Archives for September 2013

After coming off a lackluster (putting it nicely) week, the B1G looks to rebound in week four. The schedule seems easier this week for the conference, but you can never be to sure how it will go. The first B1G matchup also takes place this weekend, along with an always entertaining rivalry game. Let’s see what lies ahead!

San Jose State @ Minnesota

I view this game as a complete toss-up because I haven’t seen what San Jose State looks like. The Spartans shutout Sacramento State in their opener and were beaten soundly by Stanford. Minnesota has gotten off to a 3-0 start, coming off a win over Western Illinois. The main attention of the Gophers this season has been head coach Jerry Kill, who once again suffered from a seizure attack on the sidelines. Kill will return to the sidelines this week and doesn’t want to talk about his condition. If Minnesota’s defense and running game can put up another solid performance, they should be able to have a good shot of winning the game.

Western Michigan @ Iowa

This is the third B1G opponent of the year for Western Michigan, as they lost the first two games to Michigan State and Northwestern. And I don’t see the outcome being any different here. Iowa is 2-1 to start the year and is coming off a win against rival Iowa State. I see the Hawkeyes being motivated for this game and there shouldn’t be any hangover from last weekend. Iowa running back Mark Weisman has been doing great for the Hawkeyes all season and should have another nice performance against the Broncos.

South Dakota State @ Nebraska

It’s pretty quiet in Lincoln right now, huh? I’m glad I’m not Bo Pelini because right now he’s stuck between a rock and a hard place. In a few short days he managed to piss off a school legend and an entire fan base. On top of all the anger, Pelini has a horrible defense that needs fixed. To add injury to insult, starting quarterback Taylor Martinez has turf toe and is questionable for Saturday’s game. With all the drama and problems taking place in Husker land, they still (on paper) should win this game. But don’t be surprised if South Dakota State would pull off the upset because they couldn’t ask for a better situation to take down the Huskers. If Nebraska would lose this game, fans might burn Memorial Stadium to the ground.

Kent State @ Penn State

Penn State is coming off a heartbreaking loss to UCF last week and appear plenty motivated coming into this game. Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg continues to improve every game and is a star in the making. The Nittany Lions’ rushing attack has also been stout, with Zach Zwinak coming off a 128 yard, three touchdown rushing performance. Kent State is having a bad start to the season, coming off blowout losses to Bowling Green and LSU. Dynamic playmaker Dri Archer has also been banged up and unable to perform at 100%. Should be a huge win for Penn State to build on going into B1G play next week.

Purdue @ #24 Wisconsin

This is the first conference game of the season. Both teams are coming off close losses and are eager to put last weekend’s results behind them. Purdue led or was tied for most of the game against Notre Dame before giving up three touchdowns in the fourth quarter and lost 31-24. Wisconsin though is probably the most pissed off team in the entire country. As discussed in my week three review, the Badgers lost in one of the most bizarre ways possible. I look for Wisconsin to pound the running game down Purdue’s throats and to come away with a blowout victory.

Maine @ #18 Northwestern

I’m not going to beat around the bush and say this is going to be close. This game is going to be a blowout. Look for Northwestern to get lots of playing time for the backups and rest up the starters for the game against the Buckeyes in two weeks. I guess if you choose to watch this game you could look out for running back Mike Trumpy (great name by the way).

Missouri @ Indiana

A mighty SEC team! Yes, in case you forgot, Missouri is in the SEC. I’ll wait for you to stop laughing. Missouri is 2-0 and has beaten Murray State and Toledo, so this is their first test of the season. Two players to pay attention to on the Tigers are dual threat quarterback James Franklin and wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham. Indiana is 2-1 on the season and they’ve definitely proved one thing about their team: their offense is damn good. This game will probably be a shootout as both are capable of putting up crooked numbers on the scoreboard. But I just don’t see how Missouri can outscore Indiana. I like the Hoosiers to win this one.

#15 Michigan @ Connecticut

First, how is Michigan still ranked #15 after nearly losing to a MAC cellar dweller? I would’ve dropped them below #20 at least because that was embarrassing for the conference. As for UConn, they’re 0-2 coming into this game (including a loss to FCS foe Towson). But this game will still be soldout:

According to UConn coach @PaulPasqualoni Saturday's game vs. Michigan has officially sold out

— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) September 18, 2013

It was probably Michigan fans who bought the majority of the tickets, so it will most likely look similar to the “home” game Cal had against Ohio State last weekend. If the pick machine, Devin Gardner, can keep it under control Michigan should win this game in easy fashion. But we said that last week too didn’t we?

Michigan State @ #22 Notre Dame

Oh, Notre Dame. Every season you’re so overrated, yet ranked so high. Yes, I consider #22 to be high for the Irish. They struggle against teams like Purdue, yet the media pats them on the pack like they just beat the San Francisco 49ers. Quarterback Tommy Rees looked like him old self last week in the first three quarters against Purdue before waking up and leading the Irish to victory. Michigan State finally founds itself offensively last week against Youngstown State. Quarterback Connor Cook had a great game (202 passing yards and four touchdowns) and has been named the starter for this weekend’s game. Now Cook and the offense will be put to test against a solid Notre Dame defense, anchored by stars Stephon Tuitt and Louis Nix III. If Michigan State’s offense can pass this test, then we might be looking at the second best team in the conference because the Spartans defense has already proven itself to be great. With both teams having good defenses, this game will ultimately be decided by the better offense. I think Michigan State will have the better offense and win this game.

As always, looking forward to all of the games this weekend. Be sure to check back on Monday for my week four review!

Let’s not kid ourselves: no one in Buckeye Nation is worried about this week’s opponent. In fact, no one in Rattler Nation (if such a place does indeed exist) is worried either. We all know that this weekend will end as intended. We are confident that we will win the game; they are confident that our check will clear.

The only real questions are what the Buckeyes accomplish, how the team grows as it prepares to enter a Big Ten season that is looking a little less predictable than we previously thought.

The issue at the forefront of everyone’s mind is the Braxton Miller situation, and the handling is a bit more complex than we’d like. We absolutely want him to be healthy for the Wisconsin game, so it’s not unreasonable to suggest that he not play at all in this game. Why risk further injury or re-aggravation against such an outmatched opponent?

On the other hand, are we comfortable with a QB who hasn’t played in nearly three weeks going into a game against a top-level opponent who, despite the beating they’re about to put on poor Purdue, will still probably have some leftover aggression from the officiating atrocity in Tempe?

Compounding this issue is the stellar play of backup Kenny Guiton in Miller’s absence. While we all knew Guiton’s talent and command of the offense from the Purdue game last year, it was still a welcome revelation watching him thrive in two (nearly) complete games, including a long-distance road trip against another high-speed offensive team.

Meyer has already intimated that he’d like to find a place for Guiton in the offense even when Miller returns to starting, which has fueled dreams of the double-barrel shotgun formation in the minds of Buckeye fans everywhere. This is an interesting option, and one that OSU has had the talent to exercise in the past. What we lacked back then was a sufficiently creative and competent offensive staff, which is clearly no longer the case. It’s hard to imagine Meyer and Herman installing something so complex at this point in the season, so if we see any two QB sets, it will probably only be for a single play or drive to get something on tape and keep Big Ten defensive coordinators up at night.

Also of note this week is the return of Carlos Hyde from suspension. Hyde will be itching to go and will definitely see the field, but it may take some work to wrest his starting position back from Jordan Hall, who has been very good to the surprise of no one. I expect Hyde to take advantage of every opportunity this week and shred the FAMU defense.

On the defensive side, the Buckeyes would certainly like to shore up some poor tackling that has plagued them early in the season, but this is hardly the opponent to provide opportunities for that. This is an area of concern going forward, but keep in mind that this defense is full of new starters and still trying to gel. The primary goal for this game should be to not give up any big plays and get some confidence built up heading into the Wisconsin game.

If you are curious about our opponent this week, check out the Rattlers’ game notes (h/t: Shannon). Make no mistake about, this is a paycheck game for FAMU. Gene Smith is on record that the game was scheduled because of the school’s legendary band, which is returning to action this year after shutting down following a fatal hazing incident in 2011.

Bringing the Marching 100 to the Horseshoe to play alongside TBDBITL would have been a wonderful tribute to Robert Champion and a significant goodwill gesture from a major player in the college band community, but unfortunately they aren’t coming.

Ohio State is a 57-point favorite in this game and that’s with Miller’s status still uncertain. As with all games this unbalanced, the most important number to shoot for is zero injuries. Making a score prediction for a game like this is futile, because there’s no way to know what the staff is going to want to accomplish once the lead is insurmountable. That said, there’s no reason to think we can’t cover that cavernous spread.

Good morning Buckeye Nation.

Sweet Retaliation: Apparently a TTUN fan decided to spend his own money (approx. 3,000 dollars) by skywriting over Spartan Stadium before their match up versus Youngstown St. MSU Alumni Association Executive Director Scott Westerman was bothered by the stunt of seeing “GoBlue” above their stadium. His response was a great one.

To my Spartan friends and family:

A University of Michigan fan payed $3,000 to have a skywriter paint this over Spartan Stadium today. I’m all for school spirit, but the sheer cost of this momentary chest beating gives the unfortunate perception of malice. That’s not what Spartans are about and I don’t believe it’s what true UofM alumni are all about. Will you help me show Wolverines everywhere what we can do with $3,000? This is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. As many of you know, Colleen is a two time survivor, one of hundreds in our state who are fighting this silent killer. Will you consider making a $10-$50 contribution to the Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance (which is based in Ann Arbor) and say that it’s coming from a supporter of Michigan State University?

Whatever we raise over the next week, I will challenge my counterpart at the UofM alumni association to inspire his members to match.

Here is the link: http://www.mioca.org/donate

Let’s show the world what Leaders, Lifesavers and World Changers do. Help me make this one go viral.

Here is where this story gets awesome, Sparty fans have raised more than 9,000 dollars for Ovarian Cancer. That is a job well done Spartan fans.

Wednesdays: I came across this video and wanted to share it with you seemed very interesting to me in what The Ohio State football coaches and school are doing to help the student athlete for a post collegiate career. Seems during the spring the team and school bring in different guest speakers representing different industries and fields in the real world and they hold job fairs for the students.

This is a great program and shows that the Buckeyes are trying to help the athletes prepare for their future.

Hoops time: In case you didn’t know this but men’s college basketball starts next week!! The first official practice “midnight madness” occurs on Sept 27th, 2013 this year.

To get you ready I’ll bring you some basketball links.

Athlon Sports came out with their Top 50 coaches for 2013-2014. They picked a Big Ten coach for number 1, Tom Izzo the Michigan State Spartans head coach.

Ohio States Thad Matta was picked as the 9th best.

More often than not, Matta has had the most talented roster in the Big Ten, especially since the Thad Five led the Buckeyes to the national championship game in 2007. The Buckeyes have advanced to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament in four consecutive seasons, though the 2011 team that stalled in the Sweet 16 was a major postseason disappointment. In 13 seasons as a head coach at Xavier, Butler and Ohio State, Matta has claimed at least a share of a regular season title an astounding eight times.

It’s great having Thad on the bench coaching the Buckeyes even if he picked his gum off the ground and put it back in his mouth.

T.V. Shakeup: Former Running Rebel Greg Anthony and former Buckeye Clark Kellogg will be switching spots. Anthony will be doing the color commentary for the games while Kellogg moves back into the studio but will still do commentary for regular season games.

CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus said Monday that “we believe this shuffling of our lineup allows both Greg and Clark to play more to their individual strengths.”

I’m sorry to hate anything about a former Buckeye but Kellogg was starting to get annoying making up words and trying to be hip. He will be better in the studio.

Intros Ready: Ohio State Men’s basketball team tweeted a pic of the video shoot that will be used for opening intro’s and other opportunities this season.

Also here is some video I found on youtube:

Finally: I am going to leave you with just one fan’s opinion. Nebraska athletic director and is trying to put to rest the whole Bo Pelini saga that has been going into high gear this week. For those of you not familiar He dropped a bunch off F Bombs after their come from behind win over the Buckeyes TWO years ago and today its a big deal. Also he and former Nebraska great Tommy Frasier are going at it in the media. I’m not going to put up the link to the audio of the foul language cause that’s not what MotSaG is about.

Many are wishing Bo Pelini would replace Luke Fickel as the defensive coordinator for Ohio State I am not one of those fans. I don’t believe Fickel needs to be removed but if he happens to move on to another job being a head coach somewhere I still wouldn’t want Pelini as our defensive coordinator. If his strength is suppose to be defense explain to me why his Cornhuskers are so terrible at it. Also as far as his foul mouth rant from TWO years ago all I can say is in my opinion us Buckeye fans know what it is like to see words from the past come back and bite us in the rear. It is my understanding (no proof but just rumors around the web and sports talk) that Pelini thought he was out of Lincoln and heading to Columbus thankfully we got a better coach and person in Urban Meyer.

Until next time Buckeye Nation…

Regardless of the opponent we will always do our pre-game run downs, just so you know who, or what, to look for in the Buckeyes, and their opponents, on Saturday.  This week, the Florida A&M Rattlers roll in to town.

Florida A&M

Lenworth Lennon, Wide Receiver #27-  Flemming is probably the most productive player on this pretty poor A&M offense.  He’s only 5’10, 175 pounds, so the majority of his strength is in his shiftiness and quickness.  Flemming will be important to wrap up and get on the ground, as he has already racked up 14 receptions for 229 yards this season.  He is the major target of this offense and Roby will need to keep him in check early.

Michael Ducre, Linebacker #51-  Ducre is a very solid player on the Rattler defense.  He’s had a very productive season so far tallying, 22 tackles in three games, and three tackles for loss.  He’s used in blitzing, and pass rushing situations.  He’s no Khalil Mack, but he is the leader on this defense, and a major cornerstone of this defense,

Ohio State

Braxton Miller-  Pretty much, how healthy is Braxton?  His straight line speed will be fine, but I want to see how his knee reacts to his lateral movements.  He  won’t have to do much work against the defense he will be playing, but it will be important just to get him reps the week before the Buckeyes face Wisconsin.

Carlos Hyde-  Coach Meyer has been saying Hyde has done all of the right things to get back on the field.  I’m anxious to see what the 2013 Hyde brings to the table for this team.  Last year Hyde was a beast running back, and I think he’s got NFL talent as long as he has a good season this year.  He’ll certainly get some touches against A&M, even though he won’t start at running back.  Finally, thunder and lightening are reunited in the Buckeye backfield and I’m pretty excited.  If you’ve forgotten Hyde’s ability here’s a little reminder.

The Buckeye Secondary-  Plain and simple, these guys need to force some turnovers and have a very clean day.  Their confidence will need to be at a high going in to Wisconsin.  They will need to sure up their errors from last Saturday, and play a good game against a very poor A&M offense.

Welp it was a horrible week in the B1G. One team got a win because the referees helped them win and another team took a loss because the referees cost them a win. In the heralded PAC 12 vs B1G match up the B1G looked well disgusting to say the least. Lets see how things break down this week.

1.) Ohio State (3-0)- Won 52-34 over CAL. Ohio State went on the road for the first time this year and blew out the Golden Bears in what was effectively a home game for the Buckeyes with at least 75% of the fans there being OSU fans. The defense gave up too many yards and points but the offense was unstoppable under back up QB Kenny Guiton. A great road win for the best team in the B1G.

2.) Northwestern (3-0)- Beat Western Michigan 38-17. Northwestern is good…. maybe even really good. We will know for sure in a couple weeks when they host Ohio State.

3.) Wisconsin (2-1)- Lost to Arizona State 32-30. Wisconsin should be 3-0 but another horrible referee mistake ruined their chances. The PAC 12 apologized but didn’t offer to give them the win they deserved.

4.) Michigan (3-0)- Beat Akron 28-24. Honestly I nearly moved them to 12th. Akron is a horrible team and they needed a fix job from the referee to beat a HORRIBLE Akron. Devin Gardner is proving to make way to many mental mistakes and the defense is having all kinds of trouble. The running game is pathetic at best. Another performance like that and they will drop to 12th.

5.) Michigan State (3-0)- Beat Youngstown State 55-17. The offense finally came alive. Is it because of the competition or has the Spartans finally found their offensive identity?

6.) Minnesota (3-0)- Won 29-12 over Western Illinois. Coach Kill went down again with a seizure. The team regrouped and went on to win again for their coach.

7.) Iowa (2-1)- Won 27-21 over rival Iowa State. I don’t care how bad the Cyclones are beating your in-state rival is always tough and a great win. Don’t expect them to stay this high up though all year.

8.) Penn State (2-1)- Lost 34-31 to Central Florida. The offense was really good. The defense showed signs of depleted depth. They will be up and down all year IMO.

9.) Indiana (2-1)- Won 42-10 over Bowling Green. Indiana is your avg. Jeckyll and Hyde team. Losing to a mediocre Navy and blowing out a pretty good Bowling Green. They need a signature win to move up.

10.) Illinois (2-1)- Lost to Washington 34-24. Illinois even in defeat showed some promise. Washington is a pretty good team. I think Illinois is still 2 years away from being a good team.

11.) Nebraska (2-1)- Lost to UCLA 41-21. After taking an early 21-3 lead over UCLA the train derailed and Nebraska embarrassed the entire B1G with their horrific defense once again. This team is close to giving up on Pelini and you can just smell the complete meltdown coming.

12.) Purdue (1-2)- Lost to Notre Dame 31-24. Purdue showed a lot of growth in their 3rd game with a lead over ND in the 2nd half of the game. I nearly ranked them 11th this week.

Let me know your thoughts it is always appreciated.

You can see all of the videos from yesterdays videos by clicking play all below.

Thank you to the kind people @BuckeyeTV.