the high being - 14 @ Washington).

I don’t expect for sophomore running back Chris Wells (left) to play much. Everyone in Columbus is worried about his ankle. Maurice Wells and Brandon Saine should be able to handle the load.

Last week, I thought Ray Small would finally have a breakout game. He did have his best career game, with six catches for 70 yards and a touchdown. This week, I expect a punt return for a touchdown from Small.

Also, I expect junior quarterback Todd Boeckman to find his favorite target, junior wide receiver Brian Robiskie, for a touchdown. Sophomore wide receiver Brian Hartline is getting more looks and could have a big game.

Overall, the offense should have great game. Maybe sophomore quarterback Rob Schoenhoft will get some quality reps by the third quarter.

Kent State is 3-3 with wins coming against Iowa State, Delaware State and Ohio. Its loses were to Kentucky, Akron and Miami (Ohio).

Ohio State will be going for its 25th straight regular season win and the Buckeyes should get it.