Ohio State heard all of the speculation. When the team lost Braxton Miller for the season, there were plenty of doubters saying the Buckeyes would be lucky to win this season. Some of those doubters looked to be right as Ohio State started very slow against Navy, but came back for the 34-17 win. Now they cannot afford that type of start as Virginia Tech comes to town on Saturday.
Freshman quarterback JT Barrett led the Buckeyes back after the team trailed Navy 7-6 through midway into the third quarter. However, he finished completing 12 of 15 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 50 yards. That was Barrett's first game since high school and he ended up becoming the second Ohio State freshman to start the season opener since 1950.
Virginia Tech is no stranger to big games, winning 10 of 15 games against ranked opponents back from 2008-11. However, they have struggled in the area recently. Texas Tech transfer Michael Brewer takes over for the team after showing signs of promise in the opener against Williams & Mary. He completed 23 of 30 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns and an interception.
Ohio State struggled against the run in their season opener and are anxious to face a team that throws more often. Meanwhile the offensive line also needs improving for the Buckeyes. The team is starting four new players on the line, however they appeared to find a rhythm in the second half, scoring 21 of their final 24 points. The Hokies will test their defense behind McKenzie who put up 106 yards on just nine carries for one touchdown. He showed serious promise alongside Brewer.
Ohio State has won 25 straight regular-season games which is the longest streak in the nation. They have also won 64 home games against unranked opponents. Virginia Tech is not ranked, but they will challenge that record of Ohio State.
