Buckeye Football Madness

Big Ten Bowl Predictions- FINAL

2011-12-04T02:36:00.002-05:00

Little Caesars Bowl- Northwestern Wildcats vs Ohio U

Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas- Iowa Hawkeyes vs Texas A&M

Insight Bowl- Penn State Nittany Lions vs Oklahoma

Ticket City Bowl- Purdue Boilermakers vs Iowa State

Gator Bowl- The Ohio State Buckeyes vs Florida

Outback Bowl- Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Georgia

Capital One Bowl- Michigan State Spartans vs Arkansas

Sugar Bowl- Michigan Wolverines vs Alabama

Rose B0wl- Wisconsin Badgers vs Oregon

FINAL BCS Predictions

2011-12-04T02:19:00.002-05:00

Allstate BCS National Championship Game
(1/9/12, New Orleans)

#2 Oklahoma State Cowboys (11-1) vs #1 LSU Tigers (13-0)

Rose Bowl (1/2/12)

Wisconsin Badgers (11-2) vs Oregon Ducks (10-2)

Fiesta Bowl (1/2/12)

Stanford Cardinal (11-1) vs Kansas State Wildcats (10-2)

Sugar Bowl (1/3/12)

Alabama Crimson Tide (11-1) vs Michigan Wolverines (10-2)

Orange Bowl (1/4/12)

Clemson Tigers (10-3) vs West Virginia Mountaineers (9-3)

Oh Yeah...My Predictions

2011-12-02T19:30:00.002-05:00

Okay, so it's a new era of Buckeye football, and I will discuss that in great detail once the season is over.

There are games tonight/tomorrow? Okay, okay! I'll tell you who's going to win...

Pac 12 Championship Game: UCLA (6-6) vs Oregon (10-2)
- Other than the fact that it is a complete mismatch, the game is being played in Eugene. I'm going to go out on a very long, thing branch here and say that Oregon comes away with the Pac 12 title and plays in the Rose Bowl for the second time in three years, and three straight BCS appearances overall.

SEC Championship Game: Georgia (10-2) vs LSU (12-00
- Does this game even matter? LSU is going to play for the national title regardless, and if Georgia wins, Alabama will still go to the national title as well. This is a very odd circumstance. I'll go with the Tigers to beat Georgia by at least 10.

ACC Championship Game: Clemson (9-3) vs Virginia Tech (11-1)
- If this game were played after week five of the season, it'd be the most hyped match up of any of the conference title games. Unfortunately, the rest of the season happened and while VT got significantly better, Clemson lost a lot of steam. Hokies should roll in this one despite a spirited offensive effort from Tahj Boyd and the gang.

BIG Championship Game: Michigan State (10-2) vs Wisconsin (10-2)
- MSU needed a Hail Mary touchdown to win at home, at night in East Lansing. Wisconsin should have things wrapped up by the fourth quarter on a neutral field. Payback is a killer. I'll go with the Badgers to play Oregon in the Rose Bowl - which will be a great game.

The other de-facto championship games...

UConn (5-6) @ Cincinnati (8-3)
- Let me get this straight here: if Cincinnati wins, it will create a three-way tie in the Big East, meaning that West Virginia would likely go to a BCS game. If UConn upsets the Bearcats, then Louisville will get the automatic bid. Who will be crowned champ? I'll make it easier on the folks watching the BCS games in January and pick Cincy to win, providing someone a chance to see West Virginia play instead of L'Ville.

Oklahoma (9-2) @ Oklahoma State (10-1)
- BEDLAM!! I think that Oklahoma will likely win this game, simply because I haven't like the Cowboy's defense all season long. QB Landry Jones will have a big day, and it will send Oklahoma off to a BCS game after winning yet another Big 12 title.

BCS Bowl Projections- 11/26

2011-11-26T16:48:00.005-05:00

BCS National Championship-
#1 LSU Tigers (13-0)
vs
#2 Alabama Crimson Tide (11-1)

Rose Bowl-
Wisconsin Badgers (11-2)
vs
Oregon Ducks (11-2)

Fiesta Bowl-
Oklahoma State Cowboys (11-1)
vs
Stanford Cardinal (11-1)

Orange Bowl-
Michigan Wolverines (10-2)
vs
Virginia Tech Hokies (12-1)

Sugar Bowl-
Cincinnati Bearcats (9-3)
vs
Houston Cougars (13-0)

My Top Ten- Week 13

2011-11-26T16:47:00.003-05:00

1. LSU (12-0, vs Georgia)
2. Alabama (11-1)
3. Virginia Tech (11-1, vs Clemson)
4. Oklahoma State (10-1, vs Oklahoma)
5. Stanford (11-1)
6. Houston (12-0, vs Southern Miss)
7. Arkansas (10-2)
8. Boise State (11-1)
9. Georgia (10-2, vs LSU)
10. Michigan State (10-2, vs Wisconsin)

SEC Championship- LSU (12-0) vs Georgia (10-2)
Big Ten Championship- Mich State (10-2) vs Wisconsin (10-2)
ACC Championship- Virginia Tech (11-1) vs Clemson (9-3)
Pac 12 Championship- Oregon (10-2) vs UCLA (6-6)

Quick thoughts.... Pac 12 sucks. That is all.

End of an Era

2011-11-26T16:43:00.002-05:00

There's a new sheriff in town in the greatest rivalry in college football.

Congrats to Brady Hoke and the Michigan Wolverines on snapping a 7 game losing streak and beating OSU 40-34 in Ann Arbor today.

The win gives Michigan an excellent shot at making it to a BCS game - probably the Sugar Bowl - with a 10-2 record. Their opponent would likely be an SEC team (Arkansas or Georgia).

I praised the hiring of Hoke for the intensity he would bring to this rivalry. He didn't disappoint. Michigan wanted this one BADLY.

The Buckeyes played both their best and worst today, as the offense put up great numbers while the defense gave up 40 points and two 100 yards rushers.

The story of Jim Tressel's "resignation" is now over, and it ended with a 6-6 record.

My feeling right now?

Optimism.

The future is bright.

THE GAE- Ohio State (6-5, 3-4) @ #15 ichigan (9-2, 5-2)

2011-11-20T22:02:00.009-05:00

Where: *Stadium (Ann Arbor, *I)
When: Noon EST
TV: ABC/ESPN

Boy...that escalated quickly. I mean things really got out of hand, fast! It jumped up a notch.

I didn't think Jim Tressel's resignation and the hiring of Brady Hoke would change the face of these two programs this drastically. Despite *y resistance, it has actually happened. *ichigan is the better tea* in 2011.

This rivalry stretches beyond who is the better tea*, and the *ental aspect tends to be a huge factor.

*y personal opinion: *ichigan is playing like the better tea*, although they are less talented. OSU has a *ental edge when it co*es to their 7 straight victories over the Wolverines, but they are also on the other side of the coin when it co*es to their current overall psyche.

What will that *ean for this ga*e? It *eans to*orrow is going to be very interesting.

The only change OSU has of winning this game is if the defense goes back to playing the way that it was *idway through the season, when it was stonewalling *ichigan State, Nebraska (for three quarters), Illinois and Wisconsin. The defensive line, especially John Simon and Johnathan Hankins, needs to be able to keep the running ga*e at bay if OSU is to keep Denard Robinson and Fitzgerald Touissant off the field and give Braxton *iller a chance to work with a shorter field and *ake so*e plays.

Braxton *iller is the other key. *ake no *istake about it. If *iller is able to co*pli*ent a potent running attack with Boom Herron, this *ichigan defense - that features a very soft secondary - will be very susceptible to DeVier Posey. I have a feeling that Posey is going to be a factor, even though it *ay not be in the for* of a do*inant statistical perfor*ance. I think that he will be able to do enough on third down and in the red zone to *ake Big Blue think twice about stacking the box.

Whether OSU will stop *ichigan enough ti*es is another story, and it is one that I really don't have a great feeling about.

Do I go with *y heart and pick the Buckeyes? Or do I go with Brian Sa*becki's *ind and gut and say that the streak ends with Brady Hoke winning in his first year on the job?

...........

OH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Urban *eyer era doesn't start for a few *ore days, nor does it need to. This one is for those who stayed, which includes the incredible task Luke Fickell took up in the wake of the Jim Tressel era ending.

I will go with the Buckeyes in this one, baby.

7-5 never seemed so good.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 27
*ichigan- 25

My Top Ten- Week 13

2011-11-20T17:04:00.003-05:00

1. LSU (11-0, vs Arkansas)
2. Alabama (10-1, @ Auburn)
3. Arkansas (10-1, @ LSU)
4. Virginia Tech (10-1, @ Virginia)
5. Oklahoma State (10-1, Bye Week)
6. Stanford (10-1, vs Notre Dame)
7. Houston (11-0, @ Tulsa)
8. Boise State (9-1, vs Wyoming)
9. Michigan State (9-2, @ Northwestern)
10. Oregon (9-2, vs Oregon State)

This. Season. Is. Bizarre.

Game 11- Ohio State (6-4, 3-3) vs Penn State (8-2, 5-1)

2011-11-19T09:25:00.002-05:00

Where: Ohio Stadium
When: 3:30 EST
TV: ABC/ESPN

Here's all I have to say about the game:

- PSU will be the best defensive front the Buckeyes have played all season.

- DeVier Posey's return will spark this team to a good showing offensively - guaranteed.

- Boom Herron will eclipse 100 yards rushing (shocker).

- Luke Fickell may not be returning as the head coach, but he will be applauded as the team leaves the field as the winner of this football game.

- All sportsmanship aside, I really do feel bad for Joe Paterno. I could go on and on about that situation, but it looks like ultimately he's being made out to be more of a scapegoat than the actual man that committed the crime.

Yeah, I think the Bucks will win for sure. It'll be a great game with Penn State's defense coming to play, but the return of Posey will be too much.

I leave you now with some PSU jokes to lighten the mood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83t4WJsQRYg

Prediction:

PSU- 9
OSU- 20

Week 12 Bowl Projections

2011-11-15T13:47:00.003-05:00

Rose- Wisconsin Badgers vs Oregon Ducks

Fiesta- Oklahoma Sooners vs Stanford Cardinal

Sugar- Alabama Crimson Tide vs Cincinnati Bearcats

Orange- Clemson Tigers vs Houston Cougars

BCS National Championship- #2 Oklahoma State Cowboys vs #1 LSU Tigers

Big Ten Bowl Games:

Wisconsin (11-2) - Rose Bowl vs Oregon Ducks
Michigan State (10-3) - Capital One Bowl vs Georgia Bulldogs
Nebraska (10-2) - Outback Bowl vs South Carolina Gamecocks
Ohio State (8-4) - Gator Bowl vs Auburn Tigers
Michigan (8-4) - Insight Bowl vs Utah Utes
Penn State (8-4) - Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas vs Missouri Tigers
Iowa (7-5) - TicketCity Bowl vs Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Illinois (7-5) - Little Caesars Bowl vs Ohio Bobcats
Purdue (6-6) - New Mexico Bowl vs BYU Cougars

Week 12 Big Ten Rundown

2011-11-15T13:46:00.004-05:00

Indiana @ #15 Michigan State-
Am I really going to give Indiana a shot at the upset? Short answer: no.

#16 Nebraska @ #18 Michigan-
According to the rankings, this will be a big time game that could determine who goes to the inaugural Big Ten Championship game. I don't think it will be all that great of a game, in favor of the visiting team. Nebraska wins by at least 10.

#17 Wisconsin @ Illinois-
The Illini will make it interesting early on - as in the first quarter - then it will amount to business as usual for Wisconsin. I like the Badgers to score over 40.

#21 Penn State @ Ohio State- TBA

Iowa @ Purdue-
The Boilers are riding high after their overtime win over Ohio State, while Iowa is wishing they could have the first half of their game vs. Michigan State back. I'll go with the team with something to prove in Iowa over a team that may feel a little overconfident at the moment.

Minnesota @ Northwestern-
I am going to go with the Gophers in the upset here. I like the way that this team is playing under Coach Jerry Kill, and it will pay off with a win over the disappointing Northwestern Wildcats.

My Top Ten- Week 12

2011-11-12T21:06:00.004-05:00

1. LSU (10-0, @ Ole Miss)

2. Oklahoma State (10-0, @ Iowa State)

3. Alabama (9-1, vs Georgia Southern)

4. Oregon (9-1, vs USC)

5. Arkansas (9-1, vs Mississippi State)

6. Oklahoma (9-1, @ Baylor)

7. Clemson (9-1, @ NC State)

8. Stanford (9-1, vs Cal)

9. Virginia Tech (9-1, vs North Carolina)

10. Houston (10-0, vs SMU)

If I were a betting man - which I am occasionally - I'd say LSU-Oklahoma State is what we will be seeing in the BCS National Championship game in New Orleans.

Game 10- Ohio State (6-3,3-2) @ Purdue (4-5,2-3)

2011-11-07T19:47:00.009-05:00

Where: Ross-Ade Stadium (West Lafayette, IN)
When: Noon EST
TV: Big Ten Network

Wow...Indiana really played a good game last Saturday, didn't they?

Regardless, the Bucks notched their third win in a row and look to still control their own destiny in the Big Ten Leaders division. The next challenge: playing an improved Purdue Boilermaker team on the road in West Lafayette at high noon.

I am not as confident as most others are about this game. I do believe that the Buckeyes will win and that they look to be in great shape to get to the Big Ten championship game (still can't believe it), but going to Ross-Ade Stadium hasn't been kind to OSU in the past decade or so. In 1996, when OSU went 11-1 and won the Rose Bowl, the Boilers jumped out to a 14-0 lead. In 2000, the top 15 ranked Buckeyes lead late against the eventual Big Ten champions until Drew Brees led a heartbreaking comeback. 2002 = Craig Krenzel to Michael Jenkins to save an undefeated season. In 2004, facing a down year of sorts, Ohio State lost by a touchdown to Kyle Orton and Purdue. 2009 resulted in a 26-18 loss that sent Columbus into a stir over whether Terrelle Pryor should be moved to receiver or not (hahahaha). In a nutshell, it is rarely ever easy to win on the road at Purdue.

I expect the running game to get off to a slow start with RT J.B. Shugarts out of the game, only to pick up as the game goes along and the legs of Braxton Miller keeping the Purdue defense on its heels. Boom Herron will once again go for 100 yards - shocking- and the Silver Bullets will do their job as OSU gets a 10 points victory over the pesky Boilers.

Guarantee: it will NOT be easy. Wins over Penn State and Michigan may look prettier than the game this weekend.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 27
Purdue- 17

Week 11 Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown

2011-11-07T19:47:00.006-05:00

#7 Oregon @ #4 Stanford
- My gut is telling me to pick Oregon in this one, as they have looked impressive since their loss to #1 LSU at the beginning of the season. My reasons revolve around a defense that a year ago made Andrew Luck look less than Heisman worthy. However that transpired in the comfy, friendly confines of Autzen Stadium, and this season we are in Cardinal territory for this contest. Andrew Luck is my pick to win the Heisman Trophy, and I think he comes up big for his team en route to a huge Pac 12 win over Oregon. Not only is Stanford my pick to have the Heisman winner, but I also think they will play LSU for the national championship.

Oregon- 31
Stanford- 38

#20 Auburn @ #15 Georgia
- Fire Mark Richt!! Fire Mark Richt!! Those were the chants that most people in Athens were chanting after an 0-2 start. Nowadays, I'd say that those were just slightly premature. The Bulldogs are in place to take on LSU for the SEC championship in December and have won seven games in a row. I think that trend will continue against a solid Auburn team at home between the hedges.

Auburn- 21
Georgia- 26

#19 Nebraska @ #12 Penn State
- So...where to begin? Who would have thought that Joe Paterno's reign at PSU would end in scandal as suddenly as it did? It ended way too fast for a man that gave his heart and soul to Penn State University since slightly after World War II ended. I will miss his presence in the sport that I love the most, and consider him to be one of the best role models for coaching excellence in any sport. The drumbeats of PSU collapsing are loud and heavy, but I am on the opposite side of the fence. I think that this game will represent Joe Paterno's last home game, even though he won't be on the sidelines. He will be in the player's hearts, who will send his legacy off in positive fashion as they surprise the Cornhuskers in Happy Valley. Things aren't going so great in State College, but they will silence the doubters and remain one win closer to a bid in the Big Ten championship game.

Nebraska- 23
Penn State- 27

Big Ten Rundown-

# Nebraska @ # Penn State: see above
#17 Michigan State @ Iowa: The Hawkeyes play tough, but MSU's defense is the x-factor.
#18 Wisconsin @ Minnesota: Gophers impressing me lately...still no match for Wisconsin.
#24 Michigan @ Illinois: Will Big Blue win another game? I'll say yes against Illinois...barely.
Ohio State @ Purdue: TBA
Rice @ Northwestern: Persa and the Cats will notch another win against the Owls.

My Top Ten- Week 11

2011-11-06T12:52:00.003-05:00

1. LSU (9-0, vs Western Kentucky)
2. Oklahoma State (9-0, @ Texas Tech)
3. Stanford (9-0, vs Oregon)
4. Boise State (8-0, vs TCU)
5. Alabama (8-1, @ Mississippi State)
6. Arkansas (8-1, vs Tennessee)
7. Oregon (8-1, @ Stanford)
8. Oklahoma (8-1, Bye Week)
9. Clemson (8-1, vs Wake Forest)
10. Virginia Tech (8-1, @ Georgia Tech)

Game 9- Ohio State (5-3, 2-2) vs Indiana (1-8, 0-5)

2011-11-04T21:53:00.001-04:00

Where: Ohio Stadium
When: Noon EST
TV: Big Ten Network

Ohio State wins. Enough said. Is this game over yet?

Boom Herron gets his 100 yards, Braxton will look efficient, the defense will play a great game and the backups will see their fair share of playing time in the second half.

Prediction:

Indiana- 13
Ohio State- 41

Week 10 Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown

2011-11-02T15:48:00.002-04:00

#1 LSU @ #2 Alabama

-Game of the year. Easily. No question about it. This game is HUGE. ESPN likes to say that it could be a preview of the national championship game, but I think that is literally not going to happen...ever. Regardless, it is a big game and any college football fan should be excited to see it. The difference for is the tenacity of the LSU defense to compliment an efficient, potent offensive attack. Alabama has a very strong defense, but a little too one dimensional for my taste. I can see the Tide pulling this one out, but I'll go with the top team in the nation to win out and go to the national championship game.

LSU- 28
Bama- 24

#9 South Carolina @ #7 Arkansas

-Yawn. I think that Arkansas is going to blow the doors off of South Carolina. Why? SC lost Marcus Lattimore - aka their entire offense. Arkansas is a loaded offense machine and their defense is vastly underrated. I'll go with the Hogs at home to make some BCS noise and keep winning. Their date with LSU at the end of the year should be a mighty find showdown.

SC- 14
ARK- 31

#14 Kansas State @ #3 Oklahoma State

- The Wildcats are coming off their first loss of the season to Oklahoma, while OSU is still king of the Sooner State with an undefeated record and the heir apparent to the #2 spot in the BCS rankings after the loser of the LSU/Bama game is in the books. I don't see much of a chance for KSU to knock off the Cowboys, unless Coach Gundy lets his team keep their minds off course amidst the BCS hype and they lay an egg. Kansas State is a solid team, but they aren't as good as their record indicates (I've been saying that all season). I'll take OSU big against the Cats.

KSU- 21

OSU- 48

My Top Ten- Week 10

2011-10-30T13:03:00.002-04:00

1. LSU (8-0, @ Alabama)
2. Alabama (8-0, vs LSU)
3. Oklahoma State (8-0, vs Kansas State)
4. Boise State (7-0, @ UNLV)
5. Stanford (8-0, @ Oregon State)
6. Oregon (7-1, @ Washington)
7. Arkansas (7-1, vs South Carolina)
8. Nebraska (7-1, vs Northwestern)
9. Oklahoma (7-1, vs Texas A&M)
10. Virgnia Tech (8-1, Bye Week)

Guess I'm Not Crazy After All

2011-10-30T12:58:00.003-04:00

The week began with the image of Wisconsin fans storming the field fresh in my mind.

Now I've been branded with a memory that will last with me forever.

Hate to say I told Buckeye Nation how it was going to go, but it turns out Ohio State had the right formula to beat ole' Bucky after all: two weeks to prepare, home night game, a dominant run game, a stingy defense and facing a team that just came off a heartbreaking, physical, emotional loss.

In all categories I'd give the Buckeyes a check mark, I suppose.

A trip to the Rose Bowl is a possibility once again for the Ohio State Buckeyes (let that sink in for a moment).

Game 8- Ohio State (4-3, 1-2) vs #15 Wisconsin (6-1, 2-1)

2011-10-23T03:35:00.005-04:00

Where: Ohio Stadium
When: 8 PM EST
TV: ABC/ESPN National

The image of Wisconsin handing OSU's ass on a platter last season will forever serve as a reminder of what almost was an undefeated, national championship season...even though it would have been erased from the record books. Note: remind me not to bring up that conversation ever again.

A year later, the Buckeyes will have their chance Saturday night to butt heads with the mighty Badgers once again, only this time the script is slightly different. Wisconsin is in the same position as last season, being a strong favorite to win the Big Ten championship and return to Pasadena. OSU on the other hand is - for lack of a better term - "down' this season. I hesitate to use that term because confidence and growth is certainly not lacking with this team, evidenced by the way they have rebounded and progressed all season long after tough losses. After losing to Miami, Fickell switched to freshman QB Braxton Miller and sparked the next generation of Buckeye quarterbacks. After an excruciating loss to Michigan State at home, a road trip to Nebraska proved to be a showcase for what the offense could look like for years to come under Miller. Heading to Illinois wasn't the offensive showcase people would have wanted, but the defense went out and played its best game since the first week of the season.

These are all baby steps, however saying that the team is down would be incorrect. If anything, they are extremely confident and are looking to finally put it all together to win a huge game against a top 15 opponent- an opponent that just so happens to be one of their least favorite teams in America. Wisconsin has been dominant all season against teams that they should beat, averaging 50 points per game, while in the process sending QB Russell Wilson into the Heisman Trophy discussion. They lost to Michigan State on a last second Hail Mary, but their conference championship hopes are still alive and kicking and I don't see that changing. Even with a loss in the Shoe, the Badgers would still be able to eventually make it to Indianapolis to play for the B10 title.

It will be a daunting task to slow down Wilson and Co., but this is an Ohio State defense that has been improving each and every week and has had two weeks to prepare. You will see TWO WEEKS of growth on the field this weekend, in a demonstration of just how good defensive coordinator Jim Heacock is and how talented this young group of Bucks truly are. I see the OSU defense having their most exciting performance to date against the vaunted Wisconsin rushing attack and Wilson (I still think Wisconsin will be somewhat effective, though).

The key will be whether Miller and the offense for Ohio State will be able to assist in capitalizing off of Badger punts and mistakes. I have a feeling that the ground game will be extraordinarily effective at points throughout the game, which will only serve as to keep the defense fresh and for OSU to slowly but surely make it a game of field position, ball security and clock control. I am calling for Boom Herron to have another 100 yard performance, and will score in yet another game - and trust me, points will be at a premium for both teams.

Braxton Miller won't be perfect, but the ground game will be effective enough for OSU to control the clock the majority of the game, providing a rested defense a chance to pin their ears back and get after Montee Ball, James White and the rest of the Wisconsin backfield. Philly Brown, Jake Stoneburner and the OSU passing game won't be the story of the game, but I think the game situation will set up for a huge touchdown reception from Brown that will blow the game wide open early on. This will only set the stage for some major drama as it will be VERY, VERY close.

I am going to go with my gut feeling here that Saturday night is going to be a good night for the defense; good enough to where OSU's offense will be the story and will keep Wisconsin off the field during long stretches of the game. The biggest win of the season is upon us, as Ohio State upsets the mighty Badgers.

Key to the game: please don't let Wisconsin score first. If they do, it could get ugly... fast.

Prediction:

Wisconsin- 13
Ohio State- 17

Week 9 Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown

2011-10-23T03:34:00.007-04:00

#6 Stanford (7-0) @ USC (6-1)
- Gameday will be in Los Angeles for this big-time Pac 12 showdown, almost as if there is something on the line for the Trojans. Sure, for pride and bragging rights this would constitute as a big game, however there is the issue of USC not being bowl eligible this season due to NCAA sanctions. I think it will be a fun atmosphere and the Trojan offense isn't anything to sneeze at, but Stanford is looking to play for both a Pac 12 and national championship and this shouldn't stop them from getting one step closer. It will be close at first, but I like Andrew Luck and Stanford to blow out USC when it is all said and done.

Stanford- 41
S. Cal- 20

#9 Oklahoma (6-1) @ #8 Kansas State (7-0)
- Coming off of a shocking loss to Texas Tech, Bob Stoops and the Sooners should be hell bent on proving that it was merely a tiny blip in the radar on their way to a Big 12 championship. I definitely envision that being the case, as Kansas State is due for a loss in what has otherwise been an incredible season for the ageless wonder Bill Synder and the Wildcats of Manhattan. Too much offensive firepower on Oklahoma's end will be the undoing of another undefeated Big 12 team in October.

Oklahoma- 37
Kansas St- 21

#11 Michigan State (6-1) @ #14 Nebraska (6-1)
- I have been going back and forth on this one all week, and quite frankly I am not too sure what will happen. On one hand, I see an MSU team that has been there, done that after winning the Big Ten championship last season and being in the hunt yet against this year. On the other hand, Nebraska is a force to be reckoned with at home and the team looked confident and refreshed after their bye week and thumping of Minnesota. The big factors in this game will be which defense plays the best and whether Sparty has a hangover from last week's incredible last-second victory over Wisconsin. My answers: MSU will play better defensively, yet will suffer fromt he hangover syndrome. I'll just go with the home team to hop into the driver's seat of the Legends division.

MSU- 23
Neb- 28

Big Ten Rundown:

# 11 MSU @ #14 Nebraska: See Above
#15 Wisconsin @ Ohio State: TBA
Purdue @ #18 Michigan: Boilermakers are confident, but a rested Michigan will win.
Illinois @ #19 Penn State: PSU has the edge at home mainly due to Illinois' faltering psyche.
Iowa @ Minnesota: Hawkeyes = silent killers. Watch out for them the rest of the way.
Northwestern @ Indiana: I like the disappointing 'Cats to finally tally a Big Ten victory.

My Top Ten- Week 9

2011-10-23T03:21:00.003-04:00

1. LSU (8-0, Bye Week)
2. Alabama (8-0, Bye Week)
3. Oklahoma State (7-0, vs Baylor)
4. Boise State (7-0, Bye Week)
5. Stanford (7-0, @ USC)
6. Clemson (8-0, @ Georgia Tech)
7. Kansas State (7-0, vs Oklahoma)
8. Oregon (6-1, vs Washington State)
9. Arkansas (6-1, @ Vanderbilt)
10. Michigan State (6-1, @ Nebraska)

Quite a shakeup has gone down, as my #3 team Oklahoma completely falls out of the top ten, despite wins over Florida State and Texas so far this season. Losing to an unranked Texas Tech team at home is unacceptable, while Wisconsin lost to an exceptional opponent on the road - at night - in Michigan State (the Spartans are in the top ten for the first time all season). Oklahoma and Wisconsin will have to redeem themselves with wins on the road against #7 Kansas State and the Buckeyes.

The fact that Oklahoma State and Kansas State are the top two teams in the Big 12 right now is not just odd; it is unbelievable. Who would've thunk it?

Top teams LSU and Bama have an extra week to prepare for their colossal battle in Tuscaloosa the first weekend of November. The odd team out that is flying way under the radar in the SEC West battle? Arkansas, who cracks my top ten at #9.

Any Given Saturday

2011-10-23T03:19:00.002-04:00

Yep, the BCS title picture is now a little crazy.

Oklahoma losing to Texas Tech?!?!? In Norman??!!??

Michigan State winning with a Hail Mary against the Badgers??? The same Wisconsin team that averages 50 points per game?????

I said it to start the day, and I'll repeat myself one more time: on weeks that everyone believes all the favorites will win, chaos will ensue.

You really never know with college football.

My Top Ten- Week 8

2011-10-16T13:09:00.002-04:00

1. LSU (7-0, vs Auburn)
2. Alabama (7-0, vs Tennessee)
3. Oklahoma (6-0, vs Texas Tech)
4. Wisconsin (6-0, @ Michigan State)
5. Boise State (6-0, vs Air Force)
6. Oklahoma State (6-0, @ Missouri)
7. Stanford (6-0, vs Washington)
8. Clemson (7-0, vs North Carolina)
9. Oregon (5-1, @ Colorado)
10. Kansas State (6-0, @ Kansas)

Statement: Check

2011-10-16T13:06:00.002-04:00

Yesterday's 17-7 win over Illinois proved that Ohio State football isn't dead and in the water. Losing to Miami the way that they did? Well, I suppose that was bound to happen at some point with such a young team. Michigan State? Completely inexcusable. You need a rebound game after a beatdown like that. Nebraska was almost that rebound, being up 27-6 in the third quarter. A second half collapse led to a second straight loss, and things looked bad for OSU heading forward, according to the media. With a win over an undefeated and ranked Big Ten squad on the road, it seems like things could be moving in a better direction than initially anticipated.

All I know is that in two weeks Wisconsin comes to town in a big time night game showdown, and the Badgers better not look past the Buckeyes.

Game 7- Ohio State (3-3, 0-2) @ #15/16 Illinois (6-0, 2-0)

2011-10-09T12:54:00.006-04:00

Where: Memorial Stadium (Champaign, IL)
When: 3:30 EST
TV: ABC/ESPN

Well. Um. Last week's loss to Nebraska was probably one of the most depressing collapses in the modern era of Buckeye football. I will leave it at that.

What was it that I wrote about in regards to that game? Something about how although there would be a loss for OSU, the future would look bright after their Saturday night road performance? I believe that was definitely the case, and I certainly stand by that.

We learned that Braxton Miller running a simplified offense is a very good thing. Utilizing your tight ends and fullbacks in creative ways is also a good thing. Factor in the giant Mike Adams returning at left tackle and the return of WR Philly Brown from injury and you have yourself vast potential for this offense to kick into high gear as the year rolls along.

As it stands right now, it is midway through the season and the team is sitting at .500 and winless in conference play. Ouch. I hope all of you got the negativity and frustration out of your systems though, because I have a feeling that there will be some good football played heading into November and beyond. The only thing that could make this even more interesting is if an All-Big Ten running back returned to the team to bring a much needed balance to the position of experience, power and decisive running. Oh wait! You will see just that when Boom Herron returns to the field on Saturday against the Illini, which in my opinion will be a huge factor down the stretch.

Speaking of the Illini, are they really 6-0? Wow. I thought they'd be an eight win football team, but six wins at the half way point?? This is looking like a potential BCS team if Illinois is able to keep up their solid play. They run the ball extremely well, have a receiver in A.J. Jenkins who just set the Big Ten record for the most receiving yards in a two game span in history, an experienced dual-threat QB and a defense that has been a huge part of the team's success thus far. The ingredients mix up to create a very solid, consistent and tough football team under Ron Zook.

This could very well be a Rose Bowl participant for the second time since 2007, especially if Wisconsin finds themselves in the BCS national championship game (which at this point in time I think is a legitimate possibility). Getting through OSU won't be as hard for them to do as it was in the past, but remember that Illinois has played the Bucks tough in Champaign dating back to the 2000 season, just before the Tressel era began. There is something about going to Illinois that just doesn't seem to work out for Ohio State, and I think that could cause trouble for the road team this week.

I am going to call for Illinois to win this one with a late field goal, sending them to 7-0 start and OSU to their first losing record midway through the season since the year I was born: 1988. Once again I'll say that the improvement will be evident, but Illinois will finally get a home victory over the Buckeyes.

Two weeks in a row of me picking my team to lose? This truly is a season unlike any other.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 20
Illinois- 23

My Top Ten- Week 7

2011-10-09T12:36:00.003-04:00

1. LSU (6-0, @ Tennessee)
2. Alabama (6-0, @ Ole Miss)
3. Oklahoma (5-0, @ Kansas)
4. Wisconsin (5-0, vs Indiana)
5. Boise State (5-0, @ Colorado State)
6. Oklahoma State (5-0, @ Texas)
7. Clemson (6-0, @ Maryland)
8. Stanford (5-0, @ Washington State)
9. Oregon (4-1, vs Arizona State)
10. Georgia Tech (6-0, @ Virginia)

The Yellow Jackets have the best offense in college football (other than Oklahoma, in the event you didn't see their demolishing of Texas yesterday). Because of that, they are a top ten team for me.

Game 6- Ohio State (3-2, 0-1) @ #14/15 Nebraska (4-1, 0-1)

2011-10-02T19:56:00.005-04:00

Where: Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, NE)
When: 8:00 EST
TV: ABC National

The "Sea of Red" at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln is easily one of the most intimidating venues in college sports.

The Ohio State offense is easily one of the worst in all of college football.

That doesn't seem like a very good combination, does it?

For the first time ever, the unranked Buckeyes will travel to play Nebraska in Lincoln as the Huskers usher in their inaugural season in the Big Ten conference. Predictably when this game was announced it became one of the most anticipated games of the year not just in conference play, but in the grand scheme of the college football season. Three total losses later and some embarrassing play on both sides of the ball have left this game will less pizazz, but the same amount of pride on the line when these teams meet Saturday under the lights.

Both Nebraska and Ohio State have fielded numerous major award winners - with way too many Heisman Trophies to spare - and have combined for 12 national championships. Did I mention both were amongst the winningest programs all-time? Yeah. This game means a lot to both fan bases. Don't doubt the power and atmosphere behind rare match ups such as these, although they will become second nature once Nebraska acclimated themselves to the BIG conference.

And THEN there's the actual X's and O's side of things....oh man. Nebraska's defense has statistically been a disappointment, although this game will mark the healthiest that they have been as a unit to date. Meanwhile, the OSU offense and Janis Jopplin have the following word in common: ugly. The 110th best offense attack in the United States of America is struggling to even get a first down these days, which is all but worsened by the fact that Terrelle Pryor, DeVier Posey and Boom Herron could have been on the field for the entire season running the show if it wasn't for them acting just short of completely moronic. In all actuality, a true freshman quarterback, Braxton Miller, has been running the ship with little to no help from his receivers, which in turn has left the coaching staff making #5 feel as if he isn't worthy to be out there as the proverbial "leader in the huddle". RBs Jordan Hall and Carlos Hyde have provided solid-to-good work this season, but what does it even matter if you can't throw a forward pass?

Better question: how did Woody Hayes win five national titles without utilizing the forward pass EVER?? Different times. Different eras of football. Still bad news for the Bucks in 2011.

The key to this game will be- you guessed it - is the ability for Ohio State to throw successfully on early downs. Hopefully Braxton will be rolled out of the pocket often enough for him to make plays with his feet and keep drives alive as well. This will only bolster a rushing attack that is sure to make the best of their opportunities behind a bolstered offensive line that returns the services of senior LT Mike Adams, who was an All-American candidate at the end of the 2010 season. The new line, which features three seniors, a 6'5 bulldozer of a guard in Andrew Norwell and the big polar bear Jack Mewhort, should be successful in protecting Braxton and the running backs from harms way from here on out.

Who can catch the damn ball though??? No one. Philly Brown returns for the first time since the beginning of the Toledo game to try and help out DeVier Posey - oops, he's suspended - and Verlon Reed - oh... he tore his ACL - and Devin Smith, Chris Fields, Jake Stoneburner and co. Will it be enough to get things going for the first time all season? I highly doubt it.

When it comes down to it, I haven't mentioned Nebraska and Taylor Martinez and their stout rushing attack because it really doesn't matter. OSU's offense will prevent them from winning games until they improve; otherwise, the defense will surely keep them in any game they play. Guaranteed.

This will be much closer than people think, with the defense coming to play as always and more field goal drives resulting from an improved offensive line and a more logical offensive gameplan. I think Nebraska will score two touchdowns though, which will ultimately make the difference in a much better game that one would expect. The Huskers win their first Big Ten game, but optimism will return to Columbus, OH.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 16
Nebraska- 23

**** This is only the second time ever that I have selected the Buckeyes to lose a game since I began writing this blog in 2003 ****

My Top Ten- Week 6

2011-10-01T22:00:00.004-04:00

1. LSU (5-0, vs Florida)
2. Oklahoma (4-0, vs Texas)
3. Alabama (5-0, vs Vanderbilt)
4. Boise State (4-0, @ Fresno State)
5. Oklahoma State (4-0, vs Kansas)
6. Wisconsin (5-0, Bye Week)
7. Stanford (4-0, vs Colorado)
8. Clemson (5-0, vs Boston College)
9. Oregon (3-1, vs California)
10. Texas (4-0, vs Oklahoma)

Nebraska, South Carolina and Virginia Tech all lost, opening the door for some newcomers this week. Clemson is more than deserving at this point in the season to be in the top 10 in the nation, while Oregon returns for me after being ranked in the top five to begin the season. Texas is in there by virtue of being undefeated and the fact that they are a big name. Other undefeated teams of note: Georgia Tech, Michigan and Illinois. Does that make them top 10 material? Michigan and Illinois not so much...but GT is lurking in the shadows as a darkhorse contender to be playing meaningful football heading into the end of the season.

P.S.- anyone who watched OSU struggle to score 6 points against Miami, and 7 vs Michigan State, it is okay for you to head to the nearest restroom and vomit everywhere.

Game 5- #25/NR Michigan State (3-1) @ Ohio State (3-1)

2011-09-26T18:09:00.006-04:00

Where: Ohio Stadium
When: 3:30 EST
TV: ABC/ESPN

The last time OSU played Michigan State, it was 2008 and the Buckeyes cruised to a 42-7 victory over the Spartans in East Lansing. Beanie Wells, as famously depicted above, led the charge with a dominant performance which included a hop into the endzone that showed his injured foot wasn't going to keep him from having another 1,000 yard season.

Times have changed, as MSU has since gone from a mediocre, at best, program to one that is fresh off an 11 win season and a co-Big Ten championship. The Buckeyes are without their field general, Jim Tressel, and things can go in either direction for them at this point. It is conceivable that Ohio State could very well lose their next four contests, as they face top 25 teams Michigan State, Nebraska, Illinois and Wisconsin all in succession. October will truly define what type of year these young Buckeyes have, and it all starts on Saturday.

People have been critical of an OSU defense that is ranked 16th nationally, as they are giving up nearly 100 yards per game on the ground and have surrendered over 300 yards of total offense three games in a row. In Columbus, those type of stats are unheard of, as the silver bullets are typically one of the top rushing, and total defenses in the country. Michigan State, on the other hand, comes into the Shoe boasting the top ranked defense college football, which is due in large part to their top ranked pass defense which yields only 101 yards per game. Do the math: this match up doesn't exactly favor OSU on paper.

There are in fact distinct advantages that the home team will have on the ground though, and that is why I am picking them to win. RBs Jordan Hall and Carlos Hyde should have a strong showing behind one of the best offensive lines in college football, along with the running ability of QB Braxton Miller. I feel as if both teams know that whoever controls the line of scrimmage will win this game, and the edge on the offensive side goes to Ohio State.

Michigan State will have their moments, as the Big Ten's best pass-catch duo of Kirk Cousins and Columbus product B.J. Cunningham won't go down without a fight. Unfortunately for Sparty, their running game will continue to not be as strong as it was thought to be heading into the season, and that will lead to a big turnover (or two). It may not lead to touchdowns every time for Miller and co., but it will be enough to hold off a solid MSU squad in Columbus.

Make no mistake that this will be a battle from beginning to end, but sometimes you just have to go with the home team who has their backs up against the wall. Lose this game if you are OSU, and you are staring at a potential four game losing streak against the best teams in the Big Ten. Win this game, and you set yourself for a big change in momentum as far as the season goes and the confidence gained can spring this young team to bigger and better things.

Oh, and in case you didn't know, the Bucks will get a little bit more experienced next week when they travel to Nebraska, as Boom Herron, Mike Adams, Solomon Thomas and DeVier Posey all return to try and make a run at the Big Ten title.

Prediction:

Mich State- 14
Ohio State- 23

Week 5 Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown

2011-09-25T19:14:00.004-04:00

#2/3 Alabama @ #12 Florida
- It's a night game in Gainesville, so you know it is going to be tough for the Tide to win and, to put it simply, it will be very loud. Florida has been a nice surprise through their first four games of the season, although they haven't played anyone of note. Despite that, they have won in the fashion that their fans expect and have high hopes in Coach Muschamp's first season. Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis will have a strong gameplan ready to face the vaunted Crimson Tide defense, but that won't be enough as the Bama run game will seize control of the game early and often en route to a big win over the Gators.

Alabama- 34
Florida- 17

#8 Nebraska @ #7 Wisconsin
- This is one game that I circled on my calendar the moment Nebraska's schedule was released for their inaugural Big Ten season. They will have a tough time with a lot of the new conference venues, but having your first Big Ten game be at night on the road in Madison? Are you serious? That is one tough pill to swallow, considering the Badgers look as though they might end up playing for a national championship at years end if they keep playing the way they have been. I think that Taylor Martinez and the Nebraska offense will surprise some people, especially on the ground, providing evidence that Wisconsin doesn't feature and iron clad defense. Unfortunately, the Husker defense hasn't been up to par this season either, and will be exposed in front of a sellout Camp Randall crowd. QB Russell Wilson and the Badgers win this one running away in the fourth quarter.

Nebraska- 20
Wisconsin- 31

#18 Arkansas vs #13/14 Texas A&M (@ Arlington, TX)
- Both of these teams are coming off losses to top ten teams, so it's not as if they are struggling to find their place amongst the top 25 or anything. This game does represent an opportunity for both to climb higher in the polls and prove their worth, yet on the same token will send one plummeting to their second straight loss and out of the national stream of consciousness. I'll go on record as saying that the loser of this game will amount to nothing more than a solid 8 or 9 win team, leaving little to the imagination. The winner could still go on to big things...and everything is bigger in Texas. I'll go with the Aggies to pull out a close win over Arkansas, despite Razorback fans dying to show A&M a taste of what's to come in the SEC.

Arkansas: 21
Texas A&M: 23

Big Ten Rundown:

#8 Nebraska @ #7 Wisconsin- See Above
#19 Michigan over Minnesota: Too much Denard Robinson for the Gophers to handle.
#22/24 Illinois over Northwestern: Persa will provide spark, but 'Cats fall short.
#25/NR Michigan State @ Ohio State- TBA
Penn State over Indiana: Easiest bet of the week in the Big Ten
Notre Dame over Purdue: Don't know enough about Purdue to say they'll beat ND.

My Top Ten- Week 5

2011-09-24T22:28:00.004-04:00

1. Oklahoma (3-0, vs Ball State)
2. LSU (4-0, vs Kentucky)
3. Alabama (4-0, @ Florida)
4. Boise State (3-0, vs Nevada)
5. Oklahoma State (4-0, Bye Week)
6. Wisconsin (4-0, vs Nebraska)
7. Stanford (3-0, vs UCLA)
8. Nebraska (4-0, @ Wisconsin)
9. South Carolina (4-0, vs Auburn)
10. Virginia Tech (4-0, vs Clemson)

Game 4- Ohio State (2-1) vs Colorado (1-2)

2011-09-20T18:46:00.008-04:00

Where: Ohio Stadium
When: 3:30 EST
TV: ABC (ESPN2 reverse mirror)

It's "Miller Time" in Columbus, finally!

Despite a shaky performance against Miami - that is being generous, really - Miller will get his first chance to lead the offense as a true freshman against Colorado in the friendly confines of the Shoe.

I will make this very short and sweet because 1. this is going to be a very slow, boring game in my opinion, and 2. I am pressed for time this morning. Ohio State will win this game by virtue of a running game that will not be able to be slowed down in the second half, limiting the Buffalo's chances to score. It will be close early on in a very low scoring, three-and-out type of contest before RB Jordan Hall sparks the first touchdown drive of the game and OSU will never look back. I expect Miller to look okay today, meaning that he won't wow anybody and more than likely will turn the ball over at least once.

I am just as excited as everybody else for Miller to get his career as a starter going, but it may not be pretty today. I am still going with the Buckeyes to win before conference play begins.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 24
Colorado- 10

Week 4 Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown

2011-09-20T18:03:00.006-04:00

#6/7 Oklahoma State @ #8 Texas A&M
- In the doldrums of summer, I often debated back and forth with myself over which of these two teams I liked better. Oklahoma State was flashier, but A&M seemed for stable all around. After seeing these teams play a few times, I can say with full confidence that I still have no idea who is better. I have been slightly partial to the Aggies, as I feel they have the defense better suited to take on Oklahoma, but OSU has shown it can play a little defense too when the mood strikes. I'll go with Texas A&M to win a shootout, only because I respect the Kyle Field 12th man too much, as I see it coming up huge in forcing a key turnover late in the game to secure an A&M victory. Cowboy's QB Weeden will put on a show, but RB Cyrus Gray of the home team will bring home MVP honors in this one.

OSU- 31
A&M- 35

#2/3 LSU @ #16 West Virginia
- Since June, I have had this game listed as one of the bigger upsets of the season with West Virginia knocking off the highly ranked Tigers. Do I have the guts to do it now? Well, I really do like West Virginia's offense, and they gave LSU a hell of a game last year in Baton Rouge. This time around it will be home cooking for the Mountaineers, with QB Geno Smith clicking on all cylinders. The defense hasn't been the best I've seen out of the Big East, but it is still a serviceable group that could key in on LSU's running game to try and force Jarrett Lee into throwing a costly interceptions. For all of the above reasons I'll just go with my gut and make the call: LSU wins by a field goal. There is something special about the Tigers this season.

LSU- 20
WVU- 17

#12/14 Arkansas @ #2/3 Alabama
- Last season, this was the one that got away for eventual Sugar Bowl participant Arkansas, as both of their losses last season came to the defending national champs - Alabama - by 6, and to eventual national champion Auburn. QB Ryan Mallett basically gave the game away to Bama last year as the Tide came back to seal the victory. Arkansas remains loaded on offense, even without stud RB Knile Davis, as QB Tyler Wilson has arguably the most talented receiving corps in America to throw to up and down the field. Their scoring ability is undeniable, while the defense seems to have improved over 2010's group thus far. The reason Alabama wins this game is their ability to force Arkansas into third and long situations where they won't be able to convert as much as they would like, leading to better field position for Trent Richardson and the Bama offense to go to work. It won't be nearly as good of a game as it was last year, I think.

Arkansas- 14
Alabama- 27

Big Ten Rundown:

#6/7 Wisconsin over South Dakota
#9 Nebraska over Wyoming
#21/22 Michigan over San Diego State
#24/NR Illinois over Western Michigan
Michigan State over Central Michigan
Penn State over Eastern Michigan
Iowa over UL-Monroe
Minnesota over North Dakota State
Indiana over North Texas

The BIG going 10-0?? It is very possible with the cupcake match ups in store this weekend.

How Bad is it, and How Bad Will it Get?

2011-09-18T16:34:00.002-04:00

I will go ahead and say that Ohio State's passing performance last night at Miami had to have been the worst I have ever seen. Literally. I have seriously never seen anything like that before out of an Ohio State team. I lived through the 1999 season. I made it through the Steve Bellisari era. Craig Krenzel, Mr. Clutch, didn't exactly light up the scoreboard and turned the ball over quite a bit his senior year. Justin Zwick was the quarterback for half a year in 2004 (ironically, the last time until today that the Buckeyes were out of the top 25). Justin Zwick!!! THEY WERE ALL LIGHT YEARS BETTER THAN ANYTHING THAT WAS DONE LAST NIGHT!!!!!!

One word: unbelievable. Another word: don't give up hope.

Here is my solution to getting over last night's 24-6 loss in which the passing attack featured only 4 completions: run the ball, run the ball some more, and start the Braxton Miller era. Miller is just as guilty as Bauserman - perhaps even more so - in terms of not getting completions or putting points on the board last night. Miller had an interception and a crucial fumble in the 4th quarter, as a matter of fact, while Bauserman just threw the ball away all game long. The fact is that Bauserman literally has no upside at all, and Miller does. He can move the ball on the ground and hopefully one day through the air, meaning that it gives the offense more options in how they gameplan for their Big Ten opponents.

Jordan Hall proved he is legit, while Hyde and Berry will provide for some nice relief for #7 as the year goes on. The receivers are so young and inexperienced...obviously, since they couldn't catch anything thrown their way last night. However, they will improve. They have the talent, but they need more reps. Philly Brown will return from injury and boost the production in my opinion as the year goes on. Also, let's not forget that DeVier Posey has only two games left being suspended and will be a HUGE target for whoever is at quarterback.

RB Boom Herron and LT Mike Adams return as well, making this offense automatically more lethal. Let's not get too carried away here, folks. This is still a very talented team, albeit very very young. Mesh their constant improvement, along with the return of the suspended players, one of the best offensive lines in the country, and hopefully the steady emergence of Braxton Miller and you have yourself a solid football team.

My prediction: I don't have one. I don't even know who will be lining up under center against Colorado at this point. I will say that I believe this isn't going to be a "bad" season. Bad to me is not going to a bowl game, or even going 7-5. I won't say 8 games isn't out of the realm of possibility, considering the way the offense played last night. 9 games seems to be very reasonable if you follow my line of thinking. This season isn't over yet. It has just begun.

Keep the faith, please.

On to Colorado.

My Top Ten- Week 4

2011-09-18T11:45:00.002-04:00

1. Oklahoma (2-0, vs Missouri)
2. LSU (3-0, @ West Virginia)
3. Alabama (3-0, vs Arkansas)
4. Boise State (2-0, vs Tulsa)
5. Stanford (3-0, Bye Week)
6. Texas A&M (2-0, vs Oklahoma State)
7. Oklahoma State (3-0, @ Texas A&M)
8. Wisconsin (3-0, vs South Dakota)
9. South Carolina (3-0, vs Vanderbilt)
10. Nebraska (3-0, @ Wyoming)

I keep flip flopping between Alabama or LSU being ranked #2 in the nation. The Tigers have a huge win over Oregon, while Bama beat Penn State on the road. I am giving LSU the advantage at this point in time because of their strength of schedule thus far (Oregon, @ Mississippi State), which will only get tougher when they travel to Morgantown this weekend.

The winner of Texas A&M and Oklahoma State will surely turn out to the be the top contender to knock Oklahoma off their pedestal on the top of the Big 12. That could be a very high scoring, exciting affair.

P.S.- Ohio State would not be ranked in my top 25. Michigan would be ranked ahead of them at this point at 3-0...unacceptable. I guarantee that they will finish higher than the Wolverines, though. I'd bet a lot on that.

Game 3- #16/17 Ohio State (2-0) @ Miami (0-1)

2011-09-12T13:38:00.004-04:00

Where: Sun Life Stadium (Miami, FL)
When: 7:30 PM EST
TV: ESPN

As the above picture illustrates, Miami fans still aren't really over the fact that Ohio State "stole" their 2002 national championship away from them. As a result, they are a bitter, overly defensive fan base living in the past that will take any jab they possibly can to make themselves feel better about their dwindling national reputation. The shirt above mentions that OSU may have won the national title, but the NBA's Miami Heat took LeBron James from Cleveland. Sigh... first of all, it is the wrong sport. I don't think that levels the playing field in any way whatsoever, but guess what? This is exactly what Miami fans do. Any jab they can take, they'll throw it out there. That is not a guess.

Who can blame them for living in the past and being a little too defensive these days? Just like the Buckeyes, who travel to South Beach to take on the Hurricanes Saturday night, "Da U" has been plagued with NCAA issues involving benefits to student-athletes. Ohio State got some nice tattoos while Miami players had sex parties, chilled on yachts and took all they could from a rogue booster. Which one gets more media coverage, you ask? Ohio State. Duhhhh. What is wrong with ESPN - COUGH - excuse me, this world? Did I say ESPN? Clearly accidental.

Regardless of the off-the-field issues and distractions, football will in fact be played by these two programs this weekend in what is being dubbed as the - are you ready? You'll laugh at this one - ineligi-bowl. HA HA. Who says today's humor is lacking?

Not only are these two programs going to be in the spotlight for the wrong reasons, but several players are going to be missing action due to suspension (the reason for the game's nickname). For Ohio State, four players will be missing the game, while Miami will be without the services of three. Not only will four players be absent from the contest due to suspension, but there's more trouble for the Buckeyes! Starters Nathan Williams (DE) and Philly Brown (WR) will miss the game due to injury. The Williams injury hurts because we all saw how the pass rush did against Toledo without him in the lineup. Brown, however, hasn't officially been scratched from the lineup but he does in fact have a severe ankle sprain and isn't expected to be on the field come Saturday. For the first time I think I am ready to finally feel bad for OSU and say that they will be very, very short handed.

Can I pick against them in a time like this? Hell no! The Buckeyes have too much to prove in this game, and the addition of CB Travis Howard and RB Jordan Hall in the lineup will be just the boost they need in order to come out of Miami with a victory.

The Canes will be ready to go and by all means should be favored in this one, despite losing to Maryland in a game where they really shouldn't have even been close to begin with. I don't think Jacory Harris will play as bad as he did last season against OSU, but I do believe that he will be the centerpiece of costly mistakes that Miami will make that will lead to them throwing the game away.

I expect the Buckeyes to play well defensively for the most part, despite not having a dominate pass rusher on the defensive line, and will bend but not break the majority of the night. Offensively, the addition of Jordan Hall will give Bauserman another toy to play with while fellow RB Jamaal Berry will get reps in the backfield as well. Combine that with the two games Carlos Hyde has under his belt, and this should turn out to be a very strong running back corp for the visitors. Because of that, I will call for the ground game to significantly improve from the past few weeks en route to a win over Miami.

It will be close - VERY close - but as long as it doesn't come down to a Drew Basil field goal I think that OSU will be just fine and get a big road win to start out 3-0.

Miami shouldn't feel bad if they start the season 0-2, though. They'll always have their memories of sex, drugs and alcohol - all on the house, of course. Oh, and let's not forget about the abortion... interrupt me if I start to ramble.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 24
DA U- 20

Week 3 Games of the Week

2011-09-11T18:54:00.003-04:00

#1 Oklahoma @ #5 Florida State
- I really have no idea how I feel about this game because I feel like this would really only be a true contest if it were played before 2001. I can't help but look at FSU's lofty preseason ranking and think that they are just a tad overrated. However, this clashes with my opinions on the talent, coaching staff and swagger that the Seminoles have right now down in Tallahassee. I can't pick Florida State to win, but it will be fun to see Doak Campbell Stadium rocking again in a top five showdown against Oklahoma. The Sooners have too much firepower to be shut down offensively, and haven't allowed a sack in what seems like years. QB LaRon Landry will lead the number one team in college football on the road for another big win over Florida State.

Oklahoma- 34
Florida State- 20

#3 LSU @ #25 Mississippi State
- The Tigers aren't flashy by any stretch of the imagination, but they are a damn good football team. Damn good teams like LSU better watch out for road games like this against a feisty conference foe the likes of Mississippi State. I don't see Starkville partying into the night after a huge win over LSU, and the reason for that is defense; the lack of one for MSU and the power of the Tiger defense. I expect a great game tomorrow night on ESPN, but don't count on an upset in this one.

LSU- 27
MSU- 21

Tennessee @ #16/17 Florida
- I can't wait to watch this game! The University of Tennessee is once against brimming with confidence in year two under Coach Dooley and they feel as if it is only a matter of time before they are once against a force to be reckoned with in the SEC. Florida, by an even larger degree, feels as if they could be the best team in the whole conference after the way they have dispatched their first two opponents, only giving up a total of three points in the process. Tennessee and QB Tyler Bray will definitely score and keep the game interesting, but nothing comes easy in this SEC East rivalry. UF is too confident and everything seems to be in place for them to come out of this one with a big win over the Vols. The Will Muschamp era is getting off to a very good start, I must say, and I do not see his team falling to 2-1 after Saturday.

UT- 28
UF- 35

My Top Ten- Week 3

2011-09-11T10:08:00.002-04:00

1. Oklahoma (1-0) @ Florida State
2. Alabama (2-0) vs North Texas
3. LSU (2-0) @ Mississippi State
4. Boise State (1-0) @ Toledo
5. Florida State (2-0) vs Oklahoma
6. Texas A&M (1-0) vs Idaho
7. Stanford (2-0) @ Arizona
8. Wisconsin (2-0) vs Northern Illinois
9. Oklahoma State (2-0) vs Tulsa
10. Nebraska (2-0) vs Washington

There's literally no change in how I am going to rank these teams, although I do have to tip my cap to a few teams of note.

First of all, the Wisconsin Badgers earn some praise after a shutout of Oregon State. I have been wary of their defensive play after losing some playmakers from last year's group, yet they go out and shutout a Pac 12 team. Good for them.

Also, Oklahoma State looked extremely impressive against Arizona, and not just on the offensive side of the ball. Another solid defensive performance from a team I wasn't really expecting it from, which gives me hope that OSU can truly take on A&M and Oklahoma as the year rolls on.

Quick Thought

2011-09-11T10:06:00.001-04:00

45-7? That's what I thought would happened yesterday?

Wow. I was wrong.

Apologies to the Toledo Rockets, for you played a hell of a game yesterday.

Good luck the rest of the season, and thanks for nearly sending me to an early grave during a 27-22 loss to the Buckeyes.

Game 2- #15 Ohio State (1-0) vs Toledo (1-0)

2011-09-06T13:16:00.006-04:00

Where: Ohio Stadium
When: Noon EST
TV: Big Ten Network

After a 42-0 beat down of the lowly Akron Zips, the Bucks now turn their attention to a much more formidable MAC opponent, Toledo. In some circles (Colorado, Michigan, etc.) they are referred to as the "giant killers". I would like to explore that theory, if you'll indulge me.

They beat the worst team in Michigan football history. Colorado isn't exactly a "giant" these days. Sorry, Toledo, but you really don't scare me. I can see you coming into the Shoe and giving Ohio State a bit of a scare with your high-octane offensive attack, starring WR Eric Page, and maybe even start rumblings about how good the defending Big Ten champs really are. What I cannot see is Toledo even sniffing a victory on Saturday, much less even thinking that it is a legitimate possibility.

The oddsmakers in Vegas seem to think that Toledo will give OSU a run for their money, with the spread hovering between 17 and 20 all week long. I will go on record and say that I expect the same amount of points that were score last week against Akron to be scored against Toledo. With the addition of Jordan Hall back in the lineup and RB and WR, there is no doubt in my mind that the offense will be able to score points once again at a very high rate. Factor in what I consider to be a hell of a defense, and the Rockets are going to feel like leaving early in my view.

I'll give the Bucks 3 rushing touchdowns, compliments of Carlos Hyde and Jordan Hall, to go along with another strong showing by the quarterbacks en route to a very strong, convincing win over Toledo. The return of Travis Howard will make life hard on the Rocket's passing attack; make no mistake about it.

Now, on to the 'ineligi-bowl'. Sigh...

Prediction:

OSU- 45
Toledo- 7

Week 2 Games of the Week

2011-09-05T21:32:00.009-04:00

#2/3 Alabama (1-0) @ #20/23 Penn State (1-0)
- Last season, this game was hyped simply because of the strong tradition and reputation of these two powerhouse programs. On paper, it wasn't a very good game. PSU had a freshman QB starting on the road against the preseason #1 team in America. For all of the advantages Alabama had, they strangely only won 24-3 in Tuscaloosa. Yes, I know that it was still a beatdown and that Penn State really wasn't in the game from the very beginning. But why didn't Bama score more? I keep looking back at last season's game and seeing a very young, inexperienced Penn State team stand up to Bama defensively and keep the game from being a total massacre considering the circumstances. It is interesting how the story has slightly flipped, with an inexperienced Bama QB taking snaps on the road in a hostile environment against a strong defense. With McGloin at the helm, I like PSU to keep this much closer than last season and to ultimately have a shot at knocking off the second ranked Tide. The SEC will flex its muscles again though, and Alabama will head out of Happy Valley thankful to hang on for a tough victory over Joe Pa and the Nittany Lions.

Bama- 21
PSU- 20

Notre Dame (0-1) @ Michigan (1-0)
- I say this every year like clockwork and I mean every word of it: I love this rivalry. It represents a shadow of the full glory of Midwest football, as these two dormant programs used to be two of the premier football schools in the nation. They represented more than just wins and championships, but rather acted as a model of excellence for all to see across the country each and every Saturday. These days, they are really only playing for bragging rights as Michigan hasn't won or played for a national championship since 1997, while it has been even longer for Notre Dame (the year I was born sounds just about right...1988). On Saturday night, it will be the first ever night game in the history of the Big House, and I fully expect the crowd to be as loud as it has ever been. These two very passionate fan bases know that the winner of this game probably won't go on to be in the national championship hunt, but you have to start somewhere when you have a new regime at hand. For the Irish, they are in year two of the Brian Kelly era and are off to a bad start after losing to South Florida at home. The Wolverines just won their new coach Brady Hoke his first game as the head man, and are trying to put to rest the failure that was the Rich Rod era. Michigan will be an improved team this season, but the defense still needs to prove something to me and the rest of the country. Although they put on a show with a few defensive touchdowns against Western Michigan, I don't see them slowing down a Notre Dame offense that put up over 500 yards of total offense this past weekend. I like the Irish to trade punches with Michigan in the first half, only to take control of the game in the second and win in this rivalry for the first time since 2008. Fewer turnovers = the key to the game for Notre Dame, and I think they'll do a better job at that against a currently inept defense.

ND- 37
UM- 27

#12 South Carolina (1-0) @ Georgia (0-1)
- I just had a talk with a friend, and he said something that I 100% agree with: if Coach Richt loses this game, and ultimately falls behind in the SEC East race, he will no longer be the head coach at Georgia by season's end. Unfortunately for him, a coach that has given Athens plenty to be happy about over the past decade or so, he isn't really getting a fair shake in this situation. After getting whooped by Boise State, I really don't see the Bulldogs stepping up and winning this game with their backs against the wall. It will be a fight as it always is with this rivalry, but it won't be enough as South Carolina is just too balanced offensively and had a very solid defense. I'm going with the Gamecocks to seize control of the division and never look back until they reach Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game.

SC- 28
UGA- 21

My Top 10- Week 2

2011-09-04T08:12:00.003-04:00

1. Oklahoma (1-0) Bye Week
2. Alabama (1-0) @ Penn State
3. LSU (1-0) vs Northwestern State
4. Boise State (1-0) Bye Week
5. Florida State (1-0) vs Charleston Southern
6. Texas A&M (1-0) Bye Week
7. Stanford (1-0) @ Duke
8. Wisconsin (1-0) vs Oregon State
9. Oklahoma State (1-0) vs Arizona
10. Nebraska (1-0) vs Fresno State

Where do I place Ohio State? #15 in the nation.

I didn't want to throw out my up-to-date top 10 before the first week like I always do, simply because everyone was so close that I wanted to give myself a chance to see how some teams looked in the first week. Although the majority of the higher ranked teams played cupcakes, I don't think it is out of the question to make a few judgements here and there about the college football landscape.

I'm glad I waited to watch some teams play, because some of them looked pretty bad. Not a shocker, but Notre Dame looks so average they might as well just give up all hope of a BCS appearance. TCU looked as if they left their entire defense back in Pasadena, Oregon looked far from top 10 worthy - hopefully playing their way out of the national championship race - and Auburn was more humorous than intimidating in their first game since winning the national championship. There is a lot of work to do with some of these teams that laid an egg this past weekend.

Week 1 Games of the Week

2011-09-01T21:41:00.003-04:00

#3 LSU vs #4 Oregon (in Arlington, TX)
- Let's cut to the chase: this is a huge game with massive national title implications...with a lot of suspensions. Oregon has to deal with the loss of one of its best defensive players Cliff Harris, who also happens to be one of the nation's most electrifying special teams players. LSU on the other hand will be without senior QB Jordan Jefferson, WR Russell Shepard and LB Josh Johns. With this in mind, you would think that Oregon would be able to go ahead and take care of business. I am going to go against the grain here and pick LSU to pull off the win, giving the SEC two wins in two straight games against the Pac 12 favorites. I just think Jarrett Lee has played enough to merit the offense moving at the same rate that Jefferson would have moved it, and the defense will still be nasty enough to stop Oregon's vaunted rushing attack consistently.

LSU- 27
Oregon- 25

#5/7 Boise State @ #19/22 Georgia
- Why does everyone want to see Boise State lose all the time? Is it because they are always in the national championship talk, and never lose these big time games? Well, yeah, that is exactly why. I will admit that I was once one of those people... until Nevada beat them in OT last year, then my disdain for the smurfs disappeared. I am a full believer in what these Broncos can accomplish in big time college football, especially with a Heisman candidate leading the offense. Yep, Kellen Moore is back for one last hurrah to try and lead his team to the promised land. Heading into SEC country will be rough, and believe me the Dawgs are hungry for a big win these days. It will be extremely close heading into the fourth quarter, but Boise State will make plays when UGA can't and will head out of Athens with a victory. Tale as old as time.

Boise- 34
UGA- 31

South Florida @ #16/18 Notre Dame
- Anyone that knows me can attest that I really don't like the Irish very much, but that I have always respected their tradition and what their stamp on the sport has meant throughout the years. I know enough about their tradition to know that they are vastly overrated every now and again, and this seems to be one of those years in my very humble opinion. I will go ahead and say that they beat the USF, simply because Bulls QB B.J. Daniels is way too erratic to pull off a road upset, but that doesn't mean I expect a BCS bowl like way too many people out there. If anything, they definitely have a chance to rack up wins against inferior opponents but it will probably amount to an 8-9 win season and a chance to play in a decent bowl game.

USF- 21
ND- 28

Game 1- #16/18 Ohio State vs Akron

2011-09-01T13:35:00.005-04:00

Where: Ohio Stadium

When: Noon EST

TV: ESPN

Note: apologies on not finishing my Big Ten preview. There will be more attention to detail on Wisconsin and Nebraska during the week that the Buckeyes play them.

It is finally here, and it couldn't come soon enough.

Forget the NCAA investigations.

Try to ignore the shadow of Jim Tressel hovering over Luke Fickell.

It is time to play some football!

Not to sound completely cliche, but there is no time like the present to forget everything that has transpired since last December and actually hit somebody not wearing scarlet and gray on the football field.

Who better to beat up on then somebody that is a lot smaller and less talented than you are, right?

Akron makes the trip to Columbus to show the world that OSU really will fall 10,000 leagues in the sea to mediocrity, while OSU is out to "shock the world" and win it all in 2011. My money is definitely not on the first mission, but not necessarily on the second one either. All in all, I'll just put my money on the Bucks to win this one.

It will be a very interesting first quarter, as both senior Joe Bauserman and freshman Braxton Miller are expected to take the field and show their stuff in what is less of a competition and more of a timeshare/preview of things to come this season at quarterback. Bauserman brings experience and leadership while Miller has the athleticism and talent to give defenses headaches. Expect Bauserman to be given the majority of the opportunities on Saturday.

My player to watch in this game is RB Jordan Hall, who has been practicing and learning with the wide receivers and new WR coach Stan Drayton, who coached with Urban Meyer down in Florida when former do-it-all Percy Harvin was in Gainesville. The expectation is that Hall will be asked to do a little bit of everything, whether it is run, catch out of the backfield or out of the slot, return punts, etc; really just anything to put the ball in his hands. If the rumors are true, then he could be the most exciting player on the team in 2011.

I expect the defense to let out a lot of frustration on Akron, limiting them to very few scoring opportunities. They are a young unit though, so it won't be a complete shutout in my opinion. The offense will be methodical throughout the game, but enough points will be put on the board against an Akron team that won only once in 2010 to earn a big victory in front of 105,000 fans.

The first OSU game of the season has never been more welcome to me than it is this season.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 34

Akron- 10

Big Ten Preview- #4 Michigan State

2011-08-23T15:31:00.003-04:00

Michigan State Spartans
Projected #2 (tie) in Legends Division
2010 Record: 11-2 (7-1)

Last year was the most successful season in the history of Michigan State football in regards to total wins (11), which was quite the compliment to a co-Big Ten championship and a victory over fellow co-champ Wisconsin. Their attempt at an encore to that historic performance is probably out of the question, however they will certainly be in the conversation to play in the first ever Big Ten Championship game.

Led by QB Kirk Cousins and one of the best running back tandems in the conference (Larry Caper, Edwin Baker and Le'Veon Bell), the Spartan offense could be even better than last year with six key starters returning. WRs B.J. Cunningham, Keshawn Martin and QB-turned-receiver Keith Nichol will form one of the more consistent receiving units in the conference, although Cousins better hope for similar offensive line production to last season as only two starters return up front. While Cousins may not be as comfortable throwing to his targets as he was last year with the lack of experience on the front line, I expect a mature and composed leader such as he to be able to deliver on the expectations of leading a strong offensive attack.
I am also on record as saying that I like MSU's big three at running back more than Wisconsin's 1-2 punch, as they offer more overall in terms of what you want out of complete ball carriers. What does that mean for MSU? It means that Cousins won't have to do all the work once again.

Then there is the defense. Oh man! Sparty was good last year on that side of the ball, weren't they? Greg Jones and Eric Gordon were studs at linebacker - especially Jones who was a consensus All-American - while guys like Colin Nealy, Marcus Hyde and Chris Rucker were consistently making plays to help seal the deal in close games. Another interesting note about those players: they are all gone! MSU isn't exactly a defensive factory where you lose a highly productive guy and another one is just biting at the bit to show off his stuff and deliver on his predecessor's expectations. They won't be as good as last year as a team because they will lack playmakers that will be able to create turnovers, disrupt the opposing quarterback, etc. I like CB Johnny Adams a lot, and DT Jerel Worthy is an All-Big Ten candidate, but everyone else will need to step up BIG TIME if this team expects to make it to the Big Ten championship.

I like Coach Dantonio, as he was once the defensive coordinator for the 2002 national champion Ohio State Buckeyes, however I am not sold on his ability to field a consistent winning team in East Lansing year after year. Notice I have used the word consistent plenty of times in this write up. There is a reason for that.

Michigan State is not a consistent program. Expect a drop-off from last year in wins, magic and overall play - although the offense will be very fun to watch.

Predicted Record: 8-4 (5-3)

Big Ten Preview- #5 Northwestern

2011-08-22T18:06:00.006-04:00

Northwestern Wildcats
Projected #2 (tie) in Legends Division
2010 Record: 7-6 (3-5)

Um... what?

Is Northwestern seriously ahead of teams like Illinois and Penn State in this preview? Really? How could the Cats stack up against teams like those, let alone finish in a tie for second in the Legends division with Michigan State?

My answer, and defense of that answer, really isn't that complicated. These guys return plenty on both sides of the ball - the majority of which are veterans - on what should be a very well balanced and tough team to beat in conference play.

Last season, Northwestern started off very strong at 5-0 and 1-0 in the Big Ten, until they hit the meat of their schedule and fell victim to the big boys. Their 7-5 regular season record is awfully deceiving, as they had a 21-0 lead on PSU only to fall victim to another Joe Paterno record setting comeback, lost in another comeback to Sparty, and were upset by three against Purdue. If they played up to their potential in those games, Northwestern could've won 10 games last season! Think about that for a second and this is what probably pops in your mind: WOW!

The late season-ending injury to star QB Dan Persa's knee resulted in beatdowns against Illinois and Wisconsin, and Pat Fitzgerald's team failed to win a bowl game once again, but spirits are extremely high in Evanston, IL and this has the feeling of a special Wildcats team; the kind of team that only comes around those parts every decade or so. Of the 16 returning starters, none are as important as the aforementioned Persa who is the ringleader of the offense and in essence the entire team's hopes of competing in a January bowl game. The defense returns very well intact to support the dual-threat QB, which will give teams fits in 2011.

Both Michigan State and Penn State, teams that came back from big deficits to beat the Wildcats, all travel to the death trap AKA Ryan Field this season which will give plenty of incentive for Northwestern to earn some revenge. I can see them winning both of those games, along with plenty of other upsets along the way. They aren't talented enough to win the division outright in my opinion, but they will be damn close. I can see the Cats winning as many as 9 games this season en route to Fitzgerald's best season in Evanston yet.

Predicted Record: 8-4 (5-3)

Big Ten Preview- #6 Penn State

2011-08-20T11:08:00.006-04:00

Penn State Nittany Lions
Projected #3 in Leaders Division
2010 Record: 7-6 (4-4)

The tradition of Penn State football is largely recognized mainly in the Midwest and the East, so maybe that is why I usually have more respect than the Lions than most. After a rebuilding season in 2010 that featured a roller coaster-type quarterback battle, a late season resurgence and a close loss to Florida in the Outback Bowl, it seems like my respect for PSU is coming back into play and I expect them to compete in the top heavy Leaders Division in 2011.

There is no question that Joe Paterno's crew will perform on the defensive side of the ball, as they have seven players returning from a unit that has plenty of talent to spare, especially in the front seven. With seniors such as Jack Crawford - who was injured for half of last season - and Devon Still returning up front, along with linebackers Mike Mauti and Nate Stupar, it should be tough sledding going up against the Lions this season. Last year's group wasn't exactly stellar against the run, as they allowed 166 yards per game on the ground. According to Phil Steele, that is their worst performance in that category since 2003. It also helps that all four players in the secondary return to bolster the improved front seven. In short, I definitely see Penn State's defense improving and becoming one of the best in the Big Ten in 2011.

With defense not being an issue in my humble opinion, then does that mean they'll easily be better than last year overall? Well, it all depends on the play of whoever is the signal caller throughout the season and how he performs, whether it is the young, athletic Rob Bolden or the steady junior Matt McGloin. It should be noted that once McGloin became the starter in Happy Valley, the team rattled off three straight conference wins, gave OSU a hell of a fight in the first half, and eventually won four out of five games before losing to Big Ten co-champ Michigan State - by only 6 points. The talent is there along the offensive line, along with a stable of capable backs and receivers. Derek Moye, despite being on scholarship for what seems to be 11 years now, returns for his final season as the team's leading receiver, while the electric sophomore RB Silas Redd takes over for the school's all-time leading rusher, Evan Royster.

If either Bolden or McGloin can show consistency, then this will be a very dangerous team that could find itself in the conference championship race if they pull off an upset in November. I expect them to lose to Alabama - closer than the experts think, though - but other than that, I believe that every game leading into their final two road games against OSU and Wisconsin are winnable. A win against either rival Ohio State or the Badgers would go a long way in their quest to make the first ever Big Ten Championship Game. I see them dropping a game that they shouldn't due to shaky quarterback play, and I don't see them winning any of their tough road games, so an 8 win season with a bowl win in January sounds just about right to me. I really believe in this team's ability to perform... I just don't know about the quarterback situation. My logical guess: neither does the coaching staff.

Predicted Record: 8-4 (5-3)

Big Ten Preview- #7 Iowa

2011-08-16T15:50:00.004-04:00

Iowa Hawkeyes
Projected #4 in Legends Division
2010 Record: 8-5 (4-4)

Remember the preseason hype that the 2010 Hawkeyes had? It was all very much deserved as they featured a defense that returned plenty of NFL talent, including one of the best defensive lines in college football, and an offense that seemed poised to becomes much more lethal.

Was I the only one that remembered all of the close victories they had the year before last? It seemed like it, because I was one of the only people that thought they wouldn't be as good as advertised. It doesn't happen often, but I called that one...well, I didn't think they would only win 7 regular season games, but I wasn't exactly predicting a national championship run for the school.

Last season's 8-5 record, which culminated with an impressive win over Missouri in the Insight Bowl, was mired with heartbreaking losses. All five of Iowa's losses in 2010 were by a touchdown or less, with the four conference losses coming by an average of nearly three points per contest. In other words, the team wasn't bad, but karma came back to haunt the Hawkeyes. In 2011, I do not expect bad luck to hold this team back.

Offensively, QB James Vandenberg, RB Marcus Coker and WR Marvin McNutt should prove to be one of the best tandems in the Big Ten. Vandenberg is well known for his showing against the Buckeyes in 2009 when he replaced fan favorite Ricky Stanzi, and will have the chance to show off his skills for an entire season for the first time. The offensive line returns four starters as well, and I am calling for this to be one of Kirk Ferentz's best offenses since 2004.

On the other side of the ball...ouch. They took some big hits in the offseason, losing key players such as Adrian Clayborn, Karl Klug, Christian Ballard, and Tyler Sash. The talent is there in the secondary with CB Shaun Prater and FS Micah Hyde, but I don't expect the front seven to be nearly as productive as it has been the past two seasons in Iowa City. It could be a reversal of fortunes for Iowa in terms of not losing as many close games, but their defense could still very well cost them a few ball games...which in its own right is another reversal of fortune.

The schedule sets up nicely with most of the big boys coming to Kinnick Stadium, with the exception of road trips to Penn State and Nebraska. Due to my high expectations for the offense, along with a comfortable home schedule, I think that Iowa will win more regular season games than last year. They are a sleeper Big Ten championship contender if the defense doesn't fall off the grid too far, and should go back to a bowl game for the fourth year in a row.

Predicted Record: 8-4 (5-3)

Big Ten Preview- #8 Illinois

2011-08-16T15:21:00.007-04:00

Illinois Fighting Illini
Projected #4 in Leaders Division
2010 Record: 7-6 (4-4)

After a win over Baylor in the Texas Bowl to end the 2010 season, I think it is safe to say that head coach Ron Zook has been given another shot of adrenaline to try and keep Illinois football relevant, if only within the conference. His 2011 squad shouldn't let him down, but will another average bowl appearance be enough?

Zook has a 51-59 record all-time at Illinois, which would more than likely be grounds for firing at most schools of their caliber. If it wasn't for a 2007 season that featured 9 wins and a trip to the Rose Bowl, then we would be looking at a new head coach in Champaign in my opinion. He is still the head man though, and he intends to build off of a thrashing of a Big 12 opponent in a bowl game and lead the Illini to bigger and better things.

The positives: seven returning starters on offense, including QB Nate Scheelhaase, should help the team continue their offensive tear that resulted in averaging 32.5 points per game last season. Some playmakers were lost on the defensive side, but upperclassmen such as CB Tavon Wilson will be able to provide much needed stability and leadership throughout the season. To me, as far as Illinois football goes, this team has all the makings of a program that is ready to avenge several close loses (11 to Ohio State, 2 to Michigan, 4 to Minnesota) and get back to the highs of 2007, which could include 9 wins and a much better bowl trip than heading to the Texas Bowl.

The negatives: the killer schedule. Last season, Illinois benefited from a very friendly schedule that only had two road games against teams that played in major bowl games at years end: Penn State (Outback) and Michigan State (Capital One). This year, the amount of tough road games remains the same but the schedule is more daunting than before. Pac 12 South contender Arizona State travels to Champaign in September, followed by games against rival Northwestern, Ohio State, on the road against an improved Purdue team, @ Penn State, Wisconsin and then a road trip to Minnesota who just so happened to beat the Illini last season. I don't expect Illinois to win nine games with that kind of schedule, but I do think that they can get in the 7 to 8 win range based off of their offensive talent alone.

Illinois will pull off a few upsets, lose to a few teams they shouldn't, yet still manage to play in a bowl game for the second year in a row under head coach Ron Zook. I suppose I'll ask this question again though: will that be enough to save Zook's job?

Predicted Record: 8-4 (4-4)

Big Ten Preview- #9 Michigan

2011-08-15T19:11:00.003-04:00

Michigan Wolverines
Projected #5 in Legends Division
2010 Record: 7-6 (3-5)

Man, that Rich Rod was bad. Damn, Denard Robinson was good last season.

Two great pieces of news for Wolverine fans: Rodriguez is gone, and Robinson is back! Let the celebration begin in Ann Arbor, because a new sheriff is in town at head coach, and Big Blue has a Heisman candidate at quarterback for the 2011 campaign.

First things first: let us discuss the new head ball coach. Brady Hoke, former defensive coach for Michigan back when they won a share of the national championship in 1997, is taking over a team that is in dire need of getting back to the philosophies and foundations of what has made Michigan such a great program over the years. With this hire, a true "Michigan Man" is now at the helm, and that will only mean good things to come for Wolverine fans. Will that mean a true return to national prominence? I'm not sure yet, but I'll be anxious to see how that goes.

Returning is the aforementioned Heisman candidate in Denard Robinson, who will be transitioning from Rich Rod's spread option attack to a pro-style offense under highly regarded offensive coordinator Al Borges. While I do not doubt that Robinson is a great player because...well, he is, I do doubt this true abilities as a true quarterback. He is a gifted athlete, but a high-grading quarterback he is not. People said last season and said for a few years that Terrelle Pryor wasn't a true quarterback at OSU, but that obviously was proven false after the season Pryor has last year. I don't expect Robinson to follow suit, simply because Pryor had three years to learn in a system that gave him every opportunity to learn and get better. Robinson, however, is coming out of two seasons playing in a system where he was the featured ball carrier. With about 10 carries per game planned for Denard, plus playing in a more passer-friendly system, I do not expect him to get the Heisman pub that he earned last season.

The offense returns several playmakers, including WR Roy Roundtree, the offensive line will be perfectly fine, and the points should still be scored up in Michigan. Can they find a competent running back to use as a feature back? Again, I'm not sure.

The defense now has a proven defensive coordinator, thus ending the era of recruiting undersized MAC caliber players that were plugged in to play in Rich Rod's silly 3-3-5 crap or whatever was ran up there the past few seasons. I don't think the defense will be good this season, but in time it will return to being a highly respectable to very good unit. My evidence? They are on a recruiting tear on that side of the ball so far in 2011.

All in all, I think there are too many question marks with this team to say that they are going to make a run at playing for the Big Ten championship or going to a prestigious Jan. 1st bowl game (or Jan. 2nd, in this case), but that doesn't mean that they won't make a bowl game. I am projecting them to win 7 games once again, with a legitimate shot at winning their bowl game when it's all said and done. My final verdict: 2011 will be a year of elevated expectations. 2012 and beyond will feature a return to winning for the Michigan Wolverines.

The fight song for the year: HAIL to going back to your roots, thank GOD.

Predicted Record: 7-5 (4-4)

Big Ten Preview- #10 Purdue

2011-08-09T15:37:00.002-04:00

Purdue Boilermakers-
Projected #5 in Leaders Division
2010 Record: 4-8 (2-6)

Danny Hope came to Purdue in 2009 to resurrect a once consistent, competitive program that was renowned under Joe Tiller for its "basketball-on-grass" style of offense. You can go down the list of players that have made it to the NFL under Tiller, although it really begins and ends with Super Bowl winning QB Drew Brees. What does Danny Hope have under his belt thus far? An upset of Ohio State in 2009. That's it. He has a long way to go to catch up to Tiller, methinks.

I'm not one to make fun, but Hope very famously said that people should "get used to it" after his team beat the Buckeyes in 2009, yet their biggest win last season was against Northwestern and their performances against top competition proved to be pathetically inadequate the majority of the time - this included a 49-0 loss at the hands of the Buckeyes.

2011 should be an improved season though, as 16 starters return from a team that was riddled with injuries last season. I should have mentioned that before, I suppose...they lost several key players on offense that crippled the development of Coach Hope's attack. A healthy Robert Marve should battle sophomore Rob Henry for the starting quarterback job, although it seems that Henry will be given the first crack in the season opener against Middle Tennessee State. I think that the offense will prove to be just fine, and will result in more wins for this team.

The defense, despite losing 1st round NFL draft pick DE Ryan Kerrigan, should be an improved unit in most phases compared to last year. I don't think that their sack numbers will match the past few season's, but the experience returning at linebacker and in the secondary is too much to overlook. Expect a solid showing from this unit as long as it develops the front line as the season progresses.

I flirted with giving this team a bowl bid due to their improvement on both sides of the ball, and having Ralph Bolden return at running back (the poor guy tore his ACL last season before the year began after an All-Big Ten season in 2009). The schedule is simply too tough to give them a legitimate shot at a bowl game though, in my opinion. Games against Notre Dame, @ Penn State, @ Wisconsin and Ohio State are the headliners in what will be a rough year to make a bowl game in the Big Ten.

I like this team even though it seems like I have something against them, as evidenced in the beginning of this preview. Fact: I do not respect Coach Hope for what he said after he beat OSU in 2009. Fact: I am biased, and have to understand that it was an inspiring and big time win for them at the time, so I should give him a break.

One final fact: this will be a fun team to watch this Fall.

Predicted Record: 5-7 (2-6)

Big Ten Preview- #11 Minnesota

2011-08-07T12:49:00.005-04:00

Minnesota Golden Gophers- Projected #6 in the Legends Division
2010 Record: 3-9 (2-6)

The Gophers never got rolling under Coach Brewster, which resulted in his much needed firing in Minneapolis. Serious question for everyone: why did they ever fire Glenn Mason, who only made Minnesota consistently relevant during his tenure? I bet they are kicking themselves over that one, considering he basically laid the groundwork for their new outdoor stadium to be built.

I think that Jerry Kill, heading over from Northern Illinois, could certainly give the team a much needed shot in the arm, but it will take time for that to materialize. In the meantime, the Gophers will need to focus on becoming better one small step at a time. Where do you begin? Aside from basic recruiting, they should really focus on improving defensively. Last season they gave up an average of 33 points per game, but only lost each game by an average of 10 points. If Florida transfer Brendan Beal and new defensive coordinator Tracy Cleays can change the tone of how things are done on that side of the ball, then their outlook suddenly improves ever-so-slightly.

Offense isn't exactly a major issue, but it isn't spectacular either. QB MarQueis Gray, a mobile playmaker, can invigorate an offense that doesn't excel particularly well on the ground or through the air, then look for the Gophers to be more competitive than they were last season. That isn't saying too much, but they did happen to end the year on a two game winning streak against Illinois and Iowa, averaging 32.5 points per game in the process.

This team is better than Indiana in my humble opinion, but they will likely see similar results in a very tough conference. I am intrigued with the new coaching staff though, which I wasn't able to say under the last staff.

Predicted Record: 3-9 (1-7)

Big Ten Preview- #12 Indiana

2011-08-06T17:23:00.005-04:00

Indiana Hoosiers- Projected #6 in Legends Division
2010 Record: 5-7 (1-7)

Let's not fool ourselves here and think that the Hoosiers aren't the expected choice to fall into the cellar of not just their division, but in the Big Ten all together.

They do happen to return 12 starters off of a team that was one win away from being bowl eligible, but their wins weren't exactly against top flight competition. They only beat one conference opponent, which was Purdue in overtime, and also came way with DAZZLING wins over Towson, Western Kentucky, Akron, and Arkansas State...who they almost lost to. This is not a good team, and they do not return a slew of promising talent to change the face of the program at this point.

Aside from junior RB Darius Willis, the offense won't be anything special in the early stages of the season. I say the early stages of the season because their new head coach Kevin Wilson just so happened to be the offensive coordinator of Oklahoma dating back to 2002. That fact alone could change the fortunes of the program in the long run, but for now the only thing to really look forward to is the progression of the offense from game one versus Ball State to the end of the year showdown with archrival Purdue. I expect the offense to improve under his new wide-open system by the end of the year, and give the fans some optimism going into 2012.

I haven't mentioned the defense because, sadly, they really don't have one. That, along with a daunting schedule and a non-conference date with Virginia leads me to believe that we could be looking at a 3 win team this year in Bloomington.

Sorry, guys. You just aren't that good.

Predicted Record: 3-9 (0-8)

Big Ten Predictions

2011-08-06T17:17:00.002-04:00

I am going to go ahead and post my Big Ten conference predictions today - without records - just to go ahead and lay the framework for my conference preview.

In the four weeks leading into the season, I will be going through my thoughts on each team, including my controversial stances on Nebraska, Wisconsin, Ohio State, and a surprise team that a lot of people usually don't think too highly of.

No, it is not Michigan despite what their depraved fans want to think. If this were 2012, then maybe I'd be on the same page with you guys, but not quite yet.

Legends Division
1. Nebraska
2. Michigan State (tie)
2. Northwestern (tie)
4. Iowa
5. Michigan
6. Minnesota

Leaders Division
1. Ohio State (tie)
1. Wisconsin (tie)
3. Penn State
4. Illinois
5. Purdue
6. Indiana

Feel free to leave comments and get a conversation going about the 2011 Big Ten season.

Coming Soon to Theaters

2011-08-06T17:12:00.001-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEmNSXX5R_o

Something worth checking out. These videos always get me ready for the season.

My Preseason Top 25

2011-08-06T17:01:00.003-04:00

My Preseason Top 25 2011 College Football Rankings

1. Oklahoma Sooners- Balanced offense, good defense = good enough for me.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide- If a quarterback emerges, this is the best team in football.

3. LSU Tigers- Still not completely sold...but there is so much talent in Baton Rouge.

4. Oregon Ducks- Oregon will thrill, but will their lack of defense hold them hostage?

5. Boise State Broncos- Eh, I'm getting used to this. Boise will win 11 games I think.

6. Florida State Seminoles- Slowly I am buying the hype. I expect good things under Coach Fisher.

7. Wisconsin Badgers- Hype, hype and more hype. On paper, it is the best Badger team EVER.

8. Virginia Tech Hokies- I'm not as high as some national pundits are, but I like this team every year.

9. South Carolina Gamecocks- Offensive fireworks and reliable D is good enough to win the East.

10. Texas A&M Aggies- Wow....I haven't given the Aggies much credit, but they bring back a hell of a team.

11. Stanford Cardinal- Andrew Luck and co. look to knock off the Ducks in the Pac 12.

12. Nebraska Cornhuskers- Second most talent in the Big 10? These guys. But it's a whole new ballgame.

13. Arkansas Razorbacks- My darkhorse national title contender. I LOVE the makeup of the Hogs.

14. Ohio State Buckeyes- More to come in the future...

15. Oklahoma State Cowboys- Their offensive guru is gone, but the fireworks are still in place.

16. TCU Horned Frogs- Defending Rose Bowl champs still have plenty to prove.

17. Georgia Bulldogs- Their schedule sets up nicely, and I like the experience they bring back.

18. Michigan State Spartans- A mystery to me at the moment, but their backfield is stacked.

19. Missouri Tigers- Another sleeper to win a lot of games this year, Mizzou will be tough to beat.

20. Auburn Tigers- Defending champs without Cam Newton = plenty more losses for the Tigers.

21. Penn State Nittany Lions- If they can somehow split @ OSU and @ Wisconsin, they could smell Roses.

22. Texas Longhorns- They keep taking hits, but Mack Brown and the Horns will be more resilient in '11.

23. Notre Dame Fighting Irish- Sighhhhhhhhhhhhh. Too much hype, and I don't buy into them very much.

24. Southern Miss Golden Eagles- A legit BCS contender this season in my humble opinion.

25. West Virginia Mountaineers- They should win a bad Big East. Huge game on 9/24 vs LSU.

Time Truly Frees a Troubled Mind

2011-08-06T16:45:00.004-04:00

Boy...how time can change everything.

My last post on here came just five days before Jim Tressel "resigned" as the head coach of our beloved Buckeyes. If I were to post on here in the days and weeks after the fact, it would have been filled with hate for the media (ESPN, SI specifically), the detractors from Buckeye Nation, and the sheer disappointment and sadness that I felt knowing that the Vest would never step foot on the field again for the Scarlet and Gray.

I don't want to go into detail about everything that happened, because we all know the story and it is pointless to rehash it for you. It was a sad time for many, and it is now time to move on and support head coach Luke Fickell in his shot to lead this team into the 2011 season.

Time has given me time to vent, put things in perspective, hear all sorts of opinions both preposterous and sensible, and realize one very important fact: football is still happening in Columbus, and it is four weeks away.

One quick note I would like to address: for the first time in my entire life, I had a huge Buckeye homer telling me that I was being too much of a homer thinking that this team could actually play for a Big Ten championship. I am not making this up; one of the biggest fans that I know told me that I am "going a little too far" to think that this team will do any better than 9 wins -- best case scenario.

Poor, poor Buckeyes. They must have lost all of their talent when Jim Tressel left. They don't have a quarterback since Terrelle Pryor is gone...no one could possibly take snaps after him. Poor OSU staff...that returns perfectly intact... for they have to pick up the pieces with Tressel being gone and learning a completely different system and not knowing who will call the plays on both sides of the ball.

I hate to be "that guy"; the homer; to be ever so delusional. I really do hate to be the guy that has completely lost his mind and needs to have all credibility stripped from him because he thinks this team is capable of competing for a Big Ten championship because they are still the most talented team from top to bottom in the conference. But hey, someone has to be insane in every circle of friends and fans, and I am here to say this: I don't care what you think.

Time has given me a clear mind, and the refrain hasn't changed for me: OSU is still a favorite to win the Big Ten championship.

In case you missed it before, I'll repeat myself: four weeks until football in Columbus returns.

Unlike so many people that I know, I am aware of this fact and have not jumped off the bandwagon.

All-Tressel Era Team- Defense

2011-05-25T12:41:00.002-04:00

DE- Will Smith (Thaddeus Gibson, Simon Fraser)
DT- Tim Anderson (Quinn Pitcock, Kenny Peterson)
DT- Darrion Scott (Mike Collins, Marcus Green)
DE- Vernon Gholston (Cameron Heyward, Thaddeus Gibson)
LB- A.J. Hawk (Cie Grant, Marcus Freeman)
LB- James Laurinaitis (Matt Wilhelm, Anthony Schlegel)
LB- Bobby Carpenter (Robert Reynolds, Ross Homan)
CB- Chris Gamble (Derek Ross, Dustin Fox)
CB- Malcolm Jenkins (Chimdi Chekwa, Ashton Youboty)
S- Mike Doss (Donte Whitner, Kurt Coleman)
S- Will Allen (Donnie Nickey, Nate Salley)

Will Smith: 2003 All-American, 2003 Big Ten Defensive POY, and national champion

Tim Anderson: 2003 All-American and national champion

Darrion Scott: Two-time All Big Ten defensive lineman and national champion

Vernon Gholston: 2007 All-American and 1st team All Big Ten defensive end

A.J. Hawk: Two-time All-American, 2005 Lombardi Award winner and national champion

James Laurinaitis: Three-time All-American, Nagurski, Lott and Butkus Award winner

Bobby Carpenter: 2005 All-American and national champion

Chris Gamble: 2003 All-American and national champion

Malcolm Jenkins: Two-time All-American and 2008 Thorpe winner

Mike Doss: Three-time All-American and national champion

Will Allen: 2003 All-American and national champion

All-Tressel Era Team- Offense

2011-05-22T22:01:00.002-04:00

I have compiled a list of what I believe to be the best players for Ohio State this past decade under one of my favorite coaches of all time, Jim Tressel (I state that PROUDLY, for all of you negative nancies out there). I will start with the offense, along with a brief list of the starters accomplishments while they attended The Ohio State University.

QB- Troy Smith (Terrelle Pryor, Craig Krenzel)
RB- Maurice Clarett (Beanie Wells, Antonio Pittman)
FB- Jamar Martin (Brandon Joe, Zach Boren)
WR- Michael Jenkins (Ted Ginn, Anthony Gonzalez)
WR- Santonio Holmes (Brian Robiskie, Dane Sanzenbacher)
TE- Ben Hartsock (Darnell Sanders, Jake Ballard)
T- Rob Sims (Tyson Walter, Alex Boone)
G- Alex Stepanovich (Adrien Clarke, Doug Datish)
C- LeCharles Bentley (Nick Mangold, Mike Brewster)
G- Justin Boren (T.J. Downing, Bryce Bishop)
T- Shane Olivea (Kirk Barton, Jim Cordle)

Troy Smith: 2006 All-American, Walter Camp, Davey O'Brien and Heisman Trophy Winner

Maurice Clarett: 2002 Freshman of the Year and national champion

Jamar Martin: 2001 Team Captain

Michael Jenkins: All-Big Ten receiver and national champion

Santonio Holmes: 2005 First Team All-Big Ten receiver

Ben Hartsock: 2003 First Team All-Big Ten tight end

Rob Sims: 2005 First Team All-Big Ten receiver

Alex Stepanovich: 2003 First Team All-Big Ten and national champion

LeCharles Bentley: 2001 All-American and Rimington Award Winner

Justin Boren: Two time All-Big Ten guard

Shane Olivea: Two time All-Big Ten tackle and national champion

The defense- which is nasty, by the way- will be posted soon.

Let the Countdown Begin

2011-05-21T16:26:00.002-04:00

With almost 100 days until the 2011 Ohio State Buckeyes take the field against Akron, it seems fitting that I start writing up on some college football!

With all of the negative attention surrounding the program, this will be a good outlet to come and read strictly about football, not NCAA sanctions and lawyers and gold pants - unless it is about kicking Michigan's rear end come November.

My first post since after the big win over Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl involves the newly aligned Big Ten Conference and how teams have fared against the Buckeyes this past decade. Who had been the biggest pain for Ohio State this past decade? Who has gone the longest without beating the big bad Bucks in Big Ten play? Read on, my friends.

The last time they beat the Buckeyes was...

Indiana- 1988 (22 years! The longest drought in Big Ten play)
Illinois- 2007 (Do we really need to recall who ruined 2007's undefeated season?)
Iowa- 2004 (I remember 33-7 like it was yesterday)
Michigan- 2003 (HA HA! It's been 2,737 days since Michigan last beat OSU)
Michigan State- 1999 (In their defense, the Spartans were very good in '99)
Minnesota- 2000 (The Bucks were #5 in the country and lost a shocker on homecoming)
Nebraska- ? (Have yet to compete in the Big Ten. OSU is 2-0 all time vs. the Huskers)
Northwestern- 2004 (Sigh. Before their OT win, the last time the Cats won was 1971)
Penn State- 2008 (In the Tressel era, the Lions have won three times in the series)
Purdue- 2009 (Aside from '09, Purdue also beat OSU in 2000 and 2004 the past decade)
Wisconsin- 2010 (In the 2000's, Wisky has been a HUGE rival- winning four times)

And the winner for the biggest pain in the ass for Ohio State in the new millennium is - drumroll - the Wisconsin Badgers.

Under Barry Alvarez, Wisconsin made a consistent habit of beating Ohio State - especially in Columbus. No coach was better in his tenure at one school at beating the Buckeyes in the friendly confines of Ohio Stadium. Alvarez led his team to three straight wins in Columbus between 1999 and 2004, and ended OSU's 19 game winning streak in Madison back in 2003. Throw in last season's heart breaker up in Madison, and Wisconsin could very well be the biggest rival to the school NOT named Michigan.

Runner-up in the competition category is Penn State, who has won two Big Ten titles at the Buckeye's expense since Tressel took over the program in 2001.

Enough Said...

2011-01-09T17:58:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg-kqU4yll4

GO BUCKS!!!!

FOCUS - DETERMINATION - VICTORY

2011-01-05T12:00:00.002-05:00

The 2010 Ohio State Buckeyes are the champions of the 2011 Allstate Sugar Bowl after a 31-26 victory over #8 Arkansas last night!!

There is a lot to get to, but it is best to let it soak in for now before divulging into everything that happened last night.

I have plenty to say about Jim Tressel, Terrelle Pryor and the suspended players, the silver bullet defense, and my thoughts on what happened last night from both team's perspective.

12-1 baby!! Forget the haters, because the Buckeyes FINALLY took down the SEC!! GO BUCKS!!!!!!!

2011 Allstate Sugar Bowl- #6 Ohio State (11-1) vs. #8 Arkansas Razorbacks (10-2)

2011-01-02T19:09:00.008-05:00

Where: New Orleans, LA (Superdome)
When: 8:30 PM EST
TV: ESPN

41-14 in January of 2007 to the national champion Florida Gators. 38-24 in January of 2008 to the national champion LSU Tigers.

Those were the last two times Ohio State faced an SEC team in a BCS game. Short description: awful. It was not pretty to watch those two games, and for different reasons the ball just didn't bounce in favor of the Buckeyes. The Florida game seemed to be a combination of lack of focus, the "fat-and-happy" theory, and playing an extremely talented and motivated team with a great gameplan. The LSU game...well...they were simply better and were the best team in football that season when they were healthy, so that is that.

What is different about this year's match up with an SEC foe? Well... I'm not quite sure. We will find out tomorrow night.

It is tough to defend OSU after 9 straight losses to 'dem boys from the south in bowl competition, and is equally tough for me to say that the Buckeyes are clearly the better team from top to bottom. Factor in the distractions of the suspended players fiasco and you have yourself a complete mystery in terms of what to expect tomorrow night. I really do not know what will happen tomorrow night or what Buckeye team will show up... but I will go ahead and speculate.

Arkansas is a very fast, athletic offensive machine that features future NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett and a slew of talented receivers and a first team All-SEC running back in Knile Davis that has averaged 6.6 yards per carry this season. Not that this team hasn't seen offenses like this in past seasons, but this season in particular? Not really...not at all. This is a dynamic offensive attack that will present several issues for Ohio State to deal with. TE D.J. Williams, winner of the Mackey Award for the best TE in college football, could end up being the X-factor in this game going up against a potential mismatch with the Buckeye linebackers (unless Jermale Hines is challenged with keeping him under wraps from the secondary). The defense isn't anything special, but it has gotten better each and every game since the Auburn game and that is never a good sign if you are playing a vastly improved defense heading into a bowl game. Enough of me drooling over Arkansas, though, although it is certainly tough to do. Let's look at the Buckeyes.

Yeah...you know what I am going to say. If you read this blog then you are Buckeye fan and know what this team is capable of. This has been one of the best offenses in the Tressel era statistically and is led by a dual-threat QB that could give any defense in the country fits on any given night. The issue at hand, in my opinion, is how will the NCAA sanctioned players - including Pryor - respond in this game and handle the adversity? Forget whether they shouldn't play in this game or not for one second (they shouldn't be playing, but that is beside the point), but rather focus on how this team will perform with these guys playing tomorrow night in New Orleans. I don't know how they will play, but I have a feeling that they will want to prove a lot in front of a national television audience against a big time SEC foe. That may lead to forcing some plays that aren't there, but could also produce some big time plays for this offense. That, to me, is the biggest aspect of the game: how will Pryor and the other players involved in the violations play in this game and handle the adversity. It should be fun to watch, regardless of it all.

Deep down, I can see OSU losing this game the majority of the time based off of past experiences. But guess what? I am sick of all that SEC talk, because it has NOTHING to do with THIS team. THIS team has yet to play an SEC opponent, so we need to hold off all judgement until the two teams take the field. The 2010 Ohio State Buckeyes are 0-0 versus the SEC, and have a great shot at making that record 1-0. If the team has that mind set tomorrow night, then I would bet money that OSU ends up winning this game. Otherwise if the distractions take its toll on the mental focus of the team, then I would bet that Arkansas wins in big time fashion.

My final conclusion... well, of course I am picking the Buckeyes. This game scares the hell out of me, but I will go ahead and say that OSU wins a classic Sugar Bowl in the Big Easy.

http://www.alongtheolentangy.com/2010/12/30/1894985/sugar-bowl-preview-the-arkansas-offense-v-osu-defense

http://www.alongtheolentangy.com/2011/1/3/1894986/sugar-bowl-preview-the-arkansas-defense-v-osu-offense

The above links feature outstanding analysis of the game. Just so you can see first hand that I am not crazy in picking OSU to beat an SEC opponent, I recommend that you check it out.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 24
Arkansas- 23

Final Sugar Bowl Updates/Thoughts

2011-01-02T14:28:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to run down some final thoughts on the Sugar Bowl that is a mere two days away (unbelievable). Practice got under way this past week and everything seems to be going as smoothly as possible.

- It seems as if the team is focused at the task at hand despite the news on December 23rd about the 2011 suspensions. I expect big games out of the players involved in the controversy.

- Why do I think they'll have big games? All of them keep mentioning sending their seniors out the right way, which is generally the Tressel mantra that has payed dividends over the years....except against SEC opponents :(

- The SEC hype machine on ESPN hasn't been too overwhelming this bowl season, since most of the attention has been on OSU in light of the NCAA suspensions. What has Arkansas been doing this whole time? Preparing and enjoying the usual dose of not being in the spotlight and out of the national stream of consciousness. This is a very good football team and will be extremely prepared for the Buckeyes.

- What type of game plan do I expect from OSU on Tuesday night? I am not sure at this point, as I usually have more inside info from the Scout insiders. I'll go out on a limb and say that the offense will be put in Pryor's hands and the team will go only as far as his arms and legs take them - ala the Rose Bowl. This isn't exactly rocket science, as this has been the average Buckeye game plan all season long and ever since 2009, really.

- Guarantee: Arkansas RB Knile Davis will NOT rush for 100 yards... but neither will Boom Herron. Both will be close though.

- One big factor when Ohio State plays SEC opponents is the play of the offensive line. This is one of the best offensive lines the Bucks have had since 2005, so I'll go ahead and say that if there is a time to get it done against an athletic defensive line from the SEC, this is it.

- The Florida game was simply OSU being fat and happy and Florida wanting to kick their ass. LSU was a sheer mismatch as the Tigers were by far the best team in the nation when healthy. I talked a big game that Ohio State would beat LSU based off of motivational hype. Why do I think Tressel can lead the Bucks to a victory over an SEC team this time around? Because they are better than Arkansas- plain and simple.

- Why won't I go ahead and say that Ohio State will win now? Because Arkansas scares the hell out of me with their offensive balance, the strength of their wins this season and how their defense has improved each and every week since the Auburn loss.

I'll have my game preview tomorrow...

PIG SUEY!!! GET ER DONEEEEE YA'LL!!!

2010-12-27T21:22:00.005-05:00

Thought that this was an appropriate highlight reel look at how Arkansas plays football.... enjoy.

No, I don't care if I offend people from Arkansas with the title of this post, mainly because no one reads this blog.

Eight days until kickoff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgcsLyByO9A

Thoughts on the NCAA Suspensions

2010-12-24T15:26:00.004-05:00

It has been a day now, and we have all had time to at least start to digest everything that has happened with Ohio State football.

In the event that you have been living under a rock or are just an ass who wants to keep bringing it up to embarrassed OSU fans, yesterday the NCAA suspended the following players for the first five games of the 2011 season due to receiving "improper benefits" dating back to 2009: QB Terrelle Pryor, RB Boom Herron, WR DeVier Posey (should I keep going?), LT Mike Adams and reserve DE Solomon Thomas. Backup LB Jordan Whiting will serve a one-game suspension to begin the 2011 season against Akron.

The transgressions for the players serving five game suspensions include selling various items such as Big Ten championship rings, gold pants and game-worn apparel for values ranging from 1,000-2,500 dollars, along with exchanging autographs for tattoos.

The NCAA is allowing the players to participate in the Sugar Bowl mainly because they determined that Ohio State did not educate the players well enough that it was not acceptable to sell things of that nature for profit, but lets be honest for a moment here. The real reason in my opinion, which has come to my attention after reading and hearing many different opinions the past few days, is because the NCAA doesn't want to lose the money that would come from having OSU and Arkansas feature all of its stars on one of college football's biggest stages in New Orleans. Players such as Pryor and Posey represent dollar signs for bowl sponsors, advertisers, etc. and no organization wants to see an investment lose money or interest. It is simple business.

How do I feel about all of this? Not that it matters, but there is a lot that needs to be said here and I really do not have the energy to express every little thing that I think. I do have the time to try and sum up some of the major points, though.

First of all, whether or not it explicitly says in the NCAA's overly augmented and hypocritical rule book that you cannot sell ANYTHING that belongs to you is a debate that I'll leave to the people that are supposed to make those rules abundantly clear. The issue is how does one determine if something that an athlete receives is truly his/hers to sell? The argument that you shouldn't want to sell something like a trophy at all to begin with is beside the point, because if you are like me then you would cherish something like that for the rest of your life. I believe that it needs to be made crystal clear that the NCAA and school still technically own things such as trophies, awards, etc. until the student is no longer an amateur. If I earn something for my achievements on the field, regardless if I would actually sell it or not, I am under the impression that is is mine. Not partially the universities or the NCAA's, but MINE. To quote Vince Vaughn from Wedding Crashers, "The painting was a gift, Todd. I'm taking it with me".

Do I condone what these players did? No. Do I believe that there were circumstances that lead me to believe that in the long run what these players did is forgivable? Yes. Do they deserve to be suspended? HELL YES. They should be suspended for the bowl game and have a lesser suspension next season in a perfect world, but it isn't a perfect world and they are allowed to play in it. You have a problem with that? Talk to the NCAA about that. Don't bash OSU for this, but the NCAA. It was their ruling, and OSU is abiding by it (by the way, I have a gut feeling that the suspensions will be reduced).

I know plenty of people that have done things that they are not especially proud of (myself included) in order to accomplish a goal at hand. Families that struggle around the world do things to put food on the table, put their kids through college, etc. People rob, steal and kill in the name of love. And sometimes people with the means do things to help those that are less fortunate. Whether it is true or not that a lot of these players sold their gold pants and rings in order to help their families pay the bills and put food on the table is not exactly clear considering I do not know any of them personally. If they did it, although it was definitely handled in a very bad way, I can understand why.

Those are my thoughts, and there is still a game to play. Almost a week until game time.

Let's shut the SEC, ESPN, and the world up.

GO BUCKS!!!!!

Arkansas- Quick Breakdown

2010-12-07T16:44:00.002-05:00

#7 Arkansas Razorbacks (10-2, 6-2; SEC #2)

QB- Ryan Mallett (3,592 pass yards, 30 TD, 11 INT)

RB- Knile Davis (1,183 rush yards, 14 Total TD)

WR- Greg Childs (46 rec. for 659 yards, 6 TD)

WR- Jarius Wright (38 rec. for 718 yards, 4 TD)

TE- D.J. Williams (49 rec. for 589 yards, 4 TD)

National Ranks

3^rd in the Nation in Passing Yards per Game (338)

17^th in the Nation in Points per Game (37)

6^th Toughest Schedule in the Nation

Key Wins in 2010

Texas A&M, in Arlington (9-3 record)

@ South Carolina (9-4 record) SEC East Champs

@ Mississippi State (8-4 record)

LSU (10-2 record)

The Arkansas Razorbacks, who finished the season at 10-2 and in second place in the SEC, put together one of the best statistical seasons in school history en route to their first Sugar Bowl appearance since 1979 and their first as a member of the SEC. QB Ryan Mallett, a sure-fire first round NFL draft pick, leads a team that features one of the most feared passing attacks in America to complement RB Knile Davis, who has had himself quite a breakout sophomore season with nearly 1,200 yards and a 6.6 yards per carry average. While the defense gives up 23 points per game, they have four wins over ranked opponents and won those contests by an average score of 33 to 22. Arkansas is a very talented and well coached SEC football team.

Pour Some Sugar on the Buckeyes

2010-12-07T16:30:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Ohio State on an 11-1 season and a berth to play in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on January 4th, 2011 in the Superdome against the #8 Arkansas Razorbacks (10-2).

It will be a hell of a match up and a very exciting game to watch. Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett leads one of the best offenses in the country into their first BCS bowl in school history. This will be the 10th meeting with an SEC opponent in a bowl game situation for Ohio State (they have gone 0-9 all-time).

I'll be previewing the game along with the other bowl games throughout the month.

Final BCS Bowl Predictions (12/4)

2010-12-04T21:01:00.005-05:00

2011 BCS National Championship Game (1/10)

#2 Oregon Ducks (12-0)

vs.

#1 Auburn Tigers (13-0)

Rose Bowl Presented by VIZIO (1/1)-

Wisconsin Badgers (11-1) Big Ten Champs

vs.

TCU Horned Frogs (12-0) At-Large

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (1/1)-

Oklahoma Sooners (11-2) Big 12 Champs

vs.

Stanford Cardinal (11-1) At-Large

Discover Orange Bowl (1/3)-

Connecticut Huskies (8-4) Big East Champs

vs.

Virginia Tech Hokies (11-2) ACC Champs

Allstate Sugar Bowl (1/4)-

Arkansas Razorbacks (10-2) At-Large

vs.

Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1) At-Large

I Can Almost Taste It...

2010-11-30T16:24:00.004-05:00

Yet another win over Michigan and a record breaking ninth trip to a BCS game are just a few of the accomplishments for the 2010 Ohio State Buckeyes. Congratulations on an awesome season and a record sixth straight Big Ten championship. Let's win this bowl game and focus on winning a seventh straight!

It hasn't been announced yet, but I have a feeling that OSU won't be heading to the Fiesta Bowl or even South Beach for the Orange Bowl.

Bank on the Buckeyes taking on either Arkansas or South Carolina in the Sugar Bowl.

I can almost taste the sweetness of it... it'd be a hell of a game if the opponent was a top ten ranked SEC opponent (here's hoping its Arkansas so the silver bullets can get after Ryan Mallett).

Championship Game Rundown

2010-11-29T21:25:00.003-05:00

SEC Championship Game
#19 South Carolina (9-3) vs. #1 Auburn (12-0)
- It isn't exactly the type of game that we have been accustomed to seeing in recent years (in other words, Alabama and Florida aren't playing in it), but it is still a very intriguing battle to keep an eye on. Obviously if Auburn wins they go to the national championship game while South Carolina would set school records all over the place with 10 wins, an SEC title and a trip to the Sugar Bowl. The Gamecocks will bring their A game, but unfortunately it won't be enough as Auburn has gotten it done all season long in a variety of ways. I see the game being neck and neck for the majority of the contest until Cam Newton breaks a big run to seize every ounce of momentum in the Georgia Dome. Winner: Auburn.

S. Carolina- 26
Auburn- 34

ACC Championship Game
#21 Florida State (9-3) vs. #15 Virginia Tech (10-2)
- I really want to pick Florida State and go into great detail why I think that they can win this game and give Jimbo Fisher an ACC championship in his first year on the job, but I would probably be wasting a lot of my time. Virginia Tech has won 10 straight for a reason (playing outstanding football and being in a terrible conference) and will probably win an 11th straight as FSU isn't quite ready for the spotlight. They'll go on to play in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl while Tech wraps up another ACC crown and a trip to the Orange Bowl.

FSU- 24
VT- 28

Big 12 Championship Game
#13 Nebraska (10-2) vs. #9 Oklahoma (10-2)
- I have had the Huskers pegged as my Big 12 champion since before the season began, but several factors have led to them being a less than confident pick in this game as they enter with multiple injuries and as a team that has seemingly lost their swagger. Oklahoma is riding high after beating their in-state rival in dramatic fashion and will ride that momentum to a Big 12 championship under the direction of Bob Stoops (what else is new?). They'll more than likely play in the Fiesta Bowl and will be looking to win their first BCS contest since the 2003 Rose Bowl against Washington State.

Nebraska- 27
Oklahoma- 31

BCS Bowl Predictions: Pre-Championship Games

2010-11-26T20:10:00.007-05:00

BCS National Championship Game-
Oregon Ducks (12-0)
vs.
Auburn Tigers (13-0)

Rose Bowl-
Wisconsin Badgers (11-1)
vs.
TCU Horned Frogs (12-0)

Fiesta Bowl-
Oklahoma Sooners (11-2)
vs.
Stanford Cardinal (11-1)

Orange Bowl-
West Virginia Mountaineers (9-3)
vs.
Virginia Tech Hokies (11-2)

Sugar Bowl-
Arkansas Razorbacks (10-2)
vs.
Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1)

I think that Auburn and Oregon will win this weekend to clinch a spot in the national championship game (easy enough). From there, the selection process gets tricky and unlike last season when I felt like I could peg where everyone was going it seems like a pure guessing game at this point.

The Rose Bowl will be Wisconsin - assuming they stay ranked ahead of Ohio State in the BCS - taking on TCU in what should be a very physical game.

The Fiesta Bowl will probably grab Stanford as an at-large team, which will be attractive due to their location in relation to Glendale, their 11-1 record, high BCS ranking and a Heisman candidate in QB Andrew Luck. I see them taking the Big 12 champions who will probably be the Oklahoma Sooners. It being a rematch of last season's Sun Bowl, both of these teams should be very familiar with each other and will need to bring their A-game in order to get the victory.

The Orange Bowl will keep their ties with the ACC going by taking an 11-2 and red hot Virginia Tech team, which will take on the Big East champion (by virtue of not really having much of a choice). At this point will probably be UConn but because I am in disbelief of that I will go with West Virginia with a 9-3 record.

Finally, there is the Sugar Bowl where Buckeye fans should expect to go when the BCS announcements are made. I think they'll take an 11-1 Ohio State to take on an SEC team, which will be either South Carolina if they beat Auburn for the national championship or Arkansas by virtue of a higher BCS ranking than fellow 10-2 SEC team LSU. Hogs and Bucks fans will invade New Orleans on January 3rd.

I will update my projections after all of the championship games are played this weekend and before the BCS selections are made Sunday night.

My Top Ten- Championship Week

2010-11-26T20:09:00.005-05:00

1. Auburn (12-0, vs South Carolina)
2. Oregon (11-0, @ Oregon State)
3. TCU (12-0, end of regular season)
4. Wisconsin (11-1, end of regular season)
5. Ohio State (11-1, end of regular season)
6. Stanford (11-1, end of regular season)
7. Michigan State (11-1, end of regular season)
8. Arkansas (10-2, end of regular season)
9. Oklahoma (10-2, vs Nebraska)
10. Virginia Tech (10-2, vs Florida State)

Outside Looking In...

LSU (10-2)
Nebraska (10-2)
Missouri (10-2)
Nevada (11-1)
South Carolina (9-3)

Game 12- #8 Ohio State (10-1, 6-1) vs. Michigan Wolverines (7-4, 3-4)

2010-11-21T22:14:00.006-05:00

Where: Ohio Stadium
When: Noon EST
TV: ABC National

The common denominator that has been missing in the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry since Rich Rod took over: UM has lacked the big play, electrifying leader that can keep the Wolverines in any game and score at any time.

This season, Denard Robinson finally gives Michigan just what the doctor ordered and is on pace to be invited to New York for the Heisman Tophy ceremony. On top of that, Michigan is bowl bound for the first time since 2007, has one of the top rushers in college football (he's a QB, not a RB) and has one of the most explosive offenses in America. It sounds like the rivalry is finally back to normal... wait, what, Michigan is 112th in the nation in defense? Oh...well, maybe next season it will be back to normal. It is certain though that the rivalry has a face to hate again in Denard Robinson, and combined with Buckeye Nation's disdain for Rich Rodriguez makes Saturday a very intriguing and anticipated battle in The Game for the first time in three years.

Certainly the challenge will be to stop Denard Robinson - which has been difficult to do all season long - but OSU features the perfect defense to slow down the record-setting rusher so that shouldn't be the monumental task that many pundits view it to be. OSU's nickel/star alignment excels as defending spread type offenses (ala the Rose Bowl against Oregon) so I don't think that Michigan will light up the scoreboard much like they have done all season long en route to a seven win season. Don't believe me about the defense? Then check out a professionals take on this match up by checking out the following link:
http://www.alongtheolentangy.com/2010/11/26/1836596/strength-v-strength-the-michigan-offense-v-the-ohio-state-defense

Heading into this game, I wonder if OSU will try to keep Denard off the field all together by running an offense similar to what we saw against Iowa last week where the game plan was predicated on Pryor moving out of the pocket to make plays and allowing Boom Herron to have success on the ground as well. Regardless of the gameplan I expect plenty of points to be scored against one of the worst defenses I've seen at a major college program since I have been alive/cognizant of college football. Any chance to spit in the wounds of a Michigan program that is just not getting it done across the board with Greg Robinson as their defensive coordinator will gladly be taken up by me, or any other OSU fan really. With that being said, I'm not just saying that this will be a blowout because I like to see Michigan suffer, but rather because all factual signs point to it with the Buckeyes averaging 39 points a game this season (take out the 73 point effort against Eastern Michigan, and they still have averaged 36 points per game). I'm not blowing smoke out of my ass when I say that Michigan is a terrible defensive football team, and it will show tomorrow once the early emotion and adrenaline is taken out of the equation.

Pryor will throw for two touchdowns in this game, along with a nice effort on the ground to overshadow anything that Denard Robinson does tomorrow, as Ohio State wraps up yet another Big Ten championship and, just as satisfying, another big win over the Maize and Blue. Boom Herron will have one of his best games in a Buckeye uniform while the defense keeps the Wolverine offense quiet for most of the game. OSU may not dominate the time of possession factor as much as I would like, but the defense will play well enough to make sure that isn't going to come back and bite the Buckeyes in the butt.

Prediction:

Michigan- 17
Ohio State- 45

I really don't care if it is two to nothing in all honesty. Give me a seventh straight win over Michigan, a sixth consecutive Big Ten championship and a trip to a BCS bowl and I should be good to go.

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 13

2010-11-21T22:13:00.004-05:00

#2 Auburn (11-0) @ #11 Alabama (9-2)
- The day after Thanksgiving, all eyes will need to focus away from the malls and toward the television as CBS will host the biggest Iron Bowl match up that I can remember, as Auburn is heading toward a berth in the BCS National Championship game while Alabama (last year's national champ) will be looking to rain on their rival's party. I see that happening in all honesty, as the Tide will feature a fully rounded offensive attack to complement an ever-improving defense en route to an upset of the Auburn Tigers. Sure-fire Heisman winner Cam Newton will have a big game, but won't be able to do it all by himself for the first time this season. Nick Saban will kick Gene Chizik to the curb in this one.

Auburn- 28
Alabama- 34

#5 LSU (10-1) @ #12 Arkansas (9-2)
- Another upset in the making?? Yeah, probably. The Razorbacks have been kept under wraps from the national spotlight ever since losing to Alabama early in the year despite being in position to beat the defending champs throughout the entire game. I think that Ryan Mallett will lead Arkansas to a win against a very good LSU team, but I really can't defend my pick too well. LSU has a great defense that can keep Arkansas in check, but Ryan Mallett has to leave a mark for what should be his final year...right?

LSU- 17
ARK- 23

#13 Oklahoma (10-1) @ #9 Oklahoma State (10-1)
- Points. Lots of points. More points than you can think of. That is what I expect to see when these teams take the field on Saturday night. Oklahoma State features a Doak Walker finalist in running back Kendall Hunter and the eventual winner of the Biletnikoff Award in wide receiver Justin Blackmon, as well as an overachieving group of players that have taken this program to new heights. Oklahoma is...well...Oklahoma, and that is why I am picking them to beat their rivals in the Bedlam game and move on to the Big 12 Championship game.

Oklahoma- 52
OK State- 49

Big Ten Rundown-

Michigan @ #8 Ohio State - TBA

Northwestern (7-4, 3-4) @ #7 Wisconsin (10-1, 6-1)
- If Dan Persa was the quarterback for the Wildcats still, I would be hard pressed not to pull the trigger on calling the biggest upset of Big Ten season to happen in the final week. He is injured, Northwestern is 0-1 without him, and I don't see any luck bouncing the underdog's way this week. Wisconsin will wrap up a dominating Big Ten campaign at home to win its first Big Ten championship since 1999.

#10 Michigan State (10-1, 6-1) @ Penn State (7-4, 4-3)
- UPSET! I hate to think that PSU will finish the year 7-5 despite improving vastly over the course of one of the toughest schedules in America, so I am going to throw Joe Pa and the boys a bone and say that they steal a Big Ten title away from the Spartans and upset Michigan State. Sorry Coach Dantonio...maybe next year.

#24 Iowa (7-4, 4-3) @ Minnesota (2-9, 1-6)
- Literally nothing to say here other than that Iowa will win their eighth game of the season and will represent the Big Ten very well in their respective bowl game after dismantling Minnesota in the final regular season game of the year. This is a very talented yet unlucky bunch of guys, and my heart goes out to their four fourth quarter losses this season.

Indiana (4-7, 0-7) @ Purdue (4-7, 2-5)
- Yawn. I guess with three games being played that will affect the conference race there has to be a game or two that are pretty bad. Despite this being a bitter rivalry game, I'll go ahead and say that this is the worst one of the week. I'll go with Indiana to get their first win of the season in light of the fact that I think Purdue is a God awful team and IU is bound for some good fortune after some of the games they have lost this season. The fun fact for this game: none of the these teams are going bowling! Wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year because you won't see these guys again until 2011.

BCS Bowl Projections- Thanksgiving Week

2010-11-21T22:06:00.002-05:00

BCS National Championship-

Boise State Broncos - BCS #2
vs
Oregon Ducks - BCS #1

Rose Bowl-

Stanford Cardinal - At Large
vs
Wisconsin Badgers - Big Ten Champs

Fiesta Bowl-

TCU Horned Frogs - At Large
vs
Oklahoma Sooners - Big 12 Champs

Orange Bowl-

West Virginia Mountaineers - Big East Champs
vs
Virginia Tech Hokies - ACC Champs

Sugar Bowl-

Ohio State Buckeyes - At Large
vs
Auburn Tigers - SEC Champs

It's Time....

2010-11-20T23:17:00.004-05:00

It's Michigan Week!!!

And for the first time since 2007, both teams have a winning record.

In the event you have been living under a rock for the past several years or are just in complete denial like most Wolverine fans, Michigan has had a combined record of 8-16 the past two seasons.

If you have been living under a rock/been in denial for longer than that, here is a refreshing course: OSU has won eight of the past nine meetings.

Here's hoping for a seventh straight win over the Blue.

My Top Ten- Michigan Week

2010-11-20T19:34:00.009-05:00

1. Auburn (11-0, @ Alabama)
2. Oregon (10-0, vs Arizona)
3. Boise State (10-0, @ Nevada)
4. TCU (11-0, @ New Mexico)
5. Wisconsin (10-1, vs Northwestern)
6. LSU (10-1, @ Arkansas)
7. Ohio State (10-1, vs Michigan)
8. Stanford (10-1, vs Oregon State)
9. Oklahoma State (10-1, vs Oklahoma)
10. Alabama (9-2, vs Auburn)

Outside Looking In...

Michigan State
Virginia Tech
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Nebraska

Game 11- #9 Ohio State (9-1, 5-1) @ #20 Iowa Hawkeyes (7-3, 4-2)

2010-11-15T10:17:00.007-05:00

Where: Kinnick Stadium
When: 3:30 EST
TV: ABC/ESPN

This is when real OSU football is supposed to kick into gear, but it will be a daunting task going to Iowa City and expecting to knock off the Hawkeyes. Iowa heads into this game having lost two heartbreakers to Northwestern and Wisconsin and falling short of a comeback bid against Arizona at the beginning of the year. I suppose you can say it is karma for having won so many close games last season, but there is no doubting how talented this team is. From the beginning of the season it has been marked down as the battle for the Big Ten championship, and despite it failing to live up to those standards it doesn't make it any less important. Both want to win this game, and both need to win this game.... OSU just needs it more.

The ninth ranked Buckeyes are two wins away from their sixth straight Big Ten championship and their seventh overall under head coach Jim Tressel, so the magnitude of Saturday's game for the Buckeyes is slightly higher than that of the home team. With a 7-3 record and two losses in conference play, Iowa is all but eliminated from the conference race but can still realistically finish as high as #2 in the conference if it wins out and gets a little help. Iowa wants more than a trip to the Outback Bowl, so it is a matter of fact that they will be treating this game with as much respect and intensity as they would if they were about to clinch a conference title. If that is the case, then refer back to last season's game in Columbus and understand how tough it will be for whoever wins this game to gain and sustain much momentum.

I don't think it will be easy for the Buckeyes and I certainly don't think that Iowa is a "joke" because they haven't lived up to their lofty standards. They have lost to some good football teams, evidenced by losing to two teams inside the BCS top 22 including #7 Wisconsin back in October. Wisconsin has been basically unstoppable for the majority of their Big Ten championship run, yet Iowa put a hell of a scare into them when they squared off in Kinnick Stadium. The Buckeyes were hardly a blip on the radar when they played the Badgers under different circumstances, so we will see if that has any bearing on what will transpire tomorrow afternoon.

I like what Ohio State is doing right now with Boom Herron running the ball effectively (824 yards and 13 touchdowns on the season -- wow) and Terrelle Pryor at full strength being able to improvise and keep plays alive with his feet. I mention this because I think that Pryor's passing stats are going to be minimal the next two weeks with the rushing attack taking center stage versus Iowa and Michigan. That is not to say that Pryor won't have good games, but his good games will be masked by pedestrian overall statistics passing. I see him leading the offense well against Iowa and being able to put up just enough points to hold off Iowa. The BIG question mark is how will the defense play against a very balanced Hawkeyes offense that features the interception prone turned highly efficient QB Ricky Stazi and some nice wide receivers such as McNutt and Johnson-Koulianos. If the Buckeye defensive line cannot control the line of scrimmage and get pressure on Stanzi, then he should have no problem picking apart the secondary. That is not a knock on the secondary, but rather facing facts and understanding how this defense has played all season and knowing how good Stanzi has been in 2010.

The defense will play a decent game but will make plays when it counts in the fourth quarter to bolster a game winning touchdown drive on the road by Terrelle Pryor to give OSU a hard fought victory in Iowa City. I don't think it will be pretty, but unlike Wisconsin this team won't come out of the gates playing lethargic and hopefully will play to the best of their ability.

Almost Michigan week... I wonder if Denard Robinson will be in one piece or even the starter when he comes to Columbus.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 26
Iowa- 24

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 12

2010-11-15T10:04:00.003-05:00

The top three teams in the BCS all have bye weeks (has that ever happened before?), so there isn't anything too monumental going on. There are a few games that have BCS implications though so here they are.

#16 Virginia Tech (8-2) @ #24 Miami (7-3)
- Hmm... let's summarize the situation: Virginia Tech lost a heartbreaker to Boise State the first week of the season, then went on to lay an egg against an FCS team. They have won every game since that 0-2 start. Miami, on the other hand, has been one of the weirdest teams in college football to figure out. Losing on the road to Ohio State is respectable, but blowout losses to Florida State and Virginia (I know Miami almost came back, but it was an ass kicking) are slightly confusing. Both have had their moments this year where they haven't seemed worthy of much, but Virginia Tech has the consistency thing going for them so, yeah, I think they will beat down on Miami for sure. Not much more to really say about that one.

#8 Nebraska (9-1) @ #19 Texas A&M (7-3)
- I like Texas A&M a lot more now that I did heading into the season as they are starting to play complete games and playing much better defensively. Nebraska has an ailing QB and I'm sure the offense will suffer as a product of that, but I still have to go with the Cornhuskers to pull out the tough road win. I picked Nebraska to be 11-1 heading in the Big 12 Championship game at the beginning of the season so I need to back up my prediction.

#6 Stanford (9-1) @ California (5-5)
- There has to be an upset in the top ten, right? Stanford has been playing very good football all season long, but something has got to give here for the Cal Bears. They have played incredibly at home this season and really, truly, honestly should have beaten Oregon last weekend. I'll go ahead and say that Coach Tedford finds a way to rally the troops and take down the #2 team in the conference in Berkley.

Big Ten Rundown-

#9 Ohio State @ #20 Iowa- TBA

#7 Wisconsin (9-1, 5-1) @ Michigan (7-3, 3-3)
- It is a very rare occurrence, and I really do try to keep it to a minimum, but I will be rooting for the Michigan Wolverines this weekend. Look, I don't have to really HATE Michigan until after Saturday, so I am entitled to this one. If Wisconsin loses and Ohio State wins out, then by virtue of a higher BCS ranking than Michigan State (if they won out as well) the Buckeyes would head to Pasadena for the second year in a row. Chances of that happening: unlikely. Wisconsin is playing too well right now and Michigan is simply average. It'll be a decent game to watch for awhile, though.

Purdue (4-6, 2-4) @ #12 Michigan State (9-1, 5-1)
- Michigan State wins. Plain and simple. It is senior day in East Lansing so I really don't see a reason to pick Purdue. Next week's MSU-PSU game will be really fun to watch.

Illinois (5-5, 3-4) @ Northwestern (7-3, 3-3)
- It is being played at Wrigley Field, which will be the host of ESPN's College Gameday, so the atmosphere should be a lot of fun to be around. I love Northwestern's fight each and every season and their ability to pull off 8 or 9 win seasons with the smartest players in the conference. I'll go with brains over brawn in this one with Northwestern beating Illinois. Even if Illinois beats Fresno State to end the season I think that Ron Zook is a goner.

Penn State (6-4, 3-3) vs Indiana (4-6, 0-6)
- The game is being played at a neutral site, so that should add some intrigue for both sides involved. It really is unfair that Indiana is the only Big Ten team without a conference victory because facts are facts and Minnesota is a much worse football team that the Hoosiers. I want to give them a win badly, but they won't get it here. PSU will earn its seventh win of the season before taking on Michigan State in Happy Valley.

My Top Ten- Week 12

2010-11-14T11:45:00.003-05:00

1. Auburn (11-0, Bye Week)
2. Oregon (10-0, Bye Week)
3. TCU (11-0, Bye Week)
4. Boise State (9-0, vs. Fresno State)
5. Wisconsin (9-1, @ Michigan)
6. LSU (9-1, vs. Ole Miss)
7. Ohio State (9-1, @ Iowa)
8. Nebraska (9-1, @ Texas A&M)
9. Stanford (9-1, @ Cal)
10. Oklahoma State (9-1, @ Kansas)

Game 10- # Ohio State (8-1, 4-1) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (6-3, 3-2)

2010-11-06T17:10:00.024-04:00

Where: Ohio Stadium
When: 3:30 EST
TV: ABC Regional

The above image is just a glance into what the aftermath of the 2008 meeting with Penn State in the Shoe was like following a 13-9 loss to the Nittany Lions. I doubt such drama and sadness will ensue the game on Saturday. Although the last time PSU came into Columbus they were able to beat the Buckeyes, they still have not been able to win in Ohio's capital city too often. They are 1-7 since joining the Big Ten in 1993 when playing the Buckeyes in the friendly confines of Ohio Stadium, so chances are that OSU will win this game even without looking at the facts or rankings. Update: I just looked at the stats and rankings, and I'm very confident that Penn State will lose this game.

This will always be a challenging game from a physical perspective for both teams, however there is no denying that OSU has some major advantages over their rivals. Penn State may be playing better football but they still lack playmaking ability at wide receiver and have had shaky offensive line play all season - eh, it's been more about average QB play that anything, but regardless they have been average on offense. Former walk-on Matt McGloin will start for the Nittany Lions after playing very well the past two weeks against less than formidable defenses. This will be a whole new ball game for him, so look for him to commit at least two turnovers against the Silver Bullet defense. PSU, due to spotty coverage, will give up a lot of big plays in the intermediate passing game so guys like Dane Sanzenbacher, DeVier Posey, Jake Stoneburner, running backs like Boom Herron and Jordan Hall, and even Brandon Saine could see some big plays potentially open up throughout the game for them.

I believe that Terrelle Pryor will have his best game in November as Ohio State's quarterback on Saturday, thus leading the Buckeyes to a big win over their cross-state rivals. It will be physical, but PSU's inability to run the ball with stud RB Evan Royster will make all the difference as Pryor rushes for a score and throws for three more en route to a big time win in the Shoe.

Bring on Iowa.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 38
Penn State- 13

BCS Bowl Predictions- Week 11

2010-11-06T17:10:00.023-04:00

BCS National Championship (1/10, Glendale)

TCU Horned Frogs - BCS #2
vs.
Oregon Ducks - BCS #1

Rose Bowl (1/1, Pasadena)

Boise State Broncos - At Large
vs.
Wisconsin Badgers - Big Ten Champs

Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, 1/1)

LSU Tigers - At Large
vs.
Nebraska Cornhuskers - Big 12 Champs

Orange Bowl (1/3, Miami)

Virginia Tech Hokies - ACC Champs
vs.
Pitt Panthers - Big East Champs

Sugar Bowl (1/4, New Orleans)

Ohio State Buckeyes - At Large
vs.
Auburn Tigers - SEC Champs

Big Ten Rundown 11

2010-11-06T17:10:00.021-04:00

There aren't any games that deserve to be analyzed, so I'll just go ahead and look ahead to the games this coming Saturday throughout the conference.

Penn State @ #9 Ohio State - TBA

Indiana (4-5, 0-5) @ #7 Wisconsin (8-1, 4-1)
- The Hoosiers lost a heartbreaker to Iowa this past weekend, and while one could say that it has all the makings of a catapult to a big victory at some point this season I absolutely disagree. It was a demoralizing loss in my humble opinion and I do not see them recovering. Wisconsin wins this game handily in Madison en route to what seems more and more likely to be a trip to Pasadena to be your Rose Bowl representative from the Big Ten.

#13 Iowa (7-2, 4-1) @ Northwestern (6-3, 2-3)
- TRAP GAME! Iowa just came back from a near-losing road trip to Indiana, however has OSU to worry about after playing the Wildcats. You would think that Iowa would refocus and take care of business after almost losing but I see a team that will probably be looking ahead to Ohio State fall into the clutches of Ryan Field, where many many teams feel more like taking a nap then playing a football game. Iowa wins, but it will be close - VERY close.

Minnesota (1-9, 0-6) @ Illinois (5-4, 3-3)
- Don't want to talk about Minnesota; they are a disgrace to college football this season. Illinois rebounds from the Michigan loss and wins.

Michigan (6-3, 2-3) @ Purdue (4-5, 2-3)
- Purdue is bound to win another game this season, but it may not come until they play Indiana at the end of the season. Michigan is believing in their system right now despite a God-awful defense and seems to have their confidence back. Purdue will play very well (seemingly) but Michigan will squeak this one out I think. Look for the Wolverines to be 7-4 when they come to the Shoe to take on the Buckeyes.

My Top Ten- Week 11

2010-11-06T17:08:00.006-04:00

1. Auburn (10-0, vs Georgia)
2. Oregon (9-0, @ California)
3. TCU (10-0, vs San Diego State)
4. Boise State (8-0, @ Idaho)
5. LSU (8-1, vs UL-Monroe)
6. Wisconsin (8-1, vs Indiana)
7. Ohio State (8-1, vs Penn State)
8. Nebraska (8-1, vs Kansas)
9. Stanford (8-1, @ Arizona State)
10. Oklahoma State (8-1, @ Texas)

Outside Looking In...
Iowa
Michigan State
Alabama
Virginia Tech
Utah

The defending champs have officially been knocked out of the championship race, along with Oklahoma and the Utah Utes. This is all good news if you are a fan of Boise State or TCU, as those teams (especially Alabama) posed a legitimate threat to pass those teams over for a national championship berth if either Auburn or Oregon lost. Speaking of the top two teams in the country, Auburn gets to play Alabama in a few weeks while Oregon has to worry about Cal, Arizona and Oregon State to end the year and there are no guarantees for either team finishing undefeated.

I stand by an Oregon vs. TCU national championship game happening, but there is a lot of football to be played. For a lot of people that is simply music to their ears... including Ohio State fans. This is shaping up to be an awesome season.

BCS Bowl Predictions- Week 10

2010-10-31T15:36:00.006-04:00

BCS National Championship Game (1/10, Glendale)
TCU Horned Frogs- At Large
vs.
Oregon Ducks- Pac 10 Champs

Rose Bowl (1/1, Pasadena)
Wisconsin Badgers- Big Ten Champs
vs.
Boise State Broncos- At Large

Fiesta Bowl (1/1, Glendale)
Oklahoma Sooners- Big 12 Champs
vs.
Alabama Crimson Tide- At Large

Orange Bowl (1/3, Miami)
Florida State Seminoles- ACC Champs
vs.
Pitt Panthers- Big East Champs

Sugar Bowl (1/4, New Orleans)
Ohio State Buckeyes- At Large
vs.
Auburn Tigers- SEC Champs

I have a feeling that Oregon isn't going to lose this season, and the same can be said for TCU/Boise State. Henceforth, I will go ahead and say that a game between Oregon and a non-BCS school will unfortunately be the national championship game for this highly eventful season. Things change weekly and quite frankly I wouldn't be shocked to see a lot of other teams involved other than the Ducks or Horned Frogs/Broncos as the weeks go by.

Where do the Buckeyes end up? Right in their comfort zone: a game in SEC country against my projected SEC champion, the one-loss Auburn Tigers (obvious sarcasm). The hype for that game would be incredible.

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 10

2010-10-30T14:50:00.010-04:00

#6 Alabama (7-1) @ #10 LSU (7-1)
- Both teams have had a week off to get ready for this game, so it should be a very well fought game between these two SEC powerhouses. Bama is unscathed in the West division, while LSU lost to Auburn a few weeks ago meaning that the pressure is on LSU to win this game. If the Tigers lose, then they will basically be eliminated from playing for the SEC championship. It's in Death Valley, LSU has had a lot go their way this season and they have the only guy in the SEC in my opinion that can shut down WR Julio Jones. The issue: Alabama is simply better. I am rooting for Les Miles and the Tigers, but I think that the Tide will pull it off.

Bama- 24
LSU- 16

#3 TCU (9-0) @ #5 Utah (8-0)
- This may be the game of the week considering both of these teams are inside the BCS top five. If TCU wins, they are arguably in the drivers seat to be the next in line to play for the national championship if either Oregon or Auburn trips up. If Utah wins, then the debate will be on whether Boise or Utah is more worthy (and think of the publicity that will get for the Pac 12 heading into 2011). The Utes usually win at home in these situations, but I personally think that TCU could beat just about anyone in the country right now. Utah will have a chance to win in the end, but their comeback bid will fall just short.

TCU- 28
Utah- 27

Hawaii (7-2) @ #4 Boise State (7-0)
- No, I'm not kidding when I say that I believe Hawaii has some chance of knocking off the Broncos this weekend. I don't think they will pull it off, but they certainly have a chance and I'll tell you why. First, the Warriors lit up USC and almost beat them in the first game of the season (let's not talk about how bad the Trojan defense is though...). Secondly, despite another loss to a BCS school - Colorado - they went on to beat #19 Nevada and go on to beat the likes of Fresno State en route to an undefeated conference record and a 7-2 overall record. Finally, they only give up 20 points per game while scoring 40 points per game in addition to owning the top ranked passing offense in America. Boise will be shocked as the game is still in the balance in the second half, but Kellen Moore won't let the Broncos lose and rally the troops to beat Hawaii. If this game were being played in Hawaii then I would probably call for the upset.

Hawaii- 38
Boise St- 45

Big Ten Rundown

#9 Wisconsin (7-1, 3-1) @ Purdue (4-4, 2-2)
- If the Badgers are going to trip up again in 2010, it won't be against Purdue. The week off will serve well for Wisconsin as they go into West Lafayette rested and ready to roll Purdue to move to 8-1 on the year.

#16 Iowa (6-2, 3-1) @ Indiana (4-4, 0-4)
- Coming off a huge win over previously unbeaten Michigan State, Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes are probably breathing a huge sigh of relief that they get to play Indiana. It may be closer than the experts think, but Iowa will get the win.

Minnesota (1-8, 0-5) @ #14 Michigan State (8-1, 4-1)
- Yeah... Minnesota is really bad. MSU will win this game by a lot. Simple enough for you?

Illinois (5-3, 3-2) @ Michigan (5-3, 1-3)
- I really think that after coming back to almost beat Penn State that Michigan has some of its mojo back from its fast and furious start to the season. However, Illinois is playing extremely well and has been a handful for Michigan ever since Ron Zook arrived in Champaign. I'm going with the Illini by a small margin.

Northwestern (6-2, 2-2) @ Penn State (5-3, 2-2)
- PSU looked very good against Michigan (a lot of teams do lately) and hopes to get back on the winning track again as they look to victimize Northwestern in Happy Valley. I like Northwestern more than Penn State in all seriousness, but I will go ahead and say that PSU wins on a last second field goal to avoid a sub-.500 record in Big Ten play.

My Top Ten- Week 10

2010-10-30T14:49:00.004-04:00

1. Auburn (9-0, vs UT Chattanooga)
2. Oregon (8-0, vs Washington)
3. Boise State (7-0, vs Hawaii)
4. TCU (9-0, @ Utah)
5. Alabama (7-1, @ LSU)
6. Wisconsin (7-1, @ Purdue)
7. Ohio State (8-1, Bye Week)
8. Utah (8-0, vs TCU) Just waiting to see how the TCU game goes...
9. Oklahoma (7-1, @ Texas A&M)
10. LSU (7-1, vs Alabama)

Outside Looking In...
Nebraska
Stanford
Missouri
Arizona
Michigan State

Iowa is creeping back into the national stream of consciousness. I fully expect them to be close to the top 10 by the time the Buckeyes travel to Kinnick Stadium on November 20th. Just as many predicted, both Michigan State and Missouri went down. In the case of the Oregon Ducks they live to see another day in the BCS championship race as they once again scored an excessive amount of points in beating another unworthy Pac 10 opponent. It doesn't matter who the opponents are, but rather if you can beat whoever is presented on your schedule. Winning is all that matters, no matter what. A couple top ten matchups are in store for November 6th, as Alabama travels to LSU and Utah faces off with TCU at the Utes home turf. With both lower ranked teams hosting the favorites, I'm guaranteeing at least one big upset in those games. This is turning out to be a hell of a season.

Game 9- #11 Ohio State (7-1, 3-1) @ Minnesota Golden Gophers (1-7, 0-4)

2010-10-21T13:50:00.006-04:00

Where: TCF Bank Stadium (Minneapolis)
When: 8:00 PM EST
TV: ESPN

We all know I'm picking OSU to win and that it won't be much of a game at all, so I just wanted to take a minute or two to talk about the injuries on defense, what this team needs to do to become special and about Minnesota's new outdoor campus stadium.

Damn... the injuries continue to mount for the silver bullet defense as player after player has been ruled out since the season began. Here is a rough timeline that I have conducted with virtually no research, but rather based off my sometimes reliable memory: in Fall camp, injuries were sustained to starters Devon Torrence, Chimdi Chekwa, Jermale Hines and Ohrian Johnson. All were back for the season opener with the exception of OJ, who was replaced in the lineup by sophomore C.J. Barnett. The young safety then hurt his knee against Miami and was ruled out for the season. Johnson returned and all seemed well. Meanwhile, Tyler Moeller was having a sensational year coming back from a head injury in 2009 to be a Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week winner at his Star position (linebacker/safety hybrid). Little did we all know that Moeller had a ticking time bomb in his chest in the form of a not-fully-healed muscle that was torn against Illinois. In comes freshman Christian Bryant, who then was diagnosed with a foot infection and won't see the field until the bowl game (probably). Other injuries include players like Donnie Evege and Corey Brown as cornerback to NOT help matters in the defensive backfield. At least the front seven has remained healthy, right? Well, with the exception of captain, team leader and leading tackler in linebacker Ross Homan, who hurt his foot in the first half of the Wisconsin game and won't be back to playing until probably the Penn State game or worst-case scenario the Iowa game. Phew... these injuries are really starting to hurt the team.

I believe that the reason why this team isn't quite special yet has a lot to do with the injuries, but mainly to do with the lack of a true test before they played Wisconsin - they learned the hard way how tough life can be when you don't play Eastern Michigan- and also how they seemed to feel entitled to winning all of their games as the #1 ranked team in mid-October. Ohio State crushed Miami on national television and from then on out cruised to victories over Ohio, Eastern Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. No offense to Illinois who is playing really good football right now, but I think the cupcake schedule and the sense of entitlement that comes from being the top ranked team in America really threw the team's focus off course. When the main concern for a team heading into a showdown in Madison is the Jump Around session before the 4th quarter begins as opposed to focusing on the Wisconsin game plan, then you are going to have a lot of issues. The ego that had been non-existent at OSU all season long finally hit them going into Wisconsin, and they had their asses handed to them. I credit OSU's offense coming back and making it a game, but the defense simply couldn't make a stop.

Side note: of course special teams is involved in the whole mess... duh. Another note: I still believe that this team can be special. They really, really, really, really have to work on special teams heading into November, but aside from that all the pieces are there to win the remainder of their games and get back into the good graces of the top 5. Will they actually do what they are supposed to and win games in November? We shall see.

I want to end by saying that I love Minnesota's new stadium and that it beats the hell out of the Metrodome, yet I am saddened by the state of the program up in Minneapolis. A good program deserves a stadium of that caliber, and it's a shame that Gopher fans have to deal with an awful program and a team that is currently at the bottom of the Big Ten. If they had an average to above average team last year and this season, the outdoor facility would prove to be a true game changer. Instead, it is just something nice to look at while the inevitable happens, which in this case is a big time OSU beatdown. The Buckeyes will win this game handily. Now, off the much needed bye week.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 38
Minnesota- 7

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 9

2010-10-21T13:44:00.010-04:00

#5 Michigan State (8-0, 4-0) @ #18 Iowa (5-2, 2-1)
- There is something about this Spartan team that screams destiny all over them, and it is certainly hard to ignore. However that is exactly what a lot of people thought about Iowa around this time of the year last season, and they ended up losing two games in the conference. MSU's time is up, and it ends Saturday at Iowa. The Hawkeyes are hurting after a narrow loss to Wisconsin, but they will be up the task of fighting off a tough team in Kinnick Stadium. Sparty loses this one, but they go on to still have a fantastic season.

MSU- 23
Iowa- 24

#6 Missouri (7-0) @ #14 Nebraska (6-1)
- I liked the way that the Tigers played against Oklahoma, but they probably will fall short against the Cornhuskers. I have thought all year that while Nebraska is flawed they still possess a strong enough defense to get them through to the Big 12 championship game and an offense that when clicking is good enough to win it all for them. They lost their first big home game of the year in upset fashion to Texas, and they won't go 0 for two in Lincoln this early in the year versus big time teams. Missouri's unbeaten run will end.

Missouri- 27
Nebraska- 42

#2 Oregon (7-0) @ USC (5-2)
- I was dead on last week when I said that Oklahoma was going down, and I am now extremely confident in the fact that there really isn't a top ranked team in the country right now. Oregon sits on top of the human polls, and probably feels that they will thrash USC much like they did last season. I like the Trojans to get their first big win of the year en route to an upset over the Ducks. I'm telling you right now: this season is about to get even crazier.

UO- 31
USC- 35

Big Ten Rundown-

#11 Ohio State @ Minnesota- TBA

#5 Michigan State @ #18 Iowa- See Above

Michigan (5-2, 1-2) @ Penn State (4-3, 1-2)
- The Wolverines will have had two weeks to prepare for this game, so I am guessing that they will come out and execute better than they have in their last two Big Ten losses. The Nittany Lions, while not exactly a spectacle to watch, are coming off a win without their top QB. I think that confidence booster along with a strong running game will give PSU a close win over Michigan.

Northwestern (5-2, 1-2) @ Indiana (4-3, 0-3)
- The Wildcats feel they should be undefeated and they will play like it on Saturday. Indiana will surrender a lot of points and will feel the hurt after Northwestern becomes bowl eligible with a big win over the Hoosiers.

Purdue (4-3, 2-1) @ Illinois (4-3, 2-2)
- I have been saying all season long that I think Purdue is a bad team - albeit a scrappy one - and now I am saying that they have maybe slightly improved. That still won't be enough to beat Illinois in my opinion.

My Top Ten- Week 9

2010-10-21T13:43:00.012-04:00

1. Oregon (7-0, @ USC)
2. Auburn (8-0, @ Ole Miss)
3. Boise State (6-0, vs Louisiana Tech)
4. TCU (8-0, @ UNLV)
5. Michigan State (8-0, @ Iowa)
6. Missouri (7-0, @ Nebraska)
7. Alabama (7-1, Bye Week)
8. Wisconsin (7-1, Bye Week)
9. Ohio State (7-1, @ Minnesota)
10. Utah (7-0, @ Air Force)

Outside Looking In...
Oklahoma
LSU
Nebraska
Stanford
Florida State

Oregon should be number one in my opinion, but are they really the top team in the nation? I don't think anyone is right now, but they will do for the time being. Auburn soars to number two after beating LSU yesterday, while Oklahoma takes the long tumble to outside the top ten after losing to the undefeated Missouri Tigers, who are now the number two team in the Big 12 and ranked number six in my poll. Wisconsin stays ranked ahead of the Buckeyes as they should be but are still behind the undefeated Spartans. Utah cracks the top ten, while Boise and TCU are still sitting pretty within the top five. Things are getting crazy and should remain that way the rest of the season.

Game 8- #10 Ohio State (6-1, 2-1) vs. Purdue Boilermakers (4-2, 2-0)

2010-10-19T15:42:00.005-04:00

Where: Ohio Stadium
When: Noon EST
TV: Big Ten Network

There is a lot that can be said about the loss to Wisconsin, and at the same time there really isn't much to say. It happened, it's over, and this team can still win the Big Ten and hope for bigger and better things down the stretch. For now, it's on to revenge week for the Buckeyes.

"Get used to it"- Purdue Head Coach Danny Hope.

That was the quote from Purdue's head coach after the then-first year coach led Purdue to an upset over Ohio State last October. I bet that has been in the minds of OSU ever since they left West Lafayette that day.

I fully expect the Buckeyes to take care of it on Saturday afternoon, however not in the way that myself or many other fans would have envisioned it a week or so ago. Too many injuries have beleaguered this team on the defensive side of the ball and you have to think that it will eventually be tough for the team to continue their dominance week in and week out (and if you watched the game last week, the word dominant shouldn't even be associated with the Bucks anymore). Captain Ross Homan will miss the next few weeks due to an injured foot, starting nickelback Christian Bryant has an infection that will keep him out indefinitely, and two players that would provide linebacking depth missed last weeks game and will probably miss out on the Purdue game. Combine those issues with the loss of C.J. Barnett and Tyler Moeller for the season, and the current situation for Ohio State's defense isn't exactly golden. I still think they are an elite unit, but they will not be when they aren't at full strength such as now. The defensive line REALLY needs to step up for the first time since the Miami game in September. Their lack of a fight against Wisconsin was highly discouraging, and the secondary will need their help in order for this team to succeed in the long run.

I like Purdue to mount an early touchdown drive, and for the Buckeye offense to punt on two of their first three possessions... then the flood gates will open. This team is too talented to let a group like Purdue come in and step all over them once again. Get used to it Purdue, you aren't a very good program and your coach is full of it.

Pryor will account for three touchdowns while Boom Herron takes care of the rest in an exciting second half rout of the Boilermakers. Revenge is a dish best served at home, and OSU is salivating to get after it I'm sure.

By the way, the season isn't over yet. For anyone that thinks it is, please don't say a word until after the Michigan game. This team can still win the conference, and in all honesty it wouldn't be the craziest thing ever if they somehow found themselves back in the national championship picture.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 35
Purdue- 16

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 8

2010-10-18T12:22:00.003-04:00

(Note: Rankings now go by current BCS Standings)

#6 LSU (7-0) @ #4 Auburn (7-0)
- This is the start of the big time SEC gauntlet that is at hand the remainder of the season. LSU, Auburn and Alabama all play each other before the beginning of December and it should be a hell of a show to watch. First things first, LSU really hasn't done anything yet to truly impress me despite winning on the road at Florida - then again, the Gators lost to Mississippi State as well. I love the defense and I think that they should be able to give QB Cam Newton some trouble, but Auburn has a special feel about them. I am going to go with the home team here to pull out a huge conference victory. After this game the national champion talk will start to ring very loud throughout the nation and especially in the south.

LSU- 24
AU- 28

#13 Wisconsin (6-1, 2-1) @ #15 Iowa (5-1, 2-0)
- The Big Ten race has narrowed down to the following with each six weeks to play: Michigan State is undefeated, Iowa is in the driver's seat and controls their destiny despite MSU's record, Wisconsin is about third in line at this point, and the Buckeyes have fallen to the back of the pecking order. It is a four team competition, and this is when it starts to get interesting. I usually subscribe to the theory that after an upset, the team that delivered the win heard round the world usually falls a little short the next week. I will stick to my guns and say that Wisconsin plays well enough to win but the Hawkeyes will refuse to be pushed around like the Buckeyes were last Saturday. Iowa eliminates Wisconsin from the Big Ten conversation- for now - after a win in Kinnick Stadium.

Wisconsin- 20
Iowa- 27

#1 Oklahoma (6-0) @ #11 Missouri (6-0)
- This will be yet another upset in my opinion. Oklahoma is lacking something...not sure what, but they are missing a key component in what it takes to be a national champion. If it is not revealed this weekend, I believe that it will be sometime down the road. Missouri has the total package to manage to slow Oklahoma's offense down and ultimately steal a win from the Sooners. Missouri's Blane Gabbert needs to be healthy in order for this to come to fruition, though.

Oklahoma-31
Missouri- 33

Big Ten Rundown-

#10 Ohio State vs Purdue- TBA

#13 Wisconsin @ #15 Iowa- See Above

#7 Michigan State (7-0, 3-0) @ Northwestern (5-1, 1-1)
- This has trap game written all over it. While I think that Northwestern can make this a very interesting game, I don't believe that MSU will lose before their big game at Iowa next week. A very, very close win for the Spartans is what I see happening here.

Indiana (4-2, 0-2) @ Illinois (3-3, 1-2)
- Yawn. Illinois will play sound defense and capitalize off of two big turnovers from QB Ben Chappell on their way to sending the Hoosiers packing. Illinois is a very odd team to figure out, but I definitely know that their defense is legit.

Penn State (3-3, 0-2) @ Minnesota (1-6, 0-3)
- Um... I really don't know here. Penn State should win but they really aren't playing well at all this season. There are too many injuries to keep the Lions from being too competitive. However, at the end of the day, I guess it is Minnesota and they don't have to play to save Tim Brewster's job (not that they would want to in the first place). I'll go with Joe Pa in this one.

And Michigan has a much needed bye week. Denard getting hurt, you say? Who could see that coming? Who could also predict that once good teams arrived on the schedule Michigan would suffer on both sides of the ball? Well, I guess you should give Michigan props for coming back against Iowa, but who was at quarterback? Man, things are weird up in Ann Arbor. I'll guarantee a win against Purdue, but outside of that who knows. Penn State isn't good, so there is a chance for a win on the road there, and Illinois just doesn't have the greatest offense around. Three Big Ten wins should be the cap on what the Wolverines will do, but even then that would be a great success. 8 wins would be light years ahead of what the team has done the past two seasons.

The Writing on the Wall

2010-10-17T17:59:00.007-04:00

I didn't see this coming, yet the facts/signs were there.

I wrote on Thursday that it was evident that if there was a game that this team would lose this season it would be @ Wisconsin, historically and factually speaking. The Badgers just seem to have whatever makes OSU vulnerable to a loss, and Saturday was no exception.

Seriously, why do some people think Wisconsin is a joke? My question is do these people watch football? They play hard nosed, physical football and are 9 to 10 win candidates every single year.
They may not be elite - I certainly don't believe that - but they are a tough team to deal with. If Wisconsin had better overall talent then they would look like a lot of OSU teams of the past.

I was afraid that this type of game might happen, either on the road at Wisconsin or at Iowa, but not like this. UW absolutely destroyed the Buckeyes up front on the offensive line and ran the ball down their throats like no other team I have seen in years. It was an unbelievable thing to witness, and I guess you have to give Wisconsin credit for that.

I give credit to Wisconsin being the better prepared and more prepared team that night and having a raucous crowd on hand to witness the beatdown. What I do not give them credit for is the fact that the Buckeyes came in not ready for the challenge at hand and immediately felt the sting as David Gilreath returned a kickoff return to the house on the very first play of the game, and the momentum never really seemed to trail off. Well, the only instance I suppose would be when Ohio State ran off 18 straight points to make it a field goal game. That was the only time I was proud of the Buckeyes that night, because the defense that is supposed to be one of the best in the nation decided to sit back and take it all night long in Madison.

Too bad, because I really thought this team was special. The Buckeyes are still very good in my opinion, but they aren't special. They have two weeks to get wins against Purdue and Minnesota before they have a bye week, which much like last season should give the team time to focus and realize that the season isn't over and the Big Ten is still at hand.

I really don't want to say this now, but a national championship appearance still isn't out of the realm of possibility.

Let's see if this team can become special between now and November 27th.

Top Ten- Week 8

2010-10-14T20:27:00.004-04:00

1. Oregon (6-0, vs UCLA)
2. Boise State (6-0, Bye Week)
3. Oklahoma (6-0, @ Missouri)
4. TCU (7-0, vs Air Force)
5. Auburn (7-0, vs LSU)
6. LSU (7-0, vs Auburn)
7. Michigan State (7-0, @ Northwestern)
8. Alabama (6-1, @ Tennessee)
9. Wisconsin (6-1, @ Iowa)
10. Ohio State (6-1, vs Purdue)

Outside Looking In...
Utah (6-0)
Nebraska (5-1)
Iowa (5-1)
Stanford (5-1)
Florida State (6-1)

Yep... the championship race (both nationally and within several conferences) has become very, very interesting.

Game 7- #1 Ohio State (6-0, 2-0) @ #16/18 Wisconsin Badgers (5-1, 1-1)

2010-10-10T12:56:00.008-04:00

Where: Camp Randall Stadium (Madison, WI)
When: 7:15 PM EST
TV: ESPN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO6aUNpPYco&p=E24E4AB463E01AEB&playnext=1&index=58

That clip always reminds me of the crazy atmosphere that encompasses a trip to Madison, as well as how loose our team has become in big games.

Make no mistake about it: this will be, in my opinion, our toughest all around test of the season. Why do I think that? Here are the following reasons: it is the first legitimate road game of the year, it just so happens to be in Camp Randall Stadium, it is at night, Wisconsin tends to be OSU's kryptonite every now and then, and September/October is when the Buckeyes are most vulnerable. Flukes happen, but Ohio State has only lost four regular season games in November under Jim Tressel, two of which came in seasons where Ohio State had seven regular season wins. The other two: Jim's only loss to Michigan since he took the job in Columbus, and a shocking upset loss to Illinois on Senior Day in 2007. In other words, facts are facts and OSU is generally going to lose before November rolls around and the team is at full go.

An October night game at Wisconsin should sound familiar to Buckeye fans, as the team has played in two of those since the 2003 season. They are 1-1 in those games, losing 17-10 in 2003 (which snapped the nations longest winning streak at 19 games) and coming back to win in 2008 under freshman Terrelle Pryor, 20-17. Wisconsin has made a modest living out of beating Ohio State as of late, going 4-4 vs the Buckeyes in the past decade. Also, Wisconsin has ALWAYS moved the ball, even against some of the best OSU defenses in the Tressel era. If Wisconsin doesn't run the ball the way that they want to, then the play-action pass opens up. Last season alone Wisconsin had 368 yards of total offense - 250 of which came through the air (mostly off play-action), 22 first downs and managed to total over 100 yards running the ball as a team. The Badgers don't have the talent across the board like more elite programs, nor do they have special players at key positions such as quarterback, but they are a tough, hard-nosed and physical football team that brings it to every opponent each and every week. There is the problem right there, though. You can bring it all you want, but without the special talent you will never be a consistent threat to win the Big Ten. Wisconsin is a nice team that I still think can win nine or ten games and represent the conference very nicely during bowl season, but they are nowhere near the caliber of Ohio State in 2010.

It may sound like I've been gushing over Wisconsin for months now, but let's get one thing clear: I've presented facts. Not biased opinions, but facts. Factually speaking, Wisconsin is always a tough game and have been in every game they have played against the Buckeyes since renewing the series in 2007 (before then they would just win as opposed to simply competing)... but they won't win on Saturday night.

College Gameday will be in Madison and the rabid Badger fans will be chomping at the bit to take on the #1 team in America, but the talent gap is too wide this season. Terrelle Pryor will have a good game, and while it may not be a truly Heisman-worthy performance it will still be a very nice, efficient day at the ball park for him. The running game will mostly rely on the legs of Pryor and a key fourth quarter touchdown by Boom Herron to ice the game as the pass-heavy Buckeyes beat the Badgers by a couple of touchdowns. Look for DeVier Posey to have a very big game, along with Dane Sanzenbacher and TE Jake Stoneburner who has returned from injury.

It will be loud, crazy and often times may seem like Wisconsin has all the momentum, but don't believe for a second that Wisconsin will win this game.

I'm just stating facts (hopefully I'm not eating crow on Sunday).

Prediction:

Ohio State- 31
Wisconsin- 17

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 7

2010-10-09T23:59:00.004-04:00

#12/13 Arkansas (4-1) @ #7 Auburn (6-0)
- The Auburn Tigers have the feel of a team that will be in the SEC and national championship picture until the very end, as both their play and their ability to pull out close victories has shown this season. They simply have the feel of a winner. HOWEVER --- Arkansas is due for a big win as they had Alabama on the ropes and haven't beaten a very good team so far this year with Ryan Mallett under center (@ Georgia and @ Texas A&M don't count for me). The Razorbacks will upset Auburn this weekend in Jordan Hare Stadium and take some momentum away from the first half of the season.

Arkansas- 34
Auburn- 31

#14/15 Iowa (4-1, 1-0) @ #24/NR Michigan (5-1, 1-1)
- Iowa is a very good team and any fan of college football an attest to that, however all good - not great - teams can have the occasional pitfall. Michigan may be that very game, as it is on the road and the Wolverines believe that they can take on anyone in the conference (despite losing to their "little brothers" big time). Denard Robinson should have a better game than he did last week, but don't expect a monumental leap. We can all see Michigan's true colors now and they don't permeate dominance evidently. Iowa will seize control early and often en route to a nice road win before taking on Michigan State.

Iowa- 35
Michigan- 20

That's it... those are your games of the week. Not too many marquee match ups, but these are the type of weeks that you need to watch out for because they usually surprise the hell out of you.

Big Ten Rundown-
#1 Ohio State @ # Wisconsin- TBD

#14/15 Iowa @ #24/NR Michigan- See Above

Illinois (3-2, 1-1) @ #11/13 Michigan State (6-0, 2-0)
- I am torn on this game, and it is not because I think that Illinois is better than Michigan State. Aside from Ohio State, these two teams have certainly been playing as well as anyone in the conference. The Spartans are fresh off convincing wins over Wisconsin and Michigan, while Illinois took OSU to the wire and beat Penn State on the road. The Illini are really starting to gel and it is certainly showing. I think that Ron Zook and his latest staff will keep MSU's offense from doing too much in the first half and keep it very close heading into the fourth....but I can't pick against Sparty right now. Michigan State wins a low scoring, close affair.

Minnesota (1-5, 0-2) @ Purdue (3-2, 1-0)
- I'm calling for the upset here over Purdue- again. Purdue just beat Northwestern which is something that can catapult them to a potential bowl berth, but I doubt it. The Boilermakers are too beat up and Minnesota is desperate for a win. The fighting Tim Brewster's live long enough to see their coach get a Big Ten win in 2010 with an upset on Saturday.

Arkansas State @ Indiana (3-2, 0-2)
- I fail to mention what Arkansas State's record is because I really don't think it matters at all in this situation. Indiana's offense will shred them for 500 plus yards of offense en route to a big win over a lackluster Sun Belt team. Good for IU... good for them.

Top Ten- Week 7

2010-10-09T17:25:00.007-04:00

1. Ohio State (6-0, @ Wisconsin)
2. Oregon (6-0, Bye Week)
3. Boise State (5-0, @ San Jose State)
4. TCU (6-0, vs BYU)
5. Oklahoma (5-0, vs Iowa State)
6. Nebraska (5-0, vs Texas)
7. Auburn (6-0, vs Arkansas)
8. LSU (6-0, vs McNeese State)
9. Alabama (5-1, vs Ole Miss)
10. Michigan State (6-0, vs Illinois)

Utah (5-0)
South Carolina (4-1)
Arkansas (4-1)
Iowa (4-1)
Stanford (5-1)

Wow... what a shake up in college football. It is always the weeks where you wake up and say "this will be a boring day of football" that the craziness happens and the upsets ensue. Obviously the headlining loss featured Alabama, who had their secondary FINALLY exposed by South Carolina. All the credit in the world goes to the Gamecocks who refused to let their lead slip even though there were plenty of opportunities for Bama to strike back. Arizona, who had struggled the past few weeks to win games, lost to a scrappy Oregon State team to fall out of the top ten and ultimately my top 15. Which teams helped their cause the most? For starters LSU certainly did by beating Florida in the Swamp (how many lives does Les Miles have??) and seizing control of the SEC West -- but wait! Auburn also benefits by the Alabama loss, meaning that Auburn and LSU are tops in the division, with Alabama and Arkansas keeping chase. The East is a mess at this point with South Carolina the top team at this point. Oregon benefits along with the undefeated Big 12 teams in Oklahoma and Nebraska. Boise and TCU believe just a little bit more that they can somehow sneak their way into the championship game. Last, but not least, the Ohio State Buckeyes are now the #1 team in college football.

Half of the season is over, so most of this means absolutely nothing. Stay tuned for the rest of the season to see where things are heading going into the bowl season.

Game 6- #2 Ohio State (5-0,1-0) vs. Indiana Hoosiers (3-1,0-1)

2010-10-06T23:50:00.006-04:00

Where: Ohio Stadium
When: Noon EST
TV: ESPN

There isn't too much to say because it is Indiana and OSU does not lose to Indiana. However, there are a few things to talk about that don't surround the game itself. It seems as if a lot of Buckeye fans are starting to think that this isn't as good of a team as most people originally thought early on in the year. Why? Because they had one rough game? That isn't a reason to throw away your high hopes. The offense was missing Stoneburner and simply was out of their element in a conservative offense, while the wind heavily contributed to the lack of points. Plus Illinois played some good football - let's not forget that part. I still think that this is a top two team and it should stay that was for the rest of the season. Losing safety Tyler Moeller for the year hurts but if there is one thing that the Bucks are good at it is finding guys to step in and contribute. That player should be true freshman Christian Bryant, who played significantly last week vs the Illini in relief of Moeller. Oh and about the running game: it will get better. All Tressel teams improve as the year goes on, and as the progression goes so will the improvement of the running attack. I am hoping that sophomore Jordan Hall gets more carries, but I digress.

In my opinion, this will be a very pesky Hoosier team in the Shoe tomorrow and OSU won't just step onto the field and obliterate them. It will take time but the passing attack will take its course, with Pryor hitting Sanzenbacher and Posey for two big touchdowns, while the defense, running game and special team (I'm calling for a special teams score!) will take care of business. Indiana gets in the endzone twice, but it won't matter as the home team moves on to Wisconsin week after a substantial victory in the friendly confines of Ohio Stadium.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 45
Indiana- 14

Buckeye Football Madness

Big Ten Bowl Predictions- FINAL

FINAL BCS Predictions

Oh Yeah...My Predictions

BCS Bowl Projections- 11/26

My Top Ten- Week 13

End of an Era

THE GA*E- Ohio State (6-5, 3-4) @ #15 *ichigan (9-2, 5-2)

My Top Ten- Week 13

Game 11- Ohio State (6-4, 3-3) vs Penn State (8-2, 5-1)

Week 12 Bowl Projections

Week 12 Big Ten Rundown

My Top Ten- Week 12

Game 10- Ohio State (6-3,3-2) @ Purdue (4-5,2-3)

Week 11 Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown

My Top Ten- Week 11

Game 9- Ohio State (5-3, 2-2) vs Indiana (1-8, 0-5)

Week 10 Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown

My Top Ten- Week 10

Guess I'm Not Crazy After All

Game 8- Ohio State (4-3, 1-2) vs #15 Wisconsin (6-1, 2-1)

Week 9 Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown

My Top Ten- Week 9

Any Given Saturday

My Top Ten- Week 8

Statement: Check

Game 7- Ohio State (3-3, 0-2) @ #15/16 Illinois (6-0, 2-0)

My Top Ten- Week 7

Game 6- Ohio State (3-2, 0-1) @ #14/15 Nebraska (4-1, 0-1)

My Top Ten- Week 6

Game 5- #25/NR Michigan State (3-1) @ Ohio State (3-1)

Week 5 Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown

My Top Ten- Week 5

Game 4- Ohio State (2-1) vs Colorado (1-2)

Week 4 Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown

How Bad is it, and How Bad Will it Get?

My Top Ten- Week 4

Game 3- #16/17 Ohio State (2-0) @ Miami (0-1)

Week 3 Games of the Week

My Top Ten- Week 3

Quick Thought

Game 2- #15 Ohio State (1-0) vs Toledo (1-0)

Week 2 Games of the Week

My Top 10- Week 2

Week 1 Games of the Week

Game 1- #16/18 Ohio State vs Akron

Big Ten Preview- #4 Michigan State

Big Ten Preview- #5 Northwestern

Big Ten Preview- #6 Penn State

Big Ten Preview- #7 Iowa

Big Ten Preview- #8 Illinois

Big Ten Preview- #9 Michigan

Big Ten Preview- #10 Purdue

Big Ten Preview- #11 Minnesota

Big Ten Preview- #12 Indiana

Big Ten Predictions

Coming Soon to Theaters

My Preseason Top 25

Time Truly Frees a Troubled Mind

All-Tressel Era Team- Defense

All-Tressel Era Team- Offense

Let the Countdown Begin

Enough Said...

FOCUS - DETERMINATION - VICTORY

2011 Allstate Sugar Bowl- #6 Ohio State (11-1) vs. #8 Arkansas Razorbacks (10-2)

Final Sugar Bowl Updates/Thoughts

PIG SUEY!!! GET ER DONEEEEE YA'LL!!!

Thoughts on the NCAA Suspensions

Arkansas- Quick Breakdown

Pour Some Sugar on the Buckeyes

Final BCS Bowl Predictions (12/4)

I Can Almost Taste It...

Championship Game Rundown

BCS Bowl Predictions: Pre-Championship Games

My Top Ten- Championship Week

Game 12- #8 Ohio State (10-1, 6-1) vs. Michigan Wolverines (7-4, 3-4)

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 13

BCS Bowl Projections- Thanksgiving Week

It's Time....

My Top Ten- Michigan Week

THE GAE- Ohio State (6-5, 3-4) @ #15 ichigan (9-2, 5-2)