Ohio State vs Michigan State Prediction

The Night Before Christmas and all through the House, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse......

The night before one of five important games are to be played and I must say I have a thousand things running through my head. Therefore, my predictions for Brutus and Sparty are as follows....

(1) This game will be the first of many games where our total offense totals 400+ yards. The three headed monster that is the Buckeyes offense will find consistency and a rhythm that Sparty cannot match.

(2) JT Barrett, Ezekiel Elliott, and our WR will open the Spartans defense up like no other. JT's ability to read the defensive line and Elliott speed to the edge will cause the Spartans defense to run after Buckeyes more then anything else. With Elliott being effective, JT will have more time to find WR wide open in the once, no fly zone. Between Thomas and Braxton, our downfield threats will become self evident rather quickly. Jalin and Vannette will find space behind the defense for quick throws and big gains. JT will find space to scramble, and will need to at the beginning of the game, but once the offense is established the scrambling will become much less.

(3) This game, the offense will find click

(4) Our defense will knock Cook out of the game. As much of a tough guy that he is, Bosa, Lee, Lewis, Hubbard, and Washington will find their way to him. Cook will have to make quick throws to keep the defense at bay, which will cause WR and TE to either get open early or incomplete passes will be had.

(5) Ultimately, Ohio State will run Elliott as much as possible to kill the clock and break the back of the Spartans.

Ohio State 42 Michigan State 21

The 2015 Ohio State Buckeyes

Hello Buckeye Nation, I write this post with a lot on my mind. First and foremost, I apologize for not posting anything in a long time. Secondly, my expectations of this team have changed and for a good reason, but not because I do not believe in this team, but because I have realized something about the game of football, it is unpredictable.

The Big Ten Championship, Sugar Bowl, and National Championship game were amazing acts of Urban's Mantra, 9 Units Strong. Every Unit played with such intensity and selfishness that we pushed our way to a National Championship. Cardale Jones picked up where JT left off and essential showed Buckeye Nation something we did not know existed. We left last year thinking that the next year would be a continuation of domination on both sides of the ball.

Virginia Tech was a game that had stuck in our minds since the game ended. We walked into Lane Stadium and smacked the Hokies around. The last 4 games Buckeye Nation has watched each game thinking that 7 or 8 touchdowns would be thrown on the board without blinking, but anything but has happened. Not to say this has kept me up at night, but the result of each win has left we wondering when our luck will run out.

The beginning of last year and after Virginia Tech this team felt like the entire college football world was against them. Now we have a #1 ranking in front of our team and the Nation is watching every step we make hoping we slip up. College football is not ready to give up the notion that the SEC is not dominant anymore, but instead the Big 10. Last year, JT was given the team and we destroyed our competition, even when we struggled. We need to look at this team as if we are not National Champions. Last year we played every game with intensity hoping that the Virginia Tech loss did not knock us out of the College Football Playoff. This year we are playing hoping to win every game to get us into the Playoff, a totally different mindset. If we forget all about the National Championship and look at this team as #1 because of all the talent we have, this team is the exact same as it was last year, finding itself every Saturday and hoping to improve for the next game. Urban Meyer needs to stop with the statistical analysis and go with his heart, because I believe that is telling him JT is the better QB. Too many people are calling plays on our offense. Beck or Warriner need to go to the booth, no more coaches on the sideline than needed. I do not care about the raw emotion of the game and having the coaches feel it. Football is about strategy and emotions do not always fit into that.

With all the talent we have the playing calling should have no boundaries. Elliot's dominance has to pushed on the defense like it was against Indiana. Cardale did not throw many passes down the field and that hurt us. When we have Marshall, Wilson, Nixon, Campbell, and Braxton we should be taking shots down the field. Elliot and Samuel should rotate as our running backs. Whenever we push the boundaries with Zeke or an outside quick throw the opposing defense has a tough time covering us. Needless to say we are undefeated but by the skin of our teeth. In a later post I will talk about the defense.

What Just Happened... Oh Wait We Won!!!!!

Well, well, well, a few points I feel the need to hit on and explain. First and foremost, our Buckeyes wanted this win more than the Tide, no question about that. Secondly, Alabama may be down, but they are not out. Urban Meyer, his coaching staff, and his players ran onto the field with a sense of purpose more important than winning the game. They ran onto that field with pride and dignity, they ran onto that field with a sense of purpose far beyond lifting a trophy above their heads. Ever since Ohio State was announced as the #4 seed, the onslaught of drama was kicked into high gear. It was relentless and easy to be consumed. This team has been smacked in the face this entire season. From Braxton Miller going down, to Virginia Tech, to relentless media doubters, to J.T. Barrett going down, to being told this defense will give up points. The icing on the cake was when the body of Kosta was found. We can say all of these events brought the team together, but when a comrade's life is taken way too early in life, a win is no longer a win, it's a sense of meaning. That win signified to a Nation, to their opponent, to themselves, and to their fallen comrade, that we are here and we are here to stay. This win was not by accident, it was from a relentless amount of hardwork and personal pressure. That pressure comes from within, meaning each player pushed themselves to leave the field a better player than what they came on. This team may never achieve perfection, but they'll be the closest thing to it.

The Tide are 0-2 in the last two Sugar Bowls. The SEC West did not fair well this bowl season. This does not mean the division is somehow weak or the most dominant, but it does mean that this year, they are down. The most consistent title contenders are those in the SEC West, which cannot be denied. What can be denied though, is their effectiveness. In 7 of 8 National Titles Games, the SEC has been the Champion. However, Florida State broke the cycle against Auburn, and the streak was over. Likewise, Oklahoma beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. This year a different kind of streak has started. Texas A&M and Arkansas won in their bowls, but Ole Miss, Miss St., LSU, Auburn, and Alabama all lost. My point is, college football and sports in general do not define winners and losers before the clock starts, they are defined after the final quarter ends. Therefore, when 99% of the season is over, is when 100% of the season is defined.

Something to think about, if I must. I entered into this game hoping and praying that Ohio State won with memories of Tressel and Cooper stuck in the back of my head. I have watched hundreds of games with the expectation of winning the match, only for the game to slip away, therefore; games that I once thought were already won, where not. With this in mind, I watched this game with sheer amazement. In an earlier post, I said Alabama was a mole hill that became a mountain because of the media. Ohio State proved that Thursday night. The biggest difference between what Alabama prepared for and what they got was Urban Meyer and Tom Herman. Alabama revealed that they watched Gators film in 2006 and 2008, then also Gus Malzhan, and Dan Mullen, which is perfectly fine except for one simple fact. None of those coaches are in the present state of mind of Urban Meyer.

This game was won before the Buckeyes stepped on the field. The post game press conference were the most entertaining. Nick Saban shouldered all the blame for the loss, than proceeded to mock the importance of a win, something he is accustomed to achieving. He stated that even though they lost, there were plenty of winners in his locker room. That a trophy does not signify a winner, but instead their effort. What a load of crap! What Ohio State did was beat his team at their best, and as a result they were awarded a trophy and a spot in the Title game. This game was not luck, it was psychological preparation.

Perception vs. Reality

This game is more than just Ohio State vs. Alabama. It's about the pride of conferences. Granted, one would like to think if either win or lose the effect would only effect the teams and not the conference, but we both know that's not true. Alabama wins and the SEC is Gods gift to college football. Alabama loses and the SEC is still Gods gift, it's just this year is a rebuilding year. Nothing changes perception wise. Ohio State on the other hand is simple. You win and you were lucky. You lose and you've done what was expected. Sense some disrespect?

 

The truth is simple. Against LSU, Miss St, and Arkansas, The Tide nearly lost. LSU took them into overtime. Miss St. lost by 5 points, and Arkansas lost by 1 point. LSU lost to Notre Dame, Miss St. has yet to play, and Arkansas destroyed a down Texas Longhorns. These are basically Bama's key wins. If you take 10 minutes and watch highlights of these games, you'll wonder where all the hype is coming from, after all that's the same Bama team we're playing tomorrow night. The hype is coming from the simple fact that Saban's reputation is almost as big as his team. The media can't help but bring up the past successes of both, Urban and Nick, when discussing the keys to this game, as if they mean anything. As there been a vastly dominant team during the entire schedule? No, not really. Auburn and Arkansas had the toughest schedule this year, and they both have at least 3 loses. Oregon has been the most dominant when facing quality opponents, and they have one loss. Even the undefeated Seminoles have come close to losing more then they have blown out an opponent.

 

Anyone that looks at Ohio State may not dig deeper than what they have to, after all it is easy to say the Buckeyes will get manhandled by the infamous Nick Saban. However, for those that follow the team, the infamous Nick Saban may be in for a rough night. Was it not a year ago at this time, that Oklahoma was going through the same situation. In fact, there was not a single analysts nor commentator that did not pick Alabama, furthermore; Alabama was said to be superior at every position. That superiority may be true, but that does not change the outcome does it? This years Ohio State Buckeyes have a striking resemblance to the Ohio State team of 2002. While Nick Saban and Urban stay respectful before the game, during the game may be a different issue. This team has a new face, new attitude, and new personality. It seems the biggest Wild Card is none other than Cardale Jones, which has taken the task of becoming more than just a shadow, but the leader of a National Championship contending team.

 

Sweat does not rise from the body of Cardale Jones, but rather anger and focus. Cardale is angry at the media perception of his own abilities to lead this team. He has made the comment several times, that if J.T. Barrett or Braxton Miller were the starter we would probably be about equal if not favored, but instead because of people's perception of him, they are underdogs. Needless to say, he is out to prove a point. My point is simple, the national perception is that Ohio State will be anything but competitive, when the exact opposite it true. How can one person say Ohio State has no chance when those calling the plays are award winning coaches? 

 

O-H!

What Is The SEC?

 

 

I keep hearing SEC speed, SEC talent, SEC this, SEC that. Whenever a team has fast players, big players, multiple play makers, they are called SEC caliber players. Let's start out with some facts, in terms of college football geography. The SEC stand for South Eastern Conference. The SEC consists of Louisiana (farthest West) to South Carolina (farthest East), with all of the States bordering the Gulf of Mexico, with a few northern States, such as Missouri. I could be wrong because I don't follow the SEC intimately, but as for common knowledge I'm assuming this is it. "SEC talent, skill, and whatever else" is a myth. If SEC speed means you're fast and agile, then is Marcus Mariota SEC quality? Is Melvin Gordon, Montee Ball, James White or Eddie George SEC quality? Is JT Barrett, Braxton Miller, Cardale Jones, Jameis Winston, Rashad Greene or any other top notch player in college football SEC quality? One could assume so, but to assume so would be to assume these players grew up on SEC territory, which most did not. However, some states are split between different conferences.

 

The fact of the matter is this, SEC anything is a myth. What the SEC does have is great coaches and great coaches that develop players into great players. The same can be said about any other conference. Oregon has great players that are from States outside the SEC. Traditional Powers, Oklahoma and Texas have had great players from outside the SEC as well. Ohio State and the Big Ten in general have developed nobodies into somebody's, and they're in the North. The argument could be had that the SEC gets the best players, which could be true. That means, however, that coaches from other schools have to do a better job of selling their program. How hard can that be? If one were to pay attention to all of the teams that have won Super Bowls, what area of the country do most come from? The North. New England, Green Bay, Baltimore, Seattle, Pittsburgh, etc. When's the last time any team from the South had won with the exception of the Saints? No one from Florida, Texas, Carolina, Atlanta, or any place in the SEC. When's last team from a warm climate to win a Super Bowl? Or indoor? To sell the Big Ten would be an easy sell.

 

Sure playing in college, in a predominantly warm environment is nice, but say goodbye to that once you get drafted, unless you get lucky enough for a warm climate, then good luck getting to the Super Bowl. The fact of the matter is simple, to recruit for future NFL players, is to point out that those carrying the Lombardi Trophy are predominantly from the Northern, colder climates, not the South. You want a chance, come to the North. I realize that players can be conditioned to play in any climate, that they choose a University based upon their chances of a title or for whatever reason. However, look at all the successful players or QBs; where did they come from? Tim Tebow is not playing anymore. AJ McCarron is hurt, Greg McElroy isn't playing. Those are three very successful Southern college QBs. However, look who is starting, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, Ben Rothlesberger, Joe Flaco, Drew Brees, etc. These QBs weren't from the South.

 

Whatever investment ESPN makes, they have the resources to advertise that brand into popularity and dominance. What happens if Ohio State and Oregon lose, than Florida State beats Alabama? Will the narrative still be the SECs dominance? Over the fact that Florida State hasn't lost a game in 2 years, including Bowl Games. Including the two best teams the last two years from the SEC. It would be interesting to find out. What if its Ohio State and Florida State? Would ESPN find a way to mention the SEC in the title game even though Alabama was knocked out?

 

The point is this, the region of the country you play in does not matter, it's the coaching staff. Whether a college team wins a title or not, does not matter, it's the players further development once they get into the NFL that does. What good is a team that wins titles, but which their drafted players end up doing nothing in the Pros? I don't see anyone saying Oregon or Florida State has SEC talent? Ohio State is entering the Sugar Bowl with an arsenal of talented and motivated players. Do they match up well with what Alabama brings to the table? I think so. Do these matchups mean Ohio State has SEC talent on their roster? No, that means all the players on the roster were developed by great coaches that have a variety of coaching experience. Urban Meyer and Chris Ash came from the SEC, Larry Johnson came from Penn State, Ed Warriner came from the Big 12, Tom Herman came from the MAC, Stan Drayton came from Florida, and the other coaches came from a variety of backgrounds. Does this mean Ohio State will win the Sugar Bowl? No, but it means that the talent we have on our rosters were coached by great coaches.

 

 

A Mountain Became A Mole Hill

The weeks leading up to the Sugar Bowl are going to be brutal. The media is being relentless in their pursuit of advertising the "greatness" of the SEC. After watching interviews, players were pounded with questions about SEC speed, SEC talent, and basically anything else that made the SEC look like more than a conference, but a factory of which turns college men into NFL stars. I was not mad, per say, but annoyed with the assumption that the SEC is somehow the end all, be all of college football. Before Urban Meyer, Ohio State was not as prominent in the South under Jim Tressel, nor John Cooper. However, with Urban, more an more recruits are not only coming from the South, but everywhere else. Can it really be assumed that players from the South are faster, than players from up North? Absolutely not! There is no such thing as SEC speed, talent, nor anything else. A player who runs a 4 at 40 yards in Alabama, would do the same in Ohio or anywhere else. The reality of the matter is simple. Players are in the south because of where their parents are. For example, last year my family and I contemplated moving to Florida or Texas because of job opportunities. If you do not think other families have or are not doing the same, you are kidding youself. The fact of the matter is simple, if families from the South found better career opportunities in the North, and this was happening to hundreds of thousands of people, the South would have to spend much of its time in the North.

During the early 90's, the Big Ten was the dominant conference because the majority of jobs that were paying well and attracting people were in Big Ten country. If you think about it, the SEC was not really known much until Urban Meyer destroyed us in 2006. At that time, it was all about Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and a few teams from the West. You cannot deny though, that recently, as in the last 10 years, the SEC has dominated the National Championship bowls. If Tressel was still the coach, and Urban was still the announcer, Ohio State would be bigger underdogs to Alabama.

Anyways, back to my post. Since the beginning of the year, the Crimson Tide have been stepping on each step the media has given them, until they are so high in the sky, they look down upon everyone else. All I hear is how Ohio State is inferior to Alabama in every fashion, that the Tide are going to Roll. Urban Meyer is going to need more anti depressants, blah, blah, blah. It is inconveiable to think Ohio State has a fighting chance. Do these idiots understand that what they are doing is feeding a caged animal? The attitude of the players is starting to show with each interview. And while, they are being polite and respectful, the fact still remains the same, Ohio State has  great chance of upsetting the Giant that is Alabama. All I hear about is how Blake Sims, Amari Cooper, TJ Yeldon, Ed Henry, and Deandre White are going to torch our offense. The Tides defense is going to have their way with us. I say, BRING IT ON!!!!!!! First and foremost, Ohio State has the advantage. Saban and company have one film to watch featuring Cardale. Secondly, if our defense plays lights out again, TJ Yeldon and Ed Henry will be stopped, no doubt. Third, Blake Sims has an entire year of football underneath his belt, which is great because that gives us an entire year to see all his strengths and weaknesses. Only Ohio State knows his weaknesses and strengths, Alabama will only see his strengths. Fourth, ESPN and the media like to say how Amari Cooper is the second Heisman finalist we will face. That is hilarious, considering we held the 2nd place finalist to under 100 yards! And we have two Heisman quarterbacks on our roster. So take that and shove it!

When these teams walk onto the field Jan. 1, all the hype will be gone. The mountain will disapper underneath the Tide and the two will battle. At this point, the media will not be able to help. At this point, the victor will be who wants it more. Lets not forget that we are only human. Lets not forget that Alabama has lost before and barely won to those of lesser perceived talent. Lets not forget, that everything is settled on the field.

O-H

The Buckeyes and The Tide

It is easy to say Alabama is favored, it is easy to reiterate Nick Sabans record with time to prepare, and it is very easy to say Ohio State won't win. It's not easy to say Alabama has met its match. It's just not popular to say. However, a couple YouTube searches of past Alabama and Ohio State games and it's not hard to see why the winner of this game will be the winner because of one thing, who wants it more.

For example, if one were to watch video of Auburn, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Arkansas or any other close game Alabama has had, it is easy to see what's going on. The Tide, as dominant as they are, are filled with humans and not robots, meaning, if a team can use a running and passing game to get first downs consistently, The Tide get tired. A defense can only grind for so long before they give up a TD. The Tide are no different. Those videos also show a stout defense (as they have been called) being run through and ran around by running quarterbacks and running backs. Second, those videos show a secondary that can be exploited with an efficient receiver core and QB with a cannon for an arm. Third, Alabama is no different from any other team that is pinned deep in their own territory. Finally, their offensive line can be collapsed with a fast defense, meaning the tackles and interior line create a need for a running QB. As good as Saban is, his team is not perfect and has shown that time and time again

Now for Ohio State. As much as Saban is successful with time to prepare, it still has to be a nightmare considering the options Ohio State possesses. For example, Alabama has a stout running defense. Ohio State has 5 players who can run from the line of scrimmage. Have fun stopping all of them. Saban has a great defense in general. Ohio State has 5 wide receivers and 2 tight ends that are dangerous. No matter what blitz package is dialed up, the Buckeyes, regardless of their play can simply run away from the pressure.

One of the major advantages for the Buckeyes is there no huddle and offensive scheme. The offense gets into position quickly, then looks to the side line in case of an audible. Getting to the line quickly means the defense has to be set quicker. Therefore, if Alabama shows a linebacker blitz up the middle, our backs can simply run to the side or for a cornerback blitz, a run up the middle will suffice as well. The same could be said about our throwing game, in which Cardale will have receivers, tide ends, hybrid backs, and running backs to throw too. There is no reason Cardale should be sacked considering we have a full loaded arsenal of young and proven talent. An added bonus, Dontre Wilson, which brings a whole other problem. Not only is Dontre fast, but he can explode into the open field seconds are reaching the second level of defenders or catching a ball. Jalin and Cardale are the final piece of our offensive onslaught. Both can throw the football accurately, both have the ability to get into space and pick up yards, and both can make defenders miss.

The biggest enemy of the Buckeyes are themselves. Fickell, Johnson, and Ash proved that they can provide a shutout with their play calling. Their biggest test will be Kirby Smart, Lane Kiffin, and Nick Saban.

Ohio State and Alabama

Basically as soon as the Playoff Committee released their rankings there has been a constantly shackling of Ohio State, both by those who thought they should not have gotten in and those who are previewing the Sugar Bowl. Let me just say this to those who do not think we should have gotten in, "Get Over IT!" Now onto those who are saying the Sugar will be a shackling because of the dominate nature of Alabama and SEC, against the weak and laughable Ohio State and Big Ten. Every media clip I have seen has talked about the physical nature of Alabama and the preparation of Nick Saban. While Nick Saban is dominate, the same can be said about Urban Meyer. I have heard nothing but, with Nick Saban having more than a week to prepare, he is 42-7, which is fine. However, cannot the same thing be said about Urban Meyer? Look at how Cardale performed with a week of preparation. He was flawless!

Alabama's reputation stems from the fact that their National Championship runs are not few and far between, as in other conferences, but every year. Every year, the preseason polls have Alabama in the top 3, if not #1. And every year, they finish in the top 3 regardless of wins and losses. Ohio State on the other hand has a history of dominating or being stronger in more areas then they are weaker in, just to not finish the season strong. Is this season any different? One thing we can all agree on is this, Ohio State can play with any team in America. If you look at Alabama's schedule and Ohio State's play during the Championship, there is no doubt, that if the same effort is given, this will be a game. Alabama, as strong as they are, are weak as well. All someone has to do is watch Ole Miss, LSU, Mississippi State, and Auburn. These games show that Alabama, as good as they are, can be beaten.

To say Ohio State has the chance because the essence of Nick Saban alone, will destroy our team is ludicrous. Ohio State has just as much of a chance of beating Alabama, as any other team that did beat Alabama. Think about the last couple years, the last two games of last year, Alabama lost. They lost against Auburn and Oklahoma, then this year, Ole Miss. Both Auburn and Oklahoma have spread offenses and defenses that are difficult to defend against. Nick Saban is a man of habit. Urban Meyer is a man that is constantly molding his offense to stout and aggressive defenses. I cannot say that Ohio State will win this game because one game of dominance does not mean this is what we have to look forward to, however; I believe we have a chance. If Ohio State wins this game, the essence Nick Saban and the SEC will begin to fall. Ohio State, itself, will not prove Alabama is a paper tiger, but it will prove something everyone outside the Big 10 thinks, that Ohio State is the only dominate team in the conference. However, if the Big Ten in general does well during the Bowl season, than the reputation of the Big Ten will increase. The nail in the coffin of the SEC will be the next coach of Michigan. When push comes to shove, I would never underestimate the Ohio State Buckeyes.

I cannot say that Win or Lose, this team will have proved something against Alabama, because a loss means Alabama and the SEC are as dominate as they are perceived to be, and that the Big Ten is as weak as perceived to be. Lets face, the Big Ten will be judged by Ohio State, not the other bowl games. We are the face of the Big Ten. I do not see a reason why we would not win this game, however; a win speaks volumes about both conferences. The Big Ten will be back someday, hopefully it is this year.

O-H!!!

Why Ohio State Won And Became #4

 

I think we can all admit that we didn't see the Championship ending the way it did. However, I'm not at all surprised. Ohio State entered the game underdogs by 4 points. The elusive Melvin Gordon was supposed to run all over our dilapidated defense. Stave was supposed to throw against our young and inexperienced secondary as he chose. Ohio State was supposed to shrink inside itself with a third string quarterback and have our defense be handled by an experienced Wisconsin Offensive line. I don't think I saw or heard one person, that was unbiased, pick Ohio State, which is quite typical. Even during the Michigan State game, we were underdogs and still won by a couple touchdowns. If there is one thing Ohio State has shown Buckeye Nation and college football itself, do not underestimate us!

Well let's just say Wow! Absolute domination in all areas of the game. Ohio State did exactly what they needed to, score early, score often, and stop the Badgers. Cardale silenced the critics on the first drive of the game. Elliot proved his worth by running for over 200 yards, against a defensive that was supposed to overpower us.This team played with emotion that Wisconsin could never match. Wisconsin could not match our intensity, nor anything we threw at them. The war was over before it started. Wisconsin believed in the narrative the nation was spewing out and Ohio State never did. Our coaching staff showed the country, Bring It On! Ohio State became the team Buckeye Nation knew existed all along. 

Last year, this team had a chip on it's shoulder. That chip was this, we will run all over you because we can. We will run all over you to cover up our weaknesses at wide receiver, and the defense in general. We thought, we were going to take it all. Obviously the Spartans took that all away and gave us the greatest weapon of all, the feeling of not finishing because we thought we had it. We entered this season underdogs as soon as we took the field. No one gave us credit, just a ranking in the top 5. We treated every team as if they were better than us, as if they were champions and we had something to prove. Like Florida State, a win is a win and that's all that mattered. Through all the turmoil the Seminoles have been through, they are still undefeated after 29 games. Quite amazing when you think about. Out of all the game film an opponent can watch on Florida State, no one has yet to beat them. In Ohio State's instance, the Buckeyes are young, very young, are operating under a new defensive scheme, considering Larry Johnson and Chris Ash are first year coaches here. The majority of our offense is new and has very little experience. Our first Heisman Candidate Braxton Miller went down before the year started. Second Heisman Candidate, JT Barrett learned the offense as quickly as he could, then went down during the last game of the year. Our third and final quarterback, Cardale Jones, put the offense on his arm during his first start and took it to the Badgers defense. Needless to say no one saw this season happening like this, except for the faithful.

The Playoff Committee made it clear that each week the teams in the top 5 and 10 would be evaluated as if the last week did not happen, that conference championships would be honored, and wins and losses mattered. The first point, each week would be evaluated based upon a premise that the previous week did not exist explains the TCU and Baylor dilemma. The final week of the season ended a week early for TCU, but that is not the reason for their drop in the polls. TCU dropped three spots because of their final opponent, and had nothing to do with their brand name. TCU played Iowa State, and demolished them, like they should have. However, Baylor played a ranked Kansas State and Ohio State played a ranked Wisconsin. Baylor won, but did not blow out Kansas State, but also beat TCU at the beginning of the year. Ohio State destroyed Wisconsin with a blowout, which made a much stronger statement towards the coveted fourth spot. The final nail in the coffin for TCU and Baylor was no championship game and the manner, in which the Big 12 Commissioner handled the final week. First and foremost, to present Baylor and TCU as Champs is a slap in the face of Baylor, who beat them. If anything, Baylor should be the Champs of the Big 12, not TCU. Secondly, there is no championship game. Without a decisive winner and championship game, what is there to grade one conference on, that the others that do have a championship can not outright blow out of the water. I would recommend the Big 12 invite a couple teams from surrounding areas into their conference, in order to create a championship game. 

I would like to talk a little about what Kosta Karageorge ment to this team. Michael Bennett wore his number during the Championship. Elliot wrote something on his uniform, the entire team wore his number on their helmets, and twitter entry after entry paid homage to this young man. This young man felt like a failure even though he was anything but. His contribution to this team will never end because the memory of this young man will last forever. As a Buckeye Fan, his family has my condolences. 

Do Brand Names matter? Does playing for The Ohio State Buckeyes, The Alabama Crimson Tide, The Oregon Ducks, The Florida State Seminoles, or any other The ...... matter? To say Ohio State is #4 because they are Ohio State is stupid and ignorant. Ohio State is #4 because they are conference champions!Alabama is #1 because they beat the #1 team at the time and conference champions. Oregon is #2 because they are conference champions, so on and so forth. Having a title does not matter, it is up to the commissioners of each conference to put their teams in the best possible situation to play for it all, or fail and start again next year. TCU and Baylor should not be blaming Ohio State nor the Committee for their choices, but their commissioner for not having a championship game. Pundits and analysts should not be blaming Ohio State for being #4, nor the Committee, but instead the Commissioner of the Big 12. It is that simple! How is it a bad thing, to take on another team in a lower conference, and put them into a Power 5 Conference? Not only does your revenue increase because of all the profit one school brings to the mix, but also the television audience watching that team. Just look at the Big 10 taking on Maryland and Rutgers.

Leave a comment below answering the above?

Barrett's Gone - That's Okay, We Have Cardale!

Is there any reason to think what happened with Barrett cannot happen with Cardale? Braxton goes down, and so did our hopes for a great season right? Wrong! Barrett took his new command and ran with it. He trusted in his team and coaches and broke records on his way to a one loss season, but undefeated conference schedule. This is Ohio State's third time doing so since Urban Meyer became head coach. Here is my train of thought. Ohio State has suffered through multiple losses through the year and yet we are still 11-1. Before the end of the Michigan State game, everyone had Michigan State beating us and easily at that. However, we beat them and everyone else on our schedule (except VT). So I say now, what is the use in dooming this team? Barrett stepped in front of a Two Time Big Ten Player of the Year Recipient and Heisman Trophy Candidate to become one himself. Why suspect Cardale cannot step in and finish the job?

Reoccurring thoughts of strategy, none of which I know about keep running through my head. Conservative or Go Big? We don't yet know what Cardale can do, more than what he has currently done, but what we do know is that this coaching staff will not go down without a fight. Does anyone really believe Urban and Tom cannot formulate a plan to win this game and the rest of the year? We will persevere! A conservative approach might entail finding different ways to run the ball, do some wildcat formation, maybe try a few quarterback draws? Elliot can power through anyone, but going toe to toe with Gordon may be a bit misguided. Wisconsin knows that once they see Cardale at a Wide Receiver position, and Marshall at the quarterback, it'll be a draw. They also know that an empty back field, with 5 wide is a quarterback draw.

Go Big or Go Home. I would favor this approach just because I have confidence in our team. Why not take shots down field? Why not try a few trick plays? Everyone knows Ohio State will run to the edge because we have speed. Wisconsin will put their best tacklers on the edges, call for corner blitzes, and bring the pressure. The Indiana game brought to light a very creative, but effective formation. Barrett was in the backfield, Elliot was offset to the left or right and Curtis Samuel was flanked to the opposite side. The purpose of this play is to confuse the defense. Barrett looks at the defense, then decides based upon what is being shown, which runner will play to the defenses weakness. It was absolutely magic! The Michigan State saw a game plan that included short passes being used to open up the running game, which worked very well. Knowing that Wisconsin will get creative with their defense, why not have Cardale, with a double set backfield, that way he can hand off to one, or if pressure comes throw to the other? The most aggressive team can be beaten without question. Ohio State's defense will have to dedicate one person to watch Gordon, while another line backer watches the quarterback. Our defensive line will have to get pressure with four or maybe 5 people. Otherwise if we commit to many to the line, Gordon could run around the formation with his speed.

Wisconsin has not played a team that can play the entire game. Michigan State gave up in the fourth, Michigan gave up after half time, and everyone else we have played, we have pulled away in the second half. Is there any reason to think we cannot again? While I do think this will be a game, I do not think Ohio State will pull away more then 10 points. These teams are simply too good and Urban does not lose the same game twice. As many weapons as Gary Andersen has, the most important weapon is the one that Urban has the advantage of, his mind. Urban Meyer is a mastermind in planning for games and motivating his team. The odds have already came out and Ohio State is projected to loss by 4 points. Not that I am bothered by this, because I like being underdogs. We seem to play better when we are expected to lose. Take for instance the 2002 National Championship. The Miami Hurricanes were supposed to beat us and they lost in double overtime. We are a team that loves adversity.

The Selection Committee will most likely put TCU in the 4th Spot, while Ohio State will be in the 5th. The last week of the season is upon us and sure to created headaches and plenty of yelling at the television screen. If Ohio State wins the Big Ten Championship, even with the hand we have been dealt, the 4th spot is ours. I can hear the Big 12 crying now, especially about a 6 or 8 team playoff. My biggest laughing moment will be when Baylor and TCU switch spots because Baylor won the head to head, then Ohio State jumps them both into the 4th.

As Buckeye Fans we have to have confidence in our Team!

O H!!!!!!

Our Destiny Awaits

There are a few things I want to cover in this post: The Big Ten Championship, coaching changes are in season, and the Big Ten Will Be Back. Urban Meyer does not lose the same game twice, nor make the same mistake. The task of stopping Wisconsin seems almost too much to bear, but did we not hear the same thing the entire season, leading up to Michigan State. Granted our quarterback was not in his first start, but does it really matter? Last year, Michigan State, the first game, crushed our hopes of a National Championship with a defeat. This year, we face a Wisconsin team that has a crushing running back. Likewise though, if this team and season has proven anything, it is that they can overcome anything and triumph. This is why I have complete faith in Cardale. With the firing of Bo Pelini, and inching towards the same for Brady Hoke, schools are realizing their need to compete and their need to open their wallets much wider than usual. Nebraska realizes the same as Michigan, the need to hire a great coach is paramount to a speedy turn around. Every school in the Big Ten is looking for an Urban Meyer-ish hire. This means, hiring a coach that is a brand himself, that does not necessarily need a school, but instead builds and creates a brand from his own personality and traits. The marriage of Ohio State and Urban is a match made in heaven, and that coupling is something Nebraska and Michigan are looking for. When Lloyd Carr, Jim Tressel, Joe Paterno, and Barry Alavarez/Brett Bielema ruled the Big Ten, the SEC was no where to be found. However, since the recent downturn, the SEC is all you hear about.

A win in the Championship puts Ohio State into the Playoffs. As much as TCU would like to think they belong in the #4 at the end of the year, they don't. The Playoffs is going to be about the biggest names against the Biggest names, until the Big 12 has a Conference Championship. The Four Best Teams are the Four Biggest Names in College Football: Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, Jimbo Fisher, and Mark Helfrich. Each of these teams has produced multiple Heisman Trophy Winners and Candidates. When people speak about these teams, their coaches names are mentioned as if they are sitting atop Mount Rushmore. When people speak about TCU or Baylor, their mentions are subtle. Could anyone imagine a better match up than Alabama and Ohio State, Florida State and Oregon. These match ups alone may be bigger than the National Championship itself. 

College Football Playoff

As an avid Buckeyes Fan, I feel as though our backs are always against the wall. No matter what we do, our schedule is never tough enough and even when it is the teams we beat (if we do), those teams are having a bad game and does not mean the other conference is weak. The old BCS system was a computer program created to put the best teams at the front of the line, competing for a National Championship. The BCS put two teams in the National Championship every year, no more and no less. However, with the creation of the College Football Playoff system, 13 experts are thrown into a room and told to create a list of the best teams in college football. Some would say this is awesome, some would say this is a joke. I, for one, think there are many cons. First and foremost, the replacement of computer programs to human beings is a bad idea. 13 people deciding on what teams deserve to be where is subject to bias. There is no way for bias not to enter the equation. This past Saturday, Ohio State beat Minnesota in 20 degree weather, with snow falling. Alabama and Mississippi State played in 60 degree weather, with nothing but sunshine above. Will this be taken into account once the committee releases their top 4? Should it be? Are the conditions, with which a team has to play in really that important? I would contend that they most certainly do. For any team to travel into a different climate, that is drastically, the results could reflect a totally different outcome. Could any team outside of the Big Ten play and dominate in the weather Ohio State just played in? This is where bias comes in, in regard to what different members of the committee understand and know from experience.

Even if Ohio State’s wins at Penn State and Minnesota are not impressive, but still result in a W, the environment is the reasoning. I just watched an ESPN clip, where the hosts were discussing the #4 spot in the playoff rankings that were being released. Once analysts said they feel Ohio State should be #4, but that they won’t get it because of their resume. The other analysts said they wouldn’t have even mentioned them at all, that the loser of Mississippi and Alabama deserves to be in that spot. Ohio State is overlooked because the argument is never had on national television. While the committee members have to make a choice, if any portion of that choice is based upon television super powers, which choice has to take into account the growth of a team, not the blemishes of that team. To say the Buckeyes are not worthy of the 4^th spot because of Virginia Tech, is to say that a late season loss is college football suicide. In the interest of fairness, is this not the case? At this point in the season, conference championships are what matters.

Why should a conference champion be substituted for a one loss (at the moment) SEC team? This in my opinion is the exact reason for why the Playoff Committee is useless. If the BCS system were expanded to include 4 teams the rankings would be based solely upon computer programing taking into account key aspects of a game. Secondly, a 4 team playoff is far too short for anything meaningful to happen. This playoff formula needs to include 6 teams, which would include the Conference Champions, then two other wild cards that could come from any conference. I believe Ohio State will end up in the 4 team playoff because of this, by the time Ohio State gets to the Conference Championship, Wisconsin should be in the top ten, which if Ohio State wins the Championship, that win will be more impressive than anything TCU and Baylor has, considering the entire country knows how dominate the running game of Melvin Gordon is, especially posting 400+ on Nebraska. If Ohio State stops him, and wins the Championship, we are in. Is there any other team that can boast that dominant of a running game?

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The Big Ten Will Be Back

Perception is only half the equation, in becoming a dominate conference. The other half is winning all of your games. The Big Ten, the way I see it could be one of the most dominate conferences in college football. Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes will bring great pride to Columbus and the Big Ten through scheduling, winning, and coaching styles. This is proven through press conferences with the players and coaches. Coaches and players constantly reiterate that they are never satisfied with their performances because they realize the only celebration that matters is at the end of the year: The Big Ten Championship and National Championship. The games leading up to those though, are stepping stones used to keep this team on their toes. Consider this, Braxton is injured less then two weeks before the season starts. The national perception is that Ohio State is nothing without him, and that their inevitable failure is imminent. Fast forward to the Virginia Tech game, where nothing seemed to go right on either side of the ball. We lose, then start on a rampage of winning games in a convincing manner. We are a hungry team, that is not satisfied with simple appetizers, but instead an entire 4 course meal. 

Ohio State will always be considered the most consistent team in the Big Ten. The problem, however, is that Big Ten teams have problems winning games against perceived big time opponents. For example, Week 2 of this years season was brutal. Michigan State, Ohio State, and Wisconsin all dropped their games against Oregon, LSU, and Virginia Tech. The problem as I stated before, is the perception of these games no matter the score. The perception of the Big Ten is that the conference is overall weak, therefore; even if these games were won the consensus would have been that these teams had a bad night, and the score was not a rational reason for the turnout. In other words, the Big Ten is still weak even though they beat good teams in great conferences. The only way to contradict the perception of the Big Ten is to win and constantly at that. 

This Buckeyes team is poised for greatness, that can only be described as relentless. Rising into the Final Four is nothing more than Ohio State being Ohio State. What do I mean by this? The rotation of players into the program, than to graduation is starting to show the end of the Tressel era, and transition into the Urban Era. Since Urban has taken the helm, the Buckeyes have sustained top 5 recruiting classes and Freshman are no strangers to the battle field. This team is young and poised. There is no question, this team will not be satisfied until there are many trophies at the Woody Hayes Facility. As Buckeye Fans, we cannot rely on other teams to hold up their end of the bargain, but we can expect this team to hold there's up, which they have done. 

I listen to radio shows, ESPN (for about 5 minutes), and other sports outlets to gain a feel for where all the attention is. I hear the discussion of whether SEC, Big 12, and PAC 12 teams should have to play in the colder north. The problem is that, until more Big Ten teams dominate their games, there is no reason for these conferences to prove themselves. They may be weak, but there is no way to prove so. In 2016 and 2017, Ohio State plays Oklahoma; in 2018 and 2019 Ohio State plays TCU; in 2020 and 2021 Ohio State plays Texas, and in 2022 and 2023, Ohio State plays Notre Dame. These up and coming series will help the Buckeyes tremendously, but the Big Ten has to do so as well. Having one strong team will do nothing but harm the conference. It has got to be a collective effort. Remember Buckeye Nation we have the super power of ESPN against us.

My final argument and remedy for perception is coaching staffs. Ohio State, as I stated in an earlier blog, took a huge step and slapped the Big Ten in the face by hiring Urban Meyer. I have not been to the facilities, only to the Horseshoe for games, but Ohio State has invested in its brand. Michigan has no choice but to open their bank accounts to a top notch coach. This coach will be on a time table much like Urbans was at Ohio State. Universities and coaches have to coach to win, and cut weak coaches. There is no other way to say it. Illinois gave Tim Beckman his two weeks notice, Michigan's weakest link is Brady Hoke. I understand the friendship is important, but winning is a job, not a hobby. We must act as such.