Buckeye Blogger NetworkWhat is it about Ross-Ade Stadium? The stadium, with the obscenely big press box, always turns into a house of horrors when the Buckeyes take the field in on Purdue’s campus.
Lots and lots and lots of questions
Whatever you think plagued the scarlet and gray this past weekend, one theory that has been floated out there is the pressure of mistakes from the past. Perhaps exercising the demons of past losses proved to be a tougher challenge for this young Buckeye team. Not to mention the fact that this actually is a fairly talented Boilermaker squad.
As I stated in last week’s column, this was a game that scared the daylights out of me. Ohio State didn’t handle the spread offense the week before, and I figured a better version of that offense would have a better success this past weekend. If you think about it, the fact that the Buckeyes were even in this football game at the end is a small miracle. The fact that the scarlet and gray even had a chance to win the football game at the end was impressive, considering they had no business winning the football game the way they played.
Now that I got that off my chest, let’s get into a little Scarlet and Gray Q&A.
The running game was rather poor this past weekend. Who’s to blame? Read More
Initially, this week was supposed to be “POPS”- Pink Out Penn State for Breast Cancer Awareness. While we’ve not heard anything more about that since things changed in Happy Valley, we’re more than glad to give our support. You know… given the circumstances.
This Week's Wallpaper from Kevin Dearth
Buckeye 411
Eric and Jim get together to discuss the upcoming game between Ohio State and Michigan State, and reminisce about the Colorado game. They talk about the development of quarterback Braxton Miller, and the superb play of Jordan Hall in all phases of the game. They also mention the ever important Nate Ebner missile and what he means to the kick coverage. Finally, they spend plenty of time talking about Michigan State and their excellent quarterback, Kirk Cousins.
Joining Eric this week for the opponent’s interview is Joe Rexrode of the Lansing State Journal, the local newspaper for the state capital of Michigan. They talk plenty of MSU football, including the issues for the MSU offensive line.
All this and more on this week’s radio hour!
If you want to be like all the cool kids, you can subscribe to The Buckeye Battle Cry Radio Hour on iTunes!
Big Ten season is finally upon us with the Spartans of Michigan State visiting Columbus this Saturday. What do the guys want to see this weekend? Don’t forget to tell us what you want to see in the comments!
Jake Stoneburner has been missing the last couple of games.
Hungry Hankins. A Michigan native, Jonathan has been playing lights out as of late (when he hasn’t been dinged up). With the injuries on the Spartan offensive line, and motivation that comes with playing one of the home teams, it’s time for a phenomenal game.
Defensive Score. I really can’t believe that Ohio State has gone this long without one. If it’s a blocked punt or a pick six, it’s time for the Silver Bullets to get on the scoreboard
Special Teams Savvy. Mark Dantonio is not afraid to try a little trickeration in the kicking game- “Little Giants” beat Notre Dame last year, and a PI during a fake punt led to a come from behind win against Northwestern. While the Special Teams battle will be a Tressel Family chess match, it will take more than just brilliance on the sidelines to get a “plus” in this category. Can we just clone Ebner ten times?
Need I Say More?. No False Starts. Pretty please??? We’re in conference now… focus should be easier to maintain.
It’s been a few week’s since we’ve been able to run one of these posts. Hopefully the wait wasn’t too much for you, loyal reader.
Since I had the opportunity to attend the game in the Horseshoe today, I wasn’t able to do my usual recap. Because of that, I instead took a series of notes and jotted down some thoughts from the game to share. Hopefully I can provide some insight that wasn’t obvious from the television broadcast.
Also, I want to thank Joe D for covering me so ably on the recap this week. Without him, I might not have even been able to make the game!
Pregame
Braxton Miller attempts the Stiff Arm of Justice.
Andrew Sweat in on the tackle. Expect to hear that a lot this season.
After reviewing the defensive line yesterday, we move next to the linebackers. A position that has always been solid for the Silver Bullets regardless of graduations, replacing two starters from 2010 should not prevent this year’s group from being solid to spectacular once again.
The starting group of three has been set with little or no rotation since the first day of practice.
The second team has been a different story. Due to attrition this offseason (Jon Newsome, Dorian Bell) there has been plenty of rotation looking for the new back ups.
Despite the heavy rotation, there is plenty of talent that will be more than capable of backing up the starters.
Here is a player by player look at the two-deep. Read More
It's coming soon.
It has been a long and arduous off season for Buckeye Nation.
The anticipation and anxiety surrounding the August 12th NCAA hearings alone are enough to put someone on edge. How severely will the NCAA ultimately punish Ohio State for its transgressions?
We can only speculate and hope for the best.
Next up was the resignation of all-time great Jim Tressel and the resulting uncertainty surrounding Ohio State’s next head coach. Luke Fickell is a great defensive coach and an even better Buckeye, but will he be the long term answer to Ohio State’s head coaching vacancy?
We can only speculate and hope for the best.
Finally, what initially looked like a 2012 recruiting class for the ages is quickly turning into another source of concern for fans. As I have mentioned previously, it is still much, much too early to give up on the class, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be a source of stress for the next several months. Will Luke Fickell (or the next head coach) be able to salvage the 2012 recruiting class before signing day?
We can only speculate and hope for the best.
Clearly there will be plenty of uncertainty and things to worry about in the coming months. If you are like me, however, you are already so sick and tired of worry and speculation that you have entered a state of comatose. Obviously, being in a state of comatose isn’t very much fun, so I have decided to switch my coping mechanism.
While this off-season has dragged on to the point that it seems like it will never end, the light at the end of the tunnel is coming into view and the season is fast approaching.
Rather than worry about things outside of our collective control, it’s time to refocus our energies on getting excited about the football season that kicks off in 65 days.
Here is a list of some things that I am most excited about for this season and beyond. Read More
