Fiesta Bowl

For the 5th time in 7 years my Ohio State Buckeyes are in the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona. This year they are matched up with the University of Texas, a fellow heavyweight in college football lore, success and tradition. These same two teams matched up in a home and home in 2005 and 2006, each team winning on the road. So this could be considered a grudge match. A rubber match if you will.

This season Texas is far and away the better team. In some circles they are considered a better representative in the BCS title game than their Big 12 brethren, Oklahoma. Meanwhile, Ohio State solidified its reputation as an overrated, over hyped program that can't win the big game. They had feasted on inferior competition in the Big Ten (1-5 in bowl games this year as a conference) but blew two opportunities to earn notable victories against USC and Penn State (the one Big Ten team that could be considered competitive). In fact, they were dominated by USC on the national stage in all aspects of the game.

So the task is monumental for my Buckeyes of Ohio State. For the record, I see this game as a 37-6 victory for the Longhorns of Texas. But I have been horrible at predicting anything recently. Secondly, the Buckeyes were in a similar position in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl against the Miami Hurricanes and came out victorious. The reverse occurred against Florida in 2007. Also, nobody saw Alabama's loss to Utah in the Sugar Bowl this year (except my friend Chris who called it along with upsets in every other BCS bowl game). Speaking of Alabama, they also stunned the college football world when they won the national championship against Miami after the 1992 season. My point is, upsets happen. It could happen here despite my doubts.

IF it were to happen though, here is what would have to happen to make it happen:

1)Chris Wells needs to have a big game. This is three pronged.

First, the Bucks need to control the game. Texas and Heisman Trophy runner up Colt McCoy (by the way, how perfect is it that the Longhorn QB is named Colt McCoy and comes from a small town deep in the heart of Texas?) have an explosive offense. The more the ball is out of their hands, the better for OSU. Running Wells can control the clock.

Second, there is a debate out there that the Big 12's defenses are weak. The games were so high scoring that, while many looked at the offenses as explosive, others wondered out loud if the defenses were just bad. You won't hear ESPN say that, but dig further. Regardless, the front four of Texas IS really good. The Buckeyes' offensive line has had all kinds of trouble pass blocking good, fast defensive lines like that of Texas. So how do you combat this? Run. They have had an easier time run blocking than pass blocking, so they need to run it.

Finally, Wells is good. He can run with success. When he runs with success, it opens things up for freshman QB Terrelle Pryor to run as well. The double threat of Pryor and Wells could wreak havoc for the Longhorns if they can keep them guessing like the former Longhorn, Vince Young used to do on a routine basis with much success.

2)Terrelle Pryor needs to have his best game.

As I mentioned in the first point, the Buckeyes' offensive line is terrible when it comes to pass blocking. This is one of several reasons Tressel pulled senior QB Todd Boeckman for the true freshman Pryor. This is against the "Tressel Rule." He is loyal to his seniors to a fault. He'd prefer red shirt all of his freshmen and allow them to grow before he throws them in the battle. But it became glaringly apparent that Boeckman was not going to be able to succeed with so much pressure in his face. Pryor and his "escape-ability" and athleticism needed to get in there if they were to salvage any kind of season after the humiliating loss to USC. Pryor delivered. He made some outstanding plays. He also made some freshmen mistakes, but these will reap benefits next year as he learns. If Pryor was able to take this past month to work on his faults and tweek some things and learn some things, he could have a coming out party in the Fiesta Bowl like Troy Smith did against Michigan and then Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl of 2006. If Pryor can get out of the pocket and make smart decisions like throwing it away, hitting his 2nd or 3rd options or running when it is there, the Buckeyes will score more than the 6 I predicted.

3)Somehow, some way, the defense MUST show up. The defensive line played better later in the year but we don't know if that is a function of improvement or weak competition. I still feel the linebackers are extremely overrated. Texas' offense is AWESOME. If the Buckeyes are able to pull off an upset, the defense HAS to somehow play out of its mind. If they give McCoy enough time to throw and they are unable to stuff the run consistently, Texas could drop 60 on them. It could be ugly.

4)The coaching staff can't play the same old schemes. It was quoted all over ESPN and local radio. USC players all said the Bucks played exactly how the film showed. There was nothing surprising, nothing new. There were no wrinkles. It is difficult enough to beat a team as talented and successful as Texas. If they are going to go into Arizona thinking they can play another predictable game plan, they are dead wrong. You can't show you hand hand and think you are going to win the pot.

5) They are going to have to want it more. The Bucks need to play with passion. They need to come out and hit hard. They need to bully Texas around. The Bucks still don't have much speed. The Big Ten as a whole has shown this bowl season that they are lacking in speed away from the skill positions. But the Big Ten never has been known for speed. The Big Ten is known for toughness and size. So they need to use that to their advantage. They need to beat up and beat down the Longhorns in the trenches and everywhere else. Make the hits hurt. Push them around. Don't be afraid to mix it up a little. Like I wrote before, pound Wells down their throat repeatedly. Be mean. I'm tired of getting beat. They should be too. Take it out on Texas!

6) Don't lose the obvious stuff. Field position, turnovers and special teams. As always with any team that isn't the runaway favorite, they need to win the battle of field position and turnovers. Mistakes need to be limited because there is no margin for error and field position slants the field in their favor. Special teams are always the "X" factor. If they can block a kick (field goal or punt) or run one back, things can quickly tilt in their favor as well. This is pretty much a given for any underdog anytime.

Six things that MUST, absolutely MUST happen if there is any, slight chance for Ohio State to pull out a much needed victory. It would be a victory that could begin the journey back into respectability.

Wait, no. The haters will come up with some excuse about how they were lucky and didn't deserve the win and are still a joke. That we can count on.

Monday Morning QB on a Sick Day

Today is a scary day in my household. A doctor's appointment is at hand that is requiring I take a whole day off of work. The emotions behind this appointment are probably justifiable enough to take a day off. So with a couple of minutes to spare here, I would like to share my thoughts on several happenings in the world of sports this past weekend.

1. Ohio State (9) v. Penn State (3).......

This game confirms what I have been saying for awhile: This Buckeye team is just not very good. My preseason optimism was quickly crushed after the abysmal showing against USC and once again, this weekend's game was more of the same.

The defense has been in the cross hairs of my criticism most of the season but I am beginning to come around with them. Their showing against Michigan St. impressed me. It was a road game against a good if not great RB in Javon ringer (Ohio Product) and they shut him down. The defensive line which I have been most disappointed in, played great. This led me to an optimistic feeling for the big showdown against border state rival, Penn State.

The defense held their end of the bargain. They were able to contain QB Daryl Clark (Ohio Product) and his potent PSU offense who were averaging around 45 points per game coming in. I still feel good about that. But true freshman Terrelle Pryor (PA product...yeah baby) wasn't able to get in the end zone and in the end, his mistake lost the game for us.

Before you are up in arms over that last sentence, read on. I am NOT about to pile on 19 year old Pryor playing under the lights in a nationally televised game for a top ten team with a fan base as rabid as any. NFL like expectations and pressure pour from the residents of Columbus, Ohio and alumni across the country and even the world. This kid is 19 years old without a full off season to practice, without a full season behind him, with a full course load during the week, only 5 months or so removed from his senior prom. Please, I am not expecting him to be perfect. But the fact is, that fumble lost the game.

It's ok though. It was a freak fumble. A good play by the defender. Pryor was hustling, trying to get a big first down. I can live with that. Like Tressel said, penalties are bad but sometimes a hustle, aggressive penalty is not AS bad. You'd rather a guy get flagged for something that was caused by hustle and effort than a lazy, stupid, mistake. Pryor was looking to win the game. The middle was clogged up. A quick bounce to his right could be free.

It wasn't.

That set up the PSU offense for their only TD of the game. And Pryor still had another shot to tie it. But fell short. Chalk this up to a learning experience. It is hard to say that for Ohio State who's expectations year in and year out is National Championship. In college football today, you can't live with mistakes and maintain those expectations. One loss and you are pretty much out. It is a playoff from week one. So it is very difficult to type those words out. But I need to stick with what I said earlier in the year.

I felt Todd Boeckman, a senior QB who led the Buckeyes to an outright Big Ten title and national title appearance last year and even fielded some Heisman talk from national media types for a week or two, should be benched for Pryor. I fully understood what that meant. It meant we were going to deal with mistakes. It meant there would be freshman, rookie errors that Boeckman wouldn't have. But my reasoning was Pryor's athleticism and ability would outweigh his mistakes. I felt our offensive line is mediocre at best. I felt our WRs were overrated. I felt we needed something else to compensate and Pryor had that.

I also knew this was a risk. With the national title hopes dashed after the USC loss, I felt it was worth it. I didn't foresee Penn State's success though. I thought we would cruise through the weak conference schedule. I am not going to be one of these Sunday morning Johnny come lately's who call in to the radio shows (I am going to be one of the smart ones) and says whatever happened the past game was bad after it failed even though they were calling for it the whole week prior.

Example: "Put Pryor in . Put Pryor in. ....Why isn't Boeckman the QB????!" Hypocrites.

Also, I didn't realize we would have to resort to Tressel ball. Although I respect Tressel ball and I trust Tressel ball (see: 2002 BCS title season), it only works with a shut down defense. Now that the defense is beginning to fulfill that requirement, I was ok with playing that style against PSU. It seemed to be working too. But the sneaky problem with Tressel ball control game plans is that there is very little margin for error. Pryor made that error and it cost us.

I still love Pryor. I still think we will reap the fruits of this season next year. But I am not going to be positive about it anymore. I am going to be rotten, hard-to-watch-games-with Beau again. I know my role. I let you all down this week. I won't let it happen again.

2. Browns v. Jaguars.....

So I was back to my normal self Sunday morning swearing off the Browns and how much they suck. I had no reason to believe they would do anything worth watching later that afternoon and just as it should be, they win. See? I learned my lesson. How do I feel about this win?

Horrible.

That win was probably the worst possible thing that could have happened. Yes, it was a road win. Yes, it was against a legit team. Yes, it brings us to one game under .500 with Baltimore at home next week. Yes, we have a 4-4 record at the half way mark in sight. That win Sunday was better than any win last year. And the Giants game two Mondays ago was the biggest win in several years. Yes, the offense moved the ball. Yes, there were no penalties on the Browns. Yes, D.A. looked good. Yes, they got Lewis the ball. Yes, the offensive play calling of Chudzinski remains a positive. Yes, the defense showed more improvement against the run. Yes, the defensive backfield somehow contained the passing game JUST enough.

But it is all bad.

Derek Anderson had a good game. So that means he will remain the starter and come out next week sucking like he should. Romeo gets another week as coach meaning that will take more to fire him even though he truly isn't that good. Kellen Winslow is watching the team succeed without him and will become more disenchanted causing locker room strife. That will eat away at the team. And most of all, it keeps me coming back hoping on hope that maybe they are really as good as they looked that one game.....even though we all know they really are not.

3. Mike Singletary's Tirade........

Hell yeah!!! It is about time we see a coach take his team by the (expletive) and get control. Vernon Davis slapped an opponent disrespectfully in the face mask after a tackle and received a flag. Davis is one of very few "stars" on the San Fransisco 49ers this year. Even that title could be debated for him as he has under produced for a first round pick receiving millions of dollars for unproven talent. Singletary was ticked off. Not only did he bench Davis, he sent him to the locker room and told not to come back. Then in the post game press conference, he didn't let up. You could see the fire in his eyes and you could see he was determined to create the type of team atmosphere that needs to exist and he wasn't about to bow down to a player because of the money he made or his status on the team.

YES!!!!!!

The NFL is beginning to see more of this and it needs to continue. Kellen Winslow is the type of player that needs a strong kick in the ass like this to be honest, but I am not so sure his recent incident in particular this past week called for it. I am speaking more of the Terrell Owens type of stuff. That guy deserves a Mike Singletary boot up his you know what more than once. Can you imagine how Singletary would have dealt with T.O. when he was chewing out the offensive assistant coach on the 49er sideline several years ago? Oh, I would love to see that. But all these premadonnas need a wake up call.

Here's to people in authoritative positions like coaches (and teachers and principals and parents) taking off the kid gloves and taking back control. The inmates are running the asylum in sports and other arenas. I would love for that to stop.

Ohio St. vs. Wisconsin

Thank God for local AM sports talk radio. Here in Columbus, we have WBNS 1460 The Fan. We also have Mark the Shark and former Buckeye Jeff Logan on FM 103.9 in the afternoons with "Shark on Sports". There are more local sports talking heads but The Fan's Jim Hooley, former Buckeyes QB (and ESPN darling) Kirk Herbstreit and LB Chris Speilman as well as 103.9's duo are my preferences. Without these guys to get me home in the afternoon, I don't know what I would do.

Today's topic, as with any football season Monday was Saturday's Buckeye football game. I was surprised at the reviews I heard. Actually, I was not the least bit surprised that Hooley's was different than mine, but it seemed as though everyone was disappointed in upset with the close, hard fought win. This struck me as odd because I am usually the pessimist. Ask comoprozac. I actually feel pretty darn good about the victory.

Here is my rationale. I have seen Tressel ball for enough seasons now to get a good feel. Personally, I have grown to like it. He wins with it. It may not be pretty but he wins. Can't we understand that by now? This past Saturday's game was another game in which we won ugly. In 2002 we went 14-0 that way and earned a National Championship. At that time, Tressel was in his second year and I wasn't sure what to make of it. I didn't know if I liked it. But now, as I have seen Tressel play several different styles, I actually prefer we go back to that conservative style. Back to my point, Saturday was not pretty but we won in a hostile environment against a team that has won 16 in a row at home and more than 10 night games consecutively as well. They are a solid team. They are not a great team but good enough to feel like we earned a good win in their house. I have more positives from this game later.

The problem is this. The Tressel formula relies heavily on a shut down defense, excellent special teams and a ball control offense. So if we go back to my preferred Tressel ball then we need these components. Unfortunately, this defense is the most poorly coached defense ever. There is supposed to be a ton of talent but they are in the wrong places. They "play" slow. In addition the defensive line needs to be stout and they are not. The Badgers were able to run all over that line. The line couldn't get any pressure on the QB either leading to Wide Receivers being open all game. It was very frustrating.

Despite this, the defense managed to hold just enough to keep in the game. Then Jenkins sealed it with a key interception. Also, the coming out party for Terrelle Pryor continued as he added to his resume a clutch, fourth quarter, game winning drive capped by a beautiful option run for a TD. I tell you what, this kid is smooth. He just glides across the field. That drive alone was big time. It was critical. He is learning so much this season and growing so much that I can't wait to see what he has in store. There are obvious problems. He holds onto the ball like Charlie Frye. He takes big sacks. He still hasn't learned the Krenzel special of throwing it to cracker jack vendor in row 15. Some throws are way off. But he has still brought more positive than negative.

Overall, I woke up Sunday morning feeling really good about the victory. I still do. I am not surprised or let down by the close game. I predicted a 23-20 Wisconsin victory. Apparently, I know this team better than the "experts." I know better than to think it would be 31-17 Buckeye win like Hooley and his fellow radio guys thought last week. That Michigan game didn't fool me. So I am not disappointed in the 3 point margin. I still get angry about this defense that everybody loves. The schemes just flat out stink like old cheese. I will not deny that. But a win is a win. And if it is gonna be close victories all year...so be it. 2002 was fun. And I don't need to have them in the BCS Title game again.

MARK MAY SUCKS!
Mark May is know for discrediting the Buckeyes. He is public enemy number one in Columbus, Ohio. For that reason alone I try to avoid trashing him. He is doing his job and these hillbillies here feel like he is out to get us. The same ones that get mad when Herbstreit wears a blue tie or yellow tie. Supposedly that means he is a traitor. Or if he doesn't defend Buckeye nation regardless of how they played. I like to think I am better than them. I like to think I can respect the objectivity and professionalism of national broadcasters.

But after hearing how much May loves how Vanderbilt "finds a way to win" and fights for victories even though their stats don't back it up, or how they are a legit top 15 team, I can't take it anymore. He is quick to overlook this traits while TRASHING the '02 Buckeyes all year that season for the same attributes. To him OSU didn't deserve to be there because of the stats not backing up their high ranking. Granted, I agree Vandy should be ranked high. But so should have the Buckeyes in 2002. That contradiction has lost any respect I had. Now I'm jumping up to the front seat of that anti-May, Columbus bandwagon. That just isn't fair.

Once again, the only thing as powerful as the Buckeye nation is the anti-Buckeye movement of hate.

Observations on an average football Saturday

I attended the Ohio St. versus Troy game today with a friend of mine and enjoyed it thoroughly. Once again, I was able to take in the sights and events of gameday on OSU's campus. I still love the sound of the band, the electricity of the crowd, the annoying OH-IO cheer, the radio stations broadcasting live, the flags waving atop the stadium, the roar of the crowd, the ringing of the victory bell after we won, the traditional singing of "Carmen Ohio" at the end of the game and all the stadium food and snacks.

One thing I learned today was that Terrelle Pryor is the future of this football team and shows a ton of promise. Granted, that is probably the kiss of death coming from my lips but he looked pretty darn good. There were numerous freshman mistakes mixed in with some Houdini like escapes and nice throws, but nothing he can't learn from after some tutoring and film study. A couple calls to Craig Krenzel may help too so that he can learn how to throw the ball away at certain times.

What impressed me the most is how he was able to escape pressure and maintain his view down field to get to the open receiver. Obviously he can run well, we already knew that. His leadership and the uncoachable ability to get your players to rally behind you (A trait that separated Troy Smith from Justin Zwick from the get go), are things that I was curious to see. Also, I wanted to see how strong of an arm he had and how accurate he would be with it. Accuracy is still a question mark but arm strength isn't. These are things that can be shored up as he plays out this year and learns on the job. Playing through the Big Ten season will be invaluable as he works on reading defenses and making adjustments. Mistakes will come, but I can deal with these growing pains this year.

I mean would that be much different than Todd Boeckman making mistakes back there?



My brother and I were talking this evening about the LSU v. Auburn game taking place as I write this. The atmosphere of a SEC night game is phenomenal. We thought back how every Saturday night there is a great SEC game on tv. How awesome is that conference? I hate them for dominating my team but that doesn't mean I can't respect and appreciate what they have down there. Man, to be at a game like that. You just don't get that in the Big Ten that often. OSU v. Michigan is the closest the Big Ten has to this type of game I suppose, but even that is cold and in the early afternoon. I do recall the OSU v. Texas game which was early in the year and at night was similar too. But over the whole Big Ten? It doesn't really happen.


I am recovering nicely from the USC embarrassment I think. It is like having your balloon burst as a little kid. The initial shock sucks. We knew this was coming, but I was hoping it wouldn't come yet. Let's face it, this defense is overrated and the offense, especially with Boeckman, is not very good (Beanie or no Beanie). But now that the balloon has burst and reality has set in, I kind of feel relieved. I can relax now. I can just sit back and enjoy football without the nervous anxiety over my team. The reality has been for a good two or more seasons that watching Buckeye games has been hard work. The fun was gone. I mean it was a no win situation really. Think about it. We needed the Buckeyes to win EVERY game. If they lost it was disaster. Shoot, even if they won sometimes you felt like we lost when the win wasn't convincing enough. The optimal result, a convincing win, wasn't even that satisfying because it was what was supposed to happen. It was like shooting par. All it meant was we lived to see another day. That is hard to do for two plus seasons. Now we can just sit back at 13 and quietly go about our season while the national media hones their ultra critical, anti-Buckeye spotlight on other programs out there. (Well, maybe. They still enjoy poking fun at us any chance they get) We can still play for another Big Ten title and a BCS bowl which is cool. Like my brother said, maybe we could get a shot at another SEC team and an opportunity to shut up all those fans. Then next year, a seasoned Pryor and fresh defense (hopefully new defensive coordinator) can come out and put the rest if our demons to rest with some big wins.



Here is another annoying pet peeve I have: girls that say "Ohhhhhhh my God you guys." Or sometimes it may go, "Oh my Goooooooood, you guys."


Have you noticed a negative tone in my posts of late? I have not been feeling positive at all. That is probably a really bad thing. I am only making things worse but I swear I am just ticked off. Sigh.

Open Letter to the Haters

As I read the articles aiming "told you so's" at me and my Buckeyes and skim the comments from college football fans around the country, I see some things that need to be cleared up. So anyone who loves to hate the Buckeyes and their fans let me clue you in on a couple of things.

First, we KNOW our team is overrated. We watched that game too. As a matter of fact, we already knew before the game started. The amount of phone calls into local AM sports talk radio here in Columbus were overwhelmingly siding on the side of "We are going to lose. We are not as good as our ranking." OVERWHELMINGLY! Can I say it any louder. So when people like Mark Kriegel write that "...everyone but the fans who root for Ohio State" were giving Tressel and the Buckeyes alto of heat, he is wrong. (Mark Kriegel MSN.com linked right here) Tressel has been getting heat from Buckeye fans for at least this past week if not the whole off season after the second weak showing at the BCS Title game where our presence was questionably deserved in the first place. No Mr. Kriegel, Buckeye fans understand the over hyped misranking as well.

Secondly, we also know the Big Ten is not very good. We understand that our schedule has been weak. But guess what? Your team does it too. Yes LSU fan for instance. Your team's schedule is poor. At least we played USC and will again next year. Things go in cycles. Take a look at Florida St. See Nebraska. Think about Miami. Don't forget the beloved Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. In fact Miami has come and gone and come again and is now gone again just in my lifetime. They'll be back too. The Big Ten is weak right now. This conference will be back soon enough. In the meantime, OSU will have to hear about it, but don't think as a fan base we are ignorant to the obvious. We are not. Oh yeah, and let's not forget USC was not exactly killing people back in the 90s. They were down for awhile as well. Of course OSU was in the mix back then as they have been for the past several years overrated or not. So while you bask in the limelight of Mark May, ESPN and Hollywood in your backyard, don't forget that OSU consistently finds itself in the top 20 even during down years. Nebraska, Florida St., Miami can't say that. Shoot, I'm not sure Oklahoma and USC can. My facts may need to be checked, but outside of Michigan, not too many teams have more overall wins that OSU.

But I'm getting off my point. Right now, we are not that good. I, and many other Buckeye fans get that. The true fans don't wear blinders and scarlet and gray sunglasses. We see and understand the reality of college football.

Next, not everyone of us digs that overexposed OH-IO thing. We didn't realize it was going to go this far. It is fun for the kids and the fringe fans. But seriously. Those of you getting absolutely sickened by it, same here. We all have our unique college chants, catch phrases, fight songs, mascots and traditions but this one is getting blown out of proportion. I agree it needs to be put to rest for about a decade. Or kept within the confines of Ohio Stadium or whatever bowl game we play in....maybe a tailgate or two.

Finally, your little nicknames for us like "suckeyes" or "luckeyes" are not that clever. Just because you can switch one letter to make a different, derogatory name doesn't make you smart. Much like the OH-IO thing, it is getting old. Whatever positive coolness you got out of it has worn out. It is just sad now. But I guarantee it is going to be thrown about a whole lot over the next couple months so go ahead and get your use out of it but know when something has run its course please. Move on. You can come up with something better. I know you can. Go get 'em haters!

I know you all love to put down other programs. I know how much the common college football fan loves to talk smack and kick a team when they're down. I know it is getting boring to kick Nebraska, Notre Dame, Florida St. and Miami around so you have switched your focus on us, we are fresh and much more "new" and trendy, but understand this: We aren't blind or foolish enough over here not to realize the same things you do. So don't act like we are stupid.

******************
For the local readers, Bruce Hooley of WBNS 1460 The Fan is a good journalist and see,s like a perfectly nice, intelligent guy. But I rarely see eye to eye with this guy and this morning was no different. After reading an article that stated Mark Sanchez felt as though the Buckeye defense was predictable because they played the same looks they saw in practice and it made things easier on them to score against us, I get in my car and listen to Hooley complain that Tressel didn't stick with the game plan he has used the past 8 seasons or so. What the?!

Granted he was speaking more of the offense but.... For real, what did he think was going to happen if we just ran over tackle all day! Didn't he himself say that last week's vanilla, predictable offense was the reason we struggled with OU? He was really ticked off about constantly switching QBs and blamed that for Boeckman's unending turnovers.

NOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is my take:

1)Heacock needs to be fired yesterday. The defense's game plan sucks! Ask Sanchez.

2)When Tressel was switching QBs, the offense moved. In fact it managed to score. With that scheme, the offense marched down for a field goal. Scored a TD taken back by a penalty. And marched down for a missed FG by no fault of the offense.

3)Where I have a problem with Tressel's decision was when HE WENT CONSERVATIVE like Hooley wanted. The second he left Boeckman out there and did that off tackle crap we went nowhere. What was that Hooley?!

4) I have to bring up that 2nd and 22 play call when he ran Boeckman on an option for the third time in the game. I get the decoy, change it up thing but not the thrid time. Not in that situation. What did he really think we were going to get out of that? Either do it with Pryor or don't do it at all. Go with a mid range pass that was usually open at that point in the game. Give yourself a manageable 3rd down play.

5) I don't blame the QB switching for Boeckman's problems at all. He did the same things before when he wasn't switched out. This is just par for the course.

6) I do put some of the blame on the offensive line. T.B. had no time in the pocket. He deserves alot of blame but the additional reasons were not the switching is and out as much as the lack of protection from an overrated line in front of him.

7) I really like Pryor and can't wait to see him as he learns the offense more and begins to mix in more passes. He showed some arm strength that lit up my eyes.

A College Football Saturday

Here are a couple of things swirling in my head this Saturday as I watch as much football as I can:

**Go Michigan!**

Yes, I said it and meant it. Those of you who love the crazy Buckeye fan reputation I have earned may think "What the?!" But think about this. As a fellow Big Ten school a true Buckeye fan WANTS Michigan to win these nonconference games. It was really fun watching them lose to App St. last year. I wouldn't trade that for the world. The look on the young UM fan's faces was pricelss. Those smug, arrogant kids had nothing to say. But that is not something we want to happen every year. Losing to Utah today hurts us. It is another blow to the Big Ten's reputation. A Big Ten conference in which our Buckeyes are a member. We need Michigan and every other Big Ten team to sweep all of their nonconference games.

In addition, they are our rival. It is so much better for the rivalry and in my opinion when both squads are dominating. Maybe I am from the old school. I like Michigan to win every game up to The Game. Then I want them to win their bowl game unless it's the National Championship. I draw the line there. I just can't handle that. But otherwise, Michigan needs to win. It means more. It adds more. It is just, plain better. This new generation of fans that take the bitterness for Michigan to the extreme is thinking backwards. I used to be that way too I guess, but with the App St game in our back pocket forever, I don't need to be. I dislike those Michigan fans. I hate those colors. I cringe at the memories of Charles Woodson, Desmond Howard and Tim Biakabutuka. I still hold alot of pain and hatred in my heart for the 90s. But revenge is best served when we beat them and it means something. It hurts them much more when their bid for an undefeated season goes down to us. It hurts even more when we are also undefeated. That is the true taste of sweet revenge. Even more than watching them lose to App St. or Utah.


**Beanie Wells**

So what's the deal? He was carted off the field. Then he walks back out onto the field. The X-rays were negative. He has done this before. Is he pulling a Loyacano? Does he have some toughness issues? Or is this serious? I'm just saying. There is a trend here. Regardless, he is a stud on the field and we need him there. But not against OU. I love Brandon Saine and I would love to see him play. So let's rest Wells against OU no matter what and hope he is ready to go against USC.


**GameDay**

I love going to games. I love the gameday atmosphere. Today was nothing like it is when the students are back and it is a conference game or a late season game, but the tradition, the memories in that place. I absolutely love it.


**Week One**

The Bucks looked good today. The defense was pretty much on lock down. At onoe point in the second half YSU only had 55 total yards of offense. The offense looked smooth and flowed well sans in the red zone. The kickers kicked well. A number of players got to play. The offense played a clean game with no turnovers and the defense forced a few. They scored 43 points and gave up zero. They controlled the clock and the game. Next up: OU Bobcats.


**Terrelle Pryor**

I was very pleased with Pryor's debut. He could have come out and looked overwhelmed. He could have come out and played mediocre. But he was very impressive. He showed he could drop back. He showed he could play from the shot gun. He showed a little option. He rushed. He passed. The passes looked accurate. He didn't seem flustered in the pocket. He demonstrated athleticism and poise. He was able to complete his first pass. He was able to score a touchdown. It was critical that he had some success in his first outing. He gained confidence and has plenty to look at in film to study and critique and get better. He will have to. Today's game has won me over.

2008 Ohio State Buckeyes Season

I took a peek in my crystal ball and saw how the football Buckeyes of The Ohio State University will fair this season. So if you'd like to know what I saw, I am sharing it with the masses. But don't worry, you can still watch how it all pans out. My crystal ball isn't 100%.

Week One
Vs. Youngstown St.

Jim Tressel's former school of employment comes to Columbus in a glorified practice for the Buckeyes. While the Buckeyes outmatch the Penguins in talent and they are playing at home in front of over 100,000 fans (mostly Columbus residents and alumni since the students don't arrive until the end of September), Tressel with follow his standard practice of allowing the opponent to hang around for at least a half before he drops the hammer. In the end the score will be a convincing 38-13 victory but it won't feel that easy. Terrelle Pryor will get a number of snaps and give us a nice taste of what he has in store but the reigns will remain tight. Tressel never likes to show his hand and you know his hand includes some plays for Pryor against Michigan and the Bowl game I will report on later.
Buckeyes 38
YSU 13
Record 1-0


Week Two
Vs. Ohio University

Another cupcake game for the mighty Buckeyes that will not feel like it. Ohio will hang around into the second half as fans like myself allow the panic to set in. But in the end, the rushing of Beanie Wells is just too much for the Bobcats and the defensive struggle breaks open, once again ending with a score that makes the game appear easier than it was. A special teams mistake or turnover that leads to Ohio's only touchdown creates unneeded tension that finally dissipates by the beginning of the fourth quarter.
Buckeyes 34
Ohio 10
Record 2-0


Week Three
At USC

Oh yes baby! The big dawg. The premier game of the season to this point and maybe overall. It has been hyped all summer. Fans throughout the country that are not part of Trojan or Buckeye Nation are sick and tired of hearing about it. But they will all be glued to the set as they watch an instant classic. These two powerhouses, both loaded with talent and tradition and coaching, will go toe to toe for four quarters, maybe more. They will provide a thrilling battle of the ages. USC's defense will make scoring a premium for Beanie Wells and Boeckman. Pete Carroll will have his offense ready to go against the Buckeyes' defense which returns numerous starters from two straight National Title games. Herein lies the key to the Buckeye's season. This is where the crystal ball becomes more foggy. What I could make out from what I saw was this: If the defense and more importantly, Jim Heacock's game planning, can show it has improved from the last two BCS Title games in terms of in-game planning, the Buckeyes will roll. It will be a low scoring classic that ends in the 17-13 range. But if the same old defense comes out and lays and egg despite the abundance of talent and cannot seem to make the in-game adjustments that former coordinator Mark Dantonio would flourish with when he was here, the game will get out of hand and USC will pull away in the second half winning by 10 or more. This will determine the season. I am going to buck my normal pessimism and stare Huey Karma right in the eyes. I am going to trust in Jim Heacock's plan. I am going to say Buckeyes pull out a close 17-13 game.
Buckeyes 17
USC 13
Record 3-0


Week Four
Vs. Troy

Troy has been able to make some noise in the past several seasons as they continue to play powerhouse programs like Ohio State, LSU et al. They have opened some eyes playing well but haven't really gotten over the hump. I see that they will also give OSU a run for their money. The Buckeyes are unable to run away from Troy at any point and for the second week in a row win a hard fought game for 60 minutes or more pulling out a character building victory in the end.
Buckeyes 23
Troy 17
Record 4-0


Week Five
Vs. Minnesota

This Big Ten opener helps the Buckeyes get well. They are able to cruise to a relatively easy win at home and are able to rest some starters late in the game. They will need it after two difficult games against the Trojans and Troy. Pryor gets some more action and Wells pads his stats for the Heisman push.
Buckeyes 41
Minnesota 10
Record 5-0


Week Six
At Wisconsin

This game is NEVER easy regardless of records. Playing in Madison only makes it worse. This game will have the Buckeyes behind in the second half forcing Boeckman to draw upon his experience to lead the Bucks in two critical drives in the fourth quarter. The first leading to a field goal after the drive stalls. This will send me to an open area to begin my steady pacing back and forth in whatever location I will be watching the game. My heart rate will reach the point of hypertension, but Wells takes over following a crucial interception by Malcolm Jenkins after the Badgers march into Buckeye territory. This leads Ohio State to a game winning touchdown with under a minute to go. Unfortunately for my heart, the game will still be nerve racking as in a last ditch effort, the Badger advance to the fifty before running too low on time forcing them to resort to longer, lower percentage passes that go incomplete.
Buckeyes 27
Wisconsin 24
Record 6-0


Week Seven
Vs. Purdue

Purdue doesn't provide the easy walk over that Minnesota did after the Troy-USC combo, but the Bucks are able to get a victory in convincing fashion. They are really beginning to feel their rhythm now. The offense is clicking. The defense is coming together and their talent is really showing. Not only is Wells still a legitimate Heisman candidate, but numerous other Buckeyes are improving their draft status much like Vernon Gohlstein last season.
Buckeyes: 34
Purdue: 10
Record: 7-0


Week Eight
At Michigan St.

Every year Michigan St. gets lots of preseason love and rarely lives up to the expectations. Head Coach Dantonio, who led the Buckeyes' shutdown defense in the '02 championship season, will get this program back to a respectable status soon enough and they will give the Buckeyes a scare on the road. But the Bucks' superior talent will win out and Ohio St. will move on to another victory. The team will really be focused trying to shed the image around the nation of a choker in a weak conference and end the game with a solid win against a MSU team that has shown some improvement as they find themselves near the top of the middle of the Big Ten.
Buckeyes 27
Michigan St. 17
Record: 8-0


Week Nine
Vs. Penn St.

Night game against Penn St. again. But this time it is at home. Phew! Penn St. gives OSU a run but once again, the home crowd, the talent, the coaching and the mission these Buckeye seniors will be on lifts OSU to another victory. Not as easy as some of the others, but a legitimate, solid win.
Buckeyes 24
Penn St. 14
Record 9-0


Week Ten
At. Northwestern
I plan to attend this game adding another Big Ten stadium to my count. I plan to watch the Buckeyes absolutely destroy the Wildcats. This game will be a tune up for the rematch against Illinois who upset the Buckeyes last year in a disappointing, painful loss. They won't overlook the Wildcats, they will take it out on them as they cruise to an early lead and crunch the 'Cats with one thing on their mind.... Carnage and death on the way to another BCS Title shot. Because guess who is moving up in the polls? The Pac-10's leader, USC.
Buckeyes 48
Northwestern 6


Week Eleven
At Illinois

Revenge will be the name of this game. Illinois will try but fail to repeat last year's questionable victory. Referee's won't be able to help them this time. The Buckeyes will start off fast, fade for two quarters then drop the hammer in the fourth. Boeckman will remember his picks and make sure Wells gets plenty of touches leading the Buckeyes offense to several late game touchdowns.
Buckeyes 30
Illinois 17
Record 11-0


Week Twelve
Vs. Michigan

Hot Rod Rich Rodriquez will get the Wolverines back to Big Ten dominance but not this year. The lack of experience at the quarterback position will hurt them this year. The new system he tries to implement will have its growing pains. While a competitive team and middle of the pack in the Big Ten, U of M will make it interesting. Rivalry games usually are. But the Buckeyes will out muscle the Wolverines and earn another berth in the Title game.
Buckeyes 20
Michigan 9


BCS Title Game
Vs. USC

Yes, I see a rematch. USC will not drop far due to OSU's high ranking in September. They will win out and the SEC will beat up on itself keeping Georgia, Florida, Auburn and LSU from getting a shot. Without the high volume of upsets that allowed a 2 loss LSU team in the Championship (although they obviously deserved to be there as proven by their destruction of OSU) last year, none of the SEC powerhouses will be able to slip in despite arguments that they should be there over an undefeated Buckeye team. After all, who did OSU play?

This rematch will be even better than the regular season match up as it rivals only the '02 Fiesta Bowl with its double overtimes as the greatest game ever. A heavyweight battle that has Carroll smiling across the field with his headset on and play sheet in hand as his arms are crossed over his chest. Tressel returns his smile with a look of pure intensity immediately followed by a look to Boeckman mouthing "FOCUS" just like in '02. Boeckman play fakes to Wells tossing up a beautiful fade to Robiskie for a TD! The defense holds and WE WIN!!!!!!!!

Yes YOUR Ohio State Buckeyes win the BCS title game. The pessimist predicts it!
It is time I take on the Karma man on man. Ding!

Terrelle Pryor

The Buckeyes got their recruit. Snatched him away from our bitter rival Wolverines. The QB sensation from PA who looks to be more of a Vince Young type than Troy Smith type, is coming in with a ton of hype. He also comes in with some baggage.

Now it is time to see if Jim Tressel can work his magic once again as he did with Troy Smith who also had some baggage when he entered the OSU program. He was a great example of what Tressel can do with a young man if he listens just as Maurice Clarett was the antithesis.

On paper Pryor looks to be bigger, faster and have a stronger arm than Columbus' favorite son, Troy Smith. We know OSU has an offense that will fit his game as long as he allows Tressel to work with him as a passer like Smith did. It would be worth it as he got Smith a Heisman trophy for playing in the pocket first, running second.

I am happy we got Mr. Pryor but I worry he won't be worth the hype. I remember a certain point guard from the same state of PA that was supposed to be awesome and take the reigns from Scoonie Penn. His name? Brandon Fuss-Cheatham. Who? Yeah, thought so. Or what about Lydell Ross? Super tailback from Florida (or was it California?) The list goes on. Troy wasn't so hyped. Eddie George...not so hyped. But these guys got it done.

I also worry about the history of Pryor and how the hype may have gone to his head at such a young age. He can be humbled REAL fast. Ask Lydell Ross, Jaja Riley, Fuss-Cheatham, and more.

Bottom line, regardless of his success or lackthereof, Michigan and "I wanna be" Rich Rodriquez did NOT get him. And in his style of offense, Pryor would have fit nicely. He could have been the next Pat White. But that won't happen now. So this may work out just fine in the end no matter what.

I had to make my opinion public because I am still kicking myself for not having any proof that I called the Kidd to Dallas trade as a bad one before it happened. I know we all wanted him in Cleveland, but giving up half the team wouldn't have been worth it in my mind. Ask Dallas how they feel about the trade now. Or wait a couple weeks when they don't make the playoffs. I still feel good about the trade Fery DID make. Joe Smith has been great and I am eager to see West grow with LeBron.