A Look Around The Country

October 14, 2015 by Leave a Comment

Upset Saturday shakes up the Playoff Race

Welcome back to my weekly column, A Look Around the Country. I’m highlighting notable games from the previous week, the week ahead and of course, the Heisman and Playoff race. Special features include an in-depth look at the Ohio State and a Michigan update, mainly for folks to bask in their misfortunes. Feel free to comment with your opinions, I hope you enjoy!

Notable Games Last Week

Washington 17, USC 12

The Trojans have now dropped out of the Top 25 after losing to Washington by five. Head Coach, Steve Sarkisian was given a leave of absence by USC AD Pat Haden on Sunday morning following the team’s loss. There are huge problems in Troy and we hope the best for Sark.

Texas 24 Oklahoma 17

Charlie Strong was able to get his biggest victory at Texas by shocking the Sooners and the nation in the Red River Rivalry. Oklahoma has seemingly taken themselves out of the playoff race as they still have to face Baylor and TCU. There seems to be a little Texas Fight left in the Longhorns.

Michigan 38, Northwestern 0

Ok. It can’t be ignored anymore. Michigan is absolutely for real as they pitched their third straight shutout over ranked Northwestern. Harbaugh has this team clicking on all cylinders with perhaps the only exception to that being QB Jake Rudock. Pat Fitzgerald just seems to never be able to get over the hump in these marquee games.

Utah 30, California 24

Some late night Pac 12 action was a little closer than I thought, but the Utes were able to escape with a victory. Utah is the clear favorite out west and they have themselves positioned for a playoff berth as they control their own destiny. They don’t have a terribly tough schedule left, so their chances of reaching the playoff are high.

Big Games this Week

UCLA at Stanford

After dropping an early one to Northwestern, Stanford has been able to string a few wins together which has contributed to their rise in the rankings. Following their game with UCLA, they’ll have smooth sailing until their last game of the year vs Notre Dame. They have a strong chance to make the Pac 12 Championship by representing the North Division. UCLA also likely controls their own destiny as well as their only tough matchup remaining will be against Utah in late November.

Thursday, October 15 at 10:30pm on ESPN

Iowa at Northwestern

Another big time Big Ten West matchup happens this weekend, this time in Evanston. The Wildcats were destroyed by Michigan but have a chance to redeem themselves against undefeated Iowa. The West Division is still wide open with Iowa currently leading the pack as the most likely team to head to Indianapolis.

Saturday, October 17 at Noon on ESPN 2

Alabama at Texas A&M

Most people would have never guessed how hyped these games would be when the Aggies came into the SEC, but it has quickly turned into one of the better rivalries down south. Kyle Field will be rocking when the Saban train comes into College Station but I don’t think they’ll be loud for long. Alabama feeds off being disrespected and dismissed (just like the Buckeyes) so I would expect an ugly game.

Saturday, October 17 at 3:30pm on CBS

Michigan State at Michigan

Harbaugh vs Dantonio I is about to be a banger in Ann Arbor. College Gameday will be in town for this Big Ten East showdown that should more than entertain us Buckeye fans as were waiting for our game to start. These are two great football teams and I think it comes down who makes the least amount of mistakes. The Wolverine defense will pester Connor Cook all day and they’ll get the W. Michigan fans are going to be unbearable to deal with now.

Saturday, October 17 at 3:30pm on ESPN

Florida at LSU

Both the Gators and Tigers are undefeated headed into this one which is the highlight of a loaded SEC schedule this week. Florida has been a surprise this season and frankly so has LSU even though their expectations weren’t as low as Florida’s. But the difference in this game will be Tiger Stadium. Plain and simple. Oh and that Leonard Fournette guy too.

Saturday, October 17 at 8pm on ESPN

Penn State at Ohio State

A great day of football caps off in a darker than usual Ohio Stadium as the Buckeyes will take the field with black uniforms for the first time in program history. We all remember Ohio State’s escape last year in Happy Valley in double overtime but are hoping we don’t have to sit through another pressure cooker again this year. The Buckeye offense was much more efficient against Maryland, especially when inserting J.T. Barrett in red zone situations. But Penn State always seems to be a tough out, so except a closer than usual game.

Saturday, October 17 at 8pm on ABC

Michigan Update

See my analysis above on their win over Northwestern and upcoming game with Michigan State
Heisman Watch

1. Leonard Fournette, LSU

2. Trevone Boykin, TCU

3. Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State

4. Seth Russell, Baylor

5. Derrick Henry, Alabama

My Playoff if the Season Ended Today

*Editor’s Note: This will be a volatile poll every week based on performance in the past week and resume to date, very similar to the Playoff Committee.

1. Ohio State (beat Maryland, plays Penn State)

2. Baylor (beat Kansas, plays West Virginia)

3. Michigan State (beat Rutgers, plays Michigan)

4. LSU (beat South Carolina, plays Florida)

Just Missed the Cut

5. Utah (beat Cal, plays Arizona State)

6. TCU (beat Kansas State, plays Iowa State)

7. Clemson (beat Georgia Tech, plays Boston College)

8. Alabama (beat Arkansas, plays Texas A&M)

9. Florida State (beat Miami, plays Louisville)

10. Michigan (beat Northwestern, plays Michigan State)

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, College Football Playoff, Ohio State Football

Men of the Scarlet and Gray Podcast Black Out Edition

October 14, 2015 by 2 Comments

Chip and I had the great privilege of talking college football again this week with Kevin McGuire, he helped us get more familiar with Penn State and what all they bring to the table. Are they better than last year? We were able to discuss a couple of other college football topics also.

Chip and I review the Maryland game and wondering if they know what a spy is and what its used for since Hills had a awesome day running all over Ohio State. We also talked about the offense and nice to see possibly starting to figure it out.

We gave out weekly game predictions for the week, Chip is starting to get more separation. There’s Chip way up there and myself all the way at the bottom. We also answered some of out listener question which we feel is great. Love the interaction with our listeners, you folks are great.

Want to follow Kevin McGuire on twitter (you really should) @kevinoncfb. Kevin does an outstanding job with all the work he does, definitely worth listening and enjoying his work at no2minutewarning.com.

Thank you for taking the time out to help support us.

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, College Football Playoff, Ohio State Football, Podcast Tagged With: ,

5 B1G Observations: Week 6

October 13, 2015 by Leave a Comment

simpsonsB1G

It’s hard to believe that we’ve already been through a month and a half of football.  The offseason is a barren wasteland where time slows to a crawl and there seems to be no end in sight.  So how is it that time rockets by Marty McFly style as soon as the Buckeyes take the field?  Please college football season, never end.

Ohio State seemed to get back into their groove this week with over 500 yards of offense and nearly 50 points.  Pinch me Nancy, I want to make sure I’m not dreaming of 2014.  Yeah so Maryland’s dual-threat quarterback ran all over us.  Yeah so we employed two quarterbacks.  Yeah so the Silver Bullets took a step back and blah, BLAH, B-L-A-H!  If you are a part of the crowd of naysayers out there that likes to hang their head after a victory, then I am afraid I cannot relate.  Can’t you look at preseason Top Ten teams like Auburn, Oregon, USC, and Georgia and be glad that your team hasn’t fallen out of the Top 25 like they have?  Even ranked teams with losses (Alabama, scUM, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, Stanford) have mountains to climb to get back into the College Football Playoff.  The field is top heavy this year and your Ohio State Buckeyes sit steadily on that mountain’s zenith.  I’ll take an “ugly” win over a close loss any day.  And so would any team I just mentioned, just ask TCU.

The season hinges on this Saturday night.  Black out the ‘Shoe and beat Penn State.  It will set the tone for the second half. #YouHeardItHereFirst

#1: Norries Wilson gives the best post-game interview since Dennis Green with the Arizona Cardi – “THEY ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!!!”

I’d be emotional too if my team came that close to beating Michigan State.  Is it just me or does Wilson look like he could be related to the dad from “Family Matters”?

#2: I can’t mention Rutgers without showing you this.

This might be the most boneheaded play I’ve seen on a football field since rookie Plaxico Burress spiked-fumbled a big catch for the Steelers.  RIP Rutgers football.

#3: Taylor Swift couldn’t write a heartbreak song quite like Nebraska’s 2015 season.

This is getting sad, man.  All of the Cornhuskers losses this season have been absolutely heart-wrenching.  And this week, to be beaten by an overweight kicker with the world’s worst mustache… Humiliating.

#4: That Team Up North

I hate this Wolverine team with the fire of a million suns.  I can hardly wait for Urban to douse whatever voodoo sorcery Harbaugh is conjuring up there.  See you in November – good luck keeping us off the scoreboard.

#5: Cardale gets his swag back

Did anyone need to see this touchdown pass more than Cardale Jones?  I think not.  It had everything we’ve come to expect from Twelve Gauge: play action, pump fake, and hitting his receiver perfectly in stride.  And in a game where he was taken off the field during red zone possessions, I believe that this play will go a long way in building Jones’ confidence back up.  I feel bad for the Nittany Lions already.

Filed Under: B1G Football, Ohio State Football

MotSaG Power Poll Week7

October 13, 2015 by Leave a Comment

The Votes are in!!

Teams Points Record Last Week
Ohio State 8 6-0 (2-0) 1
msu 19 6-0 (2-0) 2
michigan 23 5-1 (2-0) 4
iowa 30 6-0 (2-0) 5
northwestern 44 5-1 (1-1) 3
wisconsin 48 4-2 (1-1) 7
penn state 58 5-1 (2-0) 8
minnesota 67 4-2 (1-1) 10
illinois 76 4-2 (1-1) 9
indiana 2 76 4-2 (0-2) 6
nebraska 82 2-4(0-2) 11
rutgers 94 2-3 (0-2) 12
maryland 106 2-4 (0-2) 14
purdue 109 1-5 (0-2) 13

Here we are listening to the fans of TUN beating their chest, “Hear me roar”. Big match-up between them and Sparty this week. The West division unfolding not like we thought it would but entertaining. This is why college football is so much fun to enjoy. What happens next.

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, Ohio State Football Tagged With:

A Look Around The Country

October 7, 2015 by Leave a Comment

Upset Saturday shakes up the Playoff Race

Welcome back to my weekly column, A Look Around the Country. I’ll be highlighting notable games from the week before, the week ahead and of course, the Heisman and Playoff race. Special features include an in-depth look at the Buckeyes and a Michigan update, mainly for folks to bask in their misfortunes. Feel free to comment with your opinions, I hope you enjoy!

Georgia, Ole Miss, UCLA, Notre Dame all went down on Upset Saturday but that does not mean they are out of the playoff picture completely. Alabama and Florida both looked great and so did Oklahoma. This race is far from over.

Notable Games Last Week

Oklahoma 44, West Virginia 24

The Sooners won big over West Virginia and have gotten themselves into the Big 12 race. I mentioned this last week, but everyone is paying attention to TCU and Baylor as playoff contenders. I am starting to think Big Game Bob has one more big season in him. OU takes on Texas this week in the Red River Rivalry. Hate to see it because I like the guy, but Charlie Strong may not have much time left in Austin.

Alabama 38, Georgia 10

Who said the Tide was dead? Ok, I did. Alabama silenced a lot of doubters by demolishing Georgia and putting themselves back atop the SEC. I still think the Tide drops 2 more games this season but if they were to win out, they’ll be back in the Playoff.

Ohio State 34, Indiana 27

So, that was closer than expected. The Buckeyes nearly derailed their perfect season in Bloomington of all places but were able to escape in the final minute. The offense has been average thus far but Zeke Elliott exploded and even came close to Eddie George’s single game rushing record (314 vs Illinois, 1995). Urban has said that he thinks the offense is close to something big, which is good to hear. I do think they will get their act together and we will all be able to look back on this with good humor. Be patient.

Florida 38, Ole Miss 10

Gator Chomp! Florida was able to handle the Rebels quite handedly and are now in the driver’s seat of the SEC East race. I am very surprised that they won especially in the way that they did it. Jim McElwain has done a great job in year one and will be a popular candidate for Coach of the Year. Ole Miss will need to go back to the drawing board.

Clemson 24, Notre Dame 22

Clemson was able to hold off a late surge by the Irish for a 2 point win in Death Valley. Despite the victory, I am not high on the Tigers and expect them to lose at least once. Notre Dame can win out and maybe make the playoff, but they would have to be very impressive the rest of the season. Clemson’s big game with Florida State still looms.

Big Games this Week

Maryland at Ohio State

So, that was closer than expected. The Buckeyes nearly derailed their perfect season in Bloomington of all places but were able to escape in the final minute. The offense has been average thus far but Zeke Elliott exploded and even came close to Eddie George’s single game rushing record (314 vs Illinois, 1995). Urban has said that he thinks the offense is close to something big, which is good to hear. I do think they will get their act together and we will all be able to look back on this with good humor. Be patient.

Saturday, October 10 at Noon on Big Ten Network

Northwestern at Michigan

I’ve never been more excited for a Northwestern-Michigan game in my entire life. Both teams are ranked so I would expect the Big House to be rocking for this one. If Pat Fitzgerald and the Wildcats are able to pull this one out (and I think they will) they could very well be a top 10 team and will be a frontrunner for the Big Ten Title Game. This will be their toughest game for the rest of the season so if they win, they could be a playoff favorite !?!?!?? headed into December. Unreal.

Saturday, October 10 at 3:30pm on Big Ten Network

California at Utah

College Gameday will be in Salt Lake City for a game that is usually watched by nobody, including the team’s fans. Utah is the favorite in the Pac 12 and I see them taking care of business quite easily against Cal. It’ll be played at 10pm eastern so if you stay up that late, enjoy yourself.

Saturday, October 10 at 10pm on ESPN

Michigan Update

Michigan shutout Maryland in impressive fashion and take on a ranked Northwestern team next. But it doesn’t get any easier as they play Michigan State next week in Ann Arbor. Spoiler Alert: Sparty is going down.

Heisman Watch

1. Leonard Fournette, LSU

2. Trevone Boykin, TCU

3. Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State

4. Derrick Henry, Alabama

5. Seth Russell, Baylor

6. Nick Chubb, Georgia

My Playoff if the Season Ended Today

*Editor’s Note: This will be a volatile poll every week based on performance in the past week and resume to date, very similar to the Playoff Committee.

1. Ohio State (beat Indiana, plays Maryland)

2. Michigan State (beat Purdue, plays Rutgers)

3. Baylor (beat Texas Tech, plays Kansas)

4. LSU (beat Eastern Michigan, plays South Carolina)

Just Missed the Cut

5. TCU (beat Texas, plays Kansas State)

6. Utah (Bye week, plays Cal)

7. Clemson (beat Notre Dame, plays Georgia Tech)

8. Alabama (beat Georgia, plays Arkansas)

9. Florida State (beat Wake Forest, plays Miami)

10. Notre Dame (lost to Clemson, plays Navy)

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, College Football Playoff, Ohio State Football

Men of the Scarlet and Gray B1G Power Poll Week 6

October 7, 2015 by Leave a Comment

The Votes are in!!

Teams Points Record Last Week
Ohio State 8 5-0 (1-0) 1
msu 17 5-0 (1-0) 2
northwestern 25 5-0 (1-0) 4
michigan 33 4-1 (1-0) 3
iowa 37 5-0 (1-0) 6
indiana 2 57 4-1 (0-1) 9
wisconsin 63 3-2 (0-1) 5
penn state 67 4-1 (1-0) 10
illinois 74 4-1 (1-0) 12
minnesota 78 3-2 (0-1) 7
nebraska 80 2-3(0-1) 8
rutgers 96 2-2 (0-0) 11
purdue 104 1-4 (0-1) 14
maryland 108 2-3 (0-1) 13

First week of Big Ten play excluding the big rivalry game between Penn State and Rutgers that was played a week ago. Michigan State stumbled beating Purdue by only 3. Buckeyes offensive struggles came back, thank god for Zekemode. TTUN received their second shutout in a row (yawn). Play someone with an offense yeah your defense is good but its only now week 6 see me in 4-5 weeks. Hoosiers move up with a loss and show they should be in our opinion a bowl team. Surprisingly Illinois is still motoring along and its not showing yet in our poll. Purdue finally got out of the basement now if they can start getting some wins to help Darrell Hazell keep his job.

As always feel free to let us know if you feel we got it right or if tou would change something.

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, Ohio State Football Tagged With:

Men of the Scarlet and Gray Podcast Homecoming Weekend

October 7, 2015 by 1 Comment

Another week another episode of MotSaG Podcast. Chip and I review the Hoosier game. We discuss some of the offensive struggles, coaches or Cardale who’s the problem. We take our first question from some of our listeners. That was a fun part of the show since both Chip and I love interacting with you, our listeners. You can submit a question on twitter by using #askmotsag or email us at askmotsag@motsag.com we really do hope more of you send questions in and we get to interact with more Buckeye fans.

We also had the privilege of previewing the upcoming Maryland game with the beat writer from the Baltimore Sun Daniel Gallen. It was really great getting some insight into the Terps football program. Daniel was gracious enough to join us for our Big Ten game predictions along with one big national game.

We want to thank everyone for listening to our show means so much to us that so many are enjoying our show. Next week our friend Kevin McGuire will be stopping by to discuss the Penn State game, that show will be another great episode as we always love having him on and talking college football with him.

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, Ohio State Football, Podcast Tagged With: ,

B1G Weekly Recap: Iowa Knocks Off Wisconsin, Sparty Survives Purdue

October 6, 2015 by Leave a Comment

The first full weekend of conference games for the Big Ten was filled with dramatic finishes, as only two of the seven games were decided by more than one score. Iowa went in to Camp Randall and took down no. 19 Wisconsin in a turnover-fueled battle. In the lone nonconference game of the week, Penn State needed a late 4th down stop in their own territory to avoid the upset against Army.

Michigan 28, Maryland 0

The Wolverines’ hot start continued into B1G play when they went on the road and easily dispatched Maryland. Despite leading just 6-0 at halftime courtesy of two Kenny Allen field goals, there was never much doubt of who was going to emerge victorious in this one.

Jake Rudock put up a very Jake Rudock-esque line of 16-32 for 180 yards while tossing a touchdown and an interception. The Wolverine defense was the star again this week, allowing just 105 total yards and holding the Terrapins to 1-18 on 3rd down. The Wolverines return home next weekend to host Northwestern while Maryland will try their luck on the road at the number one team in the country.

Michigan State 24, Purdue 21

It was a tale of two halves in a rain-soaked East Lansing on Saturday afternoon. Michigan State looked every bit of the no. 2 team in the country as they jumped out to a 21-0 halftime lead behind two LJ Scott rushing touchdowns and a touchdown pass from Connor Cook to R.J. Shelton.

The second half was the Markell Jones show, including two 4th quarter touchdown runs before finishing with 157 yards, as he lead put the Boilermakers on his back and got them to within 3 points with less than 7 minutes to play before the magic ran out. Purdue drops to 1-4 on the season and will try to turn things around back in West Lafayette when Minnesota comes to town and Michigan State remains undefeated and hit the road at Rutgers as a tuneup for their trip to Ann Arbor in two weeks.

Penn State 20, Army 14

One of these days, Christian Hackenberg will show why some NFL scouts had him as a potential no. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. This was not one of those days. Hackenberg was just 10-19 passing for 156 yards and a 3rd quarter touchdown pass to Mike Gesicki. The Nittany Lions were actually outgained by Army (293-264) and had less first downs (19-14) over the course of the game.

Nick Scott opened the scoring in the 1st quarter with an 11-yard touchdown run but finished the day with just 54 yards on 12 carries. Penn State is back in conference play with a home game this week against Indiana.

Northwestern 27, Minnesota 0

You might as well give the B1G Coach of the Year trophy to Pat Fitzgerald now, as the former NU linebacker has the Wildcats humming on all cylinders as they improved to 5-0. Clayton Thorson was effective again against the Gophers, completing 14 of 19 passes for 128 yards and using his legs to find the end zone twice from short yardage.

Minnesota managed just 173 yards of offense (99 passing, 74 rushing) while turning the ball over twice. The Gophers will be looking to even their conference record when they take a trip to Purdue and Northwestern will also hit the road in a Top 25 battle in Ann Arbor.

Iowa 10, Wisconsin 6

Sometimes a dramatic game is not necessarily a good game. That was the case in this one in Madison. The teams combined for 541 yards of offense (Iowa 221, Wisconsin 320) while turning the ball over six times and committing 14 penalties. Jordan Canzeri carried the load for the Hawkeyes but a C.J. Beathard pass to George Kittle from a yard out in the 2nd quarter was the difference.

Wisconsin rushed for just 86 yards as a team and Joel Stave was 21-38 for 234 yards but was picked off twice. Iowa takes their 5-0 record back home for a date with Illinois while the Badgers try to get back on track when they visit Nebraska in a do-or-die matchup for both teams.

Ohio State 34, Indiana 27

It took a red zone stand from the Silver Bullets as time expired, but Ohio State managed to escape Bloomington with their undefeated record intact. Ezekiel Elliott was the star for the Buckeyes as he rushed for the second-most yards in school history. Three second half touchdown runs of 50+ yards certainly helped that cause.

The Hoosiers took a big blow when star running back Jordan Howard went down with an ankle injury early in the game. Howard tried to tough it out but was never really effective and left the bulk of the carries to Devine Redding. Redding found the end zone twice but had just 45 yards on 30 carries on the day. Ohio State heads back to Columbus for a Homecoming matchup against Maryland and Indiana will look to bounce back against Penn State in Happy Valley.

Illinois 14, Nebraska 13

In this upset of the week, Illinois took down Nebraska in Champaign following a strong 4th quarter from Wes Lunt and company. Down 13-0 heading in to the final frame, Lunt found Marchie Murdock from 22 yards out early in the quarter and then connected with Geronimo Allison from the 1-yard line with just :10 left in the game to complete the comeback.

Tommy Armstrong struggled all day for the Cornhuskers, completing just 10-31 from 105 yards while throwing an interception. Nebraska will be desperate to avoid an 0-2 start to B1G play when they host Wisconsin and Illinois looks to keep the good times rolling into Iowa City to take on the Hawkeyes.

What was the biggest surprise of the weekend? The Spartans and Buckeyes struggling or the Wolverines and Wildcats posting big shutout victories?

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, Ohio State Football

5 B1G Observations: Week 5

October 6, 2015 by 1 Comment

simpsonsB1G

Last year we played the pesky Indiana Hoosiers on November 22nd.  The reason I remember the date was because it was my sister’s wedding.  I was tempted to not go – I mean, it’s Buckeye football, people! – but she is my only sister and I love her or whatever so I went.  So as I’m peeking at the updates on my phone during the ceremony, I watched in dismay as a true freshman quarterback by the name of Zander Diamont led the hapless Hoosiers to a 20-14 lead late into the third quarter.

Fast-forward to 2015 and here he comes again, still looking like he only weighs about a buck-sixty soaking wet.  Someone watching the game with me got excited that their starter was hurt, but I didn’t forget Diamont’s antics from a year ago.  And sure enough the little weasel nearly won the game yet again.  Get hosed, Indiana.  The next time I see ya will be too soon.

*A note for the doubters: a year ago we trailed Indiana by six points with 2:21 left in the third quarter, at home, with J.T. Barrett holding the reigns.  Woosah, folks.  Woosah.*

#1: The battle for the Heartland Trophy was a snore fest

I’ve decided to change my approach to my article a little bit.  Stephan already does a weekly Big Ten Recap and he does it worlds better than I do.  So instead I’m bringing you highlights (and sometimes lowlights) from the “week that was” in the B1G.  Just like the one above.  Did you know Iowa is 5-0 and looks like the real deal?  *shrugs shoulders disinterestedly*

#2: Cubit gets emotional after Illinois’ victory

Overall the Illini are still one of the bottom feeders of the Big Ten.  But the enthusiasm and emotion that Bill Cubit puts into his role as interim head coach really is inspiring.  Also, yet another brutal loss for Nebraska.

#3: Northwestern is the Big Ten’s third best team

There, I said it.  In fact, if the Wildcats can keep up their dominating defensive ways and manage to beat their next two opponents (@Michigan and Iowa), they just might do something crazy like go undefeated.  No, I’m not joking.

#4: Michigan football is officially from 1991

So I’m sure you’ve seen the awful uniforms, the throwback coach, and the ball-control offensive play calling.  You may have even noticed some of the last generation graphics used for recruiting letters.  But this fan rap from Normie B… wow.

#5: Zeeeeeeeeeeeke

Just when you thought he may have lost a step, Zeke went ahead and set a new personal rushing record.  As my mother-in-law would say, “Just give it to the little truck.”

Filed Under: B1G Football, Ohio State Football

All Things Buckeyes:

October 2, 2015 by 1 Comment

THE OFFENSIVE STRUGGLE CONTINUES

If you have been mindful of how sloppy and out of sync the Ohio State offense has been over the past three weeks, I wouldn’t be too quick to doubt them any longer.  The end of the lack of offense is coming and it will come in just in time for the BIG Conference play.  Ohio State will pick up the pace and join the offense as a force to be reckoned with.  I am predicting that the Buckeyes will progressively grow as a dynamic offense.  After the Western Michigan game, I think the Buckeyes finally realized that they have the capability to once again be called a juggernaut on the offensive side of the ball.  Coach Meyer had been struggling to anoint a starting quarterback, but after Cardale Jones’ improved performance against a Broncos team, Meyer removed the dreaded “OR” on the most recent depth chart.  Now Jones has starting gig and I am sure that he will turn it up within the next few weeks because now he doesn’t have J.T. Barrett chomping at his heels.  Now he doesn’t have much to think about besides winning, and winning big.  I am almost certain that Jones torches the next two teams.  Indiana is currently 4-0 and afterwards we play a terrible Maryland team.  If there is a way to light a fire for the offense, I will offer the next two teams as tribute to prepare for Penn State and the rest of the Big Ten.

THE SILVER BULLETS PICKING UP THE SLACK

When it comes to scroring, the defense has scored at least once in the last three games.  So far our best offense is when the playmakers on defense make an impact while the opposing offense is on the field.  Against Hawaii, Vonn Bell recovered a fumble and scored.  Against Northern Illinois, Darron Lee had a pass thrown his way and he took it back to the house for six.  And lastly, and more recently Adolphus Washington blew up a Half Back screen and intercepted for a fat man touchdown.  The Defense has been on fire as of late and they are anxiously awaiting for the arrival of the offense.  The Defense has had a field day on opposing offenses.  Through four games the Buckeyes have registered 14 total sacks as a defensive unit, they have forced 9 total turnovers (4 interceptions and 5 fumbles recovered).  The Defense is currently allowing 12.3 Points Per Game!  Although having defense is a luxury at this point the offense will need to pick up the pace a bit, but I am not too worried about it.  Defense wins Championships, so until the offense finds itself, I have no problem watching the Silver Bullets wreak havoc on opposing offenses.

BIG TEN CONFERENCE PLAY IS HERE

I normally don’t get this excited for conference play, but this year I look forward to the Buckeyes playing familiar foes in the BIG 10.  This week we play a feisty Indiana Hoosiers team at Indiana.  The last two seasons the Buckeyes have handled business, but will this season bring something different?  I don’t think so, but I have a feeling that this game will be a good one for at least one half or a quarter while both teams try to figure each other out.  Once Jones finds the gas pedal, the Buckeyes will easily pull away.  Could I be wrong?  Sure, but it may not be likely.  After this week we play at the Shoe against a 2-2 Maryland team who is struggling mightily after dropping games to two potent offenses, West Virginia team and Bowling Green.  Yes, Bowling Green beat them on their home soil!  So after the two conference games, it should prepare the Buckeyes for a home game against rival Penn State.   That should be one heck of a game because last years walk-off sack is still fresh in their minds and I guarantee that the Nittany Lions are out for revenge.  That should be another good one!  After the Penn State game, the Buckeyes travel to Rutgers, then they have a home game against Minnesota and then travel the Champagne, Illinois to battle for Illibuck.  After those games comes the most lethal part of Ohio State’s conference schedule, a home game against rival Michigan State and a road game at the Big House, against TTUN.  Conference play is going to be tough and I am hoping for the best and I am trying not to downplay anything.  Every conference game will be tough.  Some will be more so than other.  Here’s to an exciting Big Ten season.  Go Bucks!!!

MY TWO CENTS

I am predicting a slow start against Indiana.  The Buckeyes will use the momentum from their defense to carry the offense again before the offense picks it up.  The Buckeyes will sack QB Nate Sudfeld early and often and they will force him into bad situations.  I am predicting at least 3 sacks, 1 fumble and 2 interceptions with one defensive touchdown.  Cardale Jones will go off evenly distributing the rock to his long list of offensive weapons.  There will be a Braxton Miller sighting too.  I am predicting Jones to have around 235 passing yards with 4 total touchdowns (3 passing and 1 rushing).  I know that the Buckeyes will be on upset alert week in and week out, but I just have a gut feeling that this game will set the stage for the rest of the season.  Buckeyes win in style on offense and defense:  38-24.

PREDICTING THE STAT LINES

Here is something new!  I will see how in tune I am with The Ohio State Buckeyes.  I will try to predict the stat lines from week to week.  Let’s see…

Offense

Cardale Jones:  26/46, 235 yards, 2 TD 8 rushes, 47 yards, 1 int

Ezekiel Elliot:  24 rushes, 127 yards, 1 TD, 2 receptions, 24 yards

Curtis Samuel:  12 rushes, 64 yards, 1 reception, 16 yards

Michael Thomas:  9 receptions, 79 yards, 1 TD

Jalin Marshall:  3 receptions, 47 yards, 1 TD

Braxton Miller:  4 receptions, 56 yards, 6 rushes, 22 yards

Nick Vannett: 2 receptions, 12 yards

Defense:

4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 FF, 1 fumble recovery, 1 interception for TD

FINAL SCORE:  38-24 (give or take TD for both teams)

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, College Football Playoff, Ohio State Football
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