Ohio State @ Minnesota preview

Ohio State at Minnesota

Last Meeting ( Oct 24, 2009 ) Minnesota 7, Ohio State 38

With three tough games scheduled for the end of the season, Ohio State gets a final chance to load up against one of the Big Ten’s bottom feeders. With Penn State, Iowa and Michigan looming, the Buckeyes can use a dose of Minnesota.

No. 10 Ohio State (7-1, 3-1 Big Ten) rebounded from its tumble against Wisconsin with a 49-0 rout of Purdue last week. Now the Buckeyes play a Minnesota team (1-7, 0-4) that has lost seven consecutive games and had its coach dismissed two weeks ago.

This one could get ugly, given Ohio State's plentiful offensive options.

Quarterback Terrelle Pryor (6,998 yards total offense) is about to become the third player in school history to surpass 7,000 yards. Running back Dan Herron has rushed for 520 yards and 11 touchdowns, receiver Dane Sanzenbacher (37 catches, 8 TDs) had a 56-yard reception last week and DeVier Posey (34 receptions, 4 TDs) has caught a pass in 22 consecutive games.

Minnesota played with more intensity last week under interim coach Jeff Horton in a 33-21 loss to Penn State.

Despite the Golden Gophers’ poor season, they have had some bright spots: running back DeLeon Eskridge (444 yards rushing) has had two consecutive 100-yard rushing games; quarterback Adam Weber (1,961 passing yards, 17 touchdowns) is growing in confidence and ability; and receivers Da'Jon McKnight (36 catches, 9 TDs)and MarQueis Gray (33 catches, 4 TDs) have become dependable targets.

But the Minnesota defense will have a difficult time slowing Ohio State's speedy and versatile offense. Linebacker Gary Tinsley (63 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss) and safety Kyle Theret (who was suspended for the first two games) lead the besieged unit, which ranks last in the conference in defense with 31.9 points allowed per game.

Ohio State's defense allows only 14 points per game, a number inflated by the 31 points allowed in the loss to Wisconsin. Opponents average just 2.8 yards per rush against the Buckeyes, with Brian Rolle leading the way with 41 tackles, one sack and two interceptions.

Ohio State does have some injuries with which to deal. Linebacker Ross Homan, tied for the team lead in tackles with 41, will miss his second straight game with a foot injury. Defensive back Christian Bryant (foot infection) and linebacker Dorian Bell (concussion) will not play.

Minnesota fullback Jon Hoese and running back Donnell Kirkwood will miss the game with hamstring issues.

Ohio State has dominated the series. Counting last year's 38-7 win, the Buckeyes lead 42-7 in all-time meetings. Ohio State's average margin of victory is 23 points and it has won 23 of the last 24 meetings.