2010 OSU Football

[bucksfan2]

I haven't seen one started so I will start one.

Preseason #2

Pryor is the preseason Heisman Trophy leader.

Seems like some lofty goals for this team. They play two tough road games in Iowa and Wisconsin. I do think this team can run the table but it will depend on the development of Pryor.

[Unassisted]

Ohio State: A Three-Game Season on the Road to the 2010 BCS Title (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/439887-ohio-state-a-three-game-season-on-the-road-to-the-2010-bcs-title)

Miami, Wisconsin, and Iowa.

When looking at the Ohio State 2010 schedule, those three games versus those three teams are what will make or break the season for the Buckeyes.

Sorry to those other nine teams and their fans.

[Captain13]

tOSU fans are an arrogent bunch, but this year they just may have the team to back it up. They are clearly the class of the Big10.

[Brutus]

tOSU fans are an arrogent bunch, but this year they just may have the team to back it up. They are clearly the class of the Big10.

They lead college football in BCS bowl wins since the advent of the BCS in 1997. I would say they've at least done something to 'back it up.'

Arrogance, by the way, exists with a fan base of any major successful program. Kentucky hoops. Alabama football. South Carolina baseball. Duke hoops. You can fill in the blanks, really.

[bucksfan2]

tOSU fans are an arrogent bunch, but this year they just may have the team to back it up. They are clearly the class of the Big10.

OSU has been the class of the Big Ten ever since Tressel arrived.

[bshall2105]

O-H

[NorrisHopper30]

I'm sayin 11-1 or 10-2. If I were an OSU fan i'd be most nervous about Miami then Wisconsin. OSU will beat Iowa easy (the most overrated team in the country), but @Wisconsin will be tough.

[BuckeyeRed27]

It's really all about Pryor. If he can do what he did against Oregon and be a good game manager, OSU will be pretty close to unstoppable. This is the most talent and depth they have had since 05. The schedule has a couple tough games, but OSU will be favored in all of them and I feel can only lose if "Purdue Pryor" shows up.

[Danny Serafini]

O-H

I-O!

[Boston Red]

I-O!

Go Bobcats!

[11larkin11]

I'm sayin 11-1 or 10-2. If I were an OSU fan i'd be most nervous about Miami then Wisconsin. OSU will beat Iowa easy (the most overrated team in the country), but @Wisconsin will be tough.

Disagree. Wisconsin is number one, but Miami really doesn't have me worried. Do I think its a big game? Of course, or I wouldn't be pissed about not getting a student ticket for the game because this year's ordering system was bogus. But Miami is not a better team than Iowa. The game will be won in the trenches, and the advantage is tOSU's and its not even close.

[cincrazy]

I think we have a very good team, but I worry about the offense. I think people may be putting too much stock into one game against an Oregon defense that really wasn't all that good. The line still is a question mark, and the depth at receiver is questionable at best. I like Brandon Saine to have a breakout season in the backfield this year, but other than that, I'm not sure how I feel about the O.

[guttle11]

Been waiting three years for Saine to breakout. Ain't happening, he is what he is...straight line speed with average athleticism. He'll show flashes, but overall he's just a good #2 at a school like OSU.

Buckeyes really have no excuses this year, time for Pryor to prove he's a star. I do have a good feeling about them, though. Could well be "the year".

[11larkin11]

The running game will be there, no matter who it is. Boom, Saine, Hall, Berry, Hyde...depth is cut a bit with Martin transferring and Smith most likely RS'ing. But this is the deepest backfield with legit talent I've seen at OSU.

[NorrisHopper30]

Disagree. Wisconsin is number one, but Miami really doesn't have me worried. Do I think its a big game? Of course, or I wouldn't be pissed about not getting a student ticket for the game because this year's ordering system was bogus. But Miami is not a better team than Iowa. The game will be won in the trenches, and the advantage is tOSU's and its not even close.

Iowa is overrated and they will lose to Arizona early on in the year to prove it. No offense again and they won't be as lucky this year. The defense is still solid but no defense can win em all with that offense.

[DirtyBaker]

Go Bobcats!

here here! :beerme:

[KOBasinger]

As a Buckeye fan, I won't be scared to admit that I'm nervous about the Wisconsin game. I'm more about it than the Miami game.

Should be an exciting season. The thing that worries me though is our WR depth. Losing Duron was a blow to us.

[BuckWild03]

tOSU will pay Colorado $1.4 million to bring the Buffs to the shoe next year.

http://blog.dispatch.com/buckeyesblog/2010/08/its_official_buffs_bucks_to_me.shtml

[BuckeyeRed27]

They dropped a mid-October game against Bowling Green and set this up.

Nonconference next year will be Akron, Toledo, @ Miami and Colorado. Not bad.

[KOBasinger]

They dropped a mid-October game against Bowling Green and set this up.

Nonconference next year will be Akron, Toledo, @ Miami and Colorado. Not bad.

Bring em on

[OSUredsFAN]

I'm sayin 11-1 or 10-2. If I were an OSU fan i'd be most nervous about Miami then Wisconsin. OSU will beat Iowa easy (the most overrated team in the country), but @Wisconsin will be tough.

The Wisky game worries me the most. After that, its the Iowa game. The Buckeyes should take care of business at home. If I had to guess right now, i'd say 12-1 this yr with another BCS bowl W.

[cincrazy]

Iowa is overrated and they will lose to Arizona early on in the year to prove it. No offense again and they won't be as lucky this year. The defense is still solid but no defense can win em all with that offense.

Iowa is probably overrated from a national standpoint, but they're still a damn good team, and beating them in Iowa City isn't going to be easy. If the Bucks win in Madison and in Iowa City, they're playing for the BCS title IMO. But that's a big if.

[WMR]

I'm fascinated to see how Pryor responds to the challenge in front of him.

It's seemingly all right there for him, can he reach out and grab it?

[BuckWild03]

Captains were named yesterday. For only the second time in the history of the program, there will be six captains this year.

They are:
offensive lineman Bryant Browning, defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, linebackers Ross Homan and Brian Rolle, tailback Brandon Saine and receiver Dane Sanzenbacher.

[OUReds]

No big ten prediction thread this year? That makes me sad (says the person too lazy to start one himself).

[BuckWild03]

Nike has unveiled the new Pro Combat jerseys that the Bucks will wear against the team up north.
http://www.thelantern.com/sports/nike-unveils-new-ohio-state-uniform-for-2010-michigan-game-1.1549300

[Captain13]

Really? It's gameday, and not a single OSU comment. Wow, I know the Reds are exciting, but they're off today...and it's football season. :confused:

[mlh1981]

Go Bobcats!

mlh1981 likes this

[BuckWild03]

Really? It's gameday, and not a single OSU comment. Wow, I know the Reds are exciting, but they're off today...and it's football season. :confused:

I finally got the itch this morning when I woke up. The day has crawled by. Can't wait for game time! GO BUCKS!! :beerme:

[Puffy]

Nike has unveiled the new Pro Combat jerseys that the Bucks will wear against the team up north.
http://www.thelantern.com/sports/nike-unveils-new-ohio-state-uniform-for-2010-michigan-game-1.1549300

For all 12 teams uniforms: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/448112-nike-unveils-2010-pro-combat-uniforms-for-ten-college-football-teams#page/1

Personally, I like Boise State's and West Virginia's the best.

[*BaseClogger*]

Really? It's gameday, and not a single OSU comment. Wow, I know the Reds are exciting, but they're off today...and it's football season. :confused:

It's a Thursday. These things are supposed to happen on Saturdays...

[reds1869]

It's a Thursday. These things are supposed to happen on Saturdays...

And all too often they don't. As I peruse Marshall's schedule, we play the Buckeyes tonight (Thursday), West Virginia next Friday and Central Florida on a Wednesday. The driving factor in all of them? National TV, the almighty dictator of college football.

[BoydsOfSummer]

The Pryor to Sanzenberger hookup is is in synch so far. Nice!

[WVRed]

Looks like the Doc Holliday era has started off with a bang.

[KOBasinger]

I know it was against Marshall, but I saw a lot of improvements from the team last year. Most importantly, the offensive line looked a lot better in both the pass and run. They gave Pryor time. Huge game from Brandon inSaine.

Secondary kinda worries me only because their young. Jermale Hines had a huge hit.

[traderumor]

Marshall simply overmatched in every way. What is the story on Miami? Is their preseason ranking legit, or is it more based on reputation and improvement of last season with returning playmaking QB?

[BuckWild03]

Marshall simply overmatched in every way. What is the story on Miami? Is their preseason ranking legit, or is it more based on reputation and improvement of last season with returning playmaking QB?

Miami put 45 on the board last night as well (granted it was against the Rattlers of Florida A&M). Jacory Harris put up similar passing numbers to Pryor and only played a half so next Saturday's showdown could be a shootout.

[ThornWithin81]

For all 12 teams uniforms: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/448112-nike-unveils-2010-pro-combat-uniforms-for-ten-college-football-teams#page/1

Personally, I like Boise State's and West Virginia's the best.

They are all junk. I loathe the recent trend of messing with jerseys and creating alternate/throwback jerseys every year.

It's just an effort to sell the new designs from year to year. Fans feel the need to keep up and/or collect one from every style. Not a fan at all.

Especially using them against Michigan. :thumbdown

[KOBasinger]

Miami put 45 on the board last night as well (granted it was against the Rattlers of Florida A&M). Jacory Harris put up similar passing numbers to Pryor and only played a half so next Saturday's showdown could be a shootout.

Wouldn't put that much into it. Our defense is sick.

[kearns and dunn]

Miami has sick talent at WR, RB and DL....however their linebackers are average at best. Obviously Jacory Harris is pretty good, he just has to limit his mistakes. Miami-Ohio State is the game I have been most looking forward to since the Championship Game. F you Terry Porter ;). Even as a Miami fan, I have a feeling it will either be an OSU blowout or a close game that Miami pulls out. My main feelings on that are because I feel like Miami's defense could implode against a team like OSU and because Tressell > Randy Shannon. I'm excited though, should be a good game.
:beerme:

[BoydsOfSummer]

Jaamal Berry looked good in garbage time. A couple nice runs and not afraid to lower the boom for a not so big guy. All the backs looked good actually. I thought they were gonna have three 100 yard rushers there for awhile.

[Brutus]

Miami is great in the skill positions, but they are not a physical football team (as was evidenced last year against Wisconsin). They have the athletes to match up with Ohio State, but I honestly question whether they will be good enough up front on both sides of the ball to stay in the game for four quarters.

[OSUredsFAN]

Got a few tickets to the game on saturday. :beerme: Cant wait, I haven't been back in the 'Shoe since the '04 scUM game.

[PeteRoseBelongs]

go big blue. Ohio's real Univesity. The University of Kentucky

[Cedric]

go big blue. Ohio's real Univesity. The University of Kentucky

We are talking about football in this thread. UK doesn't know anything about that sport so carry on with the flaming.

BTW.. Were you drunk when you posted?

[BuckWild03]

Got a few tickets to the game on saturday. :beerme: Cant wait, I haven't been back in the 'Shoe since the '04 scUM game.

I'll be at the game as well. Lucked out and got this game through my alumni tickets this year. :beerme:

Anyone know where the Gameday crew is this week? I'm assuming Penn St/Alabama game...

[Roy Tucker]

I'll be at the game as well. Lucked out and got this game through my alumni tickets this year. :beerme:



This game was my alumni seats as well.

However, my daughter has a band competition that night and this is her senior year and this is my last kid. So I sold my OSU tickets. :( There will be other games in other years.

[traderumor]

Was reading today where Miami players from the '02 team were trying to use revenge as a motivator for the current team. Really silly if you ask me. Sort of like asking the current Bengals to get fired up for a game with the Niners because they beat us in the SB 20 and 30 years ago.

[Chip R]

Was reading today where Miami players from the '02 team were trying to use revenge as a motivator for the current team. Really silly if you ask me. Sort of like asking the current Bengals to get fired up for a game with the Niners because they beat us in the SB 20 and 30 years ago.

That's a bit ridiculous but that sort of thing happens all the time. Team X ran up the score on Team Y 10 years ago and Team Y uses that as motivation 10 years later.

[BuckWild03]

It will be interesting to see how Brian Rolle plays. He grew up a Miami fan but didn't get an offer from them. His cousin Antrelle played for the Canes when Ohio State beat them in 2003.

[bucksfan2]

It will be interesting to see how Brian Rolle plays. He grew up a Miami fan but didn't get an offer from them. His cousin Antrelle played for the Canes when Ohio State beat them in 2003.

Rolle didn't get an offer from Miami? I thought he was a highly thought of recruit?

[BuckWild03]

Rolle didn't get an offer from Miami? I thought he was a highly thought of recruit?

http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/15652/brian-rolle-is-buckeyes-man-in-the-middle


"There was no doubt in my mind," he said. "My sophomore to senior year, I just knew I was going to play at Miami. But I didn't get that offer I wanted."

[bucksfan2]

Interesting I went back and looked at his profile on Scout. He was a 4 star LB from Immokalee and had offers from some top notch schools, OSU, LSU, UF, etc. Surprised that he didn't get an offer from Miami. I wonder if this had to do anything with the house cleaning Randy Shannon undertook. But then again I have never heard anything bad about Rolle.

[LoganBuck]

Interesting I went back and looked at his profile on Scout. He was a 4 star LB from Immokalee and had offers from some top notch schools, OSU, LSU, UF, etc. Surprised that he didn't get an offer from Miami. I wonder if this had to do anything with the house cleaning Randy Shannon undertook. But then again I have never heard anything bad about Rolle.

Coker was fired when Rolle was a high school senior. Shannon came on later, and Miami was full up at linebacker then.

[HeatherC1212]

Really nice win over Miami for the Buckeyes today! Go Bucks!!! :jump:

[Danny Serafini]

If the Buckeyes can learn how to cover a kick they are going to be real dangerous, because that was the only true weak spot today.

[bshall2105]

I'm very happy with the win today, but nothing is more frustrating than giving up two touchdowns on kick returns. This game shouldn't have been close, but it was still a good win. Go Bucks!

[Captain Hook]

Bucks looked good against Miami.The couple INTs UM dropped concerns me more then the returns given up for TDs.Tressel can fix the return problem as it has been something his teams have always done well.It's up to TP to not throw picks and that worries me a bit.I'll try to remember how accurate he was against Marshal and hope it was just the rain that caused the accuracy problems today.Don't get me wrong, Pryor has looked good so far this year but but should've had a few picks and was less then efficient today despite over 300 yards of total offense.

[Brutus]

This game shouldn't have been close, but it was still a good win. Go Bucks!

Don't be like Canes' fans.

The kick returns did happen. Ohio State did allow them. They were fair and square and good plays by Miami. The game should have been close because Miami made enough plays to keep it close.

That kind of talk is stuff you'd hear from the "swagger." Miami has tremendous athletes with good lines on both sides of the ball. I think Ohio State was a better team, but let's not take credit away from the Hurricanes for making big plays on special teams. It takes two to tango.

[GAC]

The Bucks have given up 31 points so far, and 21 of them were special team breakdowns. That has to be addressed. They could have really opened this game up and hurt the Canes bad if their ST play hadn't let them back into the game. But my hats off to the Canes return guys. Solid runs no doubt.

I don't know about anyone else, but that was a definite and flagrant hold on Heyward in the 1st half. I came up off the couch when they picked that flag up. It kept that Cane drive going where they got the FG.

Overall - Pryor looked good. I think he did, at times, make some bad decisions with the ball, tried to force it a few times, and was lucky he didn't have an INT. Still a little concerned with their running game, other then Pryor, when it comes to the RBs, but it's still early.

I thought going in that the key to the whole game was going to be how our O-line was going to perform vs the Cane's LB's. I thought our line did admirably.

[ThornWithin81]

Don't be like Canes' fans.

The kick returns did happen. Ohio State did allow them. They were fair and square and good plays by Miami. The game should have been close because Miami made enough plays to keep it close.

That kind of talk is stuff you'd hear from the "swagger." Miami has tremendous athletes with good lines on both sides of the ball. I think Ohio State was a better team, but let's not take credit away from the Hurricanes for making big plays on special teams. It takes two to tango.

The game was close on the scoreboard but it rarely ever felt close on the field. Yes, the returns happened but the Hurricanes were (for the most part) dead in the water beyond their return game.

The Return game is absolutely a valid way to score but it doesn't represent sustained high quality play the way that offensive potency does. Hence, it was close on the scoreboard - but once OSU started to kick off to the upbacks and towards the sidelines, it never really felt close again on the field.

Dominant win, IMO.

[Caseyfan21]

I think, even more than the special teams play, the other area for concern was in the red zone offense. The Buckeyes seem way too content to settle for FG's when TD's can put games on ice. This has been a problem time and time again the past couple years where great field position or a good drive stall out in the red zone and OSU settles for 3. Against great teams you have to take advantage of chances.

[Redsfaithful]

Great win. Pryor is amazing, love watching him run. You just don't expect a guy who's 6'6 240 to be able to reverse field and blow by everyone the way he does.

[Brutus]

The game was close on the scoreboard but it rarely ever felt close on the field. Yes, the returns happened but the Hurricanes were (for the most part) dead in the water beyond their return game.

The Return game is absolutely a valid way to score but it doesn't represent sustained high quality play the way that offensive potency does. Hence, it was close on the scoreboard - but once OSU started to kick off to the upbacks and towards the sidelines, it never really felt close again on the field.

Dominant win, IMO.

I agree with this, I never felt like (at least after the first quarter) they were going to be able to sustain anything to come back and win. I just hate it when fans say "it wouldn't have been close, if..." I mean after all, all facets of the game count on the scoreboard and making mistakes are part of winning games.

[Unassisted]

Pryor is amazing, love watching him run.
I follow Dispatch beat writer Rob Oller on Twitter, so I had a little different feeling about seeing Pryor run in the second half. Oller mentioned that trainers put Pryor in a "beefy" knee brace after his last series in the first half. After reading that, I cringed every time Pryor got tackled. :eek:

[bshall2105]

I agree with this, I never felt like (at least after the first quarter) they were going to be able to sustain anything to come back and win. I just hate it when fans say "it wouldn't have been close, if..." I mean after all, all facets of the game count on the scoreboard and making mistakes are part of winning games.

I don't think I ever said it would not have been close if something happened. I said that nothing was more frustrating than giving up touchdowns on special teams.

The Buckeyes completely outplayed Miami in every area except special teams, when that happens the game should not be close.

[Brutus]

I don't think I ever said it would not have been close if something happened. I said that nothing was more frustrating than giving up touchdowns on special teams.

The Buckeyes completely outplayed Miami in every area except special teams, when that happens the game should not be close.

You added the game shouldn't have been close. But it's neither here nor there. I agree they outplayed Miami in most facets. But special teams are very important and I disagree a game shouldn't be close just because a team outplays another in other areas. Special teams have a huge impact on games and the lack of success in this department goes against why Tressel's teams have usually been successful to begin with. That they were terrible on Saturday is a good reason why it should have been close.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Big game this Saturday!

Making my first trip to Madison and I'm really excited.

[LoganBuck]

Big game this Saturday!

Making my first trip to Madison and I'm really excited.

Be careful up there. Have heard of some real rough treatment of opposing fans especially before/during/after night games.

[Roy Tucker]

Be careful up there. Have heard of some real rough treatment of opposing fans especially before/during/after night games.

Indeed. It gets really drunk at night up there in Madison. They like their beer.

Travel in packs, they pick off stragglers and strays.

[Unassisted]

Big game this Saturday!

Making my first trip to Madison and I'm really excited.I used to live there. Dress for chilly weather!

Also, arrive early and claim your seat. The ushers at Camp Randall aren't particularly helpful when someone is sitting in your seat if you're a fan of the other team. :rolleyes: I only went to see the Buckeyes there once of the 4 times they played in Madison while I was a resident. Once was enough.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I used to live there. Dress for chilly weather!

Also, arrive early and claim your seat. The ushers at Camp Randall aren't particularly helpful when someone is sitting in your seat if you're a fan of the other team. :rolleyes: I only went to see the Buckeyes there once of the 4 times they played in Madison while I was a resident. Once was enough.

Good advice. I usually like to get to the stadium early for away games anyways to "take it all in" or whatever. I got these tickets from a Badger season ticket holder and booster so I'm hoping they won't be too close to students.

[forfreelin04]

Good advice. I usually like to get to the stadium early for away games anyways to "take it all in" or whatever. I got these tickets from a Badger season ticket holder and booster so I'm hoping they won't be too close to students.

I'll echo the sentiments of others. I've heard some genuine horror stories. I hope your going with the buddies and not the Mrs. I spoke with one co-worker who refuses to go back. They said they they treated his wife the worst. Things you wouldn't say to your worst enemy's wife. Sadly, Wisconsin won that night against the Bucks. Imagine if they lose?

Best of luck to you! :thumbup:

[BuckeyeRed27]

I'll echo the sentiments of others. I've heard some genuine horror stories. I hope your going with the buddies and not the Mrs. I spoke with one co-worker who refuses to go back. They said they they treated his wife the worst. Things you wouldn't say to your worst enemy's wife. Sadly, Wisconsin won that night against the Bucks. Imagine if they lose?

Best of luck to you! :thumbup:

Actually taking the Mrs. to this one. She's been to a couple other road games with me, but I do expect this to be the worst and I've tried to warn her about what it's probably going to be like. I like going to games with her though since she usually keeps my smack talking in check.

I was at the OSU/Purdue game in 2002 (Holy Buckeye Game) and I can't imagine a worse crowd than Purdue that day.

[Reds Fanatic]

What a nightmare start for the Buckeyes. Down 14-0 5 minutes into the game.

[Reds4Life]

OSU got owned in this game.

[HeatherC1212]

Thank goodness the Bengals are off tomorrow. I can only take one sucky loss per weekend and I'm still smarting from last weekend. :(

[Boston Red]

Helluva day for Boise State. And almost none of it related to the fact that they led 41-0 at halftime.

[RedsManRick]

ON WISCONSIN!

[Roy Tucker]

Buckeyes got their butts whipped fair and square. They should give the MVP of that game to the Wisconsin OL. They were road graders all night.

Nice game, Wisconsin.

I wasn't at all convinced OSU was #1 in the country.

[Brutus]

Buckeyes got their butts whipped fair and square. They should give the MVP of that game to the Wisconsin OL. They were road graders all night.

Nice game, Wisconsin.

I wasn't at all convinced OSU was #1 in the country.

Ironically, Ohio State's offensive line was the only bright spot for OSU (outside of some terrific plays by Dane Sanzenbacher).

But yeah, Wisconsin just tore the OSU defense to shreds.

[kaldaniels]

So is it OK for me to root for a TCU-BSU NC Game now? Odds are they will both go undefeated.

[guttle11]

Not a painful loss by any stretch. I think everyone, even the biggest homer Buckeye fan, was unsure of how good this team is. Now we know, good but not great. Hopefully they win out and get a trip to a BCS game.

[WVRed]

Buckeyes got their butts whipped fair and square. They should give the MVP of that game to the Wisconsin OL. They were road graders all night.

Nice game, Wisconsin.

I wasn't at all convinced OSU was #1 in the country.

I'm even less convinced Oregon is as well, but right now the entire BCS is wide open with all of the upsets yesterday.

[Reds4Life]

So is it OK for me to root for a TCU-BSU NC Game now? Odds are they will both go undefeated.

At this point I hope they make it, and get crushed by a 1 loss BCS team, so we can stop hearing about all the Boise love.

[Unassisted]

Dispatch columnist Rob Oller made a good point in a tweet last night.

http://twitter.com/rollerCD/status/27595011873


Amazing game (college football in general) when you can lose N.C. , Big Ten and Heisman hopes in one night. And I thought golf was brutal.In the span of a week, Reds fans and Buckeye football fans learned the hard way that their teams won't be champions of their sports this season. That's a lot of agony for 1 week.

[LoganBuck]

Dispatch columnist Rob Oller made a good point in a tweet last night.

http://twitter.com/rollerCD/status/27595011873

In the span of a week, Reds fans and Buckeye football fans learned the hard way that their teams won't be champions of their sports this season. That's a lot of agony for 1 week.

Most of that group is likely Bengals or Browns fans reality setting in there too.

[RBA]

Oregon is number 1 for the first time

http://registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/updates/25417949-55/ducks-poll-oregon-ranked-votes.csp

:thumbup:

[*BaseClogger*]

At this point I hope they make it, and get crushed by a 1 loss BCS team, so we can stop hearing about all the Boise love.

Or maybe they can expose Oregon's defense (again) and prove to all of the doubters that they are a really good football team!

[Cedric]

Or maybe they can expose Oregon's defense (again) and prove to all of the doubters that they are a really good football team!

I agree. Boise isn't going to get throttled easily by any team, IMO. You give them over a month to prepare and I think they will do just fine.

[Boston Red]

You give them over a month to prepare and I think they will do just fine.

Or just give them a week. They may not be the best team or the second best team (or they may be), but in any case they're not far behind anyone.

[MWM]

I think we've seen the best of Terrell Pryor and we know what he is at this point - a great athlete, but not a great QB. He'll never be able to throw the ball well enough for OSU to be a legit NC contender.

This year's team is lacking a complete QB and still has Tressell running the offense. It was never going to go undefeated.

[BoydsOfSummer]

I think we've seen the best of Terrell Pryor and we know what he is at this point - a great athlete, but not a great QB. He'll never be able to throw the ball well enough for OSU to be a legit NC contender.

This year's team is lacking a complete QB and still has Tressell running the offense. It was never going to go undefeated.

I was sure of what he is when he was a freshman. So far I've been right. He hasn't cost them as many games as I thought he would but he isn't done yet.

Wisconsin whipped their butts fair and square like Roy said. I wasn't shocked.

[GAC]

OSU got their butts beat, and I thought they might lose in Madison. And they're going to get another test when they travel to Iowa in a few weeks.

Wisconsin travels to Iowa this week, so another unbeaten is gonna fall, and the winner could end up being the B10 champions.


Oregon is number 1 for the first time

http://registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/updates/25417949-55/ducks-poll-oregon-ranked-votes.csp

:thumbup:

They should be, but they ain't according to the BCS. You had two losses by top 5 teams in OSU and Nebraska, and Boise State will never get a #1 ranking due to strength of schedule (WAC). You could probably say the same about TCU and the MWC.

But I don't see the justification in jumping Oklahoma from #6 to #1 over Oregon, whose been #2 and #3 the last two weeks, unless it was simply because Oregon was idle this week.

[Roy Tucker]

I think we've seen the best of Terrell Pryor and we know what he is at this point - a great athlete, but not a great QB. He'll never be able to throw the ball well enough for OSU to be a legit NC contender.

This year's team is lacking a complete QB and still has Tressell running the offense. It was never going to go undefeated.

Yeah, I wasn't quite sure how Pryor was going to develop. He certainly is a stellar runner as a QB but as a passer, he is average at best. He just doesn't have the feel for it. He's been coached so hard to not make mistakes so he never throws till a guy is wide open. Either Wisconsin has the best DBs in the country (and they may, I don't know), or else Pryor just wimped out on a lot of throws.

Not to mention his receivers did him no favors by making fairly difficult (but catchable) catches. I saw a lot of a dive, a ball hit the WR hands, and the ball hits turf. It might have made the game closer, but I have the feeling that Wisconsin could move the ball whenever they wanted to.

The other comment I have is OSU's free-safety-size linebackers. They are great when the DL can scrape off the OL blockers. But when that doesn't happen and they get confronted with a 6'4" 300 lb. tackle, they just can't seem to get around them or shed them. And OSU's DL had their hands more than full with Wisconsin big OL.

[bucksfan2]

This special teams has been a disaster this season. I do give the team some credit, especially the OLine, who got the team back into the game. But that opening kick off returned for a TD was just a back breaker. One thing I have to admit is that the only reason OSU got back into the game was because Tressel was on the sidelines. He didn't panic when it was going awful. He resisted the urge to go for a TD and coached his team right back into the hunt. Unfortunately the D couldn't come up with a big stop when they had cut the lead to 3.

This OSU team is a good one but not a great one. They don't have enough weapons on offense and don't have the size at LB that former OSU teams have had.

[LoganBuck]

The other comment I have is OSU's free-safety-size linebackers. They are great when the DL can scrape off the OL blockers. But when that doesn't happen and they get confronted with a 6'4" 300 lb. tackle, they just can't seem to get around them or shed them. And OSU's DL had their hands more than full with Wisconsin big OL.

The downside of the Ohio State cant stop the spread argument from several years ago, is this: Wisconsin is still on the schedule. The smaller quicker linebackers are a detriment when you play a true power team like Wisconsin. To beat them playing Ohio State's style of defense, you have to be ahead. The plan got junked on the opening kickoff.

Austin Spitler was a key player in last years Wisconsin game. Most OSU fans remember him as a seldom used bit player. He is on the Miami Dolphins roster. This team doesn't have a true middle linebacker. Sweat played ok, but he isn't the downhill thumper that you need against Wisconsin.

Also keep in mind that Ohio State is missing Tyler Moeller, and CJ Barnett. Jermale Hines is playing out of position to cover. That position group is shallow by most standards. Grades, Injuries, Attrition have hit them hard in the safeties over the last few years.

[LoganBuck]

BuckeyesReds27 hasn't posted since this weekend. Somebody check the Madison newspapers to make sure foul play hasn't occurred.

[MWM]

Wisconisn is one of the more under-appreciated programs in the country because they are the opposite of flashy. They're a much better program than the national pundits give them credit for. The always wind up losing a game every year they have no business losing, which contributes to this. But they're always a tough team to beat.

[cincrazy]

I think we've seen the best of Terrell Pryor and we know what he is at this point - a great athlete, but not a great QB. He'll never be able to throw the ball well enough for OSU to be a legit NC contender.

This year's team is lacking a complete QB and still has Tressell running the offense. It was never going to go undefeated.

I thought that Tressel did an absolutely masterful job of play-calling Saturday. I've been critical of him at times in the past when I've felt it was necessary, but Saturday's loss can't be pinned on him.

[kaldaniels]

I thought that Tressel did an absolutely masterful job of play-calling Saturday. I've been critical of him at times in the past when I've felt it was necessary, but Saturday's loss can't be pinned on him.

I missed most of the first half, but yeah, I love how the play-calls methodically got the Bucks back in the game in the second half. Just didn't execute defensively when there was no margin for error.

[BuckeyeRed27]

BuckeyesReds27 hasn't posted since this weekend. Somebody check the Madison newspapers to make sure foul play hasn't occurred.

I'm alive and not in the pokey!

I have to first give a ton of credit the Wisconsin crowd and fans. I've heard some really bad things, but I had a great time before and during the game and no problems walking out after (probably helps that both teams wear red). Camp Randall is a pretty cool, but very very very old stadium. The student section is great and has some good traditions. I was a little disappointed that the student section didn't completely fill up until about the start of the 2nd quarter and I was told that had it not been this big of a game it usually doesn't fill up until after half time or at all.

I'm pretty sure I said somewhere in this thread that this team would go as far as TP could take them. Unfortunately he just isn't as good of a QB as OSU needs him to be. He can make some great plays, but overall he killed us on Saturday night. He turned it around in the 2nd half and was key in bringing us back, but he could not execute in the 1st half and stop the bleeding. There were three throws that he just flat missed and one of them would have been a huge gain and possibly a TD to Posey if he would have hit it. When he tries to do too much, like he did much of Saturday night, he loses all his accuracy and rushes his reads.

It didn't shock me the TP didn't have a great game, but it did shock me that Wisconsin just ran the ball all over us. Just plowing ahead into the line and picking up 4 and 5 yards all night. Not at all how I thought we'd lose a game.

I will second what somebody else said about giving JT a lot of credit for us coming back. The start of that game was a nightmare and it would have been easy to fold the tent. The fact that at one point in the 4th quarter OSU had more yards, first downs, and more TOP after Wisconsin had a 19 play 10+ minute drive in the first half is pretty remarkable. OSU just couldn't get that last stop and I give Wisconsin a lot of credit for a gutsy drive after OSU got it down the 3 and had all the momentum. That stadium was like a graveyard when OSU got the 2 pt conversion.

Overall I'm disappointed we lost, but on the brightside it will be nice to have a little drama in the Big 10 season this year. OSU, Iowa, Michigan State and Wisconsin (sorry Purdue) all going after the Big 10 Title is kind of fun.

[Unassisted]

I still suspect that Pryor's knees and legs are hurting much more than Tressel's letting on publicly. This is based on some things that Dispatch beat writers have said about Pryor sporting a "beefy knee brace" off the field and their comments on how frequently he relies on the stationary bike on the sidelines during games to stay loose. These are things that never seem to be mentioned by game broadcasters.

That's not an excuse for the loss to Wisconsin, but it does give me concern about the team's ability to run the table the rest of the season.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I still suspect that Pryor's knees and legs are hurting much more than Tressel's letting on publicly. This is based on some things that Dispatch beat writers have said about Pryor sporting a "beefy knee brace" off the field and their comments on how frequently he relies on the stationary bike on the sidelines during games to stay loose. These are things that never seem to be mentioned by game broadcasters.

That's not an excuse for the loss to Wisconsin, but it does give me concern about the team's ability to run the table the rest of the season.

I think he is pretty banged up, but his accuracy problems looked like more of a result of rushing things rather than a physical issue.

[kaldaniels]

Pyror gonna come back for his senior year?

[MWM]

Terrelle Pryor wouldn't even be drafted at this point, unless it's as a receiver. He's shown no ability to throw the ball at all. His throwing motion is terrible, his arm is as weak as they come, he doesn't know how to read defenses, and he's not accurate. I like the guy, he's a tremendous athlete. But he's not NFL QB material.

[*BaseClogger*]

Terrelle Pryor wouldn't even be drafted at this point, unless it's as a receiver. He's shown no ability to throw the ball at all. His throwing motion is terrible, his arm is as weak as they come, he doesn't know how to read defenses, and he's not accurate. I like the guy, he's a tremendous athlete. But he's not NFL QB material.

This is the one point I would contend with. He's shown plenty of arm strength and it is definitely stronger than Todd Boeckman's (not saying much). He has flashed some potential on a few deep throws.

I think of the attributes you listed, being able to read the defense has been his greatest struggle. There are too many instances when he has all day to throw and can't find an open receiver and ends up running in circles. I have a hard time believing an Ohio State receiving corps is that well covered...

[reds1869]

Terrelle Pryor wouldn't even be drafted at this point, unless it's as a receiver. He's shown no ability to throw the ball at all. His throwing motion is terrible, his arm is as weak as they come, he doesn't know how to read defenses, and he's not accurate. I like the guy, he's a tremendous athlete. But he's not NFL QB material.

So what you are saying is we should look for him in a Bengals uniform next year.

[Sea Ray]

I think we've seen the best of Terrell Pryor and we know what he is at this point - a great athlete, but not a great QB. He'll never be able to throw the ball well enough for OSU to be a legit NC contender.

This year's team is lacking a complete QB and still has Tressell running the offense. It was never going to go undefeated.

You don't need a great QB to in college to win a NC. Tennessee did it with Tee Martin, a guy similar to Pryor in skills

[Sea Ray]

Wisconsin travels to Iowa this week, so another unbeaten is gonna fall, and the winner could end up being the B10 champions.



Very well could be, but Mich St will have something to say about that.

[cincrazy]

Terrelle Pryor wouldn't even be drafted at this point, unless it's as a receiver. He's shown no ability to throw the ball at all. His throwing motion is terrible, his arm is as weak as they come, he doesn't know how to read defenses, and he's not accurate. I like the guy, he's a tremendous athlete. But he's not NFL QB material.

I think he throws a pretty good deep ball, but you're right, he's not even remotely close to being NFL ready, nor do I think he ever will be.

Hell, he's not even good enough to defeat a good college defense, let alone any defense in the NFL thrown at him.

Terrelle is going to win a lot of games at OSU, and accomplish quite a bit. With that being said, I simply don't think the guy is good enough for us to win a national title with him.

[WVRed]

Terrelle Pryor wouldn't even be drafted at this point, unless it's as a receiver. He's shown no ability to throw the ball at all. His throwing motion is terrible, his arm is as weak as they come, he doesn't know how to read defenses, and he's not accurate. I like the guy, he's a tremendous athlete. But he's not NFL QB material.

I could see Pryor being a good Wildcat type QB. If OSU had another option at QB, using him in a role similar to the way Kentucky has used Randall Cobb would be fun to watch.

[Cedric]

I think he throws a pretty good deep ball, but you're right, he's not even remotely close to being NFL ready, nor do I think he ever will be.

Hell, he's not even good enough to defeat a good college defense, let alone any defense in the NFL thrown at him.

Terrelle is going to win a lot of games at OSU, and accomplish quite a bit. With that being said, I simply don't think the guy is good enough for us to win a national title with him.

I don't get this honestly. Pryor has been the best player for Ohio State this whole season. He has been the whole running game and passing game throughout most of the year. He can't stop the run and play boundary CB also.

The Qb gets way too much heat in football, IMO. Ohio State has serious talent/depth issues in major areas. The one thing they do have is a great college Qb.

[BoydsOfSummer]

I've never understood why they didn't run more option with him and be done with it. Looks like forcing square into round. When he's moving around he's an exciting kid. When he's drop back passing I get real nervous. That really hasn't changed much in his time playing.

Bucks have other issues other than him though.

[bucksfan2]

I've never understood why they didn't run more option with him and be done with it. Looks like forcing square into round. When he's moving around he's an exciting kid. When he's drop back passing I get real nervous. That really hasn't changed much in his time playing.

Bucks have other issues other than him though.

I just don't know that Pryor would be a good option QB. And to be honest their starting two tail backs reek of MAC style backs. I think Pryor is a better runner coming out of the pocket in a scramble situation than as an option QB.

I think OSU had a couple of issues with Wisconsin. One is their defense is built right now to beat the spread. They have smaller but faster LB's. They don't have your old school Big 10 style LB's right now. And it doesn't help that they have wiffed on a couple of good ones coming out of Ohio.

Also their WR corps leaves much to be desired. There was a time when OSU was running out 2 1st round type WR's each season. In past seasons Dane S. would be a great slot WR, not your 2nd WR. Posey does have some talent, but he has dropped too many passes.

All in all I can say that this is a top 5 team in the country. Losing a night game in Wisconsin is nothing to be ashamed of. They may have some weaknesses on their team but no team has shown to be dominant this season. I am hoping for some more carnage among the BCS rankings as the season progresses.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I just don't know that Pryor would be a good option QB. And to be honest their starting two tail backs reek of MAC style backs. I think Pryor is a better runner coming out of the pocket in a scramble situation than as an option QB.

I think OSU had a couple of issues with Wisconsin. One is their defense is built right now to beat the spread. They have smaller but faster LB's. They don't have your old school Big 10 style LB's right now. And it doesn't help that they have wiffed on a couple of good ones coming out of Ohio.

Also their WR corps leaves much to be desired. There was a time when OSU was running out 2 1st round type WR's each season. In past seasons Dane S. would be a great slot WR, not your 2nd WR. Posey does have some talent, but he has dropped too many passes.

All in all I can say that this is a top 5 team in the country. Losing a night game in Wisconsin is nothing to be ashamed of. They may have some weaknesses on their team but no team has shown to be dominant this season. I am hoping for some more carnage among the BCS rankings as the season progresses.


I think you make a good point about the linebackers. They don't have a Hawk or a Schlegel or a Wilhelm that is really good in stopping the run on this squad. BTW what happened to Sabino? He was supposed to be a stud and isn't cracking the two deep despite the injuries. Or is he injured and I just missed it?

[kaldaniels]

This year reminds me of 2007 (the OSU LSU title game year). There really isn't a team that I can look at and THAT team is the best team in the country. Oregon is my leader in the clubhouse...but that game against USC (Who has only lost 2 games...both at the last second) is not gonna be easy. I don't see 2 teams from BCS conferences going undefeated...which brings BSU into the spotlight....

[forfreelin04]

I hope the Bucks learn from 2010. At least schedule one away game before the Big Ten schedule starts and schedule more than one ranked team.

I still think their a better team than Wisconsin, they just weren't ready to play like it.

[cincrazy]

I don't get this honestly. Pryor has been the best player for Ohio State this whole season. He has been the whole running game and passing game throughout most of the year. He can't stop the run and play boundary CB also.

The Qb gets way too much heat in football, IMO. Ohio State has serious talent/depth issues in major areas. The one thing they do have is a great college Qb.

Nowhere did I state that Pryor is the reason this team loses. I didn't call him a bad QB, he is what he is. He's explosive and is literally the only reason we have an offense. But he also struggles with a number of things, and those were on display against Miami, Wisconsin, and other good defenses we've faced in the past.

I agree with you about OSU's depth issues right now, and that was our undoing against Wisconsin more than anything else.

[1990REDS]

I think you make a good point about the linebackers. They don't have a Hawk or a Schlegel or a Wilhelm that is really good in stopping the run on this squad. BTW what happened to Sabino? He was supposed to be a stud and isn't cracking the two deep despite the injuries. Or is he injured and I just missed it?

They Red shirted him this season. Was definatly a questionable decision when it was done. With hindsight being 20/20, it definatly seems that with all this injuries he could have helped out this year. If anything we could have used him on special teams.

[1990REDS]

A link to go with my post from above.

http://bucknuts.com/index.php/Football-Article/boarding-house-bulletin-sabino-to-redshirt/menu-id-1346.html

[Unassisted]

I still think their a better team than Wisconsin, they just weren't ready to play like it.
I read a column last week that suggested that the Buckeye defense didn't have the right personnel to defend a run-it-up-the-middle gameplan like Wisconsin used. They're heavily stocked with smaller, quicker guys to defend against the Spread, rather than the run-stuffers of a decade ago.

If that's true, I don't want to see them go up against Boise State in a bowl game.

[Cedric]

Tyler Moeller from Colerain was just granted a 6th year by the NCAA. Tyler was the player who was sucker punched and almost died last year.

One of the best players on the whole Buckeye defense and his coming back will help big time with the loss of Hines and Chekwa from the secondary. Tyler back playing the "star" will allow Christian Bryant to move opposite of Travis Howard at the boundary CB spot.

[MWM]

The officiating in the first half of the Iowa game today has been pretty bad and lopsided in favor of the Hawkeyes.

[GAC]

The officiating in the first half of the Iowa game today has been pretty bad and lopsided in favor of the Hawkeyes.

ABSOLUTELY! How can a ref, who had a birds eye view, miss that face mask on Brown? And the second pass int call was bogus.

I still can't believe we won this game. Our defense was outstanding!!. Especially in the 4th quarter. Rolle had an excellent game, and Heyward came up big when we needed it.

When they were facing that 4th and 10, with about 4 minutes left, I thought for sure that Tressel would punt it away (field position), and hope to get the ball back. Blew me away they went for it. I give Pryor all the credit there, but overall his passing game frustrates the crap out of me.

I wanted to break something after the Posey TD drop. That was Pryor's best thrown ball all game. But overall, he has a hard time throwing the ball down field (floaters). Sanzenbacher had a good game; but too many of our guys were dropping balls. We have had more then 20 pts.

Thank Gawd for that missed Hawkeye FG earlier in the game. ;)

And whose doghouse is Saine in? I kept looking for him the whole game. He touched the ball once, and that was in the 4th quarter.

[Redsfaithful]

That missed face mask was one of the worst blown calls I've ever seen, mostly because there was clearly a very close ref with an unobstructed view of the play.

Awesome game though. Iowa has a tough defense, have to give them lots of credit.

[Redsfaithful]

The announcers were also awful, going on and on about how they couldn't believe the ball was dropped on the face mask play, until they finally realized hey, the Iowa defender ripped his head around ... something that was obvious live when it happened, let alone on replay.

[LoganBuck]

So if OSU gets by Michigan next week, I have them going to one of four potential bowl games.

Rose Bowl versus Boise State assuming Auburn and Oregon win out.
Fiesta Bowl versus Big 12 Champ
Sugar Bowl versus LSU
Citrus Bowl versus Alabama

[Cedric]

So if OSU gets by Michigan next week, I have them going to one of four potential bowl games.

Rose Bowl versus Boise State assuming Auburn and Oregon win out.
Fiesta Bowl versus Big 12 Champ
Sugar Bowl versus LSU
Citrus Bowl versus Alabama

If Ohio State wins next week I see almost zero chance they don't play in a BCS bowl.

I'm trying to come up with a series of events that would make that not happen.

[LoganBuck]

If Ohio State wins next week I see almost zero chance they don't play in a BCS bowl.

I'm trying to come up with a series of events that would make that not happen.

I can do it.

Oregon and Boise State to NC Game
Auburn and Michigan State to Sugar Bowl
Big East and ACC to Orange Bowl
Wisconsin and Stanford to Rose Bowl
Big 12 and LSU to Fiesta Bowl

[Boston Red]

Fiesta picks last, so they will certainly get saddled with the Big East champs.

[LoganBuck]

Fiesta picks last, so they will certainly get saddled with the Big East champs.

Yeah, now that I think about it, didn't the selection process change this year?

[GAC]

If Ohio State wins next week I see almost zero chance they don't play in a BCS bowl.

I'm trying to come up with a series of events that would make that not happen.

The main reason it will happen is M-O-N-E-Y. Regardless of what some may think of OSU, when it comes to bowl games they draw the fans and lots of $$$$$. And that is very important factor in those invites. They are a marquee, big name draw.

[LoganBuck]

The main reason it will happen is M-O-N-E-Y. Regardless of what some may think of OSU, when it comes to bowl games they draw the fans and lots of $$$$$. And that is very important factor in those invites. They are a marquee, big name draw.

Not necessarily this year. Wisconsin and Michigan State travel very well. Not as well as a motivated Ohio State crowd, but well. If Ohio State doesn't go to the Rose Bowl, I think they will be in a matchup that is a bit of a yawner to Ohio State fans. Wisconsin and Michigan State will have motivated crowds turning out. I think OSU would have a good turn out if they got Alabama in the Citrus or Outback bowls.

[OUReds]

A one loss OSU team is going to be picked for an at-large BCS spot if at all possible. Right or wrong, that's just how it is.

[cincrazy]

There is no way that a MSU team below OSU in the BCS standings is going to go to a BCS bowl over OSU. Wisconsin is going to the Rose Bowl, so if OSU beats Michigan, they're looking at either the Sugar or Orange, against an SEC or ACC team being my guess. MSU is a nice story this year, and they may travel fairly well, but they're not in OSU's league when it comes to making money.

[MWM]

Heck, I think Wisconsin might be the best team in the country right now, or at least in the conversation. I think they could beat anyone at this point.

[traderumor]

A one loss OSU team is going to be picked for an at-large BCS spot if at all possible. Right or wrong, that's just how it is.Watching Michigan State do their usual 2nd half fade, it is hard for someone to convince me that they are better than the Buckeyes. Wisconsin has proved on the field that they are the class of the Big 10 this year, despite having a poor coach. However, they are the only team in the conference better than the Buckeyes.

[cincrazy]

Heck, I think Wisconsin might be the best team in the country right now, or at least in the conversation. I think they could beat anyone at this point.

Agreed. I think Wisconsin would manhandle Oregon and Auburn upfront and run the ball down their throat. Not as certain how their defense would fare, but either way they'd have a great shot. They're a very, very, very good team.

[Sea Ray]

Agreed. I think Wisconsin would manhandle Oregon and Auburn upfront and run the ball down their throat. Not as certain how their defense would fare, but either way they'd have a great shot. They're a very, very, very good team.

Seeing how they struggled stopping Michigan's D Robinson, they'd really wear out chasing down Cam Newton who in addition to being an excellent runner, is a far better passer than Robinson

[MWM]

Yes, and Auburn's defense would wear down real quick against Wisconsin's O-Line and running game. Wisconsin could put up points with Auburn right now the way they're playing. If they met on a neutral field right now, I'm guessing the betting line would be pretty close to even. And Denard Robinson is a better runner than Cam, and Cam is a better passer than him. Cam's getting all the pub because he plays for the better team, but Denard is pretty darn close to Cam. Have you watched that guy play? If his team was any good, it wouldn't be so cut and dried who the Heisman front runner is. Denard is a phenomenal player. I don't think Cam would be any more difficult to defend than Denard. D-Rob is one of the best running QBs we've ever seen in college football.

[Sea Ray]

Yes, and Auburn's defense would wear down real quick against Wisconsin's O-Line and running game. Wisconsin could put up points with Auburn right now the way they're playing. If they met on a neutral field right now, I'm guessing the betting line would be pretty close to even. And Denard Robinson is a better runner than Cam, and Cam is a better passer than him. Cam's getting all the pub because he plays for the better team, but Denard is pretty darn close to Cam. Have you watched that guy play? If his team was any good, it wouldn't be so cut and dried who the Heisman front runner is. Denard is a phenomenal player. I don't think Cam would be any more difficult to defend than Denard. D-Rob is one of the best running QBs we've ever seen in college football.

I've probably watched more Michigan games than Auburn games and Denard Robinson is a very good QB when he's healthy but he's not what Cam Newton is. Cam is 6" taller and 50 lbs heavier. He's a load. He's much more of a Tim Tebow than a scat back.

The test for this matchup would be can the Auburn D hold up against the muscle of the Wisconsin O. My answer is I don't know and that's why it'd be an intriguing matchup.

[Boston Red]

TCU defense vs. Wisconsin offense would be fun to watch.

[MWM]

Well, it's all opinion at this point, but I think Denard Robinson is a much more explosive runner than Cam. He's not as big, but he's the most elusive running QB I've seen in a long time. There's a reason he just broke the all-time single season rushing record by a QB. Both are great players and they are different, but I don't think the gap between Cam and Denard is all that much. Denard is a year younger and a Heisman could very well be in his future.

I know I'd trade Pryor for him in a heartbeat.

[GAC]

So if OSU gets by Michigan next week, I have them going to one of four potential bowl games.

Rose Bowl versus Boise State assuming Auburn and Oregon win out.
Fiesta Bowl versus Big 12 Champ
Sugar Bowl versus LSU
Citrus Bowl versus Alabama

I could see a re-match with LSU in the Sugar Bowl. Don't know if I want it, but I could see it. :p:

[BuckeyeRed27]

I could see a re-match with LSU in the Sugar Bowl. Don't know if I want it, but I could see it. :p:

That is exactly the game I want.
Outside of the fact that I could attend the Rose Bowl the potential match ups do nothing for me. Playing Boise or TCU is just a lose lose game. If it worked out where Stanford gets in I think that would be a great game, but if I had the choice between Boise/TCU in the Rose or LSU in the Sugar I want LSU.

[GAC]

Heading down to my brothers later, with the kids, for our annual get-together for the game.

GO BUCKS! Destroy them and don't let up.

I remember the 90s when Michigan dominated the series, and their fans said this game (rivalry) wasn't as important any more.

http://menofthescarletandgray.com/wp-content/uploads/ohio-state-michigan.jpg

[MWM]

I remember those days well, GAC. Of course, that was before I decided to get a degree from Michigan and my hatred knew no bounds. :) But the Michigan fans were relentless and I heard numerous times how Michigan didn't even consider OSU a rivalry anymore. Now the tables have turned, OSU fans are relentless and saying pretty much the same thing.

But make no mistake, it IS as much a rivalry as it's always been. And also make not mistake that the tables will turn again and Michigan will find themselves on top again. That's the way these things work.

[JaxRed]

Those are some ugly uni's the Buckeyes are wearing today. Normally the Wolverines have the uglies.

[MWM]

They can't give the "O" sign after a TD? That's just silly.

[MWM]

WOW!!!!!!!

That was some of the best down field blocking I've ever seen in either college or the pros by Sanzebacher. There wasn't even anything remotely close to holding.

[Unassisted]

They can't give the "O" sign after a TD? That's just silly.
Someone on Twitter had this to say about that situation: "Nike gets the publicity and the Buckeyes get the penalties."

I'm hoping that the NCAA will soon remind its officials where some of the millions that support college football come from. :rolleyes:

[Brutus]

WOW!!!!!!!

That was some of the best down field blocking I've ever seen in either college or the pros by Sanzebacher. There wasn't even anything remotely close to holding.

That was a crazy call. I am still deciding what was more bizarre: that holding call or flashing the "O."

[traderumor]

I remember those days well, GAC. Of course, that was before I decided to get a degree from Michigan and my hatred knew no bounds. :) But the Michigan fans were relentless and I heard numerous times how Michigan didn't even consider OSU a rivalry anymore. Now the tables have turned, OSU fans are relentless and saying pretty much the same thing.

But make no mistake, it IS as much a rivalry as it's always been. And also make not mistake that the tables will turn again and Michigan will find themselves on top again. That's the way these things work.True enough, but I don't think it will happen under Rodriguez, which I know brings a little snicker from the Mountaineer faithful. He is proving to be not up to a job like UM.

[pedro]

True enough, but I don't think it will happen under Rodriguez, which I know brings a little snicker from the Mountaineer faithful. He is proving to be not up to a job like UM.

As a Michigan fan I tend to agree. I'm appalled by the lack of defense and while Denard Robinson is a fantastic player it seems to me that he is pretty much the entire offense.

I wish they'd have hired Jim Harbaugh.

[traderumor]

As a Michigan fan I tend to agree. I'm appalled by the lack of defense and while Denard Robinson is a fantastic player it seems to me that he is pretty much the entire offense.

I wish they'd have hired Jim Harbaugh.Don't forget Les Miles was their first choice ;)

My nephew is a UM fan and follows them very closely. He thinks the D coord will get the boot, but not Rich. He may be right, but I'm just not seeing what Rich brings to the table three years in. That is an eternity for a turnaround in a big time program like UM. The talent level in Ann Arbor is as low as I've seen it. UM can't find a punter? a placekicker?

[traderumor]

They can't give the "O" sign after a TD? That's just silly.

From the presser, Tressel seemed to agree with you. He took the 5th when asked.

[MWM]

At this point, I think the most likely scenario is the Sugar Bowl against LSU. However, if somehow Auburn loses to South Carolina in the SEC title game, they'll play the Gamecocks.

If the Sugar Bowl passes (I doubt they will), they'll wind up in the Orange Bowl against Va. Tech. I'd much rather see a game against an SEC team.

The other scenario would be for them not to get an at large BCS bid. I just don't see that happening given how well they travel.

[Brutus]

At this point, I think the most likely scenario is the Sugar Bowl against LSU. However, if somehow Auburn loses to South Carolina in the SEC title game, they'll play the Gamecocks.

If the Sugar Bowl passes (I doubt they will), they'll wind up in the Orange Bowl against Va. Tech. I'd much rather see a game against an SEC team.

The other scenario would be for them not to get an at large BCS bid. I just don't see that happening given how well they travel.

I actually think the Sugar will take either South Carolina (by force) or Auburn (by choice). I think LSU's loss will put them behind in the pecking order. I understand that being in state, LSU would be an attractive option, but a 1-loss Auburn team that had just been in the NC picture would probably be the preference for the Sugar.

[MWM]

I actually think the Sugar will take either South Carolina (by force) or Auburn (by choice). I think LSU's loss will put them behind in the pecking order. I understand that being in state, LSU would be an attractive option, but a 1-loss Auburn team that had just been in the NC picture would probably be the preference for the Sugar.

I may be missing something, but I don't think Auburn is a possible opponent. If they win, they're in the national championship game. If they lose, then South Carolina gets the automatic berth.

So it will either be South Carolina or another at-large. I can't imagine they'd take another SEC team over LSU. I guess they could take Arkansas, but I'm not sure they're that attractive a draw, but I could be wrong. It's probably not out of the question that they'd take Alabama, but that would be a tough sell as a deserving of a BCS berth.

[Brutus]

I may be missing something, but I don't think Auburn is a possible opponent. If they win, they're in the national championship game. If they lose, then South Carolina gets the automatic berth.

So it will either be South Carolina or another at-large. I can't imagine they'd take another SEC team over LSU. I guess they could take Arkansas, but I'm not sure they're that attractive a draw, but I could be wrong. It's probably not out of the question that they'd take Alabama, but that would be a tough sell as a deserving of a BCS berth.

Great point. It's been a long weekend and I wasn't thinking about that aspect.

Forget I mentioned it!

[IslandRed]

I actually think the Sugar will take either South Carolina (by force) or Auburn (by choice). I think LSU's loss will put them behind in the pecking order. I understand that being in state, LSU would be an attractive option, but a 1-loss Auburn team that had just been in the NC picture would probably be the preference for the Sugar.

(Edit: MWM beat me to my first point)

South Carolina going to the Sugar might bother the TV guys, but the part of the Sugar Bowl committee that cares about fans traveling to the game and spending money would love to have South Carolina. Not only have the Gamecocks never won the SEC title, but they have never -- as in, not once, unprecedented, despite being in the South and having enough fan support to fill an 80,000-seat stadium, never -- played in a major bowl game. They would overrun the place.

[HeatherC1212]

Glad I'm not the only one who thought some of the penalties called during the game today were absolutely ridiculous. WTH was with all that?! I've seen worse things not called at all during other games this year. :confused:

Happy the Buckeyes won today though. My cousin, a Michigan fan, spent most of his day today helping us with our Christmas decorations and making funny remarks about how much RichRod sucks, LOL :laugh:

[WMR]

Ohio State looks great to me right now. You guys think Pryor might be in for a huge year next season?

Is it just me or has Tressel opened up the reins of the offense?

[HeatherC1212]

Ohio State looks great to me right now. You guys think Pryor might be in for a huge year next season?

Is it just me or has Tressel opened up the reins of the offense?

Yes, I think Terrelle is going to have a big year next year and IMO, Tressel opens the reins of the offense when they show that they can handle it. It's when they make mistakes that he gets more conservative with plays and doesn't let them do as much.

Where do the at large bids fall this year or is there not really a specific bowl game that has to take them? I'm slightly confused on how that works.

[MWM]

Ohio State looks great to me right now. You guys think Pryor might be in for a huge year next season?

Is it just me or has Tressel opened up the reins of the offense?

Nah, Pryor is a very good college football player. But I think we've seen the best he has to give. I think we'll see about the same we saw this year, which is pretty darn good and something we shouldn't be complaining about.

I really like Pryor, but I'm more excited about Braxton Miller.

[Boston Red]

So does Ohio State get the Rose and TCU now (assuming Auburn and Oregon win next week)?

[LoganBuck]

So does Ohio State get the Rose and TCU now (assuming Auburn and Oregon win next week)?

My projections that were jotted down on a paper towel earlier tonight.

NC Game
Auburn V Oregon

Rose Bowl
TCU V Wisconsin

Fiesta Bowl
Big 12 V Big East

Sugar Bowl
Ohio State V Oklahoma/LSU/Boise State(how far do they fall)

Orange Bowl
ACC V Stanford

With Iowa's loss today, Ohio State will not have beaten a ranked opponent at year's end. I don't know what that means to their final standing, but it can't be good. My eyes tell me they are a good team.

[Cedric]

My projections that were jotted down on a paper towel earlier tonight.

NC Game
Auburn V Oregon

Rose Bowl
TCU V Wisconsin

Fiesta Bowl
Big 12 V Big East

Sugar Bowl
Ohio State V Oklahoma/LSU/Boise State(how far do they fall)

Orange Bowl
ACC V Stanford

With Iowa's loss today, Ohio State will not have beaten a ranked opponent at year's end. I don't know what that means to their final standing, but it can't be good. My eyes tell me they are a good team.

Barring a SC win over Auburn, it will be Arkansas against TOSU in the Sugar Bowl. Almost 100% sure of that.

[Roy Tucker]

RichRod really needs to work on his negative body language.

[bucksfan2]

As a Michigan fan I tend to agree. I'm appalled by the lack of defense and while Denard Robinson is a fantastic player it seems to me that he is pretty much the entire offense.

I wish they'd have hired Jim Harbaugh.

This um team reminds me a lot of the good wvu teams Rich Rod had. They have some very explosive offensive weapons but their d is undersized but fast. In the big east that will work but when you run into bigger and faster offenses it is exposed. Unless rod scraps his defencive philosophies I don't think he will be successful at Michigan.

[Boston Red]

This um team reminds me a lot of the good wvu teams Rich Rod had. They have some very explosive offensive weapons but their d is undersized but fast. In the big east that will work but when you run into bigger and faster offenses it is exposed. Unless rod scraps his defencive philosophies I don't think he will be successful at Michigan.

You've got to be kidding. Those teams were top five/ten teams. This team is awful. Frankly, most of those years the Big East was better top to bottom than the Big Ten (we'll consult Dr. Sagarin if you need). This UM team is NOTHING like those teams.

[LoganBuck]

Frankly, most of those years the Big East was better top to bottom than the Big Ten (we'll consult Dr. Sagarin if you need). This UM team is NOTHING like those teams.

Top to bottom maybe, Top six versus top six, no. Ask Dr. Sagarin all you want.

[OnBaseMachine]

Stanford will probably get screwed out of a BCS bowl despite going 11-1 and their only loss was on the road to the #1 team in the country.

[Boston Red]

Top to bottom maybe, Top six versus top six, no. Ask Dr. Sagarin all you want.

Not sure what difference this makes, but if it makes you feel better...

[BuckeyeRed27]

Stanford will probably get screwed out of a BCS bowl despite going 11-1 and their only loss was on the road to the #1 team in the country.

They will probably be fine. There is a good chance they end up as the #4 BCS team which means they are guarenteed a spot in a game.

[kaldaniels]

Stanford will probably get screwed out of a BCS bowl despite going 11-1 and their only loss was on the road to the #1 team in the country.

Calm down Broseph...no need to get your underwear in a wad just yet. :D

http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/bcs-bowl-picture-a-whole-lot-clearer-112810

http://gregdooley.com/archive%202003/1025BowlProjections.html

[jojo]

Yes, and Auburn's defense would wear down real quick against Wisconsin's O-Line and running game. Wisconsin could put up points with Auburn right now the way they're playing. If they met on a neutral field right now, I'm guessing the betting line would be pretty close to even. And Denard Robinson is a better runner than Cam, and Cam is a better passer than him. Cam's getting all the pub because he plays for the better team, but Denard is pretty darn close to Cam. Have you watched that guy play? If his team was any good, it wouldn't be so cut and dried who the Heisman front runner is. Denard is a phenomenal player. I don't think Cam would be any more difficult to defend than Denard. D-Rob is one of the best running QBs we've ever seen in college football.

To be fair, Auburn's secondary can't cover NFL quality receivers. Their pass rush and run defense are pretty solid though.

But ya, Wisconsin is one team no one wants to play IMHO.

[bucksfan2]

You've got to be kidding. Those teams were top five/ten teams. This team is awful. Frankly, most of those years the Big East was better top to bottom than the Big Ten (we'll consult Dr. Sagarin if you need). This UM team is NOTHING like those teams.

I am not kidding. This year UM destroyed the best team in the Big East in UConn. There isn't a team in the Big East that UM loses to, not one. You think UC, Syracuse, Louisville, WVU, South Florida is going to contain Denard? The Big East just doesn't have the caliber of defenses that OSU, Wisconsin, or MSU have.

[Boston Red]

The Big East sucked this year. Temple also beat UConn.

But those WV teams didn't play in this year's Big East. They played in a Big East that was better than the Big Ten top to bottom almost every year.

[BuckeyeRed27]

The Big East sucked this year. Temple also beat UConn.

But those WV teams didn't play in this year's Big East. They played in a Big East that was better than the Big Ten top to bottom almost every year.

That is pretty debatable. This was certainly the worst year for the Big East and the Big 10 is better this year. I'm not sure how you want to define "top to bottom", but almost every year that RichRod coached in the Big East the Big 10 had a team (usually two) that was ranked higher than the highest ranked Big East team and almost always had a team with a worse record than the worst Big 10 team. The middle of most conferences is usually pretty even and I would say that most years (not this one) the middle of the Big East was about as good as the middle of the Big 10.
I'm sure there is some conference rating system that you can bring up that will rank the Big East above the Big 10, but I honestly don't care as those are fundamentally flawed and a whole other debate.

[Boston Red]

I'm sure there is some conference rating system that you can bring up that will rank the Big East above the Big 10, but I honestly don't care as those are fundamentally flawed and a whole other debate.

I'd use Sagarin, which I'd like to know why you think is fundamentally flawed. It's pretty much the only objective way to look at it, really.

[LoganBuck]

The Big East sucked this year. Temple also beat UConn.

But those WV teams didn't play in this year's Big East. They played in a Big East that was better than the Big Ten top to bottom almost every year.

No they didn't.

I don't care that Sagarin says "top to bottom". The top six in the Big Ten were a much stronger group than the top six in the Big East. Every conference has dogs, I don't care to include them.

[Boston Red]

No they didn't.

I don't care that Sagarin says "top to bottom". The top six in the Big Ten were a much stronger group than the top six in the Big East. Every conference has dogs, I don't care to include them.

When you have a 12 team conference and an 8 team conference, it's going to be pretty tough for the 8 team conference to have a better top 6 than the 12 team league.

Plus, in the Big Ten you don't necessarily play all of the best teams (or, in fairness, all of the worst ones).

[BuckeyeRed27]

I'd use Sagarin, which I'd like to know why you think is fundamentally flawed. It's pretty much the only objective way to look at it, really.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbc10.htm

This is what I use to look at Sagarin when I look at it. Now I won't claim to be an expert on it, but I do think I have a pretty good understanding of what it's trying to do. My main issues are:

1. It looks at the rankings simply without weight. So the best team in the SEC or the Big 10 is viewed the same as the best team in the WAC or the Big East.

2. Any conference rankings are going to have the issue of trying to objectively rank teams that do not play each other which in my opinion is impossible.

3. I believe they still use polls and until recently margin of victory in the calculations which I don't agree with.

Just on this years rankings alone I reject what it is trying to show. You can't tell me the Pac 10 is the best conference this year. The Pac 10 has two pretty good to really good teams and a bunch of really bad to average teams. But the numbers are right there after 11 or 12 games worth of data and that's what they show. And that's all I need to know that I don't think its accurate.

[MWM]

The Big East sucked this year. Temple also beat UConn.

But those WV teams didn't play in this year's Big East. They played in a Big East that was better than the Big Ten top to bottom almost every year.

If they did, it wasn't because the Big East was good, it was because the Big Ten was awful. The Big Ten conference, from top to bottom, was pretty bad during that stretch of time. Even so, I still think they were better than the Big East who has been awful for most of the last 7-8 years. I agree that this year's Michigan team would have won the Big East pretty easily, and would have probably won the Big East in those years.

[Boston Red]

I agree that this year's Michigan team would have won the Big East pretty easily, and would have probably won the Big East in those years.

Yikes. Bobby Petrino's Louisville teams would have beaten this Michigan team to a pulp (among others who would have done the same).

You guys must not watch much non-Big Ten football if you really think that.

[MWM]

Those Louisville teams could probably beat this Michigan team, but it would be a track meet.

[Boston Red]

Those Louisville teams could probably beat this Michigan team, but it would be a track meet.

You cannot be serious. Louisville beat teams better than Michigan by 5 TDs.

[paintmered]

This um team reminds me a lot of the good wvu teams Rich Rod had. They have some very explosive offensive weapons but their d is undersized but fast. In the big east that will work but when you run into bigger and faster offenses it is exposed. Unless rod scraps his defencive philosophies I don't think he will be successful at Michigan.

:confused: Those West Virginia teams had BCS victories over Georgia (SEC Champs that year) and Oklahoma.

[Cedric]

Sagarin has a laughable system.

[*BaseClogger*]

For the record, I'm in the middle ground between these two camps that are forming. No way in hell does this year's Michigan team win the Big East in those up seasons they had last decade. Do you honestly believe Ohio State dominates those West Virginia and Louisville teams 37-7? At the same time, I also believe the Big Ten has been a consistently superior conference. The Big Ten was just far deeper and is a much tougher road environment on a weekly basis--a factor that I believe is consistently undervalued by the national media. Fair enough?

[Boston Red]

For the record, I'm in the middle ground between these two camps that are forming. No way in hell does this year's Michigan team win the Big East in those up seasons they had last decade. Do you honestly believe Ohio State dominates those West Virginia and Louisville teams 37-7? At the same time, I also believe the Big Ten has been a consistently superior conference. The Big Ten was just far deeper and is a much tougher road environment on a weekly basis--a factor that I believe is consistently undervalued by the national media. Fair enough?

I can disagree with this, but at least it is fair and would be a good argument.

Enough comparing 2010 Michigan and 2006 Louisville in an Ohio State thread on a Cincinnati Reds messageboard for me. :)

[RichRed]

Ohio State Prez writes check to Little Sisters of the Poor. No word on whether the Sisters have accepted the invite to play the Buckeyes in Columbus. ;)

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5874511&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines

[Homer Bailey]

I am not kidding. This year UM destroyed the best team in the Big East in UConn. There isn't a team in the Big East that UM loses to, not one. You think UC, Syracuse, Louisville, WVU, South Florida is going to contain Denard? The Big East just doesn't have the caliber of defenses that OSU, Wisconsin, or MSU have.

:rolleyes:

[Cedric]

:rolleyes:

Michigan destroyed the the probable BCS team in your conference. Who in the world would be favored in your conference over Michigan? I highly doubt any team would be favored.

[Boston Red]

Michigan destroyed the the probable BCS team in your conference.

They didn't beat them as thoroughly as Louisville did. And Louisville is 3-4 in the Big East.

And we've been over the fact that the Big East blows this year. The silly part was pretending like this year's awful Michigan team is anything like the excellent WV teams that beat Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl and (I think) Georgia Tech in the Gator Bowl.

[Sea Ray]

Ohio State Prez writes check to Little Sisters of the Poor. No word on whether the Sisters have accepted the invite to play the Buckeyes in Columbus. ;)

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5874511&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines

In this politically correct world in which we live, folks like Gee have to make this kinds of apologies. That's too bad

[Homer Bailey]

Michigan destroyed the the probable BCS team in your conference. Who in the world would be favored in your conference over Michigan? I highly doubt any team would be favored.

That was a completely different UConn team that is playing now, and the only reason UConn is probably going to be the BCS representative is that WVU coughed up SEVEN fumbles in an incredible fluke game over a month ago. There is no doubt that WVU is the best team in the Big East, and I laugh at the notion that there is no way that WVU (the #3 D in the nation), couldn't stop Denard Robinson, and that Michigan would stomp them. Michigan is TERRIBLE. AWFUL.

Edit: And it's been proven thousands upon thousands of times. Transitive propery does NOT work in college football (or any sport for that matter).

[Cedric]

That was a completely different UConn team that is playing now, and the only reason UConn is probably going to be the BCS representative is that WVU coughed up SEVEN fumbles in an incredible fluke game over a month ago. There is no doubt that WVU is the best team in the Big East, and I laugh at the notion that there is no way that WVU (the #3 D in the nation), couldn't stop Denard Robinson, and that Michigan would stomp them. Michigan is TERRIBLE. AWFUL.

Edit: And it's been proven thousands upon thousands of times. Transitive propery does NOT work in college football (or any sport for that matter).

When there are 100+ teams you are going to have to come up with ways to evaluate teams. At the end of the day a team you said is "TERRIBLE. AWFUL" beat the probable Big East conference winner by 20+ points.

That doesn't mean there is "no way" Michigan couldn't get beat by WVU or other Big East teams. But with the info at hand we can easily suggest that Michigan could/probably would be favored to beat every team in said conference.

[Boston Red]

But with the info at hand we can easily suggest that Michigan could/probably would be favored to beat every team in said conference.

Except for 3-4 in the Big East Louisville who beat UConn worse.

[Boston Red]

BTW, according to Sagarin's predictor ratings, Michigan would be an underdog on a neutral field against WV, Pitt and USF.

[Boston Red]

Ohio State Prez writes check to Little Sisters of the Poor. No word on whether the Sisters have accepted the invite to play the Buckeyes in Columbus. ;)

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5874511&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines

Smart of Gee to get his retraction out there before Illinois went out to Fresno and got beat.

[Sea Ray]

Smart of Gee to get his retraction out there before Illinois went out to Fresno and got beat.

Good game but you're right, it didn't do much for the Big Ten's image. Illinois was arguably Michigan's biggest win

[Cedric]

BTW, according to Sagarin's predictor ratings, Michigan would be an underdog on a neutral field against WV, Pitt and USF.

For some reason most years Sagarin would take the Big East over the AFC East.

[dabvu2498]

Edit: And it's been proven thousands upon thousands of times. Transitive propery does NOT work in college football (or any sport for that matter).

Dang. I was all ready to post how UT-Martin could play within a point of Auburn.

Ok, so I'm going to anyways...

UT-Martin beat Eastern Kentucky who beat Jacksonville St. who beat Ole Miss who beat Kentucky who beat South Carolina who beat Alabama who, obviously, lost to Auburn by one little point.

[Reds Fanatic]

Potentially trouble is coming for Ohio State. Apparently several players are being investigated for giving their autographs in exchange for tattoos by a local tattoo parlor. There may be several players suspended for the bowl game or possibly for games next year. According to ESPN several of Ohio State best players are among the names rumored as involved including Pryor, Herron and Posey.

http://www.10tv.com/live/content/osufootball/stories/2010/12/22/story-columbus-ohio-state-football-ncaa-rules-violations-investigation.html?sid=102

[*BaseClogger*]

I'm sure it breaks the rules and blah blah blah, but seriously, I hate how Ohio State will get negative pub for this and face suspensions while so many teams across the country (certainly possible at OSU too) are getting away with much more extreme benefits...

[jojo]

I'm sure it breaks the rules and blah blah blah, but seriously, I hate how Ohio State will get negative pub for this and face suspensions while so many teams across the country (certainly possible at OSU too) are getting away with much more extreme benefits...

The NCAA doesn't let any benefits slide when discovered-look whats going on with Tennessee basketball over what looks to be a backyard barbecue party. It goes much deeper but on the surface that would seem kind of innocuous to most casual observers.

[LoganBuck]

Apparently the rub is whether or not any bartering was done with OSU owned equipment, lifted from the WHAC. The tattoo parlor apparently has some sort of IRS investigation going on. This is minor stuff on the NCAA violations scale, but be prepared for some players to be suspended, and or leave early for the NFL that probably shouldn't.

[paintmered]

If this is the worst thing that goes on at Ohio State or any other program, then there's no problem in college athletics.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Guys don't worry about it. Only the players dads knew about how the tattoo's were being paid for. The players had no idea. Boom's dad won't be able to attend the Sugar Bowl, but other than that we are all good.

[jojo]

Guys don't worry about it. Only the players dads knew about how the tattoo's were being paid for. The players had no idea. Boom's dad won't be able to attend the Sugar Bowl, but other than that we are all good.

The tatoos were the benefit, a pretty visible one at that.. Bet none of them were L 31-18.

[kbrake]

5 players suspended 5 games for next season. Pryor, Posey, Herron, Adams, and Solomon Thomas. 5 games over tattoos? This is a joke.

[SeeinRed]

5 players suspended 5 games for next season. Pryor, Posey, Herron, Adams, and Solomon Thomas. 5 games over tattoos? This is a joke.


It was 5 games for selling awards and other gear. Its a pretty clear violation and OSU really saved them from further punishment IMO by claiming they didn't properly educate them in the violations.

[BuckeyeRed27]

They are eligible for the Sugar Bowl for some reason.
Four of the five players will probably just declare for the draft instead of sitting out half the seaons (Boom, Posey, Pryor, Adams).

Really stupid. It is definately a violation and kudos to OSU for handling it quickly and properly, but man these guys have to make better decisions.

[bucksfan2]

I don't know what to think. If OSU doesn't appeal I would expect Pryor, Posey and Herron to turn pro. This doesn't really shock me with Pryor. Whenever the kid opened up his mouth he created controversy.

I checked out the 2011 schedule and good lord. Akron, Toledo, Miami, Colorado, and Michigan State. The first game back would be Nebraska.

[kbrake]

I know what I think this is a bunch of crap. They sold stuff that belonged to them and they get hit like this? Might as well suspend them for the season because you just ended their year. The SEC gets away with murder and everyone else plays by a different set of rules. I understand why USC was outraged over the Cam Newton situation.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I don't know what to think. If OSU doesn't appeal I would expect Pryor, Posey and Herron to turn pro. This doesn't really shock me with Pryor. Whenever the kid opened up his mouth he created controversy.

I checked out the 2011 schedule and good lord. Akron, Toledo, Miami, Colorado, and Michigan State. The first game back would be Nebraska.

There are solid backups in place for Herron and Adams. Unless Duron Carter comes back to OSU we'll probably see a drop off without Posey and replacing a senior QB with any of Bauserman, Guiton or true frosh Braxton Miller will be a drop off. That said the first five games are all still wins.

[SeeinRed]

I know what I think this is a bunch of crap. They sold stuff that belonged to them and they get hit like this? Might as well suspend them for the season because you just ended their year. The SEC gets away with murder and everyone else plays by a different set of rules. I understand why USC was outraged over the Cam Newton situation.

I don't know of a situation when an SEC player has gotten away with selling their awards while in college. I don't have a dog in this race, but it seems pretty clear cut to me. I understand it really stinks for OSU fans, but this isn't the same as the Cam Newton situation. There is no reason to make this an argument about certain Universities getting away with things others don't.

[WVRed]

I know what I think this is a bunch of crap. They sold stuff that belonged to them and they get hit like this? Might as well suspend them for the season because you just ended their year. The SEC gets away with murder and everyone else plays by a different set of rules. I understand why USC was outraged over the Cam Newton situation.

Not everybody in the SEC gets away with murder. UK had a player in basketball declared permanently ineligible for accepting money yet Cam Newton's father hocked his son around to different schools for money.

As for USC, they did it to themselves. Once Pete Carroll bolted town, USC decided to hire a former assistant that was making enemies quick throughout the SEC and committing numerous violations while doing so. Would you want to do that when you know penalties are coming?

The NCAA is so hypocritical with rulings. The smart thing to do would be to suspend them for the bowl game, but that would have killed ratings. So the decision is to suspend them five games at the start of the season, in which case now the players will ultimately wave goodbye to OSU and give the NCAA the bird and go to the NFL.

Brilliant.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I understand the rule as it is now, but why aren't these guys allowed to sell their stuff. When the reports first came out it sounded like it was stuff that they took that belonged the university, but these all sound like things that belonged the players. Gold pants, Big 10 rings, etc. I mean I don't like the fact that they think so little of those accomplishments to just sell them, but who is the NCAA to tell anyone what they can or cannot sell if they own it?

Like I said I get that is the rule and won't change this situation I just bring it because it kind of rubs me the wrong way.

[Playadlc]

This is ridiculous. I hate OSU just as much as the next guy, but this is just absurd. Guys sell their Big Ten Championship rings? Who gives a crap?

It is stupid rules like this that make me hate the NCAA so much.

[bucksfan2]

There are solid backups in place for Herron and Adams. Unless Duron Carter comes back to OSU we'll probably see a drop off without Posey and replacing a senior QB with any of Bauserman, Guiton or true frosh Braxton Miller will be a drop off. That said the first five games are all still wins.

Carter isn't coming back. The only true backup is for Herron's position. OSU hasn't had a good WR corps since Gonzo and Ginn left. IMO that has been up there with the OL in OSU's weakest link.

I hope Tressel suspends them all for the Bowl game and tells Pryor good riddance.

[MWM]

If they had $180k in cash to play college football, they wouldn't feel the need to have to sell their stuff for money.

Bad decisions by the players. They knew they were breaking the rules and did it anyway, so it's hard to argue with the ruling... although 5 games seems incredibly harsh for something like this.

[bucksfan2]

If they had $180k in cash to play college football, they wouldn't feel the need to have to sell their stuff for money.

Bad decisions by the players. They knew they were breaking the rules and did it anyway, so it's hard to argue with the ruling... although 5 games seems incredibly harsh for something like this.

AJ Green got the same type of suspension. Its a 4 game suspension and an extra game because they didn't report it right away.

[jimbo]

First off, I think this is a ridiculous rule. They are selling property that belongs to them. They didn't steal it, nor does it belong to the university. Pryor's high school coach said he sold his property to help his mom.

But besides how I feel about the rule, 5 games seems pretty harsh. Their actions in no way benefited the university or the program. It had no impact on recruiting or play on the field. Yet the NCAA felt it was so bad that they should miss 5 games? Crazy!

Maybe the players should have given their property to their dads and have them sell it.

[RedFanAlways1966]

Bottom line... it is a rule for NCAA players. Don't know the rules, then read the rulebook. They are amateurs. They received gifts for being amateur athletes. They deceided to profit. Stupid. Wait until your eligibility is done before selling or face the punishment. I am a big OSU fan, but I am glad the NCAA did this. Hate that it happened to my fav team. But I also hate that my fav team has selfish players that break rules to profit off of being an amateur athlete. Make no mistake that these players knew better. Just didn't think they'd get caught.

As far as I am concerned I am ready to move on without Pryor. Might hurt in the short-term, but he has not been anywhere near an All American IMO. Perhaps he was overrated coming out of HS and I cannot blame him for that. But as a fan of OSU football I am ready to move on to the next QB.

[SeeinRed]

First off, I think this is a ridiculous rule. They are selling property that belongs to them. They didn't steal it, nor does it belong to the university. Pryor's high school coach said he sold his property to help his mom.

But besides how I feel about the rule, 5 games seems pretty harsh. Their actions in no way benefited the university or the program. It had no impact on recruiting or play on the field. Yet the NCAA felt it was so bad that they should miss 5 games? Crazy!

Maybe the players should have given their property to their dads and have them sell it.


Look, I understand OSU fans wanting to say how crazy it is and how excessive the penalties are. I would have the same initial thoughts if it happened at UC. However, its not like it is an unprecedented punishment or that OSU is being singled out here. They simply arent.

As for Pryor, I really don't buy what his HS coach is trying to sell. Don't you believe that it is awful convenient that he did it for his mom. Almost as convenient as OSU claiming they did not educate them properly on the rules. Sorry, I just don't buy it. The initial report was about getting tattoos, maybe it was a heart with mom written in it. I don't doubt that his mom needs help, but that doesn't mean he can blatantly violate rules and expect to not recieve punishment or the NCAA to go light on him.

I also think comparing it to Cam Newton is quite a stretch. I don't like how the Newton situation was handled, and even said I though Kanter's case should be judged based on the precedent set by the Newton ruling in the UK thread. I don't see the link in this case however. Evidence in this case is much stronger.

As for the property being that of the player and them being able to do what they want with it, they can. That comes with the caveat that they must wait until after they have finished playing amateur sports. Selling awards is the same as accepting money for playing which is a violation of NCAA's amateur status rules. Thats the cost of playing in the NCAA that all players must abide by.

I don't fault any of you for these feelings at all, but you must understand you are grasping at straws here.

[jojo]

Concerning the personal property issue, I don't think players can sell anything they get as a result of their scholarship. They can't sell their textbooks for example. A championship ring though? I would've thought that was fair game.

[MWM]

They should have had their parents sell it for them "without their knowledge". They'd be in the clear if they did that. They could have set the items on the kitchen table while visiting home, drop little hints about how much they could get on the open market if someone decided to sell them, etc..... This seems the iron clad way to approach these situations..... and I'm only half kidding.

Seriously, if TP was geniunely wanting to sell these items for his mother (something I'm not buying), why couldn't he just give them to her and then she could sell them on her own. He wouldn't have knowledge of this and would be in the clear.

[jojo]

They should have had their parents sell it for them "without their knowledge". They'd be in the clear if they did that. They could have set the items on the kitchen table while visiting home, drop little hints about how much they could get on the open market if someone decided to sell them, etc..... This seems the iron clad way to approach these situations..... and I'm only half kidding. What if that scenario would have occured where a parent sold the items the child have "given to them"?

With the MSU situation, no benefits were actually received. That seems to be a very critical threshold.

[MWM]

With the MSU situation, no benefits were actually received. That seems to be a very critical threshold.


Not really. The threshold was Cam's knowledge of the conversations asking for money. Asking for money is a serious violation regardless of whether or not it is received. If it could be proven that Cam actually knew his dad was asking for money on his behalf, he'd be ineligible regardless of whether benefits were actually received.

The Cam ruling was not about the receipt of benefits, but his own knowledge of the violations occuring on his behalf. THAT is the critical threshold and a serious loophole for future rulings. Per the NCAA, if a parent commits a violation on behalf of the child, but you can't prove the child had knowledge it was happening, the child is not ruled ineligible.

[jimbo]

Make no mistake that these players knew better. Just didn't think they'd get caught.

How can you be so sure of this? It's a possibility, but in reality we have no idea what was going on in these kid's heads.

And someone else mentioned they are not buying the high school coach's statement about Pryor wanting to help his mom. Why can't this be the case? I'd rather give him the benefit of the doubt until I hear otherwise. I once sold a car to help my parents through a tough time.

[MWM]

How can you be so sure of this? It's a possibility, but in reality we have no idea what was going on in these kid's heads.

And someone else mentioned they are not buying the high school coach's statement about Pryor wanting to help his mom. Why can't this be the case? I'd rather give him the benefit of the doubt until I hear otherwise. I once sold a car to help my parents through a tough time.

It really doesn't matter why they did it, it's still a violation. It's posible that TP was doing it to help his mom, but it's a difficult thing for me to believe. However, some will believe it because there's no verifiable evidence that proves this wasn't the case, so any suggestion that his intentions were selfish would be supposition. :evil:

[The Operator]

If the NCAA actually gave a crap about their rules, wouldn't the suspensions start now? Oh wait, they wouldn't wanna mess up any TV ratings for The Sugar Bowl, now would they. Gotta keep padding bowl game investor pockets.

Players must remain poor though. Them's the rules!

[Reds Freak]

Bottom line... it is a rule for NCAA players. Don't know the rules, then read the rulebook. They are amateurs. They received gifts for being amateur athletes. They deceided to profit. Stupid. Wait until your eligibility is done before selling or face the punishment. I am a big OSU fan, but I am glad the NCAA did this. Hate that it happened to my fav team. But I also hate that my fav team has selfish players that break rules to profit off of being an amateur athlete. Make no mistake that these players knew better. Just didn't think they'd get caught.

As far as I am concerned I am ready to move on without Pryor. Might hurt in the short-term, but he has not been anywhere near an All American IMO. Perhaps he was overrated coming out of HS and I cannot blame him for that. But as a fan of OSU football I am ready to move on to the next QB.

I agree with this 100%. But I still stand by my belief that I've posted on here before that the NCAA needs to stop acting like big-time college athletics is amateur. There is nothing amateur about it. There is shady stuff going on at every school, I said EVERY school, that plays Div. I football or basketball. I've been around enough of it to know it happens.

There's no way the NCAA can police all these little rules they have, so in my opinion the best thing to do is get rid of the rule book. Anything goes, if a donor wants to give a player a car or a bunch of money, who does that hurt?

[jojo]

It really doesn't matter why they did it, it's still a violation. It's posible that TP was doing it to help his mom, but it's a difficult thing for me to believe. However, some will believe it because there's no verifiable evidence that proves this wasn't the case, so any suggestion that his intentions were selfish would be supposition. :evil:

Not really sure why reserving judgment is something to mocked.... especially given the specific reference where those who didn't reserve judgment largely arrived at erroneous conclusions.

[jojo]

Not really. The threshold was Cam's knowledge of the conversations asking for money. Asking for money is a serious violation regardless of whether or not it is received. If it could be proven that Cam actually knew his dad was asking for money on his behalf, he'd be ineligible regardless of whether benefits were actually received.

The Cam ruling was not about the receipt of benefits, but his own knowledge of the violations occuring on his behalf. THAT is the critical threshold and a serious loophole for future rulings. Per the NCAA, if a parent commits a violation on behalf of the child, but you can't prove the child had knowledge it was happening, the child is not ruled ineligible.

If benefits had been received by Cecil, the NCAA would've acted differently.

[LoganBuck]

I think there is a compromise that the NCAA worked out here. I think it assumes that several of these players will go to the NFL. Essentially the NCAA is working the same deal with them that they did with Cam Newton, IMO. We will let you play the bowl game, but get out of Dodge afterwords. If you come back you face the same punishment that AJ Green faced, plus one for allowing you to play in the bowl game. My guess is that Herron, Posey, and Adams are gone. Pryor is on the fence, and Solomon Thomas is going to serve the suspension.

(This is not to say that the NCAA told Cam Newton to leave early, it seems to be the quick and easy solution, to the mess. People have been hinting at this since before the SEC championship game)

[SeeinRed]

And someone else mentioned they are not buying the high school coach's statement about Pryor wanting to help his mom. Why can't this be the case? I'd rather give him the benefit of the doubt until I hear otherwise. I once sold a car to help my parents through a tough time.


Being a fan of OSU, I'd expect you to believe that and I definately don't fault wanting to give him benefit of the doubt. It is really hard for me to buy and I'm sure I'm not alone in believing that. It makes for a good story and is a great ploy for pitty. It would be a pretty big leap of faith to believe it, especially since it doesn't affect how the rule is applied. I also have problems trusting individuals who have personal intrest in Pryor's actions.

OSU fans need to let this one go, enjoy the Sugar Bowl since they were given at least that to enjoy without suspension and then look to the future. Whats done is done and there is no use worrying about it. These players made selfish decisions that affected the whole team. Its not hard for me to believe they may not have known they would be suspended for selling their items, but it has been in the news before with AJ Green and 9 players from Georgia in 2003. I would assume it would be one of the things talked about at some point.

[Cedric]

This suspension is great news for 2012 at least.. Silver lining there.

Braxton Miller will be going into his true sophomore year with a ton of experience under his belt. He might not start the first 5 games next year, but I can almost guarantee he gets a ton of minutes.

[MWM]

If benefits had been received by Cecil, the NCAA would've acted differently.

How do you know this? Did the NCAA actually say this somewhere?

[kaldaniels]

The Cam Newton debate has no boundaries I see.

[SeeinRed]

Not really sure why reserving judgment is something to mocked.... especially given the specific reference where those who didn't reserve judgment largely arrived at erroneous conclusions.


I assume that you are responding to jimbo's response to my post. Does that mean you have seen me make a conclusion you deem as erroneous? I do believe my conclusion on the punishment being fair to be pretty sound. Not being rude, just curious.

[jojo]

I assume that you are responding to jimbo's response to my post. Does that mean you have seen me make a conclusion you deem as erroneous? I do believe my conclusion on the punishment being fair to be pretty sound. Not being rude, just curious.

The text you quoted wasn't a response to Jimbo.

[Captain13]

This punishment is the biggest joke I have ever heard; four of these guys can go pro after this season and, as a result, never be punished. This is a travesty. They are using a loophole and claiming the player "didn't know he was breaking the rules". That argument doesn't hold water. Even if the players didn't know they weren't allowed to sell things, they sure as the world knew they couldn't receive free or discounted services because they were players. The NCAA continues to make a mockery of itself.

[LoganBuck]

This punishment is the biggest joke I have ever heard; four of these guys can go pro after this season and, as a result, never be punished. This is a travesty. They are using a loophole and claiming the player "didn't know he was breaking the rules". That argument doesn't hold water. Even if the players didn't know they weren't allowed to sell things, they sure as the world knew they couldn't receive free or discounted services because they were players. The NCAA continues to make a mockery of itself.

The NCAA, and the Sugar Bowl, doesn't want to watch Joe Bauserman play QB. Jim Tressel sort of mentioned this during the press conference. Apparently this has been going on behind the scenes for most of this month. There was a veiled reference to "the folks at the Sugar Bowl" being involved in this. The true story will come out eventually.

[SeeinRed]

The text you quoted wasn't a response to Jimbo.


Right, the quoted response was to MWM who had responded to Jimbo, which in turn was a respone to what I had said earlier. I'm not trying to pick a fight, I just wasn't clear on what the erroneous conclusion you spoke of was about. I was just trying to follow the line of discussion.

[bucksfan2]

This suspension is great news for 2012 at least.. Silver lining there.

Braxton Miller will be going into his true sophomore year with a ton of experience under his belt. He might not start the first 5 games next year, but I can almost guarantee he gets a ton of minutes.

I hope Braxton doesn't see the field next season. I could live with Bauserman or and even hope for an improved Gutton. I think Tressel made a mistake to turn to Pryor in his freshman year. I don't think he makes that mistake again.