A couple huge MotSaG congratulations go out to James Laurinaitis and Terrelle Pryor, who were named the Big Ten’s defensive player of the year and Big Ten Freshman of the Year, respectively. The awards were announced Monday night.

This should be the beginning of a plethora of awards thrown in the direction of the Ohio State players this year, and just the beginning of what Pryor will eventually be crowned with (three Heisman trophies, if you were wondering).

We’ll miss Little Animal, and welcome him into the Pantheon of Ohio State Linebackers of Destruction.

I’m giving Monkey the day off (though I know he’ll be active in the comments) and I’ll handle the semi-live update today. I’ve noticed that in previous semi-live blogs, I haven’t given much context to what elicited whatever comments I make, so I’ll be making an effort to giving a little more background to each comment.

(Also, I’m awaiting for some people to show up for the party, so I’ve got the game paused. I’ll catch up live as soon as I can, so this is, quite literally, a semi-live game update)

First Quarter
On 1st-and-10 Pryor rolls out to the left and throws an interception, returned to the 12. Blech.

Laurinaitis just knocked the stuffing out of Sheridan on 3rd-and-15 and then KC Lopato missed a chippy. LOL

Okay, right now the OSU offense is stuck in neutral but the turnover off the punt needs to be the little jolt that kicks it in gear. Let’s go, Pryor.

One word to describe Ohio State’s effort thus-far: Uninspiring.

Until Beanie Wells, ONCE AGAIN takes this team on his shoulders and takes care of business. He even gave a Michigan defender a mini SAoJ after the play.

Second Quarter
Pryor seems to have settled down, as he just hit Hartline, in stride, for a beautiful touchdown on 1st-and-10. That was the kind of play that was just waiting to happen. The beatdown is on.

Third Quarter
There’s not much to say right now, but Michigan has run 5 straight running plays, and they’re moving the ball rather easily. We need some big stops and big hits on defense right now.

Now we need a sustained drive from the offense. Or rip off 40 yards with Beanie. Or or gash them for 50 with Daniel “Boom Goes the Dynamite” Herron. That was nice.

Good to see that a) Ray Small is back on the field (I know he’s been fielding punts all day) and b) he’s playing well. That eighty yard punt return was smooth.

Fourth Quarter
**MotSaG Standing Ovation** for Todd Boeckman!!

Ohio State: 45 vs. Northwestern: 10

First Quarter
Looks like the offensive line picked up where it left off two weeks ago. But then again, who needs a running game when Pryor is throwing like he is? Six running play and negative yards is not the way we wanted to see this game start, but hopefully the success of the passing game will loosen up the defense.

Ohio State’s Offensive Line: Making bad defenses look good since 2007.

Second Quarter
Beanie Wells has had enough of this crummy run blocking and he will JUST DO IT HIMSELF.

Watch out, Northwestern, you’re about to get MSU’ed.

Andre Ware is the Bill Walton of ESPN College football commentating. “He’s the greatest short yard back in college football.” “He’s got the best hands in the country.” “I could taste colors. I could feel sounds.”

Boone just encapsulated the entire lack of any senior leadership on this offense.

Half-time

Third Quarter
These referees need to keep their flags in their pockets.

Terrelle Pryor is having his way with Northwestern’s defense. Breaking tackles, converting on third-and-long, throwing with accuracy on the run. This is the consistency we’ve been waiting and hoping for, with running and throwing the ball with positive, actual results.

Fourth Quarter
Even though some of Terrelle’s throws today have still been floaty, a lot of his passes (like his latest to Robiskie) have looked a lot tighter and accurate. The maturation of TP continues and it’s quite enjoyable to watch.

Was Tressel mad after that last score by Herron? Replay signs point to “YES”.

Someone needs to remind Andre Ware that he and his Houston Cougar teammates beat SMU 95-21 in 1989.

Illinois 17 vs. W. Michigan 23
Seriously, Illinois? This is TRBL.

Iowa 24 vs. Penn State 23
I hate to admit it, but I called Iowa for the upset three weeks ago. Ask monkey if you doubt me.

It happens a lot, but I still hate being right all the time. Thanks a lot, Penn State. Go Michigan State! Beat the pants off the Paterno Poopers!