A Post From Mr. Seymour

A rebuttal, if you will, to my last post. Enjoy...

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BCS Bowl Breakdown
To ‘The Mind’
Reading your last post I am going to have to disagree on your bowl prediction for Ohio State and I will explain why.
First, the Buckeyes and the Nittany Lions have to win all of their remaining games or nothing after this really matters.
As painful as it will be Buckeye fans need to cheer for LSU and Florida in the upcoming weeks. Why you ask, well, we need their help. Currently, the top three teams are all undefeated. Those are Texas, Alabama and Penn State. The only way Penn State makes the BCS Title Game is if Texas and/or Alabama lose and Penn State runs the table. No worries, a once defeated SEC, Big 12 or PAC 10 team, will not jump an undefeated Big 10 team.
Now the remaining games for Texas and Alabama are as follows.
Texas plays @Texas Tech, Baylor, @Kansas and Texas A&M. Then they will meet either Kansas, Nebraska or Missouri in the Big 12 Championship game. I predict Texas wins out and plays Penn State in the BCS Title game on January 8. Who wouldn’t bet on a QB who is completing 80% of his passes! Colt McCoy should also win the Heisman.
Now for the Crimson Tide, I think their road is a little more difficult and they will stumble along the way. Remaining schedule is Arkansas State, @LSU, Mississippi State and Auburn. Then they meet the Georgia v. Florida winner from this Saturday in the SEC Championship Game. I believe Alabama will either lose to LSU in one week and/or lose to Florida in the SEC Championship game (that’s right, I think Florida will beat Georgia in the World’s Largest Cocktail Party!!).
So with all that being said the remaining Top 14 teams in the country will be Oklahoma, Florida, USC, Utah, Boise State, Ohio State, Alabama, Missouri, LSU, Florida State, Ball State and Pitt. Yep, a MAC team will be in the Top 14 with absolutely no shot at a BCS Bowl.
#1 Texas and #2 Penn State go to the BCS Championship, thus allowing the Fiesta Bowl and Rose Bowl the first two picks of eligible teams since they lost their respective, Big 12 and Big 10 Champs.
The division champs receive the automatic bids and are set in the respective Bowls. Only two (2) teams can be chosen from each conference of the BCS Conferences (ACC, Big East, Big 10, Big 12, Pac-10 and SEC). Notre Dame is eligible if they are in the Top 8 rankings (not this year!). In the C-USA, MAC, MWC Sun Belt and the WAC, only one team receives a bid if they are ranked higher than #12 in the BCS. This will be given to the undefeated Utah Utes.
Division Champs are ACC = Florida State (Orange) – SEC = Florida (Sugar)– PAC 10 = USC (Rose).
Now, the first selection goes to the Fiesta Bowl. I think they select the second best team in the Big 12, Oklahoma. They also pick third and will be happy with what teams are left after the Rose Bowl selection, thinking the Rose Bowl will go Big Ten. Now up is the Rose Bowl and they can select between (in no order) Alabama (SEC Runner Up), Utah (undefeated and MWC Champ), Ohio State (Big Ten Runner Up) or Pittsburgh (Big East Champ). The Rose Bowl Committee is very traditional and they see a nice matchup, gate revenue and fan base and a team who hasn’t played in their Bowl Game in 12 years, The Ohio State Buckeyes. I know, on paper the Alabama v. USC matchup may look better but I think with the tradition of the Big 10 v. Pac 10 matchup the Buckeyes are chosen over Alabama. The Bowl Committees make the selections, not the TV Networks.
Alabama doesn’t stay on the board long and is chosen by the Fiesta Bowl next and plays Oklahoma. This leaves the Sugar Bowl to find an opponent for Florida and they choose the Utah Utes hoping for a big draw like Boise State and Hawaii in past seasons. That leaves the Orange with the bottom of the barrel for BCS Bowl games putting Pittsburgh v. Florida State.
Missouri, Georgia and LSU lose out based on the stronger teams in their conferences and Boise State, TCU, Ball State and Tulsa fall short of the dream based on Utah’s undefeated season. Notre Dame makes a bowl game finishing (9-3) but not a BCS Bowl.
So in review, my predictions are as follows:
BCS Championship (Jan. 8) – Texas Longhorns (13-0) v. Penn State Nittany Lions (12-0)
Fiesta Bowl (Jan. 5) – Alabama Crimson Tide (11-2) v. Oklahoma Sooners (11-1)
Sugar Bowl (Jan. 3) – Florida Gators (12-1) v. Utah Utes (12-0)
Rose Bowl (Jan. 1) – Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2) v. USC Trojans (11-1)
Orange Bowl (Jan. 1) – Florida State Seminoles (11-2) v. Pittsburgh Panthers (9-3)
Today is October 28 and there is tons of football yet to be played but we’ll see how accurate I am as this season plays out.
The nice part is Ohio State still has a shot at a BCS Bowl Game, which isn’t bad as a two loss team.

Cheers!!!
Seymour11

Ohio State's Finish To 2008 - Just Win, Baby

Before going too far into my article, I want to congratulate Penn State on a well-earned victory over Ohio State. Winning in Ohio Stadium is never an easy task, and Penn State played well enough to defeat Ohio State on its home turf and move to 9-0. Congratulations, and I hope Penn State wins the rest of its games and gets a shot at The BCS Championship.

Moving on to Ohio State...At the beginning of the season, Ohio State's seniors had goals of winning an unprecedented third straight Big Ten consensus championship, with hopes of also playing for the national championship. The second part of that sentence was pretty much concluded back on September 13th when USC dismantled Ohio State 35-3.

For Ohio State to win a consensus Big Ten championship, Ohio State needs to win all three remaining games (possible, and I'll get to that later) while Penn State needs to lose all three remaining games on its schedule (@ Iowa on Nov. 8th, Indiana on Nov. 15th, and Michigan State on Nov. 22nd - highly improbable). Even if Penn State loses just one of those games, and Ohio State wins out, the best Ohio State can do is win a share of The Big Ten title with Penn State, as they did back in the 2005 season.

Those improbable scenarios leads me to the point of this post - how will Ohio State finish out the 2008 season? Ohio State's primary focus is very simple ~

Win the remaining three games against Northwestern, Illinois, and Michigan - This goal seems probable, but I would not be so quick to dismiss these games as automatic wins for Ohio State. The game against Northwestern will probably be the biggest game at home for the Wildcats. Considering how Northwestern has already clinched bowl eligibility, Ohio State will need to come out with an intense focus for this one.

The game at Illinois on Nov. 15th should not be considered a sure thing by any stretch of the imagination. While Illinois is currently struggling at 4-4, keep in mind that Illinois and its spread offense put 45 points on the board against Michigan and 55 points on Indiana. Who can forget what Illinois did last year to Ohio State in Ohio Stadium, or how Illinois took Ohio State down to the wire in 2006?

THE GAME on Nov 22nd (27 days from now as I write this) may determine if Michigan has a winning or losing season. At 2-6, Michigan's final four games are @ Purdue on Nov. 1st, @ Minnesota on Nov. 8th, Northwestern on Nov. 15th, and then THE GAME. Ohio State may be facing a team that will be fighting for a shot at bowl eligibility with this one.

While possible that Ohio State will get a BCS berth with a Rose Bowl bid, that line of thinking requires for either Texas or Alabama to lose in order for Penn State to move up a spot. Another thing to consider - if Ohio State was given a Rose Bowl bid, their likely opponent is...USC. Considering the thumping USC gave Ohio State in September, and how Ohio State/USC is scheduled for September 2009 in Columbus, would ABC really want to put Ohio State in that game? I would guess Ohio State's likely bowl destination is The Capital One Bowl, against the SEC runner-up (Georgia? Florida? Alabama?).

Again, let's not look too far ahead. As a once wise, and now seemingly confused, football man occasionally says, "Just win, baby.". If Ohio State does that, Ohio State fans will have a better idea on what to look forward to with the bowl game and 2009.

Game Nine: Ohio State vs. Penn State

Game Nine: Penn State Nittany Lions



Location: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH) 8PM EST, ABC



Head Coach: Joe Paterno



Penn State Players Who Were Recruited By Ohio State: CB A.J. Wallace, WR Derrick Williams, LB Navorro Bowman, FB Michael Zordich, LB Chris Colasanti, DE Devon Still. Other Penn State players who either had interest in Ohio State or Ohio State was preliminary pursuing are LB Andrew Dailey, QB Daryll Clark, and RB Brandon Beachum (all three are Ohio natives).



Penn State Rushing Offense vs Ohio State Defense: Penn State's rushing attack relies on RB Evan Royster. While Penn State will run some option with QB Daryll Clark, Royster leads the team with 893 yards and a 7.7 ypc average. Backup Stephfon Green does not receive nearly the carries Royster does, but has even better speed in the open field.

Last week against Michigan State, Ohio State effectively shut down Michigan State's Javon Ringer. It would not surprise me if Ohio State sold out against the run on Penn State, trying to force Penn State to win with the passing game. Ohio State is ranked 1st in The Big Ten in rushing defense.

Slight Edge: Penn State



Penn State Passing Offense vs Ohio State Defense: QB Daryll Clark has three very good targets in WR Derrick Williams, WR Deon Butler, and WR Jordan Norwood. Throw in TEs Mickey Shuler and Andrew Quarless, and you'll see why it is so difficult to defend Penn State's spread offense. Clark is mobile enough to buy time in the pocket, can scramble for positive yardage, and his receivers are difficult to defend one on one in the open field. Clark is ranked 2nd in The Big Ten in passing efficiency.

Even with the inherent risks of playing man coverage, I look for Ohio State to put Malcolm Jenkins, Donald Washington, and Chimdi Chekwa into one on one coverage assignments in an effort to slow down the Penn State attack. Ohio State's defensive backs, especially Kurt Coleman, have demonstrated a knack for opportunistically creating turnovers. I would also not be surprised if Jermale Hines is used as a spy on Daryll Clark, in an effort to minimize Clark's effectiveness as a scrambler.

Edge: Even


Ohio State Rushing Offense vs Penn State Defense: Look for Penn State to put eight men in the box to shut down the Ohio State rushing attack. Penn State is second in The Big Ten in rushing defense (behind Ohio State) and is always one of the most physical teams when it comes to defense.

RB Chris Wells should look for at least 30 carries that will be hard-fought throughout the game. QB Terrelle Pryor will probably have a spy assigned to him by Penn State, to minimize his outside running capabilities. If backup RB Boom Herron can spell Chris Wells throughout the game, Ohio State will be in much better shape. Ohio State should look to struggle with the running game at first, and it will be important for Ohio State to stay patient with the running game as the game proceeds.

Edge: Even


Ohio State Passing Offense vs Penn State Defense: Ohio State continues to struggle with its passing game, ranking 11th in The Big Ten. Conversely, Penn State ranks as the top pass defense in The Big Ten, providing Ohio State with a tremendous challenge. It will be important for Ohio State to effectively mix play-action passing in on first and second down to effectively combat what will probably be an eight-man front by Penn State. Penn State's front four, led by DE Aaron Maybin (10 sacks, 14 TFL), will provide a stern challenge to Ohio State's offensive line all game long.

It will not surprise me if QB Terrelle Pryor runs several waggle or bootleg plays that may not gain a great deal of yardage, but will put Ohio State in 2nd and 7 or 2nd and 6 type scenarios. These open up the playbook, versus the 2nd and 10 or 3rd and 10 challenges Ohio State will want to avoid at all costs.

Edge: Penn State


Special Teams: Considering how Coach Tressel emphasizes special teams, it will not surprise me if Ohio State's punting and kickoff teams avoid returner Derrick Williams at all costs. Considering Williams' abilities to take a kickoff or punt the distance when he receives it, it would be better for Ohio State to kick high and short on kickoffs, while also directionally punting deliberately out of bounds to eliminate Williams' effect on the return game.

While many/most Ohio State fans groan about Ohio State's inffectiveness in the red zone, Ohio State needs to end each of its offensive series with points. This is the type of game where PK Aaron Pettrey, who is traditionally the "long" field goal kicker, may be getting more opportunities than usual.

Edge: Even


Intangibles: Penn State has not won in Ohio Stadium since joining The Big Ten back in 1993. With an 8pm kickoff, fans will have many hours to prepare for what should be one of the best games of the year.

While Penn State has looked impressive this year in its victories, what is the signature win for Penn State this season? Is it Oregon State, who later defeated USC? Is it Illinois, who are now 4-3 on the season? Believe me, I know that USC thrashed Ohio State, but I believe Ohio State is better tested going into a game such as this than Penn State.

If Penn State wins this game, they are still in the hunt for The BCS Championship Game. If Ohio State wins this game, they are still in position to win the outright Big Ten championship and go to The Rose Bowl. With those factors taken into account, it seems as though the pressure is more on Penn State versus Ohio State.

Slight Edge: Ohio State

Prediction:

In order for Ohio State to stay in this game, Ohio State needs to do three things: 1) Get a lead early and maintain it. 2) With the lead, the crowd should be in it to make things challenging for Penn State to hear, and 3) Capitalize on turnovers. If Penn State jumps out to a big lead, it will take the crowd out of it and put pressure on Ohio State offensively.

As much as my head wants to pick Penn State, I am going to go with my heart and the home crowd on this one.

Ohio State 24, Penn State 21

Game Eight: Ohio State @ Michigan State

Game Eight: Michigan State Spartans


Location: Spartan Stadium (East Lansing, MI) 3:30PM EST, ABC


Head Coach: Mark Dantonio


Michigan State Players Who Were Recruited By Ohio State: DL Antonio Jeremiah. Michigan State has 10 players starting from the state of Ohio (such as Antonio Jeremiah), but not all were offered scholarships by Ohio State. The most prominent Michigan State players who had interest in Ohio State were RB Javon Ringer (academics were why Ringer was not admitted) and QB Brian Hoyer (Ohio State chose to offer QB Joe Bauserman instead). Other Michigan State players who had interest in Ohio State were WR Mark Dell, CB Johnny Adams, DE Brandon Long, LB Steve Gardiner (turned down a grayshirt option), OT Rocco Cironi, and DL Jerel Worthy. More on this in the Intangibles section below.


Michigan State Rushing Offense vs Ohio State Defense: Similar to the Wisconsin game for Ohio State, this is the key to Ohio State winning or losing. Unlike Wisconsin, Michigan State relies solely on RB Javon Ringer, who is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate and a smaller LaDainian Tomlinson-type back. If Ohio State can shut down Ringer, Ohio State can win this game. If Michigan State's offensive line can blow past Ohio State's defensive line (which has not played well this season and is now without DE Lawrence Wilson) and get to LB James Laurinaitis, this could be a long day for Ohio State. Michigan State will continually run the ball all game long, so this will be the key area to watch.

Edge: Even


Michigan State Passing Offense vs Ohio State Defense: Michigan State QB Brian Hoyer is a caretaker-type quarterback who manages the game efficiently for the Spartans. Hoyer is not overly mobile, and is generally a 50% completion passer. If Ohio State can get adequate pressure on Hoyer with blitzes and good downfield coverage by the defensive backfield on Michigan State's wide receivers, this could be the difference for Ohio State.

Edge: Ohio State

Ohio State Rushing Offense vs Michigan State Defense: Guess what? If Ohio State is going to stack eight in the box to shut down RB Javon Ringer, what do you think Michigan State will do to shut down RB Chris Wells? With freshman QB Terrelle Pryor struggling in the passing game, look for this type of strategy from Michigan State defensively.

To counter this move by Michigan State, it would not surprise me if Ohio State went with a four wideout formation, with Ohio State lining up Pryor and Wells in the pistol formation. This will force Michigan State to play man coverage on Ohio State's wideouts, while also opening up possibilities for Pryor and Wells in the option game. True freshmen wideouts DeVier Posey and Lamaar Thomas may see appreciable playing time tomorrow to stretch the defense.

Slight Edge: Ohio State

Ohio State Passing Offense vs Michigan State Defense: Earlier this week, RB Chris Wells implored Ohio State's coaching staff to start throwing the ball more. I have also implored QB Terrelle Pryor to take a three or four yard gain off potential scrambling opportunties when throwing the ball, versus waiting and waiting, until a sack occurs or an incompletion takes place. Hopefully this week, both requests will be fulfilled. Considering the grumbling coming out of Ohio State's players and even Coach Jim Tressel, I expect better production out of Ohio State's passing game this week. Ohio State needs to be cautious of Michigan State DB Otis Wiley, who currently leads The Big Ten in interceptions.

Slight Edge: Ohio State

Special Teams: Both teams emphasize special teams, which should come as no surprise as both teams have at least one Tressel on the staff. Mike Tressel is the son of Ohio State RB Dick Tressel and the nephew of Ohio State Head Coach Jim Tressel. Ohio State ranks 1st in The Big Ten in punt returns; Michigan State is ranked 2nd. I will give Ohio State the slight edge in this area, as they are ranked 2nd in punting, while Michigan State is ranked 7th. A name to remember - true freshman WR Lamaar Thomas, who may be Ohio State's fastest player, on kickoff returns.

Slight Edge: Ohio State.

Intangibles: As listed above, there are a number of Ohio players who are on Michigan State's team. (Among them, Avon Lake LB Mike Haddad - Go Shoremen!). The players from Ohio take pride in helping turn Michigan State around. Nothing would please these players more than to show that not only has Michigan State truly emerged as a Big Ten contender, but that Ohio State should have offered them scholarships. Also, Mark Dantonio has demonstrated his coaching prowess by turning Michigan State into a Big Ten contender in only his second season in East Lansing. Dantonio has done a superb job of identifying solid Ohio and Michigan talent, and his teams are fundamentally sound. Michigan State may not be flashy, but they play hard for sixty minutes and play hard.

Considering how the majority of the Michigan State staff has either played for or coached under Jim Tressel in some fashion and know all of Tressel's tendencies, how Mark Dantonio always plays Jim Tressel's teams tough, and how this is a sellout game for Michigan State, this is a HUGE plus for the Spartans.

Big Edge: Michigan State

Prediction: Similar to the Wisconsin game, I look for this game to go down to the wire. Considering how both teams focus on running the ball, I look for a low-scoring affair that will emphasize capitalizing on field position. Even though Ohio State fans grumble about not scoring touchdowns, do not be surprised if Ohio State kicks field goals routinely in this game. I look for a late score to seal the game for Ohio State, and for QB Terrelle Pryor to be much more effective as a passer in this game.

Ohio State 17, Michigan State 14

Offensive Performance (To View) In Ohio State's 16-3 Victory Over Purdue

There is an old proverb about "Beauty being in the eye of the beholder". As one of 105, 378 at Ohio Stadium yesterday afternoon, I would argue that what I witnessed by Ohio State's offense was nothing to behold. On five occasions, Ohio State was at or inside the Purdue 35 yard line and did not score any offensive touchdowns. Only freshman LB Etienne Sabino's touchdown return off a blocked punt prevented this game from being a 9-3 snoozefest, with Ohio State scoring on three field goals.

Memo to Maurice Wells - if given the ball, please run to the outside. I do not care if the play is called to run through the interior of the line. At least when you run to the outside, you are running fast and you have a chance at making positive yardage. Whenever you carry inside, you are either thrown for a loss or at best no gain.

Memo to Terrelle Pryor - I know that you are a true freshman, and I am prepared for your true freshman growing pains. Here's the deal ~ when you drop back to pass, and are looking for a receiver, do not hesitate to run the ball as you have against Wisconsin and Purdue if nobody is open. While I understand that you are trying to develop your passing skills, the bitter truth is Ohio State's offensive line is not going to give you the time that you need. Better to run for a few yards rather than take the sacks as you have these last few games.

Memo to Coach Tressel - Please do yourself, Terrelle Pryor, and the program a favor by looking for and hiring this man. You may recognize him - goes by the name of Walt Harris. Harris has coached 14 college quarterbacks who went on to play in the NFL. According to this story, Walt Harris should be pretty easy to find nowadays.

Next week's game up in East Lansing should be a tough one. Michigan State Coach Mark Dantonio is arguably Coach Tressel's best former assistant and knows his tendencies better than anyone. With Penn State undefeated, Ohio State needs to win this game to simply keep pace in the race for The Big Ten title. Penn State will be hosting Michigan, which is not surprisingly (to me, anyway) having a difficult season.

For those who are interested in reviewing the carnage of this game, please read the always informative and entertaining Tony Gerdeman review, courtesy of The O-Zone.

Major thanks in an Academy Award acceptance speech manner go out to:

• My friends Tim and Jay for coming with me to the game - Tim, I hope you had a good time, considering this was your first Ohio State game. Jay, I hope it was worth the trip in from NJ. Tim, thanks for driving again. Please send me the pictures to share on the blog sometime when/if you can. Have a good time watching the Giants destroy the Browns on Monday Night Football.
• My cousin John for getting Tim, Jay, and me tickets. John, as always, great to see you and I truly enjoyed watching the game with you up in C Deck. Thanks again for the tickets.
• Todd and Denny for a great tailgate. Thanks for your hospitality, the brats, and beers.
• Jim, Amy, Jamie, and Traci - good to see all of you. Thanks for stopping by Pavlovcics last night.
• Pav & Juliann for letting us spend the night and for breakfast before we returned home today. Happy Anniversary a day early.

Everyone have a good week. I will write up a prediction on Ohio State/Michigan State later in the week. Go Bucks!

Game Seven: Ohio State vs Purdue

Game Seven: Purdue Boilermakers

Location: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH) 3:30PM EST, ABC

Head Coach: Joe Tiller

Purdue Players Who Were Recruited By Ohio State: N/A. Purdue WR Greg Orton and Purdue DB Royce Adams were interested in Ohio State, but never offered scholarships by Ohio State.

Purdue Rushing Offense vs Ohio State Defense: Purdue ranks last in The Big Ten in rushing offense, while Ohio State's rushing defense is ranked 4th. Considering the nature of Purdue's spread offense is to primarily move the ball through the air, I will look for Ohio State to play James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman, while liberally substituting in Jermale Hines or Tyler Moeller in place of Ross Homan.

Edge: Ohio State

Purdue Passing Offense vs Ohio State Defense: Purdue's passing offense leads The Big Ten, while Ohio State's passing defense also leads The Big Ten. I agree completely with former Buckeye Drew Norman's comments about limiting Purdue's offense. Purdue usually won't go deep with their passing game; they are traditionally content to dink and dunk down the field, looking for the best match up they can find to exploit. It will be important for Ohio State to get pressure on Purdue QB Curtis Painter.

Slight Edge: Purdue

Ohio State Rushing Offense vs Purdue Defense: Here is where Ohio State should be able to wear Purdue down. Purdue ranks last in The Big Ten in rushing defense, allowing nearly 200 yards/game. With RB Chris Wells expected to play, despite lingering pain in his foot, combined with QB Terrelle Pryor's running prowess, this could make for a long day for Purdue. I agree that Brandon Saine needs to have a decent game. RB Boom Herron will not play due to his sustained concussion last week, so Saine will get opportunities to carry the ball extensively in the second half.

Big Edge: Ohio State

Ohio State Passing Offense vs Purdue Defense: Another area for Ohio State to exploit, as Purdue also ranks last in The Big Ten in pass defense. While Ohio State will never be throwing the ball in the manner that Purdue does, I believe WRs Brian Robiskie, Brian Hartline, and possibly DeVier Posey (playing for the injured Dane Sanzenbacher, who is out with a concussion) will all get opportunities against an average Purdue secondary.

Edge: Ohio State

Special Teams: Purdue's special teams are possibly the worst in The Big Ten. Purdue ranks last in net punting, and PK Chris Summers has made only 5 of 10 field goal attempts this season. Purdue has also allowed a kick return for a touchdown this season. While Ohio State's special teams have not been spectacular this year, they are better than what Purdue has to offer.

Edge: Ohio State

Intangibles: With the exception of 2001 (35-9) and in 2007 (27-7), many of the games against Purdue have been close and down to the wire. Nothing would make Coach Joe Tiller happier than to defeat Ohio State in his final season as Purdue's head coach. This is the kind of game Ohio State could possibly overlook after such a big win against Wisconsin last week, but I believe the home crowd will play a part in disrupting Purdue's passing offense.

Edge: Even.

Prediction: Considering the defensive struggles Purdue has faced this season, I look for Ohio State to come out and establish its running game right off the bat. If all is going according to plan, RB Chris Wells will be resting comfortably by the beginning of the 4th quarter, as Ohio State will have won its sixth game and established bowl eligibility.

Ohio State 35, Purdue 14

"This One Time, At Camp Randall, Ohio State Beat Wisconsin 20-17..."

OK, maybe that's a cliche line to start this blog, but I figured it was worth a shot. Ohio State's Big Ten title chances are still alive thanks to the rushing efforts of Chris Wells and Terrelle Pryor, the inconsistent quarterback play of Wisconsin QB Allen Evridge, and some questionable offensive play calling by the Wisconsin coaching staff.

While Terrelle Pryor's touchdown run proved to be the game-winner for Ohio State, I would argue that Chris Wells was the player of the game for Ohio State. Without Chris Wells' power running, especially some of his lethal stiff-arms that he applied to unfortunate Wisconsin defenders, Ohio State would not have been in this game. While Boom Herron, Maurice Wells, and Brandon Saine are decent ball players, none of the three can provide a power element such as Chris Wells.

I respected the way Terrelle Pryor kept battling throughout this game. Considering the venue, as well as the physical style of play Wisconsin is known for, it would have been easy for Pryor to make a typical freshman quarterback mistake.

If I could work with Terrelle Pryor going forward, especially after this game, it would be for Pryor to trust his legs more than he has shown so far this season. On multiple occasions last evening, there were times where Pryor would take a sack or throw an incompletion, when he could have taken off and gained positive yardage. Hopefully, the OSU coaching staff will get that message across to Pryor in film study this week.

I do not know how to adequately describe Terrelle Pryor's passing style. It almost resembles a push of the ball, like a shot put, versus a conventional throwing motion. Yes, I know, Pryor gets the job done, but I would still work on that moving forward.

Getting back to the comments above regarding Allen Evridge and the Wisconsin coaching staff, I would argue that if the coaching staff had stuck with running the ball in the second half, Wisconsin would have won this game easily. Ohio State's defensive line was truly being blown off the line of scrimmage by Wisconsin. While I respect the idea of throwing the ball to keep a team off-balance, I also believe that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" when it comes to football. Ohio State's linebackers, especially LB Ross Homan, played as well as they could, considering they were fighting off Wisconsin blockers before making the tackle on Wisconsin RBs P.J. Hill and John Clay. If I could make an argument to Wisconsin before they play Penn State this weekend, it would be to stick with the running game more than you did against Ohio State.

Next up for Ohio State? Purdue, in Ohio Stadium at 3:30pm EST - I will post a prediction on that game later in the week. As for the rest of The Big Ten, Penn State, Michigan State, Northwestern, and Ohio State sit at the top for this week. Penn State travels to Camp Randall next weekend for another night game for Wisconsin. Michigan State travels to Northwestern, so someone will fall from the ranks of The Big Ten's unbeaten club. The Big Ten race is just starting to heat up.

Game Six: Wisconsin

Game Six: Wisconsin Badgers

Location: Camp Randall Stadium (Madison, WI) 8PM EST, ABC

Head Coach: Bret Bielema

Wisconsin Players Who Were Recruited By Ohio State: TE Travis Beckum, RB John Clay, OL Josh Oglesby, LB Elijah Hodge. Lesser Extent - OL Jake Bscherer, OL Bill Nagy, WR Kyle Jefferson, DB Shane Carter.

Wisconsin Rushing Offense vs Ohio State Defense: Here is THE KEY to Ohio State winning or losing the game - can they shut down, or limit, Wisconsin's running game? If Wisconsin can control the line of scrimmage offensively, Ohio State will be worn down and will lose the game. Wisconsin's effective running game is also the key to play-action passing. Considering how Ohio University and USC ran so effectively on Ohio State, you will understand why I am emphasizing this for Ohio State defensively. Keep this in mind - behind RB PJ Hill (5'11", 236 lbs) is RB Zach Brown (5'11", 207 lbs), who played well against Ohio State last year. Behind Brown is RB John Clay, who is Chris Wells-esque at 6'2", 237 lbs and played well against Michigan last week in limited carries. Leading the way for these backs is a line that averages 6'6", 319 lbs. Zoinks. Ohio State's interior defensive line needs to step up for this game. Here is where LBs James Laurinaitis, Marcus Freeman, and Ross Homan will earn their scholarships. Better strap those chinstraps on a little tighter for this game, boys. Wisconsin ranks 3rd in rushing offense in The Big Ten, while Ohio State ranks 3rd in rushing defense.

Edge: Wisconsin

Wisconsin Passing Offense vs Ohio State Defense: Last week against Michigan, Wisconsin did not throw well until late in the game. QB Allan Everidge is a lefty and a Kansas State transfer who is sporadic. WR Kyle Jefferson is a Cleveland Glenville product who has good speed and provides Wisconsin their deep threat. With TE Travis Beckum coming back, Beckum gives the Wisconsin offense a poor man's Kellen Winslow Jr. effect with match-up problems. I look for Ohio State to try to lock LB Tyler Moeller or even shadow Beckum with CB Malcolm Jenkins in obvious passing downs. Wisconsin ranks 9th in passing offense in The Big Ten; Ohio State ranks 1st in passing defense.

Edge: Even, due to the match-up problems with Travis Beckum.

Ohio State Rushing Offense vs Wisconsin Defense: Another critical key to this game is the return of RB Chris Wells for Ohio State. Without Chris Wells in the offense, it is visibly evident that Ohio State is not nearly the team preseason prognosticators believed would contend for this season's national championship. With the introduction of QB Terrelle Pryor as a running threat, Ohio State's rushing offense is much more difficult to defend, especially with Pryor on option plays. I would look for Ohio State to spread Wisconsin out, providing both Pryor and Chris Wells options to run, while also opening up passing options. While I have been a critic of RB Maurice Wells in the past, I would like to see him play in this game with his speed to the outside, especially if Ohio State can get him matched up on a Wisconsin linebacker with play-action passes out of the backfield. Wisconsin's rushing defense is physical against the run, so this should be another good area to watch on Saturday night. I look for Wisconsin to put a spy on Terrelle Pryor to try and slow him down. Wisconsin's rushing defense is ranked 5th in The Big Ten, while Ohio State's rushing offense is ranked 6th.

Edge: Ohio State, with RB Chris Wells being the key player here.

Ohio State Passing Offense vs Wisconsin Defense: Ohio State's passing offense ranks 10th in The Big Ten, with Wisconsin's passing defense ranking 4th. Keep in mind that with a true freshman QB Terrelle Pryor's skills as a runner, Ohio State will probably try to spread out Wisconsin to keep Wisconsin off-balance defensively. Last year, WR Brian Hartline had a good game (7 catches, 95 yards) against Wisconsin. If Ohio State spreads out Wisconsin, it is important that Pryor gains positive yards and avoids any 2nd or 3rd and long plays offensively. Wisconsin's pass rush is marginal, but considering how lackluster Ohio State's offensive line has played, I do not see that as an advantage for Ohio State. DB Shane Carter is an opportunistic defensive back ranked 2nd in The Big Ten in interceptions and needs to be accounted for when the ball is snapped. I suspect Wisconsin's crowd noise will do everything it can to force Pryor into mistakes on passing downs.

Edge: Even

Special Teams: Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema has a special teams background and is not afraid to go for fake punts or onside kicks, as opposing Big Ten teams have discovered during his tenure. Wisconsin's David Gilreath is leading The Big Ten in kickoff returns, while Ohio State's Ray Small is ranked 2nd in punt returns. Ohio State's A.J. Trapasso is 2nd in The Big Ten in punting, while Wisconsin's Brad Norman is ranked 4th.

Slight Edge: Wisconsin

Intangibles: Wisconsin has never lost at home under Bret Bielema in his tenure (16-0). Throwing in the fact that this is a night game, giving the home fans even more time to prepare for the game, makes this an ominous challenge for Ohio State. Throw in the fact that Ohio State traditionally struggles with Wisconsin (Jim Tressel is 2-3), and lost the last time at Camp Randall (2003 - Wisconsin 17, Ohio State 10), should give every Ohio State fan time to pause.

Big Edge: Wisconsin


Prediction:

I truly believe this is a game that will come down to the wire. If Ohio State can come out of the gate and score a touchdown, shut down Wisconsin, and score again, it will take the crowd out of the game, or at least silence them for a slight drunken roar. Again, THE KEY to the game for Ohio State is to slow down Wisconsin's running game. If Wisconsin is in 2nd and short, 3rd and short, Wisconsin will grind Ohio State's defense down.

Ohio State fans have been wondering how Terrelle Pryor would do when faced with a big challenge - now they will find out. I look for Pryor to struggle periodically, but also for his athleticism to keep drives alive and for Ohio State to eke out a close one to keep their Rose Bowl hopes alive.

Ohio State 21, Wisconsin 20