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Week 3 Preview and Prediction - Ohio State v TCU

Preview

Ohio State comes into their week 3 matchup ranked #4 in the country as TCU boasts a respectable #15 ranking. Both teams are coming off double-digit wins and presume to be coming into the contest confident. Although the site is considered neutral, being played at AT&T Stadium in Forth Worth, Texas, the TCU campus is a mere 27 minute drive to the stadium.

TCU

I watched the TCU game against SMU, a game in which the Horned Frogs beat the Mustangs 42-12 on the road. KaVontae Turpin seems to be TCU's best player and biggest offensive threat. Not only is he extremely fast, but his acceleration to top speed is impressive. He finished the game with four catches for 64 yards and a touchdown as well as another touchdown off of a punt return. The Ohio State defense will have to play well on punt returns as well as be aware of quick slants that will allow Turpin to get loose in the open field. 

The TCU quarterback, Shawn Robinson, finished the game 16/29 for 154 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Most of Robinson's throws were quick and short, with not many yards gained after the catch by his wide receivers. Robinson did show some running ability and he's certainly a big (listed at 6'2" 228lbs), athletic player in the open field that will be formidable for Ohio State's linebackers, safeties and cornerbacks. There will have to emphasis on keeping him in the pocket to force him to try and beat the Buckeyes through the air. 

Prediction

I think this game comes down to Ohio State's offense having more firepower and scoring ability than TCU's offense. Both teams seem to have very solid defenses, TCU's being tied for 13th in the country, albeit against lesser competition. Same goes the Buckeye defense and the competition they have faced, so this will be a test for both teams. 

Both offenses are strong and have put up points, although TCU has scored two touchdowns this season so far on punt returns. This isn't to say that's a bad thing, I just think that if Ohio State can limit TCU in the kicking game, that takes away a strength of TCU's. 

I think this game goes like a 100-yard sprint in the Olympics. One that Usian Bolt is participating in. When the gun goes off, the runners will be quick off the block. As they turn the corner, Bolt's strides give him a step. At the straight away, Bolt hits the burners and pulls away convincingly. 

Ohio State's offensive firepower and late game defensive pressure proves to be too much for TCU. The Buckeyes pull ahead convincingly in the 3rd quarter and then run away by the end. 

The current spread is Ohio State at -13.5. I think Ohio State covers and wins 45-20. 



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