Indiana quarterback Richard Lagow provided a strong test for the Ohio State secondary last Thursday night that should provide some good experience for the young squad going into this weekend’s game against the Oklahoma Sooners. Along with a set of big receivers, Lagow completed 420 yards in the air on 68 tosses.

Baker Mayfield

Now Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield, Heisman candidate, comes to Columbus with similar ability plus added running ability. Lagow threw the ball quickly before Ohio State’s stellar defensive line could get to him. Mayfield likes to move outside of the pocket and make passes while he’s on the run to receivers that open up down the field. Mayfield also has a decent arm with the ability to roll out to one side and make throws across the field to the opposite side.

Last week Oklahoma played their opener against Texas-El Paso. Mayfield played the first half of the game, completing 19 passes on 20 attempts in a 56-7 win. So his accuracy throwing the ball is not a question.

Strength-v-Strength

Oklahoma’s offensive line vs. Ohio State’s defensive line is the battle of strength vs. strength that everyone wants to see. That O-line gives Mayfield what he needs in time to locate plays down the field.

OSU will try to play press coverage (man-on-man) again this weekend but might make adjustments like last week to provide support with safeties over the top.

Last Year’s Ohio State Win

Last season Ohio State had the upper-hand on Mayfield when he only threw for 226 yards and was intercepted twice. He has almost all new receivers now just like Ohio State coming into the match-up with an almost all new secondary. Denzel Ward believes last weeks game was a great test for Kendall Sheffield and Damon Arnette.

Tate Martell

The corner backs have been practicing holding their coverage through-out camp and feel they are ready for a quarterback that can make plays and create opportunities outside the pocket. Tate Martell, true freshman quarterback for the Buckeyes, has been simulating Mayfield in practice this week, giving those young corners a good look at what they will see this weekend.