We’re just a little under 36 hours away from bedlam in Iowa City. The whole town is bracing for a Scarlet and Gray onslaught. Tickets are being sold at a premium. The Buckeyes will be dealing with a pink locker room. This is the first time College Game Day has been in Iowa City in ten years. Simply put, this is Iowa’s championship game. And the atmosphere is electric.

Unfortunately for the Hawkeyes, history is not on their side. They’ve played the #1 team 8 times. Their record is 0-7-1. Not very impressive. There is more at stake, though, in the history department. Ohio State was drubbed by Iowa, in Kinnick Stadium, in 2004. Ohio State repaid the drubbing last year, driving Drew Tate crazy (see above for photographic evidence. I love that picture!). Each team has redemption (and revenge) on their minds. It’s going to be nasty out there. Someone’s leaving on a stretcher, I can just feel it.

For a taste of some previews of the big game, you can read Sports Illustrated’s here. Another in-depth preview by Buckeye Planet is available here. Keith has some thoughts about the game at Buckeye Commentary (Keith, help me find your permalinks!). I love that Keith mentioned the Iowa tight ends. Remember when they used to stand at the line of scrimmage (under Hayden Fry)? I always loved the look of those formations. Pfef has his preview up, as well. O-Zone takes a look here.

So how do we see it? As I mentioned earlier, history is on our side. We’ve won nine of the last ten meetings against Iowa. Their running game hasn’t really got things going lately, but they have a competent 1,000-yard back in Albert Young. Their defense lost some key linebackers (sound familiar?) but is still strong. But this game begins and ends with Drew Tate. What he’s able to do and what the Buckeyes can do to contain him will go a long way in determining the outcome of the game. If our ends can keep him contained, forcing him inside (into the teeth of the defense, also known as Little Animal) when he wants to run, we should handle Iowa easily. If he can get out on the corners, he’s extremely dangerous. He can throw on the run and he can gash defenses with his legs. I imagine we’ll have a spy on him at all times, following him like a hawk. (Get it? A buckeye following him like a hawk? A Hawkeye? I give up). Also, don’t forget, Tate sat out the game against Syracuse with a strained abdominal muscle. Has he recovered 100% from that? Will he re-aggravate it trying to spin out of a Gholston or Pitcock sack?

For OSU to be successful, Troy will have to find his rythm early and Pittman will be called on to grind up chunks of yards. Pittman has proven to be a reliable workhorse and Troy should feel more comfortable with favorable weather conditions. If Gonzo and Ginn get back to their Texas-form, it’s going to be a long night for the Hawkeyes. If Iowa can shut down the run, Troy will shred their secondary. If they play a lot of nickel (like we did against Texas) Pittman (and Wells and Wells) will have their way with the defense. Factoring in the hostile crowd should have some effect, but I don’t think it’s going to be on the level of Penn State last year. They expect 35,000 Buckeye fans in Iowa city tomorrow night and you know there will be a big showing in the stadium.

So how do you guys see it? Vegas has the the Buckeyes favored by 7. I think that’s a fair line, but I think the Buckeyes win by more.

Some predictions around the college football blogosphere:

Bemusement Park – OSU: 24 Iowa: 13
Buckeye Banter – OSU: 31 Iowa: 17
Pfef has OSU: 28 Iowa 14

As is tradition, we’ve got a couple more things to slap some virtual money down on:

Who gains the most yards, Troy Smith or Drew Tate?

What about their total production (o/u: 700 yards)?

How many turnovers does Lauranaitis cause (o/u 1.5)?

Is this the game Teddy Ballgame breaks out on special teams?

el Kaiser’s predictions:
Final score: OSU: 27 Iowa: 14
Troy Smith out-duels Drew Tate, accounting for over 400 yards for the Buckeyes
I’m going over on total production: 750 yards from the two of them
Lauranaitis keeps the turnovers coming, but is only responsible for one this time
Does Ted break out? Yes! Please! Teddy, this is your night to shine!

SportsMonkey’s predictions:
Final score: OSU: 41 Iowa: 13
Most yards, Smith or Tate?: Smith had an awesome game last year against Iowa. It will happen again.
Total production: Over – 799. OSU accounts for about 500 yards of it; Iowa, about 250ish.
Little Animal Turnovers: Unknown. I’m predicting two for the defense.
Does Ted break out?: Not on punt returns. Iowa’s special teams are pretty well disciplined there (#3 in the country in fewest yards allowed during put returns). They’re pretty bad on kickoff coverage, so TGII might have a shot there (although OSU has only returned 8 kickoffs all year, so he might be a bit rusty!).
Other comments: Ordinarily, having a night game at home is a great advantage, especially when you have a good team. But Iowa’s advantage is minimized by OSU’s “been there done that” experience in the bowl-like atmospheres of Texas and PSU. Lastly, Iowa’s defense is similar to, if a bit weaker than, Texas’ defense. And we all remember what happened three weeks ago.

Zeke’s predictions:
Final score: OSU: 30 Iowa: 16
Most yards, Smith or Tate?: No brainer, Smith out-gains Tate by at least 100 yards. Prediction: Smith accounts for 365 yards while Tate gains 240.
Total production: Under (see above) – 605 yards for Smith and Tate combined.
Little Animal Turnovers: LA has an interception in each of the last 3 games, that trend continues. Chalk up another interception for Lauranaitis against Iowa; however, he does not cover the o/u with only 1 turnover.
Does Ted break out?: It would be great to see him “break out” this week and return a punt or kick-off for a TD, but his presence alone gives the Buckeyes and advantage on punt returns. How many times have we seen an opposing punter shank it out of bounds while trying to keep it out of Ginn’s hands. Field Position people Field Position. We will see a return TD before the season is over, it is only a matter of time.

Details are still sketchy, but authorities are positive of one thing: Coach Tressel is involved in the disappearance. Whether he is keeping them hidden for strategic purposes, or for fear of injury, he has no doubt arranged for their abduction.

A tip has been received that the missing may show up this weekend in Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. If they don’t appear there, they’ll probably stay in hiding until November 18th in Columbus, Ohio.

But they will appear, folks. They will appear.

A few thoughts from the Buckeyes tough win over Penn State.

As those that were at the Horseshoe can attest, it was sloppy weather most of the game. Rain came down in buckets at times and seemed to make a mess of things. That being said, the Buckeyes still came out a little flat in the first half and didn’t really move the ball against Penn State’s defense. While I wasn’t impressed with Posluszny’s play, Dan Connor played very well. The running game didn’t get going until later and Troy Smith’s passes weren’t crisp. He had a few tipped at the line and a few fly higher than his usual, accurate, passes fly. Zeke mentioned that he wasn’t setting his feet before he threw the ball. He was on the run more than once, but that usually isn’t a problem. A wet ball may also have affected his accuracy, but he still had a handful of passes dropped. He had Ted Ginn flying down the middle of the field, working the DB to the outside and Troy’s pass went outside and was intercepted. After an 100+ passes without an interception, it was weird to see the ball go the other way.

The second half was all Buckeyes, or more accurately, all defense. The Buckeyes went on the attack on the ground, grinding out yards with Pittman, who had another solid 110 yards on 20 carries. Smith’s touch came back to him when he scrambled out of PSU’s hands to hit Robiskie in the end zone. Penn State made a move in the fourth quarter, driving down to the goalline, but the Buckeyes stood tall and held them to a field goal. The defense then had a field day, intercepting two passes and returning them for touchdowns.

So what was the issue in the first half? Was it the weather? I’m sure that was some of it. Penn State played inspired defense to start out, but OSU wore them down eventually. Troy’s numbers weren’t great, which concerns me a bit. He needs to get that accuracy back before Iowa next week.

The defense still gave up a lot of yards on the ground, but only 106 yards through the air. Holding another opponent under 250 yards total offense and less than a touchdown was a solid effort. Three interceptions was good to see and getting pressure on the QB looked easy. The defense is continuing to improve and should be ready for Iowa’s challenge.

Should be a great one next week.

Buckeye Commentary has a recap of some bulletin board material that Penn State’s safety, Donnie Johnson, has provided the Buckeyes, free of charge. The question that always comes up is whether this kind of trash talking makes a difference. Does it really motivate the players anymore? I would think the 17-10 loss last year in Happy Valley is more motivation than someone saying, “I have no respect for Ohio State whatsoever.” That being said, I think, to an extent, it will still provide a certain amount of fuel to the fire. I would imagine it will fire up the team when they run out on the field, the kick-off, the first time Pitmann runs over Johnson or Ginn runs past him, but after that it won’t mean much.

Black Shoes Diary, a Penn State blog has a good preview of the game up, with a prediction of OSU 24: PSU: 13. Gutsy to pick against your team, but probably not that much of a stretch.

The depth chart for the Penn State game is up at The O-Zone. The only real change was the Tim Schafer was replaced at RG by Steve Rehring (who was “Lineman of the Week” after the Cincinnati game). That makes for a pretty meaty left side of the offensive line (Rehring at 329, Boone at 325). Look for Pitmann to run wild over there.

Buckeye Planet, as always, has an excellent and exhaustive preview of the Penn State game.

Vegas has the line at 16.5 points. What’s your call?

I’m setting the OSU offensive production line at 400 yards (weather has been taken into consideration). Over or under?
How many yards to Troy Smith contribute to those 400? (o/u 280 yds)
The Buckeyes had 8 sacks last week. I doubt they’ll have 8 again, so how many sacks do you see? (o/u 5)
Ted Ginn Jr. still hasn’t broken a big return. Is this the game he finally hits paydirt?

Feel free to add your predictions, thoughts on the game, trash talking, whatever you like in the comments.

Update: Everyday Should be Saturday looks at the OSU/PSU matchup from a different point of view.

Overall advantage: Paterno. Based on these six extremely scientific metrics, we’re forced to pick Penn State in this game. And since it is science, don’t even attempt to contest this pick, since it’s obviously incontrovertible empirical truth. We’re going to find fresh victims for Joe Pa now.

el Kaiser’s predictions:
Final Score: OSU: 37 PSU: 6
Offensive production: Under, 399 yards
Troy Smith’s yards: Under, 240 yards
Sack production: Over, 6
Ted Ginn comes close, but still doesn’t find the end-zone on special teams

sportsMonkey’s predictions:
Final Score: OSU: 31 PSU: 9
Offensive production: Over, 401 yards
Troy Smith’s yards: Under, 225 yards
Sack production: 5
TGII’s return TDs: Not this week… a wet field almost always favors the kickoff teams. But, I still think he provides some fireworks (see below).
Comments: Between the O-line’s reshuffling and the horrible weather forecast, I wonder if Sweatervest might be planning to return to Tresselball for this matchup. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a grinding ground game, some two TE formations, etc. There hasn’t been a reverse run this year, so with the slippery grass and PSU’s rep for overpursuing on defense, I’m betting that Tressel gets the ball in Ginn’s hands on a reverse attempt (those usually go for TDs). I’m hoping, also, that Smith’s feet return this week, for about 50 yards total. The backfield puts up at least another hundred.

Zeke’s predictions:
Final Score: OSU: 34 PSU: 13
Offensive production: Over, 469 yards
Troy Smith’s yards: Under, 277 yards
Sack production: Over, 6
No Return TD for Ginn this week.

It has been brought to our attention that Lydell Ross, the former RB at OSU (2001-2004) who made everyone but Indiana’s defense look good, has decided to put his 2002 National Championship ring up for auction on eBay (auction link) (h/t: O-Zone Forums). We’re puzzled here at MotSaG as to why Lydell would sell off this beautiful piece of OSU Football memorabilia. We’re not even sure Lydell himself is selling the ring but it’s still odd to see it show up on eBay, of all places. With little more than simple guess work, we’ve assembled a handful of reasons why the ring is up for grabs:

• It was found in a bathroom stall at Pure Platinum, under a pile of crumpled coupons that read “Pure Plantanium.”
•  
• Lydell wanted to help out his buddy [HWSNBN] and decided to donate to his legal defense fund.
•  
• Ex-OSU lineman Nick Mangold had a boil on his back lanced and the ring fell out.
•  
• It was upsetting his body’s balance, aggravating his chronic turf toe.
•  
• Being a punching bag for the Bengals and Chargers never paid very well.

Hopefully Lydell’s situation isn’t so dire that he needs to sell his hardware, but if anyone is willing to donate $6000+ to MotSaG, we’ll gladly ensure it has a safe resting place.

One final note: How cool is it that OSU put the 2002 OSU/UM score on their national championship ring? (OSU – 14, UM – 9.) Now that’s a rivalry.

Remember last year, after the heart-breaking lost to Texas, when San Diego State came into the ‘Shoe, took the first play 80 yards for a TD, and everyone was thinking “What just happened?” Yeah, I don’t think that’s happening this year. There will be no hangover.

Cincinnati comes into Columbus 1-1, their victory coming over 1-AA Eastern Kentucky and losing to Pitt. Not the most impressive credentials. In the past, Ohio teams have come into Columbus with in-state players that have big chips on their shoulders, having been passed over by Ohio State. This would sometimes lead to games that were closer than they should be, but this year that will not be the case. The Bearcats are going to be over-powered by the Buckeyes talent, speed, and depth. Pity the Bearcats.

This game presents the coaching staff with a good chance to get a lot of reps for a lot of players. The game should be well in hand by the middle of the second quarter, allowing for the starters to get a breather before Big Ten play starts and let some other players get somewhat meaningful game time. It should also give the defense time to work on fundamental things like tackling and stopping the run. Cinci’s rushing attack is not very good, so the Buckeyes won’t be tested by it, but they still need to work on shedding blockers, form tackling and getting penetration. This game should be an excellent opportunity to do that.

The O-Zone has a preview and prediction of 38-0. This game is going to be ugly, people. Vegas has the Buckeyes favored by 29.5. I doubt Tressel will run the score up on Dantonio, but I predict the defense will score once, as well as on special teams, so the Buckeyes could easily cover the spread.

So how bad is going to be? What’s your prediction? How about a couple more predictions to make:

How many tackles will John Kerr record? (o/u at 1)

How many rushing yards do the Buckeyes hold the Bearcats to? (o/u at 40)

Which non-starter has the best day?

How long until the game is “over” (i.e. the Buckeyes are in cruise control)?

el Kaiser’s predictions:
Final Score: Ohio State: 41 Cincinnati: 0

John Kerr’s tackles: under, 0.5 (another assist)
Cinci’s rushing yards: under, 28
Best backup: Maurice Wells (after Tressel puts it in cruise control, Maurice will eat up chunks of yards as we run the ball all over Cinci)
By the third possesion, the game will be over and the score will be 28-0 (OSU will have scored either on defense or special teams)

Zeke’s Predictions:
Final Score: Ohio State: 37 Cincinnati: 6

John Kerr’s tackles: over, 1.5

I am giving Kerr the benefit of the doubt since he is listed atop the depth chart this week and should get some playing time; however, I would completely agree with Pfef’s analysis of John Kerr’s non-existent presence so far this year.

Cinci’s rushing yards: over, 53
Best backup: Kaiser, good choice with one of the two Wells’ at running back, I predict Lawrence Wilson will have a good game. Mark it down, 1.5 sacks for Wilson.
Game “Over”: The Buckeyes will take a 21-0 lead with 3:53 left in the first quarter, cruising to a 37-6 victory. Bring on the Big Ten.

sportsMonkey’s predictions:
Final Score: Ohio State: 52 Cincinnati: 3

John Kerr’s tackles: under, 0.5 (another assist)
Cinci’s rushing yards: under, 12
Best backup: Toss-up between Beanie or Robo (Chris Wells or Bryan Robiskie – assuming Robo doesn’t start in the slot).
When is game over: When Cinci gets off the bus.

Comments: Finding it hard to get excited for this game – it’s been a tough week. The Texas hype burnt me out a bit, and this week’s practice scrimmage against the Bearcats isn’t enough to get me fired up. I’ll still watch the game, but this weekend is all about LSU/Auburn, ND/UM, and USC/Nebraska. By Monday, we should have a pretty definitive idea of which five or six teams will compete for the two slots in the BCS championship game this year.

Update (post-Game): Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to your 2006 Heisman Trophy winner, Troy Smith. We here at MotSaG tip our hat to Troy, who played a flawless game. Almost all incompletions were drops, he stood in the pocket and was in complete control. Troy had made a bad throw or two, but looked amazing.

Some semi-live blogging:

The first quarter just came to an end with Gonzo carrying the Buckeyes all the way down the field, capping off the drive with a catch in the Endzone.

Buckeyes 7, Texas 0

Half just came to an end, but Ohio State got completely jobbed on the roughing the passer call. Everyone watching this game knew that was a bad call, but Texas had a nice drive to punch the ball to tie the game. But Texas can not stop Troy Smith, he is absolutely shredding Texas’ secondary. The 29 yard TD to Ted Ginn Jr. with 11 seconds left in the half was a thing of beauty. Ohio State goes in at the half winning.

Buckeyes 14, Texas 7

Some half time thoughts:

I’m a little nervous that we’re having trouble stopping the run. Charles has been better than Young, but they’re both playing well. McCoy has only thrown a couple passes downfield, but he’s playing well. Our Defense has been better than I thought we’d be, but stopping the running game needs to be a priority.

Troy Smith is looking great, laser accurate and patient as heck. Gonzalez has completely owned Texas’ defensive backs and Ginn is playing well. We haven’t been running the ball well, but we haven’t had to. Here’s to a great second half.

McCoy made his first mistake, throwing over the middle right to Lauranatais, setting up the only 3rd quarter score.

Buckeyes 17, Texas 7

With two minutes left in the fourth quarter, I think it’s safe to say that Ohio State validated their top ranking. It seemed like Texas threw in the towel around the five minute mark, with Colt McCoy running an option play on third and long. That was a little disappointing to seem them so deflated, but they got absolutely worked.

Congratulations, Ohio State, the #1 team in the nation.

Ohio State 24
Texas 7
Final

Wow, I can’t believe it’s actually here – the day before the Texas game. Buckeye fans have been looking forward to this day for quite some time, and now we’re just a day away. This game has been dissected, turned inside out, analyzed and then reanalyzed. Then the analysis has been put through a strainer, reducing this game to the essence of pure, unadulterated College Football. #1 versus #2. Two heavy-weights, slugging away at each other, one looking for revenge, the other, validation. For one, the path to the BCS Title Game becomes easier. The other stumbles but certainly doesn’t fall. For 3+ hours on Saturday Night, all eyes will be on Austin.

And we can’t wait!

So for your reading pleasure, allow us to present some of that analysis. We’ve got you previews from:

The O-Zone’s Preview
CBS SportsLine’s preview
The 614’s Texas Preview
Pfef looks at the keys to the game
Buckeye Commentary has a bunch of links more previews
A little pregame voting on ESPN (When I voted, 41.2% had picked OSU to win in a close finish and 38% voting Texas to win in a close finish. Only 4.8% had picked Texas to easily win.)

BuckeyeXtra has a recap of the defensive… shortcomings in the NIU game. It also has the best quote from Selvin Young describing Garrett Wolfe: “Those guys were getting their feet wet against a scatback who can make anyone miss in a phone booth.”

Word is that tens of thousands of Buckeye Fans will be descending on Austin this weekend. This seems to rub this Dallas columnist the wrong way. (He does redeem himself here, though)

Lots of bloggers were talking to each other this week. I find this is funny, because I thought this was war, but whatever. You’ve got the guys at Burnt Orange Nation interviewing Keith from Buckeye Commentary. Then, Keith returns the favor.

Pfef also joins the fray, interviewing one of the guys at Bevo Sports.

Are you a college football fan but you don’t have a dog in this fight? BaggyPantsDevil at the MZone looks at this dilemma and decides he’ll be rooting for Texas.

So what about the game? Currently, the Longhorns are favored by 2.5. So what’s your prediction?

Last week, we kept track of how long it was before the specter of [HE WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED] was brought up by the commentators. It took them less than half an hour. We’re taking bets on this week. Right now, the line is at 5 minutes. Right after they mention the suspension of Brown.

Some other things we’re willing to bet on:

How many interceptions does Colt McCoy throw? (over/under at 1.5)
How many rushing yards does Troy Smith have? (over/under at 50)
How many times does Texas sack Troy? (o/u at 2.5)
How many man-hours will be lost today in Columbus and Austin as people discuss the game with friends and co-workers? (no line)
How many times do they show Kirk Herbstreit in the booth, as a favor for the lady fans (and me)? (over/under at 5)
How many times does Musberger call Ted Ginn Jr. “Teddy”? (o/u at 5.5)

MotSaG Predictions:
el Kaiser

Final score: OSU: 37 – Texas: 31
McCoy’s INTs: 1 (under)
TS rushing yards: 95 (over)
Texas sacks: 2 (under)
Man-hours: I know I’ll personally be responsible for the loss of dozens of hours in my office, especially while I chat with theMonkey.
Kirk Herbstreit shots: NOT ENOUGH
Musberger: He calls TGJ “Teddy” once and Herbstreit pushes him out of the press box.

sportsMonkey
Final score: Texas rallies in the fourth quarter to bring the score close, but the new time rules bite them in the ol’ Horns hide and they come up short. OSU: 31 – Texas: 27.
McCoy’s INTs: 1 (under). I still think he makes two turnovers, though. Either two INTs or an INT and a fumble.
TS rushing yards: 70 (over)
Texas sacks: 2 (under) One of them will be technically called a sack, but will actually be a TS rush for a loss.
Man-hours: How many hours are there in a week? Yeah, whatever that number is, plus five.
Kirk Herbstreit shots: Eleventy billion.
Musberger: 5.5. The half comes from when he catches & corrects himself. Late in the game Herbie takes the open container away from Brent as punishment.

Zeke
Final score: OSU: 27 – Texas: 23
McCoy’s INTs: 1 (under)
TS rushing yards: 42 (under)
Texas sacks: 3 (over)
Man-hours: I was stuck in the Blackwell (for those of you not from Columbus, the Blackwell is a hotel on tOSU campus) at a conference all day, so I was not able to contribute to the man hours lost yesterday.
Kirk Herbstreit shots: Definitely over 5
Musberger: I would say the o/u is exceeded after we hear welcome to Austin and before the kickoff. Can I get a “Holy Teddy”?

Predictions around the blogosphere:
I’m an ideas man: OSU: 35 Texas: 31
Burnt Orange Nation: Texas: 27 OSU: 24
Heisman Pundit: OSU: 24 Texas: 19
Blog for the Sports Gamer: OSU: 31 Texas: 17

Feel free to leave your predictions in the comments, or if you’re a blogger, send us a link or trackback to your post!