Buckeyes like balance as test vs. Miami awaits

COLUMBUS - One of the first things the Ohio State Buckeyes did after dispatching Marshall in Thursday night's season opener was remove the filters that had restrained their speech for months.

The gag order that was in place - no talk about Miami - was lifted once the 45-7 win over the Thundering Herd was completed. That dominant performance cleared the deck and allowed preparations for this Saturday's showdown with the No. 13-ranked Hurricanes, which in terms of national profile, is Ohio State's most critical contest this season.

The No. 2 Buckeyes used the Marshall game to display an offense that was adept in both its passing and running attacks while building a 35-7 lead by the half. Ohio State used 16 rushing plays and 16 passing plays on its way to that big margin, and senior wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher said that diverse approach will serve his team well as Miami tries to meet the challenges of defending Ohio State.

"Not only does that balance give people more to prepare for, but it just makes us more dangerous as an offense," said Sanzenbacher, who played essentially just the first half, and had three receptions for 113 yards, including a 65-yarder that went for a touchdown.

"It is good, especially in Week 1, to be that balanced. Whether it's a statement or not is for other people to debate, but we feel good about what we did."

Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said the faceoff with Miami will force a significant upgrade in his team's performance. Miami routed Florida A&M 45-0 in its season opener.

"The reality is that we've got a tremendous challenge next weekend," Tressel said. "It was important that we come out and play hard and make some plays [against Marshall]. I thought we did some good things, and it was important that we did, but it would only be real important if we could learn that they weren't all good things and there's a whole bunch of things we have to do better if we have to compete at the next level next weekend."

Ohio State junior quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who was efficient and effective against Marshall when he completed 17 of 24 passes for 247 yards with three touchdowns without an interception, urged caution.

"I wouldn't be too happy yet," Pryor said. "Let's see what we do next week. I'm looking forward to the chance to play Miami because I want to see how good we really are."

Ohio State sophomore tight end Jake Stoneburner displayed his athleticism and the expected increased role that position will play in the Buckeyes' passing game with three receptions for 41 yards against Marshall.

Stoneburner said he remembers how brightly the national spotlight was when Ohio State faced Southern Cal in Ohio Stadium last season, and he expects a similar stage when the Hurricanes come to town.

"The whole world will be watching," Stoneburner said.

Contact Matt Markey at:

mmarkey@theblade.com

or 419-724-6510.