GAMEDAY!
GO BUCKEYES!!
GO BUCKEYES!!
| SOUTH FLORIDA BUCKEYE NEWS |
| The Official Newsletter of the Ohio State Alumni Club of Broward County Pres. Susan Gottlieb Susan_L_Gottlieb@ML.com Vice Pres. Dr. Philip Desenze & Jack Korthals Treas. Judi Lenz Haberdasher: P.J. Alvarado PJAlvarado7@aol.com |
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In 300 A.D., the Hohokam people settled the land that is now America’s hottest
desert, The Sonoran. An area of 120,000 square miles, including what is now
southwestern Arizona, and its largest city Phoenix, named appropriately for the bird rising
from its ashes. This is the land of mysterious prehistoric cliff dwellings, the Apache,
Cochise and Geronimo. A land of abundant wildlife from bobcats and jaguars to wild
burros and horses; black bear, elk and golden eagles. Giant Saguaro Cactus mark the
landscape.
Across this rugged territory a herd of Longhorn have made their way to graze on
the green oasis outside of Phoenix. This non-native species is being driven by a
buckaroo named Colt. Fast and accurate against small game and vermin, Colt expected
fame and fortune in the big shootout. He now rides with a burr under his saddle after
receiving no invitation to the big dance and being spurned by the ladies for some
Heisman dude.
Colt and his drovers shall find that they will have some steep arroyos to cross
before reaching the Sonoran oasis they seek. It seems the locals have once again
summoned a powerful force from the north. This steadfast legion of stalwart knights has
been called upon in the past to rid the oasis of the pestilence blowing in from such
places as Miami, Kansas, Hogtown, and the zealots of South Bend. Only once have the
knights been unsuccessful. So again these proud natives have turn to the Scarlet and
Grey to defend the oasis and divert the herd back to its home fields. As a lad, young
Colt felt the sting of these tough nuts from the north. After spending two years honing
his skills, Colt and his herd believe they have found the answers missing in his first
encounter. Sadly, Colt might not even know the questions.
The lethal nuts have arrived with more and stronger weapons to repel the herd and
its sharpshooter. The size of the herd and shine of the sharpshooter’s guns lead many
to believe the knights will again be thwarted on their quest. Memories of tarnished armor
from battles lost will be resurrected and the Scarlet and Grey will be left to humiliation
once more. But, Emerson reminds us that, “He has not learned the lesson of life who
does not every day surmount a fear.” And on this eve, the Buckeyes of Ohio will rise
again to the stature that had them dispatch the Hurricanes, Wildcats and Saint Quinn
and his Irish.
Tonight Colt’s flashy gun will be tested by Sir James and his band. The herd will be
punctured and pushed by the strength and speed of Chris Wells. Like the Phoenix, the
Buckeyes will rise up and drive this herd off the oasis, back through the Saguaro and
scorpions. A new young gunslinger will continue his maturation and out gun the
despondent sharpshooter. The Colt is not yet a steed. Life will return to normal, but for
the cattle left upon the plain of battle. As the Outlaw Josie Wales once observed,
“Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms.” But, not wanting to be wasteful, who’s ready for a
BBQ?
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 38 TEXAS 27
We certainly hated to see the departure of our close friend, Lloyd Carr. He was a
generous host and true gentleman. Today we meet for the first time, West Virginia’s
favorite son, Rich Rodriquez. In his first season, Rich has been able to accomplish
something no Michigan coach has ever done: lose eight games in a single year, and the
season is not over. BEAT MICHIGAN!
Michigan has had a miserable year (3-8). They have failed to win two games in a
row; have a five game losing streak tucked in the middle of the schedule; and, have lost
five times at home, including to the Toledo Rockets. But with all of this, do not think for
one moment that this game will be an easy one. After 33 straight appearances in bowl
games, Michigan must settle for Ohio State as its bowl opponent. This is the best rivalry
in football, so expect Michigan to show up and be ready to play better than they have all
year. BEAT MICHIGAN!
The Bucks still have a shot at the Rose Bowl, if Penn State loses. We also have a
shot at an at-large major BCS bowl appearance. None of that can happen if the
Wolverines get their way. Try to remember that over the past 79 years, the last six
Michigan head coaches have beaten the Buckeyes in their first year. The Michigan
defense played very tough against Northwestern last week, only to have three mistakes
turn into three touchdowns and another loss. Michigan will be very dangerous if they can
put together an error free game. BEAT MICHIGAN!
Except for the 1968 blowout, (see Dave Hyde’s book, "1968"), no Michigan game has
ever been easy. The underdog often takes a bite out of the top dog's butt. Our
Buckeyes this year have been so inconsistent that it is difficult to know which team will
show up. The past two weeks we have watched the pounding of the running attack. We
know a passing attack exists, but we are kept watching and waiting for it to materialize.
The defense gave up 455 yards last week! The good news is that Michigan has no one
anywhere near as good as Juice Williams. BEAT MICHIGAN!
We have had our disappointments this year. With a zillion returning starters, all loyal
fans were looking for a third straight big game. That is, until USC burst that bubble.
Then Coach Tressel tried to sit on a 6-3 lead against Penn State. But our freshman QB
saw the endzone instead of a first down, and left the ball in his wake. The Bucks have
plenty of reasons not to be overconfident and to want this game every bit as bad as
those guys from up north. If we have learned anything since Penn State, it is that
Terrelle Pryor is growing with every game. He is being supported by high flying and
punishing Chris Wells. And, despite all of the yards put up by Illinois last week, the
defense has really improved their play. BEAT MICHIGAN!!
Michigan has not faced a defense as good as Laurinaitis and his steadfast legion of
stalwart knights. Each week another man turns up the pressure. Euclid's Gibson is
tearing in from the end; Heyward and Abdallah are adding speed inside; Ross Homan at
linebacker is as solid as Laurinaitis and Freeman; and, Hines at nickel back answers the
spread offenses. No CB in the country is as good as Malcolm Jenkins. The only upset
coming out of Ohio Stadium will be the one in Coach Rich’s stomach each time he is
reminded that no one has ever lost nine in one year. BEAT MICHIGAN!!
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 27 MICHIGAN 13
ACTUAL SCORE: 42-7
East of the Big River and north of the Ohio once roamed a powerful confederation of
tribes of the Algonquin nation known as the Illiniwek. The French interpreted the name
as Illinois or Illini. The French allied with the Illiniwek in an unsuccessful attempt to create
a continuous trade route from Canada to New Orleans. The alliance would eventually
lead to the downfall of the Illiniwek. The fertile lands and huge herds of buffalo enjoyed
by the Illiniwek made them inviting prey for the aggressive and powerful enemies
surrounding them. The north was controlled by the Fox, Sioux and Winnebago; the west
by the Osage and Missouri; the south by the Chickasaw and Shawnee; and, the east by
the fierce Iroquois. After the French and Indian Wars, the Illiniwek paid dearly for
aligning with the French. Today, no Illiniwek tribes or reservations remain.
That cold wind still blows across the flat prairie, shaking the stubble of last summer’s
corn; whistling through the underpasses along I-57 outside Champaign. Ringnecks
scurry for cover among the remnants of stalks. Coveys of quail take wing. From the east
comes the rumble of rolling thunder, a precursor of the fierce band of warriors, not unlike
the Iroquois, on their way to again raid those who call themselves Illini. Smarting from the
slings and arrows of outrageous fortune thrust upon them just twelve moons past, the
Buckeye nation heads west to avenge the prior assault and recover the prize and their
pride.
The Illini tribe awaiting the Buckeyes carries the name of the raiders of last November,
but few of the same warriors. Leading the band is Juice Williams, the QB and principal
nemesis of the Buckeyes, responsible for four TD passes and controlling the game. He
retains Arrelious Benn, a receiver with 60 catches and a dangerous kick returner. The
major loss was at running back as Rashard Mendenhall took off for the NFL, and injured
reserve at Fort Pitt. These Illini may lead the Big Ten in total offense, but they also like
to turnover the ball. This attribute has left them with a 5-5 record, including the loss to
Western Michigan last week. Williams relies on the pass more than the run this season
and is very good. He will not be taken lightly as the Buckeyes remember his abuses.
The Buckeyes’ roller coaster offense was up again last week. This comes more from
the growth of Terrelle Pryor than major improvements on the O-line. It will again be up to
the line to break open holes for Chris Wells. Last week, Wells ignited the offense by
busting out of another backfield crowd and going 55 yards for a TD. Expect the Illini to
stack the line and make Pryor prove he can again deliver passes to his receivers. Like
the former alliance with the French, this will be their downfall. Pryor has shown the ability
to stay cool under fire. Last week, he exhibited a propensity to find help down field. He
should again this week and probably to a greater extent.
Illinois displayed last week that their world is again crumbling. The Bucks need to
take the attack to the Illini early and often. The defense that was shredded last fall will
not permit a repeat performance. Laurinaitis and his steadfast legion of stalwart knights
will disarm the Juice and place Pryor in a position to put points on the board. The once
powerful confederation of Illiniwek shall not rise again this Saturday. The Illini’s afternoon
will be as barren and bleak as their history.
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 35 ILLINOIS 13
ACTUAL SCORE: 30-20
The Buckeyes awaken from a week of slumber to travel to the City of Big Shoulders
to face a Northwestern team that boasts a 7-2 record. Perhaps during this week of
wonder, someone has located the lost children of the offense. Never have so many with
much skill been so impotent in thrusting the pigskin across the goal line. In a full third of
our nine battles past the Bucks have failed to score an offensive touchdown. Just as
mysterious is the lack of productivity inside the 20, even when we win.
Northwestern is not going to politely sit back and wait for the Bucks to find the magic.
They also have a shot at the Rose Bowl and do not intend to roll over just because they
are facing Ohio State. To add to our travails, it appears that the snow storm that
crossed the Dakotas is heading toward Northern Illinois just in time for kickoff.
The word out of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center is that the O-line has gone back to
basics this week, working on stance and foot movement. Say what? This is the tenth
game of the year and most of these guys have been around a while. If we are going that
far back, then some is finally recognizing the depth of the problem.
We had the opportunity during the week off to watch plenty of football. I do not believe
that the Big 12 has players faster or more skilled than ours. Yet they seem to be able to
produce innovative offenses that put points on the board. Even factoring in the void in
Big 12 defenses, they seem to know something that the brain trust on the Olentangy has
been seeking.
The Wildcats will present us with the familiar spread offense. They have started
shuffling QB’s due to injury. Their top two running backs will miss the game, so the
passing game will probably be dominant. Our steadfast legion of stalwart knights led by
Lord Laurinaitis, will be up to the task of shutting down the Wildcats. Hopefully, the
defense will put the offense in a position to run some points up on the board.
The offense does get a break this week because the Wildcats really have no answers
for stopping Chris Wells and Terrelle Pryor. We’ve said that before, and Purdue stuffed
us. But, if someone will take advantage of all the speed at wide receiver, maybe we can
get Wells a hole to run through. The leading Buckeye receiver has only 18 receptions,
and that is Ray Small, who is not making the trip west. Robiskie and Hartline are still out
there, so are the tight ends, fullback, and several swift slot receivers. Time to remember
that they are part of the team.
So off we go the Chicago. Hog Butcher for the World, Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat,
Player with Railroads and the Nation's Freight Handler; Stormy, husky, brawling, City of
the Big Shoulders. It is time that the broad shoulders on our offensive line find their
stance and footwork and butcher some Wildcats, stack the wheat and handle the freight.
Sandburg gives us the proper attitude: “Fierce as a dog with tongue lapping for action,
cunning as a savage pitted against the wilderness.” Boys, it’s time to toughen up!
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 28 NORTHWESTERN 10
ACTUAL SCORE: 45-10
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 27 PENN STATE 13
ACTUAL SCORE: 6-13 Penn State
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 27 MICHIGAN STATE 17
ACTUAL SCORE: 45-7
Good-bye Joe, you gotta go, me-oh, my-oh. Son-of-a-gun we’ll have some fun in
O-HI-O! Coach Tiller’s swan song is today in the ‘Shoe. Unfortunately, it will not be Joe
whistling the tune. After 12 seasons at Purdue, Old Joe has not figured out that defense
is a part of the game. Purdue comes into the game dead last in the Big Ten in both rush
and pass defense. On the other side, they are dead last in rushing offense; lead the
conference in passing yards, but are dead last in passing efficiency. QB Curtis Painter
was being sold pre-season as all world. Last week, he was benched. He has 5 TD’s and
5 Int.’s this season. So goes the Tiller Victory Tour.
It will take more than a shot and a beer to slow the retooled Buckeye offense. The
Dynamic Duo, Wells and Pryor, will punch holes in Purdue’s cobweb defense. Wells will
tally over 175 yards and not play the 4th quarter. The Boilermakers will try to cheat up
and stuff the run. Pryor gets his chance to polish his passing with strikes to freshmen,
Posey and Thomas. When Pryor sits, Boeckman will pick the defense apart. For
Purdue, it is a lose-lose situation. It is seldom that you get a chance to put your strength
against the weakest part of the opponent. Joe, pray for rain!
Purdue on offense tosses the ball short 90% of the time. They use the short pass in
place of the run. The Bucks can not be lulled to sleep with the dinks because Purdue
has a good runner in Kory Sheets and can throw over the top. But, the Bucks have dealt
with the spread offense all year. It is no longer an innovation, Joe. The Buckeyes will
insert nickel back Jermale Hines to plug up the gap between the linebackers and the
safeties where Painter tries to throw. Hines will have a big day and Painter will carry his
bucket and brush back to the pines. Oh, me-oh, my-oh.
Quick short passes keep the D-line from ringing up sacks. But, pressure buckles
Painter’s knees, so keep Cameron Heyward at tackle and Euclid's Thaddeus Gibson at
linebacker. The increased speed will keep the heat on Painter and give the linebackers
and D-backs an opportunity to steal the ball. Laurinaitis is a tough pass defender and will
have at least one interception.
Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and fillet gumbo; Because tonight we’re gonna see our
Heisman hero. Chris Wells gets back into the hunt today with a big game. Numbers are
all that count. Just look at the Big 12 QB’s tossing up super numbers by playing four
quarters against non-BCS teams. Voters see the stats and the pro-mo’s on SportsCenter
and punch the buttons ESPN gives them. Now they have to start playing each other.
Wells runs best against tough competition. But, today is his opportunity to bring his
numbers up to date against softies.
Well, Joe, sorry to be such rude hosts, but the train has left the station. The
Boilermakers are reminiscent of a non-alcoholic beer. No pop, no punch, no buzz. The
Victory Tour hits another sour note. The Bucks are getting better every week and are in
control of the steam engine. Purdue is another rivet in the road and will be flattened on
the rail. Joe, ya gotta go and pole the pirogue down the bayou; Cuz we gonna dress in
style and go hog wild, me oh my oh; Son of a gun we'll have some fun in O-HI-O!
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 42 PURDUE 10
ACTUAL SCORE: 16-3
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 27 WISCONSIN 17
ACTUAL SCORE 20-17
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 38 MINNESOTA 13
ACTUAL SCORE: 34-21
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 35 TROY 17
ACTUAL SCORE: 28-10
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 27 USC 24
GO BUCKEYES!!!
ACTUAL SCORE: USC 35 OSU 3 OOPS!!
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 45 OHIO 0
ACTUAL SCORE: 26-14
FEARLESS PREDICTIONS: Game 1: OHIO STATE 52 YSU 3
ACTUAL SCORE: 43-0
desert, The Sonoran. An area of 120,000 square miles, including what is now
southwestern Arizona, and its largest city Phoenix, named appropriately for the bird rising
from its ashes. This is the land of mysterious prehistoric cliff dwellings, the Apache,
Cochise and Geronimo. A land of abundant wildlife from bobcats and jaguars to wild
burros and horses; black bear, elk and golden eagles. Giant Saguaro Cactus mark the
landscape.
Across this rugged territory a herd of Longhorn have made their way to graze on
the green oasis outside of Phoenix. This non-native species is being driven by a
buckaroo named Colt. Fast and accurate against small game and vermin, Colt expected
fame and fortune in the big shootout. He now rides with a burr under his saddle after
receiving no invitation to the big dance and being spurned by the ladies for some
Heisman dude.
Colt and his drovers shall find that they will have some steep arroyos to cross
before reaching the Sonoran oasis they seek. It seems the locals have once again
summoned a powerful force from the north. This steadfast legion of stalwart knights has
been called upon in the past to rid the oasis of the pestilence blowing in from such
places as Miami, Kansas, Hogtown, and the zealots of South Bend. Only once have the
knights been unsuccessful. So again these proud natives have turn to the Scarlet and
Grey to defend the oasis and divert the herd back to its home fields. As a lad, young
Colt felt the sting of these tough nuts from the north. After spending two years honing
his skills, Colt and his herd believe they have found the answers missing in his first
encounter. Sadly, Colt might not even know the questions.
The lethal nuts have arrived with more and stronger weapons to repel the herd and
its sharpshooter. The size of the herd and shine of the sharpshooter’s guns lead many
to believe the knights will again be thwarted on their quest. Memories of tarnished armor
from battles lost will be resurrected and the Scarlet and Grey will be left to humiliation
once more. But, Emerson reminds us that, “He has not learned the lesson of life who
does not every day surmount a fear.” And on this eve, the Buckeyes of Ohio will rise
again to the stature that had them dispatch the Hurricanes, Wildcats and Saint Quinn
and his Irish.
Tonight Colt’s flashy gun will be tested by Sir James and his band. The herd will be
punctured and pushed by the strength and speed of Chris Wells. Like the Phoenix, the
Buckeyes will rise up and drive this herd off the oasis, back through the Saguaro and
scorpions. A new young gunslinger will continue his maturation and out gun the
despondent sharpshooter. The Colt is not yet a steed. Life will return to normal, but for
the cattle left upon the plain of battle. As the Outlaw Josie Wales once observed,
“Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms.” But, not wanting to be wasteful, who’s ready for a
BBQ?
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 38 TEXAS 27
We certainly hated to see the departure of our close friend, Lloyd Carr. He was a
generous host and true gentleman. Today we meet for the first time, West Virginia’s
favorite son, Rich Rodriquez. In his first season, Rich has been able to accomplish
something no Michigan coach has ever done: lose eight games in a single year, and the
season is not over. BEAT MICHIGAN!
Michigan has had a miserable year (3-8). They have failed to win two games in a
row; have a five game losing streak tucked in the middle of the schedule; and, have lost
five times at home, including to the Toledo Rockets. But with all of this, do not think for
one moment that this game will be an easy one. After 33 straight appearances in bowl
games, Michigan must settle for Ohio State as its bowl opponent. This is the best rivalry
in football, so expect Michigan to show up and be ready to play better than they have all
year. BEAT MICHIGAN!
The Bucks still have a shot at the Rose Bowl, if Penn State loses. We also have a
shot at an at-large major BCS bowl appearance. None of that can happen if the
Wolverines get their way. Try to remember that over the past 79 years, the last six
Michigan head coaches have beaten the Buckeyes in their first year. The Michigan
defense played very tough against Northwestern last week, only to have three mistakes
turn into three touchdowns and another loss. Michigan will be very dangerous if they can
put together an error free game. BEAT MICHIGAN!
Except for the 1968 blowout, (see Dave Hyde’s book, "1968"), no Michigan game has
ever been easy. The underdog often takes a bite out of the top dog's butt. Our
Buckeyes this year have been so inconsistent that it is difficult to know which team will
show up. The past two weeks we have watched the pounding of the running attack. We
know a passing attack exists, but we are kept watching and waiting for it to materialize.
The defense gave up 455 yards last week! The good news is that Michigan has no one
anywhere near as good as Juice Williams. BEAT MICHIGAN!
We have had our disappointments this year. With a zillion returning starters, all loyal
fans were looking for a third straight big game. That is, until USC burst that bubble.
Then Coach Tressel tried to sit on a 6-3 lead against Penn State. But our freshman QB
saw the endzone instead of a first down, and left the ball in his wake. The Bucks have
plenty of reasons not to be overconfident and to want this game every bit as bad as
those guys from up north. If we have learned anything since Penn State, it is that
Terrelle Pryor is growing with every game. He is being supported by high flying and
punishing Chris Wells. And, despite all of the yards put up by Illinois last week, the
defense has really improved their play. BEAT MICHIGAN!!
Michigan has not faced a defense as good as Laurinaitis and his steadfast legion of
stalwart knights. Each week another man turns up the pressure. Euclid's Gibson is
tearing in from the end; Heyward and Abdallah are adding speed inside; Ross Homan at
linebacker is as solid as Laurinaitis and Freeman; and, Hines at nickel back answers the
spread offenses. No CB in the country is as good as Malcolm Jenkins. The only upset
coming out of Ohio Stadium will be the one in Coach Rich’s stomach each time he is
reminded that no one has ever lost nine in one year. BEAT MICHIGAN!!
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 27 MICHIGAN 13
ACTUAL SCORE: 42-7
East of the Big River and north of the Ohio once roamed a powerful confederation of
tribes of the Algonquin nation known as the Illiniwek. The French interpreted the name
as Illinois or Illini. The French allied with the Illiniwek in an unsuccessful attempt to create
a continuous trade route from Canada to New Orleans. The alliance would eventually
lead to the downfall of the Illiniwek. The fertile lands and huge herds of buffalo enjoyed
by the Illiniwek made them inviting prey for the aggressive and powerful enemies
surrounding them. The north was controlled by the Fox, Sioux and Winnebago; the west
by the Osage and Missouri; the south by the Chickasaw and Shawnee; and, the east by
the fierce Iroquois. After the French and Indian Wars, the Illiniwek paid dearly for
aligning with the French. Today, no Illiniwek tribes or reservations remain.
That cold wind still blows across the flat prairie, shaking the stubble of last summer’s
corn; whistling through the underpasses along I-57 outside Champaign. Ringnecks
scurry for cover among the remnants of stalks. Coveys of quail take wing. From the east
comes the rumble of rolling thunder, a precursor of the fierce band of warriors, not unlike
the Iroquois, on their way to again raid those who call themselves Illini. Smarting from the
slings and arrows of outrageous fortune thrust upon them just twelve moons past, the
Buckeye nation heads west to avenge the prior assault and recover the prize and their
pride.
The Illini tribe awaiting the Buckeyes carries the name of the raiders of last November,
but few of the same warriors. Leading the band is Juice Williams, the QB and principal
nemesis of the Buckeyes, responsible for four TD passes and controlling the game. He
retains Arrelious Benn, a receiver with 60 catches and a dangerous kick returner. The
major loss was at running back as Rashard Mendenhall took off for the NFL, and injured
reserve at Fort Pitt. These Illini may lead the Big Ten in total offense, but they also like
to turnover the ball. This attribute has left them with a 5-5 record, including the loss to
Western Michigan last week. Williams relies on the pass more than the run this season
and is very good. He will not be taken lightly as the Buckeyes remember his abuses.
The Buckeyes’ roller coaster offense was up again last week. This comes more from
the growth of Terrelle Pryor than major improvements on the O-line. It will again be up to
the line to break open holes for Chris Wells. Last week, Wells ignited the offense by
busting out of another backfield crowd and going 55 yards for a TD. Expect the Illini to
stack the line and make Pryor prove he can again deliver passes to his receivers. Like
the former alliance with the French, this will be their downfall. Pryor has shown the ability
to stay cool under fire. Last week, he exhibited a propensity to find help down field. He
should again this week and probably to a greater extent.
Illinois displayed last week that their world is again crumbling. The Bucks need to
take the attack to the Illini early and often. The defense that was shredded last fall will
not permit a repeat performance. Laurinaitis and his steadfast legion of stalwart knights
will disarm the Juice and place Pryor in a position to put points on the board. The once
powerful confederation of Illiniwek shall not rise again this Saturday. The Illini’s afternoon
will be as barren and bleak as their history.
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 35 ILLINOIS 13
ACTUAL SCORE: 30-20
The Buckeyes awaken from a week of slumber to travel to the City of Big Shoulders
to face a Northwestern team that boasts a 7-2 record. Perhaps during this week of
wonder, someone has located the lost children of the offense. Never have so many with
much skill been so impotent in thrusting the pigskin across the goal line. In a full third of
our nine battles past the Bucks have failed to score an offensive touchdown. Just as
mysterious is the lack of productivity inside the 20, even when we win.
Northwestern is not going to politely sit back and wait for the Bucks to find the magic.
They also have a shot at the Rose Bowl and do not intend to roll over just because they
are facing Ohio State. To add to our travails, it appears that the snow storm that
crossed the Dakotas is heading toward Northern Illinois just in time for kickoff.
The word out of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center is that the O-line has gone back to
basics this week, working on stance and foot movement. Say what? This is the tenth
game of the year and most of these guys have been around a while. If we are going that
far back, then some is finally recognizing the depth of the problem.
We had the opportunity during the week off to watch plenty of football. I do not believe
that the Big 12 has players faster or more skilled than ours. Yet they seem to be able to
produce innovative offenses that put points on the board. Even factoring in the void in
Big 12 defenses, they seem to know something that the brain trust on the Olentangy has
been seeking.
The Wildcats will present us with the familiar spread offense. They have started
shuffling QB’s due to injury. Their top two running backs will miss the game, so the
passing game will probably be dominant. Our steadfast legion of stalwart knights led by
Lord Laurinaitis, will be up to the task of shutting down the Wildcats. Hopefully, the
defense will put the offense in a position to run some points up on the board.
The offense does get a break this week because the Wildcats really have no answers
for stopping Chris Wells and Terrelle Pryor. We’ve said that before, and Purdue stuffed
us. But, if someone will take advantage of all the speed at wide receiver, maybe we can
get Wells a hole to run through. The leading Buckeye receiver has only 18 receptions,
and that is Ray Small, who is not making the trip west. Robiskie and Hartline are still out
there, so are the tight ends, fullback, and several swift slot receivers. Time to remember
that they are part of the team.
So off we go the Chicago. Hog Butcher for the World, Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat,
Player with Railroads and the Nation's Freight Handler; Stormy, husky, brawling, City of
the Big Shoulders. It is time that the broad shoulders on our offensive line find their
stance and footwork and butcher some Wildcats, stack the wheat and handle the freight.
Sandburg gives us the proper attitude: “Fierce as a dog with tongue lapping for action,
cunning as a savage pitted against the wilderness.” Boys, it’s time to toughen up!
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 28 NORTHWESTERN 10
ACTUAL SCORE: 45-10
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 27 PENN STATE 13
ACTUAL SCORE: 6-13 Penn State
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 27 MICHIGAN STATE 17
ACTUAL SCORE: 45-7
Good-bye Joe, you gotta go, me-oh, my-oh. Son-of-a-gun we’ll have some fun in
O-HI-O! Coach Tiller’s swan song is today in the ‘Shoe. Unfortunately, it will not be Joe
whistling the tune. After 12 seasons at Purdue, Old Joe has not figured out that defense
is a part of the game. Purdue comes into the game dead last in the Big Ten in both rush
and pass defense. On the other side, they are dead last in rushing offense; lead the
conference in passing yards, but are dead last in passing efficiency. QB Curtis Painter
was being sold pre-season as all world. Last week, he was benched. He has 5 TD’s and
5 Int.’s this season. So goes the Tiller Victory Tour.
It will take more than a shot and a beer to slow the retooled Buckeye offense. The
Dynamic Duo, Wells and Pryor, will punch holes in Purdue’s cobweb defense. Wells will
tally over 175 yards and not play the 4th quarter. The Boilermakers will try to cheat up
and stuff the run. Pryor gets his chance to polish his passing with strikes to freshmen,
Posey and Thomas. When Pryor sits, Boeckman will pick the defense apart. For
Purdue, it is a lose-lose situation. It is seldom that you get a chance to put your strength
against the weakest part of the opponent. Joe, pray for rain!
Purdue on offense tosses the ball short 90% of the time. They use the short pass in
place of the run. The Bucks can not be lulled to sleep with the dinks because Purdue
has a good runner in Kory Sheets and can throw over the top. But, the Bucks have dealt
with the spread offense all year. It is no longer an innovation, Joe. The Buckeyes will
insert nickel back Jermale Hines to plug up the gap between the linebackers and the
safeties where Painter tries to throw. Hines will have a big day and Painter will carry his
bucket and brush back to the pines. Oh, me-oh, my-oh.
Quick short passes keep the D-line from ringing up sacks. But, pressure buckles
Painter’s knees, so keep Cameron Heyward at tackle and Euclid's Thaddeus Gibson at
linebacker. The increased speed will keep the heat on Painter and give the linebackers
and D-backs an opportunity to steal the ball. Laurinaitis is a tough pass defender and will
have at least one interception.
Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and fillet gumbo; Because tonight we’re gonna see our
Heisman hero. Chris Wells gets back into the hunt today with a big game. Numbers are
all that count. Just look at the Big 12 QB’s tossing up super numbers by playing four
quarters against non-BCS teams. Voters see the stats and the pro-mo’s on SportsCenter
and punch the buttons ESPN gives them. Now they have to start playing each other.
Wells runs best against tough competition. But, today is his opportunity to bring his
numbers up to date against softies.
Well, Joe, sorry to be such rude hosts, but the train has left the station. The
Boilermakers are reminiscent of a non-alcoholic beer. No pop, no punch, no buzz. The
Victory Tour hits another sour note. The Bucks are getting better every week and are in
control of the steam engine. Purdue is another rivet in the road and will be flattened on
the rail. Joe, ya gotta go and pole the pirogue down the bayou; Cuz we gonna dress in
style and go hog wild, me oh my oh; Son of a gun we'll have some fun in O-HI-O!
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 42 PURDUE 10
ACTUAL SCORE: 16-3
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 27 WISCONSIN 17
ACTUAL SCORE 20-17
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 38 MINNESOTA 13
ACTUAL SCORE: 34-21
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 35 TROY 17
ACTUAL SCORE: 28-10
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 27 USC 24
GO BUCKEYES!!!
ACTUAL SCORE: USC 35 OSU 3 OOPS!!
FEARLESS PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 45 OHIO 0
ACTUAL SCORE: 26-14
FEARLESS PREDICTIONS: Game 1: OHIO STATE 52 YSU 3
ACTUAL SCORE: 43-0
| TRIBAL WARFARE! |
| WOUNDED WOLVERINES!! |
TILLER PASSES ON DEFENSE
| DESERT ROUNDUP!! |
| WILDCATS ARE READY! |