Game 2- #2 Ohio State (1-0) vs. #12 Miami Hurricanes (1-0)

Where- Ohio Stadium
When- 3:40 PM EST
TV- ESPN

Due to its controversial nature (despite 98% of NCAA officials agreeing with the call), this is the play that fans remember from the 2003 national championship game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLqrAcQuqVo&feature=related

Despite what Miami fans or anyone else thinks, this is all I remember and quite frankly all I care about. It is a memory that will last with me and the rest of Buckeye nation until the day I die.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGQYgyOOP2s&feature=related

No need to sugarcoat the facts here; this is a HUGE game. I think that this game will be the biggest litmus test for the Buckeyes in this young season, which isn't a far fetched statement considering the next four opponents are Ohio University, Eastern Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. If OSU is able to win this game, whether it is by the smallest of margins or a complete blowout, it should give them loads of confidence to be able to handle the rigors of their remaining Big Ten schedule from October through November that includes games against Wisconsin, Penn State, Iowa and maybe -- just maybe -- a resurgent Michigan team.

I feel as if there isn't as much to say as in the past with big games such as these. We have witnessed plenty of good times in big games over the past decade to complement the most recent disappointments. When the spotlights come on though the Buckeyes refuse to run away, but rather take on their opponent head on as all powerhouse programs should do. The key here is that the last time there was a game of this magnitude it was for a Rose Bowl championship and the Buckeyes were able to bring home a victory to Columbus against Oregon, 26-17. The monkey is off the back, the elephant is out of the room, insert another saying/analogy/metaphor -- the days of losing these type of games is OVER.

The twelfth ranked Hurricanes boast a lot of talent stemming from their ability to recruit the Sunshine State very well as of late, and seemingly believe that after a 9-4 season they are more talented and simply a better team than the Buckeyes. Da U has also issued such statements as to say that this represents a revenge game from the 2003 Fiesta Bowl national championship game, that Miami is a lock to win it, and that we are too "slow" (that last one never gets old for me). Here's the deal: they haven't done anything since before the last time these two teams met back in January of '03. The Miami program is certainly on the rise, but that is what you would expect from a program that went from arguably being the best in college football to winning 7, 5 and 7 games in recent years before rebounding with last year's 9 win output. They still recruit well, don't get me wrong, but Florida and now even Florida State are able to sway recruits out of the Miami area. Miami is all swag with not quite enough juice to back up their talk. It's cool that they talk, because it makes my week all the more enjoyable, but it just isn't the way to go if you are a big underdog.

I could go on and on and on about how Miami has been bashing the Buckeyes, or how even Head Coach Randy Shannon has had some choice words to say about Columbus and the OSU football program in the past, but that isn't going to matter once the game starts. It is all about the major factors that play into football games: line play, quarterback play, mistakes (or lack of them), coaching, experience, talent, and intangibles. Ohio State has my edge in terms of line play, despite the fact that Miami likes to gloat about their eight sack performance against the might Florida A&M Rattlers. Come to think of it, OSU has the advantage in each and every one of those categories, which mathematically means that the Buckeyes will roll to a huge victory over the Hurricanes.

As Lee Corso would say, not so fast! Ohio State will win this game because of everything I mentioned above, but Miami will make this a game at some point. They are too talented and too hyped for this game to just sit back and get blown out by the might second ranked Buckeyes. I think that Jacory Harris will throw for at least two touchdowns to keep Miami's upset hopes alive, but there will be too much of the OSU offense and too much action from the Silver Bullet defense to escape Columbus with a victory.

Terrelle Pryor will have a third straight confident, poised performance en route to throwing for at least two touchdowns (I'll go out on a limb and say that the players on the receiving end will be TE Jake Stoneburner and WR DeVier Posey) and rushing for one as the Buckeyes top the Hurricanes on Showdown Saturday.

Ohio State is the better team, is hungry and hasn't taken too kindly to the things that Miami has had to say all offseason and all this week.

Good luck, 'Canes. You are in for an angry reception once you arrive at the Horseshoe.

Oh, and I just checked the weather for Saturday, and it reads as follows: 60% chance of rain during the game, but no strong winds or heavy rain anticipated.... even though I thought that a hurricane was coming to town. Hmm, interesting. It must've left its talent down in South Beach.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 34
Miami- 17

Interesting Take from Miami....

Apparently the Horseshoe isn't all it is cranked out to be in big games.

Well, Miami should find out what it is like to have a consistent, passionate fan base pack the stadium each week to support the team whether it is against Youngstown State or the mighty 2010 Hurricanes of the University of Miami, FL in Coral Gables (AKA Thug U).

I give Da U the benefit of the doubt, though. They haven't been able to sell out since...............anyone know the answer to that question? Don't get cute with me because I know that they just about sold out versus Oklahoma last year, but you get the picture. Once a year doesn't cut it for me.

http://www.fanfeedr.com/ncaa-football/2010/09/08/the-horseshoe-is-hardly-hostile

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 2

#14/18 Penn State (1-0) @ #1 Alabama (1-0) -
Plain and simply, PSU doesn't have much of a shot to win this game. However, that could be their biggest asset going into this big time showdown in Tuscaloosa. Here me out: the Lions know that they are traveling to their own funeral this weekend, and know that they have to play perfect football to be in the conversation against the defending champs. That motivation will keep them in this ball game for at least the first half. I think that freshman QB Robert Bolden will play efficient enough early on due to a solid performance by Evan Royster on the ground, but the second half will unravel as 'Bama tightens up their D and runs away with two big touchdown drives to crush any hopes PSU had of an upset. But then again, who really thinks they can win this game anyway? I'll reiterate: I don't think they do at all....but they will fight.

Alabama- 34
Penn State- 16

#17/18 Florida State (1-0) @ #10 Oklahoma (1-0) -
The biggest topic surrounding this game seems to be about the offenses that will take the field, and rightfully so. Both Oklahoma and FSU have big time, talented air attacks to complement sound running games. Whether it is QB Christian Ponder, WR Bert Reed and a very good offensive line for the Seminoles, or QB Landry Jones, RB DeMarco Murray and WR Ryan Broyles for the home team, there will most certainly be many opportunities to score touchdowns all game long for both teams. I've gotta tell you that I don't think it is going to be touchdown after touchdown after big play after big play. Florida State has a much improved, athletic defense while Oklahoma should have a great defense this season. The Sooners win because they simply do not lose at home, but it won't be a high scoring affair in my humble opinion. This should be fun to watch (too bad I'll be at the OSU game).

Oklahoma- 27
FSU- 23

#19/22 Georgia (1-0) @ #24/25 South Carolina (1-0) -
Woahhhhhh nelly! Stud WR A.J. Green has really hurt the Georgia Bulldogs after being suspended three more games by the NCAA for selling a game-worn jersey in Athens. Oops, there goes the biggest weapon that UGA has. South Carolina will always have a good defense, but this season the offense figures to be much improved behind a nice running attack and seemingly improved QB play. I think that Georgia has a chance to get to the SEC championship game - especially after the way Florida looked last weekend- but this won't be their game to win. It will be hard fought just as it usually is in this annual conference opening game, but I like SC's prospects in this game more. I'm calling for the upset.

S. Carolina- 22
Georgia- 17

Michigan (1-0) @ Notre Dame (1-0) -
I say this every year, and I hope to keep saying it as long as I live: I love watching this game. It is such a classic match up that symbolizes why college football is so great. This is a fine rivalry game and one of my favorite early season games to check out each season. I do not expect the 2010 edition to be any different. It will be difficult for Notre Dame to stop the running ability of QB Denard Robinson and subsequently the running game as a whole for Michigan. If the Wolverine offensive line plays up to their ability for a second week in a row, then they will probably win this game. I don't see that happening, however. Notre Dame has been knocked for bad defensive play in recent years, but this is going to be a different year for the Irish. It will be the defense of Notre Dame, not the offensive fireworks, that wins them this game in South Bend. This game generally goes back and forth each year, so I'll take the home team.

Notre Dame- 24
Michigan- 23

Big Ten Rundown

So last week could have probably gone a little better, but all in all it wasn't a bad week. The team that looked the most impressive outside of the top contenders -- OSU, Iowa and Wisconsin -- would have to be the Michigan Wolverines. Before you lecture me on how I could be getting on their bandwagon a little too soon, you should take a deep breath and understand that I am right there with you! I don't think they are a good team... yet. They have the makings, as we all expected, of having a nice offense that should be able to keep them in just about any game (outside of OSU). The defense is what really impressed me against UConn, but we will see how they do against Notre Dame on the road. QB Denard Robinson was electrifying on the ground and had a nice day through the air en route to a 200 yard performance both throwing and running. Keep an eye on the Wolverines in the early going. Other than that, Minnesota looked like a joke playing Middle Tennessee State. Henceforth, my opinion on them hasn't changed. They should be the worst team in the Big Ten in 2010.

#12 Miami, FL @ #2 Ohio State- TBA
Michigan @ Notre Dame- See Above
#14/18 Penn State @ #1 Alabama- See Above
Iowa State @ #9 Iowa (The Hawkeyes won't overlook their in-state rivals)
San Jose State @ #11 Wisconsin (Wisconsin will play a much cleaner game on Saturday)
Florida Atlantic vs. Michigan State at Ford Field (MSU should take care of things)
Illinois State @ Northwestern (Sigh)
Western Illinois @ Purdue (Sigh part II)
Southern Illinois @ Illinois (Sigh part... wait, how will that Illinois QB situation look?)
South Dakota @ Minnesota- (Sigh, sigh, sigh. I can't wait for Big Ten season)

My Top Ten- Week 2

1. Ohio State (1-0, vs Miami, FL)
2. Alabama (1-0, vs Penn State)
3. Oregon (1-0, @ Tennessee)
4. Texas (1-0, vs Wyoming)
5. Boise State (1-0, Bye Week)
6. Florida (1-0, vs South Florida)
7. Iowa (1-0, vs Iowa State)
8. TCU (1-0, vs Tennessee Tech)
9. Nebraska (1-0, vs Idaho)
10. Virginia Tech (0-1, vs James Madison)

Outside Looking In...
Miami, FL (1-0)
Wisconsin (1-0)
Oklahoma (1-0)

A lot to talk about here, because the way that I rank now is more based on what have you done lately to earn your spot than in the past. I hate the way that the polls are done with the media and coaches. It's all politics and homering when it comes to those things. Here is how I break down my poll...

Who stays put because of the way that they played:
Ohio State
Alabama

The top two teams in the nation did what they had to do to stay on top, and that was win big against inferior opponents. If OSU struggled against Marshall and Alabama still played the way that they did, I would probably have the defending champs on top.

Who improved their positioning:
Oregon
Boise State
TCU

Obviously, Boise State had a huge win last night for their program after a comeback in the final two minutes to beat Virginia Tech 33-30. They deserve to be given more consideration despite a terrible schedule. TCU has a tougher schedule and beat a good Oregon State team, however they still have more teams to beat in order for me to put them ahead of Boise State. We will see how that goes. The bottom line is that they have a quarterback that is very highly respected around the nation - deservedly so - that just also happens to turn the ball over a lot in big games. That needs to change for them to be the best non-BCS team in America. Boise is ahead of the game in terms of the look test, but TCU can change all of that with a tougher Mountain West schedule.

And then there is the Oregon Ducks. Wow. They didn't have their best player on the field in sophomore RB LaMichael James and they still won 72-0 against New Mexico. I understand that New Mexico isn't an amazing season opening opponent, but Oregon was the best looking team in college football this weekend. With the way that they looked, plus a schedule that will give them every opportunity to defend their Pac 10 title and go to the national championship game, I have them at #3 in the nation now.

The rest of the bunch:
Texas
Florida
Iowa
Nebraska
Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech lost obviously, but I think that they are going to give a lot of people trouble down the stretch assuming the defense improves (which I think they will). Texas started slow but looked good, along with Iowa and Nebraska. Florida really didn't look impressive, but you have to take that with a grain of salt. OSU has had these type of games all the time, and they still seem to figure things out. UF has tons of talent, but these guys are used to being led by big names like Tim Tebow, Brandon Spikes, Maurkice Pouncey, Joe Haden, Major Wright, Carlos Dunlap, etc. Teams like Florida reload, but it certainly takes time. Let's see how they play against South Florida, a game in which they should definitely be up for as opposed to a team that went 1-11 in 2009.

Game 1- #2 Ohio State Buckeyes vs Marshall Thundering Herd

Where: Ohio Stadium
When: 7:30 PM (Thursday, Sept. 2nd)
TV: Big Ten Network

The last time that Ohio State met Marshall, it was 2004 and it took Mike Nugent's golden foot to save the day in the final seconds. Let's hope that the same situations doesn't present itself on Thursday night.

How odd does that sound by the way? A Thursday night game! At Ohio State! I never thought I would see the day, yet I am not shocked as it is all about the dollars and cents that are thrown at the universities and athletic departments these days. Still, it will be very odd when I am in the Shoe on a weekday watching Buckeye football. I digress...

Football is finally back in the good graces of the present and for once, ladies and gentleman, optimism in Columbus is back in full force to begin the 2010 season. Not since the season opener of the 2006 season (OSU entered the polls ranked #1 in the nation) has there been this much hype and anticipation for Buckeye football, and it isn't hard to figure out why. Going into the 2006 campaign, the men of the scarlet and gray were coming off a 34-20 Fiesta Bowl victory over Notre Dame. Hmmm... sounds familiar.... oh yeah! The Buckeyes overcame the red-hot Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl 26-17 back in January to set up a run at the national championship in 2010 -- correction, in a few days. Thursday will mark the first time in four years that the Bucks will enter a season coming off a bowl victory. Winning bowl games in college football is the ultimate spring board to bigger and better things the following year, and for a team starving for success as much as Ohio State had been in recent years things could be very, very interesting this season.

The Thundering Herd shouldn't present any major obstacles for OSU to hurdle en route to a season opening victory, but there are a few things to watch out for here. Starting defensive end and pass rush specialist Nathan Williams will not play against Marshall, so junior Solomon Thomas will start in place of him. Watch to see if he can make anything happen in season opener, mainly because if he is impressive enough then he could be another piece to the puzzle of an already stacked OSU defense. Speaking of injuries, the secondary has been banged up throughout training camp as evidenced by C.J. Barnett starting at strong safety as projected started Ohrian Johnson was unable to practice for a few weeks. Starting cornerback Chimdi Chekwa has been hampered by a hamstring injury as well (those are tough to shake), so we will just have to see how everyone plays despite some issues there. I expect big things from this secondary despite the early injury issues.

Here are the top two things that I am looking for in this game: offensive line play and the true progression of Terrelle Pryor. OSU's offensive line has been average at best in games such as these the past several years, and the time is now for this group to come out and start the year off with a bang against a lesser opponent. If the line is able to impress, then the night will certainly be a success. Then it all comes down to Terrelle Pryor. How much has he progressed since the Rose Bowl, really? It is only one game -- not to mention the first game of the season -- but if he can come out and show maturity, smart decision making and a penchant for making the best play possible when given his opportunities then that will mark the beginning of what should be a continuing developmental process for a guy that has all the potential in the world. With that kind of potential comes the usual Heisman talk, but I will refrain from such talk until near the end of the year.

We all know that OSU will win this game, as the odds are probably around 99%. I don't have much to say strategically or X's and O's-wise, but OSU will win this game. I like Pryor to account for at least two total touchdowns, with the defense pitching a near shutout. A night game atmosphere should kill any chances of a potential upset (ala last year's Navy game, 2008 Ohio U.).

Note to Buckeyes: PLEASE don't look ahead to Miami. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Brian Sambecki

Prediction:

Ohio State- 31
Marshall- 7

Games of the Week/ Big Ten Rundown

#3/5 Boise State vs #6/10 Virginia Tech in Landover, MD-
One of the big factors in this game is that while Boise State has to travel all the way from Idaho to the east coast, it is still a neutral site game. If this game were played in Blacksburg then I wouldn't hesitate in giving VT the nod. I expect for Heisman candidate Kellen Moore and the Bronco offense to move the ball consistently against a younger defense, however Bud Foster is one of the best defensive coordinators in the game and won't let his guys give up too many points. I like for the Hokies to keep the high powered Boise State attack below 24 points, while Tyrod Taylor, Ryan Williams and Darren Evans will be potent enough on the ground to sneak out of Landover, Maryland with an "upset" victory. This should be a fun one to watch.

Virginia Tech- 27
Boise State- 24

#16/21 LSU vs #18 North Carolina in Atlanta, GA-
In just another display of how dominant the SEC can be, the juggernaut conference hasn't lost in these kick-off games as of late vs. ACC competition (albeit Alabama was the featured team the past two seasons, which is quite a mismatch). North Carolina brings plenty of NFL talent to the Georgia Dome, however the some of the talent's eligibility is in doubt in the midst of separate NCAA investigations into the football program. Either the players play as if it could be their last game of the season, or they play distracted football. I am going for the latter. LSU wins a defensive slugfest and outlasts Butch Davis and the Tar Heels in Atlanta.

LSU- 18
UNC- 14

#22/24 Oregon State vs #6/7 TCU in Arlington, TX-
I happen to be in the minority that believes TCU will end up being the best non-BCS team by seasons end (not to copy Phil Steele). They are an excellent program that plays in a better conference that gives them more opportunity to make a splash on the national scene. Better competition = better opportunity. Better opportunity = bigger reward in college football. TCU has a chance to get off on the right foot early against a nice Pac 10 team in Oregon State. OSU is my pick to land in the Rose Bowl at seasons end, so I obviously like them. I like them enough to pick them to SHOCK TCU and beat them in Arlington this weekend. TCU will go on to win the rest of their games, though -- in my opinion.

Oregon State- 33
Texas Christian- 27

Big Ten Rundown-

Marshall @ Ohio State- TBA
Indiana over Towson (...why should I pick Towson?)
UConn over Michigan (Too much stability at UConn; Michigan is just the opposite)
Wisconsin over UNLV (Could be an interesting road game for the Badgers)
Notre Dame over Purdue (A shoot out should result in a win for Brian Kelly and ND)
Minnesota over MTSU (If Middle Tenn had Dwight Dasher, I would've picked the Raiders)
Michigan State over Western Michigan (Should be a routine victory for Dantonio)
Penn State over Youngstown State (Really?)
Iowa over Eastern Illinois (Really?)
Missouri over Illinois (I want to pick Illinois, but I know they'll just get beat again)
Northwestern over Vanderbilt (An upset? Not at all in my book)

My Preseason Top Ten

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (vs Marshall)
2. Alabama Crimson Tide (vs San Jose State)
3. Texas Longhorns (vs Rice)
4. Florida Gators (vs Miami, OH)
5. Iowa Hawkeyes (vs Eastern Illinois)
6. Nebraska Cornhuskers (vs Western Kentucky)
7. Virginia Tech Hokies (vs Boise State in Landover, MD)
8. Boise State Broncos (vs Virginia Tech in Landover, MD)
9. TCU Horned Frogs (vs Oregon State in Arlington, TX)
10. Oregon Ducks (vs New Mexico)

Outside Looking In...
Oklahoma Sooners
Wisconsin Badgers
Miami Hurricanes

Slight change of plan with my rankings, and it goes as follows: Boise State has done nothing to deserve being as high as #3 in the polls. Sure, they are a consistent, impressive program that has beaten Oklahoma and TCU in the Fiesta Bowl two out of the last four seasons, but why should a team from the God-awful WAC be ranked ahead of Florida, Texas, Iowa, etc.? Short answer: they shouldn't.

I am taking a stand here, which is coming from someone that is all for equal opportunity in sports for the little guys, that teams like Boise State need to prove right out of the gate (ex: BSU beating eventual Pac 10 champion Oregon in the first weekend of football last season) that they are worthy by beating the big shots on their schedule. If Boise beats Virginia Tech AND Oregon State (my pick to represent the Pac 10 in the Rose Bowl), then I will rank them accordingly. You think people have been ragging on the schedules that conferences like the Big East and Big Ten have been playing the past few seasons, then look at what Boise gets to play every year! New Mexico State and Idaho don't exactly match up to Syracuse and Indiana every year... and that is saying something.

Note to Boise State: win, and you earn my respect. Lose, and you go back to being an afterthought. It may not be fair, but welcome to the world of sports, Broncos.