Once I hear the strategy, I might be able to comment how Kelly may react, or if I feel OSU is on track ( PS… I think there is a right answer to stopping the ducks!)

Granted, the uniform thing is silly (and I stole it from a Penn State site) and so is the back and forth about the Ducks/Buckeye. Did you notice the picture I use next to this signature (circa 1965) ? Not really the most intimidating of mascots but it works for me. It’s going to be hard to let Oregon off the hook for the uniforms though. It’s just such a drastic difference between Ohio State and Oregon.

As for the game, the one thing that keeps coming back to me is the confidence of this Oregon fan base. They’re also really hung up on USC and Purdue. The Buckeyes were asleep through the Purdue game. Not an excuse but it was a wake up call and the play changed dramatically at that point.

As for USC, I was there and it was a great game. The Buckeyes beat themselves more then USC beat the Buckeyes. Tressel didn’t go for the kill when he had the chance — especially the choice to punt instead of the long field goal. The Buckeyes had a kicker who’d made it from that range. And of course, there’s this which was on a fourth down and would have significantly changed the game. Again, why Tressel didn’t call for the review is beyond me.

There is also something to be said for USC not bouncing back after the Ohio State game. I’m not the first to say they left everything in Columbus that night. The Buckeyes recovered well from what was a very difficult loss.

My point in saying that a close game doesn’t bode well for Oregon is that if it’s close, it’s because the Ohio State defense is shutting down the Oregon option. One of my biggest concerns is the time off for Ohio State. It hurts them every year and the Buckeyes have tended to over prepare and have had trouble in bowl games changing the scheme mid game. By the time the Rose Bowl comes around, it will be seven weeks (I think I counted that right) since Michigan game. It’s just too long a break.

I like GoDucks suggestion of three keys to the game. What I think I’ll do is expand that into another post.

As for Buckeye fans not selling out Rose Bowl tickets. I’m finding that hard to believe however, cost is a huge factor. When you price air fare (which tripled out of Columbus the second the Iowa game was over) and hotel accommodations, you’re in for $1,000 or so and you don’t even have a ticket. That’s if you go by yourself. Take the wife or a family and it doubles from there.

Even so, it is amazing how well the Buckeyes travel. Just ask Phoenix. There is no Rose Bowl let down. However, until I find a free ride, I’m afraid the cost is keeping me at home.

They can run plays when you’re barely looking and definitely not ready. I have seen many defensive players drop to their knees begging for a time out against our offense. Not kidding. I look forward to a great game and watching Terrell (who almost was a Duck) play.

On another self promoting note, the buckeye blog will be covering more than just football this year ( hopefully if Jim let’s me). I have already scheduled an interview with former Buckeye and current Washington Capital David Steckel and am hoping to grab more soon. I was thinking of may e grabbing a Oregon Duck to maybe compare what this game means to him or her. If you guys have any suggestions or you Buck fans want to hear from your favorite Buckeyes let me know. You can reach me on Twitter under my posts about the Buckeyes basketball team. If you want to hear from or about them and see where they are I will track them down.

Thanks All