Bucknuts.com: THE GAME ~ An Amazing History (link)

When I grow up, I want to be Jack Park, Ohio State's resident football historian. Below is a link to a story on Bucknuts.com that details THE GAME in exceptional detail.

A History Of THE GAME

Happy Thanksgiving & Hate Week Inspiration

To all readers and followers of the blog, thank you for your support, and my sincere best wishes to all of you and your families and friends for a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Considering that the Ohio State/Michigan game is always one that brings the blood to a boil, I wanted to share the following link with any Ohio State player who may see it on how to approach THE GAME on Saturday...

"Your eyes are full of hate..."

Jack Ross, and his post on the blog

Below is a clip, and a post to the blog...

Hey Chip,

Couldn't find a contact email, so I thought I'd try to touch base through comments.

Thought you and your readers might like this flash mob in the Ford Zone two weekends ago. A bunch of Ohio State students came out of the crowd to do the Buckeye Battle Cry around Ford's new Explorer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orRu9UBut4s

With The Game this weekend, it seemed cool to see how Buckeyes rock on Saturdays and thought your readers might enjoy it (and maybe even know someone in the video?)

Anyways, would love to hear what you think about the clip. Feel free to share it if you think Buckeye fans would like it.

Best,
Jack Ross

November 22, 2010 6:27 PM

The OZone.net ~ Chris Spielman calls Michigan Defense "Worst in History"

I have said before, and have written before, why Chris Spielman is my all-time favorite Buckeye. Click on the link below, and you will read what he has to say about Michigan's defense, and that is why I am predicting Ohio State wins its seventh straight victory over That Team Up North...

Spielman calls Michigan Defense "Worst in History"

Ohio State Football: Buckeyes To "Combat" Michigan In "THE GAME"

Game Twelve: Michigan Wolverines


Location: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH) 12pm EST, ABC


Head Coach: Rich Rodriguez


Michigan Players Who Were Recruited By Ohio State: WR Junior Hemingway, TE Kevin Koger, OT Patrick Omameh, P Will Hagerup, CB Cullen Christian, DT William Campbell, S Marvin Robinson. OL Elliott Mealer, TE Brandon Moore, QB Devin Gardner, OL Christian Pace, CB Courtney Avery, DL Jibreel Black, S Ray Vinopal, WR Jerald Robinson were all on Ohio State's recruiting radar but were not offered scholarships by Ohio State.

When Michigan Is On Offense VS Ohio State's Defense ~ In year 3 of the Rich Rodriguez era, Michigan has developed into an explosive offense that can score on anyone at anytime. Michigan is averaging close to 37 points a game, just behind Wisconsin and Ohio State in the conference in scoring offense. Michigan is averaging 250 yards passing and rushing, so any Ohio State fan who thinks the Ohio State defense will be able to just shut down Michigan as they have in recent years is mistaken.

The key to Michigan’s offense lies solely on the shoulders of QB Denard Robinson. Robinson is leading the conference in rushing with over 1500 yards on the ground, and is averaging a little over 340 yards per game offensively. Robinson has improved his passing this season, but it will be imperative for Ohio State to shut down Robinson in the running game first and foremost.

Ohio State is very stout against the run, leading the conference in rushing defense at allowing only around 86 yards per game. Without a strong complimentary running back to assist Robinson, look for Ohio State to sell out against the run, playing press coverage on Michigan’s wideouts. Michigan is battling injuries at the position, allowing Ohio State to try and force Michigan into a pass-oriented attack versus their preferred ground-first mentality.

Edge: Even. Denard Robinson will have his moments of brilliance against Ohio State, but I would be remiss if I did not consider the fact that Robinson has battled injuries throughout this season. Considering how fast and physical the Ohio State defense is, it will not surprise me if backup QB Tate Forcier makes an appearance to spell Robinson at some point(s) during the game.

When Ohio State Is On Offense VS Michigan’s Defense ~ To say that Michigan’s defense is bad is like saying water is wet. Let me put it in perspective – Michigan has allowed 34 or more points seven times this season. In the Rich Rodriguez era, the Michigan defense has allowed 18 times in 35 games played, with this game, as well as a bowl game, still to go this season. Michigan is even resorting to using stuffed animals on the sideline to help inspire the defense (no joke).

Michigan’s defense ranks last in the conference, allowing 445 yards per game. Michigan’s rushing defense allows an average of 181 yards per game, while the secondary compensates at allowing 264 yards per game through the air. Michigan’s defense ranks 112^th in the country.

Looking at Michigan’s defense, I agree with Chris Spielman’s statements from his radio program on 11/22/2010 who believes Michigan’s 3-3-5 scheme needs to be completely scrapped in order for Michigan to become competitive within the conference again. Furthermore, Spielman made the statement that Michigan has one player, DT Mike Martin, who could start at Ohio State. The rest of Michigan’s defense are the type of players who could fill out special teams rosters, but would not start for just about any other team in the conference.

Ohio State is behind Michigan in total offense, averaging over 446 yards per game. QB Terrelle Pryor should be able to run when he wants to, while finding WRs Dane Sanzenbacher, DeVier Posey, and TE Jake Stoneburner easily. RB Daniel “Boom” Herron currently has 893 yards heading into this game, and I look for Ohio State to focus on pounding the ball with Herron throughout the second half. Herron should be a 1000 yard rusher by the conclusion of this game.

Big Edge: Ohio State. I would say that Ohio State’s offensive options against Michigan are similar to when I go to Costco for lunch – do I want the hot dog and soda, or do I want the slice of pizza? Both are extremely satisfying, and sometimes I have both, if I am in a gluttonous mood. Look for Ohio State to be in a similar mindset of picking what they want to do against Michigan, and simply pound the ball like Wisconsin did last week. (For those of you who may not have seen or heard about it, Wisconsin essentially ran the entire second half against Michigan, after taking a 24-0 at the half)


Intangibles: Ohio State is going for their seventh straight in the rivalry, and Jim Tressel’s ninth win in his ten year career at Ohio State. Could this possibly be Rich Rodriguez’s last game if Michigan loses again? For pocketbook reasons, Ohio State is selling out to corporate interests and wearing special uniforms to honor their 1942 national championship team. Justin Boren gets another opportunity to play against his former team, on Senior Day in Ohio Stadium.

Edge: Ohio State. With a sixth straight Big Ten championship in the balance, I do not believe Ohio State will come out flat for this one.

Prediction: I have been fortunate to have been in Ohio Stadium for both the 2002 and 2004 Ohio State/Michigan games, and I am excited to see this one in person too, with my good friend Sean (thanks for the ticket!). While the 2002 game meant more in the standings, and the 2004 Ohio State victory started the streak, there is something special about actually being there in person to see Script Ohio and the dotting of the “I”. And it goes without saying that tailgating at Ohio State is an experience in and of itself.

Michigan has the offensive talent to keep pace for a while, but Ohio State will seize control of this game by the half, then put it in cruise control with the running game for the second half to secure at least a share of The Big Ten title. I am going with Ohio State 42, Michigan 21.

A Look Back At 2002 Ohio State/Michigan

My first Ohio State/Michigan game was highly memorable. I left Avon Lake for Columbus at 5:45am and knew the parking was going to be a challenge when Rt 315 was backed up on the highway way before any of the exits.

When John Navarre dropped back to pass from the 30 yard line on the final play, it was directly in front of my seat, so I literally watched Navarre drop back, and followed his pass all the way until it was intercepted by Will Allen...

I recall my cousin John and my Uncle John forbade me from talking about The Fiesta Bowl prior to the game. After the game, when I went back to the tailgate spot to meet back up with them, the first thing I asked them when I saw them was, "Can we talk about The Fiesta Bowl now?!?"

[The Columbus Dispatch] ~ Blogging the Buckeyes: Tyler Moeller to return in 2011

Received this and thought it would be good to share on the blog…

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Coach Jim Tressel told the team today after practice that safety Tyler Moeller has been granted his sixth year of eligibility and will return in 2011. Moeller redshirted in 2006, then played the next two seasons before missing 2009 recovering from a severe a head injury. He returned to play in OSU's first five games this season before suffering a torn pectoral muscle Oct. 2 at Illinois and undergoing season-ending surgery. The NCAA occasionally allows players a sixth year in cases of unusual medical hardship. Moeller has proved to be a playmaker and an emotional leader. His return should help boost a secondary that will lose three senior starters -- Chimdi Chekwa, Devon Torrence and Jermale Hines.

View article...

Iowa Hawkeyes Look To Prey On Buckeyes

Game Eleven: Iowa Hawkeyes

Location: Kinnick Stadium (Iowa City, IA) 3:30pm EST, ABC

Head Coach: Kirk Ferentz

Iowa Players Who Were Recruited By Ohio State: LB Jeremiha Hunter, LB Jim Poggi, and TE C.J. Fiedorowicz. Even though Iowa has several players from Ohio on its roster, such as QB Ricky Stanzi, LB LeBron Daniels, or LB Bruce Davis, these players were not offered scholarships by Ohio State. One Ohio player who wanted to come to Ohio State years ago but was not offered a scholarship due to academics is Iowa WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos.

Iowa's Offense versus Ohio State's Defense: Kirk Ferentz has developed a strong reputation for quality offensive lines during his tenure at Iowa, leading to traditionally balanced play through both the run and the pass. Iowa RB Adam Robinson averages slightly over 100 yards per game, while QB Ricky Stanzi is leading the conference in pass efficiency. With strong wideouts in both Johnson-Koulianos and Marvin McNutt, Ohio State will need to play its best game defensively this season.

If Iowa is able to establish its running game, Ohio State is in big trouble, as Iowa will be able to effectively control the clock, as well as leave the Ohio State secondary susceptible to play-action passing. Ohio State's rush defense ranks right behind Iowa statistically (see below). Put it another way - if Ohio State comes out flat and uninspired, as they did last week versus Penn State, they will lose this game easily.

Edge: Iowa

Ohio State's Offense versus Iowa's Defense: This is going to be the battle to watch, as Ohio State ranks second in total offense the conference at slightly over 450 yards per game, while Iowa ranks second in total defense at allowing 307 yards per game.

Ohio State's offense has been boosted over its last few games with the emergence of RB Daniel "Boom" Herron. Herron exploded for nearly 200 yards last week against Penn State, and will be needed for Ohio State to establish a strong running game against the Hawkeyes. Iowa's rush defense ranks fourth in the country, allowing only a little over 86 yards a game.

Similar to the Ohio State defense, QB Terrelle Pryor is coming off a mediocre performance against Penn State. Iowa's defense has intercepted 15 passes this season, so Pryor cannot afford to be careless with his passes. On the other hand, Iowa has allowed three opponents to pass for over 300 yards this season. I would look for Pryor to be used more on designed rollouts, allowing him to scramble for additional yards while minimizing his throwing options. Keep an eye on Iowa defensive stalwart Adrian Clayborn, and how effective Clayborn is at pressuring Pryor.

Edge: Even. Pryor's athleticism will help to minimize or negate Iowa's strong defense, and should keep Ohio State in the game.

Intangibles: Where do I start? Iowa is coming off a demoralizing loss to Northwestern last week, which essentially eliminated them from winning The Big Ten. This is Iowa's last home game, so there is an emotional boost for the seniors. And Ohio State is coming to town, the team that knocked Iowa out of a Rose Bowl berth last year with a dramatic overtime win.

On the other hand...Ohio State is 14-2-1 in its last seventeen trips to Iowa, and it seems as though every time Iowa is up for a big game against Ohio State, Iowa disappoints. Or am I the only Ohio State fan who remembers this play against Iowa during Ohio State's last visit?

Ohio State, after a well-deserved tongue lashing from Jim Tressel at halftime of the Penn State game, knows they cannot sleepwalk against Iowa and win. Win, and Ohio State is still in line for a share of the conference title. Lose, and any shot at a BCS bowl berth is gone.

Edge: Even

Prediction: Months ago, I wrote this game would be Ohio State's second toughest game, and nothing, even Iowa's defeat last week, has not dissuaded me of that opinion. I am inclined to pick Iowa, on the strength of its passing game against Ohio State's weakened secondary, but I believe Jim Tressel has lit a fire under his players and the Buckeyes will pull a close one out. I am saying Ohio State 24, Iowa 21.

My cousin Aimee Andrich and her love of the Cleveland Browns

Terry Pluto is a Cleveland sportswriter who has written many books on various Cleveland teams. One of his books that I feel is a very worthwhile read for any Browns fan is his book called False Start, which details how the franchise was set up to fail in their return to the NFL in 1999.

Terry Pluto has just released a new book called Things I've Learned From Watching The Browns, which details why fans still follow the Browns, despite years of heartbreak and disappointment. It is because of this book that I would like to share with you the story of my cousin Aimee Andrich.

Aimee, and her husband Brian, are devoted Browns fans. Aimee and Brian have three small children, and Aimee was among the many Browns fans interviewed by Terry Pluto to have her particular devotion to the Browns included in Pluto's latest book.

Below is a video excerpt of Aimee, sharing her story, and of her son Max. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Aimee's story begins around 1:19 into the video. Go Browns!

Aimee ~ Just to let you know, I have a pretty decent following of my blog. I have seen people from Russia and Vietnam to have been on "From The Mind Of Minnich". I am sure they will all love your cheer at the end...

Cleveland Browns fans featured in Terry Pluto's new book

Ohio State Football: Resurgent Nittany Lions On The Prowl For Buckeyes

Game Ten: Penn State Nittany Lions

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

Head Coach: Joe Paterno

Penn State Players Who Were Recruited By Ohio State: QB Kevin Newsome, LB Michael Zordich, LB Chris Colasanti, DE Devon Still, K Anthony Fera, FB Zack Zwinak, G Johnnie Troutman, G Eric Shrive, CB D'Anton Lynn, and WR Brandon Moseby-Felder. Other Penn State players who either had interest in Ohio State or Ohio State had shown interest in are S Andrew Dailey, RB Brandon Beachum, OT Nate Cadogan, and WR Chaz Powell. A special good luck for WR Ryan Scherer from my hometown of Avon Lake, OH.

When Penn State Is On Offense ~ Penn State has turned the reins of the offense over to walk-on QB Matt McGloin after starting freshman QB Rob Bolden sustained an injury against Minnesota a few games ago. While Bolden has recovered from his injury and is probably the future at the position for Penn State, McGloin has sparked Penn State to three straight victories and helped Penn State to become bowl-eligible.

RB Evan Royster has not been as dominant as in seasons past, but Royster has turned it on as of late (734 yards rushing this season), and has become Penn State's all-time leading rusher. When you think of Penn State players such as Franco Harris, John Cappeletti, Curt Warner, Blair Thomas, Ki-Jana Carter, and Curtis Enis, it is impressive that Royster has become the number one name at the top of the list. Even more impressive to me is that Royster has done it this season, with an inexperienced quarterback forcing Royster to shoulder more of the offensive load.

Leading receivers for Penn State this season are Derek Moye, Graham Zug, and Brett Brackett. Considering McGloin's relative inexperience, I would suspect Penn State will try to establish the running game with Royster and keep Ohio State off-balance with a play-action passing game. If Ohio State's stout rushing defense (allowing 84 yards per game) is able to shut down Royster, it could make for a long game for Penn State.

Edge: Ohio State

When Ohio State Is On Offense ~ Compared to last season, Ohio State's offense has expanded tremendously. QB Terrelle Pryor has become an efficient passer, running the ball when opportunities present themselves but seemingly finding WRs Dane Sanzenbacher and DeVier Posey whenever possible. TE Jake Stoneburner has battled injuries this season; this may be a good game to see how Stoneburner matches up against Penn State's linebackers and safeties before next week's showdown at Iowa.

RB Daniel "Boom" Herron had his first 100 yard rushing game two weeks ago against Minnesota and has become Ohio State's predominant ball carrier. RB Brandon Saine has become more of a receiving threat out of the backfield the latter portion of this season. Backup running backs Jordan Hall, Jaamal Berry, and Carlos Hyde may get some opportunities against Penn State late in the game only if Ohio State is trying to kill the clock with a substantial lead.

Penn State's traditionally stout defense is middle of the road this season in virtually every Big Ten defensive category. The leading tackler for Penn State is LB Chris Colasanti, who averages nearly ten tackles a game.

Leading DE Jack Crawford has been battling injuries this season. If Crawford is able to play, I will want to keep an eye on how Crawford battles Ohio State's Mike Adams.

Edge: Ohio State. Ohio State's offense ranks second in the conference with nearly 455 yards per game, while Penn State's defense ranks in the middle of the conference at giving up nearly 346 yards per game. Ohio State has too much offensively for Penn State to handle in this one.

Intangibles: Ohio State is fortunate that Joe Paterno earned his 400th career victory last week, otherwise Penn State would have the psychological edge in this category. Ohio State's Jim Tressel is only 2-4 after bye weeks; one of those losses was at Penn State in 2005. Penn State's players are using the heavy underdog status as motivation coming into Ohio Stadium.

Edge: Penn State

Prediction: I agree with Penn State RB Evan Royster, who is using the aforementioned underdog status as "insulting". Penn State may not have the depth of talent Ohio State has, but I do not believe Ohio State will win this as comfortably as the oddsmakers believe. I am going to say Ohio State 35, Penn State 21, with Ohio State scoring a late touchdown to secure the victory.

Maurice Clarett ~ video from ESPN.com

I enjoyed this video on ESPN.com the other day, and thought it was encouraging to hear Maurice Clarett talk about his mistakes and how he has grown.