It wasn’t as dominating of a win as fans would have liked it to be, but that’s true of pretty much every game Ohio State has played this year. Regardless, the Buckeyes are still undefeated after holding off the pesky Minnesota. Today, OSU visits an Illinois team that while not great, isn’t terrible either. They tend to blow out much worse teams and get blown out by much better teams. There was a stretch where the Illini won close games against Middle Tennessee and Nebraska, then lost close games against Iowa and Wisconsin.

J.T. Barrett will be back in the starting QB spot today after his one-game suspension, and—barring injury or further disciplinary action—that’s unlikely to change for the rest of the year. Even though it took way longer than anyone expected, the Ohio State Quarterback SituationTM appears to finally be resolved. The Illinois defense is surprisingly not awful, so don’t be shocked if the Buckeyes take another quarter or so to get going this week.

Michigan had little trouble dispatching the woeful Rutgers last week, and are likely feeling good heading into their road match up against Indiana. Like Illinois, the Hoosiers saw a promising early season derailed once they got into conference play. In fact, Indiana is 4-0 this year against non-Big Ten teams and 0-5 against Big Ten teams. Those records can be a bit misleading, however. Only one of their non-conference wins was by more than a touchdown, and their losses to conference front-runners Ohio State and Iowa were only by a combined 15 points.

Jake Rudock finally had a showcase game last week throwing for 337 yards and 2 touchdowns, as well as adding another touchdown (and a completely unnecessary 2-point conversion) on the ground. That this explosion came against Rutgers, one of the worst passing defenses in the country makes it a little less impressive, but for the first time this season, Rudock has proven that he can contribute significantly to the offense, and that’s going to be important going forward.

The key for both Ohio State and Michigan today is to not get caught looking ahead. The Buckeyes’ next two games are against Michigan State and Michigan, while the Wolverines take on Penn State before this year’s edition of The Game. Those three games are going to decide the Big Ten East. Penn State is out of the running. Ohio State and Michigan State can win the division by winning out. Michigan needs to win out and another Michigan State loss, which means they’ll be cheering hard for Maryland today, so they don’t have to cheer for Ohio State next week.

Last week I gave my prediction on where I thought some of the seniors on the 2015-2016 Ohio State Football Team would be drafted. As I promised at the end of that, I am back to give my prediction on where (or if) some underclassmen will be drafted.

Again, it is a sad subject to talk about, especially since the season still has a long ways to go, but every player that has ever played or is playing college football has or will leave that college/university. It’s part of the game. So, let’s go ahead and start.

Joey Bosa - The 6’6″ 275 lb true junior defensive end out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida is practically a household name now. Many Ohio State fans are holding on to the hope that Joey will want to stay for his senior season to play with his younger brother, Nick. Stay and risk injury, or go and make millions? That’s why he is a sure pick to leave early for the NFL draft.

In his first two seasons with the Buckeyes, Joey was selected as an All American during both (Freshman All-American, then Unanimous All-American). Just last year, he posted 21 TFL, and 13.5 sacks. Many people think that he displayed such dominance last year that if he would’ve been eligible to be in the NFL Draft last year, he potentially could’ve been the #1 overall pick.

The scary thing? He is even better this year. Some media members like to criticize him because of his low sack totals this year, but it’s obvious he is a very dominant force. “Joey Bosa is as disruptive as any defensive player I’ve ever been around.” said Urban Meyer. Joey even rates out as the highest edge rush defender in the country.

I don’t think I need to say much more on him. Watch any game and you will notice him very quickly. Larry Johnson uses him all over the D-Line, and it creates matchup nightmares for any player going against him. Without help from a double team, or a chip from a RB or TE, it’s nearly impossible to stop Joey Bosa from getting to the backfield.

Prediction - 1st overall draft pick.

Ezekiel Elliott - “Zeeeeeekkkkkkeeee!” The 6’0″ 225 lb RB from St. Louis, Missouri is an even more commonly heard name than Joey Bosa. He is the pride of Ohio State fans. Any time he runs the ball, you will hear a cry of his name throughout the entire stadium. That is, of course, for a good reason. He shredded each of the final three teams of Ohio State’s 2014 season on the way to leading the team to their first championship in 12  years. He even went 85 yards through the heart of Alabama.

Zeke is certainly a unique type of back for Ohio State, but he gives the team everything they could ever want out of him. He is a great rusher, with every game of the season being over 100 yards rushing. He is a great blocker, being the only RB in the country that still has a 100% blocking percentage. He is also an excellent receiver out of the backfield; constantly being called to play in the slot. He is what you would call a “complete” back.

With his unique blend of speed and size, he has the attention of every single NFL team. Even though the RB position may be endangered, teams still need a solid RB and run game to be a good team. As long as he stays healthy and continues to compete and play well throughout the season, he will be a high draft pick.

Prediction - Mid 1st round

Cardale Jones - The 6’5″ 250 lb RS Junior QB from Cleveland, Ohio has had quite the rollercoaster of a ride in terms of his draft stock. As you guys know, he was the 3rd string RB that appeared to always be that one career bench warming QB. Then, Braxton and J.T. went down, and it was suddenly the Cardale Jones show. He came out and made an unforgettable appearance on the brightest stage in college football. He was at the helm of the offense as the team won three consecutive and historical games to eventually win the National Championship. He was 12 gauge, the man full of swag, the king of college football.

After practically declining an invitation to be a fairly high (probably 2nd round) draft pick, he went on to then start for the Buckeyes as they started their season against Va Tech. He looked like typical Dale. Gun slinger with a kind of slow, yet physical running style. He went on to start the next 6 games, but after multiple poor games, he was replaced by J.T.. After the #FailforCardale commotion, people began to question his future as an NFL QB.

Now back as a 2nd string, scouts and teams mostly want to see how Dale responded to the demotion. He made a good showing, and had good comments from Urban for being ready to again replace J.T. because of his OVI before Minnesota. But, he had yet another poor football showing. So, does he have the skills to be a pro QB? No doubt. He has all the tools in the world, it’s just a matter of if he can put them together again.

Also, I think Cardale will not risk staying another year to potentially stay J.T.’s back-up and continue to lose draft stock. He will leave in my opinion.

Prediction - 4th round, mostly just due to potential

Michael Thomas - The 6’3″ 210 lb RS Junior WR from Los Angeles, California is a true force on the outside for the Buckeyes. This soft-spoken, yet physical player is a real leader for not only his unit, but for the entire team. “At practice, [Mike’s] the guy that I always go to,” Meyer said. “He’ll come talk to me about tempo at practice or things, any issues that I need to deal with. He’s really taken on a little bit of the Jeff Heuerman role for me.” said Urban.

Michael Thomas is arguably the best route runner in the nation. If you need proof, look no further:

Michael is also very sure handed (only 1 drop on the season), and he has a very good sense of where the sideline is. He is the type of player that you can throw to almost every play, and he will make the catch. “He’s always had the ability,” wide receivers coach Zach Smith said. “Mike’s biggest battle was consistency. He’s always had those moments every now and then where you just go, ‘Wow!'”

Michael is consistently ranked either 1st or 2nd in wide receiver rankings for this draft class (Laquon Treadwell is the other). The only knock people have on him is that he isn’t a true deep threat. Although he isn’t a Devin Smith, he can create some separation downfield.

Also, he is no doubt declaring for the draft this year, because he was in the senior picture at media day, even though he obviously isn’t a senior.

Only non-senior in the senior picture is Michael Thomas. He is above Bryce Haynes (41), and to our left of Jacoby Boren (50), and below Jack Willoughby (98)

Darron Lee - The 6’2″ 235 lb RS Sophomore LB from New Albany, Ohio is certainly a force to be reckoned with on the defensive side of the ball. After having a great season last year, with 81 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 16.5 TFL, 2 INTs, and 2 TDs, the numbers are a little bit lesser this year. That isn’t to suggest that his level of play has decreased, because it hasn’t, but it’s because teams are scheming around him. They do not want to run to the side of Darron Lee.

Darron Lee is a Ryan Shazier type of player. He has the speed of a safety, yet the size of a LB. This combination pretty much shuts down any threat of a lateral run game, or a screen game. He has the power to shed through a block, and the speed to stay with a WR or RB. He’s even used to cover the slot receiver in some passing situations. Darron is simply an electric player that consistently makes plays.

NFL teams love any freak athletes that they can find. Darron is no exception. Teams love his speed and size at that position. He is 235 pounds, but because he is a converted safety, there have still been concerns about his size and strength. Also, Darron hasn’t hinted at leaving, but I think there is at least an okay chance of it happening, so if it does, he will be picked  highly.

Prediction - Late 1st round

Vonn Bell - The 5’11” 205 lb true junior safety from Rossville, Georgia is the type of player you look to always find. Even coming out of HS as a 5 star prospect, Vonn has exceeded expectations, according to Urban.

Vonn is a true playmaker at the safety position. Some would even argue that Vonn is the best safety in the nation. He is a true ball-hawk, sharing the B1G lead with 6 INTs last year, and he is as sure as a tackler that you will find. He finished 2nd on the team with 92 tackles last season. He is also the playmaker like I said, already finding the end-zone twice this year. “Good defenses prevent points being scored and great ones score them.” Vonn likes to say. So, he is evidently a key part in the great defense.

“If you were to say, ‘What’s a silver bullet?’ look at Vonn.” said safeties coach Chris Ash. Vonn Bell is great at defending the pass, and when he gets the chance, he likes to go downhill and put a big, yet sure tackle on somebody. That’s part of what scouts and NFL teams like. They love his willingness, his ball skills, and his coverage skills. They are only concerned with his size and further potential.

Like Darron, there haven’t been many hints as to whether Vonn will leave or stay. With his success, and draft stock, many would be inclined to think he would leave, but there’s always a chance he returns.

Prediction - Late 1st or early 2nd

In case you couldn’t tell, this current Ohio State team is loaded. It’s full of players that are going to go to the NFL. It’s going to be difficult to see so many players leave after this season, but it is also fun to see them having success.

So, the players I listed are guys that I think have the best chance to declare. If I didn’t list them, I don’t think they will leave. Does that mean I don’t think the other guys aren’t good? No, because several others could declare early, but I just don’t think it will happen due to several different reasons. Overall, though, just enjoy this team as we only have at most 6 games left. Go Bucks!

by: Ryan Black

The narrative this year to a good number in the media and Ohio State nation right now is that Ohio State is struggling- “Keep them out of the top 4, overrated, they are getting the benefit of doubt because of last years run, etc…”

I’m a little puzzled that so many people believe Ohio State is having such a tough go of it and receiving special treatment from the voters/playoff committee this year.

Even one of our own on MOTSAG seem to think this: http://menofthescarletandgray.com/2015/11/10/defending-champions-shouldnt-receive-special-treatment-in-rankings/

It’s a well written article by our own Brad and one that really summarizes the feelings of a lot of those folks down on Ohio State this season. I’d like to give an opposing view point and attack debate these points head on.

Here is my rebuttal to Brad’s article (his article in black/my rebuttal in red):

Ohio State isn’t one of the two or three best college football teams in the country. At least, they haven’t actually played like it for the majority of the season.

Oklahoma, Ohio State and Clemson are the only Power 5 teams in the nation with top 20 offensive and defensive scoring rankings. You could argue that Ohio State has been one of the most consistent teams in the nation on both sides of the ball. Your word “majority” is what gets me.

Ohio State hasn’t looked like a top 3 team in two games in my opinion: Indiana and Northern Illinois (a game where NIU crossed midfield once in the second half). I’m not counting last weeks Minnesota game as a bad win at all. The Bucks dominated the full game and gave up a few late touchdowns playing with a backup QB (yes Cardale is a backup). This Minny team also played TCU down to the wire and had media darling Michigan all but beat.

It’s a very similar win that Bama had over Arkansas (28-14) or Clemson had over Boston College (34-17). Are these teams any better or worse than the Gophers? I’ll get more into these teams other bad wins later…

 

Putting all my Buckeye Bias aside – and it certainly isn’t the fault of the team – but Ohio State has benefited through its ninth game in 2015 from its accomplishments in the 2014 season and preseason expectations. They haven’t really done much to earn a top-3 ranking. Similar to the advantage that Florida State was able to enjoy throughout the entire 2014 regular season, a defending champion with a lot of returning talent is given the benefit of the doubt regarding their schedule and outcomes of games. Fans and analysts, alike, are quick to say, “Until they lose, they’re No. 1.”

To your first point- There are only 5 undefeated Power 5 teams left and Ohio State is essentially tied for 3^rd SOS among these teams which certainly keeps them in the discussion. 

You bring up Florida State last year…

2014 FSU, with a similar schedule won each game by an average of 10 points and gave up 17+ points 11 times during the regular season. They had 7 games decided by a touchdown or less.

2015 Ohio State has won each game by an average of 22 points and has given up 17+ points 3 times (through 9 games). They’ve had 2 games decided by a touchdown or less last season.

It makes me want to rip my hair out when people compare these teams. FSU had a very very average defense last season after losing a ton of players. Ohio State is one of the best in the country after bringing back a ton of players…

I know Ohio State is annually berated and ridiculed for its weak schedule – especially this year – by media talking heads and fans of other schools around the country, but the argument is legitimate. Based on the competition that Ohio State has faced thus far in 2015, and the way they’ve seemingly struggled to pull out their wins, OSU hasn’t been the best team in the country. They’ve just been blessed with a fortunate situation where everyone knows how talented their roster is and entered the season unanimously ranked No.1, so people feel obliged to prevent them from dropping that far in the polls.

Agreed, the schedule hasn’t been great up to this point (56^th) but…

“and the way they’ve seemingly struggled to pull out their wins”

In two games? They’ve only had 2 games that were ever remotely in doubt and in one of those they didn’t let the opponent passed midfield after the first drive of the second half. Struggled is not the word you are looking for. Has the offense looked ugly at the start of games? Yes, but this team hasn’t truly been in danger of losing yet.

Ohio State is winning with defense/special teams, great running game and play action right now and there is nothing wrong with that. Hell Bama made a dynasty out of this strategy.

The people who say last year shouldn’t count are the same ones holding Ohio State to a different standard because of last year. Every team at the top has struggled in a game or two like Ohio State…

Clemson-looked terrible against an average Louisville squad (20-17). They gave up 41 points to a decent NC State team a few weeks ago. 41!!!!!!!! What would people be saying if Ohio State gave up 40+ to similar teams such as Maryland, Penn State or Minnesota?

Bama– 4 loss Arkansas played them close for four quarters (27-14). 4 loss Tennessee was ahead of the Tide in the 4^th (hasn’t happened to Ohio State yet) before falling 19-14.  Oh, and somehow everybody on the planet forgets that they lost to 3 loss Ole Miss… #bamalossesmatter.

Notre Dame– Needed a hail mary to beat awful Virginia. Has given up 20+ points in 8 straight games. 8!!!

Baylor– Played nobody until last week and nearly got beat by a team that Texas killed. Texas!!!

Don’t even get me started on Iowa, Stanford, LSU and Utah’s ugly wins or losses…

 

But is that fair? Why were we held to a higher standard than Michigan State for the first nine weeks of the season (before MSU blew a 12-point lead in the final two minutes against Nebraska)? Up until this past weekend, it seemed as if OSU and MSU were experiencing vastly similar seasons – winning all their games, despite looking sloppy while doing it. Heck, the Spartans had a big home win over then-awesome Oregon – which looked much better than our best win of the season (Virginia Tech). But, despite doing nothing but winning, MSU saw themselves regularly drop in the rankings from No. 2 to No. 7. But Ohio State held strong in the No. 1 spot despite looking just as unimpressive. Why?

Michigan State playing a similar schedule to Ohio State (Oregon is no better or worse than VA Tech imo) has given up 20+ points in every game but 1 (Central Michigan). They beat arguably the two worst teams in the Big Ten (Purdue and Rutgers) by 3 and 7 points respectively. Their avg. margin of victory since week 2 is 12 ppg (highly skewed by their “blowout” victory against Indiana where they were up 28-26 with ten minutes left).

Since week 2, Ohio State gave up 20+ ppg twice (Indiana and Maryland). Their two worst games were Indiana and NIU with 7 point victories, which to be fair, were not impressive at all. Since that game their average margin of victory has been 26 points in 5 games.

Had OSU continued to play like they did against NIU and Indiana they would have certainly fallen in the rankings like MSU. They started blowing people out with Maryland and the voters took notice.

 At the end of the day, the bottom line in football is winning. I recognize that. But college football has proven to be different than the NFL over the years. Style points matter and “statements” need to be made. I’m no expert, but I’m confident that the Buckeyes would not have made the 2014 playoffs if they had beaten Wisconsin 21-14 in the Big Ten championship game instead of the 59-0 drubbing that took place. Ohio State earned its way in, while Florida State sleepwalked through an undefeated yet uninspiring regular season. Hindsight is always 20/20, but following the 59-20 beat-down at the hands of Oregon in last year’s semifinal round, the argument that TCU should’ve qualified for the playoffs was much stronger – albeit they should’ve been included over Florida State, not Ohio State. That was never a possibility, however, because the defending champion Seminoles with returning talent were held to the same unfair higher standard.

I certainly agree with this point: “I’m no expert, but I’m confident that the Buckeyes would not have made the 2014 playoffs if they had beaten Wisconsin 21-14 in the Big Ten championship game instead of the 59-0 drubbing that took place.”

However, that was only needed because of a loss. Something the Buckeyes don’t have yet.

Style points will matter for Ohio State after a loss. An undefeated Ohio State team will always be in the top 4 even if they aren’t defending champs.

Look, Ohio State is capable of beating any team in the country – Clemson, Alabama, Michigan, whomever. But this year’s team shouldn’t be heralded for closer-than-it-should-have-been wins and receive special treatment because of last year’s national title. Because of the precedent that has existed in college football where wins aren’t the same as impressive wins, that evaluation should hold firm across the board – without playing favorites to defending champions.

I agree with that sentiment and I believe that’s what we are seeing this year. If they were playing favorites old school style, Ohio State would currently be number 1. Bama and Clemson both have 1 huge victory that has vaulted them over OSU and that is fair for now.

When comparing them to other teams, to think that Ohio State is not worthy of being top 3 or 4 at this point is holding them to a different standard based upon last years National Title run, and something that you say shouldn’t be done.

Ohio State  hasn’t been as pretty offensively this year as last (due to qb rotation) but they certainly haven’t been struggling as much as many people think.

Clemson gives up 41 points in a shootout to NC State and wins 56-41 and nobody bats an eye. Ohio State wins with defense and a running game to beat Minny to win 28-14 and everybody loses their mind…

 

Well, I had a lot of fun writing this. Looking forward to some more debate brother. #Cheers

Bonus: I really want this to happen to me someday (NSFW language)….

As we all know by now, the Buckeyes sloppily defeated the Golden Gophers 28-14 this past weekend behind undefeated quarterback Cardale Jones, who still seemed to under-perform to the standard that is expected of him.

Of course, when everyone thought the questions were settled and over with, they’ve arisen again thanks to Barrett’s off-field incident the prior weekend. Who will be Ohio State’s starting quarterback against Illinois this coming weekend?

We’ll start with – is Barrett in the mix to be the starter again?

Urban said – “Yes.”

• The Fans – Of course he is. Did you not see how on certain plays, JT would have decided to do something different? JT would have done this or that when Cardale didn’t.
• The Media – Typical one word response. It can’t possibly be because we ask this question after every single game is it?
• The Opponent – Well if you don’t start Barrett, we’ll sure take him over Mitch Leidner.

Saying little to nothing at all sometimes says it all.

While the joyous quarterback controversy still continues to rage on, our running back Ezekiel Elliott is breaking records and keeping his 100-yard game streak alive quietly in the background with last week’s game being the 14th game in a row that he has broken the 100 yard barrier. He also moved past Chris “Beanie” Wells on the all time leading rushers list into the fourth leading rusher in Ohio State history.

Urban said – “And when we’re getting in some situations where it might be, like, bear-0 or the no-deep situations, that they’re going to do the best they can to take away Zeke. And they pretty much did. I mean, he only had 114 yards on 26 carries, but weren’t able to get him out like we like to.”

• The Fans – Zeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeke!!!
• The Media – You think his “lack” of production was a result of Jones being the quarterback?
• The Opponent – ONLY 114 yards?!? Our running back only got 27 yards. That’s fine. If you’re not appreciative of 114 yards and a touchdown, we’ll take him along with JT.

Poor Shannon Brooks only had 27 yards against the Silver Bullets.

Was this the performance Buckeye fans were hoping for?

Urban said – “Not what we would expect. We expect to play better. I hate to say that because that sometimes sounds like we’re taking away from our opponent, because they’re a pretty rugged group. But just expect much more efficiency out of our offense.”

• The Fans – I’ll expect that efficiency once we get JT back for Illinois.
• The Media – We expect you to play better too so that we don’t have to keep asking you questions about the quarterback position.
• The Opponent – We’ll take your sympathy and compliment of having a good team . . . only if you give us a couple of your players to make us better.

Looking forward to next week, Meyer and his team will have one last relatively easy chance against Illinois to figure out their quarterback situation once and for all because the tough games are swiftly approaching. Following next week, every game after it including future unkown opponents will be against ranked competition.

Time for the cream to rise to the top.

By: Phil Schoch, Twitter me @osuphil95

Each week Pick ’em & Tidbits peeks through the knothole at the college football storylines, point spreads and match-ups and predicts each B1G game as well as a few national spotlight games.

Week 10 was another crap week as Pick ’em & Tidbits dropped two more games off the pace with a 4-6 record against the spread and an even more miserable 5-5 straight up. Yech! The season tally stands at 55-60 (47.8%) ATS and 84-31 (73.0%) SU. I’m still within striking distance of my goals of 50% and 75%. My PM Stukenborg Fearless Prediction of Penn State (+3) over Northwestern covered, but lost on a last second field goal.

Bert the Massive

This column has poked a bit of fun at former B1G Public Enemy #1, Bert Bielema, and the woeful season his Arkansas Razorbacks have endured. I’ve greedily rooted for his demise in Fayetteville, so he would come crawling back to the B1G – hashtag karma. After the Hogs wild overtime victory over Ole Miss last week, Arkansas sits at 5-4 and travels to LSU this Saturday to battle the Tigers for the Golden Boot trophy. They are likely to reach bowl eligibility (they still have to play Mizzou) and BB will be anchored in Arkansas for another year. Sigh.

On a heavier note, what the hell happened to Bert? He’s massive! He must
be eating chicken fried steaks with a gallon jug of white gravy as a lite snack. The button-up mu-mu and modified infield tarp have become his go-to outfits. Just more of him to love to hate, I guess. Bert is one big Pig!

JT and the Outrage Crowd.

After suspended Buckeye QB, JT Barrett, was spotted in the coach’s box Saturday night for the Gopher game and after it became public that he spoke to/encouraged/urged on his teammates at halftime (context completely unknown) the fresh and hot takers and media outrage crowd took aim at the QB, Coach Meyer and Buckeye program for another round. Remember all the trouble Florida State QB, Jameis Winston, was involved in? Shady sexual assault investigation, seafood theft, public exhibition of lewd and profane speech? Remember all that nonsense? He was suspended a grand total of one game (Clemson) and during that game he ran around the sidelines putting on a show for the ABC cameras. Have some perspective, please.

On Tuesday, JT walked into court and took his medicine. Plead guilty. Accepted responsibility. Learn. Improve. Move forward.

How ’bout some football games?

Disclaimer: Warning! Do not wager your money or possessions based upon anything gleaned from this article.

Around the B1G…

Saturday, November 14

Throw the records out the window when the Illibuck Trophy is up for grabs! Remember in 2007 when The Zooker hooked his career on the star of Juice Williams (not to be confused with Oran “Juice” Jones) and the Illini (and a crooked ref who whipped his step-kids with coax-cables) walked into The ‘Shoe and beat Jim Tressel and #1 ranked Ohio State? I still can’t believe what I just typed actually happened.

Pick ’em says… Buckeyes, 48-17.

Silly rabbit. Trix are for kids! It’s Oran “Juice” Jones – The Rain

SPARTY! Nooooo! Everyone knows the phantom force out was a garbage call, but no one really feels sorry for you because you put yourself in position to get B1G’d by the refs. What a shame. Could have been a battle of the unbeaten’s next week.

Pick ’em says… Sparty, 31-14.

Photo depicts actual home crowd for Purdue games this season. Darrell Hazell and the Boilers scored 55 and beat Nebraska in Week 9, then get wood shed’ed by 34 against Illinois. Not good for job security.

Pick ’em says… The North-Siders, 27-14.

Lil’ Red will haunt your dreams.

Pick ’em says… Huskers kick around the bloated corpse of Rutgers, 34-20.

Michigan is right back in the B1G East title hunt after Sparty’s folly in Lincoln. Indiana fans wish it was 1985 all over again. They still have the clothes and hairstyles to seamlessly transition back in time.

Pick ’em says… Michigan continues to roll toward The Game, 37-17.

The battle for the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy. Floyd, the bronze pig, weighs 98 pounds – the average yearly poundage of bacon consumed by each man, woman and child in Minnesota and Iowa.

Pick ’em says… mmm… bacon… Iowa, 24-17.

 National Spotlight Games…

The college football gods (ESPN) are smiling again as all is right in their universe – because Bama is back, baby! Will the Tide have a hangover this week in Starkville? Pleeeease, Cousin Eddie! Make it happen!

Pick ’em says… Bama slides by 24-21.

Can the Ducks turn the tables on the Dancing Trees? Stanford’s ultra-intelligent, smash mouth style has given Oregon fits over the years and has ruined a few of the Duck’s runs to a National Title game (and certain defeat).

Pick ’em says… 10 is a big number in this match-up. Stanford, 31-24.

From 1966 – 2012, legendary Minster (Ohio) resident, Paul ‘P.M.’ Stukenborg (pictured) posted his weekly sports predictions in my hometown paper, The Community Post. Each week, Pick ’em will make a P.M. Stukenborg Fearless Prediction and call for an underdog to to knock off the favorite.

Oklahoma has destroyed the meek of the Big XII after its inexplicable loss to  Texas. Baylor looked vulnerable against Kansas State last week and held on to win by 7. This is a Final 4 elimination game.

Pick ’em says… Boomer Sooner, 48-44.

*Author’s note- My laptop keyoard has a malfunctioning ‘B’ utton. Let me tell you, it was a real itch typing this much nonsense and having to grind to a halt to slam the ‘B’ key each time. So if there are numerous typos with missing  ” ‘s” – I’m sorry. Thanks for reading or not reading each week – I get paid the same either way.

At the conclusion of the 2013 football season, The Ohio State Buckeyes defense was in shambles.  It had just come off a three game stretch where the team went 1-2, lost their opportunity to not only win a B1G Title but also play for a National Title, all while allowing an average of 38 points per game over that stretch.  That statistic is not something that would sit well with Big 12 coaches let alone Urban Meyer and the renowned Ohio State Buckeyes Silver Bullet defense.  Changes were needed and everyone knew it.   After Sammy Watkins blew past the Buckeye secondary for the final time, Urban had a decision to make.   In his new book, “Above the Line”, Urban mentions how during a recruiting trip to Florida in the wake of the Orange Bowl loss, he pulled off at an interstate rest stop to decide if he wanted to blow up the defensive staff.  He eventually decided against this, however Everett Withers would later accept the head coaching position at James Madison.  Urban would only have to replace one coach on the defensive staff, and that replacement would be Chris Ash.

Chris Ash wasn’t a “sexy” hire by Urban Meyer.  Ash spent time under the loveable Bert Bielema while at Wisconsin and early on at Arkansas.  While Wisconsin always had a solid defense under Bert, the duo’s first season at Arkansas was a struggle with the team going winless against Power 5 teams (3-9).  While the pass defense did improve under Ash’s watch (113th to 72nd) it certainly wasn’t a unit to hang your hat on.  While Luke Fickell took the brunt of the blame for the defense’s struggles, it soon became apparent that Withers (the secondary coach and co-defensive coordinator) had a much larger influence on the defensive philosophy of the Buckeyes than most fans thought.  After 2013’s rough finish, Withers moved on to James Madison and Ash was brought in as his replacement with Urban sitting in on defensive meetings for the first time during his Buckeye tenure.  With the change came an overhaul of Wither’s conservative “bend but don’t break”  vanilla defense with corners often 10 yards off the line off scrimmage.  In came Ash’s in your face Quarters press coverage similar to what Alabama and Michigan State have done so successfully over the past 5 years.    The results were better than anyone expected.

The Buckeyes pass defense efficiency ranked 83rd at the conclusion of the 2013 season.  After the Buckeyes hoisted the inaugural CFP Championship Trophy in Dallas, that number had improved to 13th in all of college football.  A meteoric rise for a team who twelve months prior was getting torched by a Michigan team with one of the programs worst offenses in it’s storied history.  Now in 2015, the Buckeye secondary is even better.  Currently the Silver Bullets sit 9th nationally in passing defense efficiency, 5th in total passing yards allowed and 13th in total defense.  Obviously an influx in talent is partly responsible for this defensive transformation.  The linebackers were an area of weakness during Urban’s first two years at the helm, mainly in pass coverage.  The addition of Darron Lee and Joshua Perry has solidified the intermediate passing game that so often killed the Buckeyes in 2013.  The defense as a whole is a much more cohesive unit and have leaders at all three levels.  When you have multiple NFL players at every level of your defense, you’re sure to see some improvement.  Bosa, Washington, Lee, Perry and Vonn Bell all could be making substantial impacts on NFL teams this time next year.   That being said, the 2013 Buckeye squad was certainly not void of talent and experience as shown by Roby and Shazier being first round selections after the season.  The problem lied within the defensive schemes which did not put players in positions to succeed.  How many times did the coaches have to see Sammy Watkins make a catch near the line of scrimmage and scamper for 20 yards.  Or Jake Butt bust multiple TE screens due to the linebackers being out of position.  Safeties not communicating with each other and being burnt deep across the middle.  Urban Meyer saw this all too often in 2013 and recognized small changes in staff, personal and philosophy were in order.  The result is the return of the Silver Bullets we see today.