Bonus points, who won?
So now that the Oregon fans have found us, it’s time for some serious debate. We can go back and forth about how Oregon beat Purdue and USC and we didn’t. We can point out the development of the Buckeyes over the last five or so games. We can even review the finer points of the Oregon RoboDuck and ask ourselves again, “What we’re they thinking?” All that’s well and good.
The time has come however, to throw down, to put your cards on the table, to play the virtual prognosticator. Since we can’t play this game tomorrow, we might as well talk about playing it.
What are the three keys to this game? What three things need to happen for either team to win. (Feel free to give me more but three’s a nice round number)
Here’s my take:
Oregon offense, meet Ohio State defense (and vice versa):
Oregon has one of the highest scoring offenses in the country. They’ve pumped out an average of 428 yards and nearly 40 points per game. They’ve got a smart option quarterback in Jermiah Masoli who is quick, can read the play and knows how to hide the ball. The Oregon attack is different then anything the Buckeyes have seen this season.
And while the Oregon offense may be known for running the score, they haven’t faced anything like the Ohio State defense. The Columbus Dispatch reported this morning that the Buckeyes have only allowed 11 touchdowns in the last 43 quarters. They’ve limited offenses to 83 yards a game and have scored an average of 12 points per game. They’ve posted 22 sacks this season and they have not let a single rusher gain more then 100 yards all year.
And right there is the number 1 key to this game. They Buckeyes will need to pressure Masoli and contain him when he tries to roll out. The Buckeye defensive front are monsters and are known for their aggressive play. They need to hit Masoli early and hit him hard — put the fear in him. They need to let him know on the first possession that he will pay and pay dearly for his missteps. He may be hard to catch but if they catch him early and shake his confidence, get in his head, then they have the potential to shut down Oregon’s high scoring offense.
Threeyardsandacloudof
There’s a good chance the Ohio State offense and Oregon Defense will balance each other out. This means the game will hinge on how well the Ohio State offense stacks up against the Oregon defense.
The Buckeyes will need to slow the game and in order to do that, they will need to keep the Oregon offense off the field. The best way to do that is through long, slow drives. And they get to the red zone, they’ll need touchdowns, not field goals. Both have been problems for the Buckeye offense. However, the Buckeyes did well in the latter part of the season pounding it right up the middle
Look for the Buckeyes to capitalize on the short running game. Both Stanford and Boise State did their damage by pounding it right up the middle over and over again. Wear the defense down, not from chasing you but from running over them. The Ohio State offensive line played a completely different game second half of the season then they did in the first. I don’t know how many sacks they gave up second part of the year but there weren’t many. They’ll need to physically out play the Oregon defense.
On the pass, look for Pryor to continue with conservative, rolling plays and short connections. Get him to the outside, give him some open field and he’s dangerous. Make the Oregon D think twice and we’ll put up the yards.
Turnovers
This is big. Like the Buckeyes, Oregon has had their fare share of turnovers, especially fumbles. However, as the season developed, the Buckeyes got their turnover situation under control. Oregon gave up three fumbles against Oregon State. As I mentioned earlier, the Buckeyes also like to score on turnovers. I haven’t talked much about secondaries but the Buckeyes have picked off 23 passes this season for a total 317 yards. Kurt Coleman accounts for 129 of those yards himself.
Put the fear in Massoli, force him to throw under pressure (yes, I know he scrambles well) and the turnovers will come. There’s no room for mistakes in this game and turnovers could make the difference.
Open Thread
You’ve heard my thoughts. How bout it? What are the three keys to this game? I look forward to hearing it from both sides.
(In an attempt to make some of these longer strings more manageable, I’ve set up threaded comments so feel free to respond to individual comments as well)
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Please don’t start Oregon fans. I’m telling you now. You are about to be feeling like us Buckeye fans after the Florida game. All of this confidence and sh#t talking, but after the game you’re going to be left with a painful feeling screwed up in your guts. I have seen the future. I can’t tell you the final score because of the unfair advantage for those who choose to gamble on such events, but I’m telling you I would keep your mouths shut. Its either that are deal with the humility and pain that you will suffer at the hands of one of the most passionate fan bases in the World telling you “I told you so!”, in more colorful words.
Just so you know,
Clockwork
ClockWork; your confidence is inspiring, but you should listen to your own advice and keep your mouth shut. No matter how you slice the game, it could go either way. I of course believe the Ducks will win, you expect the Bucks. We’ll let the teams decide on January 1st. Go Ducks!!
â??Ostentation is the signal flag of hypocrisyâ?
I think this quote just about sums it up.
Just so you know,
lulwut
Moron…errr….I mean clockwork. Go back to your video games. The only future you see is a wellfare check and Govt run healthcare.
Making my list
Checkin it twice
Gona find out who likes to eat their own words. . .
LIST:
PortlandDuckFan
lulwut
Tony in Beavertown
I’m lovin it
Clockwork
#5 defense against the “Cupckaes of College Football”, the 59th toughest schedule in D1 football. What, couldn’t get any JC schools on that killer schedule? Ducks on the other hand played the 4th toughest schedule in th country, averaged 37pts per game. Defense ranked 2nd in Pac-10, which many are saying is the toughest conference, top to bottom in the land. Notice, I bring real numbers to the argument, not the, “You Ducks better watch out, you haven’t seen anything like our defense” argument, Or, “Hey, we’re tOSU, don’t you know who we are” argument.
Having said all that, who knows what’s going to come game time. My only point is, you need to put perspective into how you look at this game. Common opponents; USC, Purdue. You got SC when Barkely had ONE game under his belt, and you got them at home. He had 5 games to get ready for the Ducks. the Ducks made SC look weak, SC beat you AT HOME!! Who needs to wake up here?
You Oregon fans keep going back to the same old same old…Purdue…SC….The SEC…I mean PAC 10 is the toughest conference in the history of the world…blah blah blah…
Don’t go telling me about tough schedules. Unlike most top tier teams, the Buckeyes seek out tough out of conference opponents. Past series against Texas, USC, etc. are good examples.
We’ve been through this before. Is that what this Oregon confidence is built upon? The fact that you beat Purdue? Seems like you’ve got it all figured out.
What I want to know is how is Oregon going to win this game? I’ve told you what it will take for the Buckeyes to win.
…but we beat Purdue…please
Jim,
The keys for an Oregon win are, spread the OSU defense out and run the read option. They will need to get the TE Dickson, and WR’s into the mix to keep the defense honest, then give the ball as many times to La Michael James and let him do his thing. La Michael is the real deal, Texas 100M champ and can cut like Barry Sanders, he is also strong benches 285 squats 475 and only weighs 185lbs. That is freakish and it shows on the field. OSU will have to contain James, something no football team has ever been able to do.
The larger defense for OSU is not a benefit vs the Oregon offense. The quick tempo is going to stop subs and test the cardio, this was very obvious in the USC game as the game really didn’t get out of hand until the second half.
This game is Oregons to lose, if they turnover the ball or decide its time to split carries between James and Blount, then OSU will pull off the upset. OSU will stuff Blount every time he touches the ball. The OSU defense will stuff a big medium speed back, that is their strength.
The key to an OSU win is Passing and turnovers, the Oregon secondary is seriously lacking and that has been their weakness all year. Boise, Arizona, the beavers, and Stanford took full advantage of it. The one advantage I have not heard mentioned that favors OSU is the natural grass field. The shoe is grass correct? Autzen is turf. That could make a difference in the run game.
One thing for sure is, the game will be very entertaining to watch, and one side will be really upset at the end.
JeffC…….Great point about artificial vs natural turf. LaMike did put up 152 yards on UCLA’s grass. I do believe that the advantage would go to OSU though (if the shoe is grass).
Yes, James played all his high school ball on natural grass (Yes many high school programs in Texas do have artificial turf) so I don’t think it will affect him depending on the weather. I do think rain could make a big difference in the game, if the field gets sloppy I think the winner is a coin toss. (Yes the ducks play a LOT in the rain(hello its Eugene) but rain on natural grass is a lot different than on turf, personally I’m hoping for a sunny day.
LIST:
PortlandDuckFan
lulwut
Tony in Beavertown
Rory
Rory,
“Real” numbers really don’t mean anything. Any given Saturday, and inch here and inch there, a fumble, missed assignment. Who cares about USC, Purdue, Boise St.? That was 2009 and we’re talking about 2010. I just wanted to save you the grief that I suffered after Florida.
You’ll see
Clockwork
AnnopolisBuckeye: I disagree with your analysis. Everyone who has played the Ducks have said what you did; hit Masoli early, often and hard and he won’t be as effective. Control the clock so the Ducks can’t score. Win the turnover battle. Your assumptions are sound, but every team we have played used the same logic. Pound Masoli?, it has happened already and he is still effective (and you actually think after two seasons you are going to put fear into him?). Control the clock?, everyone does against the Ducks. Check the first two sentences in Three Yards and A Cloud, they are confusing?
I believe the two keys to the game are: 1. Can the aggressive Buckeye Defense stop or slow down the Ducks offense for an entire game. The Ducks have been stopped for a half a game or more most of the season but not an entire game. Only BSU did that in the first game. 2. Can the Duck defense stop the power run game of the Buckeyes and can they contain Pryor.
Turnovers and special teams are always key to a game, the Ducks won a couple early games on turnovers and special teams. I don’t see any advantage either way. The Ducks will put the ball on the turf, probably more than once. They did against Oregon State. They did against Arizona. The Ducks run a high risk offense and they do fumble. It hasn’t cost them a game this year yet. The two games they lost were not due to turnovers, but poor execution against BSU and they got run over by Stanford. Also, you can slow the down the game as much as you want. Stanford did that exceptionally well and beat us. We still scored 42 points. If you can slow the game down and score more than 40 you will probably win.
Finally, no doubt the Buckeyes are a darn good team, an exceptional team. They are probably the most sound defensive team the Ducks will face. I agree with you in that we haven’t faced the Buckeye defense, but to insinuate the Ducks haven’t faced a very good defense is not accurate, they have. It is a poor assumption or analogy that you have the only defense in college FB. The Ducks defense is not a great defense. It is fast and agressive, but not oversized. They can and do give up points. The Buckeyes will score points, maybe even your season average. The question is, will it be enough?
Thank you for that Channon. Something more then “We beat Purdue.”
I’ll give you that it may be a stretch that the Bucks can slow Masoli with a few hard hits. However, the Buckeyes have a long history of creating second thoughts in players like Masoli. If the Buckeyes can get to him repeatedly, especially early, it will be interesting to see how well he holds up.
I agree with both your points. This game may ultimately come down to the Ohio State offense/Oregon Defense. I think size might be in issue in this equation. Depends on if the Buckeyes can slow their speed and if Pryor can play without hesitation. When he goes, he’s good. Problem is, he tends to think about it first.
Also don’t mean to insinuate thate that the Ducks haven’t faced a good defense. I think the question is, can the Buckeyes handle the deception of the Oregon option.
And the turnovers.
“They need to hit Masoli early and hit him hard — put the fear in him.”
Wow. That statement made me both chuckle and realize you have no idea what you’re up against. Masoli…fear? I think not. Masoli is 220 pounds of Samoan brick sh!thouse and in case you haven’t figured it out yet Oregon isn’t going to try and play smashmouth football. I hope your “monster” defensive lineman have put in extra conditioning and enjoy running from sideline to sideline.
Not going to be so boastful as to predict a big Oregon victory. I think that if one is honest, then you have to give Oregon the edge. They played the superior opponents all year (#4 SOS) and are far more tested than Ohio State (#59 SOS). Oregon’s weakness has been defending the deep ball against the pinpoint passers, their strength has been loading up and stopping the run.
While Oregon’s offense v. tOSU’s defense grabs the headlines, the real story will be Oregon’s defense against tOSU’s offense. These are my 3 things, as requested:
1. Oregon stuffs the run
2. They force Pryor to beat them with the pass
3. Pressure Pryor (he’s been sacked A LOT for mobile QB) and cause him to throw INT’s (twice as many as Masoli).
These three things create 3 and outs which gets Oregon’s offense lots of opportunities enabling them to crack tOSU’s defense sooner or later.
As for a prediction….the game will be close in the first half, Oregon ahead 14-10. Oregon makes their adjustments and explodes in the third quarter and wins it going away 35-20. Masoli is Rose Bowl MVP passing for 2 TD’s and rushing for 2 more. Lamichael James add the 5th TD on a long TD run of 30 plus yards.
Hit hard and put fear stuff aside, you’re right on target with the 3 and outs. If the Buckeyes can’t keep the offense off the field, then the game is over.
I’m a Duck fan. Just wanted to get that out at the beginning.
Oregon has a good offense. Ohio State has a good defense. The key to the game is simply whether Ohio State can do anything to slow down Oregon. Has it been done? No, not really. The Boise State game is the closest one and it was an anomaly. Oregon lost but they beat themselves in that game. The only other game that came close was against UCLA and that was because Masoli didn’t play. In the games where Oregon has had issues getting going it generally comes down to one thing, Masoli. He tends to get excited or whatever in the beginning and he makes bad reads and over throws his receivers. All it takes is an early three and out and he can take himself out of the game for a while because he tries to do too much. Unfortunately for Ohio State, they aren’t the scoring machine that puts up points in bunches because that is what needs to happen to keep Oregon out of the game. Ohio State will need to get ahead and keep the throttle to the floor to keep Oregon from coming back.
In the end, I think that it should be a good game. I think that Ohio State is going to stack the line and make Masoli throw. This will put the pressure on the Ducks passing game which has had problems this year. If Masoli can stay calm and get the ball to his receivers then look for Oregon to score a lot of points. If Ohio State’s secondary can play tough D and prevent Oregon’s receivers from picking up yards then look for a close game.
On the other side, Ohio State can exploit Oregon’s lack of size on the D-line. If Ohio State can figure out what Stanford did, then the Ducks could be in for a long night. I’m not too sure that Pryor is on the same level as Luck from Stanford, as far as passing is concerned, but he is definitely more dangerous on the ground. I’m hoping that the Oregon D-line won’t have the same problems that they did at Stanford because if they do, it could make for Ohio State having a big scoring game.
Overall, I think that some of Ohio State’s defensive stats look a little better than they should because of the teams they played. However, I wouldn’t take the Ohio State D lightly if I were on the Duck’s coaching staff. Oregon should be able to score some points and I don’t think Ohio State will keep up. In the end, I think it will be Oregon winning but not by a whole lot.
Oregon – 31
Ohio State – 24
Good points Phil although as opposed to a high scoring game, I think Ohio State is more likely to win in a low scoring game. Low score means the Buckeyes are stuffing Oregon offense.
I think the lack of Oregon size may be an issue. If the Buckeyes can open lanes up the middle, then this plays well for the “smashmouth” 3 yards stuff.
I also wonder about their ability to bring down Pryor when he gets moving. He’s got deceptively serious speed and one hell of a stiff arm.
Jim, pretty good assessment. I would agree with much of what you have stated …… with a few (game changing) exceptions. 1) OSU offense is better than Oregon defense….this is not a wash. But, all we will need is a few stops. Oregon will let you score field goals all day long….this will not win you a football game. Oregon has a very young secondary …… they will need to take chances and be very agressive on any pass plays early. Don’t give Pryor any confidence to throw the ball. Make OSU try to win this game on the ground.
Oregon’s strength is its offense. I want OSU’s defense to be agressive and start sending blitz packages early. The more agressive OSU plays ……. the more opportunities you give Oregon. As I have stated in earlier posts ….. this is unlike any offense that OSU has played. Everything revolves around the QB and his ability to read different aspects of the defense. Fortunately, we have a very bright QB that can think on his feet. He is basically a running back that can throw the ball. Masoli would rather give you a forearm shiver than slide into first base. Good luck trying to shake this kids confidence with a couple of hard hits. It just won’t happen. He will probably hit your guys harder than you hit him. So……until you can show me a program that has been able to stop Oregon’s offense……it just isn’t going to happen. This is more about football style and preperation than it is about physical ability and talent. Oregon has one of the smallest offensive lines in the country……yet….. puts up big numbers every week. Also in your assessment ……. you continue to leave out the “no huddle” or “speed of play”. This will be a huge factor in this game. Nobody in the country plays as quickly as Oregon. This will definately test the conditioning of your defense and not allow you time to regroup as a unit.
You mentioned both the Stanford and Boise State games…..abiet it is funny ….. whenever talking about OSU …. we need to distinguish Pre Purdue and Post Purdue. We can’t talk about the games early in the season …… because you are a different team now. But the same rule doesn’t apply to Oregon. Boise State is as fair game as Oregon State. Boise State …… we stunk it up. I think it was the blue turf though. I got sick just watching the game. Stanford was a different story. The reason why we lost was because the QB was making some pretty timely passes. It wasn’t the running game that killed us. Andrew Luck got some confidence in the air and made some incredible plays. Stanford ran the ball quite well …….. but we were able to get stops. And then on third and long ……. pass plays. Our secondary played good “in your face” defense …… but Andrew luck was just having an incredible night and his passes were pinpoint accurate.
So, here are my keys of the game:
1) Oregon’s offense will put up big points. Everytime OSU gets agressive …. masoli will make the right read and get the ball to the open man (or run himself). In order for your agressive defense to work …… you need Oregon to be somewhat predictable. Please revist the USC game. The Trojans had no idea where the ball was going to go next. They got very confused ….. and if OSU gets very agressive ……. you will get confused as well. Bottom line …… your defense will be a non factor.
2) OSU offense ……. does Pryor get the green light to throw the ball? This will be a coaches decision. If you get both the air and ground working together …… oregon may be in trouble. I am predicting that OSU will play a safe game and just try to pound it up the middle. Oregon will limit OSU to a touchdow and a few field goals. Meanwhile, Oregon’s offense keeps firing away and will score touchdowns vs your field goals. By the third qtr OSU will be down a few points and we will see some panic and ill advised passing in which our secondary can capitolize on.
3) This brings me to my third key which is turnovers. Oregon has to take care of the ball. They have had too many turnovers and have been lucky enough to get some of them back. But, turnovers will lose this game very quickly for Oregon.
Jim……are you going to be blogging throughout the game?
I think you’re right on target with Pryor and confidence. As important as Pryor’s confidence might be Tressel’s. If Tress doesn’t have faith in him then that pretty much limits the offense and we’re back to running it up the middle. Then it comes down to the Buckeyes ability to overpower the Oregon D.
The Coleman/Masoli collision should be good, granted of course that Coleman can get to him.
The Buckeye defense will come down to containment. Can the Buckeyes do it? Probably the only thing close to what we’ll see in Pasadena is the Navy triple option — not really a good comparison.
No question, Oregon has come a long way since Boise. Credit to Kelly for turning that around.
Don’t know about live blogging. Eleven Warriors has organized a live blog in which a number of Ohio State bloggers participate. I’ll have an entry portal on this site granted he still puts it together for the Bowl. That said, I may find the need to gather with my own kind and leave the blogging for later.
Jim,
As I continue to mull over strengths and weaknesses. I think OSU’s best chance at slowing Oregon’s offense down is to play conservative. Force Masoli to try to beat you in the air. He isn’t as good passing as he is running. This would also neutralize LaMike James. Limit Oregon to short yardage and get some stops. If this happens …… Oregon may bring in Blount and try to run it up the gut. But as I mentioned earlier …. Oregon’s offensive line is pretty small and OSU should be able to contain. I think Masoli is the “x” factor though. He is a special talent and has shown throughout this season that he can pull out the big play and win games. Oregon had a few games late in the season that were decided on a single play. When the Duck needed it most ….. Masoli (and team) found a way to get it done.
I think this will be a very interesting matchup. Two very different styles of play….two very different programs. A Duck and a Nut.
Clockwork ……. what, are you like the Rose Bowl Fairy? You need to move past this Florida thing. I think it has stunted you growth.
LIST:
PortlandDuckFan
lulwut
Tony in Beavertown x
Rory
Welfare check, Stunted growth? Come on Tony. I would like to think you could do better then that, but I don’t really know anything about you. I just know how you are going to be feeling in the future. Hopefully like me you will have bounced back after about a week, but please don’t take it out on your family, if you have one. It’s going to be the New Year and all.
Havin fun yet?
Clockwork
It is interesting to read the advice that the OSU defense should be very aggressive. One of the Oregon coaches told me that, unfortunately for Oregon, OSU plays very disciplined defense, that they do not expose themselves to being trapped, etc. Of course, as you probably know, Oregon has made a living this year exploiting aggressive defenses.
You know, maybe that’s it. Stop them on the line of scrimmage as opposed to chasing them around the backfield. (moment of insight).
My thouhgts:
I expect a hard fought game with initially some rusty play and turnovers in the 1st quarter. As both teams settle in, we will see a charge to the half with both teams scoring on drives. In the second half, expect significant adjustments by the Ducks, and different playsets on both sides of the ball. Here is where the confusion and conditioning aspects point in favor to the Ducks. Late 3rd and early 4th the ducks will build a lead, then will ground-pound and use prevent D to close things out (though I would like to see us keep the foot on the gas). Ducks by 10-14 pts…
Clockwork,
I could do better than that……but out of respect for “Jim” and “GolfcartCarl” I am trying to be a little bit kinder to my OSU friends. I will regress to a post I made here on the Buckeye Blog (Blog posting: Ohio State to meet Oregon in the Rose Bowl on Dec 5th) I said,
“I suggest that you start happy hour well before the actual game…..maybe you can get drunk enough to pass out and avoid the heartbreak of seeing Ohio State get dismanteled by a much better team. My only request is that you don’t take your anger out on your family. Domestic violence is a terrible thing.”
Clockwork Fairy …… you need to come up with your own original material. Don’t take my previous comment and copy it. But, I guess that is what a clock does …… the same thing ……. time after time. Just like clockwork ……. Ohio State will lose the “big game”……. and just like clockwork ……. you will get depressed you will again get depressed …….. and just like clockwork ….. your welfare check is in the mail.
Someone just got schooled.. LOL.
Clockwork…sign me up!
Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
I have no dog in this one, and have reviewed both teams, IMO this is Oregon’s game to lose. Could they lose it, yep. The one thing I strongly agree with the OP is turnovers. If Oregon turns the ball over more than twice, I can see OSU taking this one…if they capitalize. If not, I see OSU punting a bunch and that is not a good thing against Oregon. Note the Stanford game…I think they punted only once in the game, and Oregon was still in that one. If you are continually punting to Oregon, get ready for a long night.
As was mentioned earlier, I think it is the Duck O vs the Bucks D.
Can tOSU limit Oregon to a passing game – maybe. If they do, could tOSU win? Probably. Will they? Naw.
Tony,
Dude, I totally didn’t get that comment from your old posts. That was just totally random. Seriously. How crazy. Maybe I see the past.
You still lose though
clizzockwork
Clockwork,
I must assume that you are a simple person. You should probably read the whole thread before making comments. That one post is part of an ongoing conversation. What you did was like…. reading one chapter pulled out of the middle of a book ….. and then complain that it was random. The crazy thing is ….. your repeated claims to see both the past and the future. Dude, get a ‘check up from the neck up’. Take a step outside your doublewide trailer once in a while to get a breath of fresh air. Tell your sister-mamma to give you a little space and go tend to your sheep. But always remember this …….. Just like clockwork …… your welfare check is in the mail.
Go Ducks ……. OOOOOOO
Tony,
Ya lame buddy. You are that guy that thinks your clever and witty, but you are just bald and fat. Just because you’re loud doesn’t make you right. Keep up with your name callin (I’m the simple person?) I’ll be fine in 2010. Plus i did exactly what i wanted to do with you which was get under your skin. I had my way with you already. Merry Christmas! Now i’m going to troll the Avatar message boards.
Troll ….. Future/Past Fairy …… whatever you want to call yourself. You did not get under my skin. I rather enjoyed this exchange. I wanted to find out what kind of wrath you can dish out. Your chest was puffed out in your original posting and your arrogance was in full display. You have now been reduced to dribble. It’s kind of funny that you are whimpering about me being loud not making me right. Did you actually read your first posting? You were loud……And I responded. Somehow…..I don’t think that your were joking about the Avatar thing.
I think my point has been made …… and I will go back to being nice to my friends in Ohio. Clockwork have a Merry Christmas and enjoy that Avatar thing.
Tony,
I just typed a response to this, but i realized that it is pointless to post because no matter what i type or you type The Ohio State University is going to beat the Ducks.
I think we can agree to disagree. Winning or losing is not the point here. But, for the sake of all good things in the universe…. I will be nice to my OSU friends and would again like thank this blog for welcoming us Ducks into your home.
If Oregon does happen to lose this game …….. I promise not to be like this bitter Miami guy ( Enjoy it. Because it’s gone ). Wow…. he is having a difficult time accepting this.
Cheers and Merry Christmas for all.
HAHAHAHA!!!! Good luck with that! GO DUCKS!!!!!
Get all the sunshine while you can people of Ohio….because when ‘Canes travel to the Horseshoe next September you will be hiding under a rock for months afterwards.
This will be the proper time, 8 years later, to show OSU fans/Big Ten country that their last National Championship was truly a gift.
Sorry Buckeyes but this has been brewing for a while now…The program known to the CF world as a powerhouse is about to get tactfu
lly exposed. Watch us play (dismantle) Wisconsin on Dec. 28, and once we soundly defeat your team we will have cemented the Big Ten’s reputation as a thing of the past: a sad relic of the glory days.
PS-Terry Porter ended our dynasty, not Mike Doss, not Maurice Clarrett or any other of the players (criminals) on that team you embraced and called collegiate athletes…Yeah, Miami fans are now in the position to say that, check the rap sheet.
Oh, and just a warning, Miami fans are not Michigan fans, they will actually bash your face in if you try to talk shit to them.
Miami…where did he come from? And pretty much what I’d expect from a Miami fan. A Miami fan calling Ohio State players criminal. Wow…just wow.
Of course the “bash your face in stuff” is right in line with what I’d expect. Search back a couple of years on this blog and you’ll find the video of the Miami fight on the field. That would be the one where the former Miami player was in the booth cheering them on. Real class act that Miami football program.
Just remember, while Ohio State fans were celebrating their national championship win, Dorsey was checking into the hospital where he would spend the night. A fact that keeps coming back to mind as I hear about Oregon offense.
Dear Miami Fan,
When all 9 of you show up in the Shoe in 2010 (much like you did in the desert) we’ll be glad to be hospitable to you. But if you want a fight, trust me…it’s really not a fight you want. Now, I’m sure YOU didn’t go to the “U”. I’m also sure that you root for whatever school in FL is winning at the time. I recall the baggage handler in Miami that had a “U” hat, a FSU shirt, and a pair of Florida shorts on in the Miami airport shortly after the Gators beat us in football and basketball for the NC’s. That would get you beat up in Ohio.
And far as Rap Sheets? Really? You can claim superiority of rap sheets? Mo Clarrett was released from the team after the NC game for violating the law the following season. Did we embrace him as a freshman who led us to the promised land? Hell yeah.
And as for Terry Porter? A flag was thrown because of 2 violations on one play. Holding off the line and PI in the end zone. PI was called in the end which sent you whining back to Miami. Oh, that’s right. you weren’t there anyway.
Get over it.
I’m all a shiver over the continued PAC 10 dominance and their being the best conference in the country after tonites Utah/Cal game.
Yea, the almighty pac 10 isn’t looking so great after these two losses in the bowls… and to the miami fan, are you really still crying about losing in the championship 7 years ago? WOW, get over it. we won the national championship. It was pass interference. Terry Porter got it right. and even if he “didnt” like you said, there is absolutely nothing u can do about it. we won, you didnt. stop crying. and we’ll see u in the shoe next year. Oh yea, and if you think your just going to walk all over us, you’ve got another thing coming. I doubt you personally or any of the Miami players for that matter have ever step foot in a stadium with 105,000 screaming fans. So I would advise you to think twice before you go “bashing faces in” because your going to be a little outnumbered. Granted, I do think it will be a very good game, but definitely not a blowout like you seem to think. Very typical of a Miami fan to be that cocky. Its about time you all improved though. I was getting worried you wouldn’t ever reach a BCS bowl again like we have for the last 5 years.. And one more thing, your comment about the Big Ten becoming a “sad relic of the glory days,” really amuses me… I dont think the ACC has been that much more impressive…and Miami definitely hasnt been contributing much to the cause since their glory days in 03…
Now for the Oregon game, its funny how overconfident Oregon fans are about their offense. Sure, they are very good and have given defenses fits all season long and put up a ton of points. I have a lot of respect for their unique and fast paced offense. But, they also haven’t faced many great defenses either. And yet you Oregon fans seem to think you could still put up 30 on whoever you play, hell you would probably still think that if you were facing the Colts in the Rose Bowl instead of us. All I’m saying is, sure Oregon will score points, but Ohio State has a very disciplined defense that the turnover-proned Ducks aren’t used to. I could easily see our defense forcing some turnovers in this one. And if you want some stats about our defense to back up my statements, how about this: Ohio State hasn’t allowed a 100 yard rusher all year. AND, since 2005, our defense has let a rusher gain 100 yards only 7, count it 7 times (that is the fewest in the nation out of all defenses since 2005). I think the real key to this game is Ohio States offense. If we play Tressel ball and run the ball well, get pryor in the open field, control the clock, and control field position, we have a good shot in this one. I predict our defense to get a few takeaways, and pryor has his coming out party like vince young did his sophomore year in the rose bowl to win a close one against oregon: 31-24. (That was for you, Miami fan. Thought i would remind you of the FINAL score of the 02 championship game..something you will never be able to change no matter how much you whine.)
And one last thought, I think the Miami fan remembers pretty well what happened the last time the whole nation thought we would lose. Should be a great game.
Go Bucks.
Finally John and Not Alan…I was beginning to think I was the only one here.
Still laughing over the Miami thing. That ACC really stepped it up once Miami joined them.
John,
The confidence in the Oregon offense is based on the fact that every top ten rushing defense that Oregon has played this year is no longer top ten. Arizona St and USC were 5th and 6th in rush defense before playing Oregon. No team has held James to under 100 yards when he gets the lion share of carries. I would say Ohio States best rush defense performance was holding Clay to under 80 yards but Clay is 6′ 2″ and heavy, not remotely close to James style. James is short and difficult for LB’s to pick up, if they commit early Masoli keeps, if you commit late James is in the End zone. I do not see OSU holding James under 130 Yards, if they do Masoli has a big game, If they hold both under 100 then TE Dickson has a big game. The most overlooked fact about the UO offense is that both the QB and RB’s are short and difficult to see behind an O line that averages 6′ 5″ 295lbs. I have never seen more cameramen follow the wrong guy down the field than with this years UO offense.
Oh…forgot the hurry up offense. That goes back to keeping the Oregon offense off the field.
Tom’s comment about being aggressive also has me rethinking everything. Maybe it’s more a matter of stacking up along the line of scrimmage, not giving them anywhere to go. Don’t play into the run and chase game. Turn them into a one-dimensional team (I know…not against this offense…) by forcing them to pass.
Dear ‘Not Alan’ Thicke,
I’m not over it.
Feeble arguments and insults might get you into a pissing match with another skunk, but not myself, a proud graduate of UM (BTW-thanks for unintentionally making me even prouder by doubting the fact as so). I’ve no time to attack your foolishness, as enough truth has been provided FACTUALLY exposing your program off the field, in quite the same manner the ‘Canes are about to expose your program on the field.
I’ll be brief, I promise.
Here are some FACTS:
• As we near 2010, The University of Miami has had one player arrest under head coach Randy Shannon, hired by the University in 2006: Robert Marve, arrested on charges of criminal mischief, n after punching the side-view mirror of a car in the presence of an officer on Halloween night. (Has since ‘left’ the team, transferring to Purdue.)
• Jan. 18, 2001: Tressel is hired.
(…In the words of your boy, Maurice Clarrett; ‘If they even knew half of what went on here…’).
• Nov. 15, 2001: Quarterback Steve Bellisari is arrested two days before the Illinois game for drunken driving. Tressel suspends the Buckeyes’ three-year starter indefinitely and then reinstates him to the team three days later. A senior, he practiced with the team for the Michigan game but did not play, then came off the bench to play most of the team’s Outback Bowl loss to South Carolina. He later served a weekend in jail.
• Oct. 30, 2002: A reserve long snapper on the Ohio State football team is charged with felonious assault for allegedly beating up a man. Kurt Wilhelm, 20, a sophomore walk-on, surrendered to police Tuesday. He is the younger brother of Buckeyes linebacker Matt Wilhelm. An arrest warrant was issued for Kurt Wilhelm following the incident at 2:15 a.m. Saturday in an apartment complex. A university official said coach Jim Tressel had been aware of the incident Saturday, which is why Kurt Wilhelm did not dress for the game against Penn State. But the official said the university was still looking into the details of what happened.
• Oct. 13, 2002: Linebacker Fred Pagac Jr. is charged with persistent disorderly conduct. Pagac was arrested at 3:45 a.m. after police said he was intoxicated and had a role in a fight involving two women outside a campus-area bar about 12 hours after the Buckeyes’ homecoming victory over San Jose State. The police report said an officer told Pagac to stop but he continued to fight. Pagac was suspended for the team’s next game at Wisconsin. Pagac pleaded innocent. In December, before the team’s national championship game against Miami in the Fiesta Bowl, Pagac was acquitted in a jury trial.
• Aug. 17, 2002: Defensive lineman Quinn Pitcock is charged with underage drinking in his hometown of Piqua. He is suspended from the team for the three weeks of preseason workouts, then worked out with the team and is not held out of any games. He pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct.
• Aug. 24, 2002: Flanker Chris Vance, the Buckeyes’ second-leading receiver from 2001, is suspended from the team before the season opener for what Tressel called a violation of team policy. Vance was with the team on the sidelines but did not play against Texas Tech. He rejoined the team for practice the following week but did not play in the second game against Kent State. Athletic director Andy Geiger later said Vance’s unspecified violation took place the previous winter. Vance returned for the third game and ended up as the team’s fourth-leading receiver. It was later revealed that Vance was arrested for under aged drinking at an off campus night club.
• July 29, 2002: Wide receiver Angelo Chattams is investigated for the alleged theft of a set of golf clubs from a sport utility vehicle in West Carrollton. Prosecutors approve but do not file a theft charge, permitting Chattams to enroll in a program for nonviolent, first-time offenders and avoid a charge. He was excused from the team to deal with the legal matter, then reinstated and played in the season-opener. He does not play again for the Buckeyes.
• July 26, 2002: Police find Branden Joe, a sophomore fullback, asleep in a car on a highway ramp near campus. The police report says he refused to take a Breathalyzer test. He was suspended for the three weeks of preseason camp and the team’s season opener against Texas Tech, then returns to the team although his playing time is limited by injuries.
• April 27, 2002: Linebacker Marco Cooper is arrested hours after the Buckeyes’ annual intrasquad scrimmage and charged with felony drug abuse and carrying a concealed weapon in his sports-utility vehicle. Cooper pleads guilty to two charges in November and is put on probation.
• March 2, 2002: Tight end Redgie Arden is arrested on a charge of drunken driving in his hometown of Ironton. The redshirt freshman is found guilty and is sentenced to three days in jail and fined. Suspended indefinitely from the team, he does not participate in summer workouts before the 2002 season but is reinstated before the start of the 2002 season and played in 11 games. He is a member of the 2004 team and is listed on the two-deep roster at defensive end.
– May, 2003: Chris Gamble and 9 other players are ruled ineligible by the university for signing autographs at a health care group’s convention. The players were paid an hourly salary for working at a booth operated by a central Ohio health care company at the Ohio Health Care Association’s convention May 5-8 in Columbus.
– October 11, 2003: Robert Reynolds chokes Wisconsin QB, Jim Sorgi, knocking him out of the Badgers’ 17-10 win over the Buckeyes.
– Fall 2003: NCAA investigates Ohio State players for possible academic ineligibility. Maurice Clarett is the focus of the investigation. Chris Gamble’s name was mentioned a few times at the beginning, but either nothing was found against him or the entire investigation was turned against Maurice when a teacher admitted that Clarett got preferential treatment. She was then was later fired by the university. Clarett was guilty of 14 violations of the ethical-conduct bylaw and two violations of receiving preferential treatment or benefits because he is an athlete. Clarett was suspended for the entire 2003 season.
• July 26, 2008: Ohio State defensive tackle Doug Worthington was arrested over the weekend and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated. According to OSU campus police records, he was charged at 3:13 a.m. Saturday on Woody Hayes Drive. Worthington, 20, is a starting defensive tackle and a redshirt junior who started 11 games for the Buckeyes last season. This follows the arrest in early July of OSU defensive back Eugene Clifford, who has since transferred to Tennessee State. If Worthington’s case follows past precedence, he may have to face a hearing before a faculty and student panel. That could determine whether he faces a potential suspension from school. He will at least feel the wrath of the coaching staff during preseason practice and face a demotion on the depth chart. Whether he misses any games this season is yet to be determined.
• July 7, 2008: Eugene Clifford, a backup cornerback for Ohio State and former Colerain High School football standout, is facing assault charges after allegedly punching two men in the face. According to police, Clifford hit two Holy Grail employees who were trying to break up a fight early Friday at the Corryville tavern. This is not the first time Clifford, 20, has been in trouble with the law or his team. In December 2007, Clifford, then in his first season with the Buckeyes, was suspended for an undisclosed violation of team rules. His suspension forced him to sit out of the national championship game against LSU. While a senior at Colerain, Clifford was cited for marijuana possession in March 2007. He paid a $105 fine in that case, though the player’s father, Eugene Clifford Jr. later denied the drugs belonged to his son. Clifford, who is facing two misdemeanor assault charges, is scheduled to appear in court Monday morning for his arraignment.
• Sept 24, 2007: Police arrested an Ohio State University football player Monday night on the city’s north side. According to the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, Antonio Henton was arrested and charged with soliciting a prostitute on North High Street and East 6th Avenue at about 8:30 p.m., NBC 4 reported. Henton is the third-string quarterback for the Buckeyes. Henton later pled guilty to a lesser loitering charge.
• April 2, 2006: Offensive tackle, Alex Boone, was cited for allegedly driving under the influence early Sunday morning. According to a statement released by the university, Alex Boone, 18, will be placed in the school’s drug and alcohol counseling program, NBC 4 reported. Police said Boone was arrested and charged after a two-vehicle crash. The crash occurred at the intersection of West 10th Avenue and South College Road at about 3:30 a.m. Head coach Jim Tressel said that Boone, a first-time offender, will not be suspended from practice or games, in compliance with departmental policy. Boone could face additional sanctions from the coach. “I consider any drug or alcohol offense to be a very serious matter and will treat this incident accordingly,” Tressel said. “The last thing we told the team after practice yesterday morning was to set their clocks ahead an hour when they went to bed at 10 p.m. last night. I am disappointed that message did not get through to everyone.” Boone played in 11 games last season as a true freshman.
• May 21, 2005: Defensive lineman Tim Schafer is charged with disorderly conduct after police twice had to break up early-morning fights between him and another man. The 6-foot-5, 295-pound Schafer, who started five games as an offensive lineman last season, and the 5-8, 200-pound other man were both bloody, had bite marks and smelled of alcohol.
• May 19, 2005: Redshirt freshman running back Erik Haw was cited after a university police officer said he saw him smoking a marijuana cigarette while standing outside a dormitory. Haw, expected to compete for the starting tailback job, faces a court appearance on Friday in Franklin County Municipal Court. Ohio State officials said he would enter a drug education program and undergo frequent testing.
• May 11, 2005: Redshirt freshman kicker Jonathan Skeete was suspended following an early morning arrest on an outstanding warrant for drug trafficking. Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel has suspended kicker Jonathan Skeete for violation of team rules. According to police reports, Skeete was arrested early Wednesday morning by University Police on a warrant for trafficking in marijuana. Skeete tried to sell just under 200 grams of marijuana to an undercover officer.
• December 21, 2004: Albert Dukes, a freshman WR was arrested in Palm Beach County, FL and charged with two second-degree felony counts of lewd and lascivious conduct involving a 12 year old girl. Tressel permits Dukes to travel with the team to the Alamo Bowl. The charges are later dropped, when the girl’s parents choose not to have their daughter testify in court.
• October 23, 2004: Lydell Ross is arrested at Pure Platinum gentlemen’s club on Bethel Road in Columbus for attempting to pass fake money to a 24-year-old woman at the club. The police report said the woman was an entertainer. Tokens are used at the club to pay for beverages or private dances. Ross was suspended for two games and the charges were later dropped.
• June 7, 2004: Ohio State University police arrested tight end Louis Irizarry and charged him with Criminal Trespassing at Neil and Tuttle Park Place. An officer pulled over his vehicle and a records check showed he had been banned from campus unless he got special permission from the university.
• May 17, 2004: Freshman Punter A.J. Traspasso is arrested again for underaged drinking. This time, it was by Perkins Township police near Sandusky, Oh.
• May 5, 2004: Freshman Punter A.J. Traspasso is scheduled to appear in Municipal Court at 9 a.m. Wednesday after being charged with underage drinking. The all-state punter was cited after the Spring Game along East 15th Avenue near campus, authorities said.
• May 1, 2004: Sophomore backups Louis Irizarry and Ira Guilford are arrested and charged with robbery after a student is assaulted and his wallet is stolen at 3 a.m. They are held in Franklin County jail through the weekend. Both plead innocent to the robbery charge, with Guilford released after paying a $25,000 bond. Irizarry is held pending a hearing to determine if he had violated his probation from an earlier assault conviction.
• April 29, 2004: Ohio State fullback Branden Joe was cited last week for an alleged misdemeanor open container violation, according to Columbus police.The incident allegedly happened last weekend in the parking lot of a campus-area convenience store.
Joe, a Westerville native, was found guilty of drunken driving in 2002 after officers found him drunk and sleeping in his car on an exit ramp along state Route 315.
• Nov. 16, 2003: At 3 a.m. after a win over Purdue and six days before the Michigan game, wide receiver Santonio Holmes and quarterback Troy Smith are charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct after a fight in a parking lot on campus. A window in a car is kicked out and one woman reported her jaw was broken. Holmes is held out of the starting lineup at Michigan but returns to play most of the game. Holmes also started in the Buckeyes’ Fiesta Bowl game. He pleads innocent to the disorderly conduct after the team returns to Columbus. The disorderly conduct charge is dismissed against Holmes on March 30, 2004. Smith is found guilty of the charge.
• Oct. 27, 2003: Louis Irizarry is charged with three counts of first-degree misdemeanor assault after three people sustain minor injuries during a fight in a Park Hall dorm room. Irizarry is suspended two days later. He is found guilty of one charge each of assault, negligent assault and disorderly conduct and pays $404 court costs and is put on probation. He is later reinstated to the team and is listed as the second-team tight end on the 2004 spring depth chart before he is suspended indefinitely after the May 1, 2004, arrest.
• June 2003: Sophomore tight end Redgie Arden of Ohio State pleaded innocent Monday to his second drunken driving charge in 15 months. Arden, 21, was arrested at 5:54 a.m. Sunday on a charge of operating a motor vehicle under the influence, the Ironton Police Department said. In March 2002, Arden pleaded guilty to a drunken driving charge in Ironton. He was sentenced to three days in jail and fined.
• April 2003: Running back Maurice Clarett reports that a car he has borrowed from a local used-car dealer was broken into and thousands of dollars in cash, CDs, stereo equipment and clothing was stolen. The car was in the parking lot at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center and Clarett calls police from a telephone in Tressel’s office. Clarett was later charged with lying to police about the value of the stolen items and is charged with misdemeanor falsification of the police report on the theft. Clarett pleads guilty on Jan. 14, 2004, to the reduced charge of failure to aid a law enforcement officer. He is ordered to pay the maximum fine of $100 and serves no jail time. The charge does not appear on his criminal record.
– Fall 2004: Maurice Clarett blows the whistle on tOSU.
– December 20, 2004: Troy Smith is suspended from playing in the Alamo Bowl for “violating team and NCAA rules and standards.”
-February 16, 2005: Offensive coordinator Jim Bollman is reprimanded by Ohio State for trying to arrange for a car and a loan for a recruit and for getting him a tutor. Tressel also received a letter of admonishment because he is Bollman’s supervisor. Ohio State determined that helping the recruit get a tutor for a college entrance exam in 2002 was a secondary NCAA violation. Tressel and his staff were given a reprimand in 2001 for providing a jersey to a prospect.
– July 20, 2005: A published report Wednesday said Ohio State athletic officials were looking into a possible second NCAA rules violation involving quarterback Troy Smith. The Canton Repository reported that Smith recently attended a quarterback camp held by Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair. Smith, who was one of six college athletes at the camp, was the only one whose university is on academic quarters rather than semesters. According to the newspaper, if Smith missed a class to attend the camp, he violated NCAA rules. Head Coach Jim Tressel confirmed to the newspaper that the university is looking into Smith’s situation but said the school’s compliance department is not finished with its inquiry.
– July 8, 2005: Brandon Maupin was suspended for the 2005 season. In December, it was revealed that Maupin owed the city of Columbus $1,943 for 36 unpaid traffic tickets. Officials would not elaborate on the reasons for Maupin’s suspension for the entire 2005 season other than to say “he failed to meet team responsibilities.”
– Dec 6, 2005: Police said that an apartment belonging to Ohio State football players A.J. Hawk and Nick Mangold was burglarized in the days following the team’s win over Michigan. According to a Columbus Division of Police report, the burglary occurred sometime between Nov. 22 at 6 p.m. and Nov. 23 at 8 p.m. Hawk, Mangold, and a third roommate, Jonathan Thomas, told police that their apartment in the 100 block of West Norwich Avenue was broken into and about $3,000 in cash, $1,425 in movies, two laptop computers, a $500 Gucci watch, two Microsoft X-Box games valued at a total of $500, a Sony Playstation game valued at $250 were taken. Police were not told about the crime until Nov. 28, according to their report.
– Dec 22, 2005: Offensive lineman Andree Tyree was suspended for violating team rules and will not play in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 2. No other details about the suspension were revealed Thursday. Senior Tyree has played in 12 games in his career at Ohio State, including five this season. It was later revealed that Tyree had failed his third drug test.
– Mar 7, 2006: Ohio State kicker Jonathan Skeete returned to the team as a walk-on following his suspension and arrest on drug trafficking charges. Skeete was suspended from the school and team when university police arrested him in May. He was convicted in October and sentenced to a year of probation. He reapplied to Ohio State when his suspension expired, and he was readmitted. He is a convicted felon. In October, he was found guilty of fifth-degree felony drug trafficking. He was sentenced to a year’s probation. The second charge was dropped when Skeete pleaded guilty to the first.
– Aug 9, 2006: Ohio State tight end Marcel Frost was suspended for the upcoming season for violating team rules. Athletic department officials declined to comment on the nature of the violation. Frost will remain on scholarship and will be eligible to rejoin the team next season, school spokesman Dan Wallenberg said Wednesday.
– Dec 20, 2007: Ohio State suspended backup cornerback Eugene Clifford for violating team rules. According to media reports, Donald Washington was also suspended, but an Ohio State spokesperson had said that was not the case. On Dec 28, cornerback Donald Washington was declared eligible to play in the Allstate BCS Championship Game, OSU athletic director Gene Smith said Friday, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
– Apr 11, 2008 – Defensive backs Donald Washington, Eugene Clifford and Jamario O’Neal are in limbo right now, being held out of practice for unspecified reasons but also not officially suspended. Wearing sweats and workout clothes, the trio ran laps and did other conditioning work while the Buckeyes practiced yesterday. It was rumored that all three failed their most recent drug tests. Washington, O’Neal – Suspended for 2 games. Clifford – His second offense in six months – gone for the year.
– Article in the Columbus Dispatch dated May 31, 2009: “Since 2000, Ohio State has reported to the NCAA more than 375 violations — The most of any of the 69 Football Bowl Subdivision schools that provided documents to The Dispatch through public-records requests.”
…and by the way, I’d have told baggage handler at MIA that he’s a faggot as well.
Sorry for suggesting you didn’t go to the “U”. Yes…I can apologize. I had a few beers and was feeling a little fiesty. Don’t come into an Ohio State blog saying Miami fan will “bash your face in if you try to talk shit to them”. Not in our house you won’t. I hardly believe you represent the alumni fan base of a small private institution whose motto is “It’s all about the U”.
I like how you bring up tOSU’s player’s issues during periods of great success in the last 9 years but compare it with 3 years of the “U” under Randy Shannon. That’s like comparing Buckeye Nuts to Hazel Nuts. I wonder why (no I don’t) the University of Miami BANNED players from carrying guns under Shannon’s watch in 2007? Just be glad Shannon didn’t allow Zach Kane in. I have to believe the university is scrutinizing potential recruits very closely given the storied history of the Miami program. While Shannon is at the helm, one would surmise that the Athletic Program is governing its coach very closely.
And while not under Shannon’s watch, how can we forget your prized recruit Willie Williams. What a choir boy he was. He was arrested 11 times in a five-year span from 2000-04, mainly on theft and burglary charges. He already was on probation for a 2002 felony burglary charge. And yet your proud and distinguished program allowed him in.
But I digress. From the best I can tell from your summary from our beloved Dispatch, the legal justice system or The University dealt with their indiscretions accordingly. I’m not real sure of the “crime” in the AJ Hawk et al apartment break in.
I wonder what I might find when I do a search on Miami players rap sheets while winning games under the guidance of the Schnellenberger, JJ, Erickson, Davis and Coker era’s? Maybe I won’t find anyting, but wasn’t it in 1995 that the NCAA concluded, the university had lost institutional control over the football program? I wonder what prompted that (no I don’t).
As for Terry Porter, some MEDIA villified him for the call. Well known sports announcers like Jim Rome and writers like Rick Reilly who we have grown to trust and believe talked about it for weeks. Do you know why? Because they get PAID to raise ratings for their show or magazine to stir up the pot. Even Dennis Dodd of CBS who was so outspoken later recanted. Hell. It’s even why this blog is here. And Dan Fouts assertion that it was a “Bad Call” from the booth was heard by millions so he must have been right!
However, they are not OFFICIALS nor REFEREES. Let me make this as easy as possible for you. The hands on the back make it a holding penalty, and the ball being in the air makes it a pass interference penalty. So if you didn’t see it, let me share it with you again.
http://home.earthlink.net/~ohiobort/Cryami.html
Additionally, the National Association of Sports Officials later called it one of the best calls…EVER. This is a well published and read professional journal.
http://www.naso.org/PressReleases/st143.htm
So Miami fan? Terry Porter is not out to win a popularity contest with your fan base or anyone elses. He didn’t end your dynasty. Your superior players lost the game on the field. Terry Porter made the right call.
Maybe I’ll see you in Columbus next fall. I’ll just go where I smell a skunk.
Wow …… thats some rap sheet. I guess that answers the Blount question. I am personally not in favor of him returning to the field. But after seeing how Ohio State runs it program …… I may have to question my own position.
Does OSU have a an active recruiting strategy for the Ohio Correctional System? Or is this just a feeder program for the University?
Tony-Looks as though the Buckeye rap sheet was treated with suspensions and/or termination of scholarships as well as legal punishment. Oregon chose to punish public embarrassment by suspending Blount for losing his mind and punching someone on the field at the end of a game (albeit he didn’t get arrested) in their manner (which by the way, I don’t disagree with). I would encourage any D1 team to do a rap sheet on their team. I’m pretty sure you won’t embrace everything you find from the coaches to the players behavior. Miami chose to let there program get so out of hand the NCAA had to step in because they couldn’t govern themselves. Just sayin…
So glad you were brief. I find my stomach turning as I even lower myself to take the time to respond to this nor will I take the time to a) fact check and b) research the violations of a team (Miami) I could really care less about. They and this response are not worth my strife.
That being said, to try and paint Ohio State as a program riddled with discipline problems is absurd — especially coming from a Miami fan.
You want to go back to 02-03, along with the video from Not Alan, I’ve posted the still shot many times over the year on this blog. Search for it yourself. Also remember that Miami got the pass interference in the following possession giving them the 1st down on the one. The Buckeyes held them with a goal line stand.
That and of course, Dorsey was sacked on the first possession and the night only got worse for him.
Not Alan and I were in Phoenix that night and what was even more amazing was the lack of class demonstrated by Miami players in the paper the next morning. They continued to spout their attitude that Ohio State didn’t even belong on the same field.
Maybe you’re different Enjoy It but so far, you’re reinforcing my basic impression of Miami and their fan base. Ever time I think they can’t get much lower, I come across someone like Enjoy It.
Be honored that you get the opportunity to grace our presence Enjoy It. Buckeyes schedule years in advance and when we scheduled you, we hoped for a top ranked team. Instead, I guess we’ll have to settle for a top five ACC team.
For now, we’ve got a much bigger, much better game at hand. Oregon presents a challenge. Miami will present little more then a stain on the bottom of my shoe.
Hey Miami fan…Merry Christmas.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1006688/1/index.htm
I mean really? The Miami Pot calling the Ohio Kettle Black?
All those “U” championships under that cloud. And don’t forget that your present coach Randy Shannon is “alleged” to be the distributor of funds provided by Luther Campbell of 2 Live Crew for big hits and bounties on players.
I loved Campbell’s reaction to the questions about this on ESPN’s 30 for 30 show highlighting the “U”. Could he have been anymore telling with his sarcasm?
See you in Columbus.
105,000…pretty intimidating….right…
Travel to a FHSAA football game in North Miami, and you’ll rediscover your definition of intimidating. Do yourself the favor of going into the stands of Traz Powell stadium and watch Miami Northwestern take on Carol City.
That’s intimidating.
I think I might know why. What’s your reasoning?
Use your intuition. You have that, right?
Very much so. Do they make everyone go through metal detectors at those games?
Have fun attempting to win 5 national championships in 18 years as the Canes have done.
And furthermore, from one fan to another, enjoy your one crystal ball in the past 40 some odd years, even if it was a gift.
(I’d give you the ’70 Championship, but you lost the lousy Rose Bowl, come on Bucks!)
I just realized it’s difficult to discuss national championships with a fan base so inexperienced in winning them. Foolish of me, I apologize.
See you in 2010.
ooooooo a big high school game yea i’m really intimidated now. WOW your killing me. haha I mean serious question…how many people go to one of those games? Probably a maximum of 50,000 i would assume. So do the math there big guy and add about 60,000 more people and you have the Horseshoe. Honestly, did you seriously compare Ohio Stadium to a high school game? lol wow..thats hilarious. And good research there on our troubled players. I find it extremely amusing though that you want to argue about us having “criminals” when that is what Miami is known for and very proud of. “The Bad Boys.” I don’t even want to think about how many violations and issues that went unlooked and Miami players could have had during that time period if that University of yours wouldve had the balls to crack down on your players and that “bad boy” attitude. If i’m not mistaken it was because of the cockiness of the Miami players and fans such as you that they had to do away with celebrations in college football. You all were so immature you just couldnt contain yourselves. As for championships, we have 7. and we also have 7 heisman trophy winners. tied for the most of any school. So once you match that..then you can talk trash to us. But until then, do us all a favor and get off this thread. Your just embarassing yourself and giving a bad name to Miami fans. I mean honestly, this is for the Rose Bowl aka the Granddaddy of them all between Ohio State and Oregon. Not for crybabys like you who have been whining about Miami losing to us for the past 7 years. Seriously, move on. GROW UP. oh yea and have fun in that champs sports bowl…
I was comparing our 2 current coaches’ regimes, hmm, OSU really is putting some scholars out there in the world? Don’t attempt to compare your 7 national championships over 7 decades with out 5 (6) in 18 years in the MODERN ERA.
THERE IS NO COMPARISON.
And all this talk about ‘class’. Sit down with Jacory and Terrell, you tell me who has more class. ‘Nuff said.
Enjoy your meaningless bowl game (yup, keep bragging about playing for pride in the ‘grandaddy’ when no stakes are on the line) , while Miami will enjoy their meaningless bowl game as well. Don’t look now, but this program has climbed from 5 to 7 to likely 10 wins this year.
Storm’s a brewin’.
Meaningless? Have you forgotten the importance of playing in a New Years Day Bowl game and the money it brings into a University as well as the importance of recruiting on national television?
Enjoy your Tuesday night game Champs Weedeater Bowl.
And you want to talk class? Comparing TP to Jacory? Really? Tell me what makes Jacory such a resounding pick over TP? I’m not doubting you but you are such a facts guy I’d like to know. Is there a class scale I’m missing? Why did you pick those 2 vs. a couple of LB’s or OL players? Let’s talk team class. Like the “U’s” FIU incident in 2006. I would imagine there are a few holdovers from that team on this years squad. And class like all those during the not so long ago hey day of Miami football who relished in the bad boy image that led to the loss of Institutional Control? REAL CLASSY. Pell Grants for everyone!
Ohio State Since 1980 (Just My definition of the Canes hey day):
-19 Academic All Americans
-12 National Scholar Athletes (2nd all time only behind Nebraska)
Maybe you have more? Maybe you don’t.
Wow. What a great showing from that outstanding Miami team. Put the fear in all of us even after Wisconsin, in classic Wisconsin style, tried their best to throw the game at the end. Wisconsin played in classic Big Ten style. Their defense shut down a Miami offense that could never find their rhythm. Expect more of the same next year in the shoe.
As for “Enjoy It’s” rap sheet, unlike Miami, Ohio State handles their discipline problems. Much easier to conduct the research you did when the university publicly deals with their problems.
To say that the Rose Bowl is a meaningless bowl further demonstrates the quality that has dropped in on this discussion.
So I hope you “enjoyed it” Miami fan. Unlike Ohio State we really haven’t heard much from Miami since they lost their last shot at the National Championship. Just keep beating up on the ACC…or wait, you didn’t do that either.
Hey Miami fan, could you please save your posts for another day? I’m looking forward to the matchup of OSU and UM, it should be one hell of a game. The problem is, that’s next year!!!
As a Duck fan, this has been one of the more enjoyable and well thought out posts I’ve seen by both fans. Outside of a few idiots, most posts have been great reads, THANKS!!!
I would like to have wrote down my take, but it looks like all my points have already been put forth by other bloggers. I will say that I think it will be a close game. I honestly don’t see a blow out, nor do I see a high scoring game. Both teams will be a bit rusty from the holiday lay off. I will make this point, I think it may affect OSU more due to the fact they have been off the field longer. I forget the date OSU played their last game, but Oregon played almost two weeks later in the Cival War. It may, or may not make any difference but I think it will. Then again, it could help heal those nagging injuries if there was any for OSU!
Heres to a great game and good luck. GO DUCKS!
You expect something more from a Miami fan? For the most part, the Oregon fans have shown class on this blog and have provided an interesting discussion. Then we have this.
MY,MY, MY, maybe we should change the name of the blog to the Mighty Ducks Blog. They seem to be taking over and have all this knowledge. I’m impressed that the one time wonders from Oregon have so much to say. Where will they be when the games over. Will crawl back under their rock never to be heard from?
Keys to the game are simple. 1. Defense,Defense,Defense. 2. Turnovers, 3. Special teams.
In closing I have been listening about how strong the PAC 10 is, as of today they are 0 and 2.
Not a very good start to the bowl season. Will USC be the next victum?
Everyone have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
The game plan is to hit Masoli and put the fear of God into him? Good luck with that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eauRx_BjTFA&feature=PlayList&p=67754B5F64ED50A7&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=20
Or maybe like this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMyh5zxZwco
Love the videos ……. OSU friends …….. these are not highlights!!! This is how Masoli plays every down. He is a runningback who can throw the ball. You will not see Masoli “slide into first base” trying to save his body. This is “smash mouth” football my friends.
OOOOOO Go Ducks!! OOOOOO
he he he. I believe we should change this to the Ducks blog. These videos tell all. GO DUCKS!!!!
GolfcartCarl….Thank you for the Christmas greeting. I think you have a great idea ……. Yes change this forum to …… “The Mighty Duck Blog”. You would probably have more hits. Jim, I officially would like to extend a hand and welcome you into “Duck Family”. We have a secret handshake that I will teach you later.
Carl….You shouldn’t be fixated on other Pac10 schools right now ……. because you are about to get quack attacked. Have you ever seen what a Duck can do to a Nut? Not pretty my friend ….. not pretty.
8 days and counting …….. Long live RoboDuck.
Tony…did anyone mention that Buckeyes are poisonous?
Ducks don’t eat nuts ……. we are safe. ……whew.
Eat them? Heck no. Fun to stomp, though!
6 days and counting
countdown timer… http://tournamentofroses.com/rosebowlgame/index.asp
I read your opening salvo, and I nearly vomited with all of the typos and grammatical errors. How could anyone take you seriously?
Abe…get a life. This is a blog. If you want correct punctuation……get a book. Most folks come here because we a passionate about our teams…..so, if you don’t like it ……. take your vomit somewhere else. I heard “trolling the Avatar boards” was fun.
Gee Shakespeare? Really? BTW, Threeyardsandacloudof is not a typo. I think AB does very well writing this blog. After all, it’s not his job, he has a family, he’s traveling, seeing family in OH, celebrating Christmas, AND trying to maintain a blog. And he certainly gets a lot of hits.
So if you don’t like it, go stick your fingers in your throat, don’t read it, and find another place to post your drivel.
all i have to say is how many teams has oregon beat that are still ranked in the top 20. the awnser is one number 20(az), while ohio state has beat two in the top 15.
Q: How do you get an Ohio State Grad off your porch?
A: Pay him for the pizza
GO Ducks!!!!!!
Did your mommy tell you that?
No …… Your wife ……
I think I left my watch on your nightstand …… I will pick it up next week while you are at work.
Cheers
TIB-u funny
Not Alan ….. Gotta keep the competitive juices flowing while we wait for the Rose Bowl. “The People’s Buckeye” shouldn’t have made it personal by bringing my “mommy” into the conversation. I am trying so hard to be a “good” guest in your home. LOL ….
The last 5 games OSU averaged 258 yards rushing, allowing 77 yards. They have scored 31 points allowing only 9.6. I just watched the USC UO game again and the Civil war. I see the PAC 10 is 0-2 and the Beavers got smoked. USC is struggling to hold off BC as I write. The facts are misleading. OSU will be ready to play and either teamed could get embarrassed, shit happens.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/313955-2009-elite-selection-playoff-week-14-and-bcs-championship-predictions
Buckeye fans, you need to understand why Oregon and PAC-10 fans don’t think as much of Ohio State and the Big Ten as you do. Most of you won’t agree, but you at least need to see it. Your view of your team and your league is based more on the relatively distant past than on the recent past and present. This game isn’t being contested in 1960, 1970, or even 2002. Similarly, your view of your opponents is based on your standards of what works in college football, which is what works in your league. In our view, both your style and view of football are out of date and a step behind, and recent history shows it to be true. The team with the big, strong line doesn’t win all the time anymore…your analysis of this Rose Bowl based on that is laughable to us. The Big Ten and Ohio State don’t perform well against other good competition lately, and it’s because what you do doesn’t work against good competition….IN TODAY’S WORLD. You are not learning from history and you are repeating it. Here is what we see –
We see a Big Ten that hasn’t had a winning bowl season since the 2002 OSU national championship year. We see 15-28 in bowls the last six seasons. We see 1-6 in bowls last year. Worse, we see six straight Big Ten BCS losses, by an average of over 17 points. The last Big Ten Rose Bowl win was ten years ago. That’s what’s happened lately.
USC has won ten straight against the Big Ten, mostly by big margins and mostly against the Big Ten’s best teams. We don’t just see one game you lost to them early this year and one that we won big – we see a larger reality. Your style of football is ineffective against good teams that play faster and more wide open football. That’s why you’re 0-9 in bowls against the SEC. USC, by the way, has lost its last four games in the state of Oregon. Why should we fear this matchup? Ohio State is the exact kind of team that Oregon plays well against. Oregon is the exact kind of team Ohio State struggles against. That wasn’t true of our fathers’ Buckeyes and Ducks, but it is true today.
Since Chip Kelly came to Oregon the Ducks are 5-0 against BCS teams out of league, including two double-digit bowl wins in which they were underdogs. That run includes a visit to Ann Arbor in which the Ducks rolled up a bigger margin (39-7) than the Buckeyes EVER have won by there. In the same three years Ohio State is 1-4 vs. BCS teams out of league. The one win was against PAC-10 doormat Washington….Ohio State trailed at halftime in that one, and the 33-14 margin was less than any of Oregon’s in any of its last six games against Washington.
Last year Oklahoma State fans talked a lot about how soft the PAC-10 was and about their gaudy rushing offense and defense stats. The Cowboys got outrushed 307-119 in the Duck win and afterward some of the fans whined about Oregon being dirty because our safety put a big hit on their QB (not to mention our QB putting one on their safety). They had trouble accepting that Oregon could do that to their mighty team, but it happened. Does it sound like any recent big Ohio State bowl losses? It does to me.
One more thing you have to understand about us – we have a chip (so to speak) on our shoulder about the opportunities our team has gotten compared to the ones your team and league regularly get. The Big Ten continues losing big bowl games and gets two BCS teams every year while the PAC-10 never gets two BCS teams. The 2005 Ducks lost one game all season – to top-ranked unbeaten USC – and were ranked #5 at the end of the year. BCS bowl? Nope. New Year’s Day? Nope. Holiday Bowl. We look at your 2002 title team compared with our 2001 team and what might have been for us. Your team was second in the polls and played Miami for the BCS title….you won. You deserved it. In 2001, Oregon was ranked second in both polls. BCS title game? Nope. That went to Nebraska, who didn’t even make the Big 12 title game. Colorado (#3 in BCS), who won the Big 12 and scored 62 on Nebraska in the last game of the season, matched up with Oregon (#4 in the BCS) in the Fiesta Bowl and Oregon won 38-16 (it was 38-7 in mid-4th quarter too). Everyone acknowledged that Oregon should have played Miami. That type of slight wouldn’t sit well with your fan base, but you never face that kind of slight. We have, and now we have a chance to play Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. We don’t see an opponent with a bunch of national titles and Heismans compared to our none and none….that’s all old news. We see an opponent that has failed outside of its league and on the big stage lately going against our team that has been denied the stage it has deserved at times, and we think this is our perfect opportunity to validate our view. We also expect it to happen, as we think recent history points to it quite clearly.
I might be wrong in my expectation of an Oregon win, and if I am I will return here and say so. I’ll be interested in what you say if the Ducks win. Again, I’m sure you don’t agree with my viewpoint but perhaps you understand better how things look from this end.
Pac 10 can even things up when UCLA plays the powerful Temple. I picked Temple. Utah, BYU, Boston College, Temple, Oklahoma, No offense Nebraska, and of course the weak big 10 OSU. With a bowl schedule like that it’s no wonder you are a legend in your own minds. The weak Big 10 plays Miami, Iowa State, Auburn, LSU, Texas Tech, Georgia Tech and Oregon. Why I am so glad we do not have to play the powers the PAC 10 is, why we would go winless I am sure.
You barely beat the Beavers, why, they had no defense. BYU has exposed the Pac 10
Keys to the Game:
Q: What’s a Buckeye?
A: A nut that always cracks under pressure.
(WHF……Tough talk for a fan of a team that has had three (3) straight bowl losses.)
Q: Why can’t Pryor use the phone?
A: He can’t find the receiver.
(Tressel will run the ball…run the ball…..run the ball…..run the ball.)
Q: How do you keep Ohio State’s football team off your lawn?
A: Paint it to look like an endzone.
(Tressel will play conservative “field position” football and settle for field goals)
Q: What is the difference between a dollar bill and Ohio State University?
A: A dollar bill is good for 4 quarters.
(The pace of Oregons offense will wear out Ohios defense by the third quarter)
Q: How do you make Ohio State cookies?
A: Put them in a big bowl and beat for three hours.
(I am getting hungry ………….)
WHF …… According to you ……. BYU has exposed the Pac 10. So, if Oregon routs Ohio State then does that mean we will expose the Big 10 as being a weak conference? For your sake ….. I hope this does not turn into a blow out. I personally think it will be a close and competitive game. I like oregons style of play better and although Ohio State has the bigger Defense …… Oregon has a quicker Offense.
By the way…..who cares what other teams you picked. What does that have to do with anything?
guess we should all just go ahead and bow down to him then. you think your stout quarterback is such a bruiser, try taking down 6’6″ 240 pound terrelle pryor. All I’m saying is, just because he can occasionally knock a few guys around..doesn’t mean he can’t get hurt. HE’S HUMAN. So I would advise him to slide every once in awhile..otherwise your boy might just end up on the sideline after taking a hit from our defense.
John, lets not get petty. Of course he is human and can get hurt. That said ……. I have never seen him take a slide. He usually hits harder than the Defense. You have not played a team this year with a QB that has the skills and heart of Masoli. Your Defense dosen’t hit any harder or softer than what he has experienced in the Pac10.
I think you will gain some respect for this kid after you watch him play in the Rose Bowl. He is a terrific College QB …… but his game will not transfer very well into the Pros.
And of course there’s this…
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls09/news/story?id=4776619
Looks like we got two QB’s with knee problems now. I am pretty impressed with Pryor though. A torn PCL is pretty serious. For him to be playing this good with the injury just shows what kind of talented athlete he really is.
Yes slide especially since he is known to have a weak knee. He could end up with MKS, better known as McGahee Knee Syndrome.
WHF ….. Your are not planning to go “Tonya Harding” on us are you? If I hear about him being clubbed in the knee while walking off the team bus …… I will know who did it.
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say the team that puts the most points on the board is going to come away with the win. All of this speculation is very entertaining!
GO DUCKS!!!!
CommonSense Prevails!
We are an odd lot, though…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZC8EXI44eM
Not Alan …….. After watching the video …….. I think the term “odd lot” may be an understatement.. Seriously though…….loved the video. This is what college football is all about. Thanks for the link.
Great video from a great documentary. If you look close, you can see Not Alan and I in the background of a couple of those clips.
And for the record, we tossed Buckeyes into my wife’s grandfather’s grave at his funeral. A last minute decision was made not to include the Woody bobble head.
Any one making idle threats is a moron, born that way or is it something you worked at. If he gets him self busted up on the field whats that got to do with me.
Its duck fans that claim the Big Ten is weak so a win is pretty meaningless. learn to read – try slowing down it may help. Just like a win on a team that is missing it’s starting receivers, a tight end, and several high impact defensive players, no pride in beating a team that was not able to field it’s best players.
WHF ( aka Tonya Harding ) Blah…..Blah……Blah. You sound like Charlie Browns teacher. Let me slow it down for you Chucky.
Y-O-U …. W-R-O-T-E: “You barely beat the Beavers, why, they had no defense. BYU has exposed the Pac 10″
I assume that the “exposed the Pac10″ can be translated to “the Pac10 is weak”. So, if BYU exposed the Pac10 ….. which in turns beats Ohio State ……. what does that say about the Big10?
I don’t think any Duck fan has said that a win at the Rose Bowl was meaningless. Where on this blog has anyone (other than you) said that.
It is pretty sad that I need to explain your own words back to you. In the future ….. please post meaningful topics that add to the conversation…..rather than the dribble about what teams you picked.
The moron thing …… I will let it slide and not retaliate in kind. I am trying to be nice to my OSU friends. No hard feeling here.
You Moron McGahee was a Miami Hurricane RB who took on a silver bullet and lost big time in the NC game.
Tony
You are the posting stupid jokes at a OSU blog – that is meaningful. We were discussing a QB sliding vs taking a beating. OSU is not that desperate to win games we would sacrifice TP. Its pack 10 fans saying and posting all over the net about the weak Big 10, on the SEC bandwagon. Ok we admit that the Big 10 has not fared as well as other conferences as of the past few years. Look at who the Pac 10 plays in bowls this year, and look at the teams the Big 10 will play. You have now lost two games one more and you will not have over 500. You are the one with your mind in the gutter with Tanya H.
Not just stupid jokes. Stupid half-baked jokes that are easily interchangeable given the name of another university or player. Don’t bring his mother into question though when it comes his playground-like jokes. Apparently, it’s a really touchy subject from his adolescent years and he’ll mistake it for being personal rather than an insult on his own diminutive mind.
Here is what I have found out about many OSU fans (not all) ……. they have very thin skin. WHF ……. I am talking about YOU. Put your big pants on and quit acting like a baby. Take responsibility of what…..YOU….posted. You said that BYU has exposed the Pac 10. My comment was in response to your “logical thinking”. If Oregon beats Ohio State …… what does that say about the Big 10. Obviously the “Tonya Harding” comment was not to be taken seriously.
TPB aka “The Peoples Buckeye” – The jokes are just a light hearted way to point out keys of the game (in my opinion). Playground like? You bet. This is the time of year to have a little fun. The crack about my “diminutive mind”…..I forgive you brother and won’t respond in kind. This is the second time you have thrown insults in my direction. I responded the first time …… but will let you have the last word this time. Merry Christmas.
Your original joke (without game analysis) was what deserved a lack of respect. You’re lame and mundane. Had it not been something I haven’t heard before a million times traded back and forth between my school, and the University of Michigan, I would have given you slack and respect. The only thing you have going for you is your ability to back pedal like no other.
I don’t need cracks, but apparently you do to keep things “interesting.”
@TPB aka “The Peoples Buckeye”. …. Why don’t you just leave it alone and move on with your life? You had the first insult and I let you have the last insult …… Your original posting on Dec 26th was a “crack”. Maybe my response hit closer to home than you would like. But if you are going to dish it out …… be prepared to equally take the response. In the Christmas spirit of things…..I tried to give you a way out. Obviously that did not work because you continue to hurl insults from the gutter. I am not sure where the back pedaling comes from. This entire thread is because of a lighthearted (childish and fun) joke that I posted. Again……maybe it hit closer to home…..you probably work at Dominos. But, I am definately not a “back pedaler”. Thanks for this engaging conversation…….and just for the record …… Your wife did find my watch on your nightstand and I picked it up Tuesday afternoon while you were at work. She shared your family photo album with me and I got a kick out of one of your pictures.
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2009/1230092joe1.html
Your wife has told me so much about you and it is great to finally put a face to your name “The Peoples Buckeye”. Didn’t you know that drinking Budwiser beer in a public Ohio park is illegal? You look great …….. but the “belly ring” has to go. Cheers.
I wonder how a Pac 10 Big 10 square off would have played out this year
Oregon vs Ohio State – this one we get to see
Arizona vs Iowa – I think they played already and Iowa won
Oregon State vs Penn State – we saw that OSU did not handle defense very well
Stanford vs Wisconsin – Wisky is better at stopping a rush than Ohio State
USC vs Northwestern – BC is not as good as NW this year on either side of the ball
I think for sure Big 10 would win 3 here – anyone else care to speculate the last 3
I find it interesting how quickly one of these discussions deteriorates into an all out brawl, with almost no focus on the original topic.
I think the real question for this game isn’t going to be a matter of OSU Offense vs. UO defense. The ducks don’t have a great defence. I’m not trying to put them down, that just isn’t the strength of their game. They’ve beat their opponants in every game this year simply by being able to score an unbelievable amount of points. Even if the Duck’s defense completely falls apart, it’s still going to be difficult to outscore the ducks.
I think the real focus for the Buckeyes has to be their defense. One of the constant statements that continually pops out on this thread is that UO hasn’t played against a defensive powerhouse equal to OSU. This is true. However, if OSU’s defense comes out and tries to play an extremely aggressive game, I think the Buckeyes will lose. Massouli has proven consistently that he can beat that style of D. He can hand it off to James, who is a quick running back and difficult to take down (and don’t forget Blount, who while not as fast, usually just runs over the defenders), he can run it himself, or he can make quick passes under pressure. The problem with an aggressive defense is that it always leaves wholes, and Massouli is good at exploiting them.
What OSU needs to be able to do is deny openings. Call a lot of contain plays. Focus on shutting down the receivers, so that Massouli doesn’t have anywhere to throw the ball. This also allows OSU to keep their linemen in position to shut down the run. Even if UO is able to pick up three or four yards per run, that isn’t the strength of their game. Their game centers around having too many offensive options, which confuses the D. If Buckeyes want to win, they need to play a very disciplined Defense. You’re not going to shut the Ducks’ Offense down completely, but make them focus on small gains, and make them run the ball continually.
This will tire out the offense, is more likely to frustrate Massouli than trying to sack him, and will also lead to the fumbles that have been UO’s biggest problem this season. Either way it comes out, this is going to be a great game, and I can’t wait to see it! This is a matchup of a truly great offense, against an incredible defense, and the big question is which of these two units will be superior.
Great analysis Beaver Believer. Although I started out with the “hit ‘em hard” stuff, I think a disciplined defense is key and that bodes well for the Buckeyes. The ability to contain Massoli and hold the Oregon offense to short yardage, force them from their normal game will be huge. Don’t give Massoli the chance to establish a rhythm and leave him frustrated.