Really?
Going into this game, I though Oregon State would be the better matchup for Ohio State. However, after Oregon’s win over Oregon State, I like the way the Buckeyes line up against the Ducks. If the PAC 10 championship is any indication, beating the Ducks will come down to stopping the run.
As is typical of Ohio State these days, the game will turn on the play of our defense. Oregon State did a good job of containing the Oregon option threat for the first half but by mid-way through the third quarter, the Beaver defense had taken some hits, lost some players and in the end just couldn’t keep up.
Oregon’s running attack was all about deception–fake handoffs, receivers coming in on the snap count to run the ball and lots of misdirection. The Buckeyes have seen something similar this year against Navy. While the Navy triple option gave us a scare, it won’t be new and the Buckeye defense has come a long way since that day in early September.
The other thing I like about Oregon is that they are prone to handing over the ball. The Buckeyes like to force turnovers and turnovers could make the difference in a big game.
On the other side of the ball, Oregon’s defense looked quick and brought the pressure. Oregon State quarterback Sean Canfield did a great job at getting rid of the ball quick. The question remains if Pryor can do the same. Either our offensive line will need to do a much better job protecting Pryor then the Beavers did protecting Canfield (although he did a good job avoiding the sack) or Pryor will need to demonstrate much stronger decision making. Our offensive line and Pryor showed nice improvement in both areas during the regular season.
Expect to see more of the Tressel style offense we’ve come to expect this year. Tress will look to move the ball on the ground, roll out (safe) passing schemes and an occasional attempt at the home run. The Oregon defense is just too fast for Tress to let Pryor work from the pocket.
Let’s just hope that Tressel doesn’t over prepare this year. There’s been a sense of tunnel vision during post-season games of late with the Buckeyes failing to adjust as the game developed. Oregon Coach Kelly has come a long way in his first year and overcome a difficult start to the season (yep, LeGarrette Blount was back for the first time since his season debut.) He’ll have his team ready.
Finally, there’s something about the team from 1,000 uniforms that just rubs me wrong. Maybe it’s their flair for fashion (what, no wings on the shoulder’s?). Maybe it’s the cocky attitude that reminds me all to much of the Miami team we beat in 2003. Whatever it is by halftime, I was definitely routing for Oregon State. However, I would love to see the Buckeyes open a big ‘ol can of defensive lead beatdown come January 1.
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Ge Elyria, Lorain, Sandusky, used to play each other in the old Sandusky Bay Conference until they change everything.
Bay conference – not Elyria High 1954 to 87 The Buckeye Conference, Elyria, Fremont, Marion, Lorain, Admiral King, Sandusky.
Your right , I got a case pf CRS. I don’t know what it’s called now. I think they changed it all around.
The Sandusky Bay Conference is a high school athletic conference with eight members from the Sandusky Bay area of north central Ohio. It is affiliated with the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
The eight current member high schools are:
Clyde Fliers
Edison Chargers
Huron Tigers
Margaretta Polar Bears
Oak Harbor Rockets
Perkins Pirates
Port Clinton Redskins
St. Mary Central Catholic Panthers.
I know I remembered it somewhere. Just the wrong schools.
Edison – My cousin Tony led Edison to s state title in 75 IIRC. Recruited by Woody Hayes he turned it down cause my uncle had died and he stayed home to run the farm for his mom. His father who was a Elyria high star of the late 30’s was recruited by Paul Brown at 15 yo to play for what was then the Cincinnati Reds a farm league football team, so I have been told.
WHF, I just looked up Sandusky and the have been changing conferences left and right. To bad about your cousin. I’m sure it broke his heart to have to turn down Woody. Looks like football runs in your family.
I was to slow and undersized to play for Earle Bruce. He coached at Sandusky when I was there.
I’ve put on some pounds since then, still slow.
Gulfport Carl…..why is it an insult to be a Ducks fan……I am once again offended by you.
Tony, I have no clue what your talking about.
The vest is sweating the team speed of Oregon. Can’t wait to be at this game. I went to to the national championship when Florida crushed the Buckeyes and I cant wait to see Ohio State get humiliated again.
IIRC Earle was at Sandusky ranked #1 and a EHS guy name Godbolt kicked a field goal in the last seconds to ruin his # 1 ranking. 20 or so years later Sandusky again #1 played EHS and a kid name Godbolt, yes his son kicked a field goal in the last seconds to beat Sandusky – we watched in disbelief. We went to high schools that have more history than many colleges. EHS was founded in 1813 and chartered in 1830. They Ely family started towns all over the US
Annapolis, you can’t really disregard the Big10’s recent bowl losses to “playing up”. Meanwhile, the Pac10 has a winning record in Bowl games over the last 7 years. We have 5 teams that made the BCS top 25 this year. And we beat the snot out of each other every Saturday. The Big10’s bowl losses is why most people think that the Big10 has lost it’s edge. If the Big10 was that good of a conference ……. then playing up would not be a problem.
Tony you believe that OSU is over rated – where do you rank them
Do you feel the Ducks are under ranked and where would you rank them
Hi gpCarl…I can correct you on the bowl count. Pac 10 has 6 teams total playing in the bowl schedule. Of that, of course, only 1 bcs bowl contender, Oregon.
Concerning conference strength and rankings, I will leave it up to the stats pros to measure the conference rankings. Teamrankings.com has the pac 10 ranked 2nd, the big 10 ranked 6th. As well, the combined record of schools each team played against Oregon 83-76 / OSU 76-69.
And as a reference for those of you who like to slice & dice all the stats, if you haven’t been there visit… http://www.teamrankings.com/ncf/stats/
Of course, we all know at game time…it’s all out the window anyway.
GODUCKS, THANKS FOR POINTING OUT MY ERRORS. THANKS FOR THE WBBSITE FOR STATISTICS, I ALWAY WONDERED WHERE TO FIND THEM. YES WE ALL KNOW WHEN ITS BOWL TIME OR IN THE NFL THE PLAYOFFS. IT’S A NEW SEASON AND BEING IT’S ONLY ON GAME FOR US YOU WOULD THINK THE COACHES WOULD COME UP WITH A GAME PLAN THAT BREAKS REGULAR SEASON TENDONCIES. UNFORTUNATELY WITH US THAT’S NOT SO TRUE. MAY HOPE SPRING ETERNAL.
One of the biggest issues in my mind is the month off from game play. I know all the teams have to deal with it, but for Oregon, who is a momentun team, it will be interesting to see if they can keep their game energy and focus through preparation. The first 10 minutes of the game, and the third quarter will be the tell-tale for how Oregon will do. And I wouldn’t be surprised if there is not an O turnover right off the bat. Lately, Oregon seems to come out a little too pumped up and Masoli’s first couple passes are usually mock 9 and who know’s where. Both teams had some good wins down the stretch (Penn State / Iowa – Arizona / Oregon St) so hopefully both are peaking rather than backing in like Texas
The stats can be argued in many ways, but at game time, deciding which ones are really important is difficult. I certainly look at these closely, but I believe game momentum is a more important factor. As for game plans, I watched an OSU game late in the season and I was quite surprised how mobile TP was and how much more open the offense appeared compared to previous decades (I grew up in Indiana).
As far as coaches and game plans, Oregon doesn’t vary their philosophy at all either. It’s run & gun as fast as they possibly can (sometimes, a little to fast). They never come close to winning time of possession. They are however, pretty good at making haftime adjustments, and thus have had a number of spectacular third quarters this year. If things don’t work in the 3rd…not good.
One thing that has been strange this year, is that the O defense was great the first five games of the season, were scoring touchdowns off turnovers almost each week. But that hasn’t been the case lately…the defense, as a whole has not been as stout
Also, interesting is that Oregon is young & poised in their skilled positions to return a strong team again next year. I would be interested to hear what OSU’s forecast is for the future.
goducks, In my opinion the first quarter will be the tip for me as far as how the game goes. Most of the year OSU has struggled in the first period and then gradually gain momentum. The second half is when they really start rolling. I don’t have the numbers but yardage and points, especially the running yardage escalate. I believe after the Purdue game Tressel put the clampas on TP and his passing and he reverted to Woody’s style (three yards and a cloud of dust). Before that the running game was inept. It’s been like the tale of two offenses. If TP has time to step and throw he’s normally pretty accurate. If he has to run and throw not so good. He also has a tendoncy to freeze under pressure. I don’t really know what to except from the offense.
The defense has been our pillar of strength this year. The Dline and linebackers have put pressure on all year. Gibson, Hayward, and Denlinger has owned the line of scrimmage. Homan, Rolle and Spitler have real solid at linebacker. Russell, Coleman, and Chekwa have benn solid in the secondary. Against Penn State they play in your face step for step and the shut down the mighty lions. It’s when they play that stupid zone coverage they get in trouble. They play a great red zone also.
As far as the future goes they look great. If all the juniors stay they only lose for players total. They should be real solid on both sides of the ball next year. Hopefully TP get his act together because he has some great receivers to throw to.
I hope the coaching staff has learned how to deal with the long layoff by know. Not playing since 11/21 is a long layoff. The tale of the tape will be what tean shows up. Hopefully it’s not the team of the last three years.
One note of intrest the start a home away agains THE U next hear.
If you want to know OSU future you need only look at the past 8 years. TP will be a year older and the receivers and backs will be also. OSU average rank for the last 16 years is about 12.5 second to #1 Florida at 12. Expect they will finish in the top 10 next year. They could possibly compete for a NC in the next two years.
What about the other powers in the Big 10? Will Iowa, Penn State be good as well…or are they graduating a lot. How ’bout Michigan? Are they coming on?
gpcarl…Has your D line faced many zone blocking teams this year? And is the defense a high pressure, blitzing team?
I just checked Scout.com on your committments this year. Sounds like JT would rather play Woody ball (and BTW…I do remember Woody and his teams!). There are a couple incoming that look promising…RB Smith from Ft. Wayne, 6-2, 216 (Before the College weight program) and FB Hyde from Va. 6-0, 225.
All our running backs are 180. With the exception of Blount, who is well…blount.
Michigan has a good offense, look at their stats. I bet the freshman Tate Forceir is a more accurate passer on the run than Masoli in two years, he is good. But putting together a defense next year will be tough. Clark is gone at PSU. PSU is PSU well coached and will be competitive. I really expect OSU to win next year for 7th title. I feel they will get 7th win on Mich. but in 2011 expect the rivalry to be a great one ending in December now. They are eliminating the long layoff between reg season and bowls.
Can’t wait to see the old against the new.
I know this thread is dying….but here is a great link, written by an OSU alum, I believe, that sums up a lot of what we have to look forward to…ultimately, a great match up. BTW, I think he is right on with his analysis…how “bout u?
http://harleyinthehuddle.blogspot.com/2009/12/oregons-spread-offense-can-anybody-stop.html
Interesting you bring up that link goducks. I was just about to write on that post. I’ve been talking to Rob behind the scenes. He did play for Ohio State. Look for the next post to include Rob’s commentary.
As for the Ohio State defense, if they are anything, they are a high pressure D. The front four is all they have needed to give offensive lines and qbs fits. The’ve also got a secondary that likes to score off turnovers. One of the reasons I think the Buckeyes match up well against Oregon.
Then there’s also Pryor. We keep hearing about Oregon’s offensive speed but Pryor is insane when he makes the decision to go. Reports are that he runs a 4.3. His biggest problem has been his hesitation. He’s also big and there’s a couple of highlights where he just tossed the defender to the ground. I thought Wells had a stiff arm…
As for next year…Pryor is only going to get better and his receivers are young. Although Carter hasn’t turned it on yet, you can just sense that he’s got his father’s genes. This is a young team and it’s only going to get better during the next two years.
Anna…..As for TP…sounds like a bummer he didn’t pick the O. Might have been a great match. A high pressure D (OSU) against a high pressure O (O) might just be what we need to make our holiday complete!
So as far as the d-line/L-backs go…they are a pressuring defense? I couldn’t quite get that from the game I saw?
From the future scouting reports on these teams, sounds like we’ll have a lot smack-talkin to do for a couple of years! I truly appreciate discussing the issues on OSU ground. Just makes the game more interesting!
I have read all over the net about this lame game. So I am so sorry for all the duck fans. It must be very heartbreaking to finally win your conference and a trip to the Rose Bowl, only to play the over ranked cupcake busted 10 team, a nationwide consensus I hear . 47 to 3 some say, 35 3 by half time. What a dismal day for you. A hollow win that will leave you empty and unfulfilled till next year. Why would the PAC 10 stay in a agreement with the Bust 10 only to have to play it’s winner each year. Break that deal and you could have played Florida, TCU, Cincinnati or even better, Boise. What could possibly be worse, OMG nooooooooo, could it, is it possible, what if, no , ok, ok I’ll say it , what if you were to get upset. The PAC 10 champ beaten by a overrated Bust 10 cupcake. Would they then deserve the title of the ” Pathetic 10″. Well either way I guess you are losers and I dare say win or lose, you have my sympathy.I have read all over the net about this lame game. So I am so sorry for all the duck fans. It must be very heartbreaking to finally win your conference and a trip to the Rose Bowl, only to play the over ranked cupcake busted 10 team, a nationwide consensus I hear . 47 to 3 some say, 35 3 by half time. What a dismal day for you. A hollow win that will leave you empty and unfulfilled till next year. Why would the PAC 10 stay in a agreement with the Bust 10 only to have to play it’s winner each year. Break that deal and you could have played Florida, TCU, Cincinnati or even better, Boise. What could possibly be worse, OMG nooooooooo, could it, is it possible, what if, no , ok, ok I’ll say it , what if you were to get upset. The PAC 10 champ beaten by a overrated Bust 10 cupcake. Would they then deserve the title of the ” Pathetic 10″. Well either way I guess you are losers and I dare say win or lose, you have my sympathy.
WHF – Who are you a fan of? Just curious because Ohio State has a national championship this decade, how has your team done. Unless you root for Texas, Florida, LSU, Oklahoma, Miami (FL), USC or Ohio State then go back to where you came from.
Your post basically said no matter what, the winner of this game between two good football teams shouldn’t be considered a good team because of the team they played? Do you realize how asinine that sounds and in return how ignorant that makes you sound?
No matter what this should be a good game pitting a great offense vs. a great defense. Don’t listen to the hype the Bucks have team speed, especially at LB and S and should be able to go one on one on the outside. The difference will be the front four. If Oregon can handle Heywood and Co. (which no one has done all year) the Oregon probably wins. If the Bucks control the front then they probably win. Should be a great game, can’t wait.
I was born a Buckeye, I will die a buckeye win lose or OT. I live in Florida and I have 10 Buckeye shirts a asortment of hats and I wear them win or lose. Tradition my high school has 1 Heisman 5 state titles, more than the ducks. I’m just so tired of hearing how we should arrange not to show to avoid our being slaughtered. This is the same xxxx that the 2002 Buckeye team heard all month. I never expected OSU to contend at this level this year. I hoped to lose two games at most Iowa and Penn and go after LSU, another shot at Florida, we do not need a win against Ducks we are 7-0 we need wins against the SEC.
If you think the Ducks consider us anything but a cupcake from a over rated conference do some searches.
Another BEATDOWN – Blowout. Banned from bowl games I have heard
Hey Tim this is typical
By RON MORRIS – McClatchy Newspapers
Rose Bowl, Jan. 1 – Forget the game. Tune in just to see what uniforms Oregon will wear.
see the whole page at
http://www.mercedsunstar.com/359/story/1221557.html
read the whole thread before you judge me
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