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

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!

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

Silent Confidence

 

I have come to a couple conclusions before writing this post. First and foremost, I think we will win the Sugar Bowl, and Title Game. Secondly, this team is vastly underrated. First and foremost, I think this team has a silent confidence about them. All the interviews I have seen with players, has shown me that this team has grown together, that there is no mountain they cannot climb, nor any team they cannot beat. I think that this team will shock the entire country. One must not forget that, as much as national media outlets talk about Nick Saban, Kirby Smart, and Lane Kiffin with time on their hands being deadly. Ohio State has offensive coaches of the year, Ed Warriner and Tom Herman, and a defense that has come together during a very short season. In a weeks time, Tom Herman took a third string quarterback and transformed him into the Big Ten Championship MVP. So with three weeks to prepare, who knows what Cardale will become. Alabama loves to boast that their play makers will be too much for Ohio State, but what is more important is that underestimation of this team. Urban Meyer, Tom Herman, and Ed Warinner will not be denied. Alabama's defense will be tested, if not proven to be unsuccessful.

 

This team is vastly underrated. Watching ESPN, with all the experts, lol, they have all said that JT Barrett was much more of a threat than Cardale, because JT Barrett can run and Cardale cannot. The irony of Cardale and the offensive line is that Cardale can run, and he has the instinct to get away from the pressure. Just watch the Big Ten Champ game, where Cardale ran away from the defense all day. Our offensive line is meshing at the perfect moment, which means that defensive line could be pushed around enough for Elliot, Samuel, and Marshall to penetrate. Once more, if our offensive line is penetrating their defense, than Alabama will have to commit more people to stopping the run, making one on one coverage in a weak secondary for our speedy wide receivers.

The SEC West will never be seen as weak, because the rest of the country outside of that division will always be ranked lower than anyone of theres. However, as the season progresses and teams begin to fall, anaylsts and the nation have to come to terms with the simple notion that other conferences are just as good, if not better than the loved SEC West.

 

In conclusion, the type of confidence I see in this team is one of pride and honor in knowing what you are capable of. Take for instance, in my case, I served in the Marine Infantry, in which, one is taught how to defend themselves and take a life if necessary. That type of training, a very small portion of people experience. But those who do experience it, do not flaunt it, they let their actions speak for itself.

 

Go Bucks!

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!!!!!!

Reaction to Ohio State vs. TTUN

Today's game was nothing short of a heartache waiting to happen. While, the Buckeyes may have had complete confidence in their team to pull out a win, I was having flashbacks of perfect seasons ending in the past. I hate to be a pessimist, but sometimes I can't help it. I felt like the whole game, we were holding back, in terms of the passing game and our perimeter game. Jalin Marshall did not get the ball much, Michael Thomas did not get the ball much, and neither did Devin Smith. I was perplexed, but then again I do not keep track of That Team, so what do I know about their team as a whole. Oh wait, they were below 500 before the game, and they still are. I know that Rivalry games bring out a different side of any team, but for That Team to come into the Shoe and score three touchdowns, was just embarrassing. This team should not need a half time speech by a defensive lineman to come out punching, when we should have that attitude the entire game. Forgive me for seeing more flaws, than strengths, however; as a Buckeyes Fan this is my job. I will sleep easy when we finish the season on top. I do know though, that no one is perfect, that people make mistakes. I love this team regardless. With that being said, I hope the missing player is found soon, safe and unharmed.

My heart stopped beating when I saw Barrett leave on a stretcher, and saw Cardale on the field. But than again, worse has happened. Buckeye Nation and this team put a True Freshman in charge of a high octane offense, and we succeeded. Why not feel the same about Cardale. I put faith in a coaching staff that is around their players enough to say they have confidence in their team to continue and carry out their mission, to be champions. I must agree, but in my own way with this sentiment. There are many team around the nation that have one Achilles heal, and that is their quarterback or other member of the team. Take for instance, Florida State, without Winston against an already bad Clemson team, the Noles needed overtime to win. Take for instance the inventory of starters we have: Marshall, Elliot, Smith, Smith, Spencer, Samuel, Huerman, and Vannette. On the defense, our weakness is experience alone. Cardale is not the team, but instead a part of it. His mission will be simple for the next two or three games, get the ball out quickly or hand it off. Tonight's game, Wisconsin vs. Minnesota, showed that even the toughest teams are weak. Ohio State beat Minnesota, and Minnesota almost beat Wisconsin. Although, the experts maybe saying Ohio State is done, I think we are just beginning. This team did not come all this way, to lose it. We all persevere. Considering our coaching staff, Urban Meyer and Tom Herman, two of the best offensive coaches in college football. Cardale is not stepping into a situation that Barrett did. He understands the offense, and our offensive scheme, which is paramount. Plus, he is not a freshman, but instead a senior. Fear not Buckeye Nation, we maybe in for a bumpy ride, but the road is not worth it if it's not difficult.

Tonight, Mississippi State lost to Ole Miss. Ole Miss is already a two loss team. I believe, Ohio State and TCU will move up in the Playoff together, without anyone being leapfrogged. However, at the conclusion of the Big Ten Championship, granted Ohio State wins, the Committee will have no choice but to put Ohio State at #4. More than anything, the purpose of the Committee is to put the four best teams into the spotlight. The four best teams will be Ohio State at #4 because the match ups of the decade would be #1 Alabama vs #4 Ohio State, and #2 Oregon vs. #3 Florida State. What better way to start the playoffs, with a Urban-Nick Bowl. Plus, an overrated, but still undefeated, Seminoles and against the Ducks. This way, if the Seminoles are really overrated, they'll be destroyed by the Ducks, likewise, if the Big Ten is really as good as we portray, then their best should be able to beat the SEC's. Enough Said

This Game Should Not Be Close

I grew up watching Ohio State Football, screaming and crying multiple times a game out of frustration and happiness. The Game, this Saturday brings to the forefront that while this game is no different than past games, against TTUN, this team is very different. In years past the eyes of Buckeye Nation has been fixed upon a dominate running back and quarterback. In 2012 and 2013, the Wolverines knew they had to stop Hyde and Miller, but could not do either. In 2014, however, the Wolverines have much more to contend with. As a counter, one may say that the Wolverines defense is getting better considering the games that they have lost have been close, except for the few that were against far superior teams (or seemed as though).

Michigan has faced close games, that may not have defined them per say, but tell a story not unlike most. The Wolverines are a team with a great history, much like Ohio State. These two teams created the hype of the Big Ten, which has superseded any other conference. When Ohio State and Michigan are undefeated and dominating the media cannot get enough of the Big Ten. It is though, the drama of other conferences does not matter because the two most dominate teams are at their best. Sure the SEC is dominate now, but we are starting to see a glimpse of what could be. Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, Lloyd Carr, and the next coach of TTUN have in their job duties, to tare down the SEC and put the Big Ten on center stage. We cannot and must not forget teams that are holding their own currently or are getting tools able to to do so. But, history has shown that the Big Ten is back when the Wolverines and Buckeyes are at their best. 

At the beginning of the season, the talk was about Ohio State's dominance, Michigan State's stability, and Penn State's march forward. Everyone knew TTUN was destined to fail this year. There was hope that TTUN would solve all their problems with the hire of Nussmeir as their new offensive coordinator, but everyone knew an offensive coordinator from Alabama would not be able to do the same considering the personnel and quality of players are much different. No one can escape the fact that Hoke was hired because of Tressel's success. Tressel was vastly underpaid but highly successful and from a lesser division. Michigan fired Rich Rod hoping to find the same thing, but came up short. Now they have to open multiple check books and kiss the ass of any respected coach. 

Urban Meyer has built this team to be unstoppable. Just look at our roster: Marshall, Wilson, Elliot, Thomas, Smith, Smith, and Spencer. This offense gets set up quickly, takes a look at the defense, than calls an audible or runs the original play call. I have seen multiple times, read options plays called, the play is changed at the line, than a short pass is thrown to the outside, which avoids the effectiveness of a blitz up the middle. Likewise, if pressure comes from the outside, the play can be changed to a run up the middle to avoid the pressure. There is no reason Ohio State should not dismantle the Wolverines, nor any other team, other than the simple excuse of turnovers. However, Barrett has shown his ability to makes plays, more with his arm, than his legs. As much talent as the Wolverines have, they do not comes close to comparing against the Buckeyes. This is not a guarantee of a win simply because of talent, but instead recognition of what one has versus another. 

The Wolverines will come out with everything they have, but not for Hoke, for their seniors and themselves. Hoke is gone and everyone knew it at the beginning of the year. I would love to beat the Wolverines so badly that Hoke is not allowed on the team bus, but this probably won't happen. I look for our defensive line to have a great day.Barrett will steal the show though, considering he needs only one touchdown throw to break Drew Bree's Big Ten record. Regardless of all the predicting going on, one thing is for sure about rivalries, they are unpredictable and all about opportunity. How many opportunities will the Buckeyes have and take advantage of, and how many opportunities will the Wolverines have and take advantage of? The answer to that question will be the deciding factor in the game.