Ohio State 37
Michigan 7
Scoring Summary
2nd Quarter
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 34 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor passed to Dane Sanzenbacher for 7 yards
Michigan TD: Michael Shaw rushed for 1 yard
Ohio State TD: Jordan Hall returned kick-off 85 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor passed to DeVier Posey for 33 yards
3rd Quarter
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 32 yards
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 36 yards
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 23 yards
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor: 18-27, 220 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Daniel Herron: 22 rushes, 175 yards, TD
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My earliest memories of this game are generally of Ohio State losing to Michigan. Most of the time Ohio State had a superior team, but still would end up losing to the Wolverines. Except for in 1998 when the team had already blown their chance at the National Title, then the Buckeye's managed to win one against Michigan.
Now, it is slowly becoming almost ho-hum to beat Michigan. It's been 7 straight years and 9 of the past 10. I'm not complaining though. It's going to suck when Michigan finally breaks through again.
The game was very similar to the previous two against Michigan. Just general dominance of Ohio State. I don't think Michigan is to far off from being back to being competitive with Ohio State. Provided they don't get rid of Rodriguez.
Pryor had a really nice first half with the exception of his final pass of the half. He didn't really do much in the second half, because he didn't really have to/didn't get to.
The defense did pretty well. You can't really expect to always stop Michigan when Robinson is on the field, but the managed to hold up. Once Robinson was gone Michigan couldn't do a thing.
So, it's on to a bowl game for the Buckeyes. Not surprisingly Wisconsin is ahead of Ohio State in the BCS rankings, so the Badgers will be going to the Rose Bowl. Not to fret though, because Ohio State will be going to a BCS bowl game regardless. Most likely it will against Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Player of the Year Rankings
4. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
1. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Top 5
5. Stanford
4. Wisconsin
3. TCU
2. Auburn
1. Oregon
I'm really wondering if Auburn is already secure in their position in the National Title game. I mean even if they lose next week, I think they may stay ahead of TCU. Or if Auburn would fall in the polls would Stanford or Wisconsin jump TCU.
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I'm skipping the Basketball this week. The games where quite similar and against crappy opponents.
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael
Showing posts with label Buckeye Sunday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Buckeye Sunday. Show all posts
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Buckeye Sunday
Ohio State 20
Iowa 17
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Iowa TD: Ricky Stanzi pass to Marvin McNutt for 19 yards
2nd Quarter
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 18 yards
3rd Quarter
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Reid Fragel for 5 yards
Iowa FG: Michael Meyer 31 yards
4th Quarter
Iowa TD: Marcus Cocker rushed for 1 yard
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 48 yards
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 1 yard
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor: 18-33, 195 yards, TD, 2 INTs, 15 rushes, 78 yards
Dane Sanzenbacher: 6 receptions, 102 yards
Daniel Herron: 20 rushes, 69 yards
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yesterday's performance was probably the most impressed I've been with an Ohio State team in a tough game since the 2005 Michigan game. It was by no means a perfect game and there was a lot of adversity on both sides of the ball, but they managed to tough it out in a difficult environment and get the win.
Terrelle Pryor made some mistakes yesterdays, but did a great job keeping his composure. The Ohio State receivers were dropping balls at a level I've only seen the Cleveland Browns at. He didn't get terribly frustrated and do something stupid, which is awesome. I also really like that he is finally running again. He seemed to be hesitant to run through the middle of the season, either due to injury or over-coaching, but yesterday on scrambles and designed runs he gained yards and kept the opposing defense honest. Since he is such an amazing athlete, he was able to use his legs not his arm to make the biggest play of the game.
The rushing attack definitely benefited from the reintroduction of designed runs for Pryor. Herron wasn't able to put up the big numbers he has been in previous games, but Pryor's numbers more than made up for it.
The defense played a solid game. The secondary had its moments, where you had to worry, but overall it was a good game. Iowa's running game was largely made ineffective. Most importantly, they came up with stops when it was most important. They were able to make Iowa go three and out and four and out in their final two possessions ensuring the Ohio State victory.
I think yesterday's game was the best so far by the Special Teams units. The kick off coverage team had no major lapses. The field-goal unit was finally successful at a long Field Goal attempt. The punting game is still lacking, but it didn't do anything to really mess up.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michigan
Yes it is Michigan week. The biggest rivalry in college football. It has finally been pushed till after thanksgiving to somewhat reduce the ridiculous wait that Big 10 teams have until BCS bowl games. No matter how good or bad either team is, this is always a big deal.
Michigan is really simple to explain. Pretty Damn impressive offensively with a high school level defense. It's like this, if you can stop Michigan's offense once, they're fucked, because their defense can't stop anybody, ever.
Ohio State 65
Michigan 24
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Player of the Year Rankings
4. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
1. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Note: The winner is not announced until the end of the Bowl season
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Top 5
5. Wisconsin
4. TCU
3. Auburn
2. Boise State
1. Oregon
I think Auburn is going to lose to Alabama. My current theory is that Auburn would fall(to 6 or 7) and TCU would move up to #2. Then if Auburn wins the SEC championship, the voters will move them right back up to number 2, because of the entitlement the voters have given the SEC*.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio State 93
Florida 75
Player Stats
Jared Sullinger 26 points, 10 rebounds
David Lighty 26 points
William Buford 16 points, 8 assists
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio State 81
UNC-Wilmington 41
Stat: Every healthy player on the Ohio State roster played at least 13 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was tight for most of the game, but Ohio State took over in the later parts of the 2nd half to rout Florida on their home court. Florida was ranked 9th at the time, but they are overrated. They got that ranking almost entirely on all the starters they returned, but the problem is that those starters aren't very good. So, this victory looks nice now, I don't think it will much matter come selection time in March. Considering that this is without question the toughest out of conference games this year, it may be tough to get a higher seed without a very impressive Big 10 resume.
Jared Sullinger is very impressive. Just three games in and I feel fairly comfortable saying that he is by far the best front court player I've seen at Ohio State.
Something completely different about the Florida game I want to address is the decision by ESPN to cut away from the Ohio State game to go the UConn women's game. Yes, the Ohio State game had gotten out of hand, but damn it I want to watch the Buckeyes not some women's basketball that I do not give a damn about. It's not even like the Women's game would be hard to find if someone really wanted to watch it. It was on fucking ESPN 2! Also, you can't tell me that ESPN isn't able to make sure viewers in Columbus, Ohio can still watch the Ohio State game.
*A Blog First* ESPN, you're on notice.
Yea, UNC-Wilmington was totally outmatched. That's really all that can be said about that game. Holding any team to 41 points does make me one happy dude though, because nothing makes me happier the great defense in Basketball.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question for today, How would you like me to organize the Basketball portion of Buckeye Sunday? Do you want the scores and stats for all games that week and then a discussions? Or perhaps have each game taken individually? Let me know in the comments.
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael
*See LSU in 2007
Iowa 17
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Iowa TD: Ricky Stanzi pass to Marvin McNutt for 19 yards
2nd Quarter
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 18 yards
3rd Quarter
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Reid Fragel for 5 yards
Iowa FG: Michael Meyer 31 yards
4th Quarter
Iowa TD: Marcus Cocker rushed for 1 yard
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 48 yards
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 1 yard
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor: 18-33, 195 yards, TD, 2 INTs, 15 rushes, 78 yards
Dane Sanzenbacher: 6 receptions, 102 yards
Daniel Herron: 20 rushes, 69 yards
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yesterday's performance was probably the most impressed I've been with an Ohio State team in a tough game since the 2005 Michigan game. It was by no means a perfect game and there was a lot of adversity on both sides of the ball, but they managed to tough it out in a difficult environment and get the win.
Terrelle Pryor made some mistakes yesterdays, but did a great job keeping his composure. The Ohio State receivers were dropping balls at a level I've only seen the Cleveland Browns at. He didn't get terribly frustrated and do something stupid, which is awesome. I also really like that he is finally running again. He seemed to be hesitant to run through the middle of the season, either due to injury or over-coaching, but yesterday on scrambles and designed runs he gained yards and kept the opposing defense honest. Since he is such an amazing athlete, he was able to use his legs not his arm to make the biggest play of the game.
The rushing attack definitely benefited from the reintroduction of designed runs for Pryor. Herron wasn't able to put up the big numbers he has been in previous games, but Pryor's numbers more than made up for it.
The defense played a solid game. The secondary had its moments, where you had to worry, but overall it was a good game. Iowa's running game was largely made ineffective. Most importantly, they came up with stops when it was most important. They were able to make Iowa go three and out and four and out in their final two possessions ensuring the Ohio State victory.
I think yesterday's game was the best so far by the Special Teams units. The kick off coverage team had no major lapses. The field-goal unit was finally successful at a long Field Goal attempt. The punting game is still lacking, but it didn't do anything to really mess up.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michigan
Yes it is Michigan week. The biggest rivalry in college football. It has finally been pushed till after thanksgiving to somewhat reduce the ridiculous wait that Big 10 teams have until BCS bowl games. No matter how good or bad either team is, this is always a big deal.
Michigan is really simple to explain. Pretty Damn impressive offensively with a high school level defense. It's like this, if you can stop Michigan's offense once, they're fucked, because their defense can't stop anybody, ever.
Ohio State 65
Michigan 24
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Player of the Year Rankings
4. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
1. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Note: The winner is not announced until the end of the Bowl season
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Top 5
5. Wisconsin
4. TCU
3. Auburn
2. Boise State
1. Oregon
I think Auburn is going to lose to Alabama. My current theory is that Auburn would fall(to 6 or 7) and TCU would move up to #2. Then if Auburn wins the SEC championship, the voters will move them right back up to number 2, because of the entitlement the voters have given the SEC*.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio State 93
Florida 75
Player Stats
Jared Sullinger 26 points, 10 rebounds
David Lighty 26 points
William Buford 16 points, 8 assists
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio State 81
UNC-Wilmington 41
Stat: Every healthy player on the Ohio State roster played at least 13 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was tight for most of the game, but Ohio State took over in the later parts of the 2nd half to rout Florida on their home court. Florida was ranked 9th at the time, but they are overrated. They got that ranking almost entirely on all the starters they returned, but the problem is that those starters aren't very good. So, this victory looks nice now, I don't think it will much matter come selection time in March. Considering that this is without question the toughest out of conference games this year, it may be tough to get a higher seed without a very impressive Big 10 resume.
Jared Sullinger is very impressive. Just three games in and I feel fairly comfortable saying that he is by far the best front court player I've seen at Ohio State.
Something completely different about the Florida game I want to address is the decision by ESPN to cut away from the Ohio State game to go the UConn women's game. Yes, the Ohio State game had gotten out of hand, but damn it I want to watch the Buckeyes not some women's basketball that I do not give a damn about. It's not even like the Women's game would be hard to find if someone really wanted to watch it. It was on fucking ESPN 2! Also, you can't tell me that ESPN isn't able to make sure viewers in Columbus, Ohio can still watch the Ohio State game.
*A Blog First* ESPN, you're on notice.
Yea, UNC-Wilmington was totally outmatched. That's really all that can be said about that game. Holding any team to 41 points does make me one happy dude though, because nothing makes me happier the great defense in Basketball.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question for today, How would you like me to organize the Basketball portion of Buckeye Sunday? Do you want the scores and stats for all games that week and then a discussions? Or perhaps have each game taken individually? Let me know in the comments.
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael
*See LSU in 2007
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Buckeye Sunday
Ohio State 38
Penn State 14
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 26 yards
Penn State TD: Matthew McGloin pass to Justin Brown for 23 yards
2nd Quarter
Penn State TD: Matthew McGloin pass to Derek Moye for 6 yards
3rd Quarter
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 5 yards
Ohio State TD: Devon Torrence returned an interception 33 yards
4th Quarter
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor passed to Dane Sanzenbacher for 58 yards
Ohio State TD: Travis Howard returned an interception 29 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor passed to Jake Stoneburner for 3 yards
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor: 8-13, 138 yards, 2 TDs, INT
Daniel Herron: 21 rushes, 190 yards, TD
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I couldn't tell whether Ohio State just didn't care in the first half or if they were really that bad, but in the second half they made Penn State look terrible.
Terrelle Pryor wasn't all that impressive yesterday. Virtually all his passing yards came on just two throws. At least he is finally running the ball again.
Matthew McGloin proved that he is still someone who walked on in the Second Half. Playing against Ohio State's defense when they are actually trying made him look bad.
Herron went straight beast-mode.
Yea, I feel like I should be able to offer more insight, but really there wasn't a whole lot to yesterday's game.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prediction
Ohio State 27
Iowa 25
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Player of the Year Rankings
4. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
1. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Note: Given recent circumstance I feel I should address eligibility requirements for this 'award.' To be considered my Player of the Year one must be eligible to play in the NCAA. If a player is to be given that award and is found to have been ineligible post-fact, the award will be vacated and no one else can be credited with that award.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Top 5
5. Wisconsin
4. TCU
3. Auburn
2. Boise State
1. Oregon
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st 2nd
Ohio State 102 52 50
North Carolina A & T 61 25 36
Player Stats
Jared Sullinger 19 points, 14 rebounds
Deshaun Thomas 24 points, 8 rebounds
Dallas Lauderdale 12 points, 13 rebounds, 8 blocks
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the first time in the Blog's brief history, Ohio State Men's Basketball.
The Buckeyes opened this season on Friday night against North Carolina A & T. A new season with four starters returning and a whole lot of Freshman.
Jared Sullinger, Deshaun Thomas and Aaron Craft each played well in their first collegiate playing time. They probably outplayed the returning starters. Of course, we'll have to wait for better opposition to find much out about this team.
The starting line-up lacks a true point guard again this year and that is a major area of concern. I hope Craft will be able to step up and take that role.
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael
Penn State 14
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 26 yards
Penn State TD: Matthew McGloin pass to Justin Brown for 23 yards
2nd Quarter
Penn State TD: Matthew McGloin pass to Derek Moye for 6 yards
3rd Quarter
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 5 yards
Ohio State TD: Devon Torrence returned an interception 33 yards
4th Quarter
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor passed to Dane Sanzenbacher for 58 yards
Ohio State TD: Travis Howard returned an interception 29 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor passed to Jake Stoneburner for 3 yards
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor: 8-13, 138 yards, 2 TDs, INT
Daniel Herron: 21 rushes, 190 yards, TD
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I couldn't tell whether Ohio State just didn't care in the first half or if they were really that bad, but in the second half they made Penn State look terrible.
Terrelle Pryor wasn't all that impressive yesterday. Virtually all his passing yards came on just two throws. At least he is finally running the ball again.
Matthew McGloin proved that he is still someone who walked on in the Second Half. Playing against Ohio State's defense when they are actually trying made him look bad.
Herron went straight beast-mode.
Yea, I feel like I should be able to offer more insight, but really there wasn't a whole lot to yesterday's game.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prediction
Ohio State 27
Iowa 25
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Player of the Year Rankings
4. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
1. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Note: Given recent circumstance I feel I should address eligibility requirements for this 'award.' To be considered my Player of the Year one must be eligible to play in the NCAA. If a player is to be given that award and is found to have been ineligible post-fact, the award will be vacated and no one else can be credited with that award.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Top 5
5. Wisconsin
4. TCU
3. Auburn
2. Boise State
1. Oregon
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st 2nd
Ohio State 102 52 50
North Carolina A & T 61 25 36
Player Stats
Jared Sullinger 19 points, 14 rebounds
Deshaun Thomas 24 points, 8 rebounds
Dallas Lauderdale 12 points, 13 rebounds, 8 blocks
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the first time in the Blog's brief history, Ohio State Men's Basketball.
The Buckeyes opened this season on Friday night against North Carolina A & T. A new season with four starters returning and a whole lot of Freshman.
Jared Sullinger, Deshaun Thomas and Aaron Craft each played well in their first collegiate playing time. They probably outplayed the returning starters. Of course, we'll have to wait for better opposition to find much out about this team.
The starting line-up lacks a true point guard again this year and that is a major area of concern. I hope Craft will be able to step up and take that role.
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Buckeye Sunday
Ohio State 0
Bye 0
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm kind of up to my eyeballs in homework. Ohio State didn't play this week, so there you go*.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Player of the Year Rankings
4. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
1. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Top 5
5. Wisconsin
4. TCU
3. Auburn
2. Boise State
1. Oregon
-Michael
*If you feel cheated, remember I posted twice on Tuesday, which means I'm averaging more than on post a day right now :)
Bye 0
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm kind of up to my eyeballs in homework. Ohio State didn't play this week, so there you go*.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Player of the Year Rankings
4. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
1. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Top 5
5. Wisconsin
4. TCU
3. Auburn
2. Boise State
1. Oregon
-Michael
*If you feel cheated, remember I posted twice on Tuesday, which means I'm averaging more than on post a day right now :)
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Buckeye Sunday- They're not just Gophers, they're Golden Gophers
Ohio State 52
Minnesota 10
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor rushed for 1 yards
Minnesota TD: DeLeon Eskridge rushed for 7 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Brandon Saine for 3 yards
2nd Quarter
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 23 yards
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 10 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to DeVier Posey for 38 yards
3rd Quarter
Minnesota FG: Eric Ellestad 33 yards
Ohio State TD: Blocked punt recovered by Zach Domicone in the endzone
4th Quarter
Ohio State TD: Jordan Hall rushed for 16 yards
Ohio State TD: John Simon returned a fumble 30 yards
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor: 18-22, 222 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 1 rushing TD
Daniel Herron: 17 rush, 114 yards, 1 TD(all in the first half)
DeVier Posey: 6 receptions, 115 yards, TD
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The way this game started out I thought we may be headed for a shoot-out. Minnesota was able to move the ball easily on their first two drives. When Minnesota missed their Field Goal to end their second drive, Ohio State proved that it wouldn't be a shoot-out, because Ohio State has way more guns and bullets.
The defense gave up a lot of big passing plays. I don't think this was a case of poor coverage, but rather the failure of a lot of different defensive players to react properly to the ball in the air. As the game went on this became less of an issue as the Pressure on Minnesota's QB increased. It was a surprisingly aggressive defensive gameplan with loads of blitzs, which left a lot of man coverage, so with no help there were a lot of failures in coverage. That is forgiven though, well because the final score was 52-10.
The offense was able to dominate at the point of attack on most plays, which led to the effective use of Daniel Herron in the power running game. Pryor was efficient in his passing. Either that or Minnesota is terrible defensively. Ok, Minnesota's defense is terrible.
For the first time this season, the Special Teams' Units deserve credit. A huge punt return and punt block. No major lapses in kick coverage. The blocking on FGs and XPs was good. Hopefully they can keep it up for the rest of the season.
There is something, I definitely want to address. Very late in the game Ohio State was up 52-10 and for some reason decided to run the no huddle and pass the ball. I know you want to give Bauserman reps, but that just isn't right. Running the no huddle and passing the ball when you could take three knees and get the win in poor sportsmanship no matter if the backups need reps or not.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Player of the Year Rankings
5. Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan
4. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
1. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
The top two players have separated themselves clearly. They are closer to being 1a and 1b than 1 and 2. Kellen Moore is almost in that group, but it's hard because he's done at the half in virtually every game they play.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Top 5
5. Utah
4. TCU
3. Auburn
2. Boise State
1. Oregon
I'm almost sold on Auburn.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael
*Note*
Last night I was looking at some new templates and backgrounds and accidentally clicked the wrong button and it stuck. This isn't terrible, but it's not the change I talked about yesterday. So, just don't grow to attached to this look.
Minnesota 10
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor rushed for 1 yards
Minnesota TD: DeLeon Eskridge rushed for 7 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Brandon Saine for 3 yards
2nd Quarter
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 23 yards
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 10 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to DeVier Posey for 38 yards
3rd Quarter
Minnesota FG: Eric Ellestad 33 yards
Ohio State TD: Blocked punt recovered by Zach Domicone in the endzone
4th Quarter
Ohio State TD: Jordan Hall rushed for 16 yards
Ohio State TD: John Simon returned a fumble 30 yards
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor: 18-22, 222 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 1 rushing TD
Daniel Herron: 17 rush, 114 yards, 1 TD(all in the first half)
DeVier Posey: 6 receptions, 115 yards, TD
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The way this game started out I thought we may be headed for a shoot-out. Minnesota was able to move the ball easily on their first two drives. When Minnesota missed their Field Goal to end their second drive, Ohio State proved that it wouldn't be a shoot-out, because Ohio State has way more guns and bullets.
The defense gave up a lot of big passing plays. I don't think this was a case of poor coverage, but rather the failure of a lot of different defensive players to react properly to the ball in the air. As the game went on this became less of an issue as the Pressure on Minnesota's QB increased. It was a surprisingly aggressive defensive gameplan with loads of blitzs, which left a lot of man coverage, so with no help there were a lot of failures in coverage. That is forgiven though, well because the final score was 52-10.
The offense was able to dominate at the point of attack on most plays, which led to the effective use of Daniel Herron in the power running game. Pryor was efficient in his passing. Either that or Minnesota is terrible defensively. Ok, Minnesota's defense is terrible.
For the first time this season, the Special Teams' Units deserve credit. A huge punt return and punt block. No major lapses in kick coverage. The blocking on FGs and XPs was good. Hopefully they can keep it up for the rest of the season.
There is something, I definitely want to address. Very late in the game Ohio State was up 52-10 and for some reason decided to run the no huddle and pass the ball. I know you want to give Bauserman reps, but that just isn't right. Running the no huddle and passing the ball when you could take three knees and get the win in poor sportsmanship no matter if the backups need reps or not.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Player of the Year Rankings
5. Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan
4. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
1. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
The top two players have separated themselves clearly. They are closer to being 1a and 1b than 1 and 2. Kellen Moore is almost in that group, but it's hard because he's done at the half in virtually every game they play.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Top 5
5. Utah
4. TCU
3. Auburn
2. Boise State
1. Oregon
I'm almost sold on Auburn.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael
*Note*
Last night I was looking at some new templates and backgrounds and accidentally clicked the wrong button and it stuck. This isn't terrible, but it's not the change I talked about yesterday. So, just don't grow to attached to this look.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Buckeye Sunday
Ohio State 49
Purdue 0
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 11 yards
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 3 yards
2nd Quarter
Ohio State TD: Jordan Hall rushed for 1 yard
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to DeVier Posey for 22 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Dane Sanzenbacher for 7 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Corey Brown for 15 yards
4th Quarter
Ohio State TD: Joe Bauserman pass to Spencer Smith for 23 yards
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor 16-22, 270 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yea, I'm gonna skimp on the discussion again this week. I don't really feel like there was that much to be learned from yesterday's game and I've got a lot of school work to get done tonight.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Player of the Year Rankings
5. Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas
4. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
1. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Top 5
5. Michigan State
4. TCU
3. Auburn
2. Boise State
1. Oregon
Thanks for reading and please comment
-Michael
Purdue 0
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 11 yards
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 3 yards
2nd Quarter
Ohio State TD: Jordan Hall rushed for 1 yard
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to DeVier Posey for 22 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Dane Sanzenbacher for 7 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Corey Brown for 15 yards
4th Quarter
Ohio State TD: Joe Bauserman pass to Spencer Smith for 23 yards
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor 16-22, 270 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yea, I'm gonna skimp on the discussion again this week. I don't really feel like there was that much to be learned from yesterday's game and I've got a lot of school work to get done tonight.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Player of the Year Rankings
5. Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas
4. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
1. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Top 5
5. Michigan State
4. TCU
3. Auburn
2. Boise State
1. Oregon
Thanks for reading and please comment
-Michael
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Buckeye Sunday- You Tell Me
This is my 100th post. Here's to 100 more
Ohio State 18
Wisconsin 31
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Wisconsin TD: David Gilreath returned kick-off 97 yards
Wisconsin TD: John Clay rushed for 14 yards
2nd Quarter
Wisconsin TD: John Clay rushed for 1 yard
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 21 yards
3rd Quarter
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 13 yards
4th Quarter
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 1 yard
Wisconsin TD: James White rushed for 12 yards
Wisconsin FG: Philip Welch 41 yards
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor 14-28, 156, 1 INT
Daniel Herron 19 rushes, 91 yards, 2 TDs
Dane Sanzenbacher 6 receptions, 94 yards
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm not even going to try to sound reasonably informed about yesterday's game. I watched it out of the corner of my eye. So, You tell me what happened?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purdue isn't very good. That's all I have to say about that.
Ohio State 41
Purdue 3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Player of the Year Rankings
5. Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas
4. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
1. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Top 5
5. Auburn
4. Oklahoma
3. TCU
2. Boise State
1. Oregon
Thanks for reading and please comment
-Michael
Ohio State 18
Wisconsin 31
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Wisconsin TD: David Gilreath returned kick-off 97 yards
Wisconsin TD: John Clay rushed for 14 yards
2nd Quarter
Wisconsin TD: John Clay rushed for 1 yard
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 21 yards
3rd Quarter
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 13 yards
4th Quarter
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 1 yard
Wisconsin TD: James White rushed for 12 yards
Wisconsin FG: Philip Welch 41 yards
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor 14-28, 156, 1 INT
Daniel Herron 19 rushes, 91 yards, 2 TDs
Dane Sanzenbacher 6 receptions, 94 yards
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm not even going to try to sound reasonably informed about yesterday's game. I watched it out of the corner of my eye. So, You tell me what happened?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purdue isn't very good. That's all I have to say about that.
Ohio State 41
Purdue 3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Player of the Year Rankings
5. Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas
4. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
1. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Top 5
5. Auburn
4. Oklahoma
3. TCU
2. Boise State
1. Oregon
Thanks for reading and please comment
-Michael
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Buckeye Sunday- The Exposed
Ohio State 38
Indiana 10
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 39 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Dane Sanzenbacher for 22 yards
Second Quarter
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Brandon Saine for 60 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to DeVier Posey for 18 yards
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 36 yards
Third Quarter
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 8 yards
Indiana FG: Mitch Ewald 36 yards
Forth Quarter
Indiana TD: Antonio Banks rushed for 1 yard
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor: 24-30, 334 yards, 3 TDs
Daniel Herron: 12 rush, 68 yards, 2 TDs
DeVier Posey: 8 reception, 103 yards, 1 TD
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Disclaimer* I didn't really pay much attention to the game for most of the second half.
Yesterday's performance was pretty much the opposite of what happened last week.
The offense played well. The defense shutdown Indiana. The special teams still iffy.
Starting with the offense, The Buckeyes were able to exploit a very weak Indiana defense. Loads of big plays allowed Ohio State to drive down the field with ease on most first half possessions. Pryor didn't run at all. He didn't need to, because protection, with the exception of a few lapses, was solid. We'll have to wait till next week to find out if this was due to injury, because Wisconsin actually has a defense.
Brandon Saine was basically moved to Wide Receiver for this game and I presume for the rest of the season. He has been largely ineffective in the running game, but has been an effective receiver so far this season, so the move seems natural. He's like Michael Wiley in reverse.
There has been and still is being made about Ohio State's lack of a power running game. I don't really find much of an issue with it. Let's start with an obvious issue. The offensive line is struggling to hold their blocks and getting a shove on power running plays. I can't really explain this away. The line *cough* Browning *cough* just needs to be more physical to maintain the hole. Also I beginning to think that the "starting" running backs aren't the best on the roster. The number twos are coming in and producing behind an inferior offensive line, but still against the opponents number one offense. But perhaps the most glaring issue is how obvious it is that a power running play is coming. I mean, an I-formation means run to the opponents defense, because for all intents and purposes that is what it is used for.
I seem to be the only one who isn't terribly upset by all that though. Honestly, I don't think Ohio State needs a power running game this year. The most effective running back the Buckeyes have is the quarterback. He provides a running game that keeps defenses honest with his threat to run even on pass plays and passing downs.
On to the defense. It was a dominating performance against Indiana. Indiana had no success passing the ball, which is basically all they have.
Another Field Goal was blocked. I disagreed with the decision to kick that field goal, because I was pretty sure that would be the result and the best I thought Ohio State could hope for was a miss. It was a kicker that hasn't shown the leg* to make a 54-yard field goal and a protection unit, which has been exposed repeatedly this season. It was recipe for disaster, but fortunately there wasn't a return and the defense held strong.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm not going to do a long spiel about Wisconsin. They are a very solid football team and visiting Wisconsin is always a scary trip.
Prediction
Ohio State 21
Wisconsin 16
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Player of the Year Rankings
5. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
4. Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan
1. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
A whole lot of players barely missed the cut this week. Andrew Luck, Terrelle Pryor, and Colin Kaepernick and the most notables. Martinez of Nebraska is also rising fast, but I'd like to see him do it against some more impressive opponents. Mark Ingram has fallen completely off the radar.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Top 5 teams(expanded to 10 for this week)
10. South Carolina
9. Utah
8. Oklahoma
7. Alabama
6. Auburn
5. Nebraska
4. TCU
3. Boise State
2. Oregon
1. Ohio State
I expanded it to 10 teams this week, because yesterday's results created an interesting question about the ranking. How far should Alabama fall? Should Anyone jump TCU and Boise State? and on and on.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forth Down
I'm starting another new segment this week that I'm going to call, "Forth Down." This will be just a few blurbs about some of the games and people involved in them, done in a satirical style like The Onion.
Brett Bielema's Head Explodes at Post-game Press Conference
While being questioned by reporters following a blowout win against Minnesota, Wisconsin Coach Brett Bielema's head suddenly exploded.
Reporters were questioning his decision to go for two when already having the game in hand. Coach Bielema explained that his coaching sheet said to go for two in the situation.
"What if the sheet told you not to use the sheet?" a reporter asked.
Bielema's rambled for a moment and then his head suddenly exploded revealing him to be a robot.
Fans Wish For Basketball in Louisville
Louisville defeated Memphis 56-0 yesterday on the grid iron, but it was pretty obvious the fans would have preferred the game to be on the hard court.
Late in the game the some contingent of Memphis fans in attendance started chanting, "Let's play basketball." The Louisville fans tried to think of a clever comeback, but then realized that they to would rather be at a basketball game.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for reading and please donate to help sick little kids.
-Michael
*I'm sick of hearing about how strong Basil's leg is. He can't get touchbacks and that's all I want from a kick off specialist.
Indiana 10
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 39 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Dane Sanzenbacher for 22 yards
Second Quarter
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Brandon Saine for 60 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to DeVier Posey for 18 yards
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 36 yards
Third Quarter
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 8 yards
Indiana FG: Mitch Ewald 36 yards
Forth Quarter
Indiana TD: Antonio Banks rushed for 1 yard
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor: 24-30, 334 yards, 3 TDs
Daniel Herron: 12 rush, 68 yards, 2 TDs
DeVier Posey: 8 reception, 103 yards, 1 TD
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Disclaimer* I didn't really pay much attention to the game for most of the second half.
Yesterday's performance was pretty much the opposite of what happened last week.
The offense played well. The defense shutdown Indiana. The special teams still iffy.
Starting with the offense, The Buckeyes were able to exploit a very weak Indiana defense. Loads of big plays allowed Ohio State to drive down the field with ease on most first half possessions. Pryor didn't run at all. He didn't need to, because protection, with the exception of a few lapses, was solid. We'll have to wait till next week to find out if this was due to injury, because Wisconsin actually has a defense.
Brandon Saine was basically moved to Wide Receiver for this game and I presume for the rest of the season. He has been largely ineffective in the running game, but has been an effective receiver so far this season, so the move seems natural. He's like Michael Wiley in reverse.
There has been and still is being made about Ohio State's lack of a power running game. I don't really find much of an issue with it. Let's start with an obvious issue. The offensive line is struggling to hold their blocks and getting a shove on power running plays. I can't really explain this away. The line *cough* Browning *cough* just needs to be more physical to maintain the hole. Also I beginning to think that the "starting" running backs aren't the best on the roster. The number twos are coming in and producing behind an inferior offensive line, but still against the opponents number one offense. But perhaps the most glaring issue is how obvious it is that a power running play is coming. I mean, an I-formation means run to the opponents defense, because for all intents and purposes that is what it is used for.
I seem to be the only one who isn't terribly upset by all that though. Honestly, I don't think Ohio State needs a power running game this year. The most effective running back the Buckeyes have is the quarterback. He provides a running game that keeps defenses honest with his threat to run even on pass plays and passing downs.
On to the defense. It was a dominating performance against Indiana. Indiana had no success passing the ball, which is basically all they have.
Another Field Goal was blocked. I disagreed with the decision to kick that field goal, because I was pretty sure that would be the result and the best I thought Ohio State could hope for was a miss. It was a kicker that hasn't shown the leg* to make a 54-yard field goal and a protection unit, which has been exposed repeatedly this season. It was recipe for disaster, but fortunately there wasn't a return and the defense held strong.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm not going to do a long spiel about Wisconsin. They are a very solid football team and visiting Wisconsin is always a scary trip.
Prediction
Ohio State 21
Wisconsin 16
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Player of the Year Rankings
5. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
4. Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan
1. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
A whole lot of players barely missed the cut this week. Andrew Luck, Terrelle Pryor, and Colin Kaepernick and the most notables. Martinez of Nebraska is also rising fast, but I'd like to see him do it against some more impressive opponents. Mark Ingram has fallen completely off the radar.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Top 5 teams(expanded to 10 for this week)
10. South Carolina
9. Utah
8. Oklahoma
7. Alabama
6. Auburn
5. Nebraska
4. TCU
3. Boise State
2. Oregon
1. Ohio State
I expanded it to 10 teams this week, because yesterday's results created an interesting question about the ranking. How far should Alabama fall? Should Anyone jump TCU and Boise State? and on and on.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forth Down
I'm starting another new segment this week that I'm going to call, "Forth Down." This will be just a few blurbs about some of the games and people involved in them, done in a satirical style like The Onion.
Brett Bielema's Head Explodes at Post-game Press Conference
While being questioned by reporters following a blowout win against Minnesota, Wisconsin Coach Brett Bielema's head suddenly exploded.
Reporters were questioning his decision to go for two when already having the game in hand. Coach Bielema explained that his coaching sheet said to go for two in the situation.
"What if the sheet told you not to use the sheet?" a reporter asked.
Bielema's rambled for a moment and then his head suddenly exploded revealing him to be a robot.
Fans Wish For Basketball in Louisville
Louisville defeated Memphis 56-0 yesterday on the grid iron, but it was pretty obvious the fans would have preferred the game to be on the hard court.
Late in the game the some contingent of Memphis fans in attendance started chanting, "Let's play basketball." The Louisville fans tried to think of a clever comeback, but then realized that they to would rather be at a basketball game.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for reading and please donate to help sick little kids.
-Michael
*I'm sick of hearing about how strong Basil's leg is. He can't get touchbacks and that's all I want from a kick off specialist.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Buckeye Sunday- What the Hell Was That?
Ohio State 24
Illinois 13
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
Illinois TD: Nathan Scheelhaase rushed for 3 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor Pass to Brandon Saine for 8 yards
Second Quarter
Illinois FG: Derek Dimke 27 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Dane Sanzenbacher for 11 yards
Forth Quarter
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 32 yards
Illinois FG: Derek Dimke 30 yards
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 7 yards
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor: 9-16, 77 yards, 2 TDs, 11 rushes, 105 yards
Daniel Herron: 23 rushes, 95 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Buckeyes didn't look great yesterday. The offense was largely ineffective. Pryor didn't play very well. He only had 77 passing yards. He had 105 rushing yards, but they came almost entirely on 2 runs. He was sacked 3 times.
The offensive line really struggled in the first half with run blocking. The pass protection was actually pretty good, but in downhill run blocking they got virtually no push. Late in the 3rd quarter the running did start to get going and it had to, because that was all that was being called.
Pryor was injured and missed parts of three series, but when he returned late in the 3rd the offensive play calling became dramatically different than it had been all season. It was basically I-Formation and had the ball to Herron on every play. I feel that if Pryor wasn't well enough to run the offense as it is supposed to be run, he shouldn't have been in the game. He's not a good enough passer to just be a drop back threat and the play calling made it apparent he lacked mobility.
Following Illinois first offensive series*, the Defense was very strong. Illinois had no effective passing game and the run was easily shutdown. They only allowed one series that led to Field Goal in the 4th. The other field goal was off a Pyror Interception.
I really don't know what to think about yesterday's game. It's not unusual for Ohio State to have a hard time with Illinois. Terrelle Pryor didn't look good, but he wasn't allowed to show much in the 2nd half. The defense looked good, but Illinois' Offense is bad.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indiana
Indiana throws the ball like crazy. They threw it 64 times yesterday. Ben Chapel is a good quarter, he's not great. He has some accuracy issues at times. He put up impressive numbers yesterday, but that just isn't that impressive against Michigan. Pass protection isn't that great for Indiana either. Michigan was able to get pressure with just three rushers often. The running game for Indiana is rarely used. Willis, their Runningback looks like a decent back. He just isn't used much.
Ohio State will pretty much play Nickel all game against IU and this will be a test for the secondary especially since Chekwa hasn't played much the past two weeks with a back injury.
Indian's defense is not very good, but the way Ohio State's offense looked against Illinois who knows?
Prediction
Ohio State 31
Indiana 20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As promised here comes some new parts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Player of the Year Rankings
This is in sorts a Heisman Watch, but not exactly, because in some ways the Heisman is awarded in a poor manner. So, this is the rankings for my own personal player of the year. This 'award' will not be given until following the bowl season
5. Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada
4. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
3. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
2. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
1. Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan
Robinson has just been ridiculous this year. I think he will soon have people forgetting their hyperbole about Tim Tebow.
Terrelle Pryor isn't on the list due to his poor performance yesterday. He is probably number six.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Top 5 teams
5. TCU
4. Boise State
3. Oregon
2. Ohio State
1. Alabama
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael
Illinois 13
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
Illinois TD: Nathan Scheelhaase rushed for 3 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor Pass to Brandon Saine for 8 yards
Second Quarter
Illinois FG: Derek Dimke 27 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Dane Sanzenbacher for 11 yards
Forth Quarter
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 32 yards
Illinois FG: Derek Dimke 30 yards
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 7 yards
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor: 9-16, 77 yards, 2 TDs, 11 rushes, 105 yards
Daniel Herron: 23 rushes, 95 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Buckeyes didn't look great yesterday. The offense was largely ineffective. Pryor didn't play very well. He only had 77 passing yards. He had 105 rushing yards, but they came almost entirely on 2 runs. He was sacked 3 times.
The offensive line really struggled in the first half with run blocking. The pass protection was actually pretty good, but in downhill run blocking they got virtually no push. Late in the 3rd quarter the running did start to get going and it had to, because that was all that was being called.
Pryor was injured and missed parts of three series, but when he returned late in the 3rd the offensive play calling became dramatically different than it had been all season. It was basically I-Formation and had the ball to Herron on every play. I feel that if Pryor wasn't well enough to run the offense as it is supposed to be run, he shouldn't have been in the game. He's not a good enough passer to just be a drop back threat and the play calling made it apparent he lacked mobility.
Following Illinois first offensive series*, the Defense was very strong. Illinois had no effective passing game and the run was easily shutdown. They only allowed one series that led to Field Goal in the 4th. The other field goal was off a Pyror Interception.
I really don't know what to think about yesterday's game. It's not unusual for Ohio State to have a hard time with Illinois. Terrelle Pryor didn't look good, but he wasn't allowed to show much in the 2nd half. The defense looked good, but Illinois' Offense is bad.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indiana
Indiana throws the ball like crazy. They threw it 64 times yesterday. Ben Chapel is a good quarter, he's not great. He has some accuracy issues at times. He put up impressive numbers yesterday, but that just isn't that impressive against Michigan. Pass protection isn't that great for Indiana either. Michigan was able to get pressure with just three rushers often. The running game for Indiana is rarely used. Willis, their Runningback looks like a decent back. He just isn't used much.
Ohio State will pretty much play Nickel all game against IU and this will be a test for the secondary especially since Chekwa hasn't played much the past two weeks with a back injury.
Indian's defense is not very good, but the way Ohio State's offense looked against Illinois who knows?
Prediction
Ohio State 31
Indiana 20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As promised here comes some new parts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Player of the Year Rankings
This is in sorts a Heisman Watch, but not exactly, because in some ways the Heisman is awarded in a poor manner. So, this is the rankings for my own personal player of the year. This 'award' will not be given until following the bowl season
5. Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada
4. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
3. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
2. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
1. Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan
Robinson has just been ridiculous this year. I think he will soon have people forgetting their hyperbole about Tim Tebow.
Terrelle Pryor isn't on the list due to his poor performance yesterday. He is probably number six.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta's Top 5 teams
5. TCU
4. Boise State
3. Oregon
2. Ohio State
1. Alabama
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Buckeye Sunday- "Eastern Michigan is BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD"-Janus
Ohio State 73
Eastern Michigan 20
Scoring Summary(This is gonna take a minute)
First Quarter
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor rushed for 53 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Dane Sanzenbacher for 31 yards
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 42 yards
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 7 yards
Second Quarter
Eastern Michigan TD: Dwayne Priest rushed for 2 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Dane Sanzenbacher for 9 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Dane Sanzenbacher for 7 yards
Eastern Michigan TD: Alex Gillett pass to Kinsman Thomas for 13 yards
Third Quarter
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Dane Sanzenbacher for 8 yards
Eastern Michigan TD: Alex Gillett pass to Donald Scott for 32 yards
Ohio State TD: Jordan Hall pass to Terrelle Pryor for 20 yards
Fourth Quarter
Ohio State TD: Joe Bauserman pass to Jordan Hall for 17
Ohio State TD: Jamal Berry rushed for 67 yards
Ohio State TD: Kenny Guiton rushed for 15 yards
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor 20-26, 224 yards, 4 TDs, 7 rushes, 104 yards, TD, 1 reception, 20 yards, TD
Dane Sanzenbacher 9 receptions, 108 yards, 4 TDs
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not much to talk about with this one. It's hard to take much of anything from this game due to how terrible Eastern Michigan* is. The defense did allow 3 TDs, but I'm not really that concerned about that. The three plays that allowed Eastern Michigan to score were very well thrown passes. The coverage on those plays wasn't that bad, but the ball was placed well. The linebackers bit way too hard on play action several times, which exposed the young secondary which was missing Chekwa due to injury and that's what allowed Eastern Michigan to score.
The offense looked... well the offense put up 73 points. That's about it. Pryor threw for, ran for and caught touchdowns. The offense scored 10 touchdowns and only punted once.
I want to talk about running up the score though. I would say Ohio State ran up the score on the hapless opponent. Still passing the ball, and running the no huddle a few possessions into the forth quarter was poor sportsmanship. That was way out of character for Tressel.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illinois
Illinois looks like they're not too strong this. They got rid of Ron Zook and are installing a new offense. They are not really effective at all passing the ball. Ohio State shouldn't have a problem stopping their running game, which severely limits Illinois ability to do anything offensively.
The Illini defense is probably the strength of their team, but still isn't that great.
Prediction
Ohio State 48
Illinois 10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expect a few new parts to this post next week following week 5.
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael
*I seriously doubt Eastern Michigan would even be competitive in 1-aa**.
**I will call it 1-aa no matter the NCAA says it's called now. The new name implies Division with legitimate champion and division with illegitimate champion.
Eastern Michigan 20
Scoring Summary(This is gonna take a minute)
First Quarter
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor rushed for 53 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Dane Sanzenbacher for 31 yards
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 42 yards
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 7 yards
Second Quarter
Eastern Michigan TD: Dwayne Priest rushed for 2 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Dane Sanzenbacher for 9 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Dane Sanzenbacher for 7 yards
Eastern Michigan TD: Alex Gillett pass to Kinsman Thomas for 13 yards
Third Quarter
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Dane Sanzenbacher for 8 yards
Eastern Michigan TD: Alex Gillett pass to Donald Scott for 32 yards
Ohio State TD: Jordan Hall pass to Terrelle Pryor for 20 yards
Fourth Quarter
Ohio State TD: Joe Bauserman pass to Jordan Hall for 17
Ohio State TD: Jamal Berry rushed for 67 yards
Ohio State TD: Kenny Guiton rushed for 15 yards
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor 20-26, 224 yards, 4 TDs, 7 rushes, 104 yards, TD, 1 reception, 20 yards, TD
Dane Sanzenbacher 9 receptions, 108 yards, 4 TDs
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not much to talk about with this one. It's hard to take much of anything from this game due to how terrible Eastern Michigan* is. The defense did allow 3 TDs, but I'm not really that concerned about that. The three plays that allowed Eastern Michigan to score were very well thrown passes. The coverage on those plays wasn't that bad, but the ball was placed well. The linebackers bit way too hard on play action several times, which exposed the young secondary which was missing Chekwa due to injury and that's what allowed Eastern Michigan to score.
The offense looked... well the offense put up 73 points. That's about it. Pryor threw for, ran for and caught touchdowns. The offense scored 10 touchdowns and only punted once.
I want to talk about running up the score though. I would say Ohio State ran up the score on the hapless opponent. Still passing the ball, and running the no huddle a few possessions into the forth quarter was poor sportsmanship. That was way out of character for Tressel.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illinois
Illinois looks like they're not too strong this. They got rid of Ron Zook and are installing a new offense. They are not really effective at all passing the ball. Ohio State shouldn't have a problem stopping their running game, which severely limits Illinois ability to do anything offensively.
The Illini defense is probably the strength of their team, but still isn't that great.
Prediction
Ohio State 48
Illinois 10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expect a few new parts to this post next week following week 5.
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael
*I seriously doubt Eastern Michigan would even be competitive in 1-aa**.
**I will call it 1-aa no matter the NCAA says it's called now. The new name implies Division with legitimate champion and division with illegitimate champion.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Buckeye Day o' the Sun
Ahoy Mateys! On Satarrrrrrrrday at 12 turns of me hourglass, Me Buckeyes went into battle against the Ohio Univarrrrrrrrrrrrrrsity Bilge Rats. On the open seas, Me Buckeyes dominated the other crew. This other crew couldn't move the booty to their pirate ship and often fumbled it or had it intercepted by Me Buckeyes. They even were defeated once inside Me Buckeye's Pirate Ship. Me hearties sailed their ship on the green sea with ease, running the other crew's defenses aground. ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
Tarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrelle Pryor was a captian worth of grog and wenches while me hourglass was still half filled. As it got later in the battle, he led me mateys aground and had his booty intercepted before it could get to his pirate ship. ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
When the special teams were on the battle went in favor of the Blige Rats. The crew that covers the kickoffs still allowed the other team to move the booty with ease and were saved by the cloth of stripped man. The men who punt the booty failed to protect the peg leg punter and the Bilge Rats got their booty near their pirate ship. ARRRRRRRRRRRRR!
Grog and Booty for all me mateys and wenches.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio State 43
Ohio 7
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 32 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Brandon Saine for 9 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor rushed for 13 yards
Second Quarter
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 33 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass Jake Stoneburner for 5 yards
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 4 yards
Third Quarter
Ohio State Safety: Vince Davidson rushed for -4 yards tackled by Ross Homan
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for for 1 yard
Fourth Quarter
Ohio TD: Boo Jackson pass to Terrance McCrae for 11 yards
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor 22-29, 235 yards, 16 consecutive completions 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 35 rushing yards, 1 TD
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastern Michigan University
Where: Ypsilanti, Michigan
Mascot: Eagles
Enrollment: 18,000 approx.
Conference: MAC
Record Last Year: 0-12
Head Coach: Ron English
Last Game: 14-52 L Central Michigan
There's not much too say about Eastern Michigan besides that they are bad.
Prediction
Ohio State 56
Eastern Michigan 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for reading and please comment
-Michael
Tarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrelle Pryor was a captian worth of grog and wenches while me hourglass was still half filled. As it got later in the battle, he led me mateys aground and had his booty intercepted before it could get to his pirate ship. ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
When the special teams were on the battle went in favor of the Blige Rats. The crew that covers the kickoffs still allowed the other team to move the booty with ease and were saved by the cloth of stripped man. The men who punt the booty failed to protect the peg leg punter and the Bilge Rats got their booty near their pirate ship. ARRRRRRRRRRRRR!
Grog and Booty for all me mateys and wenches.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio State 43
Ohio 7
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 32 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass to Brandon Saine for 9 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor rushed for 13 yards
Second Quarter
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 33 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor pass Jake Stoneburner for 5 yards
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 4 yards
Third Quarter
Ohio State Safety: Vince Davidson rushed for -4 yards tackled by Ross Homan
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for for 1 yard
Fourth Quarter
Ohio TD: Boo Jackson pass to Terrance McCrae for 11 yards
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor 22-29, 235 yards, 16 consecutive completions 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 35 rushing yards, 1 TD
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Eastern Michigan University
Where: Ypsilanti, Michigan
Mascot: Eagles
Enrollment: 18,000 approx.
Conference: MAC
Record Last Year: 0-12
Head Coach: Ron English
Last Game: 14-52 L Central Michigan
There's not much too say about Eastern Michigan besides that they are bad.
Prediction
Ohio State 56
Eastern Michigan 0
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Thanks for reading and please comment
-Michael
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Buckeye Sunday- Miami Recap and Ohio
Ohio State 36
Miami 24
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 24 yards
Miami TD: Lamar Miller returned kickoff for 88 yards
Second Quarter
Miami FG: Matt Bosher 51 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor Pass to Brandon Saine for 18 yards
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 41 yards
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 4 yards
Miami TD: Travis Benjamin returned punt for 79 yards
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 21 yards
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 24 yards
Third Quarter
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor rushed for 13 yards
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 24 yards
Fourth Quarter
Miami TD: Jacory Harris pass to Chase Ford for 9 yards.
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor 12-27, 233 yards, 1TD, 20 rush, 113 yards, 1 TD
Daniel Herron 14 rush, 66 yards, 1 TD
DeVier Posey: 4 receptions, 105 yards
Devin Barclay 5-6 FG
Chimdi Chekwa 2 INTs
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
After this game, I was surprised by how disappointed I felt in Ohio State's performance. I mean they did beat the team that was ranked 12th* in the Nation. A win is a win and I'll certainly take it, but this game proved that things that had been questions marks may be this team's undoing. So, I'm going to apologize for bitching so much after a victory.
I'm going to start off with the Special teams. Yesterday's performance on covering kickoffs and punts was pathetic. Whether or not Miami has good return men, they shouldn't have been allowed to return anything for a touchdown. Kickoff and punt coverage is all about discipline and fundamentals and allowing long returns is almost always due to a mistake or lack of discipline by the coverage team. Ohio State was even lining up in a spread out Punt formation to make lanes easier to keep and still blew it.
It wasn't all bad with the special teams though. The kickoff return team looked very good with two long returns that were nearly touchdowns. Also, the field goal team seemed to be much improved over last week. The line held well and Barclay went 5-6 on Field Goals. Also a Miami filed goal was blocked, which is a nice performance for that unit.
The defense performed very well in the first half. They only allowed 3 points and totally shut down the Miami offense; particularly against their running game. In the second half, they didn't really stop Miami at all. They did do a nice job of creating turnovers.
I think I was most disappointed in the offense's performance in the redzone. Five times Ohio State got into the redzone and had to attempt Field Goals. That's very poor. Scoring a touchdowns inside the redzone is important and failing to do so will lose games. Ohio State left so many points and there and it's fortunate it didn't matter in the end.
Finally, Terrelle Pryor didn't look great yesterday. His stats were pretty damn impressive, but his performance was not. He didn't complete 50 percent of his passes. He reverted back to bad Terrelle Pryor frequently. He didn't throw any interceptions, but that wasn't for lack of trying. Miami had numerous chances at picking off his passes. He did look good while running the football though.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio University
Where: Athens, Ohio
Mascot: Bobcat
Enrollment: 22,000 approx.
Conference: MAC
Record Last Year: 9-5
Head Coach: Frank Solich
Last Game: 13-20 L Toledo
Ohio won the MAC East last season. They did give Ohio State a scare in the 2008 season. In that game Theo Scott was Ohio's starting quarterback, but had to be replaced by Boo Jackson due to injury. Now, Boo Jackson is sharing the starting role with Phil Bates at Ohio. Bates was injured in Ohio's opening game against Wofford and it is unclear whether he will play this weekend. Either way the Ohio passing game is not a strong suit for Ohio this season. Well, neither is their rushing game. Ohio's offense isn't very good is what I'm trying to say.
Ohio's defense forced a lot of turnovers last season. They have started off fast with five forced turnovers in their first two games. The defense did lose several starters particularly in the secondary. The Ohio defensive line is still largely intact from a year ago. If they are able to pressure Pryor, the ball-hawking secondary of OU may be able to pick off some of Pryor's ill-advised passes.
Prediction
Ohio State 41
Ohio 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for reading and please comment. Let me know what you think will happen on Saturday.
-Michael
*I personally thought they were overrated.
Miami 24
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 24 yards
Miami TD: Lamar Miller returned kickoff for 88 yards
Second Quarter
Miami FG: Matt Bosher 51 yards
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor Pass to Brandon Saine for 18 yards
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 41 yards
Ohio State TD: Daniel Herron rushed for 4 yards
Miami TD: Travis Benjamin returned punt for 79 yards
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 21 yards
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 24 yards
Third Quarter
Ohio State TD: Terrelle Pryor rushed for 13 yards
Ohio State FG: Devin Barclay 24 yards
Fourth Quarter
Miami TD: Jacory Harris pass to Chase Ford for 9 yards.
Important Player Stats
Terrelle Pryor 12-27, 233 yards, 1TD, 20 rush, 113 yards, 1 TD
Daniel Herron 14 rush, 66 yards, 1 TD
DeVier Posey: 4 receptions, 105 yards
Devin Barclay 5-6 FG
Chimdi Chekwa 2 INTs
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
After this game, I was surprised by how disappointed I felt in Ohio State's performance. I mean they did beat the team that was ranked 12th* in the Nation. A win is a win and I'll certainly take it, but this game proved that things that had been questions marks may be this team's undoing. So, I'm going to apologize for bitching so much after a victory.
I'm going to start off with the Special teams. Yesterday's performance on covering kickoffs and punts was pathetic. Whether or not Miami has good return men, they shouldn't have been allowed to return anything for a touchdown. Kickoff and punt coverage is all about discipline and fundamentals and allowing long returns is almost always due to a mistake or lack of discipline by the coverage team. Ohio State was even lining up in a spread out Punt formation to make lanes easier to keep and still blew it.
It wasn't all bad with the special teams though. The kickoff return team looked very good with two long returns that were nearly touchdowns. Also, the field goal team seemed to be much improved over last week. The line held well and Barclay went 5-6 on Field Goals. Also a Miami filed goal was blocked, which is a nice performance for that unit.
The defense performed very well in the first half. They only allowed 3 points and totally shut down the Miami offense; particularly against their running game. In the second half, they didn't really stop Miami at all. They did do a nice job of creating turnovers.
I think I was most disappointed in the offense's performance in the redzone. Five times Ohio State got into the redzone and had to attempt Field Goals. That's very poor. Scoring a touchdowns inside the redzone is important and failing to do so will lose games. Ohio State left so many points and there and it's fortunate it didn't matter in the end.
Finally, Terrelle Pryor didn't look great yesterday. His stats were pretty damn impressive, but his performance was not. He didn't complete 50 percent of his passes. He reverted back to bad Terrelle Pryor frequently. He didn't throw any interceptions, but that wasn't for lack of trying. Miami had numerous chances at picking off his passes. He did look good while running the football though.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio University
Where: Athens, Ohio
Mascot: Bobcat
Enrollment: 22,000 approx.
Conference: MAC
Record Last Year: 9-5
Head Coach: Frank Solich
Last Game: 13-20 L Toledo
Ohio won the MAC East last season. They did give Ohio State a scare in the 2008 season. In that game Theo Scott was Ohio's starting quarterback, but had to be replaced by Boo Jackson due to injury. Now, Boo Jackson is sharing the starting role with Phil Bates at Ohio. Bates was injured in Ohio's opening game against Wofford and it is unclear whether he will play this weekend. Either way the Ohio passing game is not a strong suit for Ohio this season. Well, neither is their rushing game. Ohio's offense isn't very good is what I'm trying to say.
Ohio's defense forced a lot of turnovers last season. They have started off fast with five forced turnovers in their first two games. The defense did lose several starters particularly in the secondary. The Ohio defensive line is still largely intact from a year ago. If they are able to pressure Pryor, the ball-hawking secondary of OU may be able to pick off some of Pryor's ill-advised passes.
Prediction
Ohio State 41
Ohio 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for reading and please comment. Let me know what you think will happen on Saturday.
-Michael
*I personally thought they were overrated.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Buckeye Sunday- Miami
Sorry this one isn't going to be very long at all. Not really feeling it tonight. Plus, this game will previewed and analyzed to death this week. So, here are some thoughts on the game against the Hurricanes.
Miami was impressive in their opener as was Ohio State. They won 45-0 against Florida A&M. They played and inferior opponent to Marshall, but their dominating performance against them means about the same thing as Ohio State's defeat of Marshall. That is they mean very little. Everyone knew Miami and Ohio State were way better than their opponents going in the opener, so all that happened was confirmation of what was already known.
Against Marshall Ohio State played a Nickel defense for nearly the entire game against their spread sets. Against Miami, it will be a lot more base defense. This will add to the strain on the inexperienced Safeties. Also, Miami has much better athletes, so the back line will face a test. Will they handle it well or will inexperience show?
Will Pryor's offseason improvements withstand the test of Miami or will he revert to earlier form? Following the Purdue game last year, Pryor's play has been much improved. Though a lot of that was the ball being taken out of his hands at the end of the regular season. He had a great performance in the Rose Bowl passing the ball. Against Marshall he looked like he continued his progression, but will it look the same against a good opponent. Even against Marshall there were some glimpses of Bad Terrelle Pryor. Well a better defense bring out bad Pryor or make him play better? We'll see against Miami.
Prediction
Ohio State 24
Miami 17
Thanks for reading and let me know your predictions.
-Michael
Miami was impressive in their opener as was Ohio State. They won 45-0 against Florida A&M. They played and inferior opponent to Marshall, but their dominating performance against them means about the same thing as Ohio State's defeat of Marshall. That is they mean very little. Everyone knew Miami and Ohio State were way better than their opponents going in the opener, so all that happened was confirmation of what was already known.
Against Marshall Ohio State played a Nickel defense for nearly the entire game against their spread sets. Against Miami, it will be a lot more base defense. This will add to the strain on the inexperienced Safeties. Also, Miami has much better athletes, so the back line will face a test. Will they handle it well or will inexperience show?
Will Pryor's offseason improvements withstand the test of Miami or will he revert to earlier form? Following the Purdue game last year, Pryor's play has been much improved. Though a lot of that was the ball being taken out of his hands at the end of the regular season. He had a great performance in the Rose Bowl passing the ball. Against Marshall he looked like he continued his progression, but will it look the same against a good opponent. Even against Marshall there were some glimpses of Bad Terrelle Pryor. Well a better defense bring out bad Pryor or make him play better? We'll see against Miami.
Prediction
Ohio State 24
Miami 17
Thanks for reading and let me know your predictions.
-Michael
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Buckeye Sunday- Marshall
Marshall University
Where: Huntington, West Virginia
Mascot: Thundering Herd
Enrollment: 10,000 approx.
Conference: Conference USA
Record Last Year: 7-6
Head Coach: Doc Holliday
That won't be done with every opponent, but I'll do it for the 3 lesser-known, small conference opponents this season.*
Ok, insider information. I went to a Marshall football game last year. In fact, I'm a bit of a fan of this team.
This season, Marshall has a new football coach, Doc Holliday. He's been an assistant to Urban Meyer at Florida and most recently an assistant at West Virginia. Last year Marshall was coached by a lost** Tressel disciple, Mark Snyder. So, Marshall will be making a offensive transition under Holliday to a spread look.
Marshall's starting quarterback will most likely be Brian Anderson. There is some competition, but it appears that he will at least be the starter at the beginning of the season. Anderson isn't a great quarterback and has major constituency issues. He is experienced though and will likely be improved from last season. Marshall has a young wide receiver group that could potentially be pretty good. If the questions about the the Buckeye secondary, especially at the safety position prove to be true, Marshall could potentially expose them.
In the rushing game, Marshall lost it's star from last season in Darius Marshall. He had rushed for over 1,100 yards and 11 Touchdowns and made an poor decision to go pro. He didn't get drafted. His likely replacement will be Martin Ward. He's a quick young player who has shown some promise. I witnessed last year him getting cock-blocked by an official getting in his way as he was breaking a run to the end zone.
Defensively, Marshall has major issues, particularly in the secondary. The secondary was pretty shaky last year for the Thundering Herd. Add to that, two important pieces of Marshall's secondary were dismissed from the team and it looks like Marshall may have some series issues in their back line. I think Marshall solution will need to be blitz, blitz, blitz and then blitz some more, because the secondary will need to be exposed as little as possible.
Ok, that's what I got on Marshall.
Prediction
Ohio State 45
Marshall 7
Yea, I don't see this one being close at all. Sorry, Patrick.
Thanks for reading and please comment. Maybe give me a guess as to what you think will happen.
-Michael
*If you want I'll do it for all the school. I just think it's unnecessary and patronizing with schools like Miami(FL) and Penn State.
**By lost, I mean really shitty coach.
Where: Huntington, West Virginia
Mascot: Thundering Herd
Enrollment: 10,000 approx.
Conference: Conference USA
Record Last Year: 7-6
Head Coach: Doc Holliday
That won't be done with every opponent, but I'll do it for the 3 lesser-known, small conference opponents this season.*
Ok, insider information. I went to a Marshall football game last year. In fact, I'm a bit of a fan of this team.
This season, Marshall has a new football coach, Doc Holliday. He's been an assistant to Urban Meyer at Florida and most recently an assistant at West Virginia. Last year Marshall was coached by a lost** Tressel disciple, Mark Snyder. So, Marshall will be making a offensive transition under Holliday to a spread look.
Marshall's starting quarterback will most likely be Brian Anderson. There is some competition, but it appears that he will at least be the starter at the beginning of the season. Anderson isn't a great quarterback and has major constituency issues. He is experienced though and will likely be improved from last season. Marshall has a young wide receiver group that could potentially be pretty good. If the questions about the the Buckeye secondary, especially at the safety position prove to be true, Marshall could potentially expose them.
In the rushing game, Marshall lost it's star from last season in Darius Marshall. He had rushed for over 1,100 yards and 11 Touchdowns and made an poor decision to go pro. He didn't get drafted. His likely replacement will be Martin Ward. He's a quick young player who has shown some promise. I witnessed last year him getting cock-blocked by an official getting in his way as he was breaking a run to the end zone.
Defensively, Marshall has major issues, particularly in the secondary. The secondary was pretty shaky last year for the Thundering Herd. Add to that, two important pieces of Marshall's secondary were dismissed from the team and it looks like Marshall may have some series issues in their back line. I think Marshall solution will need to be blitz, blitz, blitz and then blitz some more, because the secondary will need to be exposed as little as possible.
Ok, that's what I got on Marshall.
Prediction
Ohio State 45
Marshall 7
Yea, I don't see this one being close at all. Sorry, Patrick.
Thanks for reading and please comment. Maybe give me a guess as to what you think will happen.
-Michael
*If you want I'll do it for all the school. I just think it's unnecessary and patronizing with schools like Miami(FL) and Penn State.
**By lost, I mean really shitty coach.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Buckeye Sunday- Spiking the Football
So, here's a question for you all. Am I the only one who thinks spiking the football late in a game or half is stupid? I mean a team still has to get lined up to spike the ball, so in reality a team isn't saving any time and is throwing away a down. One never can know how important that down could end up being.
I don't see why teams don't just run a pass play. An incomplete pass would accomplish the same goal as a spike and there is an opportunity for a successful pass play. Even if a play isn't called, running the same play again or having a go-to play would be better than the wasted down.
I can really only think of one scenario in which spiking the football seems like a good idea. That would be to stop the clock prior to an attempted field goal prior to the half or one to win or tie the game. Otherwise, throw the ball at a receiver and potentially make a big play rather than throw the ball at the ground.
Anyways, another short and rambling post today. What do you think? Am I missing something about this?
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael
I don't see why teams don't just run a pass play. An incomplete pass would accomplish the same goal as a spike and there is an opportunity for a successful pass play. Even if a play isn't called, running the same play again or having a go-to play would be better than the wasted down.
I can really only think of one scenario in which spiking the football seems like a good idea. That would be to stop the clock prior to an attempted field goal prior to the half or one to win or tie the game. Otherwise, throw the ball at a receiver and potentially make a big play rather than throw the ball at the ground.
Anyways, another short and rambling post today. What do you think? Am I missing something about this?
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Buckeye Sunday- A Plan for Big Ten Alignment
In 2011, the Big Ten will be adding Nebraska as a 12th team. This means the Big Ten will be allowed to have a conference championship game and the conference will be divided into divisions. It seemed like a simple thing. Just draw a line at the Indiana/Illinois border and be done with it. The problem with the simple geographic division is the major balance issues that immediately arise. The Eastern half would be loaded with Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan, which are not only elite Big Ten programs, but elite nationally.
Fortunately, The Big Ten isn't just looking at geography, but is also looking at data since the 1993 season(when Penn State joined the conference) to examine competitive balance for the new divisions. Here is that data:
Since 1993
Illinois, 75-121-1, 1 Big Ten Championship(2001)
Indiana 69-126
Iowa 119-86-1, 2 Big Ten Championships(2002, 2004)
Michigan 146-64, 5 Big Ten Championships(1997, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2004,) 1 National Title (1997)
Michigan State 101-103-1
Minnesota 92-111
Northwestern 97-105-1, 3 Big Ten Championships(1995, 1996, 2000)
Ohio State 170-43-1, 9 Big Ten Championships(1993, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2005-2009,) 1 National Title(2002)
Penn State 147-62, 3 Big Ten Championships(1994, 2005, 2008)
Purdue 105-97-3, 1 Big Ten Championship(2000)
Wisconsin 145-65-4, 3 Big Ten Championships(1993, 1998, 1999)
Nebraska 165-52, 5 Conference Titles*(1993-1995, 1997, 1999,) 3 National Titles(1994, 1995, 1997)
*The Big 12 was the Big 8 prior to 1996.
With that Data, I believe there are 5 programs that can be considered top tier teams in the conference; Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin.
5 programs have been good/average during this time period; Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern and Purdue.
2 programs have been poor; Illinois and Indiana.
With this data in mind and some concern given to geography and rivalries here's my proposal for alignment. I'm calling the divisions the 1 division and the zero division.
The 1 Division
Ohio State
Michigan
Nebraska
Michigan State
Northwestern
Illinois
The Zero Division
Penn State
Wisconsin
Iowa
Minnesota
Purdue
Indiana
It is almost impossible to keep all rivalries within the same division, but considering that there will be at least 3* non-division games and a conference championship game a lot of rivalries will be strong across division lines.
There really isn't and ideal way to divide the conference, but this is the best I can come up with. There may still be a slight competitive inbalance, but I feel that these two divisions would be pretty competitive with each other. I hope the Big Ten avoids turning one of the divisions into what the Big 12 South became.
Well there you have it. What do you think?
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael
*The Big Ten will likely switch to a 9 game conference schedule in the next several years(2012 at the earliest.)
Fortunately, The Big Ten isn't just looking at geography, but is also looking at data since the 1993 season(when Penn State joined the conference) to examine competitive balance for the new divisions. Here is that data:
Since 1993
Illinois, 75-121-1, 1 Big Ten Championship(2001)
Indiana 69-126
Iowa 119-86-1, 2 Big Ten Championships(2002, 2004)
Michigan 146-64, 5 Big Ten Championships(1997, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2004,) 1 National Title (1997)
Michigan State 101-103-1
Minnesota 92-111
Northwestern 97-105-1, 3 Big Ten Championships(1995, 1996, 2000)
Ohio State 170-43-1, 9 Big Ten Championships(1993, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2005-2009,) 1 National Title(2002)
Penn State 147-62, 3 Big Ten Championships(1994, 2005, 2008)
Purdue 105-97-3, 1 Big Ten Championship(2000)
Wisconsin 145-65-4, 3 Big Ten Championships(1993, 1998, 1999)
Nebraska 165-52, 5 Conference Titles*(1993-1995, 1997, 1999,) 3 National Titles(1994, 1995, 1997)
*The Big 12 was the Big 8 prior to 1996.
With that Data, I believe there are 5 programs that can be considered top tier teams in the conference; Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin.
5 programs have been good/average during this time period; Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern and Purdue.
2 programs have been poor; Illinois and Indiana.
With this data in mind and some concern given to geography and rivalries here's my proposal for alignment. I'm calling the divisions the 1 division and the zero division.
The 1 Division
Ohio State
Michigan
Nebraska
Michigan State
Northwestern
Illinois
The Zero Division
Penn State
Wisconsin
Iowa
Minnesota
Purdue
Indiana
It is almost impossible to keep all rivalries within the same division, but considering that there will be at least 3* non-division games and a conference championship game a lot of rivalries will be strong across division lines.
There really isn't and ideal way to divide the conference, but this is the best I can come up with. There may still be a slight competitive inbalance, but I feel that these two divisions would be pretty competitive with each other. I hope the Big Ten avoids turning one of the divisions into what the Big 12 South became.
Well there you have it. What do you think?
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael
*The Big Ten will likely switch to a 9 game conference schedule in the next several years(2012 at the earliest.)
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Buckeye Sunday- College Football Predictions
Here are my predictions for the upcoming college football season.
BCS Conference Champions
ACC- Georgia Tech
Big East- West Virginia
Big Ten- Ohio State
Big 12- Texas
Pac 10- Oregon State
SEC- Alabama
BCS Title Game
Alabama vs. Ohio State
National Champion
Alabama
Heisman Trophy Winner
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
BCS Conference Champions
ACC- Georgia Tech
Big East- West Virginia
Big Ten- Ohio State
Big 12- Texas
Pac 10- Oregon State
SEC- Alabama
BCS Title Game
Alabama vs. Ohio State
National Champion
Alabama
Heisman Trophy Winner
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Buckeye Sunday- The Wide Receivers
Unproven
The wide receiver corps is very talented, but totally unproven. Posey, Thomas, and Sanzenbacher all return this season and were the top receivers last year. Those three haven't really been given an opportunity to prove themselves due to Pyror's poor performance early last season and then the shift to a strongly run-oriented offense in the later part of the season. I expect to see an increase this season in the utilization of the passing game and having wideouts who can cause concern for a defense would be a huge help.
Thanks for reading.
-Michael
The wide receiver corps is very talented, but totally unproven. Posey, Thomas, and Sanzenbacher all return this season and were the top receivers last year. Those three haven't really been given an opportunity to prove themselves due to Pyror's poor performance early last season and then the shift to a strongly run-oriented offense in the later part of the season. I expect to see an increase this season in the utilization of the passing game and having wideouts who can cause concern for a defense would be a huge help.
Thanks for reading.
-Michael
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Buckeye Sunday- 5 Reason This Won't Be the Year
Last time I outlined the reason why this could be the year for Ohio State to win another National Championship. Here are the reasons why that may not actually happen:
5.) The System- Generally the BCS has been kind to the Buckeyes, but if the Big-10 proves to be as weak as I think it will be, it may not be.
4.) Luck- As noted last time, luck can play a factor. Unfortunately that can cut both ways. What if Robert Marve has turned himself into the greatest quarterback ever? What if there's a bad call in a close game against Wisconsin? That element of uncertainty could cost the Buckeyes.
3.) Expectations- There are great expectations for this year's Buckeye team. That could work against the team in several ways. There is believing your own hype and therefore thinking it will be easy. There is also the burden of high expectations that could cause poor performance. Finally, there is the target that is produced by being considered a 'great team.' It's not that Ohio State doesn't always have a target on their backs; it's that it's bigger this year.
2.) Injuries- This team is loaded with talent, but at some critical positions there is an apparent lack of depth. It is not entirely true that Ohio State would be in trouble with certain injuries, because the depth is still big name recruits, just generally unproven. If someone can name Pryor's back-up in comments I'd be impressed.
1.) Alabama- Alabama is loaded and if they make it to the National Championship game, I do not think there is a match for them anywhere in college football.
The Agent Problem
In recent weeks four programs have come under investigation by the NCAA for alleged player involvement with agents. This is a serious problem in big-time college athletics. Agents are trying to assure themselves a cut of a player's rookie contract, which in the NFL is massive, and there are no real consequences for the agent or player. I have a feeling that this issue will prove to be rampant in college football and even worse in college basketball due to the one and done rule.
So, what's the solution? There really isn't one that the NCAA can implement that will be truly effective. The most effective tool the NCAA has is the punishment that it can issue to programs whose players commit violations. Unfortunately, these punishments never actually punish the guilty parties, but those who are in the program long after those who are responsible have moved on. It is still all the NCAA can do and it does really encourage programs to ensure compliance, when they see the type of punishments that was handed to USC. These punishments still don't really solve the problem of agent involvement with college athletes though.
The only real effective solution can come from the agents themselves, the NFL and the NBA. Starting with the agents, some sort of trade-union or organization of agents that provides licenses and oversight would be a step in the right direction. If an agent is found to be involved with a college athlete, that license should be revoked. If the player's unions of the NFL and NBA could make it so they only deal with licensed agents, that would make doing business with college athletes a huge risk and not worth it. Also, introducing a rookie pay-scale in the NFL would reduce the incentive for an agent to involve himself with a college football player. Sam Bradford is looking at 50 million guaranteed money in his rookie deal, so the agents cut will be massive. Not only will it help with the problems in college, but it would fix one of the really messed up things about the NFL.
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael
5.) The System- Generally the BCS has been kind to the Buckeyes, but if the Big-10 proves to be as weak as I think it will be, it may not be.
4.) Luck- As noted last time, luck can play a factor. Unfortunately that can cut both ways. What if Robert Marve has turned himself into the greatest quarterback ever? What if there's a bad call in a close game against Wisconsin? That element of uncertainty could cost the Buckeyes.
3.) Expectations- There are great expectations for this year's Buckeye team. That could work against the team in several ways. There is believing your own hype and therefore thinking it will be easy. There is also the burden of high expectations that could cause poor performance. Finally, there is the target that is produced by being considered a 'great team.' It's not that Ohio State doesn't always have a target on their backs; it's that it's bigger this year.
2.) Injuries- This team is loaded with talent, but at some critical positions there is an apparent lack of depth. It is not entirely true that Ohio State would be in trouble with certain injuries, because the depth is still big name recruits, just generally unproven. If someone can name Pryor's back-up in comments I'd be impressed.
1.) Alabama- Alabama is loaded and if they make it to the National Championship game, I do not think there is a match for them anywhere in college football.
The Agent Problem
In recent weeks four programs have come under investigation by the NCAA for alleged player involvement with agents. This is a serious problem in big-time college athletics. Agents are trying to assure themselves a cut of a player's rookie contract, which in the NFL is massive, and there are no real consequences for the agent or player. I have a feeling that this issue will prove to be rampant in college football and even worse in college basketball due to the one and done rule.
So, what's the solution? There really isn't one that the NCAA can implement that will be truly effective. The most effective tool the NCAA has is the punishment that it can issue to programs whose players commit violations. Unfortunately, these punishments never actually punish the guilty parties, but those who are in the program long after those who are responsible have moved on. It is still all the NCAA can do and it does really encourage programs to ensure compliance, when they see the type of punishments that was handed to USC. These punishments still don't really solve the problem of agent involvement with college athletes though.
The only real effective solution can come from the agents themselves, the NFL and the NBA. Starting with the agents, some sort of trade-union or organization of agents that provides licenses and oversight would be a step in the right direction. If an agent is found to be involved with a college athlete, that license should be revoked. If the player's unions of the NFL and NBA could make it so they only deal with licensed agents, that would make doing business with college athletes a huge risk and not worth it. Also, introducing a rookie pay-scale in the NFL would reduce the incentive for an agent to involve himself with a college football player. Sam Bradford is looking at 50 million guaranteed money in his rookie deal, so the agents cut will be massive. Not only will it help with the problems in college, but it would fix one of the really messed up things about the NFL.
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Buckeye Sunday- 5 Reasons This Could be the Year
Amongst Ohio State fans the feeling going into this season is pretty optimistic. Along with being optimistic, there is also unease. There is almost a fear of being too successful and risk being over matched by an SEC opponent in the championship again.
Here are 5 reasons why this year can be different.
5. Easy Schedule- There is no doubting that the Big 10 is down this year. Ohio State is without question the class of the conference. Miami(FL) is a tough non-conference game, but I really think Ohio State is a better team should be able to win that one. On top of that, if Ohio State goes unbeaten and makes the Championship, the rest of college football is down. Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, USC, Oregon, Georgia, etc are not looking like they'll be at the elite level this season. Of course, Alabama is super loaded, but you never know about what could happen in the SEC. Ohio State could end up playing an unbeaten Big East school or Boise State.
4. Luck- As mentioned above the regular season is looking pretty doable for the Buckeyes. Of course, things like injuries could change that. Or bit of luck against a team like Purdue on an upset bid. The SEC could beat itself up and leave Ohio State with an easier opponent in the National Championship Game.
3. Defensive Strategy- Given the beatings that Ohio State received against Florida, LSU, and USC, an improved defensive strategy became necessary. The fear of blitzing against quality opponents is gone. A more aggressive defensive strategy has been proven to be effective against Texas in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl, USC in 2010, and (finally a victory) Oregon in 2010. Putting pressure on the quarterback is key to playing defense well in College Football.
2. The Defensive Line- Ohio State's D-Line is one of the best, if not the best in College Football. Being able to pressure with four down linemen allows tremendous freedom in defensive scheming.
1. Terrelle Pryor- Following the poor performance against Purdue last year, his improvement has been great. He's an elite athlete and when he is playing well he can keep Ohio State in any game.
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael.
Here are 5 reasons why this year can be different.
5. Easy Schedule- There is no doubting that the Big 10 is down this year. Ohio State is without question the class of the conference. Miami(FL) is a tough non-conference game, but I really think Ohio State is a better team should be able to win that one. On top of that, if Ohio State goes unbeaten and makes the Championship, the rest of college football is down. Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, USC, Oregon, Georgia, etc are not looking like they'll be at the elite level this season. Of course, Alabama is super loaded, but you never know about what could happen in the SEC. Ohio State could end up playing an unbeaten Big East school or Boise State.
4. Luck- As mentioned above the regular season is looking pretty doable for the Buckeyes. Of course, things like injuries could change that. Or bit of luck against a team like Purdue on an upset bid. The SEC could beat itself up and leave Ohio State with an easier opponent in the National Championship Game.
3. Defensive Strategy- Given the beatings that Ohio State received against Florida, LSU, and USC, an improved defensive strategy became necessary. The fear of blitzing against quality opponents is gone. A more aggressive defensive strategy has been proven to be effective against Texas in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl, USC in 2010, and (finally a victory) Oregon in 2010. Putting pressure on the quarterback is key to playing defense well in College Football.
2. The Defensive Line- Ohio State's D-Line is one of the best, if not the best in College Football. Being able to pressure with four down linemen allows tremendous freedom in defensive scheming.
1. Terrelle Pryor- Following the poor performance against Purdue last year, his improvement has been great. He's an elite athlete and when he is playing well he can keep Ohio State in any game.
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael.
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