Big Ten Opener For Ohio State Against Minnesota

Ohio State opens its Big Ten slate against Minnesota in the 48th meeting between the two teams. Minnesota was shut out 44-0 in 2006 by Ohio State, and lost again 30-7 last season to the Buckyes, who lead the series 40-7. The last time the Gophers won was in 2000 when they upset the No.6 Buckeyes that year.

I didn't pay much attention to college football that year, but if I did, I probably wouldn't have enjoyed the 2000 version of this series.

Anyhow, this should be another mettle tester for Ohio State as Minnesota comes in undefeated. As much as Minnesota has improved this year, I look for them to be tougher than last season. When it comes to football, what happened last season happened last season.

Should be a good contest, and a necessary win for Ohio State if it is to be taken seriously in the Big Ten race this year. Otherwise, there's a team in Happy Valley that looks mighty sporty.

Logos credited to the athletic departments of the University of Minnesota and The Ohio State University.

Ohio State A Different Team With Pryor

Let's be honest--Ohio State is a pretty mediocre team this year despite all the pre-game glitz and glamour.

However, with Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State has the chance to be great. Pryor even drew praise from Troy for his performance in Ohio State's win Sept. 20.

Even against USC, Pryor was able to cause confusion in the backfield and managed to provide the Buckeyes with their lone bright spot of that 35-3 drubbing.

I'm not the only one saying Pryor makes Ohio State a completely different beast, either. Perhaps if Tressel decided not to play as close to the vest as he does, you might see Pryor make even more plays than he did against Troy.

The thing I like most about Pryor is that he's willing to learn and study film to better himself. He clearly has potential, and might be able to bring the crystal football back to Ohio State in the near future.

Photo Credit: Scout.com

Troy Analysis and Beanie's "Probable" Return

Second Half

Third Quarter: Not much goes on here. The Buckeyes have decided to continue playing field position. Troy is actually outgaining Ohio State in total yardage. They continue running screen plays that Ohio State can't seem to defend, too. Troy can't catch a break as they either stall out or turn the ball over on their drives.

Fourth Quarter: Ohio State survives this one thanks to its ability to once again come to life in the fourth quarter. Pryor throws two more touchdowns, and it is all but over for Troy. The crowd seems a little deflated again. It's a sad thing to look over and see Beanie Wells Still on the sidelines. Ohio State wins 28-10.

Final Thought: This was another sluggish performance that showcased Pryor's future star-power but did little to quell the ridicule from the rest of the college football nation. In Gainesville, Tim Tebow is probably relieved to know Beanie won't be challenging him for a Heisman this year.

Beanie's Comeback

By now you know that Beanie Wells suffered a foot injury WHILE OHIO STATE WAS UP 33-0 ON YOUNGSTOWN STATE IN GAME ONE. You also probably know that Jim Tressel hasn't released his top dog onto the field to do what he does best--pound the football at the opposition. Well, it just so happens that Beanie Wells is probable for the game against Minnesota. It remains to be seen if he'll play, and I wouldn't count on it. Tressel continues to toy with my emotions each and every week, and I can only imagine how Beanie feels after not being able to do what he loves for the last three weeks. And no, he still wouldn't have made a difference in the loss to USC--save the excuses for the cowards on the internet message boards.

Photo Credit: Jay Leprete, AP.

Ohio State (Sort of) Rebounds Against Troy (In-Game Analysis)

Terrelle Pryor passed for four touchdowns in Ohio State's sloppy win against Troy Sept. 20.  I attended this game, and I have thoughts on it, as usual.  I didn't do USC analysis because I felt the loss and power of USC spoke for themselves.  Anyhow, Pryor set a freshman record in the Buckeyes' 28-10 victory of Troy, and he looks to be the real deal.  So, without delay, I bring you my analysis:

First Half

First Quarter:  Immediately, I'm pleasantly surprised to see Pryor start.  The Buckeyes took the ball to start the game which is no surprise considering they need to make a statement.  They've actually looked a little sluggish to start, and are missing key assignments.  Still, nice opening scoring drive for Pryor.  The crowd begins to grow impatient, though, and the boo birds ring down when Todd Boeckman takes a snap and completely underthrows his receiver.  Troy gets the ball and marches to a field goal right after this.  After an Ohio State punt, Coleman intercepts Troy's pass.  The crowd loudly boos as Brian Robiske fails to make a sure touchdown catch and the Buckeyes punt.  Brian should have used two hands instead of his half-hearted attempt with one hand.

Second Quarter: Ohio State scores, but it appears Troy has Ohio State on its heels as the Buckeyes allow a Troy TD after three missed tackles.  Nothing much really happens in this quarter except for the fact that Boeckman makes his final appearance of the game and is greeted with more boos.  The lowest crowd in six years at Ohio Stadium is clearly annoyed and angry with the team right now.  Tressel ends the half by calling a questionable timeout with one second left and having a Pryor heave picked off in the end zone.

Wells To "Fight On" Against USC, But Buckeyes Drop To Number Five

Foxsports.com is reporting that Chris Wells has been cleared to play in the Sept. 13 clash against top ranked USC.

For Ohio State--a team that almost seemed out of fuel without him in its Sept. 6 win over Ohio--this can olny mean good news.

The bad news is that the pollsters are starting to see Ohio State for the mediocre team it has become. The pollsters have relegated the Buckeyes to fifth in both the AP and Coaches polls.

This is a well-deserved and possibly generous ranking. I'd put Ohio State no higher than seventh right now. Everyone knows that you can't play in the BCS title game if you're ranked lower than second.

A win over USC could move Ohio State up a little bit.

The only team I see as being overrated is Oklahoma. I don't believe Oklahoma is as good a ball club as the rankings indicate.

Regardless, Ohio State must win at USC or risk being a punchline for the rest of the nation once again.

Ohio vs. Ohio State In-Game Thoughts (Second Half)

Third Quarter:

Boeckman is just atrocious today. Granted, he's better than you and I; but, come on! Oh, and somebody's fallen asleep again. High snap. Fumble. Touchdown, Ohio. It's 14-6, and this one technically wouldn't even be a game if Ohio State didn't have its head jammed where the sun doesn't shine. They'll bring in Boom Herron at tailback now, and he breaks free for some big yardage. I don't understand why he hasn't been in for more snaps. I also have to question why Pryor was misused in the first half. Typical Tressel in not figuring out the offense until it's usually too late (mid-season). Anyhow, that fumble must have awakened the sleeping giant because Ohio State has finally showed up to play late in the third. They'll score a touchdown after a key Ohio fumble, but Pretorious must still be asleep as he misses an extra point. No excuse here.

Fourth Quarter:

Ohio State has intercepted Ohio four or five times and it's still a nail-biter. This wasn't supposed to happen. I bet the fans in attendance were looking to get in, get out, and go celebrate. This game reminds of the 2003 San Diego State game where Ohio State wouldn't have won if not for Will Allen's key interception midway through that contest. Anyhow, Ohio State is once again on the move after another pick. Here they come with Mo Wells on the move. No Herron. Why? Again, what is with the stupid decisions today? Regardless, Sane punches it in for Ohio State's first lead since the end of the first quarter. The defense comes up with a big stop, and now here goes Ray Small on the punt return breaking free. They're saying Ohio State got away with a clip. Still, Small runs it all the way back to make it 26-14. They'll bring Pryor in and let him actually run some plays if for no other explainable reason than to chew the rest of the clock away. Figures he'd be turned loose with the game already in the bag.

Final thoughts: Ohio is not a good football team, but they came in with no fear. Give them credit--they took it seriously and Ohio State didn't until the fourth quarter. This is not the warmup for USC that was expected. They miss Wells, but even with him, I'm not sure Ohio State can take down the nation's top ranked team Sept. 13.

Ohio vs. Ohio State In-Game Thoughts (First Half).

First Quarter:

Ohio State is playing like it just got out of bed about five minutes ago and didn't properly hydrate. If Ohio can muster any kind of offense, Ohio State might be in trouble. It's clear that without Wells, this team is lackluster--and that's a shame to put so much emphasis on one guy. Spielman notes that with Wells, Ohio State is an elite team. Toward the end of the first quarter, Ohio State notches a field goal to make it 3-0. I predicted this game to be a struggle, and the Bucks are proving me right.

Second Quarter:

I'm sitting in front of the TV angry and in disbelief. This team acts like it could care less about a national title, let alone a trip to USC. This performance is a combination of being deflated without Wells and looking ahead. The defense did knock Ohio's starting QB, Scott out; however, the backup is showing strength and they're clearly beating Ohio State into submission right now. No intimidation here from Ohio. Big drive for the Bobcats ends in a surprise touchdown that has Ohio Stadium on edge. Pretorious ties it up with a field goal but then misses a potential go-ahead kick. This just looks like a high school team playing in the NFL right now. A loss to Ohio would go over about as well as rat feces in the punch bowl.