Buckeye Blogger NetworkA great game on Monday night led to a great result- Michigan didn’t win. I’m sure that was as exciting for you as it was for Rick Pitino, right?
Congratulations to the Louisville Cardinals on their season, and to Columbus’ Trey Burke on his college career. Thanks, too, for deciding to go pro so I can actually enjoy your talent without being sick to my stomach.
Closer to home, the BBC Bracket Challenge has a winner… artist extraordinaire, Kevin Dearth, whos “RIP Homer” entry won by one point over two other challengers. The neat thing about this entry- it’s named in honor of his step father, a Louisville fan who passed away earlier this year.
Kevin wins the prize package- a shirt from The Buckeye Room, an autographed copy of Maurice Clarett’s new book, some swag from our friend Mekka Don, and the chance to grace the pages of tBBC with a guest post.
For staff bragging rights, The Wonder From Down Under edged out yours truly by one point as well- I knew Charles had some of that Australian mojo going for him.
Thanks for participating in this year’s event… Go Bucks!
One Team. One Dream
At the beginning of each season, every program has hopes for ‘one shining moment’ where they cut down the nets. This year, that all ends in Atlanta.
As Ohio State has struggled and succeeded in the toughest conference in basketball this year, it’s been with this goal in mind. Learn from the victories. Learn more from the losses. Remember the goal.
Starting the fourth week of March, they and the other teams that have earned the right to be in the NCAA tournament will begin taking one step toward hoisting that trophy; one step, with hopes of more. Last man standing.
As always, we’ll be following the tournament from tip to tail here at tBBC, even through the “play in” games. And, as always, you’ve got a chance to not only join us but show off your prognostication ability as well. Read More
Winning The Game That Matters
Just because Ohio State doesn’t get the “privilege” of spending a lot of money going to a post season exhibition game doesn’t mean that Buckeye Fans shouldn’t care about the 2012-13 Bowl Season.
(although, the fact that 34 of the 36 games are being broadcast on ESPN/ABC might change your opinion)
At any rate, the post-season means that it’s contest time again. But first, a huge “Congrats!!” to Ken for winning our season-long Picks’ Challenge… his prize is on the way, and your prize will be a guest post from him here at tBBC.
And now to the good stuff… your chance to win. We’re using Yahoo! again instead of the Four Letter Network; let the record show that since we made the switch Charles Robinson has not been to Columbus.
/knocks on wood; rubs lucky Buckeye necklace
Here’s what you need to know- To get involved, click through the awesome link. You can also get there with this information
Group ID#: 13348
Password: elguap0
(note, that’s a zero and not an “O” at the end)
We’re still compiling a prize package, but you can bet that our friends at The Buckeye Room and Easy Canvas Prints will be involved somehow!
Bonus points for picking the one B1G team to win their game… so much for Wisconsin, am I right?
Don’t miss out…
As we head into the final weekend of B1G play before the title game next weekend, the Buckeyes sit atop the Leaders Division all alone after clinching on the road at Madison. Not exactly the way the Buckeyes envisioned winning, but they got it done in OT. Let’s take a look at the results from last weekend across the conference.
Nerds @ Sparty. Prediction Sparty 23 to 20; Right score, WRONG team, Nerds
Hawkeyes @ TTUN. Prediction Hawkeyes 21 to 17; WRONG TTUN 42 to 17
Hoosiers @ Penn State. Prediction PSU 34 to 32; RIGHT PSU 45 to 22
Purdue @ Illinois. Prediction Boilers 26 to 13; RIGHT Boilers 20 to 17
Minnesota @ Nebraska. Prediction Cornhuskers 39 to 13; RIGHT 38 to 14
#6 Ohio State @ Wiscy. Prediction Buckeyes all the way; RIGHT 21 to 14 OT
It is rivalry week this week all across the B1G and there’s really only one game everybody cares about and thats the Buckeyes hosting TTUN. The wolverweenies still have a shot at the title game if Iowa upsets Nebraska and the Sun and Blue upset the Buckeyes in the Shoe. Dont believe that’s gonna happen personally so we will see Nebraska and Wiscy in the title game next week. The best match-up of the week is Wiscy at Penn State. Do the Badgers lose to bowl ineligibles in back to back weeks?
Roastnears v. Ethanol Corn. Nebraska @ Iowa. Friday. Iowa isn’t going bowling after being a surprise early in the season after starting the B1G on a roll. This will be a snoozer in Iowa City on Friday as Nebraska will simply be tuning up for the B1G Championship game against Wiscy. Cornhuskers 31 to 14
The Land of Lincoln Trophy. Illini @ Nerds. This really won’t be much of a battle this year. What will be interesting is to see just how hard the Illini try to keep from losing all of their B1G games. Nerds are bowl eligible and were atleast in the B1G discussion at one point this season. If the conference refuses to give the COTY award to Coach Meyer, then Fitzgerald should probably get it. Nerds 24 to 17
Old Oaken Bucket. Indiana @ Purdue. The Boilers and Hoosiers both want to get this season over with as soon as possible. Only the Biolers have an outside shot at getting to a bowl game if they win this game. The Hoosiers have had a good season by their standards but their basketball team is #1 in the nation and are alot more fun to watch I am sure. Hoosiers 21 to 20
For 4th in the Legends. Sparty @ Minny. What a disappointing and uncharacteristic season it has been for the Spartans who may not make it to a bowl this year. Minny is already bowl eligible and might have the other coach for COTY consideration in Jerry Kill. Tough one to call. Sparty 20 to 17
Does it Matter? Wiscy @ Penn State. Had a tough time deciding what I would even say about this game because Phillips and Beilema are still crying over last week. Wiscy hasn’t needed to worry about winning the last two weeks, just try not to get embarassed before the title game against either Nebraska or TTUN. Too late Badgers, its happened and Penn State isn’t gonna make things easier. O’brien stirred things up with a non-committed answer to will he be back last week but it’s a chance to send a message to future recruits that they are going to compete. PSU 24 to 21
THE Game. TTUN @ THE Ohio State University. What can I say about this game that hasn’t already been said? Well, there’s this . . , I hate TTUN more than I have hated any other team of any team I root for. That includes the 49ers, Braves and Lakers. It is all about this week, period.
The Leaves have it
The Buckeyes are on the cusp of something pretty rare in Ohio State history. Only nine times before have the Buckeyes celebrated an undefeated season, and only one time have they lost this game at home when heading into THE Rivalry game undefeated(96). No score prediction as usual but the Buckeyes will take care of business and do something for Coach Meyer that none of his Gator teams could do, give him an undefeated season. Perfect. Buckeyes in a romp!
The national race got destroyed this past week thanks to Baylor and Stanford. The odd thing about this whole thing is the fact that the #1 and #2 teams lost to the teams that had the #1 and #2 overall draft picks last year(Luck and Griffin). The entire nation was upset with both Oregon and Kansas State because now we have Notre Lame and Alabama atop the rankings.
National Race This Week. #1 Notre Lame 11-0; #2 Alabama 10-1 (6-1); #3 Georgia 8-1 (6-1) ;#4 Florida 10-1 (7-1) ; #5 Ohio State 11-0 (7-0)
As bad as I hate to admit it, I actually called the upset of Oregon at the hands of the Cardinal last week. #13 Stanford @ #2 Oregon. Prediction Stanford 35 to 31, RIGHT Stanford 17 to 14 OT.
As Rivalries go, there isn’t anything better than The Game coming up between our beloved Buckeyes and TTUN. The Iron Bowl between Auburn and Alabama has been a close rivalry over the years but this year will be a snoozer. The Red River Shootout is one of the best but it takes place in the middle of the season.
When you talk about tradition, and honor, as well as uniquely serving our country as officers when they’re done. Army versus Navy has been happening as long as any of them. Unfortunately they don’t play until December 8th. Lets take a look at a rivalry that could have a national impact.
Civil War could have a national impact
The Civil War. Oregon @ Oregon State. They’ve been playing since 1894 and have met 115 times with Oregon holding the advantage 59-46-10. The game got its name in the late 20′s and has been a heated rivalry over the years. Oregon still has an opportunity to win out and get some help back to the top. But its a tall task to expect Notre Lame to fall to USC, and Alabama to lose to Auburn or in the SEC title game. Oregon State has some nice wins this season and this would be the cherry on top of it. Ducks 42 to 34
It’s a great thing that I decided to stop keeping record of my success, or lack there of, according to the weekly weak picks. I was on my way to my first ever ‘ofer and was saved by the Cornhuskers.
#24 Northwestern @ TTUN. Prediction Nerds 21 to 17; WRONG TTUN 38-31
Purdue @ Iowa. Prediction Iowa 16 to 10; WRONG BOILERS 27 TO 24
Minnesota @ Illinois. Prediction Illinois 31 to 14; WRONG MINNY 17 TO 3
Wiscy @ Indiana. Prediction Hoosiers 21 to 20
; WRONG WISCY 62 TO 14
Penn State @ #16 Nebraska. Prediction Nebraska 31 to 17; RIGHT NEBRASKA 32 TO 23
Here’s one last look at the national race prior to the toppling of . . , oh wait, BAMA really didn’t fall out of the top five like they should have after losing at home to a new SEC team. aTm may have done all of us a favor but they didn’t really do it any good as all BAMA has to do is win out and they’re back in. Youre welcome Notre Lame haters.
National Race Last Week. #1 Alabama 9-0 (6-0); #2 Kansas State 9-0 (6-0); #3 Oregon 9-0 (6-0); #4 Notre Lame 9-0; #5 Georgia 8-1 (6-1).
#15 Texas A&M @ #1 Alabama. Prediction Tide 42 to 21. WRONG aTm 29 to 24
Now that we’re in the home stretch of the college football season and ready to play the most important game on the Buckeyes schedule(this week), lets take a look at this week for all of the B1G. Keep in mind that Wiscy is already headed back to the B1G title game in Indy, and the Buckeyes have clinched at least a tie for the Leaders division title via their two game lead in the division.
Nerds @ Sparty. Nothing on the line here as Sparty really has two weeks to become bowl eligible. The Nerds lost a heart-breaker last weekend at the hands of TTUN and back up QB Devin Gardner. I see a pretty good defensive game unfolding early but Sparty needs this win. Sparty 23 to 20
Hawkeyes @ TTUN. The Hawkeyes aren’t going bowling this year. They have played well in almost all of their games and have chances to win them but a little is a little to late. TTUN will not get caught looking ahead this week as they did last week, or maybe they will? Hawkeyes 21 to 17
Hoosiers @ Penn State. The hoosiers need to win their last two games to live up to some of the hype they created for themselves. At different times this season they have looked like giant killers, and well other times they just looked like a football team at a basketball school. PSU cannot go bowling until later this decade and are playing for pride. PSU 34 to 32
Purdue @ Illinois. This is the battle of the week, or maybe not really, but it will decide who is the bottom dweller trophy winner until next season in the B1G. Boilers have had their moments where they looked like the team that upset the Buckeyes at home last year(verified by the students who stormed the field) and the rest of the time they have struggled. Illinois and head coach Beckman just wnt the season over with so they can get started on rebuilding. Boilers 26 to 13
Minnesota @ Nebraska. The Cornhuskers are the team that I believed they were and will represent the Legends division in the B1G title game against Wiscy in Indy. They had one game they’d like to forget this season and it was their trip to Columbus. They have all but wiped the slate clean and save for the Buckeyes, are the best team the B1G has to offer. Minnesota is bowl eligible, but that is about it for this game. Cornhuskers 39 to 13
#6 Ohio State @ Wiscy. The Buckeyes are 10-0(6-0) and have already clinched at least a share of the Leaders Division title, which is all they can really win this season. We learned this week from Coach Meyer that going undefeated and the AP title was never a part of the team goals discussion. They wanted to go win as many games as they could for the seniors and to take care of the game at hand this week. What that means is absolutely no talking about the game rapidly approaching(TTUN) wink, wink. No matter what the coaches say, the players have all but confirmed this week that there is plenty bad blood between these two schools and as far as football goes, it is the secondary rivalry for both. Still wont predict scores for the team that I love but suffice it to say, the Buckeyes won’t need a last minute hail mary. Buckeyes all the way.
Kansas State is atop the National polls and have Baylor on the road this week. Oregon is the only top 5 that has a true test against Stanford and Georgia basically has a bye week taking on Georgia Southern. Notre Lame has Wake Forrest (go Jim Grobe!) and BAMA hosts Western Carolina (YAWN).
National Race This Week. #1 Kansas State 10-0 (7-0); #2 Oregon 10-0 (7-0); #3 Notre Lame 10-0; #4 Alabama 9-1 (6-1); #5 Georgia 8-1 (6-1). #6 Ohio State
#13 Stanford @ #2 Oregon. Stanford has an opportunity just like aTm did last week and they have the defense to do it as well. The trick will be to get out early and to slow the Ducks down at a pace they can deal with. Marriota and Snoop Dog’s nephew are having fun running that offense so the Cards have to take the fun out of it and quickly. Definitely the game of the week nationally and should be a good one. Stanford 35 to 31
Took a week off to get caught up on a lot of things and because there was so much going on around tBBC with basketball jumping into the mix.
No need to revisit the results of two weeks ago as we are in the home stretch! I will begin to cover the national race for the BCS as well as our B1G match-ups. The Buckeyes are resting this week so lets get started-
Legends Race. Nebraska 7-2 (4-1); TTUN 6-3 (4-1);Northwestern 7-2 (3-2). Cornhuskers control their own destiny because of the win over TTUN. Northwestern can help themselves alot this week with their game against TTUN.
Leaders Race. Ohio State 10-0 (6-0);Penn State 6-3(4-1); Wisky 6-3 (3-2). A Penn State loss to Nebraska this weekend clinches a share of the Leaders title for the Buckeyes but there is still work to be done in the coming weeks. Penn State loses and it opens the door for Wisky to step in and go to back-to-back B1G title games.
#24 Northwestern @ TTUN. The Wolverines need to keep pace with the cornhuskers and hope for some help from Penn State this week. TTUN got healthy and may have already decided to look forward a couple weeks and could get tripped up here. Nerds 21 to 17
Purdue @ Iowa. Purdue needs to win out just to be bowl eligible and Iowa has been streaky all season. Could be one of the better games of the weekend. Having said that, Iam sure it will be a low scoring affair. Iowa 16 to 10
Minnesota @ Illinois. Two of the reasons the nation believes the B1G is very weak are primarily due to these two teams. The Illini are beat up bad after their tussle with the Buckeyes in Columbus and the Gophers probably do not know which end is up. This is a toss up even though Minny has played better over all. Talent wins in this one. Illinois 31 to 14
Wiscy @ Indiana. We all know better than anyone that Indiana is a much improved team under my candidate for B1G COTY Kevin Wilson. They worked a great game plan to almost perfection when the Buckeyes were in town and Wiscy will be looking ahead to their match-up that could decide their season hosting the Buckeyes next week. Going with the upset here. Hoosiers 21 to 20 Read More
Wardrobe Malfunction
Finished last week teetering on a bad record but the Buckeyes pulled it out in OT against Purdue and I finished 4 and 3 thanks to it! Lets look at the results.
Sparty @ TTUN. Sparty 27 to 24. WRONG TTUN 12 to 10
Nebraska @ Northwestern. Nebraska 35 to 13. RIGHT Nebraska 29 to 28
Minnesota @ Wisconsin. Wiscy 45 to 6. RIGHT Wiscy 38 to 13
Penn St. @ Iowa. Iowa 16 to 10. WRONG PSU 38 to 14
Indiana @ Navy. . US Navy 31 to 27, RIGHT US Navy 31 to 30
Purdue @ #7 Ohio State. Buckeyes blow up that annoying bass drum on wheels. RIGHT but not RIGHT ON, Buckeyes win in OT 29 to 22
S. Carolina @ Florida. South Carolina 21 to 17. WRONG Florida 44 to 11.
Its a good week of match-ups in the B1G, as the only game to help determine the bottom of the conference takes place between Indiana and Illinois. The rest of the games stand a chance at impacting the front runners chances in both divisions.
The I’s have it. Indiana @ Illinois. Both are 0-3 in the conference and 2-5 overall so this is the game to decide the bottom dwellers of the B1G. Neither team has had a good few weeks to start the conference off so something has to give. This is an easy choice because the Hoosiers have been so close the last two weeks losing by a combined 4 points. Hoosiers 37 to 21
Oh My Sparty. Michigan State @ Wisconsin. Need I really say more? MSU is 1-3 in the conference and in dire need of turning things around for the season to mean anything. Don’t think they’ll do it against a rolling Badger team. Wiscy 23 to 13
Oh Brother, Where are thou? Iowa @ Northwestern. The hawkeyes and wildcats both have 2 wins in conference so far and as games go, this might be one of the better games this weekend. Both needing to rebound from losses last week will be a good motivator. Northwestern 24 to 20
Big Bass Drum Stunned. Purdue at Minnesota. The Boilers thought they had the Buckeyes last weekend and a great thing happened, Kenny G. Purdue will have trouble rebounding from this after being stunned late in the game again. Minnesota 21 to 20
QB Showdown. #20 TTUN @ Nebraska. The Cornhuskers are probably gonna need to get their QB some help to win this gane now that Burkhead is out for the game. A great showdown between the two QB’s will come down to who gets more help. Still dificult to pick them but. TTUN 24 to 17
For the Leaders Title. #9 Ohio State @ Penn State. For all intents and purposes this game is being played to see who will really win the Leaders Dicision title and not go to the B1G championship game. The Buckeyes are on a mission even more so having avoided being upset by the boilers. No score as usual but the Buckeyes will roll in Unhappy Valley.
They Beat WVU Bowl. #15 Texas Tech @ #4 Kansas State. In consecutive weeks both of these teams D’s showed up and demolished the Heisman frontrunner and friends. This will be a game for the ages and most likely the game most expected when each played WVU. Offense all around and the team with the ball last wins. Kansas State 54 to 52
Seen this before
In the weak week that was I finished my best week ever at 5 and 1, no thanks to Wisconsin getting their act together on O against our upcoming opponent Purdue. I am now above .500 for the season at 20 and 19. Let’s take a look at the results!
Iowa @ Sparty. Prediction: Iowa 21 to 14; RIGHT Iowa 19 to 16
Northwestern @ Minnesota. Prediction: NU 31 to 17; RIGHT NU 21 to 13
Illinois @ TTUN. Prediction: TTUN 38 to 13; RIGHT TTUN 45 to 0
Wisconsin @ Purdue. Prediction: Purdue 24 to 21; WRONG Wiscy 38 to 14
#8 Ohio State @ Indiana. Prediction: Buckeyes get their average atleast; RIGHT but they also gave up double their D avg. 52 to 49
This week is an interesting week of match-ups, to say the least, across the conference. TTUN hasn’t beaten Sparty in what seems like forever and the Buckeyes take on Boiler Down, who is actually now on a two game winning streak against the Buckeyes thanks to the vacated win of 2010. Penn State and Iowa should be in for a slobber knocker and of course, Wisconsin and Minnesota battle for the Paul Bunyan Axe Trophy. Let’s get pickin’ ‘em!
Can Be Only One. Sparty @ TTUN. It’s been a while since TTUN won this game and there can be only one good team at a time in TSUN. Or in this case one winner. I like Sparty’s chances here, a great rivalry game and chance for Dantonio to right the ship that it sinking fast. Sparty 27 to 24
Blue Collar v. Nerds. Nebraska @ Northwestern. I still believe that Nebraska is the best team in the conference and should be healed up after a slug fest with the Buckeyes. The Nerds got the W last week against an outsmarted Gopher squad but will struggle to handle the Cornhuskers toughness. Nebraska 35 to 13
Paul Bunyan Axe Trophy. Minnesota @ Wisconsin. Will not take very long for the new conference career leader in TD’s to add several more. Not a whole lot to discuss here. Trophy going back to Madison again. Wiscy 45 to 6
Ferentz the COTY? Penn St. @ Iowa. Not a huge turn around by any stretch of the imagination, but the Hawkeyes are playing inspired and it has to be due to their coach doing more with less. They host a Nitany Lion team this weekend that’s out to prove itself even more. Maybe O’Brien is COTY? Iowa 16 to 10
Hoosiers Out to Sea. Indiana @ Navy. Kevin Wilson is the answer in Bloomington. He definitely proved that much this past Saturday night against our Buckeyes. The trouble is thhey will have their hands full with a Navy team that has found a way to throw the football in the triple option. Big Happy Birthday to the U.S. Navy as it celebrated number 237 this past week. Didn’t bet against my Navy against ND and am not doing it now. US Navy 31 to 27
Wash Our Mouths Out. Purdue @ #7 Ohio State. It is high time to get some more of that bad taste out of our mouths that was last season. The Buckeyes had the Boilers beat until a out of the ordinary blocked PAT that sent the game into OT. If you’re keeping score, so far we have avenged two of the loses in the conference from last season. Look out Boilers, Buckeyes are pi$$ed as heck and want to get their last defensive nightmare out of their minds as well. Buckeyes blow up that annoying bass drum on wheels.
Cupboard Isn’t SO Bare After All. S. Carolina @ Florida. The Gamecocks have had a heck of a couple weeks and are looking for a way to get back in the game just as LSU did this past week at their expense. They have to go on the road and try to do this in Gator country where their head coach is reaping the rewards of the Buckeyes current head coach’s recruiting efforts. Typical SEC affair. South Carolina 21 to 17
