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.
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So your basically saying a 7-5 Iowa team is the best the The Big 10 has to Offer? If you discredit how good the conference/teams are that futher proves my point. It was some historic bowl loses by a couple of those teams today. 1-5 is better then 3-3 I guess,and some very bad SEC. Teams lost close games,not embrassing blowouts. That was awful what a saw today from Teams that arent the best Offensive SEC teams Auburn/Arkansas. The Razorbacks are missing the #1 tailback Dennis Johnson & Top Receiver Greg Childs goin into the game,however were still loaded. And the speed of the game isnt a myth. our defense is a speed defense that disrupts. We will make plays,Arkansas’ will bilitz all night,Pryor will be forced to beat us passing.
Will, Will, Will. C’mon man….
The missed extra point by Tennessee….
The Stephen Garcia meltdowns on multiple interceptions…
Justifying why a lost is the same as rationalizing a win. What has made this blog more interestng than most is the resentment and frustration directed at some of the points chosen buy some to simply rationlize their belief at to outcomes.
You speak of Northwestern as if a victory would have been important? If they had pulled out the victory I do not think it would have proved anything one way or the other. Same goes for Illinois win. A great win by the way.
But with focus on the Big 10 three games against SEC teams. If speed was not a factor, why do you think the SEC teams were victorious?
For the record, I thought Florida would win a close one, MSU would pull out a slug fest with Michigan and Alabama would rout. I still maintain my prediction of Arkansas 38 OSU 24.
You said in one post to be a educated man. Ok I will take you at your word.
So what does speed have to do with Tennessee missing a extra point ?
Wisconsin missing a field goal ?
Garcia had a melt down ? Mental, or was there lead in his shoes ? Is that a excuse. They are pretenders just as MSU except they got a weaker team in FSU then MSU pulled in playing Bama
If your quote
” Justifying why a lost is the same as rationalizing a win.”
Ok – then why insist it was speed. When friction or lack there of was more likely to be the reason.
Your Quote
You speak of Northwestern as if a victory would have been important?
What ? They were one of the 8 B 10 teams in a bowl game. I did say they did not belong in a bowl. They guy who got them there was not there, and even with him they are not a very good team.
I have not made on predictions on these blogs about final scores on these games, that I can remember, find one. On one blog I said that the match ups this year did not look good for the B10 and 2-6 was likely. That we would be blessed to finish 4-4.
Maybe this will help you to understand. I did not have to have the fastest car, and often did not , to win the race, all I had to do was finish the race in first place.
I knew MSU was a joke as I watched how many of their games they won ended. You do not get beat by a 7-5 team 37-7 and claim to be a very good team. Iowa was and is a better team at 7-5, and if MSU played their season over they would more than likely be 6-6. Its unfortunate that they did not play OSU to show the 37-7 loss to Iowa was not a fluke. Lou Holtz said it best. MSU had a great year they are not a great team.
From now on quote from my post – one point at a time.
Will,
I believe you to be a Marine; so I have respect for you for multiple reasons outside the world of sports. If I ever have the chance to get cover your back, I would be first man up. So take what I say in jest; and in the name of sports banter.
With that said, when I joined this blog, I felt I was educated. Maybe I took the A’s & B’s I made in pursuit of my BSIE & MBA too literally. If you do decide to take my word, I can promise you that my word is equal to or better than that of Pryor’s
Speed did not seemingly come into play on the specific plays that you referenced. But if you read my post a little closely, you would have noticed that I said “with focus on the Big 10 three games against SEC teams. If speed was not a factor, why do you think the SEC teams were victorious?”
You did not answer that question. I did not say speed is why they won, but it was a FACTOR. I could also say power was a factor. See Ingram bulldozing over DB’s. Newton bulldozed over Hogs DB’s and Ingram pretty much did the same so I am not saying in only against Big 10. I think the speed references come out of SEC teams that are powerhouses because no one ever uses speed to beat them. That does not mean no other teams have speed, but it is rarely seen as a factor on plays against a good SEC opponent. Indy Colts are good speed team, and sometimes they are run over; but no one evers beats them at the game of speed. MacFadden and Felex Jones went beyond speed. Those cats had acceleration and they could pull away from some that had speed; but no power to bring them down. Knile Davis is learning to run like that, power and speed.
BTW, I think if the bio stats are correct, Arkansas lineman are bigger than those of OSU? In that particular game we may be talking size and speed. I think that it is safe to say OSU has speed. It is relative; but when you look at the strenght of their opponents (SOS) it is logical to assume they are faster than all those around them that they have played against. Arkansas should at least match their speed.
I agree with everything else you say. Can we agree to kill the Iowa, Illinois, Tennesee, Baylor, Georgia and Northwestern talk? You are free to continue to bash South Carolina, they are the Big 10′s Michigan State so far. When you self destruct as they did, they are good example of why speed kills
But just do not forget they were not an elite SEC team this year, they were #5 in the SEC.
25th Infantry, and no I would take Bauserman over TP in a fox hole.
Lets try something
If Auburn was to lose Cam and Oregon lost Thomas, who would you pick to win the NC and why
Will,
My first question would be who is Thomas? Now I am no doubting Thomas but James is primary threat I have seen from Oregon. Granted; I have never seen them play live, way pass my curfew
Where is that damn Duck? I hope I did not ruffle his feathers. We watch the Oregon Duck in the commercials all the time. My daughter loves that Duck. It would make a great halloween costume but I digress.
Let me say if Scam does does not play, Auburn does not stand too much of a chance. You make it difficult to analyze if both QB’s go out? With that said if they both were out, I would recall my bet and stay away from picking the game.
I do think that Auburn loses more in that situation, and if I were forced to pick at direct order, gun point per se, I may go with Oregon because of James. I think it would be easier for Oregon QB#2 to get the ball in James hand for Auburn QB#2 run the complex offense of Malzaln replicating Scammy boy.
BTW,
I was in OCS in Newport Rhode Island on track to be a Surface Warfare officer. I never accepted my commision and went own to work in my major.
Well I do differ that Oregon QB is very important. The team is better because he is a bit quicker and smarter than Masoli. Ok do you know how many other RB’s Oregon has.
Ok Scam & James are out – now who do yo think wins and why
OK, I take it that D. Thomas must not be a felon
That is real good for Oregon. Mississippi taking Masoli was a disgrace and to me at the same level of OSU appeasing T. Pryor. I will let that TAT 5 slide as long as do come back and sit out games next year. However, based of what I have been hearing; not sure the public perception will play out the same way. Tressel is taking a image beating due to TP. That cannot be a good situation.
But to your question; with Scam and James out, Oregon wins and here is why.
Not sure how many running backs Oregon has but it is only 3 that are relevant. James, Barter & Alston. Wth James out, I think the #1 Offense (Oregon) will still be able to tick with Barner & Alston using a running by committee approach. Oregon issues will be trying to run against a very tough Auburn run defense. Passing is how you attack Auburn, so given that D. Thomas will be playing I see Oregon balancing pass \ run and getting 30 points. At the same time, with no Scam Auburn’s offense will take a big hit. Scam is most of their production. Oregon’s defense is too good and disciplined for a novice Auburn QB to step in and be effective. In your hypothtical, I say Oregon 30 Auburn 21. ( Tony the damn Duck gets to quack for a whole year)
In real, I see Auburn 37 Oregon 33; but like the OSU \ Arkansas game, this is a good matchup game and both teams are capable of winning.
Now for my pipe dream. I would like to see Arkansas win against all of the Tattoo Bandits, and Auburn win NC in a blow out. Shortly after the NC game a revelation comes out with proof that Scam was aware and that his parents took money from Auburn. So they force Auburn to forfeit all of their games. Oregon is too embarrass to try to claim the title. But Razorback Nation stake a claim and argue that we would have been in NC game had it not been for the Auburn lost. With the win over OSU and all of the other bowl results, Arkansas is voted #1 over TCU due to SOS.
OK
Now – Pryor & Mallet are out who wins and why
This is easy.
With Mallett & the Bandit, Arkansas wins 35 -13
OSU #2 QB Bauserman is capable; but Tressel obviously has no confidence in him. If he did the Bandit would be out of the game for real. The drop off would be huge as Bauserman will lack the Bandit’s ability to make plays on the fly. I am sure that Tressel will scale down the plays to suit Basuerman’s skills. The Arkansas defense has a relentless pass rush and they will be able to Tee off Bauserman. It will be easier for Arkansas to stop Boom because there will be no lateral or downfield threat. On the other side of the ball, Tyler Wilson will step in for Arkansas. He is proven and Petrino has already showed that he will allow Tyler to run the same office. Please see the Auburn game and Tyler’s stats. He actually brought Arkansas back agianst Auburn. It wasn’t until late in the 4th quarter that we had two horrible calls by the refs that went aginst us. Both of those bad calls resulted in 7 points for Auburn and the game got away from us. Point is that kid played 3 quarters against #1 Auburn on the road. He was so good that some Hogs fans irresponsibly were calling for Petrino to start Wilson. With the two losses back then to Auburn & Alabama; fans were getting restless. Arkansas has not lost since. But they found Knile Davis and since he is still playing, he will continue to be effective. If OSU attempts to Tee off on Wilson, Wilson will make those Mallett like throws. It highlights a point that is often unnoticed or not stated by the media. The Razorbacks receivers are one of the best corp if not the best corp in the nation. They will get open and they usually are wide open; so Tyler and Hogs will not miss a beat.
For the record if Mallett and the Bandit plays, Arkansas still wins. Arkansas 38 OSU 24.
Wow the difference between TP and Bauserman is 11 points.
Except after the first series he replaced Bauserman with with Guiton
QUOTE
But with focus on the Big 10 three games against SEC teams. If speed was not a factor, why do you think the SEC teams were victorious?
I say for the reasons you stated in the Oregon win and the Arkansas win. When all is factored its not the speed but the ability of the TEAMS
Wow the difference between TP and Bauserman is 11 points.
Except after the first series he replaced Bauserman with with Guiton
QUOTE
But with focus on the Big 10 three games against SEC teams. If speed was not a factor, why do you think the SEC teams were victorious?
I say for the reasons you stated in the Oregon win and the Arkansas win. When all is factored its not the speed but the ability of the TEAMS. The best team in the B10 will be decided on the 4th. My guess is OSU, WU, IU. MSU was a fluke and most of us including Holtz have known since Iowa. I knew when it took a trick play to beat ND.
Oh and Guiton beat Pryor in the spring game
Will ….. 3rd Mar Div/2nd Mar Div RSU ……Semper Fi my Brother.
Texas Hog ….. I see you are smoking on the hooka again. Because Arkansas grabbing a piece of the NC is more like a “crack pipe dream”.
TCU was very impressive against Wisconsin on Saturday night ….. they are good enough to be in the NC conversation and this game was just one more reason to have a playoff system to determine a champion. I will say that we don’t have anyone to back up Darren Thomas if he goes down for Oregon. Our #2 QB is out for the season …… so, it wouldn’t be a pretty picture. Darren has been forced to “play it safe” over the last 4 -5 games and has not used his running game for fear of getting injured. I am sure that this was a coaches decision. With that said …… I certaintly hope Oregon takes a page out of the tOSU playbook and unleashes this kid in the NC game. Everything is on the line and there are no guarantees that we will be back here any time soon. It is time to just let it all hang out there.
I am not really surprised by the dismantling of the Big10 by the SEC this past weekend. The SEC was favored (ranked higher) in all but one of those games. With the lone upset coming from the defending champs of Alabama. No real surprises here. Overall …… tough weekend for the Big10.
Now my SOS rant …… Oregon is the first team in BCS history to lose the #1 ranking without losing a game. We are coming into the game as an “underdog” against the best team in the “best conference”. Good … bring it on. The only way Auburn will be able to keep up with Oregon in the second half is to feign an injury. Almost every team in the first 3/4 of the season used this tactic against Oregon. Finally the Pac10 commish stepped to the plate put a stop to it and suspended the defense coach of CAL for unsportsman like conduct. Lets see how often Auburn players fall to the ground because of a “feigned cramp”. This game won’t be won on the offensive side of the ball ….. both teams can score at will. This game will be won with defense. With Auburn ranking #48 and Oregon at #14 ….. I love our chances.
The speed argument isnt lining up the fastest players for a 40 yard dash. The speed of the game,agility & quickness. Alot of the plays take to long to develop in the prostyle offense alot of big ten teams run. TCU was a fast defense like Arkansas except the Razorbacks are bigger and fast. When u have ends & tackles that run 4.6 4.7 as well as 4.4 4.5 range linebackers thats speed. Not a myth. Plus Wisconsin is a power team,Arkansas has offensive players starting running 4.3,4.4 or better. We lead the nation in scoring plays of 25 yards or more. And we didnt do it against cupcakes. Arkansas will score and maybe score often,and were not Oregon with the cute spread and fancy signs on the sideline. We run spread,and prostyle. We will line up to create match up problems for Ohio States LB’s our short passes will do alot of damage. Shell shocked will be the word following this one. I wonder if the odds maker knew if Illnois offensive coordinator Paul Petrino is Bobby Petrino’s brother. Lol I believe he could discuss some things that may work considering they lost to The Ohio State 21 to 13 I believe,anyway. I just think the argument and excuses will end Tuesday. Stop talkin about your conference members arent this or that. It simply explains or argument u guys havent played anyone your defense is good but the numbers are against teams that arent on a SEC team caliber weekly. #69 strength of schedule when Arkansas’ had the #6. Man I cnt wait. Good luck to both teams.
I just got a flash from the Big Twelve, Their site said Arkansas is considering joining the Big
Twelve because the will never win the SEC. Is there any truth to that?
LOL …… nice one Carl.
GolfCartCarl,
You are good… You happen to hit a topic that I feel that I hav insight on. Not to mention one that is sore and personal to me. You know how you guys hate the SOS references and SEC idolizing. I and others are same way on the Big 12 brass thinking of Arkansas as a puppet they can use as their leisure. Sure Arkansas would have to listen at any offer that is brought to their attention. It would be irresponsibility not to do so. With that said; the Big 12 is in disarray right now. Nebraska got sick of Texas. I don’t blame them. Talk about arrogance, go to Austin. Colorado jumped off a sinking ship and got on a cruiser in Pac 10. Texas REFUSE to accept TCU in their mix. They would not let it happen. Now that TCU is gone to the Big East. The new Big 10 ( Texas version) stilled called Big 12 need two members. They would love to have Arkansas and LSU truth be told. While I think both schools will listen; it will never happen and here is why.
Arkansas bolted the SWC because Frank Broyles learned of SWC \ Big 8 merger plans that did not include Arkansas. SWC wanted 5 more with a total of 12, OU, OSU, Nebraska, Missouri & Colorado. It was a Texas driven plan. Texas’s attitude was that Arkansas was only able to compete in SWC because we were able to recruit in Texas. Kicking us out gave them more recruits and less headaches because we always managed to beat them when it hurted the most.
Fact is, Texas was wrong. Arkansas largest alumni base outside of Little Rock, AR is in Dallas Texas. Razorbacks play home games every year in Football and Basketball in Dallas, Texas Mark Cubans place and Jerry Jones’s place. Being a Razorback fan in Dallas is like being a Buckeye in Cleveland or Cincinnati. I equate Columbus to Little Rock. We still recruit heavily in Texas and we have the SEC Conference to sale against all of the current Big 12 schools. For the first time that I can ever remember; Arkansas has a top 5 recruiting class in Football. That is usually reserved for Notre Dame, OSU, Texas, Florida etc. If we beat The Ohio State University, it will catapult the program to a whole new level.
Contrary to what you may think, Arkansas has been in the SEC Championship game more than any other SEC West team. But we have never won which has been the problem. With Petrino; our time is coming. However, with bad officiating against Arkansas like the Florida game last year and the Auburn game this year there are some Razorback brass that begin to openly question motive of SEC office down in Birmingham. Had LSU mysteriously got the nod to go to Sugar Bowl over Arkansas after Arkansas has just beat LSU, then I think the wheels may have fallen off. But as it is, I can’t see any circumstance right now for Arkansas to leave SEC. Money is not a motivator. The Razorback Foundation is one of the richest in the country. Arkansas has some unbelievable philanthropist. Donald Reynolds, Wal Mart heirs, Tysons (as in Chicken etc) and more.
If you were ever to go to Fayetteville, Arkansas you would be stunned. It is nothing like you would possibly imagine based upon stereotypes. I kno wOSU has seen all kinds o tradition. But one thing I wish Jim would do win or lose, is report on Razorback fans calling the hogs. It is a sight to behold.
Keep diggin and see if you can find some more mud
Carl, I mean Golfcart :-
I just told my 11 year old daughter about your question. Unlike me or her mom, she is kind of opinionated. She asked me what about OSU and Illinois joing the SEC to make a SEC Super Conference?
Funny sounds like a NObody state fan! Yeah when we win it all next maybe the mini 12 & little 10 conference will split,join conference USA,or the Missouri Valley. Start beating some SEC teams like we do before u trash talk. At least were not gettin ranked because were a media darling team. Playing one significant game a year and being placed in bowl games gettin blown out. Ha!Ha!
I don’t play golf anymore, had to give it up because of back problems. I was just trying to pull your chain a little bit. I know about your SWC woes. Illinois might go but I don’t think the buckeyes would make the move, after all their the leader of the pack in the Big Ten. I was wan’t you to beat Florida a few years ago when you had a freshman try and field a punt on the goalline and fumbled the ball and Florida scored a touchdown. I know you remember that game. I pull for anyone when they play Florida. Hey man the I just want a good game, no blow out. whom ever wins gets cudos from me.
I dnt feel insulted by trash talk im glad we are competiting in the best football conference in the nation. Honestly Arkansas proved to be better competition then OSU in the town title games they were favored to win on paper like this one. For the record we lost as SEC west division champs to Florida in a come from behind win 28-24 they hung 41 on your Buckeyes,and we beat the LSU team you lost to last game of the before they hung 38 on you. And losing to a conference champ that lost to a Non-BCS team isnt really saying much. They had a #56 strength of schedule,that makes that lost look real bad.
DJ,
You are spelling it out. Lately, winning the SEC West Championship trophy has been more difficult for the SEC West teams than the National Championship games. Oregon may put Auburn to test because of their highly ranked offense and Auburn suspect passing defense.
Plane leaves in two hours. Time to put this one to bed, finally.
Jim, GPC, Not Alan, Tony, Will… I’m having a drink or two for each of you. The rest of you can go find a new blog to molest after Tuesday night.
PS Does DJ type on a broken keyboard?
No not broken ….. just made in China.
In case you are wondering ….. that was not a slam on China. This is simply from a “quality of product” standpoint. Buy American.
Texting on my cellphone got off the phone with friends that plan on joining me watch Arkansas vs Overrated State! They are Buckeye Fans,were excited ready to line up the drinks. They have to buy me a shot of patron for every Razorback score. I might be passed out by half-time! lol.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EIWPmHvulg&feature=related Woo Pig Sooie! Go Razorbacks! Checkout my friends highlight video!
Great video. IMMA Hog!!!
It is almost showtime.
DJ, I would say being to 9 BCS games and two championships in the midst is not over rated.
I would ask you how many have Arkansas been to. You come on the blog running your mouth and obviously now nothing of what you are talking about. Arkansas might win and if they do they get my congrats. This is your first BCS bowl wait untill you have been to 8 more before you call Ohio State overrated.
I do apoligize! Ohio State has won a BCS/flag gate title,and been to 9 bcs bowls.Oklahoma has been to 5 all it takes is to beat one real opponent in your conference and your in! Wow! OU beats Texas or Texas beats OU,put a asterisk by the rest of the teams. For Ohio State the media darling beat Michigan,and well run the table. How easy is that? You guys own the big 10! Kudos!
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