Buckeyes are coming off a poor introduction to the 2015 season and, more importantly, commencement of the BIG10 Conference. Three days ago, they fell to Detroit by a one-point margin. Robert Morris comes into this game starting their season, with only high hopes in their minds, versus Ohio’s post-game concerns.
THE OHIO STATE
The Buckeyes are a younger program than the majority of NCAA Division-I programs, but they’re much further progressed than other schools would be at their stage.
As they help kick off the first year of the BIG10, they’ll need to have big performances and most importantly sound minds. Their schedule will be more of an initiation than a competition, as it boasts Marquette, Hofstra, Denver, Maryland, Hopkins, Notre Dame, PSU and many others.
That’s why the loss to Detroit was so critical. The Buckeyes need to take the easier wins in stride and build their confidences and momentum for these larger games.
Ohio has the roster to get the job done, but from a critical standpoint, I don’t think they have the coaching staff necessary to compete at this level.
Roster members David Planning, Carter Brown and Ryan Hunter each have two goals on the season already. Jesse King and JT Bublaugh are also promising with a goal a piece. Ohio State takes more shots than opponents and Tom Carey is solid in goal with 13 saves out of 30 shots, giving him a percentage of .591.
Against Detroit, Ohio State won 17 of twenty-one face offs, so it seems they’re also set there.
This is why I made the coaching comment. Ohio has the talent and will most certainly need better coaching direction if they even hope to survive their 2015 schedule.
ROBERT MORRIS
Entering 2015 with only five seniors will make their season a rough one. The vast majority of their roster is freshmen and sophomores.
In the big picture, this is not terrible. The Colonials seem to be going through a natural rebuild year and plan for the future rather than this season specifically. This may play into their abilities for 2015 and against Ohio.
Robert Morris has an easier schedule than Ohio State, ‘nuff said. Their biggest opponents this year include Ohio State, Maryland, Wagner, Bryant and Air Force.
If the Colonials are indeed looking at a rebuild year, they may very well enter the game underdogs and remain that way as they’ll focus on more wins from easier opponents, all the while teaching their young squad and reconstructing for a beast 2016 season.
The team finished 2014 with a total of 128 goals and 66 assists overall. However, their shot percentage was a mere .251. If Robert Morris hopes to grow in general, that will need to change.
GAME TIME
I think Robert Morris has the overall direction and coaching staff to get the job done on Tuesday, whereas Ohio State has the player personnel and need the momentum for the rest of their lacrosse pledging (seriously, who decided their schedule?).
Both teams are young and growing.
This game will honestly go either way. Ohio State will discover their abilities, possibly work with coaching staff, and pull through the game.
-OR-
Robert Morris’ coaching staff will have better direction and organization, making them top contenders.
For Ohio State’s sake of mentality and confidence, I sure hope then win. As a Penn State fan, I sure hope Robert Morris wins.
