[YouTube] Ohio State Football: Trailer For THE GAME

"This is the greatest rivalry in all of sport..." ~ Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer

Ohio State Football, THE GAME, and "Mrs. Potter's Lullaby"

Ohio State has been established as a 20 point favorite over their rival (since Coach Urban Meyer states it like this; I figure I will follow suit).  So many Ohio State fans look at this visiting team and believe Ohio State will easily win THE GAME.  So many Ohio State fans have no memories of what THE GAME was like in the 1990s.

One of my favorite bands from the 1990s to present day is Counting Crows.  The album "August and Everything After" is widely considered to be one of the influential albums of the 1990s.  Perhaps being a fan of Counting Crows makes me old, but I want to elaborate a bit further.

A lengthy song by Counting Crows that was on the album "This Desert Life" was "Mrs. Potter's Lullaby".  While the song never became a hit by music chart standards, it certainly stands as one of my favorites by Counting Crows.

What does this song, or the band Counting Crows, have to do with Ohio State football, and THE GAME?  Let me share some of the lyrics from "Mrs. Potter's Lullaby", and I will paint you a picture at the end...

"If dreams are like movies then memories are films about ghosts..."

Memories of THE GAME from the 1980s and 1990s, I have plenty of those; I am haunted by those "films about ghosts".  I can vividly recall how THE GAME ended on a field goal attempt in Ohio Stadium in 1986.  Or how a one-time high school rival athlete was able to win THE GAME almost completely by himself in Coach Cooper's first season in 1988.

"Well I am an idiot walking a tightrope of fortune and fame..."

Running an option play on 4th and short when THE GAME is tied late in the 4th quarter in Ohio Stadium in 1990.  Or the former university president proudly proclaiming that a final game result of a tie in 1992 in Ohio Stadium was "One of our greatest wins ever..."

"I am an acrobat swinging trapezes through circles of flame..."

Memories of THE GAME include finally breaking through in 1994 with a victory that saved one coach's job.  The 1994 victory in Ohio Stadium helped to propel Ohio State into some of the most memorable seasons for the remainder of the 1990s decade.

 "And the price of a memory is the memory of the sorrow it brings..."

The price of the memory of THE GAME in 1996 is not only sorrow, but also regret for a missed opportunity at a national championship.  I will always contend that while the 1998 team should have played for the BCS Championship (we'll get to that team soon enough), the 1996 team was five points away from an undefeated season and the national championship.  Ask any of the players on that team about the price of the memory from THE GAME in 1996.

"And there is always one last light to turn out and one last bell to ring..."

The 1998 victory by Ohio State in THE GAME was satisfying, but not nearly enough for fans who expected so much more.  The 1998 team truly played like it had nothing to lose, as everything had been lost to an unranked team only a few weeks before in Ohio Stadium.

"All the razor perceptions that cut just a little too deep
Hey, I can bleed as well as anyone but I need someone to help me sleep..."


In 2000, fans such as myself had developed a weary sense of resignation for THE GAME.  Yes, Ohio State might play well for a quarter, maybe a half, but eventually...Ohio State would lose.  And I do not believe I was alone within the fan base who believed that way, after so many painful memories, or "films about ghosts", as Counting Crows might have stated.

For those of you who are curious, Ohio State was not always the superior team.  I would argue that the 1988, 1990, 1992, and 1994 teams were not as talented as our rival.  1986 and 2000 were probably equal.  1996 and 1998 were more talented than our rival.  No matter the year or example I have cited, all of the games I listed above took place in Ohio Stadium.  And in so many circumstances, our rival left Ohio Stadium with the victory.

"Well I know I don't know you and you're probably not what you seem..."

It was not until THIS MOMENT that Ohio State fans such as myself knew Ohio State had turned the corner.  And thirteen years after that moment took place, there are generations of Ohio State fans who truly do not understand why Ohio State fans such as myself look at this upcoming version of THE GAME with apprehension and anxiety.  Ohio State fans have seemingly forgotten how close THE GAME has been in both 2012 and 2013.

Perhaps I am being too fearful.  After all, Ohio State has clinched a trip to Indianapolis, and can secure a B1G championship with a victory on December 6th.  A possible shot at a national championship is still up for discussion, as Ohio State is presently lurking on the perimeter of being a playoff participant.  I am predicting the final score to be Ohio State 35, Our Rival 17 (figured I should again follow Coach Meyer's lead with this approach...)

Or maybe I can rely upon Counting Crows to summarize my anxiety before this version of THE GAME, if events do not turn out in Ohio State's favor on Saturday afternoon...

"That's when I know that I have to get out cause I have been there before
So I gave up my seat at the bar and I head for the door..."

 




 

[Men Of The Scarlet And Gray]: THE GAME podcast

Joined by former Ohio State DE Matt Finkes and Anthony Broome of Maize n Brew to discuss THE GAME.  If you enjoy the podcasts, you can always subscribe via iTunes.  Go Bucks!

http://menofthescarletandgray.com/2014/11/25/motsag-live-episode-15-beat-the-team-up-north-week/

[YouTube] Ohio State Football: OSU vs Indiana Trailer

Ohio State Is At "The Doorstep" To B1G Championship Game

"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal..." ~ Henry Ford

The 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes, proud owners of a 9-1 record, return home to Ohio Stadium to face a traditional B1G rival with the visiting Indiana Hoosiers.  Considering Indiana enters the game with a 3-7 record, is playing a true freshman quarterback, and has not defeated Ohio State since the 1988 season, Ohio State is heavily favored by the Las Vegas oddsmakers (34.5 point spread).  By all reasonable expectations, by both Ohio State fans and Indiana fans, Ohio State has a tremendous opportunity to win easily.  During the most recent Men of the Scarlet and Gray podcast, even stalwart Indiana fan Kyle Swick acknowledged the challenges that Indiana is facing against a talented Buckeye squad.

Lurking in the background, in the blogosphere, within Internet fan sites, on sports talk radio, are the audible hopes and dreams of a demanding fanbase for Ohio State to win out and emerge as one of the four participants in the inaugural College Football Playoff.  Presently, Ohio State is ranked sixth in the latest poll of the College Football Playoff committee.

The obvious question that is on the mind of Ohio State fans before the Buckeyes meet Indiana - how will Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer keep his team focused upon Indiana, and not be concerned about the playoffs?

Below is an example of how focused Coach Meyer is upon the task at hand with Indiana...

Q.  A little bit along those lines, you guys are kind of on two tracks here.  You obviously have to win.  That's all you can control.  But there is this playoff, you're trying to get into the playoff.  At 31‑24 win over Indiana probably won't help you.  How do you kind of balance the idea that you have to obviously take care of business, but there is this perception game? 
URBAN MEYER:  That's not even going to be addressed.  We wake up every November or we wake up every day to compete for championships in November.  It's at the doorstep now.".

"It's at the doorstep now..." .  Coach Meyer knows that all of the talk about the playoffs is just that - talk.  The task at hand is to defeat Indiana, and clinch a berth in The B1G Championship Game.

The three areas I will be focusing upon as Ohio State meets Indiana in Ohio Stadium at 12pm on BTN?

1.  How Will Ohio State's Defense Play Against Indiana's Tevin Coleman? - As Coleman goes, so goes the Indiana offense.  Coleman has rushed for 1678 yards, and is coming off an impressive performance against Rutgers (32 carries for 307 yards).  While Ohio State's defense has improved, last week Ohio State surrendered 145 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground to Minnesota's David Cobb.  Look for Ohio State to truly sell out against the run to bottle up Coleman as best as they can.

2.  How Will Ohio State's Jalin Marshall Respond After A Challenging Game At Minnesota? - The trials and tribulations of Ohio State sophomore wide receiver Jalin Marshall are well-chronicled, and we discussed them in great detail on the aforementioned MotSaG podcast.  I will be keeping an eye on Marshall during the game, most especially on punt return opportunities.

3.  Will Coach Meyer Substitute Backups After Ohio State Takes A Commanding Lead? - While I have complete confidence in Ohio State to win this game convincingly, I question whether Coach Meyer will substitute backups into the game.  Cardale Jones, Bri'onte Dunn, Warren Ball, etc, should all play at least the fourth quarter, after the game has been decided.

Prediction:  Ohio State rolls Indiana 63-17, impressing the College Football Playoff committee.  More importantly, Ohio State earns a trip to Indianapolis for The B1G Championship Game.

[YouTube] 2014 Ohio State @ Minnesota trailer

Defeating Ranked Minnesota Is A "Golden" Opportunity For Buckeyes

Before focusing upon the Ohio State @ Minnesota game scheduled for 12pm EST on ABC, I want to congratulate Coach Urban Meyer, the Ohio State coaching staff, and most especially, the 2014 Buckeyes on their victory over Michigan State.  Like many others, I predicted that Ohio State would lose.  Regardless of whether at home or at work, I always strive to admit my mistakes, and I am doing so now.  I did the same on the Men of the Scarlet and Gray podcast earlier this week, but I wanted to do it in writing as well.  Congratulations, Buckeyes.

**

With the victory over Michigan State, Ohio State has climbed back up the College Football Playoff rankings, presently ranked eighth.  Many fans are wondering if Ohio State will be able to impress enough in the remaining regular season games to climb up to at least fourth to earn a spot at a possible national championship.  My response is comparable to that of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers ~ Relax.  There are plenty of games to be played, and the biggest mistake Ohio State can do is not concentrate on what is within their control.  Minnesota is 7-2, and ranked twenty-fifth.  Focus on defeating the Golden Gophers, and let everyone else play their games out.

The weather will be cold with possible snow, as the present weekend forecast for Minneapolis is for a high of 28 degrees.  As Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill said, "I don't see it being a factor. ... That's the way it is in the Midwest so you deal with it".

Here are three areas I will be focused upon when the Buckeyes and Golden Gophers meet up for the first time since the 2010 season...

1.  Minnesota's Rushing Offense versus Ohio State's Defense - Minnesota boasts a very large offensive line that helps pave the way to averaging 224 yards on the ground per game.  Ohio State's defense has improved, and had their positive moments last week versus Michigan State, but how will they do against talented Minnesota running back David Cobb?  For those old-school purists out there who long for traditional B1G football, this is the place to see how it will all shake out.

2.  Ohio State's Rushing Offense versus Minnesota's Defense - Ezekiel Elliott has emerged as one of the best running backs in the B1G.  The Ohio State offensive line, which was maligned at the onset of the 2014 season, has truly come together over the last several weeks.  Will Ohio State be able to run the ball against a Minnesota defense that will probably stack the box?

3.  Will Jalin Marshall Have A Larger Role In The Offense? - The news that Dontre Wilson sustained a broken bone during the Michigan State victory has led to speculation that Jalin Marshall will take on even more responsibilities within the Ohio State offense.  Look for Marshall to be on kickoffs, punt returns, possible Wildcat quarterback formations, as well as the traditional H-Back plays that Coach Meyer has usually involved Marshall with this season.

Prediction:  While I have concerns that the Ohio State players may come out somewhat sluggish after such an emotional victory high against Michigan State, I believe the superior Ohio State speed will help spark the Buckeyes to a lead that will allow the Buckeyes to leave Minneapolis with the victory.  David Cobb will have a good game, as well Minnesota TE Maxx Williams, but the Ohio State defense will have enough to harass Minnesota QB Mitch Leidner throughout the game.  I see Ohio State getting a lead, and playing ball control into the second half.  I am calling it Ohio State 35, Minnesota 21.

[YouTube]: Michigan State vs. Ohio State Trailer 2014

Buckeyes/Spartans 2014 - Let's Get Ready To Rumble

In 2012, Ohio State traveled to East Lansing, Michigan, to battle B1G foe Michigan State for a regularly scheduled conference game.  At the conclusion of a 17-16 victory that left Ohio State undefeated, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer said, "This was a war. This was two sledgehammers going at each other...".

In 2013, Ohio State met Michigan State in Indianapolis to battle for the B1G Championship.  After the Spartans defeated the Buckeyes 34-24, eliminating Ohio State from an opportunity to compete for the national championship, Coach Meyer stated, "You know it's going to haunt all of us, I imagine, for a little while...".

"A little while" has passed.  On November 8, 2014, at 8pm EST on ABC, Ohio State will have an opportunity to show Michigan State, and the nation, if the Buckeyes are still haunted from last season's defeat by the Spartans.

This game has taken on added significance for both teams, as both are ranked outside of the top four in the College Football Playoff.  A loss for Ohio State or Michigan State will certainly eliminate them from playoff contention.

Other areas of importance for Ohio State fans?  This little tidbit of information from The Columbus Dispatch's Rob Oller should give all Ohio State fans something to contemplate...

Buckeyes' last regular-season game against top-10 team was Sept. 8, 2009 vs. USC in 'Shoe. Last reg-season win vs. top 10 team? UM in '06.
— Rob Oller (@rollerCD) November 4, 2014

How evenly matched are these teams?  This graphic, courtesy of BTN's Brent Yarina, sums it up nicely...

Not sure you'll see a better #B1G graphic all week. For real. pic.twitter.com/DWthjjLUBE
— Brent Yarina (@BTNBrentYarina) November 5, 2014

 Here are the three critical areas I will be focusing upon as I tune into the game that will put one of these teams in the driver's seat to securing the B1G East Division berth for the 2014 B1G Championship Game...

1.  Will Ohio State Force Michigan State To Defend The Entire Field? - On this week's MotSaG podcast (I know it's shameless self-promotion, but I did mention this idea here first), I jokingly suggested that perhaps someone should lie to Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Herman and say that Ohio State is playing North Texas or Tulane, other teams that wear green.  My rationale in this is perhaps Coach Herman will be more comfortable calling the offensive plays, instead of playing more conservatively and predictably as Coach Herman has in previous big games/opponents that Ohio State has faced over the previous seasons (2012 Wisconsin, 2013 Wisconsin, 2014 Virginia Tech, 2014 Penn State).

Here is the point - Michigan State has two superior defensive coaches on staff in former Ohio State defensive coordinator/current Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio and current Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi.  Michigan State had a bye week last weekend, allowing both Dantonio and Narduzzi ample opportunities to scrutinize all of Ohio State's offensive tendencies, as well as come up with variations of the defensive challenges that worked so well previously against Ohio State (Virginia Tech, Penn State games).  In order for Ohio State to win this game, Coach Meyer and Coach Herman cannot run the predictable halfback read option plays up the middle with Ezekiel Elliott and expect to win this game.  Screens, slants, jet sweeps with Dontre Wilson or Jalin Marshall, deep passes to Devin Smith, etc., will all be needed to keep Michigan State off-balance defensively.

2.  Will Ohio State's Defense Rise To Its Biggest Challenge This Season? - Michigan State prides itself on running a traditional pro-set offense, led by native Ohioan quarterback Connor Cook.  While Cook does not excel in any one particular area as a quarterback, Cook represents the type of quarterbacks that have developed into dependable game managers, such as his predecessors Brian Hoyer and Kirk Cousins, both of whom have moved onto NFL careers after playing for Michigan State.

Cook will rely upon steady MSU playmakers such as RB Jeremy Langford and WR Tony Lippett.  Langford may be one of the most underrated running backs in the B1G, while Lippett averages 21.2 yards per reception.

Look for Ohio State to move stalwart defensive lineman Joey Bosa around the Ohio State defensive line, as Bosa will probably be double or triple-teamed by Michigan State on passing downs.  Ohio State's Doran Grant will probably be matched up with Lippett, so this battle will be one to watch.  The often-maligned Ohio State secondary, which has improved tremendously over the course of the season, will need to wrap up and tackle; so often, younger players try for a 'kill shot' that could make a highlight film, but allow the opposing player to break free and run after the catch.

3.  Will Ohio State's Special Teams Play A Part In This Game? - Occasionally this season, Ohio State has sacrificed valuable yards and field position on kickoffs by kicking the ball out of bounds, giving the opposition the ball on the 35 yard line.  Ohio State cannot afford to provide Michigan State with such ideal starting points on the field.

Another area that relates to Ohio State's special teams will be related to freshman placekicker Sean Nuernberger and Coach Meyer.  On occasion, Coach Meyer has declined to attempt field goals, wanting to retain possession of the ball.  Last week versus Illinois, Coach Meyer went for it on two different times, and came away with no points.  Against Michigan State, Ohio State fans can only hope Coach Meyer will take the points, as the points will be hard to come by in this contest.

As for Nuernberger, there have been field goal misses that have hurt Ohio State tremendously; the game against Virginia Tech is the most painful example Buckeye fans will remember this season.  Will Nuernberger rise to the occasion if called upon in this game against Michigan State?

Prediction:  I want to preface this by stating that I hope I am wrong, but here is how I see it will happen...The weather forecast for East Lansing is for rain/snow/sleet, with a high in the 40s and a low in the 20s.  Weather like that usually makes passing the ball more challenging, which swings to Michigan State's favor to stack the box and dare Ohio State to throw.

Considering Coach Herman's tendencies to become conservative with his play-calling, and Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett nursing a sprained MCL injury that limits his mobility, I see Ohio State struggling to get anything consistently going against a well-coached Michigan State defense. 

Lastly, Michigan State's team is predominantly seniors and juniors, while Ohio State's team is younger, with freshmen and sophomores playing key positions throughout the roster.  The home field, a well-rested Spartan team, potentially bad weather...I see it Michigan State 24, Ohio State 17.  And if I am wrong, feel free to let me have it @ChipMinnich, because nothing would make me happier to say I am wrong on this one.