Did you know they play basketball in Kentucky? No really, it’s true and since we’re facing Kentucky in the tournament Friday night, Rob from the Tailgate Review (http://tailgatereview.com) traveled North and I headed South to face the scrutiny of our opposing fans.

Be sure to stop by the Tailgate Review and check out our discussion over there also. Something tells me UK fans hate Ohio State much more than we tend to concern ourselves with Kentucky. Might make for an interesting comment thread.

tBBlog: Kentucky Basketball fans have always been a confident bunch. How do they feel about the coming game against Ohio State?

Tailgate Review: True, we are a confident bunch. That many wins and that many national titles will do that to a group of people. Kentucky fans see Friday night’s game as a “no lose situation”. If we lose, we lost to the #1 seed, and there is no shame in that. All of the pressure is on the Buckeyes.

tBuckeyeblog: Buckeyes are 5 1/2 point favorites. Where are you putting your money and why?

Tailgate Review: Back in my pocket. One thing Kentucky fans don’t do is bet on, or against, the Cats. There is plenty of money to be made on other teams and games elsewhere.

tBuckeyeblog: What about Kentucky should concern Coach Matta the most? What’s the best way to defend against it and can Ohio State do so?

Tailgate Review: Two words…Eloy Vargas. You can’t. No.

tBuckeyeblog: What about this Ohio State basketball team concerns you the most on Friday and how does Kentucky answer for it?

Tailgate Review: I honestly don’t know. I have seen very little of Ohio State’s games this year. Big Ten basketball viewing comes after shaving my legs and massaging my lawn on my list of things to do.

tBuckeyeblog: What will it take for Kentucky to beat Ohio State?

Tailgate Review: Scoring more than the Buckeyes would be a heck of a start.

tBuckeyeblogMore important, shut down Jared Sullinger or defend against the three point shot?

Tailgate Review: Is it possible to do both? You would rather they shut down the 3-pointer first. If you give Sullinger his points, his 20 or 30 isn’t going to beat you. Kentucky has the best perimeter defender in the country in DeAndre Liggins. If you beat us with 3s and he is guarding you, you deserve to beat us.

tBuckeyeblog: Even though Kentucky prides itself as the winningest program in college basketball, they haven’t made it to the NCAA final four in this century. Are Kentucky fans living through their glory years or is this the year they celebrate a big win?

Tailgate Review: The last 10 years have been tough for Kentucky basketball and its fans. The Final Four drought is talked about somewhere everyday in the bluegrass. Will it happen this year? It is a long shot, but not impossible. It has always been thought that Calipari’s 3rd year would be his best and next year is looking nice.

tBuckeyeblog: If I were to come to town to see the Kentucky Derby, what part of Derby week should I be sure not to miss?

Tailgate Review: I know a guy in Paris, Kentucky that throws a hella party on his back deck. There are not any celebrities, but his Aunt brings some bomb ass sausage balls. It’s BYOB, but if you need directions holler at me.

tBuckeyeblog.com: Up until this year, SEC football fans who’s team had never beaten Ohio State liked to point out that Ohio State had never beaten an SEC team. Kentucky has met Ohio State five times in NCAA tournament play and has lost every time. Do the Buckeyes have the right to gloat? If not, why not and can I share your answer with the Arkansas fans?

Tailgate Review: Yes, you should gloat. Sounds like you are already gloating about beating Arkansas? Did you know Kentucky has won 2 straight against Arkansas in football?

tBuckeyeblog: First Massachusetts, then Memphis, how long until Calipari flees campus in the dark of night and what will be the nature of the scandal that sends him running? When he does flee, will Louisville pick him up as head coach?

Tailgate Review: It will probably happen soon. My cousin told me that some of Cal’s in-coming freshmen were trading some UK gear they got from campus visits to a UK fan for free tattoos. I have also heard that Cal is already in negotiations to become the new president, athletic director, and baseball coach at Louisville.

tBuckeyeblog: One thing that makes Kentucky Basketball great?

Tailgate Review:It’s tradition. Very few schools come close to the Kentucky basketball tradition of winning.

tBuckeyeblog: Tell us about your site.

Tailgate Review: Our site went live about a year ago and is maintained by a bunch of UK fans. We are not writers, experts, or anything else that would make us sound professional. We have a good time observing Kentucky athletics and all of the events surrounding them.

Thanks Rob. Be sure to stop by Tailgate Review (www.tailgatereview.com) and let them know we’re ready for Friday.

©2012 The Buckeye Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Once a Michigan quarterback?

The last time the Buckeyes faced Ryan Mallett, he was stepping in for an injured Chad Henne only to get pummeled by Ohio State in Lloyd Carr’s final defeat to the Buckeyes. Three years later, Mallett has developed into one of the top pocket passers in the country leading Arkansas to a top spot in the SEC.

Although I’d like to give Mallett credit for bailing out of a sinking ship, unless your name is Boren, once a Michigan player always a Michigan player. Remember, at some point in his life, Mallett decided that playing for Loyd Carr would be a good move. Mallett told the Detroit Freepress (Freep.com) that he still had a little Michigan in him. As for Ohio State?

“I don’t know if it’s something you can say on air or in the paper,” Mallett said.

All that aside, who would have ever thought that in a Big Ten/SEC matchup, the Big Ten would bring the mobile quarterback and the SEC the pocket passer?

Containing Mallett
Not to state the obvious but the key to winning this game is going to be limiting the Ryan Mallett passing game. Mallett has been putting up 300+ yards per game and has thrown 30 touchdowns this season. At the same time, Mallett hasn’t faced a defense like Ohio State’s. The Buckeye passing defense is ranked 4th in the country holding opponents to only 153 yards passing per game. At the same time, the Buckeyes haven’t faced a passing quarterback like Mallett this season.

That doesn’t mean the Buckeye secondary hasn’t seen a quarterback like this before. Chimi Chekwa, Ross Homan, Devon Torrence and a number of others all got playing time against Colt McCoy in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl. Yeah, McCoy put up some big yards that game and yeah, Texas won but remember, McCoy threw more than 50 times and the Buckeyes held Texas only 21 points.

A more important stat may be turnovers. Mallett has thrown 11 interceptions this year while the Buckeyes have picked off 18. The Buckeyes also lead the nation with 7 defensive touchdowns. One turnover could make the difference in this year’s game.

Force Mallett out of the Pocket
The Buckeyes need to make Mallet scramble and throw under pressure. Under a collapsing pocket, Mallet tends to do the same–collapse. If the Buckeyes can get to him early and shake his confidence, it could be a long day for the Razorbacks.

That leaves Kniles Davis
Davis has racked up more than 1,100 yards rushing this season. After Davis though, the rushing yards drop off quick. If the Buckeyes can take Davis out of the game and still pressure Mallet (which I think they can), then again, long day for the Razorbacks.

Point Spread at 3.5
Not a lot of confidence in the Buckeyes as they open as 3.5 point favorites. This is probably due to the Buckeyes past bowl performances against the SEC than anything else. As usual, I think it’s low and although I’m not positive, I think the Buckeyes have beaten the spread in all but two games this season. Something tells me this game won’t come down to a field goal.

©2012 The Buckeye Blog. All Rights Reserved.

No Buckeye football?! Here’s a week’s worth of bitching instead.

Coach Rodriguez…you’re still here?
Nearly a week after Ohio State drubbed Michigan for a 7th straight year, Rich Rodriguez still has a job. Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon says that he’s going to wait until after the Bowl game to make a decision on Rodriguez’s return.

Granted, Brandon walked into this mess just this year but if he is even considering firing Rodriguez, he needs to do it now. What is he waiting for, an ass kicking at the hands of Nebraska or maybe Missouri at the Insight Bowl? He hasn’t seen enough already?

And while it might look good to wait and might be the respectable thing to do, if he hesitates, not only might he lose Jim Harbaugh to someone else, by the time bowl season rolls around, recruiting season is underway. Not only will it be much harder to pull a good coach from commitments made elsewhere but how many kids are going to want to go play for a team which a coach who’s looking at one year in the best case scenario.

I’m not the only one who feels this way. Lynn Henning at the Detroit News also brings up the financial implications of buying out Rodriguez’s contract and says do it.

At the very least, Brandon should step in and force Rod to get rid of defensive coach Greg Robinson. Note to dRod…you’re not in the Big East any more. Robinson couldn’t even pull Syracuse out of the Big East basement. He sure isn’t going to help you in the Big Ten.

In the meantime, Rodriguez is fighting back tears, reading out loud from the Bible and swaying back and forth to this:

Harbough or Les Miles?
Although it’s been great fun to watch our Buckeyes pound on a hapless Michigan, could you imagine the battle’s between Harbough and Tressel? Ten year war…bring it baby.

Les Miles would be a lot more fun though. How many times has he imploded in the final minutes of a game snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Watching him shove fist fulls of artificial turf down his throat as the Buckeyes pull out another close game would be worth the price of admission right there.

Bad Daddy…Good Cam
Looks like the NCAA is clearing Cam Newton because it wasn’t Cam who asked for the money. It was his daddy. Just wondering, did Daddy insist that Cam went to Auburn when he couldn’t get the financing he was looking for elsewhere?

How much of this decision is brought on by NCAA fear? Fear that they need to resolve this now. Fear of a Heisman candidate with lingering questions. Fear of having to revoke a National Championship title.

To be fair to Newton, how much of this is due to shoddy reporting by ESPN?

I'll let you decide.

Seperated at Birth?

Since that time, Boise has stepped aside and Gordon Gee has admitted that he really has no business talking about football. As the Columbus Dispatch reports, Gee said that maybe he should visit the surgical center on campus to have his foot removed from his mouth.

By far the best quote from the article, “What do I know about college football? I look like Orville Redenbacher. I have no business talking about college football.”

I’ll give him that much. He does look like Orville Redenbacher.

2010 All Big Ten Team snubs Pryor
Pryor got honorable mentions in both the coaches and media polls but didn’t make the cut. Meanwhile, Denard Robinson was named Big Ten Offensive player of the year in both polls.

Big games against UConn and pulling out close wins against Indiana will only take you so far. The best thing Robinson has going for him is the ESPN hype machine.

Pryor’s biggest disadvantage when it comes to awards like this is that he’s not the only talent on the team. He doesn’t need to rack up obscene yards because he doesn’t need to do it all himself.

Ten of Pryor’s teammates made the All Big Ten Team.

22 Buckeyes on Academic All Big Ten team
Pryor did make this list along with 21 other Ohio State football players. The Buckeyes tied with Wisconsin and Indiana for the second most players to make the grade. Northwestern came in first with 31. Michigan brought up the rear with only eight players to make the cut. Illinois had seven. And no, Denard Robinson wasn’t one of them.

Michigan State or UConn
Chances are, one-loss-Big-Ten-Championship-sharing Michigan State is going to get screwed on a BCS bowl game while 4-loss-we-got-beat-by-Michigan UConn is heading to a BCS Bowl (unless USF wins or something like that).

Even worse, chances are MSU will meet Alabama in the Capital One Bowl. Don’t know how much faith I have in MSU over Alabama but I’d sure love to see it. I’d almost rather Ohio State vs. Bama in the Capital One bowl than OSU vs. Arkansas in the Sugar. A big win over Alabama would go a lot further than a BCS win over Arkansas.

Of course if Oregon loses…

Big Ten Over ACC
For the second year in a row, The Big Ten won the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. Buckeyes held up their end of the deal taking down Florida State. Great to see the Buckeyes ranked No. 2. Would have loved to see Michigan State knock off Duck but I’ll settle for conference bragging rights.

Buckeyes Take Down Wolverine Ice Hockey in Overtime
It’s one thing when the football team wins but another altogether when we bet them at Hockey. Michigan was ranked No. 11 going into the game.

Anything I missed?

©2012 The Buckeye Blog. All Rights Reserved.

I could give a crap about Cam Newton but how dare they let Desmond Howard broadcast from in front of Ohio Stadium.

Although I should be writing about Penn State, yesterday I got an email from a p.r. guy with Bodog.com who told me that they are pulling down Heisman odds and not taking any more bets due to the Cam Newton situation. According to Bodog sportsbook manager Richard Gardner,

“We were planning on re-opening our Heisman odds with only a few weeks left in the season but with these Cam Newton allegations and the story escalating it would not be a wise move to open them at this time. Newton would be heavy favorite at 4/5 (-125), but whether these rumors are true or not it will sit in the back of people’s minds when voting on the Heisman winner. Until we evaluate this further they will stay down.”

I sent a couple of emails back and forth with the p.r. guy asking if there was any more information and if the poor sods who’d already placed bets could pull them (which they can’t). At the time, it just seemed like another link in a story spinning wildly out of control. It turns out however that an Auburn blogger (WarBlogle or “asshat” as somebody called him) sent out the following “tweet” Wednesday:

Apparently one of Warbungle’s…I mean WarBlogle’s buddies from the Auburn forums sent him an IM saying that Ian Fitzimmons, an ESPN radio sports personality in Dallas, was reporting that the NCAA would suspend Newton. What Fitzimmons had actually said was, “”With this story, something big could happen in 3-4 hours,” apparently meaning that the story is breaking so fast that it could drastically change any minute. WarBungle panics as he envisions his dreams of an Auburn national championship flush down the sewer, does a quick verification of the facts in front of him — or at least justifies it in his head, and sends out the tweet. It gets retweeted by a couple of followers, then a couple of bigger outlets (CBS Sports, EDSBDS) and then, according to Warbungle (and I didn’t verify this one) Fitzimmons himself although Warbungle credits this to an intern.

Next thing you know, the sports books in Vegas light up, the bookies panic and the entire operation is shut down.

Cecil Newton's church before the remodel

And that right there folks is why you’ll rarely see breaking news on The Buckeye Blog. Although I hit it occasionally, I tend to rely more on my insightful prose and witty insight (yeah…that’s it).

You’ve got to love the impact this has had on the blogger. Here’s a guy sitting in his parent’s basement…wait a minute…let me try that again…here’s a guy who from all I can tell was blogging away in relative anonymity that has suddenly become the talk of the national sports media. (Alexia reports that his reach has jumped 2600% in the past three months). He also sent ESPN into a panicked orgy of fact checking and exposed once again the joys of the 24 hour news cycle.

If you are interested, you can read Warbungle’s entire manifesto on the situation here. My advice to him, get some ads up there.

Screw all that. How does this affect the Buckeyes
Even the FBI has opened an investigation into possible extortion charges and even mail or wire fraud. I have no idea how Newton’s father asking for money to play can be considered extortion but who really cares. It’s fun to watch the impact this is having on the entire SEC. Auburn is mad at Florida, Florida is saying they didn’t tell anyone, Mississippi State is loudly pointing to the fact that he doesn’t play there, Georgia is praying Newton won’t play this weekend. It’s enough to make any Big Ten give a shit about the SEC.

At this point, it looks like Newton will play this weekend. It doesn’t matter. This entire fiasco has got to be seriously screwing with anyone remotely connected to Auburn. At the same time, Auburn has a long history of NCAA violations and for Auburn, this could amount to just another day at the office.

Just to refresh your memory, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Mark Bradly, Auburn was left out of a 1957 bowl appearance after finishing an undefeated season at No. 1 due to probation. In 1993, they went undefeated but couldn’t play in a bowl or appear on T.V. because they were on probation. In 2003 the university president was caught taking trips on a private jet owned by a booster to try to convince Bobby Petrino to come to Louisville even though they officially weren’t looking for a coach. If the Newton alegations pan out, it will be the sixth time Auburn has faced the wrath of the NCAA. (all above stats I directly attribute to my paraphrasing of Bradly’s column).

But lets say that at the very least, the distractions are enough to cause Auburn to go down to Georgia. That would probably drop them no further than fourth because they are the SEC and all. That would make the Alabama/Auburn game even bigger. If Bama beats Auburn, that would have to knock Auburn out of the top 10 putting TCU or Boise in the driver’s seat for the second spot in the BCS Champs. I can’t believe that a win over a struggling Auburn would be enough to jump Alabama too far in the poll. If Oregon loses, TCU vs Boise baby (dear Lord help us). An Oregon loss should send them to the Rose Bowl which could possibly mean a rematch from last year.

That leaves Nebraska who has absolutely no business sitting in 8th and should drop behind the Buckeyes if we win big the next three weekends. Wisconsin and Stanford are all that’s left so the Buckeyes could tentatively finish as high as sixth. Big wins could jump them over Wisconsin and maybe even Stanford.

To be honest, at this point I’ve sort of lost myself, I’ve been working on this too long to edit it and nobody really cares about LSU do they? Somehow in there, it’s possible that the Bucks could make it back to the BCS Champ but personally, I’d be just as happy with an Auburn or Alabama bowl game.

Plenty to talk about folks, let’s hear it.

©2012 The Buckeye Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Yes, the Buckeyes took a bye week and so did I. Maybe it was the loss to Penn State, maybe the week just got away from me, whatever it was, it’s time to get back in the fighten chair and get to work.

With that said, the Buckeyes need to refocus on finishing out the season and Northwestern gives them a good game to come back against. They should give the Buckeyes just enough difficulty to make it interesting but also make a blowout worthwhile.

One of the best named Big Ten blogs, Northwestern blog “Lake the Posts,” has an interesting comparison of stats. On paper, this game looks like a good match up and NU out performs us in a number of areas.

One of the most interesting stats is Ohio State best scoring quarter (1st) is Northwestern’s worst while the Buckeyes worst scoring quarter (4th) is Northwestern’s best defensive quarter. NU has only given up 24 points in the fourth quarter this season.

That about sums up the Ohio State offense this year. The Buckeyes typically come out in the early possessions looking good. However, by the second quarter, the opposing defense has figured out our offense and the Buckeyes fail to mix it up. It soon becomes obvious that we will probably not pass on the first down and the offensive line is not that difficult to beat.

Yea, we started to see some passing against Penn State but it’s not like there was much of a choice. The Lions had pretty much shut down the Pryor/Wells running attack. It will be interesting to see if the Buckeyes can crank open some big plays both on the ground and in the air.

Northwestern loves the big play but if our defense continues to pressure like they have the last few weekends, they should shut down NU without too much trouble. Even with a potential two quarterback system.

For my gambling friends out there, the spread is currently at 10.5 points with an over under at 42. Two touchdowns against Northwestern should be an easy accomplishment However, looking at the stats, the possibility of overconfidence, the need to readjust priorities, and our lack of offensive touchdowns, it is enough to make things interesting.

For all the college football betting lines, click here.

©2012 The Buckeye Blog. All Rights Reserved.

O.K. So we’ve lost our shot at the BCS championship. That doesn’t mean that a Rose Bowl appearance is out of the question. Besides, isn’t that what Big Ten football is all about – the Rose Bowl?

If everything falls in place, and this is in now way a stretch, Ohio State could be looking at a rematch against USC. Don’t think for a minute that most of the sporting world will be doing everything in their power to stop it but at the same time, it’s not much of a stretch.

Add to that a regular season game against USC next fall and we’re looking at a possible best of three scenario. The biggest question for me is will the Buckeyes be ready for another game against USC in California?

I’m not going to spend much time in this post about what it will take for the Buckeyes to beat USC. At the moment, it looks like it comes down to one issue – can/will the offensive line play like the offensive line they should be or will they continue to put in mediocre performances. The defense has stepped up, Pryor is starting to throw the ball, Wells has shown he can run, that leaves the offensive line. If they don’t start playing up to speed giving Pryor the time he needs and opening up some solid passing lanes, then I’m not so sure I want to see a rematch against USC.

Let’s take a look at what it will take to get us there and the games this weekend that factor in.

Penn State (bye)

O.K. So Penn state doesn’t play this weekend. Doesn’t matter. They are pretty much the primary link for us getting to the Rose Bowl. If the Lions can run the table and finish out undefeated, there is no question they will get into the BCS game.

Regardless of the media favoritism that goes into a one-loss SEC team, Penn State has one thing going for it that trumps any one-loss SEC team – Joe Paterno. Face it, he can barely get to the press box to coach. During the Ohio State game they were still imiages of him as if he’d died already. There is nothing the pollsters would love more than to send JoPa out with the big win.

I’m not completely convinced that Penn State is ready for the BCS Championship, there is no way they will keep an undefeated Joe Paterno from one last great victory.

I’m also not completely convinced that Penn State won’t blow it before they get their chance. They should finish the Big Ten season without a problem. It is the Big Ten however and this is Penn State. I’m not putting money on it until it happens.

#1 Texas vs. #7 Texas Tech (Texas favored by 3)

Now this is a big game. Both teams come into this game undefeated and both teams have potential Heisman candidates (Colt McCoy/Texas and Graham Harrell/Texas Tech) and a big performance for either could seal the deal.

If Texas wins, they should pretty much seal their shot at the BCS Championship. Even with a Big 12 Playoff, they pretty much spanked Missouri already and the toughest teams on their schedule are behind them.

As for the game, I’m going with Texas. Yeah, Texas Tech looks good but have the been tested? Tech may be able to put the points on the board but so will Texas. The over under on this one is at a ridiculous 73.5 points and that may be a little low.

This one is going to be an offensive shootout but with that many points on the board, it will come down to more than a field goal. I’m taking Texas to beat the spread.

Alabama vs. Arkansas State (Bama by 23.5)

If Alabama and Texas go undefeated, then we’ve got a slug fest between Penn State and Bama for the BCS title spot. Yes, the SEC will fire up their annual cry baby campaign but face it, an undefeated JoPa out trumps a whining Urban Meyer any day.

Arkansas shouldn’t give them much of a struggle this weekend. LSU may get in the way but come playoff time, their either looking at Florida or Georgia. I don’t think Georgia will make the same mistakes twice and I don’t think they can keep up with Florida.

Expect a one loss Alabama in a southern Bowl game.

Oklahoma vs. Nebraska (OK by 21.5 points)

Oklahoma should have a pretty easy weekend ahead. However, they’re looking at Texas Tech and Oklahoma State down the road. Get by them and they’ve got Texas in the playoff. I think they’ll be happy to be a two loss team come bowl time.

USC vs. Washington (USC by 43.5)

Can the Pac Ten really be this bad? Of the BCS teams, USC has had about the easiest schedule. Their toughest opponent should have been the Buckeyes but face it, did we even show up for that game. Baring some sort of tragedy, USC has a clear shot to the Rose Bowl.

No Mark May, they wont’ get to play in Miami no matter how bad you want them to.

Georgia vs. Florida (Florida by 6.5)

For the one loss SEC teams, this is pretty much it. Both teams bring a solid offensive punch to the game. Georgia will test the Gators but the Gators are pretty angry after loosing last year to the Bull Dogs.

This will be a close one but I think Florida will pull it out in the end winning by a touchdown.

Sooooooo:

If Penn State runs the table and gets into the BCS Title against Texas. That opens the door for Buckeyes to meet USC in Rose Bowl (granted we win out) regardless of what happens in the SEC.

©2012 The Buckeye Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Yeah, it’s the wrong OSU but did anyone think that Oregon State, coming in to last night’s game with a 1-2 record, would take down the mighty USC? USC, who after decimating Ohio State, who received all but a few of the #1 votes in both polls, basically ended their championship run for the second season in a row to an unranked team.

Not only that, but by the end of the first half, Oregon State was up 21-0. They came in confident and as opposed to the Buckeyes, they looked aggressive from the start. The OSU offensive line was able to push the USC defense enough to give Oregon running back Jacquizz Rodgers the chance to put up 186 yards — the most USC’s given up to an opponent since they met Vince Young in the 06 BCS Championship.

If this had happened any other season, I’d be screaming and yelling about how media darling USC has no business getting the high ranking it gets year after year. I’d be furious at commentators like ESPN’s Mark May who I’m sure by next week will be making a case for USC getting to the BCS title. But as we all know, I can’t. The Buckeyes missed their opportunity to knock USC out of contention so somebody else did.

Granted, USC probably was as psychologically prepared for this game as they were against the Buckeyes it is frustrating to see that Oregon State could expose weaknesses that the Buckeyes could not. Also makes you wonder how much USC needs an extra week to prep combined with a huge home field advantage to win the big games (last night’s loss was on OSU’s home field).

What does this mean for Ohio State?

For the sake of playing with a hypothetical, let’s say that Ohio State had beaten USC and USC went on to lose their second game to Oregon State. Do you think the Buckeyes would still have a clear shot to the BCS? Would the Ohio State second guessing would come rushing back once again? Even if we went undefeated, would we need to prove ourselves deserving of a championship shot against a one or possibly even a two-loss SEC team? Doesn’t matter, just a hypothetical to consider.

Bring on Penn State!

What does matter is that there are suddenly a couple of very big games on our schedule. Penn State beat the snot out of Oregon State early this season running up a score of 45-14. And suddenly, the pundits have Penn State on a national championship run with Wisconsin getting secondary attention.

Is there anyone out there in Buckeye Nation that doesn’t like the potential of this? Penn State plays Wisconsin (currently ranked 9/8) at Wisconsin. If they take down the Badgers and come into the Shoe unbeaten, they should be ranked in the top five. That means for the third year in a row, Penn State go up against the Buckeyes with all their delusions of grandeur in tow.

For the past three seasons, Penn State has nurtured a world of false hopes only to find them splattered against the reality that is Ohio State. Last year, their beloved “White Out” was of no use and the year before that, the only member of the Penn State team to see the end zone was Coach Paterno as he ran through it on the way to the bathroom.

It’s a situation I truly enjoy. Unlike the out of conference teams we struggle against, Tressel has Penn State’s number. By then the Pryor/Wells show should be in full swing and Penn State will not have their so highly valued home field advantage. Bring it on I say, bring it on.

So, theoretically, there is a way back to the BCS Title. A commanding win over both Wisconsin and Penn State would at least give us a point of contention. Unfortunately, the fact that we lost and lost big to USC won’t be forgotten but by beating Penn State, we’ll have at least beaten the team that beat the team that beat USC.

And as they say, it’s always better to lose early in the season than to lose late.

©2012 The Buckeye Blog. All Rights Reserved.

I love the smell of a burning couch in the morning. It smells like…victory.

After a long hot summer of worthless polls, mind numbing ESPN predictions and sports commentators (yours truly included) desperately struggling to pound out something of value about the upcoming season, I finally have a weekend full of real live college football games on which to pontificate. The Vegas bookies have posted their odds, so the season must be under way.

Without further adieu, I bring you as many predictions as I can tolerate for one night. What we don’t finish tonight, we’ll get tomorrow or the next day.

Lets start with probably the most interesting game of opening weekend:

Illinois vs. Missouri (Missouri by 8.5, over under 50.5):

With all the expected blowouts and opening weekend 1-AA games, I really like this year’s Ill/Miss matchup. These guys first played each other in 1896. Seriously. Looking at past scores, there doesn’t look like a lot of close games and there have been a couple of trouncing including a 42-0 win in 1994 by the Illini.

This year will prove to be different. It is the first time in the meeting of these two teams that they are both ranked in the top 15 and they bring a couple of exciting quarterbacks to the field. Chase Daniels of Missouri has been mentioned more than once as a potential Heisman candidate and Juice Williams…well he’s Juice Williams.

What may be something of a surprise is the Illinois defense. Last year, Missouri pretty much walked all over these guys scoring almost 40 points in the first half. The Illinois return many of the same players and although you would think the offense would give coach Ron Zook something to brag about, according to Big Ten Blogger Adam Rittenburg over at ESPN, Zook seems to like this year’s defense.

And that’s what it’s going to come down to for Illinois. If the Illini D can bring the speed and keep the pressure on Daniel. If they can keep him from finding the yards to scramble, then they’ve got a game on their hands. Add another year of maturity and maybe, just maybe the Juice Williams that played against Ohio State and not the Juice Williams that we saw back in October will show up. Put those two together and you’ve got a win for Illinois. Without either of the two, and it’s too close to call.

I’ve got to go with my Big Ten team here and I’m picking Illinois to cover the spread. I’m not even going to think about the over under on this one.

—

You want more? I’ll give you more:

Appalachian State vs. LSU (LSU by 24)

Two years ago and this game wouldn’t even have risen an eyeball. Yet here we are, one big Michigan loss and two national championships later and we’ve got something to think about. I don’t know if this has ever happened before but both LSU and App. State arrive as reigning national champions.

The biggest difference in this year’s LSU game as opposed to last year’s Michigan upset, everybody knows about last year’s Michigan upset. Last year, the Wolverines were walking around the preseason like the big man on campus. They were talking smack and way, way overconfident. In typical Michigan fashion, the sleep walked through most of the game and when they finally woke up, it was too late. History was written and the Wolverines through their national championship hopes out the window before the regular season even started.

This year however, LSU has seen the worst case scenario. And you can be sure, LSU knows that the college football world is watching that little school in Boone, NC. And there is now way, I repeat, no way that LSU wants the blotch in their history books that Michigan will face over, and over again (don’t worry, I’m here to help keep the memory alive).

Neither LSU nor App State will bring the same teams that we saw last year. There’s a lot of new talent on both sides of the ball and don’t know App. State. They picked up some good recruits off last year’s win.

But this year LSU will be expecting them and probably would like to be the ones to put an end to the Appalachian State miracle. So no matter how badly I want App. State to be the first to knock a beloved SEC team out of the BCS hunt, I don’t think it’s going to happen. Twenty-four points is a lot. If Appalachian State is going to beat the spread, they are going to need to play some seriously inspired football.

But isn’t that what we were saying around this time last year?

–

What you want one more? But it’s late and really, you’ve read this far?

Michigan vs. Utah (Michigan by 4.5)

I know what you’re all thinking here. It doesn’t matter who Michigan is opening against, most of us are expecting them to blow it and blow it big. I’m not going to argue with you here. If a team ever had a point to prove, Michigan is the game. The problem is, do they have it in them.

Utah returns something like 14-15 starters after going 9-4 last season. Michigan can’t decide on a quarterback, not only that, but they can’t decide on the quarterback who will run coach Rich Rodregeuz’s beloved spread offense. Oh, and he’s going to run that spread offense behind an offensive line of sophmores. Heck, if I were looking at the quarterback position, I might be a little nervous also.

Now this is not to say that Michigan can’t win it. No matter what I anyone says, they’re still Michigan and I’m not ready to give up on their legacy entirely…yet (ok, maybe a little).

The entire state of Utah is excited about this game. They are excited for all the reasons people are going to watch LSU/App. State that I mentioned above. They see a window of opportunity that may not open again.

Meanwhile, Michigan needs this win more than they’ve needed almost any win in a long, long time. If they lose this weekend to Utah, all the nightmares will come pouring back. The questions will be answered and no matter what they do the rest of the season, perhaps for the next few seasons, the opening games of 2007 and 2008 will be remembered.

Can Michigan win this? At this point, I don’t think anyone knows. Can Utah? Yep.

Obviously, the bookies aren’t sure. If I were passing out the spreads, I’d give Utah a touchdown just because Michigan has the fan base and the legacy to pull up the bets. Personally, if I were a betting man, I’d stay away from this one.

Wow, you made it to the end — for now. I’ll be back tomorrow with more. More of what, I’m not sure. As I wrote this I kept finding other, probably more important Ohio State news I should be writing about. The Buckeye Depth Chart came out today and there were a couple of interesting points.

In all, it looks like it’s going to be a busy week.

©2012 The Buckeye Blog. All Rights Reserved.

I received a press release this morning from The Sporting News announcing their annual “college football special” which hits the news stands this week. And while I haven’t actually seen the magazine, I got a preview of their rankings and predictions along with teasers for other features in this week’s issue.

From what I see, I think I like the looks of their top ten better than the USA Today/Coaches Poll which came out a week or two ago. Here’s the top 10 according to The Sporting News:

1. Georgia (USA/coaches 1)
2. Ohio State (USA/Coaches 3)
3. USC (USA/Coaches 2)
4. Oklahoma (USA/Coaches 4)
5. LSU (USA/Coaches 6)
6. Missouri (USA/Coaches 7)
7. Clemson (USA/Coaches 9)
8. West Virginia (USA/Coaches 8
9. Florida (USA/Coaches 5)
10. Illinois (USA/Coaches 19)

For the most part, the list looks like a fairly insignificant scramble of the USA/Coaches poll until you get to Illinois at #10 which USA/Today ranked at 19. Personally, I agree with them 100%. Last year, Ron Zook only gave us a preview of the team that Illinois may become. Unfortunately, Illinois doesn’t have a big test until Ohio State to push them up the rankings. Their biggest opponents before Ohio State are Penn and Michigan but blowouts at those games could set the stage for a great rematch in Illinois.

As for Georgia, enjoy it while you can. With the pending #2/#3 Ohio State/USC matchup early in the season, the winner should jump over Georgia to the number 1 spot and that’s the way it should be. The problem with preseason polls is that it is nothing but pure speculation. Anyone can put together a top ten list and it gives us a starting point but until teams take the field, we really don’t know anything. The early season matchup against USC gives both USC and Ohio State the opportunity to set the record straight. Winner belongs at the top, loser doesn’t.

Unlike Ohio State/USC, who test their mettle early, the media darlings of the SEC don’t see any games of substance until at least October. Georgia doesn’t play a ranked team until the 8th week of the season when they take on Florida. Not only will they have time to work out the kinks against teams like Central Michigan, they’ve got a bye before facing off against Tenn — a team that could bring almost anything to the table.

Regardless, the Sporting News predicts a BCS Championship between Georgia and Ohio State. While I think the Buckeyes will get a shot at another BCS Championship, I’m not convinced Georgia will. However, since the SEC has pretty much convinced both the media and the voters that they deserve an automatic berth in the BCS Championship, why not give Georgia a turn.

LSU opens against Appalachian State (will history repeat itself?) then take on Troy who also plays Ohio State (why, I don’t know) and it is not until week 6 that they take on their first ranked team in Florida.

Of the SEC ranked teams, I’m liking Florida’s schedule. They open against Hawaii, but without Colt Brennan, I’m not expecting much there, then Miami and Tennessee. October 11 they’ve got LSU and Georgia on Nov. 1. Of the teams out there, I think Florida’s got the best shot at a BCS run. With media love child Tim Tebow at the helm, a chance for a BCS rematch against Ohio State is their’s to lose.

I’m not convinced Florida will be able to get there without at least one loss but thankfully for them, they’re in the SEC. At this point, they can probably lose three games and still make it to the BCS Championship.

Other Sporting News predictions

USC vs Illinois in the Rose Bowl (I like the matchup but I don’t know if this is Illinois’ year. However, I’d love to see two Big Ten teams stomp on ESPN’s beloved USC)

©2012 The Buckeye Blog. All Rights Reserved.

.]]> http://www.thebuckeyeblog.com/sporting-news-names-top-ten-enjoy-it-while-you-can-georgia/feed/ 3 http://www.thebuckeyeblog.com/goergia-usc-youve-got-to-be-kidding-me/ http://www.thebuckeyeblog.com/goergia-usc-youve-got-to-be-kidding-me/#comments Tue, 05 Aug 2008 04:28:03 +0000 Annapolisbuckeye http://www.thebuckeyeblog.com/?p=340

Yeah, yeah. We all know it by now. The USA Today/Coaches Poll is out and Georgia got the number one spot. I’ve got no problem admitting that it’s taken me a few days to stomach the results but I’ve finally come to terms with it. Doesn’t take long to see that the SEC/USC love fest is all set to continue for yet another year. The media darlings have gotten so out of hand that I’m shocked to see that Notre Dame didn’t get into the top five.

Let’s take a minute to look at a few select picks from this year’s opening rankings:

1. Georgia:

Am I missing something here. Last year they lost to South Carolina, barely got past Alabama, got smacked around by Tennessee, beat Vanderbilt by a field goal and were angry that they didn’t get into the BCS Championship game. Go figure.

So they kicked the shit out of Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl. Does that really tell us anything? (But nobody respects us)

I’ll accept the notion that Georgia has talent but one of the biggest challenges may be getting the players to the starting line. So far five starting players have been suspended for charges ranging from public intoxication and urinating in public to breaking through a parking barrier at an area hospital – not with a car but bare hands.

Luckily for Georgia, this is still Georgia and most of the players are facing only a two game suspension. Funny, at Ohio State, players get kicked off the team for similar violations.

The biggest thing going for Georgia’s BCS run is their schedule. If they can knock off LSU and Florida (granted they are doing well) then yea, they deserve a shot.

2. USC

Wow, there’s a shocker. ESPN/Mark May love child USC once again finds itself at the top of the ranks. I’ve got no complaints though as this one will work itself out about week three. Since the world seems to think USC is so good, there had better not be any questions about Ohio State if/when we beat them. If the Buckeyes run the table from there, I don’t care how bad the last two looked, they deserve another shot at the BCS Championship.

3. Ohio State

With something like 20 starters returning, Beanie looking healthy and ready for a Heisman chase and more depth than about any team I can remember, I’ve got to ask, how did Georgia get in there again?

Buckeyes have one choice this year and that’s to run the table. Unlike USC or about any SEC team, the Buckeyes won’t get any second chances. They either do it or they don’t get a shot – just the way it should be.

4. Oklahoma

I’ll be honest, I don’t know enough about this team. They looked great last year but fell on their face at the end. Opponents Texas and Kansas should make good games but other than that, I’m sticking to a wait and see policy on Oklahoma

5. Florida

Ohhhh….Tim Tebow. Am I the only one not impressed? Personally, I’d love to see a BCS Championship rematch against Florida. Even if the game is in their own backyard this year. Of the top ten though, I think Florida will be one of the teams to watch. I thought we’d see a rematch last year but they couldn’t put it together. With plenty of talent coming back for another shot, not to mention a spread offense, I hope to see them in Miami. Besides, the SEC gets an automatic bid to the BCS Championship these days don’t they? Why not Florida?

6. LSU

Even if we were to see an Ohio State/LSU BCS rematch, it won’t be much of a rematch. Most of the top brass has moved on and they lost their go to quarterback Ryan Perrilloux. While earlier problems including bar fights and an investigation into counterfeiting resulted in suspensions, failed drug test appears to have been the final straw. Funny, I didn’t hear anyone yelling that LSU should give their BCS Trophy back.

Oh, did I mention they open against Appalachian State?

It’s getting late but a couple of other spots to note:

12 Wisconsin – This time last year I thought the Badgers were the team to beat. I’ll need a little more proof this year.

17 Bringham Young – ?????

19 Illinois:
I think Illinois is going to be better. Juice Williams will be back with a chip on his shoulder.

22 – Penn State – This could be JoPa’s last year (again). That right there should be enough to motivate them into the top 25. You would think.

24 – Michigan — Oh…that’s a good one…please…stop…I can’t take any more. What, wasn’t Notre Dame available?

Oh, and before I forget, the Buckeyes opened practice yesterday.

©2012 The Buckeye Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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