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

Quick Thoughts On Ohio State's Victory Over Minnesota

On a day that is being dubbed "Upset Saturday", I believe Ohio State fans should be content with the victory over Minnesota today 34-21. While I am happy with the win, I am somewhat disappointed with the manner in which Ohio State took its collective team foot off Minnesota's throat late in the game to allow them to score two touchdowns.

Yes, I know a win's a win, and Ohio State won the game. At this moment, Ohio State is undefeated in Big Ten play, which is better than Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, and surprisingly Wisconsin are tonight. All I can suggest is Ohio State look no further than Wisconsin, who were crushing Michigan at the half 19-0 and lost 27-25 in Ann Arbor.

Something to consider - with the manner in which Alabama is presently embarassing Georgia (31-3 as I write this), is it fair to say that now Georgia has been eliminated from national title consideration? After all, Ohio State lost 35-3 on the road to USC and actually scored its 3 points at the beginning of the game. Georgia is at home and just scored a field goal.

Right now, I would bet Oklahoma and Alabama would be the top two teams in the polls. Looking at Alabama's schedule, they could be undefeated going into a game at LSU on Nov 8th. Oklahoma's next big game is on Oct 11th against Texas.

Down Goes Florida To Ole Miss 31-30

The other night after Oregon State defeated USC, Scott Bruno and I surmised that the national championship could be Florida and Oklahoma. While it's still a possibility, Florida just lost at home 31-30 to unranked Ole Miss. It just goes to show that anything can happen on any given Saturday.

I will write up my thoughts on Ohio State's victory over Minnesota later. Right now, I am watching the Wisconsin/Michgan game to get an idea on what Ohio State will be facing next week up in Camp Randall Stadium.