Penn State’s Quad-Annual Rise to Relevance and Increased Message Board Fodder…

October 24, 2008 by 5 Comments

We see this about every 4-5 years with Penn State…the stars align…the pure talent or blind luck of a Penn State QB is able to overcome the quarterbacking developmental ineptness of Jay Paterno (Insert Zach Mills or Anthony Morelli joke here).

Regardless of the success that this PSU team is experiencing, there is a bigger problem. I understand that a lot of other schools think that OSU fans are douchebags. Actually, we are pretty much douchebags. We have been spoiled with recent success over the last 10 years. However, when Penn State starts it’s standard four-year plan to rise to the top, it’s fans are able to fast-track their ability to go from “Zero to Unabashed Jerkface in 2 games against teams like Coastal Carolina and Temple.” I commend the ability of the fans, but loathe the results.

But as an unabashed OSU homer, let me welcome PSU back to relevancy in the college football world. You guys should stick around for a while.

I am not sure if a lot of OSU fans share my vitriol, but I started my journey at OSU in 1993 at the same time as Penn State’s entrance into the league. At the time, I heard a lot about how PSU was going to dominate the B10. This couldnt be further from the truth and with the exception of the 1994..63-14 debacle, the OSU – Penn State games have sometimes been close…sometimes not so much, as the average score of an OSU – PSU game at the Horseshoe is OSU 28 Penn State 7. Granted, games at Happy valley have been much closer, but that is about as relelvant as Larry Johnson’s manners or Santonio Holmes’ partiality to the wacky weed this year.

Rather than review a bunch of stats and tell you that OSU awesome and that Penn State is even awesomer, I will leave you with a few links providing the perspective of the more “reasonable” fans representing the Pennsylvania State University and it’s football team.

Thoughts on Beanie Wells…

Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics

ESPN Bias Towards Ohio State…Wow…

Fabrication of a Rivalry

Now, I realize that message boards dont represent the entire fanbase, but this is not far from the truth as the OSU Alumni group in Seattle share space in the Sport Restaurant with the PSU Alumni on gamedays Saturdays. Needless to say, those people are effing crazy…like “I picked a bad week to stop sniffing glue” crazy. Seriously though, PSU fans really are a classy bunch of blokes that have the utmost respect for a team and it’s fans. PSU fans would never display a history of bad behavior and questionable judgment like beer can violence and urine bombing. Every time a Penn State fan shows classiness at Happy Valley, an angel gets it’s wings.

Per usual, YNBA is always here to provide a totally-level headed representation of Penn State and it’s fanbase every time it becomes the least bit relevant on the national stage. I’ll refresh this post again in 2012.

Only one prediction for this weekend….”Pain”

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

Week #9: Penn State University – Open Thread

October 24, 2008 by 10 Comments

Let’s do this thing!

Let’s get this out of the way: we Big Ten fans think this game is pretty much as good as it gets. The “Big Ten Bashers” see this as a worse-case-scenario. An Ohio State victory puts them in good shape to climb the ranks as attrition claims other teams above them. This is pretty much everyone’s nightmare. Maybe even for a few OSU fans.

I’m not exactly sure where I stand with that whole ball of wax.

No need to worry about that now, there’s a game to be played tomorrow night. Let’s look at some previews. First, from the other side of the field: A couple previews from Black Shoes Diary, one statistical, one not so much. And just to get things riled up, here are a couple PSU blogger predictions: PSU 24, OSU 21; PSU 30, OSU 24. I think everyone is looking forward to a close, hard-fought game.

Now, a few previews from the good guys’ side of the field. As always, Buckeye Planet has the match-ups and low-down on the game. The O-Zone has the depth chart and Tony Gerdeman’s preview. My paranoia level was pretty high yesterday, but after reading Tony’s preview, my nerves were actually calmed a bit. A couple nuggets:

Penn State has faced three conference opponents who run the ball. Against those three opponents (Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan), they gave up an average of 180 yards rushing. The Buckeyes come into this game with the top rushing attack in conference play, averaging 201 yards rushing per game.

The amazing thing is that those three opponents put up that average while getting blown out. How much better would those numbers have looked had Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan been able to run the ball all four quarters?

That sound you hear? That’s Beanie licking his chops (and sharpening The Stiff Arm of Justice®)

Michigan attacked the Penn State defense by running Steven Threet, but they mainly stayed within the hash marks with him because he didn’t have the speed to get outside. Pryor has the speed to attack Penn State all over the field, but he must do it quickly. Like last week, go forward as quickly as possible and get positive yardage.

Confidence rising.

The QB match-up is interesting for numerous reasons. Clark wanted to come to OSU and Penn State wanted Terrelle Pryor. Clark helped with the recruitment of Pryor. There are other match-ups, but what if it comes down to junior Daryll Clark vs. freshman Terrelle Pryor?

The weather. Does it play a factor?

There’s no need to hype this game anymore. College Gameday will be in Columbus tomorrow. LeBron James will be there. Primetime, Horseshoe, National TV.

Long waits.

Your completely random change of pace link: Baconnaise.

So it’s prediction contest time once again. This week we’re giving away a copy of 100 Things Buckeyes Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die (Available at Triumph Books and Amazon.com)Currently, the line is favoring Penn State 2.5 points. Who you got? (I know the answer, but I have to ask). Which defense rises up to the challenge? Does Ohio State’s defense hold Penn State’s offense to a smaller number than Penn State holds OSU’s?

Let us know! And let us know how you’ll be passing the time waiting for the 8 o’clock kick off.

el Kaiser’s prediction:
OSU: 30
Penn State: 24

Ohio State’s defense wins the battle, but still gives up chunks of yards early.

sportsMonkey’s prediction:
GAH! This is hard hard hard. I am absolutely befuddled about this game. Penn State owns the stats coming in. But they haven’t won a road game against a ranked opponent in six years. Every year there’s supposed to be a “great” matchup, it ends up being an OSU blowout.

The only constant in all these games is that everyone is always surprised at something. So I guess we’re doomed from the outset at trying to make predictions.

One thing is likely: a PSU win would probably put them in position for the BCS title game. OSU would then likely be selected as an at-large for the Rose. A win against Penn State would put OSU in position… to go to the Rose. So OSU won’t have the same pressure that Penn State is going to have, since win or lose, the Rose Bowl is (right now) the likely destination for this team.

Earlier this week, I was planning to pick PSU by 10 points, but as the week has progressed… (I can’t believe I’ve convinced myself of this…)… I’m thinking OSU wins 23-17. Here’s two reasons why:

  1. PSU’s (relative) weakness is primarily the rush defense. They’re going against the best rushing attack in college football. The offense has played inconsistent through Beanie’s absence and recovery, but if there’s one shining, awesome fact about Ohio State over the past three seasons, it’s that Beanie plays his best in big games. And they don’t get any bigger than this, in this type of environment (home/night/conference championship on the line).
  2. For whatever reason, Tressel seems to have JoePa’s number recently. True, it’s a different year, but the players, coaches, etc. are still the same from the past two years, when OSU cruised to easy victories.

So there you have it. I’m probably wrong, though. But like I said, the one consistent thing about this mini, diet-flavored rivalry (sorry PSU fans) is that the outcome usually surprises us somehow.

Filed Under: Ohio State Football Tagged With: ,

Data against common opponents – 2008 PSU

October 23, 2008 by 1 Comment

OSU FootballThis Saturday, the Buckeyes will have their first game against a team with whom they share one or more common opponents.

Like last year, these weekly tables attempt to compare apples to apples between the good and the bad guys. As the season progresses, the tables get longer and become more reflective of reality. Take the first week or two with a grain of salt – the sample sizes are smaller, and therefore it’s harder to draw meaningful conclusions and/or discern any major chronological trends. This week the issue is compounded a bit by the OSU numbers not reflecting a healthy Beanie Wells – who played at 75% with an injured foot against Wisconsin and with the flu against Purdue. Still, the numbers are useful, especially the defensive ones.

The tables list the opponent(s) in chronological order down the first column, and include the following ‘important’ stats: total points (Pts), total yards (Yds), total first downs (Dwns), and turnovers (TOs); for each team and its opponent (Opp).

Table 1: Penn State

  Pts Pts (opp) Yds Yds (opp) Frst Dwns Dwns (opp) TOs TOs (opp)
Purdue 20 6 422 241 24 16 0 1
Wisconsin 48 7 377 313 22 14 1 4
TOTAL 68 13 799 554 46 30 1 5
AVERAGE 34 6.5 399.5 277 23 15 0.5 2.5

 

Table 2: Ohio State

  Pts Pts (opp) Yds Yds (opp) Frst Dwns Dwns (opp) TOs TOs (opp)
Wisconsin 20 17 327 326 17 19 2 2
Purdue 16 3 222 298 14 18 0 2
TOTAL 36 20 549 624 31 37 2 4
AVERAGE 18 10 274.5 312 15.5 18.5 1 2

 

The values in Table 3 indicate a team’s overall performance, percentage-wise, against the average numbers the common opponents typically allow.

For example, in the table below, PSU scored an average of 31% more points on these common opponents than what those opponents typically allow, while the Lions’ defense held these opponents to 72% fewer points than what they were typically used to, and so on.

Table 3: Performance against what Common Opponents Typically Allow

  % Scoring % Scoring Defense % Yards % Yards Allowed
PSU +31 -72 +9 -27
OSU -31 -57 -25 -28%

 

Notes:
Yowch.

Now, before you Buckeye fans get too depressed about these numbers, it’s worth noting a few things. The defenses are pretty much even, which is good news. Yes, 72% is better than 57%, but the difference is negligible when there is only a four point separation between the two teams. This is reflected in the Yards Allowed column in Table 3.

Offensive production is where the numbers are most disparate. I’m sure Buckeye fans will point out that (1) Beanie’s big toe/flu problem against Purdue, (2) a night game at Camp Randall before Wisco mailed in the rest of its season, and (3) Pryor’s first road start of his career. IMO, excuses. I wouldn’t put much stock in such excuses if they came out of the UM side of the world, so I won’t espouse them here.

I will say, however, that optimism/pessimism aside, none of these charts show intangibles, like injuries, weather, etc. No question that OSU owns the associated intangibles: night game, at the ‘Shoe, in what looks like power-rushing game favoring weather, against an opponent that Tressel & co. have had good historical success against (one that hasn’t played against even a mediocre defense all season long), and with Beanie Wells who just might be above 80% for the first time this season.

But still, the numbers themselves aren’t encouraging. Argue among yourselves.

Filed Under: College Football, Ohio State Football

Michigan State Game Cheers, Jeers and Smears

October 23, 2008 by 4 Comments

A couple days late, but that’s par for our course.

Cheers

Malcolm Jenkins – Jenkins’ decision to come back for his senior year has had the most impact on a Buckeye team since Michael Doss announced his return for one more year in 2002. It’s no coincidence they’re both defensive backs. Or #2’s. Jenkins has been on fire and that didn’t stop this week against Michigan State.

James Laurinaitis – The much bally-hooed “match-up” of Laurinaitis vs. Javon Ringer ended up being woefully lopsided. Little Animal was all over the field once again. He’s quietly having a solid season and his performance against MSU was stellar.

Chris “Beanie” Wells – What more can be said? Two running backs came into this game with heaps of praise. One left with a victory, leaving a trail of stiff-armed helmets in his wake.

Terrelle Pryor – Those floaty passes still make me nervous, but LeBrontium in Cleatsium (two new entries on the Periodic Table of Elements) did most things right Saturday. I noticed they ran fewer option reads, which worked out well. The coaches put him in situations where he was able to play more and not think less.

Jeers

Michigan State – Coming in with an impressive 6-1 record, losing only to a goodish Cal team, this game looked to be a nail-biter. Turns out to be anything but. All the bounces went Ohio State’s way early, taking Michigan State out of their game plan too soon. They needed to be able to chew up yards with Ringer, but being down 21-0 zust like zat forced Hoyer to shoulder the load. He was not able to do this, which brings us to…

Smears

Little Animal – LA’s hit on Hoyer in the 2nd quarter knocked his socks into next week. Seriously. They just showed up today.

I had trouble coming up with any more jeers. Do you have any?

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

Co-Stiff Arms of the Week

October 20, 2008 by 10 Comments

Michigan State received a healthy dose of the Stiff Arm of Justice and was introduced to the as-yet named Stiff Arm wielded by one Terrelle Pryor (of Grace? of Righteousness?). So this week we’re getting a two-fer for the coveted SAotW:

“Separation, Holmes”

Which do you prefer?

Filed Under: Ohio State Football Tagged With: ,

OK – I’ll be the bad guy…

October 19, 2008 by 8 Comments

…and say that we still can’t deduce much of anything from the Buckeye offense after yesterday’s destruction of Sparty.

While it was certainly satisfying to see touchdowns scored – even the most critical of fans must have noticed that whatever could go wrong for Michigan State, did go wrong.

So, in the interests of fostering some reasonable expectations regarding next week’s Big Ten Championship game against Penn State, let’s take a realistic view of yesterday’s game.

Of the Bucks’ 45 points, 14 were scored by the defense. Really, they should be credited with another as well, the first fumble recovery and return deep into the red zone. So that leaves a much more reasonable total of 24 points that the OSU offense actually “earned.”

Continuing the speculation, though, 7 of that 24 came from the Buckeyes benefiting from a one-in-a-million play with Hartline’s big reception. If that play happens 100 times, it results with a first and goal inside the one maybe five times. The other 95 times get split between incompletes, interceptions or catch & tackles.

And how about those fumbles? Have you ever seen a defense so fortuitously served up two (really three) touchdowns? Two balls bounced directly into the hands of running defenders, and one was served up on Cousins’ posterior like a gourmet waterfowl being uncovered on a silver platter by the Queen’s butler.

Oh, and how in the world did OSU recover Ray Small’s muffed punt return? There was one OSU player in the vicinity, and something around fifty green jerseys, yet the ball bounced directly to him.


Knows a thing or two about fortuitous ball bounces

Never in my OSU fan-dom have I seen the team benefit from so many statistically unlikely circumstances.

HOWEVER… even I can understand that one can only take the “what if” game so far. Tressel definitely called off the dogs by late in the second quarter. No way was he planning to run up the score on his old pal and former coach Dino. So even if MSU had stayed in the game, the Vest might have kept attacking, and the outcome would no doubt have remained the same.

And contrary to the first sentence in this post, I’ll concede that we did learn a few small things about the offense. First, we learned that the Buckeyes are improving, if ever so slightly, in red zone offense. Second, it appeared that Tressel has finally surrendered his attempts to turn Pryor into the next Troy Smith, and has finally found a series of plays that are specifically suited for Pryor – the most satisfying of which are the ones that involve the fullback as either a primary (or at least a check-off) receiver. FB Brandon Smith had the best game of his career so far, and Beanie was used as a FB himself from time to time.

We also learned that Pryor has a nifty signature move of his own to match Beanie’s stiffarm – the “leg juke,” which has beaten too many defenders this year to be just coincidentally effective. It’s a slick move against a defender in the open field, where he’ll show a leg going in one direction, snap his hips in the opposite, and wait for the defender to choose the angle (and then go in the opposite direction). For two examples, see his first two TDs (one running, one passing). It’s snazzy, and I think we should come up with a name for it.

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

Week #8 Open Thread

October 18, 2008 by 25 Comments

Here is this week’ Open Thread for available for your commenting pleasure. What’cha watching? Who looks good, who doesn’t?

This will also become the semi-live update for the OSU game.

Ohio State v. Michigan State

This certainly doesn’t bode well.

That 3rd-and-short to Beanie was frustrating, but OSU’s D is looking stout right now.

Beanie and Pryor attacking on the ground with much success.

Ohio State: 7
Michigan State: 0

NOW GO FOR THE JUGULAR!

Beanie is a man possessed. The monkey and I always talk about how he runs “mean”. Now he’s running “mean and nasty”. I love it.

All together now: IT’S ABOUT TIME.

Pryor did a great job eluding the rush, didn’t rush things himself and through a nice pass to Robo.

Ohio State: 14
Michigan State: 0

I just woke up my napping son after Hartline came down with that grab. That thing was a thing of beauty and I want to marry it I love it so much. G’night Sparty. The rout is ON!

Ohio State: 21
Michigan State: 0

Bring Boeckman in!

What’s this? A complete game? The offense and the defense are both playing well?

185 yards of offense in the first quarter? Who is this Buckeye team, and what did they do with the team that’s been playing out there last week?

Second Quarter

Is this the world’s longest Cadillac commercial? I’ve clicked over to the UM/PSU game like three times and it’s still going. (oops, my bad. My DVR had paused the game for me. I R SMRT)

Someone on the sideline or in the booth obviously had an epiphany. Play action passes, roll-out dumps to the TE. And now a little screen to the FB. Kudos to the coaches for pulling their heads out of the sand.

A draw play on 3rd and long? Brilliant!

Ohio State: 28
Michigan State: 0

I’m calling it now: Watch for Tressel to call off the dogs. No way he’s running it up on his boy Dino.

Half-time

Michigan State just got gut-punched.

Third Quarter

Has the defense hit the snooze button? Wake them when it’s the fourth quarter?

Ohio State: 28
Michigan State: 7

Fourth Quarter

I guess the defense was napping — one big hit from who-else and 69 yards goes Thaddues Maximus McSpeedius in the other direction.

Ohio State: 35
Michigan State: 7

Not much more to really type about except for the defense scoring again. I’d like to see that happen more often.

Ohio State: 45
Michigan State: 7

Final

Filed Under: College Football, Ohio State Football

Week #8: Michigan State University – Open Thread

October 17, 2008 by 25 Comments

Ohio State travels to East Lansing to take on the surprisingly good Michigan State Spartans this Saturday, 3:30 PM. The game will be on ABC, barring any brain farts from the ABC operators.

How do the Buckeye fans see it? Buckeye Planet and The O-Zone.

How does Sparty’s fans see it? SpartMSU (seriously, Ringer better than Beanie? Come on guys, let’s be reasonable) and The Enlightened Spartan

What about the “Pros”? ESPN and SI.

For all the attention MSU and Ringer are getting for their good ground attack, they’re actually averaging a yard less than Ohio State is per game (177 to 176). A yard is nothing. But our running game has been without Beanie for over half the season. Let’s not forget who has the best running back in the league (when healthy). (That would be Beanie)

Injuries are hurting OSU right now. It’s a total shame that to see DE Lawrence Wilson go down again. It’s almost unfair. Losing Adams and Shugarts isn’t devastating, but losing the chance at redshirting them hurts nonetheless.

Stay healthy, please!

And now it’s broken record time: We have been begging, pleading for the coaches to Unleash the Beast! Isn’t Ohio State’s motto still “Do Something Great®”? How about the coaches motto being “Do Something Different®”? We are just asking to give the Beast a chance. And yet our cries go unheeded. Will this be the game? Will Michigan State come into this game, ready to take it to the Buckeyes and smack them in the mouth, forcing a change? Will a gut punch get the coaches to turn to page 2 of the playbook? IS THERE A PAGE 2? Someone please help me understand.

So if we’re looking at the status quo come tomorrow at 3:30, we could be in for a long game. Ohio State handled Ringer last year. He’s not a big dude. We can and will have to stop him. But we also have to respond. Pryor needs to relax and let the game come to him. Players need to get along and trust each other. Pessism cannot rule the day. So much to do!

There’s no contest this week, but don’t let that stop you from giving us your predictions on the final score. And who wins the battle on the ground? Beanie or Javon? Let us know.

el Kaiser’s predictions:
OSU: 24 MSU: 20 – It’s going to be a close one, but I think OSU’s defense holds strong and only gives up 2 TDs.
Beanie: 180 yds, Ringer: 149 yds.

sportsMonkey’s predictions:
The situation sets itself up for a very bad day for Sparty. While OSU fans have been a little insecure over the offensive performance over past week or two (myself included), we have to remember that this team is actually underachieving. Conversely, MSU has ridden a one-dimensional scheme into a respectable record, has been overachieving, and overconfidence is brewing as a result.

Both situations will have to balance out sometime, and this weekend is the likely opportunity for it to happen. Sparty is overconfident, not only because of their success under Ringer, but also because of OSU’s struggle last week against Purdue.

I think it’s dangerous to look at OSU’s struggles and underestimate them. Beanie Wells had the flu last week – he did not practice or do drills all week, and was wheezing and gasping on the sidelines – and still put up just shy of 100 yards. MSU’s rushing defense is ranked 8th in the Big10, and that stat includes giving up 140 yards to Sutton last week.

And their quarterback? Hoyer has played for three more full games than Pryor has, yet Pryor has two more TDs on the season (9 touchdowns to Hoyer’s 7). MSU has not shown the ability to win games with their QB yet.

Therefore, that leaves Ringer. Ringer is good, yes, and will give MSU the best chance it has to win the game. But if there is one very, very nice thing about OSU this season, it’s the dependable and consistent play of the defense. This defense – this starting class of the past few years – has not yet failed a challenge against a one-dimensional team (e.g, a team known either for a great back, or a great QB). OSU handled Ringer last year, and a more experienced, veteran defense will probably do the same thing again this Saturday. No question whatsoever – OSU will absolutely keep Sparty to a reasonable amount of points.

That means – shocker! – that OSU will have to depend on its offense to win this one. Who knows which Buckeye team will show up? They seem to be rudderless. I know it’s cliche to say this, but it almost appears as if OSU’s offense (under Pryor) has been playing to the level of its opponent.

With all those factors in mind, I think MSU’s intensity ratchets up the Bucks’ own performance and (if OSU plays like it has been the past month or so) OSU will struggle at times but still win convincingly 20-13. However, if the “balancing” I mentioned above happens, they could easily win this game 41-10.

Either way, Beanie may almost double up Ringer, 160 yds to 90.

Filed Under: College Football, Ohio State Football

Perfect Disharmony

October 16, 2008 by 7 Comments

The mental state of the Buckeyes, re: the current state of Team Unity seems like it is at an all-time low. I read articles like this on the ESPN, and I don’t like what I see.

A rift could be developing in the locker room between older players — particularly wide receivers and tight ends — who remain loyal to Todd Boeckman, and those who side with freshman Terrelle Pryor.

Those who side with Terrelle Pryor? I thought these were the Ohio State University Buckeyes, not the Ohio State Pryors or the University of Boeckmans. This is a team. But it’s naive to think this isn’t going on. For one thing, it’s obvious that the Brians are not happy with the current state of the passing game. But is the QB “controversy” the reason?

Maybe. But it sure helps when receivers a) get open and b) catch the ball.

This is more a case of players getting frustrated with their own decreased roles. Thing is, Ohio State’s wide receivers and tight ends had a chance to make an impact before Tressel made the switch.

What’s this? Someone making sense of the situation? And they work for the ESPN? I don’t believe it! Rittenberg nails it. The offensive woes did not start when Terrelle took the reins. It just hasn’t dramatically improved yet, that’s all. He’s a freshman and needs time. (Ha! Asking college football fans to have patience makes me laugh (see: Michigan fans))

This is a theme going back to the 2007 title game. Fights breaking out in the locker room at halftime, players blaming each other. This does not foster trust. When your teammates come up to you and tell you “we owe you one,” it does not instill confidence.

All these distractions aren’t helping with a tough game coming up in three days.

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

The more things change the more they stay the same…

October 14, 2008 by 2 Comments

This was an echoing statement during the course of my entire trip back to old Columbus town this past weekend.

After the standard Northwest Airlines red-eye from Seattle to Columbus (via 4-fricken-hour layover in Detroit), I spent most of the day recovering from sleep deprivation, which is odd as I slept on both flights and generally gained more sleepy time than I would in a typical evening back in the Jet City. Some red-eyes are good and some are decidedly “no bueno.”

Friday marked the arrival of one of my buddies from Washington that decided he wanted to experience the finer points of Columbus, Ohio. Believe it or not there are plenty of things to do in this city…just that most of them revolve around a combination of sports and alcohol/food consumption.

Ohio State Ice Hockey

My “ladyfriend” (she loves it when I call her this…really) my buddy, and I headed down to Value City Arena for some OSU Ice Hockey. Whoa…what a way to start off the sporting weekend. The OSU Ice Hockey (sprinkled with a bunch of youngsters) took on the #8 team in the country and fierce rival, the Miami Redhawks. It was a game of momentum swings as OSU was up on Miami most of the game, but a late call on OSU gave Miami a 5-on-3 advantage and it was able to capitalize on the power play to tie the game to go into overtime. The game ended tied through overtime at 3-3. The game went to a shootout (new rule for this year), which OSU was able to win 3-1. Good times…an exciting game and things look on the up-and-up for the Hockey Buckeyes. For Markell’s sake, I hope this a good season (regardless of the team age factor…or where they were picked to finish in the CCHA this year), as his coaching future at OSU likely depends on a good season this year. By the way, Miami hockey fans…learn some original cheers. There is a reason OSU fans don’t do them, and that is because we don’t want to copy from Michigan, which copied them from Cornell. You guys sound like idiots. At least do something cool besides the “It’s all your fault.. It’s all your fault.” Maybe pull out a Wisconsin-esque that’s debatable and go across conferences. Maybe you guys can start the O-H-I-O around the football stadium on Big Ben Appreciation Day with that capacity crowd of 2,500.

Next topic…

Saturday was the standard trip to Northstar Café for yummy breakfast goodness (Did you ever notice they never make enough Ham-and-Cheese scones at that place?). Skull Session Entrance for the band. Over to Hineygate for some liquid libations and onward to the stadium for the “band” stuff. It was interesting to bring someone out here that had no idea what a gameday was like in Columbus and the utter chaos of pre-gaming and Hineygate and the crazy fanaticism involved with the OSU Marching Band. I kept mentioning the activities that we needed to see and that involved the band, which brought the looks of ‘seriously?’ I guess some of may take for granted the greatness of the OSU Marching Band at that a lot of schools don’t have the type of love for it’s band (ahem…Washington).

OSU Football

Oh yeah..that’s right there was a little event that took place on Saturday, as well. OSU and Purdue played a game of who’s offense was more inept for 4 quarters. Purdue won, but not for a lack of OSU trying it’s best. The defense and the special teams were fantastic for the Buckeyes. The offense seemed to have a Ro-Shambo session with itself every time it got inside of the 20-yard line and field goals seemed to be the main course of the day. I would be remiss if I did not mention the blocked punt by Mr Jenkins and resulting touchdown by Etienne Sabino in the first quarter. Outside of the offense (sounds like the entire team has the flu right now…especially on the offense) and pretty solid defense, the only disappointment that I had with the game was the fake field goal that stopped by a whistle in the second quarter. From our seats, it looked like AJ had so much room to run, he probably could have “speed-walked” for a first down. Terelle Pryor looked meh on this day. You can tell that he wants to throw the ball, but the defenses are starting to take away the quick slant or at least minimizing it’s effectiveness, as there were a few times that the Purdue linebackers and D-Backs were waiting for the receiver to catch it and not allowing the OSU wide receivers to make a play. Terelle’s play is a double-edged sword right now. We all want him to become an actual Quarterback, but if he sees a lane that he can exploit from any formation…he needs to take it sometimes. The designed QB runs are awkward (even the option looked decidedly worse this week, which should improve when Beanie gets rid of the sniffles and Herron gets the cobwebs cleaned out of his head).and you just wish that a little 2005 Troy Smith would crawl into TP’s head. 2005 Troy Smith’s ad-hoc running ability is what opened up the intermediate passing routes and allowed to him exploit both the underneath and 12-17 yard route with more regularity as the season progressed. Michigan State will be a challenge…especially if this weekend’s offense shows up next weekend.

Postgame activities included a “long” stop at one of the few remaining bars that actually stills existed from my times in Columbus…The Stube. Same bathrooms…Same 12-15 songs on the jukebox….Same beer prices. Same smell…and of course…same Stube magic.

Good to be back in cowtown with family and friends…even on a limited basis…

Other weekend observations:

  • The Columbus Bluejackets started off the weekend right by spoiling the season opener for the Dallas Stars (who are pretty good…but Marty Turco is still a bag of douche) on Friday and showed signs of being on a back-to-back on Saturday when they lost to the Coyotes (who are teh suck).
  • Michigan…moving on…Amstutz was given a lifetime supply of Tony Packo’s for this accomplishment.
  • A big shout out to Wisconsin for mailing in it’s season after losing a tough one to the Buckeyes last weekend. I am not even sure why they bothered showing up for this one. At least put up a fight on your home turf…gutless.Penn State is a good team, but they are not that good..imo.
  • Talk about paper-champions. Mizzou had that deer-in-headlights look (Us Buckeye fans are familiar with that look, see BCS Championship game film from 2006 and 2007) against Okie State on Saturday evening. They got punched in the face and the plan went straight out the window. I may be the only person that thinks this way, but as soon as Mizzou was behind in the game I pretty much knew that Okie State was going to win. Call it body language…call it Chase Daniels waiting for someone to spit on him…whatevah…
  • Looks like dreams can come true. Washington State lost to Oregon State eleventy-billion to three. The “0-fer” Apple Cup to decide the Pac-10 basement is one step closer to becoming a reality.
  • It has been a few years since OSU and Texas squared off in Austin, but it was nice to see Colt McCoy get a much deserved win against Oklahoma. Cant help but feel good for that team, which was getting no press leading up until this game.
  • Finally, there have been a few articles about some of the players wanting to see Boeckman in there from time to time. I’m not against it, but not sure if it sends the right message to Pryor at this point in his development.

~YNBA~

Filed Under: Blogging, Ohio State Football, Ohio State Hockey
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