Analysis of Ohio vs. Ohio State

This was a bad game all around.

If this didn't feel like a loss, then it should.  If an alleged elite team can't put away a bad Ohio team until the fourth quarter then it deserves to lose USC.  

As far as I'm concerned Ohio State is 2-1--I've already braced for a major loss to USC.  This team simply did not show up until about two minutes left in the third quarter.  If they can't do that at home, how much worse will they be at USC?

Ohio State should return its starting corners in Donald Washington and Jamario O'neal, and Beanie should play against USC.  I don't see that making much difference at this point.

The quarter-by-quarter analysis is coming up later today and tomorrow.

One More Thing...

...Stay tuned for my "in-game" analysis of Ohio vs. Ohio State on Sunday.

Bobcats vs. Buckeyes: An All-Ohio Preview.

The last time the Bobcats came to visit Ohio Stadium. the year was 1999 and the score was 40-16 in favor of Ohio State.

This time, Ohio State enters the game without star running back, Chris Wells and looks to notch its 800th all-time win.

Can the Buckeyes pull it off?

Tressel seems to be unconcerned with the efforts, but I believe the Bobcats may give Ohio State a little bit of a game if the Buckeyes' minds are on USC.

For all intents and purposes, they should be focused on OU because a loss to any team will take Ohio State out of the running for a trip to Miami.

The first half will probably be close. If you really want to get a feel for what this game will be like, then I suppose you could think back to last year's 20-2 win over Akron.

That Akron game was frustrating as the offense sputtered a little bit and took light years to put up 20 points on a weak Zips club. Hopefully, Ohio State pulls out a win because I don't need to hear flack from people at OU.

Keep in mind, though, I'm giving your Bobcats some credit.

New Article On BleacherReport.com

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/53718-danger-zone-for-ohio-state

Feel free to check out my new article on bleacherreport.com. This time, I neither overly support nor overly critique the Bucks. You will have to read it for yourself.

"Coach Rod" Chalks Up A Loss

I'd be a bad Buckeye reporter if I didn't mention that Michigan lost yesterday.

It seems Rich Rodriguez has some work to do in Ann Arbor.

Regardless of the 25-23 loss to Utah, this is still a Michigan team that will get up ready to play when the rivalry game rolls around in November.

Ohio State: 43 Younstown: 0 Fourth Quarter Reactions and Analysis

Fourth Quarter

This one is academic right now, but Pryor continues to show his stuff. The Bucks have been bringing the aggression all day.

Right now, I’m wondering if Tressel is sending a message to Pete Carroll and USC. All three squads have looked impressive, though not enough to convince me they can hang with the SEC yet. Ohio State still takes a lot of time to initiate plays.

Still, taking time off the clock is a tradition with Tressel’s team.

By the way, Boeckman did complete a touchdown pass, although you have to credit Brian Robiske for catching that pass under tremendous pressure and coverage.

I’d be surprised if Youngstown has gained 100 yards of total offense. It’s 43-0 now, and Youngstown is probably looking to avoid a shutout. The way they’ve played today makes it seem unlikely they’re going to score on this defense.

The guy in front of my has a James Laurinaitis throwback on, and it makes me wonder where James has been this entire game. Seems he hasn’t played too many snaps. They’re going to need to get their money’s worth out of him in SoCal.

Youngstown fails to gain positive yardage in the rushing department, and so we end at 43-0 to give Ohio State its first shutout since it blanked Minnesota 44-0 in 2006.

Overall, the offense looks good, and apparently Beanie Wells is not seriously injured, though we cannot speculate.

Next up, Ohio State hosts the Ohio University Bobcats in a game they need to take seriously even though USC comes right after it.

This is Justin Hearn signing off from Ohio Stadium and saying, “Thanks for dropping in.”

Game 1: Third Quarter Reactions and Analysis

Third Quarter

With 7:14 left in the third the Buckeyes fumble the ball away, but the season could be in jeopardy as Wells goes down.

The stadium reacts as though it just saw a death in Final Destination 3. No one’s saying what they already know--Wells Heisman chances and the national title chase could be in peril here.

I questioned Tressel for bringing in the B-squad earlier in the game, but when you’re up 33-0 and threatening another score, do you really need your super running back in the game?

By the way, Wells already passed the century mark in yardage. Still, it’s never a good sign when the golf cart comes to take your superstar to the locker room.

Right now, 2008 Heisman winner Tim Tebow is probably padding his stats at The Swamp. That may be why Wells played this drive.

The Buckeyes do get the ball back as they almost force two safeties on Youngstown.