College Football

Urban Meyer Breaks Down Ohio State

Updated Oct. 30, 2020 11:43 a.m. ET

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On this week's edition of Breaking the Huddle, FOX Sports college football analyst Joel Klatt welcomed in former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer ahead of the Buckeyes matchup with Penn State.

(All odds provided by FOX Bet).

The Big Ten opened its season just last weekend, and Ohio State came out with a statement win over Nebraska.

Quarterback Justin Fields, a 2019 Heisman Trophy finalist, completed 20 of 21 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns, finishing with a 237.1 passer rating.

Fields didn't stop there, adding 54 yards on the ground and one rushing touchdown, and he now has the second-best Heisman odds behind Clemson's Trevor Lawrence (+200).

With Fields leading the way, Meyer is bullish on the Buckeyes.

"It only legitimizes our thoughts about the Ohio State offense. That's an NFL offense."

But Ohio State and its explosive offense will be challenged this weekend, as the team travels to Beaver Stadium to take on Penn State (+320). 

And although the Nittany Lions lost last weekend in an overtime thriller to Indiana, Meyer thought Penn State did more to beat themselves.

"Penn State really dominated the game statistically ... They're not in trouble. They dominated the game, they just screwed it up ... This is a tall task this week."

Meyer went on to describe the environment for Ohio State playing in the whiteout, and how the team will benefit from limited fan attendance this year.

"This is one that really impacts the game. It impacts the pass rush. It impacts just the whole week of practice because you have to practice it."

Urban Meyer on Michigan & other Big Ten debuts | Breaking the Huddle with Joel Klatt

Urban Meyer joins Joel Klatt to give his first impression on the Big Ten performances in Week 8, including Michigan’s strong start against Minnesota and Indiana’s nail-biter against Penn State.

Another challenge to Ohio State in the Big 10 will be Michigan, and both Klatt and Meyer agreed that they were pleasantly surprised by the Wolverines' opening weekend performance.

Said Klatt:

"Listen, Michigan impressed last week against Minnesota. I don't think there's any doubt about that, and this was a team that was flying under the radar a little bit ... Folks, Michigan is for real."

Klatt went on to break down some of UM's best plays from the win, and explained how the team's dominance on both sides of the ball puts them at No. 8 on his latest top 10.

Meanwhile, Alabama comes in at third on Klatt's list, a decision that earned him some heat on social media.

"A lot of Bama people are apoplectic I've got Bama at No. 3, but for the sole reason that Jaylen Waddle – who was a big part of your offense – is out. I'm a little worried for Alabama. But I don't know how worried because I don't know if anyone is going to be able to stop them."

Cincinnati, Michigan join Joel Klatt's Top 10 | Breaking the Huddle with Joel Klatt

Joel Klatt ranks his Top 10 teams in college football including Ohio State over Alabama and newcomers, Michigan and Cincinnati.

In his four games this season – he didn't play an offensive snap against Tennessee – Waddle has caught 25 passes for 557 yards and four touchdowns, which almost equaled his output in 13 games last year (33 catches for 560 yards and six touchdowns).

However, after Waddle went down with an injury on the first play of the game this past weekend, Alabama still tallied 587 yards of offense and 48 points.

If you missed this week's episode of Breaking The Huddle, check it out in its entirety below!

And make sure to share your thoughts on social media by following @joelklatt on Twitter. You even have the chance to be featured!

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