Welcome to the weekly installment where we look at the game from a statistical perspective. Feel free to add your thoughts. What stats impressed you? Any stats concern you? In a game like this there is not a lot to glean from the stays, but here are a few that stood out to me in game 4.

76-0 – One of the most important outcomes in a game that is decided by 76 points is the amount of players that get reps. It was great to see some many players down the depth charts get in the game. Let’s be honest, there were players out there that you had no idea who they were nor ever seen their name before! That’s when you know your team has won by 76 points.

14 plays, 98 yards, TOP 10:15 – So this drive didn’t mean anything in the outcome of the game, but the fact the 3rd and 4th string (and beyond in some cases) could manufacture a drive of such magnitude in the fourth quarter was impressive. Urban was able to keep every player on the roster focused and ready to play til the last whistle. As was reported multiple times during the game, the competition is hot and heavy this year for playing time. Great win, but even more impressive was the fact players competed to the very end.

6 – Congratulations to Kenny Guiton for throwing a school record 6 touchdown passes! What a game half!

162 – SYR already touched on this in his instant reaction, but Ezekiel Elliott had himself a game. 162 yards and 2 TD’s on only 14 carries. The running back position is deep. It was nice to see another freshman shine this week. It was Dontre Wilson last week and Ezekiel this week.

4, 39, 46 – The amount of plays, yards, and time it took for the Buckeyes to be up 20-0 (not 21 or 22 due to failed 2 pt. conversion). If one of the goals of the game was to start fast, I don’t know how the Buckeyes could have done any better. The Buckeyes have outscored opponents 102-14 in the 1st quarter through 4 games.

Any other key stats against FAMU?

Well there isn’t a lot to say about this game. OSU scored a lot and then they scored a lot more. FAMU was undermanned, under talented and beat in every aspect of the game. There were some great points in the game though here are a few of my favorite things.

– Kenny Guiton threw an OSU record 6 TD passes. He also threw passes to 10 different receivers.

– Ezekiel Elliott had 162 yards on 14 carries and 2 TDs.

– The defense held FAMU under 100 yards on the day and no points. They only gave up 2 1st downs.

– Tight Ends Jeff Huerman and Nick Vannett combined for 6 catches and 70 yards and a TD.

– The biggest highlight of the game was an interview the BTN had with Archie Griffin and Cornelius Greene. Cornelius Greene is one of the greatest Buckeyes of all time and never gets the recognition he deserves. He changed the way OSU treats the QB position and their offense forever. Every QB after him owes him a debt of gratitude.

– It is officially BEAT WISKY WEEK.

We missed posting an Open Thread this week because of scheduling issues, so you can use the comments section of this thread to post your final score predictions as well as participate in the live chat going on during the FAMU game.

Hit the jump for the chat interface and GO BUCKS.

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I recently had the chance to chat with one of the biggest mismatches at wide receiver in the country. Coming off his visit to OSU on September 7th this wideout left with a great impression of the Buckeyes in his mind. Charlie is not just a deep threat he has enough speed to run past most db’s and has great technique already. We have been the true outside receiver in our offense and Charlie could fit right in. He currently does not hold an offer from the Buckeyes but I could see this changing soon.

Q: Can you give us your current stats such as height, weight, 40 yard time, bench press, etc?

A: 6’4 195 4.6 235

Q: How was your visit to Ohio State?

A: It was really good. I had a great experience at my visit.

Q: When you think of Ohio State what comes to your mind?

A: The amazing fans, coaches, and players.

Q: Which schools are recruiting you the hardest?

A: OSU, Cincinnati, Penn State, Pitt, Purdue, and UConn.

Q: What college football team did you grow up being a fan of and why?

A: Penn State and Notre Dame because my mom went to Penn State and a lot of my dad’s family went to Notre Dame.

Q: What do you personally feel is your biggest strength on the field?

A: Using my size and being able to go and get the ball.

Q: What do you feel you need to improve the most on this year?

A: Blocking and become more of a leader now that I am a junior.

Q: What are your personal and team goals for this season?

A: Get better at blocking and win another State Championship.

Q: Name some of your other interests besides football?

A: Basketball, Baseball, and wake boarding.

Q: Do you have any visits set up for this season?

A: I visited OSU on September 7th and Cincinnati on September 14th. I also would like to visit Penn State, Pitt, Purdue, and UConn.

Highghlights are here ….

You can follow him on twitter @charlie_fessler

This week I found daRattler from Rattler Nation for our weekly Q&A. I know right Florida A&M has a blogger kind of surprising but I’m glad daRattler answered the call. I have to say this was the hardest Q&A for me because I can’t take this game seriously. Nothing against the FAMU players or coaches because they have more talent than myself. This game concerns me for the FAMU players I fear they are going to get physically hurt for a big paycheck. I know the Rattler players are going to play their hearts out and give it their all I just hope in the end all the players leave the field healthy.

MotSaG: Looking at your team stats one thing that sticks out to me is that your rushing defense gives up 201 YPG but your passing defense is only giving up an amazing 120.3 YPG. Are you looking forward to trying to shut down Ohio States passing game?

Rattler Nation: Great questions. Our first year head coach and his staff have implemented a new offense and defensive scheme and we our guys are still making adjustments. What we are still seeing are the growing pains. Though we’d like to win every game we suit up for, our real season starts when MEAC conference play begins.

MotSaG: What do you think of Carlos Hyde coming back for the Buckeyes in the backfield joining that talented tandem?

Rattler Nation: Carlos should have a great day, if not a personal best, given our defenses difficulty in stopping the run.

MotSaG: Do you feel the Rattlers will be overwhelmed or shell shocked in the beginning walking through the ‘Shoe?

Rattler Nation: Neither. The Rattlers are no strangers to the big stage. The Rattlers regularly play in front of large stadiums and in front of large crowds, though none in the triple digits.

MotSaG: What are you looking forward to the most Saturday?

Rattler Nation: The return trip home.

MotSaG: What is your concern?

Rattler Nation: That OSU’s check won’t clear. : ) No seriously, I hope that none of our guys get too banged up, and that the game doesn’t get too out of hand early. We need to keep it decent for about a quarter.

MotSaG: What is the strength of your offense?

Rattler Nation: Honestly, I’m still trying to figure that out myself. From a performance sandpoint, thus far, this Rattler offense has failed to meet expectations.

MotSaG: Some key players Buckeyes need to keep an eye on for the Rattlers?

Rattler Nation: I can’t tell you our secrets. We want to sneak up on yah.

MotSaG: Does it bother you that FAMU has scored 54 points all season and OSU just scored 52 this past weekend against Cal?

Rattler Nation: Not at all.

MotSaG: Do you feel that bigger programs need to stop scheduling smaller schools like the national media is begging?

Rattler Nation: No. I think the national media just needs an issue, and this one seems to be the issue of the moment. I think coaches and conferences know best about how to handle their schedules and they seem to be doing a great job of scheduling. And, theirs already a system for penalizing teams with too many cupcakes. It’s called strength of schedule. No coach wants sports writers or reports putting together their schedules. None.

MotSaG: Why isn’t your band joining the team this weekend?

Rattler Nation: After a year’s hiatus and stringent new requirements to be in the band, and no recruiting of bandsmen for the past two years, this band is taking a year to rebuild and return to its former self. Don’t get me wrong, we’re glad to have the Marching 100 back, but this band, though still good, is a shell of its former self. Schedule us next year, and we will bring the “Marching 100”, America’s Band, to show the Buckeyes just who the Best Dam Band in the Land really is.

Here’s the link to our sports information department game notes:
https://www.nmnathletics.com//pdf9/2540336.pdf?ATCLID=209261977&SPSID=606545&SPID=80904&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=25300

I would like to thank daRattler of Rattler Nation for taking the time and working with me on this weeks Q&A. Please go and check out his site and the great work they do not only on sports but covering everything about Rattler Nation.

If you want to get involved and have questions about upcoming opponents feel free to send them in to me and I can send them on. Email your questions to AskMotSaG@gmail.com or MotSaG@gmail.com. Would love to know your thoughts on this post and hope you enjoyed it.

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.