Buckeyes bullish on Buffalo 40-20

The Ohio State Buckeyes were a bit erratic but were never threatened as they cruised to a 40-20 win over the visiting Buffalo Bulls at the Big Horseshoe.
Jordan Hall rushed for 159 yards and two long touchdown runs, while Braxton Miller threw two touchdown passes to lead the Buckeyes.
Ohio State will host San Diego State next Saturday.

Buckeye Leaves

1) Braxton Miller's first throw was a 47-yard strike to Devin Smith for a score and showed Miller's maturity in the pocket. Throws like that will determine Miller's success this season and at the next level...

2) I have always thought highly of Jordan Hall and the biggest problem was the inability of Hall to stay on the field, not how he played on it.
Hall ripped off scoring runs of 49 and 37 yards and showed why he (in my opinion) has the most ability of the Buckeye backs and that includes Carlos Hyde.

3) Miller's throw that was turned into a Bull touchdown was a bad decision, but that happens.
Quarterbacks will do that at times and Miller just forced a throw.

4) A theme throughout the game was players leaving with leg cramps due to the hot weather.
Braxton Miller and Ryan Shazier each missed time with the issue.

5) One reason that I think next week's game will be a larger win will be the return of Bradley Roby (suspension) and C.J. Barnett (Injury).
The Buckeye secondary is the defensive strength at full health, but the depth is unproven.

6) The offensive line will need to step up their game as they allowed four sacks with new right tackle Taylor Decker allowing two.
The offensive line was expected to be strong, it was not in this game.

7) I was interested in seeing touted Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack take on top opposition and Mack looked to me to be the best player on the field -for either team.
Mack finished with two and a half sacks against Jack Mewhort, and the interception return for a TD and looked every part of a first-rounder in next year's draft.

8) Finally, this was what you could expect from an opener-mistakes and intrigue along with a victory over an overmatched foe.
There is plenty to finetune, but the Buckeyes look to be plenty strong...

Photo Credit: Marvin Fong-Cleveland Plain Dealer...