Ohio State 49-MSU 37 quick reaction…

November 9, 2014 by Leave a Comment

The good guys put Sparty back in their place when nobody in the country expected it… Except the players and coaches.

 

Man of the match: J.T Barrett.. Unbelievable.

Offensive player of the game: Not going to name Barrett twice so this will go to Devin Smith. The senior came to play today in his best game of his career.

Defensive player of the game: Doran Grant shut down Tony Lippett. Kid is making himself a lot of money this year.

What it means: With a day full of upsets and pandemonium the Buckeyes are officially in it… Get hyped. What a performance by the young Ohio State team. Michigan State had their best chance to beat Ohio State for the next few years. Mission failed Sparty.

On deck: A pretty good Minnesota team who maybe the second best team on Ohio State’s schedule. On the road the Buckeyes cannot sleep on the Gophers but all Buckeye brethren should enjoy this one for awhile.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

Buckeyes/Spartans 2014 – Let’s Get Ready To Rumble

November 7, 2014 by Leave a Comment

In 2012, Ohio State traveled to East Lansing, Michigan, to battle B1G foe Michigan State for a regularly scheduled conference game. At the conclusion of a 17-16 victory that left Ohio State undefeated, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer said, “This was a war. This was two sledgehammers going at each other…”.

In 2013, Ohio State met Michigan State in Indianapolis to battle for the B1G Championship. After the Spartans defeated the Buckeyes 34-24, eliminating Ohio State from an opportunity to compete for the national championship, Coach Meyer stated, “You know it’s going to haunt all of us, I imagine, for a little while…”.

“A little while” has passed. On November 8, 2014, at 8pm EST on ABC, Ohio State will have an opportunity to show Michigan State, and the nation, if the Buckeyes are still haunted from last season’s defeat by the Spartans.

This game has taken on added significance for both teams, as both are ranked outside of the top four in the College Football Playoff. A loss for Ohio State or Michigan State will certainly eliminate them from playoff contention.

Other areas of importance for Ohio State fans? This little tidbit of information from The Columbus Dispatch’s Rob Oller should give all Ohio State fans something to contemplate…

How evenly matched are these teams? This graphic, courtesy of BTN’s Brent Yarina, sums it up nicely…

Here are the three critical areas I will be focusing upon as I tune into the game that will put one of these teams in the driver’s seat to securing the B1G East Division berth for the 2014 B1G Championship Game…

1. Will Ohio State Force Michigan State To Defend The Entire Field? – On this week’s MotSaG podcast (I know it’s shameless self-promotion, but I did mention this idea here first), I jokingly suggested that perhaps someone should lie to Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Herman and say that Ohio State is playing North Texas or Tulane, other teams that wear green. My rationale in this is perhaps Coach Herman will be more comfortable calling the offensive plays, instead of playing more conservatively and predictably as Coach Herman has in previous big games/opponents that Ohio State has faced over the previous seasons (2012 Wisconsin, 2013 Wisconsin, 2014 Virginia Tech, 2014 Penn State).

Here is the point – Michigan State has two superior defensive coaches on staff in former Ohio State defensive coordinator/current Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio and current Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi. Michigan State had a bye week last weekend, allowing both Dantonio and Narduzzi ample opportunities to scrutinize all of Ohio State’s offensive tendencies, as well as come up with variations of the defensive challenges that worked so well previously against Ohio State (Virginia Tech, Penn State games). In order for Ohio State to win this game, Coach Meyer and Coach Herman cannot run the predictable halfback read option plays up the middle with Ezekiel Elliott and expect to win this game. Screens, slants, jet sweeps with Dontre Wilson or Jalin Marshall, deep passes to Devin Smith, etc., will all be needed to keep Michigan State off-balance defensively.

2. Will Ohio State’s Defense Rise To Its Biggest Challenge This Season? – Michigan State prides itself on running a traditional pro-set offense, led by native Ohioan quarterback Connor Cook. While Cook does not excel in any one particular area as a quarterback, Cook represents the type of quarterbacks that have developed into dependable game managers, such as his predecessors Brian Hoyer and Kirk Cousins, both of whom have moved onto NFL careers after playing for Michigan State.

Cook will rely upon steady MSU playmakers such as RB Jeremy Langford and WR Tony Lippett. Langford may be one of the most underrated running backs in the B1G, while Lippett averages 21.2 yards per reception.

Look for Ohio State to move stalwart defensive lineman Joey Bosa around the Ohio State defensive line, as Bosa will probably be double or triple-teamed by Michigan State on passing downs. Ohio State’s Doran Grant will probably be matched up with Lippett, so this battle will be one to watch. The often-maligned Ohio State secondary, which has improved tremendously over the course of the season, will need to wrap up and tackle; so often, younger players try for a ‘kill shot’ that could make a highlight film, but allow the opposing player to break free and run after the catch.

3. Will Ohio State’s Special Teams Play A Part In This Game? – Occasionally this season, Ohio State has sacrificed valuable yards and field position on kickoffs by kicking the ball out of bounds, giving the opposition the ball on the 35 yard line. Ohio State cannot afford to provide Michigan State with such ideal starting points on the field.

Another area that relates to Ohio State’s special teams will be related to freshman placekicker Sean Nuernberger and Coach Meyer. On occasion, Coach Meyer has declined to attempt field goals, wanting to retain possession of the ball. Last week versus Illinois, Coach Meyer went for it on two different times, and came away with no points. Against Michigan State, Ohio State fans can only hope Coach Meyer will take the points, as the points will be hard to come by in this contest.

As for Nuernberger, there have been field goal misses that have hurt Ohio State tremendously; the game against Virginia Tech is the most painful example Buckeye fans will remember this season. Will Nuernberger rise to the occasion if called upon in this game against Michigan State?

Prediction: I want to preface this by stating that I hope I am wrong, but here is how I see it will happen…The weather forecast for East Lansing is for rain/snow/sleet, with a high in the 40s and a low in the 20s. Weather like that usually makes passing the ball more challenging, which swings to Michigan State’s favor to stack the box and dare Ohio State to throw.

Considering Coach Herman’s tendencies to become conservative with his play-calling, and Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett nursing a sprained MCL injury that limits his mobility, I see Ohio State struggling to get anything consistently going against a well-coached Michigan State defense.

Lastly, Michigan State’s team is predominantly seniors and juniors, while Ohio State’s team is younger, with freshmen and sophomores playing key positions throughout the roster. The home field, a well-rested Spartan team, potentially bad weather…I see it Michigan State 24, Ohio State 17. And if I am wrong, feel free to let me have it @ChipMinnich, because nothing would make me happier to say I am wrong on this one.

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

MOTSAG TV Guide

November 6, 2014 by Leave a Comment

All games Saturday, November 8, unless otherwise noted.

Programming note: “OTHER OHIO TEAMS” section has been replaced by “MACTION!!” You’re welcome.

Rankings reflect current College Football Playoff rankings.

BUCKEYES

#14 Ohio State @ #8 Michigan State. 8:00p, ABC. (Gameday. 9:00a, ESPN.)

This is it. This is the game you’ve been waiting for since last year’s Big Ten title game, in which Mark Dantonio at his most evil handed Urban Meyer his first loss as Buckeye head coach.

Revenge is a pizza best served cold. In a golf cart.

UPCOMING OPPONENTS

Iowa @ Minnesota. Noon, ESPN2.

Penn State @ Indiana. Noon, Big Ten Network.

Michigan @ Northwestern. 3:30p, ESPN2.

OTHER BIG TEN TEAMS

#25 Wisconsin @ Purdue. Noon, ESPN2.

Maryland, Rutgers, #13 Nebraska, Illinois: no games.

OTHER TOP NATIONAL GAMES

This is going to be an amazing weekend of college football…

#12 Baylor @ #15 Oklahoma. Noon, FS1.

#10 Notre Dame @ #9 Arizona State. 3:30p, ABC.

#7 Kansas State @ #6 TCU. 7:30p, Fox.

#5 Alabama @ #16 LSU. 8:00p, CBS.

#4 Oregon @ #17 Utah. 10:00p, ESPN.

MACTION!!
All games at 8:00p on ESPN2 or ESPNU.

Tuesday, November 11.

Akron @ Buffalo.
Toledo @ Northern Illinois.

Wednesday, November 12.

Ball State @ UMass.
Kent State @ Bowling Green.

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

Ohio State vs Michigan State Preview

November 6, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Date & Time: Saturday November 8, 2014 8:14pm EST

Where: Spartan Nation; East Lansing, Michigan

TV: ABC Nationally: Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Heather Cox will be the announcing crew

Series Record: OSU leads 28-14, Buckeyes lead 14-5 in East Lansing

Initial Thoughts

How many in Buckeye Nation have had this Saturday’s match-up circled since the Big Ten Championship Game? So much of a bad taste still left in my mouth as a fan I can’t imagine what it’s like for the players to have their national title hopes dashed away by Sparty. I still see Urban sitting on the golf cart eating pizza looking sad and lonely. While I try to move on from that sad emotional scar lets talk about how bad the Big Ten is this year. The conference has five teams in the top ten of the nation in defense and seven in top twenty five. SEC has one in top ten and six in top twenty five and one of those lost to Indiana but I digress. Saturday’s game will feature two teams that are the heavy hitters of the conference currently and this has the looks and feel of a heavyweight fight which means the four letter network will be bringing their College Gameday to East Lansing and during the game subject us to the constant talk of the SEC. I suggest if you are going to be making a drinking game of this one that you do it from the confines of your home and don’t drink and drive because you will not be able to walk if you consume an alcoholic beverage every time they mention the SEC.

Let’s Discuss Michigan State

The reigning Big Ten Champs and Rose Bowl Champions are off to a 7-1 start, their lone loss coming from their week two trip to Eugene, Oregon. Sparty was holding tough with the Ducks having the lead starting the third quarter but gave up some big plays and fell down the stretch. Currently the Spartans are ranked eighth in the College Football Playoff Rankings. Only other ranked team they have played is Nebraska which they barely escaped after having a comfortable lead. Michigan State allowed the Cornhuskers get back into the game in the fourth quarter after being up 27-3. Sparty allowed three touchdowns and needed an interception with thirty seconds left near the endzone to seal their win.

Michigan State as always are a stingy bunch on opposing running backs and its still hard to throw on them but not as hard as last year. Last season the knock on Michigan State was that their offense was struggling, that was being fixed as the season wore on and definitely isn’t an issue this season as they are an explosive offensive unit averaging 515.5 yards and 40.8 points per game.

When Ohio State is on Offense

There is so much to discuss here. From offensive coordinator Tom Herman and his play calls to J.T. Barrett and the offensive line play against tough defenses. Granted Virginia Tech was second game of season and Urban Meyer said the coaching staff wasn’t prepared for what the Hokies brought but then some similarities happened against Penn State. The offensive line needs to have the game of their life protecting Barrett and giving him some time and Herman needs to use and abuse the tight ends. The Buckeyes have tremendous depth of offensive weapons with Devin Smith, Michael Thomas, Evan Spencer, Dontre Wilson, Jalin Marshall, Nick Vannett, and Jeff Heuerman that have to touch the ball to spread the field. Ezekiel Elliott and Curtis Samuel will need to have running lanes and most likely make something out of nothing. The Buckeyes rushing attack is averaging 5.7 yards a carry at 277 a game. Ohio State has the talent to take it to Sparty the only question is have they matured enough to put it all together to have that perfect game against a top team.

When Michigan State is on Offense

The Spartans have given the keys to junior quarterback Connor Cook last season and haven’t looked back. The Ohio product is having a stellar year throwing for over 1800 yards, 17 touchdowns, and only 5 interceptions. His offensive line has done a great job protecting him, only been sacked five times so far this season. You can say the knock on Cook is that he’s not very mobile, the most rushing attempts hes made was against Purdue with seven and had 34 yards. Looks as if he averages about three rushes per game to help pick up crucial first downs. Spartans have some wide receivers like Tony Lippett who has 889 yards already this season. Others like TE Josiah Price (258), Aaron Burbridge (192), Keith Mumphery (151), Maacgarrett King Jr (150), AJ Troup (113), R.J. Shelton (102), TE Jamal Lyles (46). Sparty has a good rushing attack with Jeremy Langford who is averaging 5.3 ypg and has 841 yards in eight games also Nick Hill is averaging 6.1 ypg and has 482 on the ground. Michigan State has a very stout offense probably why they are just like Ohio State as a high ranking offense in the nation.

When Ohio State is on Defense

Lets start with the defensive line. Joey Bosa is going to demand a lot of attention so hopefully that will open up some thing for Bennett, Washington, and Miller to try to get to Cook to disrupt his timing. The Buckeyes rushing defense is giving up 118.6 yards a game this season but in conference play that number comes down to a staggering 84.2. A lot of the rushing yards they gave up were against Navy so thats why the number is so high but they have adjusted and the defensive line along with the linebackers have done an excellent job adjusting and returning to form of stopping the run which will be a tall order Saturday. The secondary is going to have to come up big especially Doran Grant who most likey will be lined up opposite Tony Lippert the Spartans best wide receiver. Armani Reeves the nickle back looks like he will be out so Cam Burrows or Damon Webb could replace him and will need to step up. The Buckeyes defense will need to keep playing aggressive and force turnovers like they have been doing but also they will need to keep everything in front of them and not get beat over the top. They have been gelling well together and growing as a group and hopefully that continues in East Lansing and makes it a long night for Connor Cook and company.

When Michigan State is on Defense

Like Ohio State the Spatans have a defensive end that is just as nasty. Junior Shilique Calhoun is going to command a lot of attention as he is a player that creates a lot of havoc allowing other members along the defensive line to make their moves to Barrett. They have been just as stingy against the run allowing 94.4 yards on the ground but that average actually goes up in conference play to 112.5 a game. As always defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi has his defense playing physical and tight. their secondary still has talent with the likes of safety Kurtis Drummond and cornerback Trae Waynes who are a part of a group that only allow 184 yards a game through the air. Naturally Mark Dantonio has done a great job along with his coaching staff recruiting and coaching bring out the best in their players to have the Spartans on the top of the conference.

Bottom Line

This is going to be a slug fest. Currently there are two teams in the Big Ten and then there are the other twelve. Not only is this the rematch of the conference championship game of last season but many feel that this is the basically the conference championship game for this season. This is a statement game for the Buckeyes, you want to be taken for real you must walk out of East Lansing with the win. Revenge is on the minds of many of the Buckeyes but honestly that should pass real quick and just stay focused with the Spartans. The Buckeyes could come out fast and shock Michigan State and that would be a great thing or they could take some shots in the mouth and give Sparty some shots back and stay in striking range. Michigan State has shown in at least three games this season that you can make a run at them in the fourth quarter. Could it have been an isolated incidents when three teams made comebacks in the fourth quarter? One of them (Oregon) winning one while Nebraska and Purdue threw interceptions at the very end to seal the win for Spartan Nation. My biggest concern is that Michigan State is coming off a bye week giving them an extra week to prepare for the Buckeyes. Thanks Big Ten.

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

The Spread, Week Eleven: The Name Game

November 6, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Team A has one loss, to a 6-3 team who hasn’t lost since October 4th. And the team they lost to back then? Don’t worry, Team A already beat them–one of just two losses suffered by that team.

Team B also has one loss, to a 7-2 team who lost their last two games. The teams who beat them are pretty good, but Team B hasn’t played those teams yet.

As far as wins go, neither Team A or B has beaten anyone all that impressive, but Team A probably has a slight edge if we’re comparing each team’s best single win.

In the new College Football Playoff rankings released this week, Team A is #22, a pretty reasonable ranking for what I’ve described above–no remarkable wins and an okay loss. You could argue that the ranking is a little low for a one-loss team.

Team B doesn’t have that problem. They’re ranked #5, just outside the as-of-yet-imaginary playoff field.

How could two teams with such similar resumés end up so far apart in the rankings? After all, the playoff website tells us that the committee is looking at things like win-loss record and strength of schedule–exactly the things I covered above.

Team A is Duke.
Team B is Alabama.

The Crimson Tide get a pass because of who they are and what they’ve done in the recent past. To argue otherwise is silly. It can’t be about blowouts vs. close wins/losses, because the committee isn’t supposed to be looking at margin of victory. It can’t be about projected success, because they aren’t supposed to be doing that either–each week’s rankings are supposed to be about the season up to that point. There really is nothing left other than Alabama has a much greater football tradition than Duke.

Not convinced? Why is TCU, with a lone loss to one-loss Baylor along with wins over Oklahoma and West Virginia, also ranked behind Bama? Both teams beat WVU (and remember, it doesn’t matter by how much) but Bama hasn’t played anyone as good as Oklahoma. You could make similar arguments for Kansas State and Michigan State.

But look at those names: Duke, Texas Christian, Kansas State, Michigan State. These are not traditional football powers, claiming just 8 national titles between them, with 6 of those belonging to the Spartans, easily the biggest football brand of the bunch. Alabama claims 15 national titles alone.

Just so we’re clear, this is not an accusation of bias or intentional artificial boosting of the SEC or even just Alabama by the committee. Think of it as a friendly reminder that despite progress, we’re still very much in the age of haves and have-nots in college football, and our shiny new playoff–as welcome and exciting as it is–is still the product of human subjectivity.

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

By The Numbers: Michigan State

November 5, 2014 by Leave a Comment

As always, presented without comment.

Statistically Speaking
Ohio State
Value (Rank)
Value (Rank)
Michigan State
Advantage
Rushing Offense (ypg) 259.3 (14) 95.4 (6) Rushing Defense (ypg) Push
Passing Offense (ypg) 245.9 (55) 184.0 (15) Passing Defense (ypg) Michigan State
Pass Efficiency 169.2 (2) 103.7 (8) Pass Efficiency Defense Push
Total Offense (ypg) 505.1 (15) 279.4 (5) Total Defense (ypg) Push
Scoring Offense (ppg) 45.6 (4) 20.3 (22) Scoring Defense (ppg) Push
Rushing Defense (ypg) 118.6 (18) 254.9 (17) Rushing Offense (ypg) Push
Passing Defense (ypg) 181.4 (13) 260.4 (43) Passing Offense (ypg) Ohio State
Pass Efficiency Defense 106.9 (18) 160.3 (7) Pass Efficiency Offense Push
Total Defense (ypg) 300.0 (8) 515.3 (10) Total Offense (ypg) Push
Scoring Defense (ppg) 19.9 (17) 45.5 (5) Scoring Offense (ppg) Push
Turnover margin +1.00 (11) +1.50 (3) Turnover margin Push
Penalty Yards/game 50.6 (52) 54.3 (67) Penalty Yards/game Push
Sacks (/game) 3.00 (18) 0.63 (4) Sacks Allowed (/game) Push
Sacks Allowed (/game) 2.13 (73) 3.50 (7) Sacks (/game) Michigan State+
3rd Down Conv. (%) 48.5 (12) 26.6 (36) 3rd Down Conv. Def (%) Push
3rd Down Conv. Def (%) 35.7 (39) 46.9 (22) 3rd Down Conv. (%) Push
4th Down Conv. (%) 43.8 (87) 50.0 (58) 4th Down Conv. Def (%) Michigan State
4th Down Conv. Def (%) 42.9 (33) 44.4 (81) 4th Down Conv. (%) Ohio State
Redzone Offense (%) 82.2 (72) 84.2 (78) Redzone Defense (%) Push
Redzone Defense (%) 77.3 (30) 85.7 (46) Redzone Offense (%) Push
 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 Podcast #12

November 4, 2014 by 1 Comment

Time for episode #12! If you missed last week’s episode, you can find it by clicking here.

As always I will be hosting the podcast this week and be joined by fellow MotSaG writers Shannon Sommers and Chip Minnich. On this show we’ll breakdown Ohio State’s easy win over Illinois, 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 prime time matchup with Michigan State this weekend. Our special guest joining us this week will be Hondo Carpenter from SpartanNation.com.

We are making a change this week in the way the podcast is recorded. We are no longer recording the podcasts live because we feel we can deliver a better show this way and I have noticed that most of you listen to the podcast after it has aired. You can still expect the podcast to be available to listen to sometime later tonight.

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: B1G Football, College Football, Ohio State Football

NegaBuck: The Script to Win in East Lansing

November 4, 2014 by Leave a Comment

 

by: Ryan Black

After a “country boy ass whoopin” of Illinois last Saturday night, the Buckeyes have now reached the climax of the 2014 football movie. Up next is the villain from last seasons film, the Michigan State Spartans. If you remember the final scene of the 2013 version, our hero Brutus was left in tears of rage in downtown Indianapolis after Mark Dantonio and his heinous thugs murdered our precious… The Big Ten Championship.

The sequel to that tragic movie is hopefully a story of redemption and doesn’t follow the George R. R. Martin path of killing the hope of all the honorable men and women. How can Brutus and the young Bucks get payback in Darth Dantonio’s own house?

Here are ten things that need to go Ohio State’s way to pull off a victory – In the name of made up movie titles for a little school girl fun :

10. No More Carnage:

Plot: How much more confident would Ohio State feel if they walked into Saturday’s battle with Braxton Miller, Noah Spence and Rod Smith? The team has been relatively lucky with injuries and suspensions for the most part but no more A list actors can be cut or this movie will be the next Gigli.

9. Dos La rotación de existencias:

Plot: Yes I googled the Spanish word for turnovers and I’m still not sure if I used it right. I think Ohio State needs to create at least two turnovers to take down Sparty in this foreign film.

8. Reaction:

Plot: Tom Herman and Urban Meyer have taken some heat for the play calling in close games recently and it seems the answers to what opposing defenses are showing them are not figured out until after the game. That can’t happen this week; Dantonio will throw some confusion at the young guns and in game adjustments need to be on point or similar offensive outputs to VA Tech and PSU could be on the way.

7. Pick One:

Plot: Moving the ball will be tough against the Spartans and giving them a short field is a death sentence. J.T. Barrett will make some freshmen throws and for Ohio State to win only one of them can fall into a Spartan’s gut.

6. South of 250:

Plot: If Connor Cook goes over 250 passing yards then I would guess that Ohio State is dead in the water.

5. Eastern Silence:

Plot: Nothing helps a really young team win in a hostile environment better than a quick start. East Lansing needs to be punched in the face and shut up early to help with the audibles Barrett loves to call at the line of scrimmage. The crowd will be rough but not near as rambunctious as the Penn State bunch.

4. Breakdown Limit:

Plot: The two least experienced units on Ohio State’s squad are the two that will decide the outcome in my opinion. How the offensive line and secondary handle the confusion that will be headed there way will mean everything. Breakdowns that allow sacks and give up big plays cannot happen often this week.

3. Seven Touches:

Plot: Dontre Wilson and Jalin Marshall need at least 7 offensive touches each to exploit the Spartan defense as Oregon and Purdue seemed to use in getting the edge. If this doesn’t happen then some serious discussions need to be made about who the Buckeyes are.

2. 40 Yards to Happiness:

Plot: Michigan State is not the type of team to give up chunks of yards at a time. To put up enough points to win I think Ohio State needs at least 3 plays over 40 yards.

1. The Man Who Saved the World in 60 Minutes Under a Full Moon Using Only His Bare Hands and a Ponytail:

Plot: Joey Bosa steals the show and Connor Cook’s girlfriend in the baddest ass movie of all time.

 

 

If Ohio State can follow this script then they will certainly walk away with a victory Saturday. Too many plot changes and Indianapolis dreams will evaporate.

I’m buying my Big Ten Title game tickets this week, are you? If Ohio State wins expect prices to skyrocket around midnight 11/8.

 

Bonus: How the greatest song of all time was created-

 

Double Bonus: The hardest part of making mistakes is facing loved ones afterwards:

 

 

Filed Under: B1G Football, Blogging, Ohio State Football

B1G Weekly Recap: Blowouts The Theme Across B1G Play This Weekend

November 4, 2014 by Leave a Comment

With just one game decided by less than 21 points, it was the weekend of the blowout in the Big Ten. Maryland’s 20-19 victory over Penn State was the only game of six on Saturday to remain competitive in the second half as well. Ohio State won to remain undefeated in the Big Ten, while Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin all won to remain at one loss in conference play.

Iowa 48, Northwestern 7

Iowa dominated on both offense and defense as they cruised to 3-1 in the Big Ten. The Hawkeye defense held Northwestern to just 75 yards passing and 105 yards rushing. Justin Jackson was the lone bright spot for the Wildcats, rushing for 96 yards and their only score of the game.

Marc Weisman found paydirt three times on the ground to go with 94 yards. Akrum Wadley added 106 yards and a touchdown rushing in the victory. Jake Rudock threw for 239 yards and a touchdown on just 12-19 passing. Northwestern hosts Michigan on Saturday while Iowa takes a trip to Minnesota in a battle of one-loss teams in the Big Ten West.

Maryland 20, Penn State 19

It was a game that’s biggest fireworks came before the coin flip when Maryland’s captains refused to shake hands with the Penn State captains as the two groups approached at midfield. Maryland managed just 194 yards but still pulled off the road victory thanks to a Brad Craddock field goal with less than a minute to play.

The two teams combined for just 75 yards rushing and Penn State turned the ball over four times as the Nittany Lions fell to 1-4 in the Big Ten. Penn State goes to Indiana this weekend and Maryland has a week off to prepare for a visit from Michigan State.

Wisconsin 37, Rutgers 0

Wisconsin threw for just 87 yards but the ground game and defense did more than enough to welcome Rutgers to Camp Randall. Melvin Gordon ran for 128 yards and two touchdowns and Corey Clement complemented Gordon’s efforts with 131 yards and two scores of his own.

The Scarlet Knights managed just 139 yards of total offense (63 passing, 76 rushing) against a Badger defense that has now allowed just 7 points in its last two matchups. Rutgers is idle this week before hosting Indiana and Wisconsin will play at Purdue.

Nebraska 35, Purdue 14

In a game that star running back Ameer Abdullah left early, Nebraska still managed to run all over Purdue to improve to 4-1 in the Big Ten. Tommy Armstrong Jr. stepped up with his feet to add 70 yards on the ground to go with just 118 yards passing on a blustery day in Lincoln.

The Boilermakers actually outgained the Cornhuskers 340-297, but that was because the average starting field position for Nebraska was their own 49-yard line. Purdue has Wisconsin coming in to West Lafayette this weekend while Nebraska has a week off to get ready for their trip to Madison to play the Badgers.

Michigan 34, Indiana 10

It was an easy victory for the Wolverines as they welcomed Indiana into Ann Arbor for a date on Homecoming. Devin Gardner threw for 220 yards and two touchdowns and Drake Johnson had 122 yards and two scores on the ground as the Wolverines rolled to their 19th straight win over the Hoosiers.

Indiana had just 24 yards passing, but Tevin Coleman ran for 100 yards again as he is the only running back in the country to have hit the century mark in every game this season. The Wolverines will take a visit to Northwestern on Saturday and Indiana will play host to Penn State in Bloomington.

Ohio State 55, Illinois 14

In a matchup that turned into a tune-up game for the battle with the Spartans, Ohio State pounded Illinois for a total of 545 yards (249 passing, 296 rushing). J.T. Barrett only played the first half when he led the Buckeyes to a 31-0 halftime advantage behind 167 yards passing and two scores. Cardale Jone came in and threw two TDs of his own in the second half, and Jalin Marshall had a 30-yard rushing touchdown.

The Illini put up just 243 yards of offense while turning the ball over four times. Illinois did not put points on the board until the game was well in hand, 48-0, for Ohio State. Illinois has a week off before welcoming Iowa into Champaign and Ohio State makes the trek up to East Lansing for a de facto Big Ten East Championship Game against Michigan State.

What did you think of the Big Ten’s play this week? Are you ready for the game that will decide the Big Ten East? Let us know what you are looking forward to the most this weekend.

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

Buckeyes Land Big Time Recruit

November 3, 2014 by 2 Comments

I have to start out with I am sorry. I have not put up a commitment post for the last couple of recruits. I have seriously slacked in my coverage of recruiting because of a new job. Thankfully this newest commit was kind enough to commit on my day off so I have no excuse to not put up a post. So let’s make it a great one. Today’s commitment is one that seemed inevitable and then impossible and finally back to inevitable. So while today’s announcement was a foregone conclusion to many recruiting experts it is great none the less. So let’s break down this future Buckeye and see why it is such a big pick up for OSU.

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Torrance Gibson committed to become a Buckeye at his school today after his Army All-American Ceremony.

Torrance Gibson is a 6’4″ 200 lbs 5 star QB/Athlete from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Torrance is a Dual-Threat Quaterback with tremendous upside. His athletic ability alone makes some question if he would be a better WR than a QB. He has the speed to outrun the defenses and the agility to make people miss. His throwing ability is underappreciated IMHO. He has a big arm that allows for deep passes. Like many DT QBs though his short to intermediate throws need work. Why throw for 5-10 yards when as a QB you can pull it down and run for 15-20? That is the kind of thing that makes people doubt running QBs. Make no mistake though Torrance Gibson is going to OSU as a QB and will get every chance he can to earn his spot as the starting QB. I also am not a moron Coach Meyer and his staff does a great job taking guys and putting in the best spots to succeed. They turned a Fullback into a Linebacker. A Tight end into a OLman. Sam Hubbard may play every position before he leaves OSU. Torrance will compete to be a QB but has the athletic ability to succeed no matter where he plays and that is why landing him is so important.

247sports ranks Torrance a 4 star the 62nd best player in the country and the 6th best athlete in the country. Rivals ranks Torrance a 4 star and the 103rd best player in the country. Scout ranks him a 4 star and the 45th best player in the country. ESPN ranks Torrance a 5 star and the 13th best player in the country and the 2nd best athlete in the country.

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, College Football Recruiting, High School Football, Ohio State Football Tagged With:
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