Join your fellow Buckeye fans to chat during the Wisconsin football game, and since the game will be out of hand by the time 5 o’clock rolls around, we’ll just transition into talking about the basketball team’s tilt against Rhode Island.

We here at Men of the Scarlet and Gray know that along with all the great Buckeye fans we get around these parts, we also get our fair share of fans from other teams. Some are curious to see what we might be saying about their favorite team. Others want to know what the match-up looks like from the opposition’s point of view. And some struggle to read. We call these “readers” “Wisconsin fans”. For their benefit, we have dcided that we will put this in terms they can understand: PICTURES!

Here is what will happen when Wisconsin has the ball…

A little bit of this

or possibly some of this…

When OSU is on defense you will see a lot of this…..

and a ton of this…..

and if that’s not enough you will see a great deal of this…

What you won’t see is Wisconsin throwing the ball a lot with their third string, fifth year back up quarterback so our defensive backs will play a lot of run support and turn Wisconsin’s only receiving threat, Jared Abbrederis, into a non-factor.

What to expect when OSU is on offense…

Hi, Wisconsin fans. You may remember me formerly as the source of all your nightmares from the past eleven months. Guess what?! I’m back and I’m better than ever!

Unfortunately for Wisconsin fans, the nightmare will never end (for at least three more years). He can also do this really well…

Braxton isn’t the only threat for OSU on offense. This guy will see a lot of carries as well…

When Wisconsin is on defense expect a lot of this…

and his partner in tackling crimes….

The OSU offense will roll as long as Braxton and Carlos are on their game and the offensive line does what it has done all year: dominate the line of scrimmage, run inside and out and move people out of the way. Meanwhile, the Wisconsin defense relies on Borland and Taylor to do everything for them.

How I see it….

Which will result in Ohio State fans constantly yelling…

Which brings copious amounts of this….

Which causes Urban Meyer to celebrate the teams victory and his ability to make Bret Bielema cry like a little girl….

Ohio State wins 42-17!!!

Thoughts?

As always, presented without comment.

Stats are grabbed from cfbstats.com.

Well well well of all the names floating around the Ohio State recruiting rumor highway the one who just committed is probably the least known of the group but may be the most important. Why you may ask? A few weeks back Urban Meyer moved Zach Boren to LB and Adam Homan to RB and essentially did away with the Fullback position and in doing so allowed some of OSUs foes to use that as a negative recruiting tool. They would say things like see Coach Meyer is doing away with the power running game and you big backs have no place in his offensive system. Which if you have watched any game this year it is painfully obvious OSU is still a power running team just from a different formation. Carlos Hyde and even to some extent Braxton Miller aren’t exactly those tiny scat backs. With todays commitment it just proves a point that there is room on this team and in this offensive scheme for big powerful bruising fullbacks. So meet todays newest member of the 2013 Ohio State recruiting class.

William Houston is a 6’0″ 235 lbs 3 star fullback from Dublin, Ohio. William who had scholarship offers from MAC schools and preferred walk-on offers from several B1G schools has chosen to accept a preferred walk-on spot at OSU over Michigan and Penn State. Houston announced it from his twitter account a few minutes ago. “‏@Thewillhouston
I will be playing football for The Ohio State University, in the fall. #GoBuckeyes #BuckeyeNation”. Houston who plays RB in HS is huge and powerful and will bring toughness to the position as well as the ability to play like a true RB. He also allows Coach Meyer to add a real quality player and person and get a player without using a scholarship that OSU is so limited with right now. ESPN ranks Houston as the #2 FB in the nation. Rivals ranks him as the #5 FB in the nation. Scouts ranks him as the no. 109 best RB overall in the nation showing his ability to play both positions fairly well at a high level.

His stats for this year. He had 215 rushes for 864 yards and 15 TDs. He also had 32 receptions for 308 yards and 2 TDs. Below you can see his JR. year highlights.

Wisconsin defeated Indiana in a game that decided the representation of the Leaders Division and Nebraska all but wrapped up the Legends Division. Devin Gardner led the Wolverines over Northwestern in overtime but they need a few things to happen to overtake Nebraska. Wisconsin had the biggest jump, going from 6 to 4 in the rankings but welcome the Buckeyes into town this weekend.

1. Ohio State– The Buckeyes got the week off to prepare for their big time showdown at Camp Randall. Braxton and co. want to make a statement to Wisconsin that they are the best team in the Leaders Division.

2. Nebraska– Nebraska took care of business versus Penn State and now control their own destiny the Legends Division. The Cornhuskers will likely battle Wisconsin at Lucas Oil Stadium for a berth in the Rose Bowl.

3. Michigan– Looks like Michigan does have a back-up plan and his name is Devin Gardner. He looked like a real dual threat in their big, overtime win over Northwestern.

4. Wisconsin– After a slow start to the season, the Badgers will represent the Leaders Division in the B1G Championship Game. They want to take care of the Buckeyes and leave no doubt that they are the real team to represent the division.

5. Northwestern– Another heartbreaking loss for Northwestern, this time versus Michigan. The Wildcats were a couple of plays  away from representing the Legends Division in the B1G Championship Game.

6. Penn State– The Nittany Lions blew a 14 point lead at Nebraska and were unable to play spoiler. They hope to bounce back this week versus Indiana.

7. Michigan State– Sparty got the week off and hope to improve their surprising 0-3 home conference record this weekend versus Northwestern.

8. Minnesota– Minnesota’s win over Illinois allowed them to become bowl eligible, not sure if that is a positive or a negative for the conference.

9. Indiana– Indiana looked like the old Indiana versus Wisconsin. Lets just say that the Hoosier faithful is excited for basketball season to be here.

10. Purdue– Purdue defeated Iowa to continue their up and down season. They’ll likely be able to notch another win versus lowly Illinois this weekend.

11. Iowa– Following their loss to Purdue, Iowa travels to the Big House this weekend in what should be a clear mismatch.

12. Illinois– At least the Illini are being consistent.

As always, compare with last week and feel free to comment.

THE JOY OF BEING WRONG AND THE SHAMEFUL TRUTH ABOUT ALABAMA

Yeah, I hate the SEC. I’m sick of the incessant spin they get from ESPN and the most of the rest of the sports media. They have some good teams, and most years they have at least one great team. But so do all the other major conferences most years. They also, like all conferences, have some awful teams. This season, in fact, there are three SEC teams who have yet to win a conference game and three more who won just two. It’s the exact same mediocrity you’ll find in every single conference.

Alabama just lost their first game of the year, to SEC newcomer Texas A&M, suggesting that perhaps the conference isn’t so impenetrable after all. And while no one was really predicting it (and I mocked the mere thought of it last week), in retrospect this shouldn’t surprise us all that much.

Bama has beaten no one of consequence in the SEC outside of LSU, who had them against the ropes until a miracle game-winning drive. The best SEC team they’ve beaten impressively is Mississippi State, who is currently fourth in the SEC West at 3-3. They have not faced any of the top four teams from the East. Their next two opponents are Western Carolina and Auburn and then (barring upset by one of those miserable teams) Georgia in the SEC championship game. The Bulldogs don’t have a much better resume than the Tide, by the way, so any discussion of the SEC winner still making the BCS title game is simply absurd, unless you’re willing to admit that the entire system is complete sham (which it is, of course).

But if Bama can lose, then anyone can, right? Well, yes, of course anyone can lose, but my point is Bama should not be your guidepost. Oregon has already beaten numbers 2, 3 & 4 in the Pac-12 South by a combined 82 points. They still have to take on numbers 2 and 3 in their own division, but how worried are you, really? The Big 12 does not have divisions any more, but Kansas State has just the #3 and #9 teams in the conference left, with the toughest of those at home. They did struggle with #2 Oklahoma, but there’s a big dropoff from the Sooners to the Longhorns (63-21, anyone?). Notre Dame, of course, does not play in a conference at all, but they have already beaten four teams who are currently in first or second place in their own divisions/conferences. The truth is, based on what the teams had already accomplished, Alabama shouldn’t have been the #1 team even before their loss and they absolutely don’t deserve first consideration if the season ends with fewer than two unbeatens.

So that’s it, Alabama, you had your benefit of the doubt and you blew it.

Bye.

WELCOME BACK, FOOTBALL

WEDNESDAY

It’s MACtion time, and although I’m not as enamored with the conference as others, the Little Brother League is offering up a few good games this week, beginning with Ohio/Ball State at 7:00 on ESPNU and then the West division title match between Toledo and Northern Illinois at 8:00 on ESPN2.

SATURDAY

The MAC East division title match between Kent State and Bowling Green kicks off at noon on that small standard definition TV next to the rum on the shelf behind the bar at your nearest BW-3. Don’t put your good games on Saturday, MAC, it frightens and confuses us.

Rutgers @ Cincinnati is to a good college football game what the Big East is to college football in general.

Western Carolina @ Alabama. I mean, that would just be SOOO awesome, right?

USC @ UCLA will determine the Pac-12 South and therefore which team Oregon will score 60 points on in a couple of weeks. Tune in to see if the Trojans try to toss airless footballs around like frisbees without getting caught.

Duke @ Georgia Tech could actually have an impact on a conference championship race and therefore a BCS game. It could? What is happening in the ACC?

Stanford @ Oregon. I really don’t feel like the outcome is in doubt, but it’s the best game featuring a National Title contender this week, so we might as well watch it, at least until the Ducks are up by four scores.

Ezekiel Elliot continues his ascension up the recruiting rankings and in doing so he is having a monster year for his team John Burroughs.

Jalin Marshall– Jalin Marshalls season is over.
Eli Woodard– His team Eastern was on a BYE this week.
Cam Burrows– His team Trotwood-Madison beat Winton Woods 27-20. Cam had a tackle.
Joey Bosa– His team St. Thomas Aquinas beat Deerfield Beach 45-0. Joey helped his team to complete the shutout.
Marcus Baugh– His team John W North suffered a season ending loss to Kaiser 14-7 in the playoffs.
Evan Lisle– Evan Lisles season is complete
Ezekiel Elliott– His team John Burroughs HS enjoyed a 24-0 win over Park Hills Central. Zeke had 177 yards rushing and 3 TDs.
Billy Price– His team Austintown Fitch season is over.
Jayme Thompson– His team Toledo Central Catholic beat Mansfield Madison 42-7. Jayme had 3 tackles and a pass break up.
J T Barrett- His team Rider beat Wichita Falls 49-0. Unfortunately JT is out for the season with a knee injury.
Michael Hill– His team Pendleton lost 14-7 to Cheraw ending his teams season.
Taivon Jacobs– His team Suitland enjoyed a 21-14 win over Duval. Taivon was held to no catches.
Darron Lee– His team New Albany enjoyed a 42-35 victory over Tri Valley. Darron had 150 yards and 2 TDs.
Tracy Sprinkle– Tracy Sprinkles season is over.
Tim Gardner– His team Lawrence Central enjoyed a 49-21 win over Pike. Tim helped his team reach the state Semi-Finals.
Johnny Townsend– His team Boone enjoyed a 13-12 win over Edgewater. Johnny had an avg of 42.6 yards per punt.
Tyquan Lewis– His team Tarboro HS enjoyed a 48-14 win over Kinston. No stats were available.

It’s the bye week, so there’s no game this weekend. And I’m not just talking about Ohio State. There’s not a single compelling game anywhere in the nation. Sure, by Sunday something may have happened that could shake things up, but it’s going to be an upset or an injury or an equipment manager with delusions of grandeur.

You could argue that Northwestern/Michigan and Penn State/Nebraska are meaningful, but they’re not. Nebraska already owns the relevant tie-breakers and Penn State is the only team left on the schedule that can beat the Huskers. If you want to point out that the Wolverines could still win the division with a Brasky loss, you’d also have to admit that that would mean they win in the Shoe. And you don’t want to do that, right?

Syracuse, Texas A&M, TCU, Boston College, California.

Those are the opponents for the five unbeatens in action this weekend. They’re a combined 22-24. Which one do you think is going to shock the world? That’s right. None of them.

You could watch the Carrier Classic featuring the Buckeyes tomorrow night if you have something called the NBC Sports Network. I don’t. I don’t even know what that is.

So until next week, bye.

The season is coming to a close for more and more members of the 2013 class. Once all the guys are done completely I will add a season wrap up post with all their stats. Until then some of the players are still playing and working their way towards championships.

Jalin Marshall– Jalin Marshalls season is over.
Eli Woodard– His team Eastern suffered a 19-18 loss to Lanape. A tough loss for Eli and his team.
Cam Burrows– His team Trotwood-Madison beat Mount Healthy 48-0. Cam had a fumble recovery.
Joey Bosa– His team St. Thomas Aquinas beat Cooper City 53-0. Joey had 6 tackles and 2 sacks.
Marcus Baugh– His team John W North enjoyed a 28-6 win over Arlington. Marcus had 3 catches for 63 yards and an INT on defense.
Evan Lisle– Evan Lisles season is complete
Ezekiel Elliott– His team John Burroughs HS enjoyed a 56-13 win over John F. Kennedy. Zeke had 13 carries for 119 yards and 5 total TDs.
Billy Price– His team Austintown Fitch suffered a 35-26 to St. Ignatius. Ending his teams season.
Jayme Thompson– His team Toledo Central Catholic beat Midview 50-7. he helped advance his team to the next round of the playoff.
J T Barrett- His team Rider beat Denton 40-7. Unfortunately JT is out for the season with a knee injury.
Michael Hill– His team Pendleton beat Prosperity Mid-America 9-6. His season is over due to a hand injury.
Taivon Jacobs– His team Suitland enjoyed a 49-7 win over Eleanor Roosevelt. Taivon had 3 catches for 74 yards and a TD.
Darron Lee– His team New Albany enjoyed a 25-6 victory over Beechcroft. No stats were available.
Tracy Sprinkle– Tracy Sprinkles season is over.
Tim Gardner– His team Lawrence Central enjoyed a 21-7 win over North Central. Tim helped his team make the Regional Championships.
Johnny Townsend– His team Boone enjoyed a 35-7 win over Cypress Creek. Johnny had a muffed punt recovery and an INT and 5 tackles.
Tyquan Lewis– His team Tarboro HS enjoyed a 53-13 win over Beddingfield. Tyquan had 4 tackles and 1 TFL.

Ezekiel Elliott continues to show Buckeye Nation why Urban Meyer and his staff choose him over more highly touted RBs. The guy is just flat out a baller. He has speed like we have prob never seen from a RB and elusiveness that will fits the system Coach Meyer is implementing. If he lives up to the hype that he is producing with his game play he could be something very special for years to come at OSU.