The End and The Beginning

For those of us that listen to sports radio shows and national media outlets, the Oregon Ducks enter this game as favorites. This feeds right into the mantra that helps fuel Ohio State and this run they are currently on. Ohio State entered this season full of hopes and aspirations. The second week of the season seemed too devastating for the Big Ten to recover from. The rest of the season became a mixture of relentless efforts, the creation of a brotherhood, and an "Us Against The World Mentality." This mixture has propelled the Buckeyes past all the doubters and into the Final against Oregon. The most unlikely of duo, considering only the faithful of the two thought this game would take place.

There were many games circled on this years schedule, which brought us to our knees last year. Michigan is always a test, but Michigan State was circled because of last years Big Ten Championship. We traveled to East Lansing and walked into a stadium that was supposed to give us a loss. We won our Eastern division and walked into Indianapolis against Wisconsin being told, yet again that we were going to lose. We would not be able to stop Melvin Gordon and the Badgers. We were given the ranking of #4 and told that we would face Alabama and that would be it. The unbeatable Crimson Tide would prove once more, that the Big Ten could not hang with the big boys. Ohio State is set to face Oregon Jan. 12, and the infamous Marcus Mariota. An almost unbeatable duo.

The media and college football seem to have a short memory though. We beat Michigan State; We blew out Wisconsin and held Melvin Gordon to 74 yards; We beat Alabama and held Amari Cooper to under 100 yards of receiving. Yet we are still not seen as equals to Oregon. What more do we have to do, not to be underdogs, not to be told our third string quarterback has been getting lucky, not to be told Oregon is too fast for us. Is it not ridiculous that we have the resume we do and yet Oregon is still considered better.

Ohio State wins this game because we have been told all year long that we are not good enough, we have been told all year long that because our conference is weak we are weak, we have been told our 3rd String Quarterback cannot possible compete with just two starts under his belt. These players believe in one another to the extent that they would not be able to look each other in the face if they did not give relentless effort. Our Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshman understand that this game will be the last for the seniors, putting on the Buckeye uniform. These seniors will graduate with a title to their name.

The one thing that can never be taken from this team is to be the Champion of the First College Football Playoff. That title will never be had again.

My Prediction: Ohio State 49 Oregon 24

O-H!

My Game Plan

I am an Ohio State fan through and through. Instead of giving you my prediction, I will give you my game plan. As much as I want to say Ohio State will win, which I will, there are allot of variables to the victory. First and foremost, the defensive line has to show up and not like they did against Wisconsin, but better, and in some sense perfect. Secondly, as much as Cardale and the coaches have voiced their supreme confidence in his second start, that confidence has to translate into instinctual plays and runs in this game. Alabama is nothing like Wisconsin and with that being said, his time in the pocket will most likely consist of moving the pocket after a couple reads, to make his final reads because Alabama is not going to let him sit in the pocket all day and our offensive line cannot be expected to hold their defense all day. Third, our receivers, tight ends, running backs, and hybrids have to make plays whether they are open or covered, there is no excuse. There can be no dropped balls. Fourth, our defense has to b smart. Meaning, our line has to get penetration, and our linebackers have to play with discipline. They have to recognize run and passing plays, then apply pressure as necessary. Alabama has way too many weapons to account for, for the Buckeyes to leave anyone open for more than a second.

So here we go...... What I would do.......

Jalin Marshall and Cardale have to be on the field at all times. What this does is put in the back of Alabama's mind that there are two possible quarterbacks on the field. If Jalin touches the ball behind the line of scrimmage, there is a possibility of him running the ball or throwing it which puts pressure on their entire defensive line. For Cardale, he's got his arm and his legs. His height and weight can make it hard to bring him down with one person, and his arm could pose a threat to their secondary. Cardale has to throw the long bowl far to allow our receivers to run underneath it or throw it early enough to allow the receiver to turn around and have the ball be there already. Their secondary may be weak, but that does not mean they won't be opportunitistic if the ball is under thrown.

Secondly, I would rotate between Elliot and Samuel. Fresh legs is always a good thing especially if they are getting success at the perimeter, which in turn may result in inside run success. Alabama's defense is disciplined, but not extremely fast, which bodes well for our offense.

Third, I would never question the strategy of the best offensive coaches in college football. There is no reason why Urban did not win Big Ten Coach of the Year or NCAA Football of the Year. However, Ed Warriner and Tom Herman did and they are both offensive coaches here. Larry Johnson, Luke Fickell, and Chris Ash put together a defense that destroyed ranked opponents. Michigan State and Wisconsin were not match for us, and it showed. Saban and Kiffin will game plan for blitzes from the linebackers and cornerbacks, but our defense will have other plans.

This game is all about keeping the same game plan, but bringing it in a different manner. We will throw the kitchen sink at Alabama, the only question is how and how often.

Ohio State is up against more than just a team, but also the media in general. I sit here and watch Michigan State and Baylor, and I cannot help but think about the game tonight. I mean, it is obvious the significance of this game. It is obvious the Titans will be on the sideline, as much as they will be on the field. Everyone is saying Ohio State has no chance. What they do not understand is that all we want is a chance. That chance is coming in the form of the Nokia Sugar Bowl.

This game reminds me of the movie 300. The Spartan warriors faced Armies ten times the size of their own unit, but overcame unsurmountable odds in the name of an idea. That idea for Ohio State is not the freedom of a nation or people, but instead the silence their doubters. This team will be ready. I wish that was all that needs to be said, but it's not. For 60 minutes, Ohio State has to be dominant because Alabama will never go away. Here is to the Buckeyes!

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.

 

 

Well DUH!!!!!!

Why must reporters ask dumb questions? Other than to get people to click on their post and read what they're saying. So here's a rhetorical question. Will Urban Meyer use the teams underdog status as motivation for the team? Yeah think? Wouldn't you? If you're going up against one of the best football teams for almost the last decade, wouldn't you use everything in your arsenal? Is that even a question. As if this team needs any more motivation, I would think there's plenty to go around. I was watching ESPN and Campus Insider this morning until I felt like I was going to throw the remote at the television. First of all, ESPN was talking about the playoffs starting in less than a week. The host was a lady and she had Paul Finebaum as a guest host. As we all know, Paul Finebaum and Skip Bayless are about as SEC bias as they come, without a doubt. Paul Finebaum was asked who, out of the two underdog teams has the best chance of upsetting the favorite. Of course, Paul picks Florida State, and says that Alabama will be well prepared. That I expected, but what the host said, was kind of unexpected. She goes onto to say, even though Alabama lost the Sugar Bowl the year before, they have won it many times before, including to become National Champions.

 

This is my problem, it's as if one negative comment is followed by three positive. The very mention of Alabama losing last years Sugar Bowl, means that another mention of their many wins in that same stadium, becoming National Champs, and Nick Saban's record with time to prepare is deadly also has to be mentioned in order to end the news cast on a good note. Are you kidding me? When the same people talk about Ohio State, it is their inexperience, they are from a weak conference, weak schedule, and 3rd String Quarterback, with a faint mention of Urban Meyer being the type of coach he is. It is laughable.

 

The second show that got on my nerves and it's not because of their prediction about the game, it's about their explanation for why Alabama wins. The guest on the show stated that Ohio State has allot of playmakers, and Cardale will be prepared for the game, but Ohio State will lose because Nick Saban does not lose the same game twice. First off, that is a stupid explanation. If Alabama loses this game, then we find the same match up next year, then someone can say, Alabama does not lose the same game twice. The game is always the same, it is the teams that are different. If Oklahoma was Ohio State, that statement would apply. However, they are not and Ohio State is nothing like Oklahoma, so to say that Alabama losing last year means they win this year, is to say Bob Stoops and Urban Meyer coach the exact same way. What a moron!

 

 

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

Great Teams Are Not Dynasties

This debate should end quickly. The success of this Buckeyes team has brought some to look at Ohio State in a different light. That light is starting to shift from successful and sustainable to dynasty, which is a totally different subject. Successful and sustainable was Ohio State under Jim Tressel, where Ohio State was always in the BCS Bowl games, Sugar Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and Rose Bowl. These Bowl games brought joy and sorrow to the hearts of Buckeye Nation. Tressel was never a prominent figure in the recruiting game enough to satisfy a top 3 ranking. However, Tressel enjoyed success with the players he found, which is an undervalued asset to any program.

Under Tressel, the Buckeyes could count on BCS Bowl games nearly every year, with the notion of letting the game slip away. We beat Miami in 2002 and took home the title. The next few years saw Sugar Bowl and Fiesta Bowl appearances with losses to Florida, LSU, and Texas. It was not until the Rose Bowl against Oregon that we won, then a year later against Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl. Even with this success, Tressel was considered to be a great coach in charge of a great team, but not a dynasty. The scandal takes place and all of the sudden Tressel resigns and in steps Urban Meyer. With Urban Meyer, the Buckeyes have had top 5, if not top 3, recruiting classes, and immediate success. Three loses in 3 years is an amazing goal to accomplish. However, this team is not yet a dynasty. Unfortunately, there are not many dynasties in college football. For me, a dynasty is very difficult to accomplish considering there are multiple areas that have to be top notch if not perfect.

Perfection will never be accomplished, but near perfection can be obtainable. For Ohio State to become a dynasty they will need to unseat Alabama or become a bona fide #2 recruiting class year in and year out. They will need to go undefeated and repeat Big Ten Champs every year, then consistently win the Playoffs or their bowl games, if for some reason they do not get in. These are my requirements, but not necessarily THE requirements. I am sure we have our own, but if you take a look at Alabama's dynasty, it is not much different. Once a team has become a dynasty a different kind of excuse becomes the only needed for losing a game or bowl. For example, last year Alabama lost the Iron Bowl and Sugar Bowl. The reasoning was that Alabama lost the Iron Bowl because they were looking ahead to Florida State for the Title. Once that was no longer the case, the reasoning for losing the Sugar Bowl was that Alabama did not want to be there. It was beneath them to play for a lesser bowl than the Title. At the beginning of this season, Alabama was thought to be out of contention because of the quarterback situation. That reasoning was, the Tide was in their transition phase. I find it funny that Alabama loses and it's not because the other team was better, it was because Alabama's head was not in the game. That is the excuse that I am talking about. Analysts and announcers automatically assume that The Tide will be at the top where they should be year in and year out.

Will Ohio State ever be a Dynasty? I think our opportunity has arrived. Meyer has said that he did not think they would be where they are considering the circumstances. However, we are here and we have nothing to lose. If Ohio State does take it all, I think this year could be the beginning considering our coaching staff is in pursuit of something that is impossible, perfection. Our recruiting classes have been getting better each year, and Meyer will always find the best assistant coaches to fill vacancies. Ohio State did more then they could have imagined by signing Meyer and Buckeye Nation will see those dividends.

The Debate will End at the End of Every Year and Start at the Beginning Once More

The Nokia Sugar Bowl is more than just a semi final on the road to the Title, it is the defining moment for Ohio State and The Big Ten. As of now, the SEC West is considered to be one of the most dominant conferences in college football. Most college football analysts and radio announcers acknowledge the East only in terms of who plays the West during the Championship. The same cannot be said about the rest of the conferences though. For instance, the Big Ten and PAC 12 will become the most dominant conferences if Michigan can land a head coach that is miracle worker. Some may say this is quite bias and based upon no evidence, however, examine the SEC, PAC 12, and Big Ten as a whole. Like I stated earlier, the SEC East is mentioned for a moment, while the Big Ten and PAC 12 have more balanced divisions. Once Wisconsin and Nebraska figure out how to become dominant with their new head coaches, the Big Ten Championship will rise in importance on a National stage. The PAC 12 will continue their dominance if, and only if Oregon can make it to Dallas. If they lose to the Seminoles, then they will be nothing more than a program with a Heisman Trophy winner, that is it.

As I was saying though, the Sugar Bowl is more then just a bowl between two great teams, it is a statement. Starting in 2006, the Big Ten has been seen as a good conference, but one that could not beat the South. Jim Tressel always seemed to make it to the Title game or big bowl game, but against Florida, LSU, or Texas could not finish the season strong. The victories against Oregon was dismissed and Arkansas did not count because of the scandal and Arkansas was not seen as a formidable opponent in their own conference. Therefore, Ohio State could do no right. That is why this game means so much. If Ohio State beats Alabama, the stigma of losing to a Big Ten Champ will hang over the head of the West and ESPN until the next match up between the two. This is about the pride of two coaches and their teams. Alabama is said to be the best team in the country, and what better way to unseat that theory? Although this game is not about Urban and Saban, that is how it will be perceived because the two will finally meet again. This game is about two teams, one that was given the rosy path and one that was given the rocky path. The only difference being Alabama's strengths are put on display, without regard for their weaknesses and Ohio State's weaknesses are put on display more than their strengths. If Ohio State plays as they did this game should be more than a game, it should be a two or three score game.

It is no secret that Ohio State is perceived to be the crown jewel of the Big 10. This benchmark is a good and bad thing. It is good because Ohio State will always be considered to be a top team until the prove otherwise. However, it is also bad because the rest of the Big Ten, with the exception of a few, is looked upon as being less than formidable. The difference between the two conferences being reputation. At the beginning of every year and throughout til near the end, we hear about how stacked the SEC is in regards to ranked opponents, however, the last 4 weeks of the season refute that claim. Auburn, Texas A&M, LSU, and Arkansas are automatically seen as top contenders year in and year out, whereas the Big Ten is seen as an overall weak conference with a couple big fish. This is why this game is so important. For Ohio State to win this game, the conversation begins on whether or not the SEC is as stacked as it seems because this discussion will always be cemented in the fact that Ohio State won. There will be no announcer able to say either, Ohio State and Alabama have not met to settle the debate nor Alabama won ending the debate because Ohio State ended the discussion by winning.

In closing, the SEC will never be seen as weak because of Alabama's success. It does not matter who wins at the end of the year, as long as the team is from the SEC. The Big Ten will be seen as weak and not up to par as long as the Big Ten only has two teams to show for. Urban Meyer cannot and should not be expected to hold this conference on his shoulders, nor should Michigan State. That is Nebraska, Wisconsin, Penn State, and Michigan have to rise and rise quickly. Otherwise, this battle will rage on.

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.

Bama Can Be Beat

 

The reputation of Alabama is almost as unbeatable as the team itself. While Saban has been one of the most consistent coaches in the country at winning and winning big, the Crimson Tide have not been perfect the last couples years. During last years Iron Bowl and Sugar Bowl, the Crimson Tide's weaknesses were exposed enough for them to lose. In this post, my strategy for beating Alabama will be put forth. Saban's defense has shown it's dominance versus teams that depend upon their running game to establish other parts of their offense. In which case, no running game, their opponent has a difficult time sustaining drives and winning the game. When Manziel was at Texas A&M, he beat the Crimson Tide with his feet and a weak, but experienced secondary. The same can be said for Auburn, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss, which have all dealt the Crimson Tide an "L."

With three weeks to prepare for a showdown, both Urban and Nick have ample time to realize and exploit each others weakness. The key for the Buckeyes is penetration and disciplined football. Many examples of this rest in the Big Ten Championship game, where Melvin Gordon was held to 74 yards the WHOLE GAME. Our defense will have to be very disciplined and physical. Bosa, Bennett, Washington, and Frazier (granted the front four were subbed in and out) did a great job of collapsing the pocket. Larry Johnson will have a fun time (yes I am being sarcastic) creating defensive line strategies that will confuse the Alabama offensive line enough to get pressure on a mobile quarterback. Luke Fickell will have to rotate and create different schemes, in which line backers are sent for blitzes, as well as keep them in coverage to guard against the passing game and running. Chris Ash and Kerry Combs have the task of guarding Amari Cooper and the rest of the wide receiving core. On the flip side, Urban and Tom have the task of creating match ups with the advantages going to Ohio State. First and foremost, I would have Jalin, Jones, Elliot, and a couple wide receivers on the field at all times. During the Big Ten Championship, Jalin did something Buckeye Nation has been waiting for, throw the ball. Now Alabama has to guard against Jones and Jalin having the ability to do the same thing accurately during any play they are on the field together. It is said that Alabama's defensive line will stop our running game. Well, that is a simple fix. At that time, we will have Samuel, Elliot, Jalin, and Wilson as players that can run from the back field, either as running backs or as hybrid backs. These four will have to run around the front 4 or however many players are on the line. Is it really that difficult to understand? Spreading out Bama's defense will allow running attacks up the middle, until their defense and Kirby Smart have to commit to stopping one before the other. Jones has already proved he has an arm, why not throw some deep balls to Devin Smith? Recently, Elliot has proven to be smaller version of Carlos Hyde with his ability to bounce off hits, run though tackles, and sprint down the field.

In the end, I think the Buckeyes stun College Football with a victory and send Nick back to Tuscaloosa with another "L." I come to this conclusion with this simple acknowledgement. At this point, what do we have to lose? If we lose, (granted I don't want to think like that) we were in the inaugural playoffs with the Nation's top, although it won't count for anything besides luck in the eyes of naysayers and those that believe the Big Ten is weak. However, with a win we move onto the "King" of them all against the winner of Oregon and Florida State (I am thinking the Seminoles.....unfortunately). In other words, we have nothing to lose. I keep hearing analysts and announcers say, Ohio State wishes they were put at #3 so they go up against Oregon, but than again, what better way to prove you're the best and the SEC is overrated, than to beat the King of the SEC?

In closing, this game should not be as lopsided as everyone thinks, and the only that happens is if Ohio State plays defense and offense as they have most of the year. However, we come away with a win if we play like we did at Michigan State and the Big Ten Championship.

GO BUCKS!

The Calm Before The Storm

I was listening to the Urban Meyer Call In Show yesterday, and thought to myself, what is it that the coaches say to the players, getting them to perform the way they do? This got me to thinking of what I would say. It may not be perfect, but it is what it is. I must preface this by giving my prediction for Indiana and Ohio State.

Ohio State 56 Indiana 10

I served in the Marines from 2005-2009, as an Infantryman. This is where I was taught that relentless effort is perfection, that being good is not good enough. 

Infantry Marines train tirelessly towards the perfection of their craft, so that when the times comes and bullets are coming at you in war, your body reacts before your mind does. Your body is trained by your superiors and seniors to react in a manner that could save a life, whether it is your own or another Marines. This coaching staff was assembled to bring together mental and physical toughness through repetition. You all (the players) have been taught to be more powerful than a coach. When someone messes up and it is not because of effort, your brothers pick up before a coach does. Brotherly love can be stronger than fatherly love. This is the essence of this football team. Our pursuit of perfection extends to every game we play, regardless of who we play. It does not matter if it is Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Alabama or anyone else. Our pursuit of perfection is not not making mistakes, it is making mistakes and learning from them, from each other. Our pursuit of perfection ends when we are in Dallas, holding up the National Championship trophy and not until than. Every game until then is a battle that we must win. At the end of every battle is a war that must be finished. College Football has wages a war upon us, and game by game we have won the battles convincingly. I model our team as if we were in the military because of this; we have the most lethal military known to mankind. On one hand we fight a war as viciously as possible, making our enemy think twice about attacking us once more. On the other hand, we are able to be human beings and help others out in need. We fight a way every Saturday from August to December, just to finish the war in January. The character of a Unit is immortalized with how they end a campaign. Tonight, we choose how we will be immortalized. 

Tomorrow, this team will run into the Horseshoe a motivation we have never seen. This motivation comes from the recognition of how close to the finish line we are, how close we are to finishing what we started. The week after this is TTUN in our stadium. The only way to finish to STRONG!

O-H!!!!!!!!!!