Ohio State v Wisconsin has been one of the more exciting Big Ten matchups over the past three decades, with the Bucks holding only a 13-10-1 advantage since 1980.

In fact, there has even been some animosity that has carried over onto the field in the past.

Remember 2003 in Madison, Buckeye LB Robert Reynolds tackling then-Badger QB Jim Sorgi, choking the QB and knocking him out of the game?

Ironically Ohio State choked the game away, giving up a late 80-yard TD pass to Lee Evans, losing 17-10.

At the time, my grandpa claimed the 1993 (14-14 tie) game ended on a blocked field goal by Ohio State because they had 12 players on the field. He was old, so was that, and this is 2009. Let’s move on.

Why is this a big game?

The Buckeyes want to dominate Saturday at home and want to run the table to another Big Ten Championship. This is the last tough game on the schedule before the November gauntlet at Penn State, then at home versus Iowa, with the finale in Ann Arbor.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin wants to stay undefeated and finally get their high ranking they have been waiting for all season. The motivation factor is easy after Pryor took the victory out of the Camp Randall air with a game winning drive last year, 20-17.

Bret Bielema is still looking for his first victory (0-2) over the sweater vest (3-3 versus Wisconsin) and will surely get the Badger seniors going early.

Game Data (some info courtesy of Bucknuts.com; click here for their full Wisconsin-Ohio State report):

Wisconsin (5-0) at #9 Ohio State (4-1)

• Wisconsin-Ohio State Date: Saturday, October 10th 2009.
• Wisconsin-Ohio State Kickoff Time: 3:30 ET
• Wisconsin-Ohio State TV: ABC (Sean McDonough, Matt Millen, Holly Rowe) Coverage Map here
• Wisconsin-Ohio State Point Spread: Ohio State -16
• Wisconsin-Ohio State Spread Pick by KVB: Wisconsin +16
• Wisconsin-Ohio State Spread Pick by Jerod: Wisconsin +16
• Wisconsin-Ohio State Weather: Sunny 60 degrees some clouds (weather.com)
• StubHub: Ohio State-Wisconsin tickets as low as $85!

Dexter Larimore will not suit up on the Buckeye defensive line because of injury, but everyone is saying the depth is still there to dominate like Ohio State has all year. If everyone says that, then Wisconsin should end up running the ball well in at least the second half if it is close. But we are in October so the conditioning should be on pace for the line to play well regardless of how many plays the Badgers get.

The Buckeye offense has looked efficient since the USC game and after dominating Illinois and Indiana in Big Ten play they look to control the game and the clock again this weekend. But this is definitely a game where Ohio State’s offense cannot leave points on the field because of turnovers, missed field goals or red zone inefficiency.

Wisky’s quarterback Scott Tolzien is amazingly efficient with a 154.7 passer rating, which is best in the Big Ten (minimum 100 att) and his offense averages 35 points a game. If they have to lean on Tolzien’s arm, we could see Ohio State pin their ears back and disrupt the game he is used to playing.

Wisconsin RB John Clay (photo: Bryan Faust)

Running back John Clay is the difference for the Badger offense. He leads the Big Ten in virtually all rushing categories so far this year (Rushes, Yards, Yards Per Game, TDs, and 100 yard games); so he can eat the clock and put scoring drives together, which could make it easier for Wisconsin to outscore the Bucks. This would make red zone efficiency and turnovers that much more important to Ohio State.

That said, it will be up to the front seven in Scarlett and Gray to make sure there is no rhythm for John Clay.

(Uh oh, I just rhymed…they already are in rhythm.)

I am very surprised Vegas put the two touchdown spread advantage for Ohio State, but that must be more a lack of confidence in the porous Wisconsin defense (24.6 points per game) than an abundance of confidence in the Ohio State offense (29.4 ppg).

But you can’t rule out Ohio State’s defense (11.8 ppg) as giving them such a large advantage. I would say the home field gives the Bucks a big advantage, but they’ve already lost at home. So maybe that will be their only blemish in Ohio Stadium. If I were a betting man, which JRod knows that I am, I would say Ohio State protects it’s house, but give the points to Wisconsin.

Ohio State-Wisconsin Prediction: Ohio State 30  | Wisconsin 23

Below is an example of mash-up highlight editing you can do on BigTenNetwork.com. It is pretty cool.

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* – Terrelle Pryor photo: Cleveland Plain Dealer File Photo

* – John Clay photo: Bryan Faust/wisconsin.scouts.com

“Can you believe it? The same man who, just a few years ago, probably could have run for governor of Ohio and won in a landslide, is suddenly receiving the John Cooper treatment.”

The above quote is from Stewart Mandel’s most recent mailbag on SI.com, and is one of the most absurd statements I’ve ever seen a college football writer feel compelled to write.

It is, of course, in response to braindead emails that Mandel received from one of the most spoiled fan bases in sports. Here is one of those emails, which sums up them all:

“USC was outmuscled and outclassed by OSU, save for one drive in the game. But as usual, Tressel gift-wrapped a win to the other team by playing scared and without confidence. I hate to say it, but it’s time for Jim Tressel to go. Any chance he’s on the hot seat any time soon?”

“It’s time for Jim Tressel to go,” he says, as if great – yes, I said great — college football coaches just grow on trees.

“As usual, Tressel gift-wrapped a win to the other team,” he says, as if Ohio State losing is some weekly occurrence.

Here is what I say: what the hell is wrong with these people?

Follow the links to StubHub for great deals on Ohio State football tickets, all college football tickets, and advance tickets to every 2009 bowl game.

Mandel listed out the stats, and they bear repeating:

• Four straight Big Ten titles
• Six BCS appearances in seven years
• One national title
• A 7-1 record against Michigan
• One sublimely incredible post-championship picture with the BCS trophy:

In response to these asinine comments from Ohio State fans about Jim Tressel, I simply pose the following question: who would you rather have?

Sure, there are a few current coaches that I would place in front of Jim Tressel if I were ranking all college football coaches. Off the top of my head and in no particular order:

• Urban Meyer, Florida
• Pete Carroll, USC
• Nick Saban, Alabama
• Charlie Wei–never mind

Other than that, who do you rank in front of Tressel? The next tier of three in my own personal rankings would include Bob Stoops, Mack Brown, and Jim Tressel. I’m not sure how I’d rank them — it would be splitting hairs — but they’ve all had tremendous amounts of success.

Simply put: any notion that Jim Tressel’s time in Columbus should come to an end any time soon has got to be one of the most ridiculous statements ever uttered by a fan base. Period.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Do Tressel and the Ohio State coaches need to figure out a better plan for big games? Sure they do.

Do Tressel and the Ohio State coaches need to more effectively utilize the unique talents of Terrelle Pryor? Sure they do.

Is Jim Tressel’s “conservative” game-planning sometimes to blame for Ohio State losses? I suppose so.

But how about a reality check? Look outside your own little Columbus bubble once in a while Buckeye fans…you might realize just how good you have it with Jim Tressel.

And if you’d like to know my college football perspective, here are the two teams I follow and cheer for: Indiana and Tennessee. Feel a little bit better about yourself, Insane Buckeye Fan?

You should.

For the record, I spoke recently with MSF’s own resident Buckeye lover KVB and he recognizes the idiocy of the Tressel bashing. Sure, he’s frustrated by the big game losses, but also has enough perspective to remember a time — the Cooper Era — when Ohio State did not win the Big Ten every year, was not always spoken about as a National Title contender, and did not have such resounding success against The Team Up North.

The problem that Jim Tressel has created for himself is that he’s been too good.

He gave Buckeye fans a finger (guaranteeing a win over Michigan his first season, then delivering) so they wanted a hand. He gave them a hand (winning the Big Ten), so they wanted an arm. He gave them an arm (winning a National Title) so then they started expecting the whole body of college football success (beat Michigan, win the Big Ten, win the National Title) every single year.

And now, they’ve lost the perspective to enjoy the incredible success that they do experience every single season. 

Luckily, my many friends who are Ohio State fans have a little bit more perspective and aren’t jumping on the Tressel Hate bandwagon. They’re still spoiled college football brats, but nothing like the zero-perspective ass clowns represented by the two emails Stewart Mandel posted and addressed in his mailbag.

Sure, if the Buckeyes start losing to Michigan consistently, aren’t competing for and winning Big Ten titles, and fall off the BCS map, then Tressel’s employment should be scrutinized. Ohio State is a college football power and should rightly expect to maintain such status.

But as long as they have it — which they still do now under Tressel — Buckeye fans should lay off and realize just how good things are in Columbus. There are about a hundred other Division 1 schools who would be happy to have Jim Tressel, and something tells me that the same fans who are calling for his head would miss him terribly if he was gone.

So quit looking at the few college football lawns that have slightly greener grass than your own, Insane Buckeye Fan. The rest of the college football world just looks at you and shakes it head, wishing for the same success that you are so ungrateful to have.

The morons who write emails and comments like the one above are embarrassments to the entire Buckeye fan base, and to the concept of rational, reasonable thinking. 

You see that trophy in the picture above? In case you forgot, that was this decade, Jim Tressel led you there, and he’s put you in position to win a couple more.

Fire Jim Tressel?

How about you take a cue from the Sweater Vest Soldiers pictured to the right. Instead of whining and bitching about the few things that have gone wrong, thank him and support Tressel for the many, many, many, many more things that have gone resoundingly right.

Otherwise, you’re just redefining the “nuts” in Bucknuts.

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* – Ohio State fans supporting Jim Tressel photo credit: Matthew Emmons/US Presswire via ESPN.com

Only one game this week for college and it’s the big one about to start.

Ohio State (+7) vs. USC

Pete Carroll hands down is the best coach in the NCAA and we will see this again Saturday night when USC travels to Ohio State. He recruit’s the best players, his team is always prepared, and always wins the big games. Yes every year USC does get picked off by some underdog in the PAC 10, but I can only think of one game were USC has lost a big game(national championship vs. Texas 2005) And trust me when I say USC views this as a big game.

The Trojans who have a plethora of stud running backs will run the ball to open up the passing game, which will put freshman quarterback Matt Barkely at ease for his first big test on the road. More importantly the horses of Joe McKnight, C.J Gable, and Stafon Johnson will wear down this defense of Ohio State. If Ohio State had issues with Navy last week, what’s going to happen when the speed and athletes of USC come to town?

For Ohio State to have a chance in this game they will need Terrelle Pryor to play out of this world. I see a lot of similarities between Pryor and quarterback Vince Young(who also gave USC troubles back in 2005), but Pryor just does not have the accuracy, and at times makes poor decisions in big spots. Jim Tressel and his conservative play calling will keep Ohio State close for a majority of the game, but USC will pull away late in the forth quarter.

Take Ohio State and give the points.

For the record, I disagreed with his assessment that Ohio Stadium is the best football stadium in the Big Ten (my vote goes to Beaver Stadium in Happy Valley) and I laughed when GQ named Ohio State one of the 25 douchiest colleges in America. But, I sure as hell like Ohio State more than Michigan.

Why do I tell you all of this? Mainly so that you don’t reject the rest of this post as simply being your typical Buckeye propaganda that gets pushed out this time of year by Ohio State’s throngs of sychofans across the country. (like this guy…I know the domain says purdue.edu, but I bet you he’s a Buckeye fan!)

With that said, I want to commend Ohio State for being proactive in showing support to America’s service academies.

Recently, Ohio State began circulating a video that implores its fans to give the Navy Midshipmen football team a rousing ovation — what they are calling the “Take the Field Tribute” — when Navy takes the field at Ohio Stadium on September 5 (click here for tickets). Ohio State head football lieutenant coach Jim Tressel, agrees with idea, saying “We would hope we would treat every opponent with great respect, but I think it’s even raised a notch when you’re talking about people running out on the field who are pledged to defend you.”

(In related news, there is no truth to the rumor that Tressel also wanted to institute a similar ovation policy for every time a special teams unit trots onto the field.)

According to the Take the Field Tribute video, Ohio State hopes “this tradition starts at Ohio State and spreads to other schools who host US Service Academy teams.” Agreed.

Here is the video in its entirety:

 

Of course, if Ohio State really wanted to be nice to Navy, they would start Joe Bauserman at QB and not Terrelle Pryor, but that’s beside the point.

The video, as you might expect, is filled with typical Buckeye arrogance, claiming that “even visiting teams respect and appreciate the honor and the tradition of Ohio State…and the opportunity to play football in Ohio Stadium.”

It is also filled with outright lies, like this one: “Buckeyes know there are some things more important than football.”

Oh really? I challenge you to find me a Buckeye fan who believes that anything is more important than football. Honestly Ohio State, I think the idea for a Take the Field Tribute is great, but there is no reason to be disingenuous and say things that everyone knows are false.

Regardless, I think this is a fantastic idea and hope that more schools follow suit if they are not doing this already.

I think a lot of us, regardless of our political leaning, myself included, take for granted the freedoms that we have in this country. And that’s as much of a soapbox as I will get on, because I do not think that too many people would disagree with me. A standing ovation from 100,000+ people would certainly be moving, and I am sure that Navy’s football team, as well as military veterans and officers across the globe, would appreciate it.

Plus, for all of the kids in attendance and watching on TV, it would provide a great opportunity for parents to discuss why the fans are cheering for the opposing team while explaining the importance of the sacrifices that military men and women make.

Doug Lesmerisis has a great article at Cleveland.com discussing the planned Ohio State tribute to Navy, with the most apt statement coming at the end:

A rousing welcome in the largest stadium any of them will ever play in is something most of the Navy players would probably remember forever. But their real dream to return from the locker room to start the third quarter and get booed like crazy — because they’re winning.

So, Ohio State fans, after you take part in the Take the Field Tribute and then watch your Buckeyes gets off to their typical sluggish start in the first game of the season to trail 7-6 at the half, remember to boo too.

The Navy football team represents the reason why we can enjoy college football Saturdays so freely. The least fans can do is temporarily put aside their insatiable appetite for victory to honor the men and women who keep us safe and make our way of life possible.

And Buckeye fans, beware: if you don’t show proper respect by participating in the Take the Field Tribute, Jim Tressel will reciprocate your disrespect with a double bunny ear salute when you least expect it.

* – Jim Tressel bunny ears photo credit: AP Photo/Terry Gilliam via ESPN.com

* – Navy football team photo credit: Saul Loeb / Agence France-Presse via Military Times

Umm, can I interject here and just ask a reasonable question real quick: who the hell cares?

Apparently Fiesta Bowl officials do, according to the account of the story at SI.com:

Pryor’s absence was notable in the ballroom set aside for media day. Frustrated Fiesta Bowl officials had to tell reporters that the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback wasn’t present — and that there was nothing they could do about it.

Fiesta Bowl president and CEO John Junker said he’d like the Bowl Championship Series to provide clearer rules for media access to players.

“Any policy is workable only if there are consequences in place, which is currently not the case,” Junker said. “The present arrangement puts the team in question and the bowl in question in a difficult circumstance.”

Tressel shrugged off the stir caused by Pryor’s absence.

My favorite part is the last line. Of course Jim Tressel shrugged off Pryor’s absence. The absence was no accident, and Ohio State should not be forced to explain why they want their freshman quarterback attending meetings as opposed to being put in a situation that he might not be totally ready to handle.

First off, just so everyone is clear, Terrelle Pryor skipping the media day was not any kind of violation. Each team is required to submit a list of 30 players who will attend the media day. Ohio State did this and as far as I can tell, all 30 players were there. So tough titties Fiesta Bowl.

And why is it such a big deal anyway? Sure, we’re all love to hear Terrelle Pryor’s thoughts, mostly because he is probably the most likely player on either team to say something that could be used as bulletin board material. Pryor is a brash, confident, and still-immature freshman who famously got into numerous fights while in high school. He also vastly talented but still working to grasp the finer points of playing quarterback at a big-time college football program.

Jim Tressel no doubt wanted to avoid any situation where Terrelle Pryor could say something that could be construed as incendiary towards Texas. He also knows that his young phenom needs every minute of coaching and film study he can get to prepare for the biggest game of his young career. Why should he have to explain anything?

He made a wise choice for his team and still complied with the rules. John Junker (pictured, left) should go round his other BCS bowl cronies and figure out a way to bring a playoff to college football, rather than complaining about a freshman not attending media day. He should also not wear canary yellow sports jackets. It is my personal philosophy never to trust old men in pastel-colored suit coats. I can’t explain why, just trust me on this one.

And what if Jim Tressel wanted media day attendance to be a reward for upperclassmen? Should he have to answer to John Junker? Hell no. Jim Tressel should do whatever he thinks is best for his football team.

And that is what he did.

Good for Jim Tressel — not that it was really big deal for him. Jim Tressel could sell crap to a sewer. He is the kind of guy who could clog your toilet with a nasty deuce and then convince you that the new “potpourri” scent adds “life and zest” to your restroom.

That is why his expertly crafted explanation of the matter was no surprise:

Asked if Ohio State fans would like to hear from their starting quarterback before the game, Tressel replied, “Well, I think we owe a lot to our fans. Unfortunately, you can’t do everything you’d like to do.

“I would like all of our kids and coaches to be able to sign every autograph that every fan would like and, you know, all those kinds of things. But you can only do so many things. You have to make decisions. Some of them are well thought of, some of them aren’t.”

I guess some people think this is a bigger deal than me. A writer in the Plain-Dealer thinks Tressel did the Fiesta Bowl and the fans wrong by not making Pryor available. I simply disagree. If this were the NFL, it would be different. They are professionals. College football players are not supposed to be professionals…which people sometimes forget. So if the coach doesn’t want them there, deal with it — it’s the coach’s decision.

And I think Jim Tressel made a good one.

(Update: For the record, after reading a few other posts on this subject in which the authors disagree with my take, I realized I should clarify something. Technically, all BCS teams are supposed to make all starters available for the media day. However, there is no penalty or consequence to enforce the rule. So technically, Jim Tressel and Ohio State violated the letter of the rule by not making Terrelle Pryor available for the Fiesta Bowl media day. Still, I think it’s a stupid rule and I don’t think Jim Tressel, Ohio State, or Terrelle Pryor should be taking heat for it.)

Very few people thought Michigan had a chance, but millions tuned in just to see how much Jim Tressel would run up the score.

This marks the fourth straight year that Ohio State has had at least a share of the Big Ten Championship, and more importantly, brings Jim Tressel’s record against Michigan to 7 and 1.

(JROD please finish this post and add some notable stats from this bucknuts article? maybe include the joke I texted you?)

(Editor’s Note: Here is where JRod takes over…)

Very well then. Not really sure what else there is to say about the Ohio State-Michigan game. The Buckeyes owned the Wolverines again and Rich Rodriguez sucks. Pretty much what we expected.

We’ll end this short game recap with the joke that Ryan texted me upon the completion of today’s Ohio State-Michigan game:

Q – How do you keep a Wolverine from masturbating?

A – Paint his unit scarlet and gray and he won’t beat it for at least five years!

Somehow, this passed our very meticulous censors here at Midwest Sports Fans. Basically, it made me laugh my ass off. Good work Russell.

In 2006, it was the first #1 vs. #2 match up in The Game’s rich tradition. It was the first time the two teams entered the game undefeated since the 1970s Bo vs. Woody days.

Only a day after the passing of Michigan great Bo Schembechler, The Game ended 42-39 with Ohio State being victorious and it was the highest point total in the history of the rivalry. And easily one of the most exciting, regardless of which side you are on.

Now we have a plethora of firsts in this weekend’s Ohio State-Michigan game, even though it is nothing College Game Day would set up shop for, as they did in Columbus in 2006.

One reason is that the 19 point spread in favor of the Buckeyes is the largest spread in the history of The Game. Two, win or lose, at 3-8 it is already Michigan’s worst record in the football program’s history. Three, Ohio State is going for their fifth straight victory over for the team up north which would be a first in Ohio State’s rich history. Four, this is the first time these two teams will both start Freshman quarterbacks: Terrelle Pryor and Steven Threet (though Threet is questionable with a shoulder injury). That fourth historic first might bring out the over used but realistic saying, “Throw the records out for this one.”

I would never miss this game no matter what the situation is and I have often gone into this weekend (always the weekend by or on my birthday) on the other end, salvaging the season by busting Michigan’s Rose Bowl berth with an upset. That is what Michigan has to play for this year and if you don’t know, Jim Tressel-coached teams always seem to have trouble defending against spread offenses. Last week, Illinois’ spread offense diced up the Buckeyes defense with 455 total yards of offense.

If you are laughing at my cautioned tone about the game this weekend I have two words for you: John Cooper. Coop’s 2-10-1 record versus Michigan is branded into my head and I know all too well the better team doesn’t always in this one. Since polls were started in 1936, the lower ranked team has won 21 times, most recently in 2004 when the unranked Buckeyes won 37-21 over #7 Michigan in Troy Smith’s first season.

We know John Cooper is no Jim Tressel, when JC called the rivalry with Michigan “Just like any other game” and called the established 1922 Ohio Stadium, “Buckeye Field.” 2-10-1, it still burns doesn’t it Buckeye fans?

And Michigan’s 57-41-6 advantage will make us feel like the underdog for at least the better part of this century won’t it?

Ohio State I know cannot wait to beat Michigan now when they are down. And say what you want about Rich Rod, Michigan cannot wait to beat Ohio State now when they are flying high.

See you Noon EST on ABC live from Columbus.

Click here to F*ck Michigan

[tags]college football, rivalries, ohio state buckeyes, michigan wolverines, big ten football[/tags]

This time around Ohio State officials are hoping the faithful will wear all red for the themed “Scarlett Fever.” God knows the Penn State Nittany Lions have thrown the “White Out” at us enough times.

First place in the Big Ten is on the line as they are the only undefeated teams left. If Ohio State (7-1, 4-0) wins they could position themselves as the Big Ten champion which could mean a rematch against USC in the Rose Bowl. A Penn State (8-0, 4-0) win would put them on the inside track to their first BCS championship appearance.

Not that Joe Pa would even think about retiring after a BCS win since going off in style is, well, not his style.

To set this game up, both Ohio State and Penn State are coming off smack downs of the Michigan teams and I wouldn’t be surprised if ESPN’s College Gameday set up shop in Columbus for this one. Historically speaking, this game has a rich history especially since they play each other every year in the last week of October.

Ohio State leads the all-time series 12-11 and they have a 10-5 advantage since Penn State joined the Big Ten in 1993. Joe Paterno bucked the losing trend against Michigan last weekend but he has another this weekend against Ohio State. Joe Paterno has NEVER won in Ohio Stadium in Big Ten play. Joe Pa won in Columbus in October of 1929 but he insists a historic stock market crash is not the reason for victory then or now.

In all seriousness (despite the photo of James Laurinaitis), I believe the most important match ups are the run defenses and ball control. Last week Penn State had a tough time stopping the Michigan spread run offense giving up 202 yards on the ground, a 4.4 average per carry. Most of that was given up in the first half. Last week Ohio State took on the supposedly best running attack in the Big Ten and held the Fighting Izzo’s to 52 yards rushing, a 2.5 yard average. So whichever defense can keep the other team’s dual running threats off the field longer should win this game because I don’t see a lot of turnovers occurring.

Prediction: Ohio State 27 Penn State 21

The Ohio State backfield tandem of quarterback Terrelle Pryor and running back Chris “Beanie” Wells outrushed Ringer 212-67. Terrelle Pryor finished with 72 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown while Beanie Wells finished with 140 yards on 31 carries and a touchdown of his own. It was exactly the kind of dominant performance that Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes needed to further distance themselves from their USC loss and announce their presence in the BCS picture should more of the currently undefeated teams go down.

The 48-7 win by Ohio State sets up a huge showdown next week in Columbus between the Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes and Joe Paterno’s undefeated, #3 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions. Penn State has been blowing teams out all year, and is doing it again tonight, leading Michigan 46-17 as I write this. Ohio State seemed to lose their rhythm after the USC loss and subsequent switch to freshman QB Terrell Pryor, but today’s win over the 20th ranked Spartans suggests that the lofty preseason opinions of the Jim Tressel-led Buckeyes may not have been all that far off.

The winner of the Ohio State-Penn State game obviously has the inside track to the Big Ten crown, and the potential to claim a spot in the national championship game; for sure for Penn State, and a possibility for the Buckeyes a few teams above them lose (like last year).

Either way, today’s win proves that the stores of the demise of Jim Tressel and Ohio State in 2008 were way too premature. As Beanie Wells gets healthy and back in rhythm, and as Terrelle Pryor gets comfortable under center, this Ohio State team continues to improve. Even though the game is in Columbus, next week’s battle with Penn State with grueling and possibly epic. If today’s win is any indication, Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes will be up to the challenge; possibly enough to overcome it.

(Photo Art by Midwest Sports Fans — click image to enlarge)

[tags]ohio state buckeyes, college football, jim tressel[/tags]

With first place in the Big Ten within striking distance, the heat is high. We are halfway through the year and fans are waiting for this thing to really shake out. Something will certainly shake out this weekend, who it is will likely determine the winner because despite all the high stakes anxiety, it won’t be a high flying shootout. It’s going to be a slugfest won on the ground. The battle between the two best running backs in the Big Ten, Beanie Wells and Javon Ringer. Who shakes out into open space more often, will likely determine the winner. The two are huge leaders on their team. They want the ball and are consistent.

Beanie has not gotten the action and touches people expected due to a foot injury he suffered in week one and a Freshman QB who runs the ball as much as he does. He has only seen the ball 71 times but that has brought his team 479 yards and 2 TDs. While the numbers won’t win him a Heisman, he is clearly the go-to man this week with Pryor’s passing game struggling. He could break it open on Michigan State’s defense, they are ninth in total offense allowed in the Big Ten. He may have to, though, if Dantonio’s defensive fundamentals prove strong enough to shake up Pryor. If the Spartans can prevent any bleeding on 1^st and 2^nd down and force Tressel to drop Pryor back on 3^rd, then they will be where they want come the 4^th quarter.

The MSU secondary must step up, though, and contain any clear lanes for Pryor. As a freshman, who knows he’s on the ropes, he will only take the chances he knows he can get down the field. The biggest wins State has seen are ND and Northwestern, in both of those the Spartans grabbed two picks. Those were game changers, despite giving up yards on paper, they made plays to get the offense back on the field. And, frankly, if you are a Spartan that’s who you want on the field.

Javon Ringer is getting Heisman press with his 1112 yards and 14 TDs and rightfully so, his shifty feet, lateral capability and insane durability have brought his team this far. They will need him to bring them any farther, too. The Spartans will see a very stingy Ohio State defense on Saturday. While Tressel’s offense was not convincing against Purdue, the defense was called to prove themselves and stepped up big only allowing 3 points for the Boilermakers. The news of Ringer’s Heisman run have certainly reached this defense’s ears. They will be looking for him and with Ringer as Michigan State’s only real back, he won’t be hard to find. When Javon is in the game, he is getting the ball. The biggest problem with the State’s offense is that they have no other looks. When the red and white see number 23 in the backfield, safeties will start cheating, linebackers finding gaps to line up in and defensive linemen know they just have to stop any holes.

If the Buckeyes defense does step up, then we will see how good the Michigan State quarterback, Brian Hoyer, really is. He’s not bad so far, but with no one able to stop Javon, his job is easy – handoffs, fake handoffs, then throw to a tight end and the occasional 3^rd down. He looked better as of late, though. Against Northwestern, he threw two TDs and connected 70 percent of his passes. The Cats tried to stack the box and stop Ringer. Dantonio adjusted his gameplan and Hoyer found some openings. When those openings come for Hoyer, the running game comes back. Ringer finished with 124 and 2 TDs in the win (I’m fairly sure this writer called that…roughly.)

The game really just waits to be played. It’s tough to call it either way, it’s too close. I mean it’s almost family, seriously, Tressel actually referred to Dantonio as family this week. Each team has something to prove, but Ohio State has more to lose and Michigan State much more to gain. I say it’s adrenaline that wins. Whoever tries harder. (There’s some crack journalism, huh?)

“Hustle wins? C’mon, Kaner, there’s more to college football than a good ready position and grit.” I respond with a single word….Rudy. I digress, and Notre Dame sucks.

I think it’s true, though. If the Michigan State defense gets aggressive enough for Buckeye fans to start chanting “Boeckmen”, than Dantonio’s offense will get enough chances to outscore Ohio State. Ringer and Hoyer want it, too. Ringer was supposed to go to the Ohio State University after growing up in Dayton, but they said his grades wouldn’t cut it. Now, he’s got his chance to prove this nation’s true colors and remind us that college isn’t about school, it’s about wining huge home games on Saturday.

I can’t deny the home team in this one, and I love to see Tressel frown. (It clashes with the tie and vest that make him appear so put together.) Spartans win a squeaker 30-28.

Don’t buy it? Did I mention that Javon Ringer is a black belt? Now you see my point.

Ohio State currently has a stamp on them that they cannot win a big game. Some people think it is a big tattoo that will never be removed, but after last night in Madison it is just a stamp to me. An ugly stamp you haven’t washed from the club the night before, but it only took a true freshman Quarterback to rub the stamp off for now.

Playing under the lights in Madison is a tough task. Ask the 2003 Buckeye squad who was undefeated and defending their national championship when they floundered in the Wisconsin elements and lost 17 to 10 on a late bomb to Lee Evans. Jim Tressel’s only career losing record to a Big Ten team was Wisconsin before last night’s victory (3-3). This was a big game win and don’t let any Jim Rome, Skip Bayless, or Mark May tell you otherwise. Not to mention Tressel’s 5-1 record versus the Wolverines who’s rivalry is called “The Game.” Is that yearly dominance not BIG enough for you? P.S. Not afraid of the “Bitch Rodriguez Era.”

The stigma that Ohio State cannot win a big game is still there since nobody respects the level of play out of anyone in the Big Ten but there is an X-factor now. We saw him come of age last night on his game winning drive and 11 yard touchdown option run. I haven’t seen a successful option run to the short side of the field against a good defense in college football history, but I saw Pryor turn on the jets and do it last night. On the road, down 17-13, 4^th quarter clock running against them, and Pryor did it throwing and running. A healthy Beanie Wells doesn’t hurt his maturity process either. Beanie finished the game with 168 yards on 22 carries (7.6 avg) and an awesome touchdown run in which he stiff armed the only defender he had to beat 10 yards backwards into the end zone.

Next week I am going to Columbus for the Purdue game (3:30 kickoff) and I can’t wait to watch the new big game X-factor Pryor with a healthy Beanie.

And if you enjoy the content here at MSF, do us a favor and check out the great deals on sports and concert tickets at StubHub. After you click, any purchase you make from StubHub for the next 60 days will support our site and allow us to keep doing what we do. If you’d be so kind, we’d greatly appreciate it.

1. Michigan – 873
2. Texas – 833
3. Notre Dame – 832
4. Nebraska – 828
5. Ohio State – 809
6. Penn State – 802
7. Alabama – 800
8. Oklahoma – 788
9. Tennessee – 777
10. USC – 766

__________

Now back to KVB’s original post:

Thee! Ohio State University Buckeyes take the field against Frank Solich’s Ohio University Bobcats this weekend. A win could mark the program’s 800th victory. They would be the fifth team to enter the a tradition-rich fraternity of 800 win programs after Michigan, Notre Dame, Texas, and Nebraska (see graphic below).

My man Beanie Wells seems to be feeling better and better as the days go on and we should see him back in action in Los Angeles against USC. By the way, Southern Cal is number 10 on this list with 754 wins. The home and home scheduling trend is what creates these great early season matchups. Ohio State-Texas a few years ago was a memorable top ten battle in both years. Now Ohio State and USC. But there are future matchups on the Buckeyes schedule that could definately make or break national title hopes and have the preseason hype we all love…especially with the likes of the Terelle Pryor years coming up. Check this impressive list below for tOSU:

2009 – USC

2010 – @Miami (FL)

2011 – Miami (FL)

2012 – @California

2013 – California

2014 – Virginia Tech

2015 – @Virginia Tech

2016 – @Oklahoma

2017 – Oklahoma

2018 – @Tennessee

2019 – Tennessee

[tags]college football, ncaa, all-time wins, ohio state football[/tags]

www.MichaelPhelpsIsADoucheBag.com

Somebody did it. I voted “no” personally (results when i posted this; 20 yes, 3 no), but click above if you want to place your vote. It’s not vote or die, but it is fun. Also I believe other So-and-so-isadouchebag.com sites need to start now because of this and create a trend.

I still want to create FireTressel.com just to piss people off, so I understand the motivation behind the Michael Phelps one.

If you could start one So-and-so-isadouchebag.com who would it be and why? Please leave your comment.

by KVB

Often I read my college friend’s Off The Tracks Purdue blog and he has gotten the attention of the Big Ten Bloggers Roundtable for his site on the Boilermakers. If I’m not mistaken he got slammed last year by readers for crossing the line in a rant about Notre Dame Football, but otherwise he’s a great writer and Notre Dame still sucks.

Soon maybe Midwest Sports Fans could have some writers in the Big Ten Bloggers Roundtable (even though I got rejected by the MAC Conference Bloggers) but until then below I answered their preseason questions. Keep in mind I’m wearing a sweatervest with no pants right now….

1. ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg recently ranked the top 5 rivalries in the Big Ten and there were some controversial results (Illinois v Ohio State as #3?). Clearly Ohio State vs. Michigan is the #1 rivalry in the Big Ten, but give me your next three. It is obvious the Illinois upset over the undefeated Buckeyes last year made that a sexy pick at #3; as well as the game being in Illinois this year and probably on ESPN/ABC. But the ugly wooden “Illibuck” turtle trophy and Ohio State’s 60-30-4 all-time advantage make this not so sweet. The Wisconsin-Minnesota Paul Bunyan Axe gets the award for best trophy. Also, if you are a Big Ten fan you love every stadium in conference except the house that Kent Hrbek built, so be glad for the new outdoor Gopher football church set to be used on Saturday’s in 2009. Anyway…

// –>

Michigan-Michigan State – Some players say these inter-state rivals mean a lot more to them than any others (i.e. Florida-Florida State, Alabama-Auburn, Texas-Texas A&M, USC-UCLA). This is definitely attributed to those same in-state players feeling they got shafted in the recruiting process by “the bigger school” or players at said bigger school feeling embarrassed if they lose to the “weaker program.” Especially at the states big on high school football like Texas, Florida, and California.

Penn State-Ohio State – The Buckeyes took the all-time advantage (12-11) in this one after last year’s beat down in Crappy Valley, 37-17. Before joining the Big Ten, Penn State beat Earle Bruce’s squad 31-19, in the 1980 Fiesta Bowl. Compared to Joe Pa’s 7-12 career record, The Nittney Lions got 4 wins against Ohio State before Joe was the man, obviously pre-leather helmets era. I myself have a “Michigan Sucks, Penn State Swallows” t-shirt. Going through my head: I hope I don’t get reamed by the editor for mentioning a state outside of the cornfields.

5. Brian at MGO was kind enough to post a diary entry which gives us and new coach Rich Rodriguez a list of Michigan traditions that maybe we were not all aware of. This has inspired two final questions…

Similar to the succulent Buckeye candies (a peanut butter ball dipped in hot fudge to look like the buckeye tree nut); there is the lesser known, Michigan Cookies! Easy to make too! Put them in a big Bowl and beat them for three hours. Note: Despite the first game on January 1^st, the Outback Bowl in not a big bowl.

KVB