Some Quick Thoughts From The Opening Weekend

First of all, thanks to those of you who sent me updates on the Ohio State - Youngstown State game while I was out of town for my cousin Diane's wedding (congrats again, Diane and Jim. Uncle John and Aunt Lenore, thank you again for a wonderful time!). I was well aware that Ohio State was up 26-0 for the first half, and that's when Diane's & Jim's wedding ceremony began. With my BlackBerry securely in my suit jacket pocket, I did not know about Chris Wells' injury until after the ceremony - there's something to be said for looking and seeing 30 messages saying something to the effect of "WELLS IS HURT".



That leads me to my first question - WHY was Chris Wells even in the game after the first half? Ohio State was already up comfortably. I realize that Chris Wells' injury was not contact-related, and that it could have happened on any play, but the fact that Wells was in against Youngstown State with the game well in hand bothers me.

There has been no new information as to the extent of Chris Wells' injury. X-Rays were negative, and Coach Tressel made a comment that the injury is not turf toe. My biggest fear is that Chris Wells may have ruptured his Achilles tendon, but considering he was walking on it, I doubt that is the case. Probably the best thing Chris Wells can do for this injury is attend rehab sessions and rest, which will inevitably be the case this coming weekend against Ohio University.

Of course, the debut of Terrelle Pryor has been completely overshadowed by Chris Wells' injury. Looking at highlights (thank you Time Warner for finally getting me The Big Ten Network), the option will once again become a staple of Ohio State's offense whenever Pryor is in the game.

Other Big Ten musings ~

I realize that one game does not a season make, but so far, Michigan has demonstrated what I predicted. I truly do not believe that the average Michigan fan understands how difficult a transition it will be for Michigan to adjust to Rich Rodriguez's offense this year. I believe Michigan will win over my alma mater, but I do not believe Miami (OH) will be blown out as they were against Vanderbilt. Look for Rodriguez to give Steven Threet the starting QB job against Miami (OH) as he seemed to do better than Nick Sheridan.

Penn State crushed Coastal Carolina (as expected), but it should be interesting this coming weekend against Oregon State. Penn State's other two non-conference games are against Syracuse and Temple, so Penn State should be 4-0 heading into Big Ten play.

Minnesota has already equaled its 2007 win total with its win over Northern Illinois. Considering how Bowling Green has already put Pitt's Dave Wannstedt on the hot seat with its victory on Saturday, this should be a good one to watch. I won't be surprised if BG defeats Minnesota.

Wisconsin defeated Akron on Saturday, and gets Marshall this coming week. Wisconsin should be 2-0 before its big game at Fresno State on September 13th.

Iowa looked impressive thrashing Maine (Big Ten Network rerun last night). Iowa gets Florida International, so they should be 2-0 after this weekend as well.

Indiana handled Western Kentucky, and they get Murray State this weekend. Another cupcake opponent, and another Big Ten team at 2-0.

Props to Michigan State for playing Cal tough. Michigan State will be in the win column after this weekend's game against Eastern Michigan.

Northwestern handled Syracuse, which came as no surprise. Northwestern plays @ Duke, who defeated them last season. I look for Northwestern to win this one.

Finally, Purdue kicks off its season with Northern Colorado. Purdue should be 1-0 after this one.

Keep your fingers crossed for a healthy Chris Wells come September 13th. Even with Wells, that game against USC looks like a huge challenge for Ohio State.