Urban Flips Another One

November 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Buckeyes head coach is at it again, making the nation mad and flipping kids to commit to The Ohio State University. This time he flipped a Utah commit and it must not of been hard to do seeing how said commit came to Columbus on November 1 for an official visit (Illinois game) and twelve days later he decommited.

Branden Bowen who is 6’7 and comes in about 315-330 lbs hails from Draper Utah which is just an hour south of Salt Lake City. Bowen who many have between a three and four star offensive lineman is the 22nd commit for the Buckeyes this season and he becomes the 4th offensive lineman. He joins Kevin Feder, Grant Schmidt and Matthew Burrell who just recently committed to the Buckeyes also. Branden played for Corner Canyon High School and were unfortunately eliminated in the semi-finals of the Utah State playoffs.

With Bowen’s committing to Ohio State 247sports now has the Buckeyes with the number 4 class nationally, not to bad considering so many Buckeye fans were scared during the summer that Penn State was getting all the recruits.

Brenden Bowen senior year highlights

Welcome to Buckeye Nation Branden.

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, Ohio State Football Tagged With:

Its Hate TTUN Week

November 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment

How many days has it been since TTUN beat The Ohio State?

1094 days and counting

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

MotSaG B1G Power Poll Week 13

November 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Here we are the final week of the college football regular season for the Big Ten. Excuse me while I wipe away some tears as this season has come and gone so quickly but rest assured not only is this rivalry week but many B1G teams have bowl games to play. There are three teams fighting to become bowl eligible in this final week, two play each other and one well lets face it hopefully they lose big since they are playing the Buckeyes.

1. Ohio State (10-1,7-1) The Hoosiers gave the Buckeyes a scare on Saturday but this kid named Jalin Marshall made up for his miscues the week earlier and put the Buckeyes on his back and carried them into the B1G Championship Game.
Last Week: #1
Next Game: TTUN

2. Michigan State (9-2,6-1) Sparty isn’t out of the playoff picture just yet, there are scenarios where they could possibly get a spot if that SEC keeps beating itself up.
Last Week: #2
Next Game: @Penn State

3. Wisconsin (9-2,6-1) The Badgers win and they are in the B1G Championship game to face the Buckeyes and my preseason pick comes true but they play a strong Minnesota team.
Last Week: #3
Next Game: Minnesota

4. Minnesota (8-3,5-2) The Gophers knock off the Cornhuskers to make sure this Saturdays match up is for all the marbles and a possible rematch against the Buckeyes.
Last Week: #5
Next Game: @Wisconsin

5. Nebraska (8-3,4-3) Bo Pelini’s must have used up all his cats nine lives as the Cornhuskers drop two straight and are eliminated from possibly playing in the B1G Championship game or even tying to win the West.
Last Week: #4
Next Game: @Iowa

6. Maryland (7-4,4-3) Big Ten newcomer might have knocked the Wolverines out of bowl contention and they did this without Stefon Diggs. If the Terps win Saturday and Wolverines loose Maryland will have as many conference wins as TTUN has all season. Hail to the Victors
Last Week: #6
Next Game: Rutgers

7. Iowa (7-4,4-3) Many picked the Hawkeyes to win the West saying they had the easiest path but when you don’t know what team will show up and show no consistency you fail to get your goal.
Last Week: #7
Next Game: Nebraska

8. Northwestern (5-6,3-4) Everytime you count out the Wildcats the go on some kind of winning streak and claw their way back into fighting for a bowl berth, big game for them this weekend plus bragging rights for the State of Illinois
Last Week: #11
Next Game: Illinois

9. Penn State (6-5,2-5) They are happy in Happy Valley to be going bowling but they must have forgotten that they still have games to be played in the conference after getting beat by the Fighting Illini
Last Week: #8
Next Game: Michigan State

10. Rutgers (6-5,2-5) The Scarlet Knights first year in the B1G has been tough only beating TTUN and Indiana so far. Preseason I didn’t believe they would be bowl eligible but they got there and TTUN hasn’t. Hail to the Victors
Last Week: #9
Next Game: @Maryland

11. TTUN (5-6,3-4) Every year since Brady cHoke’s first at the helm of the Maize and Blue they have gotten worse, A Buckeye win will knock the Wolverines officially out of bowl contention and will undoubtedly finish cHoke’s career as the head coach. Hail to the Victors
Last Week: #10
Next Game: @TheOhioState

12. Illinois (5-6,2-5) The fighting Illini are fighting to become bowl eligible and it may influence the decision on keeping Tim Beckman on the sidelines.
Last Week: #13
Next Game: @Northwestern

13. Purdue (3-8,1-6) We have seen improvement and growth from Darrell Hazel’s team, but the injuries were to much to overcome and the Boilermakers are still rebuilding but seem to be heading in the right direction hopefully he gets some more time to see a different relevant team in West Lafayette.
Last Week: #12
Next Game: @Indiana

14. Indiana (3-8,0-7) Can the SEC East champs win a B1G conference game this year? The battle of Indiana will be their last hope.
Last Week: #14
Next Game: Purdue

Always love hearing your feedback, don’t forget you can email me at AskMotSaG@gmail.com with any questions.

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, Ohio State Football Tagged With:

Ohio State Is At “The Doorstep” To B1G Championship Game

November 21, 2014 by Leave a Comment

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal…” ~ Henry Ford

The 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes, proud owners of a 9-1 record, return home to Ohio Stadium to face a traditional B1G rival with the visiting Indiana Hoosiers. Considering Indiana enters the game with a 3-7 record, is playing a true freshman quarterback, and has not defeated Ohio State since the 1988 season, Ohio State is heavily favored by the Las Vegas oddsmakers (34.5 point spread). By all reasonable expectations, by both Ohio State fans and Indiana fans, Ohio State has a tremendous opportunity to win easily. During the most recent Men of the Scarlet and Gray podcast, even stalwart Indiana fan Kyle Swick acknowledged the challenges that Indiana is facing against a talented Buckeye squad.

Lurking in the background, in the blogosphere, within Internet fan sites, on sports talk radio, are the audible hopes and dreams of a demanding fanbase for Ohio State to win out and emerge as one of the four participants in the inaugural College Football Playoff. Presently, Ohio State is ranked sixth in the latest poll of the College Football Playoff committee.

The obvious question that is on the mind of Ohio State fans before the Buckeyes meet Indiana – how will Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer keep his team focused upon Indiana, and not be concerned about the playoffs?

Below is an example of how focused Coach Meyer is upon the task at hand with Indiana…

Q. A little bit along those lines, you guys are kind of on two tracks here. You obviously have to win. That’s all you can control. But there is this playoff, you’re trying to get into the playoff. At 31‑24 win over Indiana probably won’t help you. How do you kind of balance the idea that you have to obviously take care of business, but there is this perception game?

URBAN MEYER: That’s not even going to be addressed. We wake up every November or we wake up every day to compete for championships in November. It’s at the doorstep now.”.

“It’s at the doorstep now…” . Coach Meyer knows that all of the talk about the playoffs is just that – talk. The task at hand is to defeat Indiana, and clinch a berth in The B1G Championship Game.

The three areas I will be focusing upon as Ohio State meets Indiana in Ohio Stadium at 12pm on BTN?

1. How Will Ohio State’s Defense Play Against Indiana’s Tevin Coleman? – As Coleman goes, so goes the Indiana offense. Coleman has rushed for 1678 yards, and is coming off an impressive performance against Rutgers (32 carries for 307 yards). While Ohio State’s defense has improved, last week Ohio State surrendered 145 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground to Minnesota’s David Cobb. Look for Ohio State to truly sell out against the run to bottle up Coleman as best as they can.

2. How Will Ohio State’s Jalin Marshall Respond After A Challenging Game At Minnesota? – The trials and tribulations of Ohio State sophomore wide receiver Jalin Marshall are well-chronicled, and we discussed them in great detail on the aforementioned MotSaG podcast. I will be keeping an eye on Marshall during the game, most especially on punt return opportunities.

3. Will Coach Meyer Substitute Backups After Ohio State Takes A Commanding Lead? – While I have complete confidence in Ohio State to win this game convincingly, I question whether Coach Meyer will substitute backups into the game. Cardale Jones, Bri’onte Dunn, Warren Ball, etc, should all play at least the fourth quarter, after the game has been decided.

Prediction: Ohio State rolls Indiana 63-17, impressing the College Football Playoff committee. More importantly, Ohio State earns a trip to Indianapolis for The B1G Championship Game.

Filed Under: Ohio State Football Tagged With: , , , ,

MOTSAG TV Guide

November 20, 2014 by Leave a Comment

All games Saturday, November 22, unless otherwise noted.
Rankings reflect current College Football Playoff rankings.

BUCKEYES

Indiana @ #6 Ohio State. Noon, Big Ten Network.

This is it. The last game before The Game, and Ohio State can clinch the East division with a win against the Hoosiers. Never take anything for granted.

UPCOMING OPPONENT

Maryland @ Michigan. 3:30p, Big Ten Network.

OTHER BIG TEN TEAMS

#25 Minnesota @ #23 Nebraska. Noon, ESPN.

Northwestern @ Purdue. Noon, ESPNU.

Penn State @ Illinois. Noon, ESPN2.

Rutgers @ #11 Michigan State. Noon, Big Ten Network.

#16 Wisconsin @ Iowa. 3:30p, ABC/ESPN2.

OTHER TOP NATIONAL GAMES

(11/20) #12 Kansas State @ West Virginia. 7:00p, FS1.

#15 Arizona @ #17 Utah. 3:30p, ESPN.

USC @ #9 UCLA. 8:00p, ABC.

MACTION!!

Tuesday, November 25.

Akron @ Kent State. 7:00p, ESPN2 (or ESPN3).
Ohio @ Miami (OH). 7:00p, ESPN2 (or ESPN3).

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

Indiana Preview: A David Versus Goliath Story

November 20, 2014 by Leave a Comment

osuHelmetExcept David’s sling isn’t a strong leather strap, it’s a used Kroger grocery bag. He doesn’t have a pocketful of smooth river rocks, he’s got a handful aqua blue aquarium gravel.

He probably doesn’t stand a chance.

Things started out so well for Indiana. They were the talk of the B1G after taking out last year’s SEC West Champ Missouri in a game that stunned everyone.

hoosiervictory

The Hoosiers went on to lose every one of their Big Ten conferences games after upsetting Missouri. A letdown game after an emotional high like that can be expected, even forgiven. Six straight conference losses can’t be.

Indiana lost its starting QB, Nate Sudfeld in a loss to Iowa. Chris Covington, Sudfeld’s back-up did not impress against Iowa. True freshman Zander Diamont came under center against Michigan State when #2 QB Covington’s season was ended with an injury.

Maybe those six losses are excusable.

As bad as Indiana has played at QB, Tevin Coleman has been a steady constant for them. The second leading rusher in the nation (behind Melvin Gordon) but probably a better back than Gordon. (Proof? Look at the way Coleman runs versus Gordon. Gordon runs behind a better offensive line yet still looks to bounce it outside whenever possible to use his speed. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But Coleman’s yards are man yards. B1G yards, between the tackles. Give me that any day of the week).

So that’s sets up one of the major story lines for Ohio State — can they stop the run. They struggled to stop MSU’s ground game and Minnesota’s Cobb had his way with Ohio State’s D. As was noted by our Ronnie Glickman, the currently constituted defense line is not built to stop a downhill rushing attack:

But, with Indiana operating with its fourth option at quarterback this year, there isn’t going to be much of a passing threat, which brings the safeties into the box to stop the running game. Doran Grant will probably draw coverage duties to shadow MotSaG favorite Shane Wynn, allowing the defense to focus on stopping the run. But without a space-eater like Jonathan Hankins, Bennett, Washington, Schutt and Company have their work cut out for them. Curtis Grant and freshman Raekwon McMillan will also have to step up their game as well.

On offense, there probably isn’t too much of a concern. Indiana’s defense is led by Linebacker T.J. Simmons, but I’m using “led” in very loose terms here. As you can see from the matchups in yesterday’s By The Numbers, Indiana can’s top anything on the defensive side of the ball. Ohio State’s offensive line will be too strong, J.T. Barrett too smart and the rest of his offensive weapons too quick for Indiana to hang around for very long.

I look for Ohio State to do what they’ve done since the Virginia Tech game — come out passing early, then establish the run by forcing teams to honor Barrett’s arm AND legs, and then let Ezekiel Elliot, Jalin Marshall and Curtis Samuel to do the rest.

At this point, Ohio State’s path to the B1G Championship Game should be academic. Indiana will prove a meatier test than Michigan (yeah, I said it) but it should be no more than a speed-bump.

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

The Spread, Week Thirteen: Fraud Teams Revisited

November 20, 2014 by 1 Comment

Time for more personal accountability. This week I’ll review my annual fraud team list. You may remember that I started my list early this year due to an abnormally small number of undefeated teams in Week 5. But I promise not to use that as an excuse.

1. Oregon State. The Beavers are the perfect fraud team this year. Not only have they already crashed their 3-0 start into a 5-5 record, but they also went ahead and hilariously beat #6 Arizona State to help out the Buckeyes in the playoff race.

2. Washington. I usually hesitate to put two teams from the same conference at the top of the list, because it’s unlikely that they’ll both tank. But sure enough, the Huskies have gone from 4-0 to 6-5 and the season’s not even over yet. The Fraud List is lookin’ good…

3. TCU. Oh.

Hey, the nature of the list pretty much guarantees some actually good teams will end up on it, and TCU is one of those this year. Congrats, Frogs.

4. N.C. State. Back in business! The Wolfpack started 4-0, then lost their next four games. They are currently 6-5, another fraud smoked out!

5. Mississippi State. At least now they’ve finally lost one, so this pick doesn’t look completely ridiculous. Good job, Bulldogs, you avoided a dire fate.

So there you have it. I said I would consider the list a success if at least one team lost five games and no one did better than 8-4. Two teams are definitely going to do better than 8-4, but I think nailing three frauds (including my top two) before the season is even over is still pretty good.

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

By The Numbers: Indiana

November 19, 2014 by Leave a Comment

As always, presented without comment.

Statistically Speaking
Ohio State
Value (Rank)
Value (Rank)
Indiana
Advantage
Rushing Offense (ypg) 263.1 (13) 173.9 (81) Rushing Defense (ypg) Ohio State+
Passing Offense (ypg) 246.7 (50) 258.8 (104) Passing Defense (ypg) Ohio State+
Pass Efficiency 170.9 (2) 133.6 (88) Pass Efficiency Defense Ohio State++
Total Offense (ypg) 509.8 (10) 432.7 (91) Total Defense (ypg) Ohio State++
Scoring Offense (ppg) 44.5 (5) 33.6 (106) Scoring Defense (ppg) Ohio State+++
Rushing Defense (ypg) 134.5 (30) 264.3 (11) Rushing Offense (ypg) Push
Passing Defense (ypg) 189.4 (18) 146.4 (118) Passing Offense (ypg) Ohio State+++
Pass Efficiency Defense 107.7 (18) 103.9 (122) Pass Efficiency Offense Ohio State+++
Total Defense (ypg) 323.9 (17) 410.7 (63) Total Offense (ypg) Ohio State
Scoring Defense (ppg) 22.0 (25) 25.1 (91) Scoring Offense (ppg) Ohio State+
Turnover margin +0.50 (34) -0.60 (109) Turnover margin Ohio State++
Penalty Yards/game 50.4 (54) 65.7 (108) Penalty Yards/game Ohio State+
Sacks (/game) 2.90 (18) 2.10 (70) Sacks Allowed (/game) Ohio State+
Sacks Allowed (/game) 2.00 (59) 2.00 (67) Sacks (/game) Push
3rd Down Conv. (%) 53.1 (4) 35.3 (28) 3rd Down Conv. Def (%) Push
3rd Down Conv. Def (%) 37.5 (48) 29.5 (123) 3rd Down Conv. (%) Ohio State+++
4th Down Conv. (%) 47.1 (76) 71.4 (119) 4th Down Conv. Def (%) Ohio State
4th Down Conv. Def (%) 44.4 (39) 36.8 (109) 4th Down Conv. (%) Ohio State+
Redzone Offense (%) 83.0 (67) 97.4 (128) Redzone Defense (%) Ohio State+
Redzone Defense (%) 80.0 (44) 78.6 (95) Redzone Offense (%) Ohio State+
 Legend
  Difference <25 in National Rank = Push
  Difference >25 in National Rank = Ohio State
  Difference >50 in National Rank = Ohio State+
  Difference >75 in National Rank = Ohio State++
  Differences >100 in National Rank = Ohio State+++

Stats are grabbed from cfbstats.com

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

Preview: MotSaG Live Episode #14

November 18, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Time for episode #14!

As always I will be hosting the podcast this week and be joined by fellow MotSaG writers Shannon Sommers, Chip Minnich and returning this week, Jeremiah. On this show we’ll breakdown Ohio State’s win over Minnesota, the Big Ten’s performance from this past weekend and make our usual weekly national and Big Ten picks. We’ll also preview and predict the outcome of Ohio State’s matchup with Indiana this weekend. Our special guest joining us this week will be Kyle Swick from The Crimson Quarry.

There are two great ways you can subscribe to MotSaG Live. For Apple users, you can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes. You can find our page by typing “MotSaG Live” in the iTunes search box or click here. For Android (and Apple) users, you can subscribe to the podcast via Stitcher. It is a free app in both stores. Just like iTunes you can find our page by typing “MotSaG Live” in the Stitcher search box or you can click here.

It’s going to be a fantastic show as always! Be sure to listen!

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

Negabuck: A Final Quarter Midterm

November 18, 2014 by 1 Comment

 

Sit down and shut up you little twerps, it’s the final quarter of the season and it is time for midterms. The Buckeyes kind of blew out/kind of almost lost to the Goofs of Minnesota Saturday and there are only two tests left in the 2014 season. This isn’t about them however, this week is all about how much you have been paying attention to this crazy college football year.

Did you do your homework? Did you take notes? Find the harsh reality now…

 

Here is your 2014 final quarter midterm; the answer key is located at the bottom (no peeking):

 

1. What does the J.T. stand for in J.T. Barrett?

___________________________

2. Where is the strongest media bias located in the country?

___________________________

3. If Team A beats Team B and both have the same record while playing near identical schedules, who should be ranked higher?

___________________________

4. If a three loss team falls 59-0 in the forest, should they still be ranked?

___________________________

5. Who should Ohio State start at quarterback in 2015?

___________________________

6. Which team has more rushing yards than Wake Forest this season?

___________________________

7. Northwestern is a team that plays in the state of Illinois, please define:

___________________________

8. Please explain the San Jose Punt Phenomenon of 11/15/2014:

___________________________

9. How many rib bones does Ezekiel Elliott show on a given Saturday?

___________________________

10. Would you rather fight 100 duck sized Joey Bosa’s or one Joey Bosa sized duck?

___________________________

 

Your Grade: ___________________________

 

O.k. you little cheats, pencils down! Grade yourself on the honors system.

 

Here is the answer key:

 

1. What does the J.T. stand for in J.T. Barrett?

John Heisman

2. Where is the strongest media bias located in the country?

Eugene, Oregon. Somehow the Ducks slip by the media sensibility goalie every year and are considered the darlings of College Football only to be a bigger letdown than Dumb and Dumber To (I haven’t seen it but I’m an ASSumer). They already laid one egg this year against a decent Zona team but I bet they are good for one more. They moved in front of Florida State last week in the playoff poll for some reason, who knows why. Enough people are sick of Winston and FSU that nobody seems to have a problem with it.

If they finally break through this year and win a playoff game then I will eat some crow with a side of duck. The SEC certainly gets a lot more credit than they deserve and many losses are forgiven somehow, but they win the big one a lot.

I’m still not sure what Oregon has done to earn all of this street cred… I guess they beat Wisconsin a few years ago?

3. If Team A beats Team B and both have the same record while playing near identical schedules, who should be ranked higher?

Team B. I don’t come up with the material, I just give out the tests…

I still think the committee will come to their senses after a few weeks and move Baylor ahead of TCU but don’t be surprised to see chaos head down south before the season’s over.

4. If a three loss team falls 59-0 in the forest, should they still be ranked?

Yes. Forget the murder at the hands of Alabama, or the two other losses that weren’t all that close- The Texas A&M Aggies creeped into the top 25 last week.

Can you imagine a Big Ten team being ranked with a 7-3 record with wins over:

South Carolina, Lamar, Rice, SMU, Arkansas, Louisiana-Monroe and Auburn?

Luckily the Aggies fell out after a loss to Mizzou on Saturday- I’m assuming this, too lazy to double check the polls because… I’m over it.

5. Who should Ohio State start at quarterback in 2015?

If you answered this question with J.T. Barrett or Braxton Miller then you get zero points. The correct answer is “Who the hell cares?” This currently pointless debate will have plenty of time to be beaten to death from mid-January to August next year. Enjoy this current run Buckeye fans.

6. Which team player has more rushing yards than Wake Forest this season in one game?

Melvin Gordon.

Gordon had 408 yards in one game against Nebraska. Wake Forest has 341 yards rushing on the season…

Farooq can put it like only he can:

 

7. Northwestern is a team that plays in the state of Illinois, please define:

Bipolar: A team that manages to beat Wisconsin and Penn State soundly on the road, then wins in overtime against a once top 5 Notre Dame… Also lost to Cal, Northern Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, Michigan and Iowa (48-7)…

What the hell?

 

8. Please explain the San Jose Punt Phenomenon of 11/15/2014:

A truly spectacular case in which a team loses to Hawaii and scores zero points:

WITHOUT PUNTING ONCE!!!!! WHAT I DON’T EVEN!!!!!

That makes less sense then those tiny water bottles that John Beilein likes to drink.

 You got to respect a man so cautious he won’t even risk over hydration.

9. How many rib bones does Ezekiel Elliott show on a given Saturday?

Four. And I bet he’s got at least half a dozen hidden under there- He leaves that part to the imagination, which makes him even more a catch.

10. Would you rather fight 100 duck sized Joey Bosa’s or one Joey Bosa sized duck?

100 Duck sized Joey Bosa’s. You’re dead either way but just imagine trying to fight off that many pony tailed dreamboats. That’s a beautiful way for an Ohio State fan to reach his/her demise.

 

 

Bonus: Annunciation is everything in Broadway:

 

 

Double Bonus: The greatest pump up song of any kids childhood:

 

 

 

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, Ohio State Football
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