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A Win in the Big House

November 21, 2009

Game Report Posted: September 05, 2009 04:24  

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Everything was on the line. A shot at a Big Ten title. A BCS berth. An outside shot at a return to the BCS title game. And most of all, pride was on the line as the Ohio State Buckeyes traveled to Ann Arbor for the biggest game of the year ... the biggest game of every year.

The Buckeyes did what they have been doing all year. They played solid defense, they ran the ball well, and they won the time of possession. That was enough.

However, one critical mistake could have turned this game around. With a 10-3 lead late in the second quarter, the Buckeyes drove deep into Wolverine territory, and were looking to score with under a minute in the half. However, Boom Herron would fumble on his way into the end zone, dropping the ball on the one-foot line. Junior linebacker Jonas Mouton would scoop up the fumble for the Wolverines, and rumble 39 yards before being tackled from behind by Terrelle Pryor. QB Nick Sheridan would hit a couple of big passes to take Wolverines into the end zone for the first time, tying the game at 10. The 14 point swing is the kind of thing that changes the momentum of any game, and with the Wolverines getting the ball back after the break, they had a real chance to take a lead, and perhaps break the Buckeyes' spirit.

But the combination of Buckeye defense and the legs of Brandon Saine (who came in for the injured Boom Herron early in the third quarter) were the difference. Saine ruched for 130 yards and three scores, every bit of it in the second half, and the Buckeye D got a couple of late interceptions, sealing the win and ensuring a successful season for the visiting team.

Buckeyes win. 364 days until we do it all over again.

Buckeyes Lose Another BCS Bowl

December 31, 2009

Game Report Posted: September 19, 2009 05:17  

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After leading for nearly the entire game, and holding a seven point lead late, the Buckeyes surrendered yet another big game that was theirs to win.

It was an exciting game for sure, with neither team leading by more than seven, and a number of ties and lead changes throughout, and the crowd even got to witness back-to-back kickoff returns for touchdowns to start the second half. But in the end, there were about a half-dozen plays the Buckeyes couldn't stop, and that was all the Seminoles needed.

Florida State wins the Sugar Bowl in an Overtime thriller, and the Buckeyes go home, yet again, without a BCS win.

Penn State Wins Big Ten Title

November 28, 2009

Weekly Report Posted: September 10, 2009 15:40  

It just stands to reason that the team with both the number one offense and the number one defense in the conference would end up as the conference champ. Penn State managed just such a feat, and after a win against rival Michigan State on Saturday, they have captured their second Big Ten title in a row, nudging aside the Ohio State Buckeyes by beating them in week ten in Happy Valley.

The Lions were led all season by quarterback Daryl Clark, who finished number one in the Big Ten in passing yards and touchdowns, and also by running back and Heisman favorite Evan Royster, who rushed for over 1400 yards (top in the conference) and 14 touchdowns (also the top mark in the conference). The combo turned out to be too much for the rest of the Big Ten to handle, and the Lions will be the Big Ten's top representative in the upcoming BCS bowl games.

On the strength of a big win at Michigan in the final week of the season, the Buckeyes managed to place second in the Big Ten, successfully ending any hope of a BCS bid for the Wolverines. The Buckeyes were Spartan fans in the final week, as a Michigan State win over Penn State in the final week would have made Ohio State the Big Ten champs, but it was not to be, and the Buckeyes' only loss of the season was enough to cost them the Big Ten for the second year in a row. It's safe to say that when Penn State comes to Columbus next season, the Buckeyes, and especially Terrelle Pryor, who has never beaten the Nitttany Lions, will be ready.

The Buckeyes believe their season still warrants BCS consideration, and expect to receive an at-large bid, perhaps against the Pac-10 champ, or maybe Notre Dame. There is still much to be decided, but the Buckeyes are officially ine "wait and see" mode for the next couple of weeks.

Will Joe Go?

December 31, 2009

Weekly Report Posted: September 22, 2009 16:49  

Sophomore quarterback Joe Bauserman might just be looking at another year on the bench. The talented young QB played well when given the chance, but with All-Everything QB Terrelle Pryor locked into the starting job, Joe just might be looking to transfer. After sitting through his second consecutive BCS bowl game without seeing the field, and with a number of schools eager to have him, could this be the last time we see Joe in the Scarlet and Gray?

Michigan Native Signs During Michigan Week

November 21, 2009

Weekly Report Posted: September 05, 2009 03:07  

Just before the biggest week of the season, the Buckeyes reached up north and snagged yet another top 250 recruit. Defensive back Tyrone Malone decided to become a Buckeye this week. Although he'll have a hard time cracking a starting lineup with so many young corners, Malone has a pretty diverse skill set. Malone's not the biggest, or the fastest, but Coach Griffin claims to have seen a number of intangibles in the young corner from Mount Pleasant, Michigan, and is very pleased with the commitment.

Jordan Commits

November 14, 2009

Weekly Report Posted: September 03, 2009 06:35  

Free safety Mike Jordan (#8 FS, #115 OVR), of Dayton, Kentucky signed his letter of intent this week. The four star defensive back is the seventh Buckeye recruit to sign so far this season, and the first at his position.

Jordan joins his cousin, strong safety James Curry in this year's recruiting class, and the duo hopes to one day be the next great safety combo. When asked about it, Jordan said:

"I grew up watching Mike Doss and Donnie Nickey. I wanted to be just like them. Now, I'm going to try to be better than they were."

If he reaches his goals, the Buckeyes should be solid in the secondary for many years to some.

Where's the D?

November 14, 2009

Game Report Posted: September 03, 2009 06:04  

While all Buckeye fans were happy to see a big offensive day for the home team, the whopping 38 points given up by the Buckeye defense has folks worried going into the Michigan game next week.

For the first time this year, an opposing quarterback threw for 300 yards against the Silver Bullet defense. Coach Griffin was not happy:

"I guess some guys must feel pretty secure about their jobs, because that was a pretty lousy effort today. If it wasn't for Terrelle (Pryor), we would have ended up on the losing end of this one. The defense owes him big time."

That pretty much says it. Pryor carried the offense, and the D gave up 438 yards and four touchdowns at home. They managed to turn over the Hawkeyes three times, all of them interceptions, so this one could have gone much differently. Pryor's three touchdown passes, and two touchdown runs put the game out of reach, but the Buckeyes needed all 55 points to win this one.

Curry Commits

October 31, 2009

Weekly Report Posted: August 28, 2009 05:01  

After watching the Buckeyes demolish the Aggies in week nine, Kentucky native and four-star strong safety James Curry has decided to become a Buckeye. Coach Griffin has been expecting this commitment for some time now, and was glad to receive it. If and when fellow Kentuckian Mike Jordan (four-star free safety, and Curry's cousin) adds his name to the list of Baby Buckeyes, Coach says he'll no longer look for players at either position.

Also, the top recruit at defensive end (John Louis of West Virginia) has soft committed to the Buckeyes, but this could change next weekend, as the Buckeyes visit Penn State. With Louis in attendance, the Nittany Lions hope to lure him away from Columbus. It's likely that the winner of that game will also win the top defensive end in this year's class.

Bye Bye BCS?

November 7, 2009

Game Report Posted: August 31, 2009 02:34  

The loss this weekend at Penn State might be their biggest loss in years. With recruits watching, and the BCS already talking about the chance of a Buckeye-Gator rematch in the title game, Ohio State laid an egg on the road and dropped a game to Penn State that was never close.

The Nittany Lions appear to be all they are cracked up to be, as they simply lined up and ran right over the Buckeyes from the get-go. Evan Royster's 237 yards on the ground were the difference, as he broke a whopping (and perhaps AI assisted) 17 tackles in the game. It was evident from the very beginning that no one, or two, or even three guys was going to bring him down.

When Coach Griffin was asked about it after the game, he simply said:

"Sometimes, there's just nothing you can do. Penn State played a game we may never see again, and they got the win. I can't really say much more than that."

The Recruits are Watching

November 7, 2009

Weekly Report Posted: August 29, 2009 01:43  

While this week's game involves two teams with present Big Ten title hopes, this game also plays a big role in determining the future Big Ten hopes of each team. With key recruits for both schools sitting in the stands, the Buckeyes have the opportunity not only to win the game, but to win the hearts of the next generation of Buckeye greats.

This week, the number one defensive end in the nation will be in State College, PA for the big game. He recently soft-committed to Coach Griffin and the Buckeyes, but most feel he will revoke that commitment should Penn State upset the #2 team in the nation on Saturday night.

If the NIttany Lions win, it's likely they'll steal key recruits from a number of fellow powerhouse schools, Ohio State and Florida among them.

The Big Ten is on the line, and so is a whole lot more.

Aggies Fall to the Buckeyes, 48-14

October 31, 2009

Game Report Posted: August 28, 2009 04:25  

On a cold and wet Columbus Saturday, the New Mexico State Aggies, who are accustomed to playing in dryer climates, just never managed to adjust. While they managed a great first drive, briefly taking a 7-0 lead, the Buckeyes soon recovered, and left the Aggies flailing in the mud.

Most of the key starters for the Bucks spent a significant amount of time on the bench in this one. Pryor only attempted two passes, Boom Herron managed only six attempts on the ground, and TE Jake Stoneburner didn't play at all, his time being given to freshman Nic DiLillo, a freshman they Buckeyes hope to keep interested enough not to transfer, as some think he might.

Devier Posey had the first 100 yard receiving game of his career, and backup quarterback Joe Bauserman had his first ever three touchdown passing performance, going 17-19 for 231 yards in the process, without throwing a pick. Maybe it should rain more often.

Another week, another top-notch Buckeye performance. Next week, the Buckeyes travel to rival Penn State for the toughest road test so far this year.

The Kentucky Safety Combo Visits Ohio Stadium

October 24, 2009

Weekly Report Posted: August 23, 2009 04:01  

As the Buckeyes take the field this week against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, a special pair of cousins will be making a visit to Columbus. Safeties Mike Jordan and James Curry, both from the Bluegrass State will be in attendance, and just might sign their letters of intent ... we hope.

These two guys are ranked #8 and #13 at their respective positions (Jordan is a FS, Curry a SS) and while the Buckeyes have plenty of young talent at these positions, both starters are graduating, giving the tandem a chance to compete right away, which is something they both hope to do. If Nate Oliver makes the switch to OLB in the off-season, as most think he will, it could open up second team spots for both recruits. And if an injury should happen, they could just become starters right away.

Also, sitting next to these guys in the stands will be the #1 ranked defensive end, who will also be visiting for the Minnesota game. His name is John Louis, and he's a West Virginia native. The #55 recruit overall has Penn State as his favorite choice, but his visit there will come in week ten, when the Buckeyes are in town. If OSU can impress him this week, and beat Penn State, they might just steal him away from JoePa.

Buckeyes Pitch Shutout, Crush Minnesota 58-0

October 24, 2009

Game Report Posted: August 24, 2009 01:54  

There's really not much to say about this one. The Buckeyes just plain stomped the Gophers on Saturday. While Coach Griffin is usually the kind of guy who will call of the dogs when things get out of hand, but we think the firing of former Gopher head coach Glen Mason might have had something to do with this one. Apparently, coach Griffin didn't like the way his friend and fellow Ohio native Mason was treated, and decided to teach the Minnesota AD a lesson as a result.

But the real story in this one, and in the past few weeks, is the emergence of Terrelle Pryor as an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses. Pryor ran for over 100 yards, and threw for 185 yards, completing 16 of 22 attempts. If he keeps this up, the Buckeyes might just reach their potential, and that potential could be yet another national title game.

Next week, the Buckeyes bring in a non-conference opponent in the form of the Aggies of New Mexico State. If it too gets out of hand quickly, look for coach Griffin to pull many of his starters so they can rest for the final push towards yet another Big Ten title, a push that includes Iowa at home, and road battles against Penn State, and of course, the biggest game of the year.

Superman Arrives!

October 17, 2009

Weekly Report Posted: August 18, 2009 03:43  

That's right, folks - Kasey Gilbert is officially a Buckeye!

The 6'2", 248 pound middle linebacker (#1 MLB, #7 OVR) from Strongsville signed his letter of intent today, and the Buckeyes instantly became a better team. This kid is an absolute monster - speed (B-), tackling (B+), block shedding (B), hit power (B), stamina (B) ... and he isn't even a freshman yet. Here's what Coach Griffin had to say:

"Well, Kasey's been the top guy on our board for quite some time now, and we couldn't be happier to have him. With Austin (Spitler) graduating, we need help in the middle, so Kasey might just play right away. Freshmen don't do that very much here at OSU, but Kasey's got something special. Anyone who's seen him play can tell you that."

The signing couldn't come at a better time for the Buckeyes. With the recent change to a 3-4 defensive scheme, and only sophomore Etienne Sabino slotted in the MLB spot for next year, Gilbert might just walk into a starting job, though most expect fellow frosh Justion McConnell from DC to challenge for the job. Also, fellow potential Buckeye and Brook Park native Shawn McCarty (#13 MLB, #220 OVR) might just have enough to make it a three man race, but he'll have to sign before he can take a shot at Superman.

Expect to hear the Buckeye faithful chanting KG's name for the next four years or so.

Buckeyes Overcome Weather, Beat Boilers 42-6

October 17, 2009

Game Report Posted: August 21, 2009 03:39  

The Buckeyes went into a wet and rainy Ross Ade Stadium Saturday, and came out with their seventh win of the season. On the kind of day when weather can become the great equalizer, the Buckeyes just kept right on rolling, never being in much danger of an upset.

After a rather rocky start, Terrelle Pryor seems to have found some comfort in the Buckeye offense. He threw 32 passes on Saturday, completing 17 for 149 yards and three touchdowns. More importantly, he didn't turn the ball over at all, and the Buckeye offense put up a lot of points as a result.

But once again, it was the Buckeye defense that led the way. The Silver Bullets are currently ranked second in the Big Ten in total yards, and have given up only 72 points in their first seven games.

Next week, the Buckeyes bring in the Minnesota Golden Gophers. A number of highly rated recruits will be in the stands, including the Kentucky safety duo of 4-star recruits Mike Jordan and James Curry, who many expect will sign during the visit.

Gilbert Close to Signing

October 10, 2009

Weekly Report Posted: August 13, 2009 21:18  

After a great visit during OSU's week four victory over Illinois, the top middle linebacker in the nation, Strongsville native Kasey Gilbert is reportedly ready to sign with the Buckeyes. While LSU has made a run at him in the past few weeks, Gilbert appears unswayed by the Bayou Tigers, and has his sights set squarely on being the next hometown legend.

"I'm not ready to sign just yet, but the thought of being the next great Buckeye linebacker sure does bring a smile to my face."

(Gilbert is the #1 MLB, and ranked #7 overall)

The Buckeyes may also have found their next big safety tandem, as they are apparently the overwhelming favorite choice for two cousins from Kentucky - 4 star prospects James Curry, from Bellvue, (#13 SS, #123 OVR) and Mike "don't call me air" Jordan, (#8 FS, #118 OVR) from Dayton, Kentucky. It may be a few more weeks, but these two don't seem to be looking anywhere else.

It looks like the Buckeye recruiting class is coming together nicely.

Buckeyes Win With Balance, Defeat Wisconsin 31-14

October 10, 2009

Game Report Posted: August 17, 2009 05:25  

Coach Griffin was all smiles after the game:

"Well, we did what we had to do. And let me to you - if we would have played this one like we played our last couple, the Badgers woulda whooped us good. They got a helluva team, and I bet they give the rest of the Big Ten fits. We needed our best game of the season, and that's what we got."

What probably has coach so happy is the fact that not only did OSU play their usual tough defense, but they also managed to pass the ball a little against the Badgers. Terrelle Pryor was a very efficient 13-15 for 154 yards and a touchdown. He threw a pick also, but that came as a result of a hit taken in the act of throwing rather than the bad decisions Pryor has been prone to make lately.

The Buckeye offensive efficiency was likely due to Coach Griffin's play-calling, as he spread the ball around throughout the game. Three different runners got ten carries or more. Six different receivers caught passes. And Terrelle Pryor ran and passed almost equally (13 run/15 pass), keeping the defense guessing the entire game.

The Game Ball went to right guard Jim Cordle, who racked up a whopping 6 pancake blocks in this one, while allowing no sacks. When asked why his two touchdowns weren't enough to earn the ball, HB Boom Herron said "You kiddin' me? Jimmy was blowin' guys up all over the place. Without him, I don't score any touchdowns."

And with that, he adjourned to the film room with the rest of the team.

Everybody Needs a Kicker

October 3, 2009

Weekly Report Posted: August 13, 2009 16:21  

Matt Lynch of Eastlake, Ohio is a local kid with a big leg. His hometown fans claim they saw him kick a field goal from 65 yards out, though there's no tape to back that up. It looks like Lynch will get a chance to prove it on the field though, as the Buckeyes have offered Lynch (a three star prospect) a scholarship, and received a soft commit from him in week four. Our guess is he'll sign this week and make it official, making Lynch the fifth player to sign with the Buckeyes this year. With senior Aaron Pettrey graduating, Lynch will likely start right away, which is exactly what he says he wants to do.

Bucks Get a Road Win 31-7

October 3, 2009

Game Report Posted: August 13, 2009 16:54  

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The Buckeyes traveled to Bloomington, Indiana and handed the Hoosiers their fourth loss of the season. Once again, the Buckeye passing game was lackluster at best, as Pryor seemed to hit Hoosier defenders more often than Buckeye receivers. The receiving corps didn't help much, though, dropping a number of balls that should have been caught. Even the sure-handed Dane Sanzenbacher dropped two, one on a wide open third down pass over the middle.

And once again, the Buckeye defense and the running game got it done. The play of the game came when Buckeye defensive tackle Dexter Larimore sacked Hoosier QB Ben Chappell, who coughed up the ball right in front of linebacker Tyler Moeller, who scooped it up and ran 78 yards for the score.

The Buckeyes ran the ball late, and secured the win. Next week, the Badgers of Wisconsin come to town.

McConnell Chooses Ohio State!

October 3, 2009

Weekly Report Posted: August 13, 2009 06:38  

The Buckeyes snagged a big one this week, and we mean BIG.

#57 - Joey McConnell, from DC, is listed as the #3 middle linebacker in this year's recruiting class. The Buckeyes are short on inside linebackers, with Austin Spitler graduating at the end of the year. McConnell hopes to start sooner rather than later, and the gap leaves him the opportunity. McConnell is a run-stopping monster - at only 5'9" tall, but a whopping 252 pounds, he's built more like a nose tackle than a linebacker, but when coach Griffin saw him run (B- SPD) he knew he had to get the DC native to come to Columbus. Though the Buckeyes are also very close to signing local celebrity and five star recruit Kasey Gilbert at the same position, McConnell saw it as an opportunity for he and Gilbert, in the Buckeyes new 3-4 system, "to be the best linebacking corps in the country, no doubt."

McConnell was being intensely pursued by the Auburn Tigers, but a week four visit and a big win against rival Illinois helped him to make his decision. He signed his letter of intent right after the game.

Ohio State Downs the Illini at Home, 35 - 21

September 26, 2009

Game Report Posted: August 13, 2009 06:05  

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Terrelle Pryor had another bad day throwing the ball, but the Buckeye Running game was enough to win this one. Herron ran for 113 yards on 18 carries, scoring twice. Pryor added a sneak from the one, and Brandon Saine topped the hundred yard mark on only 10 carries, going for 107 and a score. Coach Griffin seems to have abandoned the passing game in the past couple weeks. Hopefully, recent changes will lead to more opportunities for Pryor to air it out. We'll have to see what coach Griffin has in store.

The Illini offense made a number of plays, but in the end, the Buckeye defense was too much. Williams couldn't get out of the pocket to run, and when he passed, he couldn't get the ball to Regis Benn, his number one guy, due to almost constant double coverage. Add an interception by linebacker Austin Spitler, and a defensive touchdown on a fumble recovery by corner Andre Amos, and the Bucks had all the cushion they needed to ride this one out. A late score one a Juice Williams pass made it look closer than it really was. The Buckeyes handled the Illini with relative ease.

Buckeyes Good, Pryor Bad

September 19, 2009

Game Report Posted: August 13, 2009 04:15  

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Terrelle Pryor was awful today. Just awful. He threw picks - 2 of them - he missed open receivers, and he just didn't play a smart game. Sure, he managed to talent his way into a short touchdown run, but it was the OSU running game and the Silver Bullet defense that got it done today. There was even a moment when Jeff Bauserman was asked to warm up.

Running backs Boom Herron and Brandon Saine complemented the defense with disciplined running (no turnovers) and effectively controlled the game. Saine had the biggest day (17-146-1) but Herron ran for 63 yards on 10 carries, scoring twice.

Also, Freshman cornerback Travis Howard showed signs of future greatness in this one. The pass-oriented Toledo offense called for a number of different coverage looks, so Howard saw a great deal of time on the field. He made the best of it. Seven tackles (one for loss) his first interception, and a touchdown to boot. Great game from the youngster.

Buckeye Great Makes the Hall

September 19, 2009

Weekly Report Posted: August 13, 2009 03:55  

The most recent selections for the College Football Hall of Fame included one of my favorite Buckeyes from back in the day, linebacker Chris Spielman. He's a bit of a local celebrity here in Columbus, partly because of his radio show on 97.10 The Fan, and partly because of the work he does as part of The Stephanie Spielman Foundation, which is dedicated to fighting breast cancer. Spiels isn't exactly the most talented radio personality, and his ESPN work is sometimes hard to listen to, but he's easily one of the most down to earth celebrity-types you are likely to come in contact with. I'm not always proud of the guys who come out of the Buckeye program (Santonio Holmes is the source of my most recent shame) but Spiels is a good dude.

Slugfest in the 'Shoe

September 12, 2009

Game Report Posted: August 13, 2009 03:00  

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Everyone knew this would be a tough on to win. no one had any illusions about that. But just how resilient the Trojans could be - well, no one quite understood until now. USC gave the Buckeyes all they could handle, and almost more than they could handle, but the Buckeyes proved too tough at home, and pulled out the narrow 17-14 victory.

USC came out tough early, forcing consecutive fumbles in the first two Buckeye possessions, and recovering both. The Buckeye defense held firm, but when preseason Thorpe nominee Kurt Coleman missed a tackle, USC's Joe McKnight made the Buckeyes pay dearly. Coleman had little to say about it after the game. He simply said "It won't happen again," and walked away. The Trojans missed the extra point, but led 6-0.

After watching their offense fumble on consecutive possessions, and their defense give up a big play reminiscent of last year's thrashing in the Coliseum, Buckeye fans might have felt as if they were in for another big Trojan victory, but the team had something else in mind. The Buckeye offense drove the length of the field and capped the drive with a TD on a pitch play to Sophomore Boom Herron. Senior Aaron Pettrey added the point after, and the Buckeyes led 7-6.

The third quarter passes as the defenses tried to control field position, but the Buckeyes were able to add a field goal as the quarter closed, making the score 10-6.

The fourth quarter of this game was something no football fan should ever miss. The defenses slugged it out, gaining and losing yards as if locked in a game of tug-of-war. Southern Cal would make a play, and the Buckeyes would counter with one of their own. But the play of the game happened just after the Buckeyes managed to drive to the five yard line of USC. Boom Herron manged to break a big run late, but he couldn't outrun Senior All-American Free Safety Taylor Mays. It was OSU's ball on the USC five yard line.

The Buckeyes were stuffed on the next two plays, gaining only two yards total. And then it happened. In a clutch situation, star players make big plays. Coach Griffin called the play-action pass on third and goal, the defense sold out on the blitz, and Terrelle Pryor showed us all just how great he might become as he hit the wide open man - (RS)FR TE Jake Stoneburner - in the end zone to put the Buckeyes up 17-6.

With only 2:15 remaining, everyone thought the game was over. But USC wouldn't go away so easily. Quarterback Aaron Corp led the Trojans on a quick drive down the field, but was knocked out of the game by Junior defensive end Cameron Heyward, who racked up three sacks in the game. Backup QB Mitch Mustain hit Junior wideout David Ausberry for a seven yard score with 49 seconds left, and after adding the two-point conversion, the Trojans had a chance. Ohio State 17, USC 14.

On the ensuing onside kick, junior wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher, who all say has the best hands on the team, recovered the high bouce and fell on it to secure possession and the win.

Or so we thought ...

It was just a simple pitch play. The Buckeyes have run it thousands of times. But this time, sophomore defensive end Malik Jackson did something none of us have ever seen before. He stole the pitch. It happened so fast, the camera guys even missed it. Were it not for the heads-up play of running back Brandon Saine, Jackson might have scored the game-winner.

But the Buckeye defense held firm yet again, and the Trojans were not able to advance into field goal position in time. The game ended with the Buckeyes winning 17-14, but it was a nerve-wracking game right to the end. It was a great one, but the Buckeyes might not schedule the Trojans again for a few years.

Buckeyes Sign Two!

September 12, 2009

Weekly Report Posted: August 13, 2009 02:56  

The Buckeyes reached into the top 250 recruit list and snatched two guys, a quarterback and a corner. Eddie Woods, from Akron, is listed as the #29 defensive back in this year's recruiting class. He's a big kid at 203 lbs against a 5'11" frame, but his speed doesn't seem to be affected by this (B+ SPD), as he still runs in the 4.4 range, and tends to excel in man coverage schemes (B MCV).

Quarterback Patrick King, from St. Clair Shores in Michigan, is a bit of a project. He's got good skills all around, but doesn't seem to have the wow-factor that really impresses the scouts. His arm strength and accuracy are above average, and so is his ability to avoid the rush, but he likely won't challenge for a starting job for a few years.

Coach Griffin admitted, though a bit grudgingly, that it is likely both will redshirt in their first year on campus. "But you never know," he said, "These guys just might be able to push a few starters, if they really apply themselves. We'll just wait and see."

Buckeyes Win Opener 31-3

September 5, 2009

Game Report Posted: August 12, 2009 22:03  

Ohio State did what Ohio State fans expected them to - they won the home opener with solid defense and timely, if sometimes frustrating offense. Ohio State stuffed the option run game of the Army Black Knights, and got the win. But even in a win, there is much to learn, as Army gave the Buckeyes everything they wanted, and they might have even exposed a weakness or two.

While the Buckeye offense managed 351 total yards, the Army defense made a number of big plays on the Buckeyes, sacking Terrelle Pryor twice, and catching the Buckeyes in the backfield on a number of occasions. Though Ohio State rushed for 140 yards in the game, they needed 40 carries to get that number, averaging less than four yards a carry. Not quite a disappointment, but nothing to brag about. However, the Buckeye defense gave up only 59 yards on the ground, and only 41 in the air, so the home team found itself in good field position more often than not.

Perhaps the best play of the game came off the arm of Terrelle Pryor, who hit Sophomore Devier Posey in the corner of the end zone on a fade route in the second quarter. If Pryor can pass with this kind of touch on a consistent basis, he could have a special year.

As a whole, it was a decent showing. The defense was spectacular, and the offense was adequate. But when the big boys in the Big Ten start coming to town, a similar performance probably won't be enough to get the job done. But for now, both the coach and fans seem satisfied with the effort. Next week, we'll see what USC thinks about it.

Striking the Pose?

September 1, 2009

Weekly Report Posted: August 13, 2009 01:57  

No Buckeye fan could ever forget the day that Desmond Howard struck the Heisman pose in the end zone during the Ohio State - Michigan game in 1991. This year, the Buckeyes just might be planning a little revenge. Second-year quarterback Terrelle Pryor might just be a serious Heisman candidate this year, and if he is, and he scores in the big game, he might just exorcise the Desmond-Demon by putting his stamp on the award in Ann Arbor, hopefully in the same end zone, and in the same spot where Howard made history 18 years ago. When asked about it, Pryor just grinned:

"We have a long way to go before we have to worry about any of that stuff, but it would be nice to shut those guys up by winning our sixth straight against them. Right now, I'm just concentrating on putting us in a position to win."

Don't bet on it, folks. Tressel might have coached up Terrelle's interview skills, but we see through it. Expect the pose if the Buckeyes win.

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