TTUN Predictions

As a young man growing up in Groveport, I remember many Saturdays watching the Buckeyes cruise through their season. The likes of Eddie George, Bobby Hoying, Joe Germaine, Stanley Jackson, Terry Glenn, and David Boston leading the charge. I always remember Ohio State being highly ranked, the Big Ten in general and not knowing anything about the SEC (lol), and highly favored in their last games of the season, the highly anticipated and sometimes dreaded, Meatchicken vs. Ohio State. As I have stated in earlier posts, I do not have confidence in this being a blow out yet, and I do not know if I will get there. Don't get me wrong, our team, this year, seems poised enough and has the ability to attack teams at every angle, as we have proven this year multiple times. However, I get the feeling that this game will be closer than what it should be. The reasoning being, our youth. These Buckeyes have played at the Shoe, during times in which the stadium has no seating left and people are standing just to see the game. They have not played against a team with nothing to lose. Meatchicken has nothing to lose. Their coach is all but fired, the players have no idea who will replace him, their record is embarrassing, and all year they have heard about Ohio States chances of getting into the playoffs. This game is textbook upset, considering we all remember the Cooper years. Although, those years were forgotten because of then Tressel, and now Meyer years.

I would like to think that Meatchicken will enter into the game without a thought of provoking our Buckeyes, considering this game, like the next 3 or possible 4, means everything to this team, this season, and Nation (Buckeye Nation). However, I doubt this will happen because of the stakes. I do like, however; that Meyer has already told his team, that if they fight, they are off the team. That is quite an ultimatum considering how the emotions will be come kickoff. My suggestion for lessening the altercations to nothing is simple, every players, most importantly Barrett, has to become a field general, so to speak, What do I mean? After every play, get the offense back on the line. Every player needs to make sure every player is not buying into what they will be selling or trying to do. If Elliot runs the ball, is tackled, than the defense just lays on him, someone on the offense needs to call the refs attention to that, then help get him up, not necessarily pull the guy off of him. If Ohio State pulls a meatchicken defensive players off another Buckeye, that is all meatchicken needs to start something, and I am sure the refs will be watching. After a few penalties on the defense for personal fouls or unsportsman like conduct, meatchicken will get the hint or get blown out.

Historically speaking, this game has defined National Championships, as the victor goes on to play for everything. This team has too much talent both on the field and in the coaching staff to waste it on a close game. Meatchicken will probably play at its best, but their best could not even beat our second string, so here's my prediction for this game.

Ohio State: 55 TTUN: 14

This is Why:
This score is dependent upon whether or not last games mistakes are corrected. Fumbles, interceptions, and missed throws cannot happen this week, especially considering the next game decides everything else. I think Meatchicken gets two running touchdowns off two turnovers. Ohio State will overwhelm the defense, but mental mistakes will be our downfall. I am sincerely hoping that this game is a blowout, but given the past, this is what I pick. I think that our secondary will show the best of what Coach Ash has to offer, our defensive line will mostly dominate, but show flashes of weakness. I understand that offenses and defenses are not perfect and that mistakes happen. I am not expecting a perfect game, what I am expecting is a decisive win. As much as Buckeye Fans and Nation does not want to admit it, we are putting on a show for the Committee, for that coveted #4 spot. It is as simple as that. Truth be told, without 3 turnovers last game, Indiana probably would not have had 27 points, but this game is different and everybody knows it.

To say we need to destroy Meatchicken is an understatement. We need to strike fear into the hearts of their players with big hits and big plays. We know that Gardner has more interceptions than touchdowns, that regardless of how many picks he has, he won't stop throwing. We know that they will run too. Our defensive front 4 will have to get pressure on Gardner, which goes without saying. Pressure with 4 allows our linebackers to stay in coverage to stop any screens or back doors tosses, as well as Gardner running the ball. Barrett has to play within the contexts of what he's given. There is no need to throw into double coverage if an H Back or running back is open for an easy pass and 15 yards after that. Don't force it if you don't have to. Try not to take as many hits this game, The last thing we need is Barrett to get injured. He has to be perfect for the Big Ten Championship and maybe beyond. Utilize quick throws and the new running formation we saw last week. Quick throws cut down a defenses ability to get to the quarterback. The formation where Barrett, Elliot and Samuel are in the back field will work every time. It is very difficult to tackle our guys in space because of their speed. Elliot and Samuel are bruising backs, let them loose.

This game should be decided in the first half. We destroyed Maryland, and they beat Meatchicken. This game will not be boring, but it will be brutal. I expect Meatchicken to come out and throw punches (literally and figuratively). We need to throw them harder, faster, and for longer periods of time.

O -H!!!!!