Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus
Series: Ohio State leads 4-0
Radio: WING-AM (1490), WMOH-AM (1450), WONE-AM (980), WBDZ-AM (1230), WPTW-AM (1570), WMVR-FM (105.5), WFMG-FM (101.3)
TV: Big Ten Network
Stat pack: Miami QB Zac Dysert was 295-for-448 passing (65.8 percent) for 3,513 yards and 23 TDs with 11 interceptions in 2011. WR Nick Harwell had 97 catches for 1,425 yards and nine scores. OSU QB Braxton Miller was 85-157-4 (54.1 percent) for 1,159 yards and 13 TDs with four picks. He was the team's leading rusher with 715 yards and seven TDs on 159 carries.
Worth noting: The RedHawks' last victory over a Big Ten team was a 44-14 decision against Northwestern in 2003, and they also beat the Wildcats in 1999 (28-3) and 1995 (30-28). The last time Miami defeated a Big Ten squad that wasn't Northwestern was 1977 (Indiana, 21-20).
Storyline: Urban Meyer, 48, making his coaching debut at OSU, said his wife Shelley knows her college football. "She loves football. She loves the student body. She could sit in the suite by herself, but many times she'll sit with the students instead." Asked if he's ever been critiqued by her, Meyer quipped: "Not to my face. We've had some conversations. She likes reverses. In 23 years of marriage, she's seen a few of those."
Holding firm: Look for Miami to be stingy against the run. The expected six-man rotation on the defensive line has three players (Mike Johns, Austin Brown, Luke Kelly) with three varsity letters and two players (Wes Williams, Jason Semmes) with two.
Pressure is on: Miller. Through no fault of his own, he was thrust into a starting role before he was ready last year. As a true freshman, he had some dynamic moments — such as winking at the coach and then delivering a game-winning TD pass against Wisconsin — but there's a reason he had more rushing attempts than passes. The aerial game must get better.
Looking for daylight: Miami's running game averaged a country-worst 73.8 yards per contest last season. At least five running backs are expected to get a chance to carry the ball for the RedHawks today.
What's at stake: The Buckeyes want to show they're not the ragtag bunch that went 6-7 last season and finished the year with four straight losses. To convince anyone of that, they not only have to win, but win convincingly.
Edge goes to: The Buckeyes, of course. In-state schools are supposed to take their hefty guaranteed payouts and provide only modest competition, and this one should be no different. The Buckeyes have won 37 straight games against Ohio teams, last losing in 1921 to Oberlin.
Prediction: OSU 31, Miami 10
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