The clash between in-state foes Ohio State and Cincinnati is just two days away and as the Buckeyes prepare to host the Bearcats, SB Nation's Dan Rubenstein (also of The Solid Verbal) gives a quick breakdown of the game, which he believes Ohio State will come out on top. Rubenstein mentions three things that each team will need to do well in order to come out on top, and for Cincinnati, those three were quarterback play, playing cool under the pressures of the noisy crowd at the 'Shoe, and creating pressure from the defensive line to get Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett flustered early on.
As for the Buckeyes, the play calling from Coach Meyer and offensive coordinator Tom Herman needs allow Barrett to feel comfortable in running the offense. Another key point was the running back play and the ability to gain positive yardage on first or second down. The last point was the secondary, who faces one of the better quarterbacks they've faced all season in Gunner Kiel.
While Rubenstein takes Cincinnati with the spread (can't argue with that, have you seen the line?) he still picks the Buckeyes to come away victorious Saturday night.