Best wishes to everyone for a Happy New Year. In the interest of full disclosure, this article is being written on New Year’s Eve, with a publish date of January 2, 2015. I anticipate being up late watching The 2015 Sugar Bowl with hopes of celebrating into the wee hours of the morning…

The news that the University of Michigan hired Jim Harbaugh to be its new head football coach has been largely viewed as a positive on a national scale and by former Ohio State players, but not by all Ohio State fans. An example Twitter dialogue between my esteemed colleague Jeremiah and myself will give you an idea as to what I mean…

Jeremiah’s concerns and viewpoints are understandable. After all, Ohio State has had its way with “The Team Up North” since January 18, 2001, when this speech was made on the day Jim Tressel was announced as the new head football coach at Ohio State…

Winning every game but two in a span since 2001-2014 is very rewarding and satisfying. It has allowed for a full generation of Ohio State fans to forget what it was like to suffer through the agonizing defeats to “The Team Up North”.

I want to emphasize this point – I never want to lose to “The Team Up North”. Let me make that abundantly clear.

However…I have enjoyed winning THE GAME much more so when “The Team Up North” was good, and not bad or mediocre.

Allow me to elaborate. The speech up above by Coach Tressel merely amplified the anticipation for THE GAME on November 24, 2001. The 26-20 victory in Ann Arbor was the first by Ohio State since 1987, and helped to eliminate “The Team Up North” from The B1G championship. In 2002, I was in attendance when “The Team Up North” was ranked twelfth as they entered Ohio Stadium with designs on eliminating Ohio State from the national championship game; Ohio State won on a nailbiter interception by Will Allen…

I was in attendance when arguably the most mediocre Ohio State team of the Jim Tressel era defeated the last “Team Up North” to win The B1G in 2004. Who can forget “The Catch” that helped propel Ohio State over the seventeenth-ranked TTUN to a BCS bowl game in 2005?

THE GAME, and B1G football, has not stood as tall since November 18, 2006. Ranked number one and number two, for the right to go on to play for The BCS Championship. Who did not relish that victory over “The Team Up North” when the stakes were so high?

Yes, in 2007, Ohio State won in Ann Arbor to clinch The B1G and deny “The Team Up North” a trip to The Rose Bowl, but it was not the same. After 2006, the quality of “The Team Up North” has been one of steady decline, and helping to contribute to a national perception that B1G football was not something to be respected, and certainly not feared.

Jim Harbaugh’s hiring helps to change that perception. Look at how @finebaum, noted troller of all things north of the Mason-Dixon line, tweeted about the hiring…

Think about the coaches in The SEC West – Nick Saban (Alabama), Dan Mullen (Miss St), Hugh Freeze (Ole Miss), Gus Malzahn (Auburn), Les Miles (LSU), Kevin Sumlin (Texas A&M), and Bret Bielema (Arkansas). While not all are impressive, Saban, Miles, and Malzahn have had teams compete for the national championship over the past few seasons.

Now compare that to what The B1G East will have to offer – Urban Meyer (Ohio State), Mark Dantonio (Michigan State), Jim Harbaugh (“The Team Up North”), and James Franklin (Penn State). While Meyer is the only one with national championship credentials, all of those men are truly well-respected for their recruiting prowess and abilities to develop teams into championship caliber units. The B1G East’s teams and reputation will be able to compete against any team from anywhere.

To put it another way, The B1G used to have men such as these roaming the sidelines thirty years ago (1985 season) – Earle Bruce. Bo Schembechler. Hayden Fry. Lou Holtz. All of those men are in the College Football Hall of Fame. The Harbaugh hiring helps to bring B1G football status back to its historical perspective.

Again – I never want to lose to “The Team Up North”. However, I welcome the idea of going into Ann Arbor on November 28, 2015, with a highly ranked opponent in Ann Arbor, helping to propel Ohio State back into its second year of The College Football Playoff, thanks to the return of an old adversary.

It’s going to be hard to write this right now because I’m shaking and my heart is about to give out. Besides the 2002 National Championship game, I have never been so emotionally drained watching a game.

For the first half, it seemed like Alabama was just going to be the better team. Even though Ohio State was able to move the ball, they weren’t able to punch the ball into the endzone and after a couple turnovers, went down early, 21-6. Even from that point, although the Buckeyes were losing, it never felt out of reach. There were a couple times it looked like the momentum could turn in Bama’s favor and bury Ohio State.

Things started going better for the Buckeyes and going into the half just down one point, it felt like this really could happen. We could beat Bama.

Ohio State then came out in the second half and continued to move the ball against the vaunted Alabama defense. They would score 28 straight points before Alabama would find the end zone again, going up 34-21.

It would go back and forth but Steve Miller’s INT TD and Ezekiel Elliot’s 85 yard dash would be all it took to knock off Satan’s Team.

Yes, there were some head scratching coaching calls. Mistakes were definitely made. But Ohio State won the game and is going to the first “REAL” National Championship in the first College Football Playoff.

It seems like it was ages ago, but it was just a short four years ago we did this, in what would end up being Coach Tressel’s last game as the Head Coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes. The beginning of the end.

Now there’s a new SEC opponent and a new head coach patrolling the Ohio State sideline. In the inaugural College Football Playoff, it’s the Buckeyes vs. the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Join us in the conversation (or follow us on Twitter!)

Go BUCKS!

It’s finally here: the inaugural College Football Playoff. By now we all know who is playing in each game, but let’s take a closer look at each game and get to know the contenders.

The College Football Playoff at the Rose Bowl

2 Oregon Ducks vs 3 Florida State Seminoles

January 1, 2015 at 5:30 PM

Florida State hasn’t lost a game since Manti Te’o had a girlfriend. Oregon is riding an 8 game win streak after dropping an early season game to Arizona (who they then demoralized in the Pac 12 Championship Game). Both quarterbacks have Heisman Trophies. It’s the oh-so controversial Jameis Winston versus the quiet and reserved Marcus Mariota. By all imaginations, this would be a great National Championship matchup. Let’s take a look at some numbers.

Oregon

According to ESPN.com, Oregon is one of the top offensive teams in the nation. They rank 3rd in points for, 11th in passing yards per game, and 22nd in rushing yards per game. The high octane attack the Ducks run will be something that Florida State has not seen all season, and this offense will far and away be the biggest challenge that the Seminoles have faced. We all know the big name for the Ducks, Mariota, but there are plenty of playmakers around him who make this offense click. WR Darren Carrington, WR Bryan Marshall, and RB Royce Freeman all will have their numbers called against Florida State.

This offense will have no problem scoring points, as they averaged 46.3 points per game. The question will be about the defense. They gave up more than 20 points just twice in their last 6 games and have been improving as the season went on. That being said, they are 49th in rush defense (according to NCAA.com), and 82nd in Total Defense (also according to NCAA.com). Oregon also lost All American Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, their best cornerback, who will be replaced with a redshirt freshman. Expect the Seminoles to attack the redshirt freshman Chris Seisay. He is going to have a lot on his shoulders in his first start. However, Oregon is 3rd in turnover margin at +17, Mainly due to having only 8 turnovers all season, the fewest in the country. Oregon takes care of the ball well on offense, and Florida State will not have many opportunities to create turnovers should they fall behind early.

Florida State

After going 13-0 for the second consecutive season, the Florida State Seminoles seems to lack the national respect they probably deserve. As much as people malign them for the close games against weak competition, they never lost, which is something no other team in the Playoff can say.

Offensively, the team isn’t real flashy. 29th in points for, 14th in passing yards. The glaring stat is that they are 104th in rushing yards per game; their leading rusher has 905 yards on the season. They also have 27 turnovers, with 19 of those being interceptions. Yet as uninspiring as those numbers are, the Seminoles are 13-0. Jameis is the big name on this team, but some names to watch are RB Dalvin Cook, WR Rashad Greene, TE Nick O’Leary, and K Roberto Aguayo. Yes, the kicker. Aguayo, a sophomore, is 100% on extra points for the season, and has only missed three FGs in his entire career: he’s 46/49. If it comes down to a kick, FSU definitely has the advantage.

Prediction

If Florida State follows the trend of falling behind early, then they may not be able to dig out of this hole. The Oregon offense is too powerful and protects the ball better than anyone in the country, so relying on timely turnovers won’t be a viable strategy. Florida State is going to have to match Oregon punch for punch, which they have proven they can do against Georgia Tech. I expect Jameis to throw at least one interception, probably a bad one at that, but he will have to play like his Heisman campaign for FSU to have a shot. Expect him to put the ball in the air often, as calling their run game effective would be a stretch. However, Florida State does have the big men in the trenches that has always seemed to give Oregon problems, so the battle of the lines will be key.

Final: Oregon 38 Florida State 34

The College Football Playoff at the Sugar Bowl

1 Alabama Crimson Tide vs 4 Ohio State Buckeyes

January 1, 2015 at 8:00 PM

The final game of the “36 hour football bonanza” will be for the final spot in the National Championship Game. The perennial contenders, Alabama, versus the surprise Ohio State Buckeyes. The vaunted SEC versus the lowly Big Ten. No contest, most people say. Well, the numbers say a little different.

Alabama Crimson Tide

The 2014 Alabama Crimson Tide avenged last year’s miracle of the Kick Six by dropping 55 points on Auburn to cap a one-loss regular season. They hung 42 points on Missouri in the SEC Title Game. Before Auburn, the Tide ripped Western Carolina for 48 points. The offense has been at a high level the last three weeks of the season, mainly thanks to WR Amari Cooper. On the season, the Alabama offense ranks 16th in points for, 34th in rushing per game, and 22nd in passing per game. Offensively, QB Blake Sims can be very Jekyll and Hyde. He especially struggles away from Bryant-Denny Stadium, though he had a terrible first half against Auburn there in the Iron Bowl. He has enough athleticism to escape pressure, but sometimes makes poor decisions throwing the football. However, if Amari is left in one-on-one coverage, expect Sims to find him, likely for a touchdown. Even if Amari is kept in check, the Alabama run game led by TJ Yeldon will punish you in attempt to open up room in the passing game.

Their reputation comes heavily from their defense. The Alabama defense ranks 4th in points against, at 16.8. They gave up more than 23 points just once. Auburn scored 44 points on over 600 yards of offense. Auburn, the only true spread team on the Alabama schedule, torched the Alabama secondary for over 450 yards. Alabama is 57th in the country in passing yards allowed per game. This is their weakness on defense.

Ohio State Buckeyes

If you read this blog regularly, then you’re likely very familiar with the Ohio State football season thus far. After losing Heisman Trophy contender Braxton Miller before the season even started, and losing a game early at home to Virginia Tech, many assumed the Buckeyes (and the Big Ten) had lost all hopes for a playoff team. The Buckeyes ran through the rest of their schedule, picking up 11 wins in a row. Even after losing another Heisman contender in Joe Thomas Barrett IV (or, more commonly known as JT Barrett), the Buckeyes dismantled a very good Wisconsin team in the B1G Championship Game with Cardale Jones.

Going into this game, the Buckeyes are known for their offense, especially their running game, as they average 260 yards per game, good for 11th in the nation, at a clip of 45 points per game, good for 5th in the country. However, the Buckeye defense has experienced a 180 revolution from last year. The “Silver Bullets” may finally be returning in Columbus, as the Buckeyes give up just 21 points per game, and the much maligned pass defense has found its way to 15th best in the country. The Buckeyes are also a very opportunistic defense, producing 29 turnovers, 21 of which are interceptions (4th most in the country). However, the defensive line is still the bread and butter of the defense, with 40 sacks on the season (10th in the nation) and 100 tackles for loss (7th in the nation). Expect the defensive line to be in the Alabama backfield, hoping to at least disrupt Blake Sims. However, Sims does have some escapability, which has been a bit of a problem for the Buckeyes, especially against Michigan when Devin Gardner managed to turn sure sacks into positive gains. The Buckeye defense will have to keep contain on Sims. Amari Cooper will also be a problem. Expect to see senior Doran Grant on Cooper, with a safety over the top. To leave Cooper in one-one-one coverage is a mistake, and will likely end with him in the end zone and 6 points for the boys from Tuscaloosa.

On offense, the Buckeyes will have no problem scoring and moving the ball on the Alabama defense. The Buckeyes run a very similar offense to Auburn, who torched Alabama for over 600 yards. Getting playmakers like Jalin Marshall or Dontre Wilson (who may play) into space will open up the middle for the run game of Ezekiel Elliott. The big question mark remains Cardale Jones. He looked great in his first career start, winning MVP of the B1G Championship Game. However, against a defense that has three weeks to prepare against him, it remains to be seen if his confidence gained from Indy will carry over.

Prediction

I hate predicting games involving Ohio State and having to be objective. Though, given that this is an Ohio State centric website, I suppose showing favor isn’t a sin. This one is going to be a shootout, despite both defenses being pretty strong. Saban and Meyer with three weeks to prepare for each other? I’ll take my chances with Urban this time.

Final: Ohio State 31 Alabama 30

*All stats courtesy of ESPN.com and NCAA.com

The handsome fellows of Ohio State will be going old school with their gray stripes against the big fat meanies of Alabama on Thursday night. I hope most of you have the day off Friday because it could be a late one…

For some reason the other playoff game (Oregon vs Florida State) will kick off a little after 5 o’clock in Pasadena.  With most NCAA games lasting 3.5 to 4 hours the chances of the night game kicking off at the scheduled 8:30PM timeslot is a pipedream.

Why the Rose Bowl isn’t scheduled to start at 4 or 4:30 is beyond me but whatever.

So how will this game that will end Friday morning play out? Here is your big game preview:

When Ohio State has the ball:

The biggest unknown matchup of Thursday will be when the Buckeyes have the ball.

10 Biggest question marks:

1. Who is Cardale Jones?
2. Can Ezekiel Elliot get his against an outstanding run defense?
3. Are Alabama’s corners as beatable as they have looked the last two games?
4. Is Dontre Wilson healthy?
5. Will Jailin Marshall get some actual passes at quarterback?
6. Can the Ohio State offensive line contain the best front seven they will see all year?
7. Will Cardale Jones be able to run the football?
8. Can Curtis Samuel make an impact?
9. Who wins the big play battle?
10. How many turnovers will Bama create?

10 Meaningless/Interesting Numbers:

1. Alabama is the 10^th ranked team in the country total defense
2. Ohio State the 8^th ranked total offense.
3. The Bucks have 5 players with over 20 receptions.
4. Ohio State has 10 players with over 10 receptions.
5. Ezekiel Elliot averages 6.5 yards per carry.
6. Kicker Sean Nuernberger is 11 of 18 on field goals on the season.
7. Ohio State has 6 players averaging over 5 yards per carry (minimum 15 attempts).
8. Alabama is tied for 84^th in the country in turnovers created.
9. The Tide have 28 sacks on the season which is good for 63^rd in the country.
10. Yardage wise, Bama has played 3 of the nations top 25 offenses.

10 Baseless-Gut  Predictions:

1. Cardale Jones throws for 270+ with 2 tds.
2. Cardale Jones turns the ball over at least twice.
3. Ezekiel Elliott scores two times.
4. Devin Smith will have a play go 40 yards+
5. The Ohio State tight ends will be a non factor.
6. Alabama will sack Jones more than 3 times.
7. Dontre Wilson will have less than 4 carries.
8. Ohio State will miss a field goal.
9. The Southern crowd will not hinder the Ohio State offense as it will be a 50/50 split.
10. Corey Smith will have a huge play that impacts the game… Good or bad.

 

Bama Fan Message Board Analysis:

 User BadgerTidefan-From Tidefans.com on Tim Tebow speaking  to the Bucks– “This strategy could backfire on Urban when the guys on the team see Tebow on TV predict an Alabama win after he’s been trying to motivate them, imagine how they may feel. There may be a little conflict of interest involved in this since he and every other guy on sports tv has to provide commentary leading up to actual game.”

 

Yup, once those Bucks are in the locker room getting dressed before the game and see Timmy Teebs pick Alabama, it’s all downhill.

 

 

 

 

When Alabama has the ball-

 

Both teams know who they are and what they can do when Bama takes the football:

 10 Biggest question marks:

1. Joey Bosa against a freshmen? Uh oh.
2. Which Ohio State run defense will show up? The Indiana and Michigan or Wisconsin?
3. Will Blake Simms make the mistakes that hurt him early in the season?
4. Will Amari Cooper get 100 or 200+ receiving yards?
5. How healthy is T.J. Yeldon?
6. Who will play the majority of snaps at MLB for Ohio State?
7. Can the Ohio State defense keep the turnover machine going?
8. Will Bama’s other WR’s make the plays if Cooper is covered.
9. Who will matchup with the Tide’s gigantic tight ends?
10. Will Rashad Frazier and Steve Miller step up as Joey Bosa’s opposite like they did against Wisconsin?

10 Meaningless/Interesting Numbers:

1. Alabama is the 15^th ranked total offense.
2. Ohio State is the  15^th ranked total defense.
3. The Tide are 96^th in the country in fumbles lost with 12.
4. The Buckeyes are tied for 77^th with 8 fumbles recovered.
5. T.J. Yeldon has 932 yards rushing while Derrick Henry has 895 yards.
6. Both backs have 10 touchdowns.
7. Amari Cooper has 1600 receiving yards. The next closest Tide member has 439.
8. Kicker Adam Griffith is 12 of 19 in field goals this season.
9. Alabama has 7 players with 10 or more receptions.
10. The Ohio State D. is 4^th in the nation with 21 interceptions on the year.

10 Baseless-Gut Predictions:

1. T.J. Yeldon will be held to less than 60 yards.
2. Amari Cooper will find the endzone at least once.
3. An Alabama tight end will also score a touchdown.
4. Joey Bosa will put up 1.5 sacks.
5. Blake Simms will throw a costly interception.
6. Blake Simms will throw for 300 yards.
7. Darron Lee will have two tackles for loss.
8. A reverse or a sweep will go the distance for an Alabama back/wide receiver.
9. Alabama will be called for holding two or more times.
10. The weak Ohio State zone defense will give away many easy points, even to teams that can’t shoot.- Whoops wrong sport.

Bama Fan Message Board Analysis:

 

User A One from Bama’s 247 site on Ohio State safety Von Bell– “I know for a fact that not only did we pass on Bell, but that our recruiting board had several defensive backs listed ahead of him.”

 

Of course, Bama certainly passed on a 5 star position of need from their number 1 pipeline state…

 

Closing Thoughts:

 

This maybe one of the most exciting games in Ohio State history, there is no pressure and nobody expects the good guys to pull it out. You just don’t beat the mighty Alabama with a 3^rd string quarterback…

Right?

Wrong.

Ohio State shocks the nation-

34-27

As always, presented without comment.

Stats are grabbed from cfbstats.com

Good morning. Happy Boxing Day to those of you who may be reading this from around the globe that celebrate this holiday. For those of you Beatles fans such as myself, today also marks the 47th anniversary of the release of the film Magical Mystery Tour. Regardless, I hope each and everyone of you had a wonderful Merry Christmas, wherever you may be.

Here is the gist of what I actually wanted to discuss today…

If you haven’t read Mr. Mandel’s article, I strongly suggest you do so. The main point raised by Mr. Mandel is right here ~ “Many have wondered how the addition of an extra round to the postseason would affect attendance at the bowls hosting the semifinal games. Would fans of the teams still travel en masse to a New Year’s game or hold off for a possible trip to the new national championship game in Arlington, Texas 11 days later?”.

If this sounds like a familiar concern to you, it may be because I raised it over the past few weeks. In articles like here and here.

I am as passionate about The Rose Bowl being the centerpiece of a college football viewing experience on January 1st as much as anyone. I have already determined that attending The Rose Bowl at least once in my lifetime is something my beautiful wife and I will do, when our children are older and we will make a visit to Pasadena part of a week’s long vacation. My intention is to attend The Rose Bowl when Ohio State is one of the teams participating in the game.

Will we be able to then fly across the country, perhaps to New Orleans or Miami, if The Rose Bowl will be part of a semi-final playoff round? Probably not. Which is why these issues presently facing The Rose Bowl should come, and do not come, as any surprise to me whatsoever.

Happy Boxing Day. Belated Merry Christmas wishes. But you’ll forgive me if I point back at Festivus and that holiday’s tradition of The Airing Of Grievances when I read about sluggish Rose Bowl ticket sales.

Donald Stewart is a 6’4 Wide Receiver coming out of the 2016 class. He is from New Jersey and plays for a very highly recognized Paramus Catholic football program. Stewart currently holds three offers coming from Boston College, Temple and Syracuse. The recruiting process is starting to pick up for Donald. In the past week he received his offer from Syracuse. Only being a Junior, Stewart looks to rack in many more offers after a very successful season.

When asked about the recruiting process Stewart had many positive thoughts. “The recruiting process has been a blessing and humbling experience because not everyone gets this experience.” Said Stewart. Many schools are showing interest in him. Donald listed Stanford, Georgia Tech, Northwestern, Penn State, Syracuse, Rutgers, Maryland, West Virginia, Miami and Virginia. He also explained that Stanford, Georgia Tech, Rutgers and Northwestern are showing the most interest.

Stewart has been able to visit Temple, Rutgers, Georgia Tech and South Carolina. He has not planned any upcoming visits but he definitely plans on attending The NFTC.

Stewart helped lead his team to the sectional championship this season. In that game, he was able to score the first TD coming from a deep ball. Stewart was very happy with his season performance. “I think that my performance this season has been successful considering this has been my first time playing in a nationally recognized and competitive schedule. The only let down has been not winning the state title.” Donald explained. “My strengths are stretching the far as big plays and making good blocks. I also bring a lot of energy to the field.”. To improve, Stewart plans on working on getting faster and stronger. He also wants to work on his yards after catch.

Donald describes himself as a play maker. This past season, he certainly was the offensive spark for his team. Playing for such a highly recognized program, Stewart will certainty receive more offers. You can view some film on Donald here.

Follow him on twitter: @donald_stewart8