The announcement yesterday of Rich Rodriguez agreeing to pay the $4 million buyout penalty to West Virginia left me wondering - Why didn't he just do this six months ago? With all of the negative publicity Rodriguez has endured over this issue, only to wind up paying what his West Virginia buyout clearly indicated, makes me also question why Michigan left Rodriguez twisting in the wind all this time.
I have included a few snippets on this issue that I found interesting. This article from Michael Rosenberg shows there is at least one member of the Detroit media who does not care for Coach Rodriguez's tendency to use what some may refer to as colorful vocabulary. Another article from ESPN asks a very legitimate question about this whole issue: Was there really anyone involved in this mess that can say they truly won?
Going forward, Coach Rodriguez can now concentrate exclusively on Michigan football. As Pete Fiutak of collegefootballnews.com says in this article, just wait until Michigan struggles (and I predict loses) to Utah on August 30th, and then things will really start to get ugly in this whole relationship between Rodriguez and the people of Ann Arbor. West Virginia may start looking very inviting at that point.
TTUN
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Good walk down memory lane
I found this article that I found enjoyable and hope you will too. For all those who wring their hands and lament how Ohio State has lost the last two national title games, take a quick look at yesteryear and revisit the 1990s to get a better idea on how good Ohio State fans have it nowadays. Enjoy.
Bucknuts article on 1990s Ohio State football
Bucknuts article on 1990s Ohio State football
Monday, July 7, 2008
Who Could Be Emerging Players For Ohio State In 2008?
While many magazines are debating the merits of Ohio State earning its third straight trip to the BCS Title Game, and others are discussing Chris Wells as a possible Heisman Trophy candidate, I started thinking about players on the team who are not necessarily well-known by the national media who may make sizable contributions to Ohio State this coming season.
Two years ago, a linebacker by the name of James Laurinaitis emerged at the beginning of the 2006 season. Laurinaitis had earned playing time as a freshman in 2005, primarily in the Michigan game when starter Bobby Carpenter suffered a broken foot. Laurinaitis won the starting job in 2006 at the Mike LB spot, and became a household name with his performance against Texas in the second game of the 2006 season.
1. # 3, Brandon Saine, RB: I truly debated putting Saine on this list for the simple reasons that Saine had some notable moments (end of Washington game, first few series of the BCS Title Game versus LSU) in his freshman year. Saine has exceptional speed (Ohio high school record holder in the 100), and could be used by the coaching staff in a variety of ways (RB, slot WR, kick returner). Considering he did not play in a few midseason games last season due to an injury, Saine earns my vote as the probable Ohio State breakout player of 2008.
2. #1, Daniel "Boom" Herron, RB: This may be a surprise to some people. Herron redshirted last season, but earned accolades from both the coaching staff and his teammates for his performances on the scout team. While Chris Wells will get the bulk of the carries for Ohio State, it would not surprise me if Herron gets a substantial number of carries to offset Chris Wells' workload.
3. #90, Thaddeus Gibson, DE: Another possible surprise on the "emerging" list. Gibson redshirted in 2006, and played primarily as a pass rusher in 2007, having a big game versus Wisconsin late in the season. Gibson moved from linebacker to defensive end this spring, and was the top selection in the Ohio State spring game by his teammates. Gibson had a very good spring conditioning season and could play a lot in obvious passing downs this season.
4. #14, Joe Bauserman, QB: While Todd Boeckman is the starter, and Terrelle Pryor has been recruited for the future, Joe Bauserman will probably be the primary backup this coming season at quarterback. Originally recruited years ago, Bauserman chose to play minor league baseball for Pittsburgh before returning to Ohio State as a walk-on. Bauserman had a very solid spring and impressive spring game, and should get playing time this fall.
5. #51, Ross Homan, LB: Homan was one of the top recruits in 2006, along with Chris Wells. Homan played as a true freshman, but suffered a foot injury last season that limited his effectiveness. Considering how James Laurinaitis, Marcus Freeman, and Curtis Terry are all seniors, Homan will get chances to increase playing time this season and beyond.
6. #26, Tyler Moeller, LB: Redshirted in 2006, and moved to safety as a freshman in 2007, Moeller has returned to his natural linebacker spot and was impressive in spring practice. Moeller is not as big as most linebackers on the OSU roster, but has earned a reputation for being in the right place at the right time and is a good hitter.
7. #36, Brian Rolle, LB: Similar to Tyler Moeller, there was concern about Rolle's lack of size. As a freshman last season, Rolle made a big impact on special teams with some hard hits. I predict he will again be a big factor on special teams this coming season.
8. #70, Bryant Browning, OL: Browning is slated to compete for Kirk Barton's vacant right offensive tackle position. While Browning held the spot during spring practice, he will need to continue to work hard to hold the job as Ohio State recruited several highly-touted linemen this winter.
9. #5, Taurian Washington, WR: While teammates Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline are the primary receivers, Washington enters 2008 with opportunities to earn more playing time. Washington played some as a true freshman, scoring against Youngstown State, and had a good spring game.
10. #7, Jermale Hines, LB: Hines played some as a freshman last season, despite not being in fall camp due to issues regarding his test scores and GPA. Hines suffered a knee injury during the 2008 spring game, but it was not believed to be so serious that he would miss time during the 2008 season.
Two years ago, a linebacker by the name of James Laurinaitis emerged at the beginning of the 2006 season. Laurinaitis had earned playing time as a freshman in 2005, primarily in the Michigan game when starter Bobby Carpenter suffered a broken foot. Laurinaitis won the starting job in 2006 at the Mike LB spot, and became a household name with his performance against Texas in the second game of the 2006 season.
1. # 3, Brandon Saine, RB: I truly debated putting Saine on this list for the simple reasons that Saine had some notable moments (end of Washington game, first few series of the BCS Title Game versus LSU) in his freshman year. Saine has exceptional speed (Ohio high school record holder in the 100), and could be used by the coaching staff in a variety of ways (RB, slot WR, kick returner). Considering he did not play in a few midseason games last season due to an injury, Saine earns my vote as the probable Ohio State breakout player of 2008.
2. #1, Daniel "Boom" Herron, RB: This may be a surprise to some people. Herron redshirted last season, but earned accolades from both the coaching staff and his teammates for his performances on the scout team. While Chris Wells will get the bulk of the carries for Ohio State, it would not surprise me if Herron gets a substantial number of carries to offset Chris Wells' workload.
3. #90, Thaddeus Gibson, DE: Another possible surprise on the "emerging" list. Gibson redshirted in 2006, and played primarily as a pass rusher in 2007, having a big game versus Wisconsin late in the season. Gibson moved from linebacker to defensive end this spring, and was the top selection in the Ohio State spring game by his teammates. Gibson had a very good spring conditioning season and could play a lot in obvious passing downs this season.
4. #14, Joe Bauserman, QB: While Todd Boeckman is the starter, and Terrelle Pryor has been recruited for the future, Joe Bauserman will probably be the primary backup this coming season at quarterback. Originally recruited years ago, Bauserman chose to play minor league baseball for Pittsburgh before returning to Ohio State as a walk-on. Bauserman had a very solid spring and impressive spring game, and should get playing time this fall.
5. #51, Ross Homan, LB: Homan was one of the top recruits in 2006, along with Chris Wells. Homan played as a true freshman, but suffered a foot injury last season that limited his effectiveness. Considering how James Laurinaitis, Marcus Freeman, and Curtis Terry are all seniors, Homan will get chances to increase playing time this season and beyond.
6. #26, Tyler Moeller, LB: Redshirted in 2006, and moved to safety as a freshman in 2007, Moeller has returned to his natural linebacker spot and was impressive in spring practice. Moeller is not as big as most linebackers on the OSU roster, but has earned a reputation for being in the right place at the right time and is a good hitter.
7. #36, Brian Rolle, LB: Similar to Tyler Moeller, there was concern about Rolle's lack of size. As a freshman last season, Rolle made a big impact on special teams with some hard hits. I predict he will again be a big factor on special teams this coming season.
8. #70, Bryant Browning, OL: Browning is slated to compete for Kirk Barton's vacant right offensive tackle position. While Browning held the spot during spring practice, he will need to continue to work hard to hold the job as Ohio State recruited several highly-touted linemen this winter.
9. #5, Taurian Washington, WR: While teammates Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline are the primary receivers, Washington enters 2008 with opportunities to earn more playing time. Washington played some as a true freshman, scoring against Youngstown State, and had a good spring game.
10. #7, Jermale Hines, LB: Hines played some as a freshman last season, despite not being in fall camp due to issues regarding his test scores and GPA. Hines suffered a knee injury during the 2008 spring game, but it was not believed to be so serious that he would miss time during the 2008 season.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Eugene Clifford in trouble AGAIN
Reports out of Cincinnati are implicating Eugene Clifford with an assault charge. Considering Eugene's previous issues with a marijuana suspension prior to enrolling at Ohio State, a suspension for the national championship game versus LSU, and a rumored suspension around the time of the April 2008 spring football game, this may be goodbye from Columbus for Eugene Clifford.
Does Darrell Givens Have Second Thoughts About Penn State?
Internet rumors are circulating that one-time Maryland DB Darrell Givens is reconsidering the verbal commitment he gave to Penn State. Givens originally gave a verbal commitment to Ohio State the day after Ohio State's spring football game on 04/19/2008, then decommitted from Ohio State to commit to Penn State after attending a Penn State football camp in May.
At the time of Givens' commitment to Penn State, Givens cited the possibility of earlier playing time as a reason for switching to Penn State from Ohio State. Considering the number of defensive backs already on the roster, as well as how many defensive back prospects Ohio State has taken with its 2009 recruiting class, that certainly makes sense from Darrell Givens' perspective.
With all due respect to Darrell Givens, I cannot blame the coaching staff for supposedly moving on after Givens retracted his verbal commitment to Ohio State and committed to Penn State. From everything I have read, Coach Tressel and the staff wholeheartedly encourage any of the recruits to visit other schools BEFORE committing to make sure that they are comfortable with the final decision. Players such as Vlad Emilien have recently said that they have not felt pressured to commit despite the apparent numbers crunch in scholarships.
Do I feel badly that Givens may now have remorse over his decision? Certainly. Do I believe he could possibly have contributed to Ohio State's future success? Absolutely. Most importantly - do I believe Givens has learned what the definition of "commitment" now means? Without a doubt.
At the time of Givens' commitment to Penn State, Givens cited the possibility of earlier playing time as a reason for switching to Penn State from Ohio State. Considering the number of defensive backs already on the roster, as well as how many defensive back prospects Ohio State has taken with its 2009 recruiting class, that certainly makes sense from Darrell Givens' perspective.
With all due respect to Darrell Givens, I cannot blame the coaching staff for supposedly moving on after Givens retracted his verbal commitment to Ohio State and committed to Penn State. From everything I have read, Coach Tressel and the staff wholeheartedly encourage any of the recruits to visit other schools BEFORE committing to make sure that they are comfortable with the final decision. Players such as Vlad Emilien have recently said that they have not felt pressured to commit despite the apparent numbers crunch in scholarships.
Do I feel badly that Givens may now have remorse over his decision? Certainly. Do I believe he could possibly have contributed to Ohio State's future success? Absolutely. Most importantly - do I believe Givens has learned what the definition of "commitment" now means? Without a doubt.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Why Michigan Will Struggle In 2008
Even though I am a huge Ohio State fan, I want to make it abundantly clear that I have tremendous respect for the University of Michigan as a higher institution of learning as well as for its storied football program. Year after year, Michigan has been one of the premier football programs in the country, and its battles with Ohio State have earned THE GAME with the reputation of being the top rivalry in the country. If you haven't done so yet, I highly recommend reading these books on Bo Schembechler. Not only are both books very informative and entertaining, I believe you can truly grasp why Bo Schembechler was Woody Hayes' prize disciple. Even more importantly from a Michigan perspective ~ you actually learn the depth of respect and love Bo had for Woody Hayes, and how Bo built the Michigan program along the lines of Woody Hayes' Ohio State teams.
Now let me address the subject at hand - Michigan will struggle in 2008. I do not believe they will have a winning record, ending their consecutive bowl appearance at 33. I may be wrong, but even if Michigan does make it to a bowl game, it will not be a New Year's Day bowl game. The probable destination would be the Motor City Bowl.
I can feel the e-mails lining up as I write this. Let me elaborate and explain why Michigan is going to struggle:
Point 1 ~ The personnel is not in place to run the spread option: Yes, Coach Rodriguez is a good coach. He turned around West Virginia, and he will do a great job at Michigan once he gets his personnel in place to run the spread option offense effectively. Please reread the italicized line again ~ once he gets his personnel in place. The personnel on hand for multiple generations was recruited to play Bo Schembechler-type football.
Let's look at this key point further. Spread option offense 101: The quarterback gets the snap from center in the shotgun formation, and fakes the ball to the running back. This movement will keep the linebacker from committing to the quarterback, in the event of a play action pass or the quarterback will keep the ball themselves on a waggle or bootleg around the end. Sounds just like Pat White of West Virginia, right? Here's the problem for Michigan this year - the probable starting quarterback (Steven Threet) is not very mobile. If I am a linebacker on the opposition, I am going to sell out against the run because I am either going to tackle the running back or get to the quarterback. The lack of a mobile quarterback makes the spread option offense much easier to defend.
If Terrelle Pryor had signed with Michigan this year, the spread option offense would have been that much more effective. Michigan fans point out that incoming recruit Justin Feagin may win the starting job, but that's asking a lot of a true freshman to come into Michigan and lead a brand new offensive scheme that is lacking...
Point 2 ~ An offensive line that is familiar with the spread option offense: This was going to be a problem even before Justin Boren left Michigan in the spring (Before Michigan fans start with all of the traitor comments, remember something - Boren was honorable mention All Big Ten last season. Don't pretend that the kid all of a sudden became a stiff because he left Michigan for Ohio State.). Steven Schilling returns as the lone offensive line starter from last season, and Ohio State's Vernon Gholston made the guy look like a turnstile for most of the game. With an inexperienced quarterback, running back, wide receivers, and offensive line struggling with a new offense, that is going to lead to...
Point 3 ~ Pressure on the Michigan defense: There is a tremendous amount of optimism with the new Michigan defensive staff. While there is talent on this side of the ball, and I believe the new strength and conditioning coach will have the entire Michigan team in better shape than before, even the best of defenses get tired out if they are continually on the field. For points 1 and 2 above, I am predicting lots of three and out offensive series for Michigan this coming fall. Michigan will need to rely on its defense to keep them in the game, but even the best defenses get tired when they play against...
Point 4 ~ Quality Opponents: Here is where the predictions start to come into full circle. Let's look at Michigan's opponents, one by one, and you'll see why I am predicting 4-8 in 2008 for Michigan...
Game 1 vs Utah: Utah is a MWC contender with a quality returning quarterback with hopes and dreams of crashing the BCS. The Rich Rodriguez era starts off with a loss due to the lack of offense in The Big House. 0-1.
Game 2 vs Miami (OH): While Miami (OH) should contend for the MAC this year, I look for Michigan to eke out a close one in The Big House in the 4th quarter. 1-1.
Game 3 @ Notre Dame: This is a tough one to predict. I am leaning towards Notre Dame purely on the home field and revenge factors. 1-2.
Game 4 vs Wisconsin: Wisconsin will be coming off a bye week and looks like the kind of team that will just wear the Michigan defense down with their power running game. 1-3.
Game 5 vs Illinois: While Illinois will struggle with the loss of Rashard Mendenhall, the Illinois defensive speed will be too much for the Michigan offense to overcome as it is still struggling to assert itself. 1-4, and the natives are getting ansty about their bowl eligibility that Minnich predicted would be in jeopardy.
Game 6 vs Toledo: Redemption comes in the form of Toledo. Michigan wins this one on depth alone. 2-4.
Game 7 @ Penn State: Penn State is eager for this one. The annoying Nittany Lion roar that occurs seemingly every thirty seconds only adds salt to the wound of ending the long steak of Michigan dominance over Penn State. 2-5.
Game 8 vs Michigan State: Look out for Coach Dantonio. The true Jim Tressel disciple, he has been counting this one down since last year's choke job in East Lansing and he wants this one bad. 2-6, and Michigan is now on life support for bowl eligibility.
Game 9 @ Purdue: Joe Tiller smells the blood in the water. He will savor his opportunity to end the bowl streak in his final game versus the Wolverines. 2-7, with the Rich Rodriguez/West Virginia lawsuit now in full force in the courtrooms.
Game 10 @ Minnesota: Purely for pride...Michigan wins The Little Brown Jug over Minnesota. 3-7.
Game 11 vs Northwestern: The last home game of the year, Michigan wins over Northwestern in a close one. 4-7.
Game 12 @ Ohio State: THE GAME takes on even more significance next year when Coach Rodriguez gets talent better suited for his beloved spread option offense. This one will be over by mid-3rd quarter but Ohio State fans better savor the flavor, because next year Coach Rodriguez will be ready. THE GAME takes place 141 days from July 3rd. Michigan ends its season 4-8.
I am sure the Michigan fans will be all out in force for this post - again, this is written with tremendous respect for Michigan's program. Will Michigan once again be The Victors? Certainly, but that year is not 2008.
Now let me address the subject at hand - Michigan will struggle in 2008. I do not believe they will have a winning record, ending their consecutive bowl appearance at 33. I may be wrong, but even if Michigan does make it to a bowl game, it will not be a New Year's Day bowl game. The probable destination would be the Motor City Bowl.
I can feel the e-mails lining up as I write this. Let me elaborate and explain why Michigan is going to struggle:
Point 1 ~ The personnel is not in place to run the spread option: Yes, Coach Rodriguez is a good coach. He turned around West Virginia, and he will do a great job at Michigan once he gets his personnel in place to run the spread option offense effectively. Please reread the italicized line again ~ once he gets his personnel in place. The personnel on hand for multiple generations was recruited to play Bo Schembechler-type football.
Let's look at this key point further. Spread option offense 101: The quarterback gets the snap from center in the shotgun formation, and fakes the ball to the running back. This movement will keep the linebacker from committing to the quarterback, in the event of a play action pass or the quarterback will keep the ball themselves on a waggle or bootleg around the end. Sounds just like Pat White of West Virginia, right? Here's the problem for Michigan this year - the probable starting quarterback (Steven Threet) is not very mobile. If I am a linebacker on the opposition, I am going to sell out against the run because I am either going to tackle the running back or get to the quarterback. The lack of a mobile quarterback makes the spread option offense much easier to defend.
If Terrelle Pryor had signed with Michigan this year, the spread option offense would have been that much more effective. Michigan fans point out that incoming recruit Justin Feagin may win the starting job, but that's asking a lot of a true freshman to come into Michigan and lead a brand new offensive scheme that is lacking...
Point 2 ~ An offensive line that is familiar with the spread option offense: This was going to be a problem even before Justin Boren left Michigan in the spring (Before Michigan fans start with all of the traitor comments, remember something - Boren was honorable mention All Big Ten last season. Don't pretend that the kid all of a sudden became a stiff because he left Michigan for Ohio State.). Steven Schilling returns as the lone offensive line starter from last season, and Ohio State's Vernon Gholston made the guy look like a turnstile for most of the game. With an inexperienced quarterback, running back, wide receivers, and offensive line struggling with a new offense, that is going to lead to...
Point 3 ~ Pressure on the Michigan defense: There is a tremendous amount of optimism with the new Michigan defensive staff. While there is talent on this side of the ball, and I believe the new strength and conditioning coach will have the entire Michigan team in better shape than before, even the best of defenses get tired out if they are continually on the field. For points 1 and 2 above, I am predicting lots of three and out offensive series for Michigan this coming fall. Michigan will need to rely on its defense to keep them in the game, but even the best defenses get tired when they play against...
Point 4 ~ Quality Opponents: Here is where the predictions start to come into full circle. Let's look at Michigan's opponents, one by one, and you'll see why I am predicting 4-8 in 2008 for Michigan...
Game 1 vs Utah: Utah is a MWC contender with a quality returning quarterback with hopes and dreams of crashing the BCS. The Rich Rodriguez era starts off with a loss due to the lack of offense in The Big House. 0-1.
Game 2 vs Miami (OH): While Miami (OH) should contend for the MAC this year, I look for Michigan to eke out a close one in The Big House in the 4th quarter. 1-1.
Game 3 @ Notre Dame: This is a tough one to predict. I am leaning towards Notre Dame purely on the home field and revenge factors. 1-2.
Game 4 vs Wisconsin: Wisconsin will be coming off a bye week and looks like the kind of team that will just wear the Michigan defense down with their power running game. 1-3.
Game 5 vs Illinois: While Illinois will struggle with the loss of Rashard Mendenhall, the Illinois defensive speed will be too much for the Michigan offense to overcome as it is still struggling to assert itself. 1-4, and the natives are getting ansty about their bowl eligibility that Minnich predicted would be in jeopardy.
Game 6 vs Toledo: Redemption comes in the form of Toledo. Michigan wins this one on depth alone. 2-4.
Game 7 @ Penn State: Penn State is eager for this one. The annoying Nittany Lion roar that occurs seemingly every thirty seconds only adds salt to the wound of ending the long steak of Michigan dominance over Penn State. 2-5.
Game 8 vs Michigan State: Look out for Coach Dantonio. The true Jim Tressel disciple, he has been counting this one down since last year's choke job in East Lansing and he wants this one bad. 2-6, and Michigan is now on life support for bowl eligibility.
Game 9 @ Purdue: Joe Tiller smells the blood in the water. He will savor his opportunity to end the bowl streak in his final game versus the Wolverines. 2-7, with the Rich Rodriguez/West Virginia lawsuit now in full force in the courtrooms.
Game 10 @ Minnesota: Purely for pride...Michigan wins The Little Brown Jug over Minnesota. 3-7.
Game 11 vs Northwestern: The last home game of the year, Michigan wins over Northwestern in a close one. 4-7.
Game 12 @ Ohio State: THE GAME takes on even more significance next year when Coach Rodriguez gets talent better suited for his beloved spread option offense. This one will be over by mid-3rd quarter but Ohio State fans better savor the flavor, because next year Coach Rodriguez will be ready. THE GAME takes place 141 days from July 3rd. Michigan ends its season 4-8.
I am sure the Michigan fans will be all out in force for this post - again, this is written with tremendous respect for Michigan's program. Will Michigan once again be The Victors? Certainly, but that year is not 2008.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Ranking Ohio State's 2008 schedule, from toughest to easiest
Here are some quick thoughts and views on the upcoming Ohio State schedule. I'm going to rank these games as I see them, from games that Ohio State could possibly lose to games where Ohio State will be an overwhelming favorite:
I. Toughest Games ~ These are the games where Ohio State could lose and will probably be the underdog.
1. Game 3, September 13th, 8pm EST (ABC), @ USC: What more do I have to say about the stakes on this one? Both teams will be in the top 5, and postgame, it will not surprise me if the winner vaults to number one in the polls.
2. Game 6, October 6th, 8pm EST (ABC or ESPN), @ Wisconsin: Ohio State has struggled with Wisconsin throughout the Jim Tressel era (losses in 2001, 2003, 2004), more so than any other Big Ten program. Considering how tough Camp Randall is to play in for visiting teams, then throw in the fact that it's a night game, makes this game a big challenge for the Buckeyes.
3. Game 11, November 15th, TBA, @ Illinois: The last time Ohio State visited Champaign, Ohio State barely escaped with a 17-10 victory. Considering how Illinois defeated Ohio State last year in the Horseshoe, Ohio State will certainly not be lacking for motivation. Illinois has recruited well the last few seasons and will be hoping to crush Ohio State's Big Ten aspirations with this game. I won't be surprised if this is another night game, depending on how both teams are doing as the season winds down.
II. Challenging Games: Games where Ohio State should win and will be favored. Losses here would fall into the upset category.
4. Game 8, October 18th, TBA, @ Michigan State: This will surprise many people that I am ranking this game so highly. Other people besides myself recognize Coach Mark Dantonio for the program he is slowly but surely building in East Lansing. Again, Michigan State has been a troublesome program for Ohio State in the past. I look for Ohio State to pull away from Michigan State in the 4th quarter for a tough-earned win here.
5. Game 9, October 25th, 8pm EST (ABC or ESPN), Penn State: Penn State will be moving back to an offense similar in style to its successful 2005 season, with QB Darryl Clark reprising the role of Michael Robinson. Considering how Ohio State will have just come out of a tough game versus Michigan State, I look for Ohio State to have this game in hand by the beginning of the 4th quarter.
III. Comfortable Games: Games that Ohio State should win by the mid-3rd quarter. These are the ones where I start begging Coach Tressel to give Chris Wells a break and not possibly expose him to potential injury.
6. Game 7, October 11th, TBA, Purdue: In the earlier years of Coach Tressel's tenure, Purdue usually played Ohio State down to the wire. Last season, Ohio State was able to handle Purdue quite easily on national television. I look for them to do it again in the comfort of the Horseshoe in mid-October.
7. Game 12, November 22nd, TBA (probable 12pm EST start), Michigan: Nope. This is not a mistype. Ohio State had best enjoy this win over Michigan (only 142 days from now as I submit this), because once Coach Rodriguez gets his personnel into Michigan to run his spread option offense, THE GAME will again be a take-no-prisoners event. This year? Ohio State is too much for Michigan by mid-3rd quarter.
8. Game 10, November 8th, TBA, @ Northwestern: Considering how badly Ohio State has bludgeoned Northwestern the last few seasons (2005 - Ohio State 48, Northwestern 7; 2006 - Ohio State 54, Northwestern 10; 2007 - Ohio State 58, Northwestern 7), this one may be an opportune time to see Terrelle Pryor in action for the Buckeyes throughout the second half.
9. Game 4, September 20th, 1pm EST (maybe The Big Ten Network?), Troy: Again, I've already stated how Ohio State should not overlook Troy. I look for Ohio State to pull away in the second half of this one. I look for this game to be one where Ohio State comes out flat after playing such a big game against USC - it's tough to keep up the intensity week after week.
IV. Probable Blowouts: These are the games where Ohio State should be clearing its benches as the second half begins. Maybe even invoke a mercy rule if there is such a thing in college football.
10. Game 5, September 27th, TBA, Minnesota: I believe it was in the song "Big Yellow Taxi" ~ "Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you got till it's gone"...Seems to me quite appropos for what Minnesota did by firing Glen Mason to bring in Tim Brewster. Minnesota will again be the dregs of the Big Ten this year, and Ohio State hopefully will be calling off the dogs as the second half starts on this one.
11. Game 2, September 6th, TBA, Ohio University: Here is the game where all the players from Ohio University will show Ohio State how they screwed up by not offering them scholarships...and once they get hit a few times by James Laurinaitis, they realize that maybe playing against Kent State or Central Michigan has its advantages.
12. Game 1, August 30th, TBA, Youngstown State: If it was not for the fact that this is the home opener for Ohio State, this is the game where you leave two tickets under your windshield wiper and come back to find out you have two more tickets that someone else left. Credit Coach Tressel for these gifts to Youngstown State the last two season openers with having them on the Ohio State schedule. Coach Tressel won't want to embarass his previous school, and will do all he can do from stopping this one from getting out of hand.
I. Toughest Games ~ These are the games where Ohio State could lose and will probably be the underdog.
1. Game 3, September 13th, 8pm EST (ABC), @ USC: What more do I have to say about the stakes on this one? Both teams will be in the top 5, and postgame, it will not surprise me if the winner vaults to number one in the polls.
2. Game 6, October 6th, 8pm EST (ABC or ESPN), @ Wisconsin: Ohio State has struggled with Wisconsin throughout the Jim Tressel era (losses in 2001, 2003, 2004), more so than any other Big Ten program. Considering how tough Camp Randall is to play in for visiting teams, then throw in the fact that it's a night game, makes this game a big challenge for the Buckeyes.
3. Game 11, November 15th, TBA, @ Illinois: The last time Ohio State visited Champaign, Ohio State barely escaped with a 17-10 victory. Considering how Illinois defeated Ohio State last year in the Horseshoe, Ohio State will certainly not be lacking for motivation. Illinois has recruited well the last few seasons and will be hoping to crush Ohio State's Big Ten aspirations with this game. I won't be surprised if this is another night game, depending on how both teams are doing as the season winds down.
II. Challenging Games: Games where Ohio State should win and will be favored. Losses here would fall into the upset category.
4. Game 8, October 18th, TBA, @ Michigan State: This will surprise many people that I am ranking this game so highly. Other people besides myself recognize Coach Mark Dantonio for the program he is slowly but surely building in East Lansing. Again, Michigan State has been a troublesome program for Ohio State in the past. I look for Ohio State to pull away from Michigan State in the 4th quarter for a tough-earned win here.
5. Game 9, October 25th, 8pm EST (ABC or ESPN), Penn State: Penn State will be moving back to an offense similar in style to its successful 2005 season, with QB Darryl Clark reprising the role of Michael Robinson. Considering how Ohio State will have just come out of a tough game versus Michigan State, I look for Ohio State to have this game in hand by the beginning of the 4th quarter.
III. Comfortable Games: Games that Ohio State should win by the mid-3rd quarter. These are the ones where I start begging Coach Tressel to give Chris Wells a break and not possibly expose him to potential injury.
6. Game 7, October 11th, TBA, Purdue: In the earlier years of Coach Tressel's tenure, Purdue usually played Ohio State down to the wire. Last season, Ohio State was able to handle Purdue quite easily on national television. I look for them to do it again in the comfort of the Horseshoe in mid-October.
7. Game 12, November 22nd, TBA (probable 12pm EST start), Michigan: Nope. This is not a mistype. Ohio State had best enjoy this win over Michigan (only 142 days from now as I submit this), because once Coach Rodriguez gets his personnel into Michigan to run his spread option offense, THE GAME will again be a take-no-prisoners event. This year? Ohio State is too much for Michigan by mid-3rd quarter.
8. Game 10, November 8th, TBA, @ Northwestern: Considering how badly Ohio State has bludgeoned Northwestern the last few seasons (2005 - Ohio State 48, Northwestern 7; 2006 - Ohio State 54, Northwestern 10; 2007 - Ohio State 58, Northwestern 7), this one may be an opportune time to see Terrelle Pryor in action for the Buckeyes throughout the second half.
9. Game 4, September 20th, 1pm EST (maybe The Big Ten Network?), Troy: Again, I've already stated how Ohio State should not overlook Troy. I look for Ohio State to pull away in the second half of this one. I look for this game to be one where Ohio State comes out flat after playing such a big game against USC - it's tough to keep up the intensity week after week.
IV. Probable Blowouts: These are the games where Ohio State should be clearing its benches as the second half begins. Maybe even invoke a mercy rule if there is such a thing in college football.
10. Game 5, September 27th, TBA, Minnesota: I believe it was in the song "Big Yellow Taxi" ~ "Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you got till it's gone"...Seems to me quite appropos for what Minnesota did by firing Glen Mason to bring in Tim Brewster. Minnesota will again be the dregs of the Big Ten this year, and Ohio State hopefully will be calling off the dogs as the second half starts on this one.
11. Game 2, September 6th, TBA, Ohio University: Here is the game where all the players from Ohio University will show Ohio State how they screwed up by not offering them scholarships...and once they get hit a few times by James Laurinaitis, they realize that maybe playing against Kent State or Central Michigan has its advantages.
12. Game 1, August 30th, TBA, Youngstown State: If it was not for the fact that this is the home opener for Ohio State, this is the game where you leave two tickets under your windshield wiper and come back to find out you have two more tickets that someone else left. Credit Coach Tressel for these gifts to Youngstown State the last two season openers with having them on the Ohio State schedule. Coach Tressel won't want to embarass his previous school, and will do all he can do from stopping this one from getting out of hand.
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