You are correct but maybe over-dialing a bit. Lose to the Kitties and there likely is no Big Ten title game, so then - assuming you beat Michigan - you are a 10-2 at large, and probably on the road for Round 1 (the committee won't lower teams that lose the championship games compared to teams that sit at home). I do think a 10-2 OSU with a couple of top 25 wins is always going to be in the playoffs.
But a loss to PSU would genuinely mean that Ryan Day is coaching for his job against Michigan - I have never thought he was on the hot seat, but if they lose to PSU, he is one Michigan loss away from unemployment. Because a 9-3 team with no top 15 wins isn't going to make the CFP.
I still think a team can - and eventually one will - win a natty starting on the road as an at-large team. A number of NFL teams have run the table from a road Wild Card game, and it's the same thing here - a team could lose a couple early, get better and get hot late and win it all. So I don't think the season is over with a loss to PSU, but it gets really loud for sure.
Huff is pretty spot on here. A loss at PSU means there is zero wiggle room and Day and company have shown over the years they don't perform well when the pressure is the highest. even though TCUN are not good this year if they come into Cbus against a 9-2 team knowing they can end our season that's something that really scares me because we know our coaches and players will be wound up tight as can be.
Between those 4, and the way they are currently tracking, is a mix of 8-4 to 9-3 teams. Michigan could be 7-5. Yes I think it is fair to assume 2 of those 4 end the season in the top 25.
Though I wouldn't wholeheartedly agree, I am of the mind that if Day et al loses to the kitties AND TCUN, it will likely be because of the defense, and his only lifeline may be to get rid of the defensive staff and replenish... but hard to see him surviving it with the current NIL roster, which means, if he gets canned, then expect a mass exodus out of CBus and our program starting all over...
"I don't apologize for anything. When I make a mistake, I take the blame and go on from there." - Woody Hayes
While I remain cautiously optimistic with Day, a 9-3 season with another loss to Michigan is an absolute catastrophic scenario with this roster and I would easily move to the “fire Day” camp.
Edit to add: I dont think this scenario will play out. But I guess we’ll see
If we had won Saturday, there obviously wouldn't be as much mental pressure to win the matchup with PSU.
A loss to PSU won't outright kill our playoff hopes. It will just destroy the goal of winning the BIG. We would likely still be a viable candidate for an at-large bid. The only caveat would be that we cannot lose big. How we lose will determine where we stand in the rankings. I doubt it would happen. But if we got blown out, that might drop us low enough that it axes our chances of obtaining an at-large bid. And how we play our remaining opponents will also factor into the rankings. So we can't just ignore those games either. There is still plenty of football to play and we need to take one game at a time. Every game is important.
Despite falling short in many big time games, I've definitely gotten over the PTSD from Tressell years and 2016 Clemson where they get stomped. I have absolutely no doubt they are in the game in the last few minutes in a worst case scenario. They've earned our trust in that regard.
If you take everything I’ve accomplished in my life and condense it down to one day, it looks decent!
Agree with Huff here...you lose to PSU and Day is likely coaching for his job against UM. You are also correct that this is the most difficult game left on the schedule, but I'm not nearly as concerned with this one as I was going into UO. The environment won't be nearly as wild since it is likely to be Big Noon or 3:30 kick. That paired with the lack of playmakers on offense (outside of Warren) and I feel confident we walk away here with a win (I'd be willing to bet the line is at least -7.5 right now). PSU keeps it close based on creativity on offense but I think we can win by at least a touchdown.
It does increase the pressure to some degree, but wouldn't necessarily keep us out of the playoff. But I agree with Huff- if we lose to PSU then Day is coaching for his job against TTUN, although maybe that's the case regardless of whether or not we beat PSU.
We'll see how this team rebounds when they play Nebraska, but I feel pretty confident that OSU will beat PSU. It's a big game in a very tough environment but the Bucks have already had one of those games and against a much better team than PSU. Until proven otherwise, they just don't have the offensive talent to score much. Their D is generally what allows them to be competitive so as long as the Bucks don't turn the ball over or make other dumb mistakes, they should win for the 8th time in a row.
"In weightlifting, I don't think sudden, uncontrolled urination should automatically disqualify you."
-Jack Handey
I'll also add that a loss to PSU puts us in a very bad spot for the playoff...our non-con schedule will weigh us down and with UM down, we are banking on the committee carrying a ton of weight on beating IU, Iowa and Nebraska...
“How could things get any worse? Take a look around here, Ellen. We’re at the threshold of hell.” — Clark Griswold
At this point I am not sure what to think or believe. The dark irrational side of me thinks this a modern version of Coach Cooper just better. The rational side says, Oregon is a good team, they are well coached and play fast, but the in between me looks at the data and says we can't finish big games. The games all play out the same with penalties, miss management of the time, defense gets shredded, we appear to get out coached. I am not getting into all the excuses to justify each loss. For me a loss is a loss. The PSU and scUM games are now more important but neither have the talent that Oregon posses. We shredded Oregon's defense just as they shredded ours. The difference was pure execution of the offense in terms of which team hurt themselves more, I say us. Both teams had opportunities to extend the lead and didn't. We were driving then Howard mishandles a snap, we punt. The last drive was winnable, run the ball, once in range and use your timeout and kick. Even the last play instead of waiting for the WR to be open just run and slide, then kick, Its frustrating to keep hearing the same narrative from Day and Knowles after each loss. Something is off somewhere. Our goals are still on the table and we still control them but we are left again scratching our heads.
This team was expected to win every game. This increases the pressure, but moreso for us fans who are thinking less about the game and more about the playoffs and future of OSU if Day fails.
Playing at PSU will be very difficult, but it's also much more familiar and their offense can't attack the defense in the same way. If they can come out even or win the turnover battle, they win.
That hasn’t been 100% confirmed yet, but, Joel Klatt hinted that his crew would be in HV for that game. If Fox does indeed get that game, it will be at noon, particularly considering that the World Series will likely still be going on then.
1. PSU is a must win to reach Indy.
2. We burned our margin for error in reaching Indy on Saturday.
3. We demonstrated ourselves Saturday night to be very talented, resilient, and less disciplined on D than I had hoped. Not one unfixable problem demonstrated Saturday night.
4. Quarterbacks must be attacked. Period. Defensive backs need to get their eyes outta the offensive backfield. Period.
5. If I were required to wager on any/all of our remaining games, I'd have my money on Ohio State.
6. Were I Day, I'd have had Howard sneak forward with the intention of 3 yards and then sent my kicker to do his job from 43. Maybe it works. Maybe Howard fumbles. Day called a play that picked up 9...and drew a controversial flag. A 32-31 gut wrencher that still leaves me more than reasonably convinced that Ohio State can meet its goals.
I have a refundable hotel for the Big Championship and I am nervous to pull the trigger on buying 4 tickets to the game! I absolutely believe we have a better team than the kittens, but I also thought that about us vs Oregon!
Talk me off the ledge!!
Although I think Oregon is a better team than PSU, they are still going to be a formidable challenge and can't be blown off. Last week, most everyone here was massively underestimating Oregon to the point of near complete dismissal.
It should be through the roof as half of the team stated goals would be gone or in jeopardy. We will see how good Day is at managing the pressure for sure.
Penn st has a better defense than Oregon but not by a wide margin they have a worse offense than Penn state by a wide margin. At this point I’m pretty confident in our offense we scored 35 on Iowa and called off the dogs to start the 4th and got 31 against Oregon despite a fumble and onside kick so I see Penn st having a hard time with this team. Win that game and we’re assured at the least a playoff spot and we’d have to choke bad not to make the big ten title game
As big as the PSU game now is for winning the Big Ten, the Nebraska game can’t be overlooked. Nebraska is the type of team that can beat you if you are not focused. The next 2 weeks of practice and preparation are really going to test the leadership of this team and I’m not talking about the coaches. The player leaders of this team have to ensure that this team refocuses for the rest of the season and not hang their heads because of what happened at Oregon. All the goals are still achievable but there is no margin for error. This is a new 6 game season and it has to be perfect.
Every game is important. It's not just about winning. The margin of victory is important when coaches and the AP fill out the rankings sheet. If we did lose to PSU and had close games with other teams, those making the polls are going to have to decide whether you really should get an at-large bid over another team with the same or better record.
It's weird that given Indiana is heavily favored in their next four games, they are probably going to come into town with a better record. If you predicted that before the season, people would say you are nuts. This is kind of a strange season so far.
I think we have the cart out in front here. The loss of Simmons is potentially a nightmare come true. They need to find out QUICKLY who their best LT is and get them reps because if LT is a big issues then the rest of the season is a big issue.
I am stunned at the number of people just ignoring what the NEW IU coaching staff has accomplished. We will see how much is real the next couple of games but they are tied with Oregon and PSU for first place in the B1G
Haven’t seen this talked about but do you know rob if Simmons has any eligibility left after this season the only silver lining I can see is he might consider coming back now
I'd think there's at least a decent chance. If it's a knee injury that requires surgery he probably won't test at the combine and being ready for the next season is still up in the air. It wasn't like he was playing well enough to warrant a day two pick. It was more of a if he continues playing like this and tests well he might play himself in to the first/second round. I think with NIL he comes back for his third year here and really re-enforces his draft stock to show the first 5 games weren't a fluke. He'd probably make more in NIL than whatever late round pick he'd have been anyways.
Penn State is out for blood for this game. Franklin and their fans are tired of losing to us. This is their golden opportunity. Yes, it will be an afternoon game, but their crowd will be as loud as any White Out. They beat Wisconsin and us, they're going to Indy. Abdul Carter and Dennis Sutton are talented enough edge rushers to give Zen and Josh big problems. I do NOT like that matchup. They will look to create pressure early and often. I'm very concerned about false starts and holding penalties, because you know it will happen. Can Zen handle that kind of pressure and atmosphere with the stakes this high now?
They've fully weaponized Tyler Warren and I really wonder if this defense is equipped to stop him. Penn State moves him around in an attempt to exploit matchups. They still have Singleton and Allen as their tailbacks. They will also put Beau Pribula out there to run the zone read, and he does that very well. Penn State's new OC Kotelnicki is really good and very creative, and that worries me with Jim Knowles' inability to stop anything with an offensive pulse. (Yes, it's true, and Notre Dame doesn't count, because their offense was mid). Penn State may not have as dynamic of an offense as Oregon does, but they're definitely good enough to score plenty on us and beat us.
Maybe JT can have another great game against them, because we absolutely need it.
This game is going to have massive implications, and could be decisive for our entire season. Looking at the entire B1G schedule, though, I see where Wisconsin has both PSU and Oregon coming into Camp Randall. We may want to start rooting for Luke and the Badgers just in case.
Badgers are playing a little better. Something could happen there.
I don't really believe Oregon and PSU are head and shoulders above the rest of the B1G, so everyone assuming they are going win out would be foolish. There's always chaos.
Wisconsin is a B- team on a good day. They got bludgeoned by an incredibly flawed and overrated Alabama team and lost by multiple scores to a 3 loss USC team. The same USC team that lost to Minnesota. Penn State will handle Wisconsin without a problem. We will have to beat them.
I truly think there’s a higher chance of another loss than running the tables
I know Oregon was #3 they weren’t 500 yards of offense better than us. The defense laid an egg and the offensive line did their best to stop crucial drives with penalties. Can those guys please not f-ing move before the ball is snapped??
Yeah in that scenario they likely get one of the lower seeds. But if OSU looks really impressive in all the rest of the games and finish off TUN with a dominating win. they can get a higher seed.
Rematch with either PSU or oregon (depending on who wins the Big 10 CG) or a 2 loss SEC team (or maybe Clemson? (yikes). Either way its gonna be a tough game, but it will be a new season at that point. team would have had plenty of rest and a chance for Day to silence the critics.. somewhat.
Still think it would be next to Impossible. You have to figure a loss to Penn State will drop you out of the top eight. Winning impressively the other games might get you to the eight or nine spot. But you have to remember with the automatic bids it's not a given that all the top four seeded teams are in the top eight ranked teams.
You have to beat Penn State or at least one goal for the season is gone. If you cannot even get to the Big Ten championship game with this roster, when can you?
Ohio State could lose and make it in, yes but no - let's not. They must beat Penn State. Idc how hard it is - you have to beat Penn State. No Exceptions.
Depends on what matters to you. If beating TTUN and getting to the playoffs is enough, this one might not mean much. If you want to win the conference and get a top two seed or get a great 5th or 6 seed, you need to win this one.
It's not at all out of the question for OSU to land somewhere around 9th if they lose this game and have to play on the road even.
Also, as it was with Dan Lanning, Franklin also wants to knock the big game monkey off his back as much as Day, so the reputations are still very much at stake as well. The problem is Day won't get any credit if he wins anyway, where as this would be Franklin's Super Bowl.
If you take everything I’ve accomplished in my life and condense it down to one day, it looks decent!
Confidence rides a line of the ability you have in yourself and your ability to weather any storm the game gives you. I have no doubt this team has trust in itself and it's abilities (and the need execute on them). Sooner than later you can lose sight of this when it feels like the winds, in recent time, have been put against you. Thinking the fan base is feeling this fatigue and wouldn't be surprised if the coaches are feeling this as well. Not saying we're Ohio against the world and no one should feel bad for us given the resources we have, but crap, you'd think we stole from mutilated children from a 3rd world country with how some of the recent juju has turned out (big game specifically).
While Nebraska is the next focus, would love to see a statement reaction for the 1st play of the game against PSU. If offense, line up in the pistol and throw a play action 50yd bomb to J Smith. If defense, send Burke on a backside blitz. Not saying the whole game plan needs to be built with reckless abandon but give yourself a reason to believe we're past this wallowing of unfortunate events.
* Know that might be testing the limits of Howard's throwing ability but honestly, can't be any worse than the noodle Trace McSorley had and he was regularly able to throw up balls with 5 seconds of hang time.
I think PSU is the same old PSU. They haven't been winning impressively at all. The only difference between this year and most years is, they won't play TCUN and lose. I wouldn't be shocked at all if they laid an egg against Wisconsin, or one of the soft teams left on their schedule after November 2nd. I just don't think they'll be that tough.
Then again, the same thing was said about Oregon last week.
If I recall some of the comments I heard - 'Garbiel is overrated trash and will fold like a cheap accordion', ' Their receivers don't stack up to anything we can throw in their way.' , 'They often looked slow and inept against Boise State and Idaho.' etc etc..
I see your point but PSU truly doesn't have an offense with the same capacity as Oregon. Oregon has a much better QB (most importantly) and much better receivers. Outside of when they played Kent State, the most points PSU has scored is 34 and none of the teams they've played have a great defense. They're not gonna put up a bunch of points and certainly not gonna score more than Oregon did. I'll be shocked if PSU scores more than 24.
"In weightlifting, I don't think sudden, uncontrolled urination should automatically disqualify you."
-Jack Handey
I fully expect Penn State to play their best game of the season on both sides of the ball. Everyone should, too. They will be ready for war. That game will be close and if Zen and Josh don't keep their really good edge rushers out of the pocket, and if we can't create pressure from the DL, we could lose.
And you don't think they will be a pissed off team, too? We've owned them for over a decade. They would love to beat us and block us from going to Indy for the 4th straight year. I don't care what anyone says, if we don't go to Indy with this team, it'll be an embarrassing disaster. They can absolutely beat us at home in front of a loud crowd. Kotelnicki definitely has the ability to out scheme Knowles. This fanbase needs to be more humble, considering we have issues in the trenches yet again. Simmons is done, which is a huge problem, and our DL full of seniors still can't create pressure.
Regardless of them being ranked in the top 3, if we lose, it's gonna get really ugly.
At this point we know that Knowles's defense will not be able to stop Drew Allar and the PSU offense for the whole 4th quarter. So our only hope is if Kelly/Day can come up with an offensive game plan that puts OSU up a couple TDs entering the final frame, then we can hopefully play ball control and prevent them from having enough time to catch us.
Ohio State's defense hasn't forced a punt in the fourth quarter of the four games he's called against top-five teams: 2022 vs. Michigan, 2022 vs. Georgia, 2023 vs. Michigan, 2024 vs. Oregon.
11 drives in those four games that ended in the fourth quarter: TD, Missed FG, TD, TD, FG, TD, TD, FG, FG, TD, FG.
Knowles prides himself on Stop Rate, how often you get off the field without allowing points.
Even if TTUN absolutely cheated, I fail to see why the OSU defense couldn't force a single 4th quarter punt in 3 straight games against them. Force a single 4th quarter punt against Oregon in 2024, TTUN in 2023, or Georgia in 2022, and we win all three of those games.
The Ohio State University - "Haters love us!"
Baskins and Robbins? Nah, Haskins and Dobbins - KannonMic
If you're Knowles and you read that stat (I'm sure he already knows), he has to be beyond humiliated. If I were him, I would feel like I stole a lot of money. It's not hyperbole. He's had the recruited talent. Especially up front.
Last season Knowles held them to 6 in the last quarter and 12 total. PSU hasn't had a great offense in a very long time and this season is no different. I'm not suggesting it will be an easy win but the Bucks should be favored in this one.
"In weightlifting, I don't think sudden, uncontrolled urination should automatically disqualify you."
-Jack Handey
yup. i dont know what michigan 'cheating' had anything to do with Knowles D not able to stop them in the 4th , 2 years in a row. we saw what happened in the Georgia game in 2022 just a few weeks after the TTUN game. similar defensive breakdowns.
Last year it was so demoralizing for the D not to get a stop against TUN while they kept running the ball and killing clock. its what Tressel and Urban routinely used to do to mich. and other teams. bottomline it comes down to winning the trenches and exerting the will to win. the opponents just seem to want it more in these games.
As far as hitting their goals, Penn State is now a must win game, period. They can beat Penn State, and I think a rematch on a neutral field against Oregon goes differently, assuming between now and then they clean up the stuff they're in control of.
The Excellence of Execution, the Best there is, the Best there was, the Best there ever will be!
The other concern, which is sort of the flip side of everyone coming back for this run, is guys start to check out when things get tougher. That seemed to happen in 2008, when several guys came back after the 2006-7 disappointments, only to get hammered by USC, lose to Penn State and then lose in the Fiesta Bowl.
IMO the pressure is HUGE and justifiably so. This is just about a MUST win. Those who say it'll be alright even if they lose this one? Think about it. Accepting this - is admitting the NC season is a bust.
Not sure if a 2 lost Buckeyes gets into the CFP. Depends on how the other teams play out. It will be sad if the Buckeyes lose control of their way into the CFP.
11-2 gets in if we lose the BIGCG. 10-2 might be hard pressed to get in but if the only loses are 1 pt road loss to Oregon and less then a FG to PSU and they run the table I’d feel pretty decent about our chances. Two 1 score road loses to two top 5 teams would probably put us somewhere in the 10-12 range.
Theres still a chance Iowa, Nebraska and Indiana all finish ranked or viewed respectively. If Nebraska and Indiana both end up like the Iowa game that would only help our case.
But let’s just beat PSU and not have to worry about it.
Nebraska may be a better team the Psu and Xichigan. Then you also have a brand new Indiana. We can just as easily finish this season as the #1 overall seed. Odds are probably about 50/50 whether we win out or lose another close road game to finish 10-2. Or possibly even lose to Oregon again in the B1G to finish 10-2. Day would probably need to make the National championship game if he suffers another regular season loss. In order for it to feel like it wasn't a wasted season. He is so close to winning it all, and close to losing it all. But here we are. And I love every minute of it.
Bullets will be back to save the season, and Stroud's dignity.
Nebraska is not a better team than PSU. TTUN? Yes. Can Nebraska beat PSU? Sure. But that doesn't mean they field a better team. Better teams don't always win. We saw that Saturday.
Funny thing is. This type of defensive performance isn't limited to us. Ove watched Bama, Georgia, Oregon, Lsu, Missouri and everyone in between all get smoked. Texas is about the only team that hasn't and they still have a few games left to join the club. This is the new Era of college football. Holding playoff level teams, top-5 offenses to under 20 points isn't happening. 32 points was a decent showing for everything that went against us. The 500 yards was a bit much. But take away 2 of the Burke 50/50 balls and that yardage is under 400. There isn't a magical coordinator out there that can come in and hold the 5 best teams under 30 points. Maybe with a lot of lucky bounces. Nobody pointing out that we held Oregon to 10 second half points in their house. And had held them to 7 points for 28 minutes and 13 seconds. And if I remember correctly we would have probably shut Oregon out in the 2nd half if not for a couple of penalties that extended their drives. Have faith in Knowles and Day. Don't let Burkes bad gambles and bad night shine a bright light on the unit as a whole.
Bullets will be back to save the season, and Stroud's dignity.
Lose the Penn State game and it’s possible they end the season with zero Top 25 wins, depending on how Indiana and SCUM play out. Does that resume make the playoffs?
TXBuckeye59 makes the best point on this thread. OSU's world beating 20 million dollar roster better be focused 100% on Nebraska. Enough with the rematch in tB1G championship game or playoff talk. This team needs to win vs Nebraska first...bc they got exposed last Saturday in all three phases. They need to get better, fast.
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
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You are correct but maybe over-dialing a bit. Lose to the Kitties and there likely is no Big Ten title game, so then - assuming you beat Michigan - you are a 10-2 at large, and probably on the road for Round 1 (the committee won't lower teams that lose the championship games compared to teams that sit at home). I do think a 10-2 OSU with a couple of top 25 wins is always going to be in the playoffs.
But a loss to PSU would genuinely mean that Ryan Day is coaching for his job against Michigan - I have never thought he was on the hot seat, but if they lose to PSU, he is one Michigan loss away from unemployment. Because a 9-3 team with no top 15 wins isn't going to make the CFP.
I still think a team can - and eventually one will - win a natty starting on the road as an at-large team. A number of NFL teams have run the table from a road Wild Card game, and it's the same thing here - a team could lose a couple early, get better and get hot late and win it all. So I don't think the season is over with a loss to PSU, but it gets really loud for sure.
Huff is pretty spot on here. A loss at PSU means there is zero wiggle room and Day and company have shown over the years they don't perform well when the pressure is the highest. even though TCUN are not good this year if they come into Cbus against a 9-2 team knowing they can end our season that's something that really scares me because we know our coaches and players will be wound up tight as can be.
Ayyy!
What wins would those be? Do we think IU and UM are going to stay in the top 25? Or maybe Nebraska and Iowa climb back in?
Between those 4, and the way they are currently tracking, is a mix of 8-4 to 9-3 teams. Michigan could be 7-5. Yes I think it is fair to assume 2 of those 4 end the season in the top 25.
If they lose to Penn State, they could EASILY also lose to Indiana and Michigan. First up is Nebraska.
I sure hope that all does not happen, but if it does, some souls searching needs to happen by the AD.
Though I wouldn't wholeheartedly agree, I am of the mind that if Day et al loses to the kitties AND TCUN, it will likely be because of the defense, and his only lifeline may be to get rid of the defensive staff and replenish... but hard to see him surviving it with the current NIL roster, which means, if he gets canned, then expect a mass exodus out of CBus and our program starting all over...
"I don't apologize for anything. When I make a mistake, I take the blame and go on from there." - Woody Hayes
I would much rather see him fix the defense, whatever that would take.
While I remain cautiously optimistic with Day, a 9-3 season with another loss to Michigan is an absolute catastrophic scenario with this roster and I would easily move to the “fire Day” camp.
Edit to add: I dont think this scenario will play out. But I guess we’ll see
If we had won Saturday, there obviously wouldn't be as much mental pressure to win the matchup with PSU.
A loss to PSU won't outright kill our playoff hopes. It will just destroy the goal of winning the BIG. We would likely still be a viable candidate for an at-large bid. The only caveat would be that we cannot lose big. How we lose will determine where we stand in the rankings. I doubt it would happen. But if we got blown out, that might drop us low enough that it axes our chances of obtaining an at-large bid. And how we play our remaining opponents will also factor into the rankings. So we can't just ignore those games either. There is still plenty of football to play and we need to take one game at a time. Every game is important.
BubbaGumps
You mean it would kill any hopes of B1G title game, not playoffs,
Ayyy!
Yes. Barring a total blowout loss to PSU, we will almost assuredly still be an at-large bid, unless we lose another one, then it's game over.
BubbaGumps
Despite falling short in many big time games, I've definitely gotten over the PTSD from Tressell years and 2016 Clemson where they get stomped. I have absolutely no doubt they are in the game in the last few minutes in a worst case scenario. They've earned our trust in that regard.
If you take everything I’ve accomplished in my life and condense it down to one day, it looks decent!
Agree with Huff here...you lose to PSU and Day is likely coaching for his job against UM. You are also correct that this is the most difficult game left on the schedule, but I'm not nearly as concerned with this one as I was going into UO. The environment won't be nearly as wild since it is likely to be Big Noon or 3:30 kick. That paired with the lack of playmakers on offense (outside of Warren) and I feel confident we walk away here with a win (I'd be willing to bet the line is at least -7.5 right now). PSU keeps it close based on creativity on offense but I think we can win by at least a touchdown.
I'd like to know where Lou Holtz is right now.
It does increase the pressure to some degree, but wouldn't necessarily keep us out of the playoff. But I agree with Huff- if we lose to PSU then Day is coaching for his job against TTUN, although maybe that's the case regardless of whether or not we beat PSU.
We'll see how this team rebounds when they play Nebraska, but I feel pretty confident that OSU will beat PSU. It's a big game in a very tough environment but the Bucks have already had one of those games and against a much better team than PSU. Until proven otherwise, they just don't have the offensive talent to score much. Their D is generally what allows them to be competitive so as long as the Bucks don't turn the ball over or make other dumb mistakes, they should win for the 8th time in a row.
"In weightlifting, I don't think sudden, uncontrolled urination should automatically disqualify you."
-Jack Handey
I'll also add that a loss to PSU puts us in a very bad spot for the playoff...our non-con schedule will weigh us down and with UM down, we are banking on the committee carrying a ton of weight on beating IU, Iowa and Nebraska...
“How could things get any worse? Take a look around here, Ellen. We’re at the threshold of hell.” — Clark Griswold
I'd like to know where Lou Holtz is right now.
At this point I am not sure what to think or believe. The dark irrational side of me thinks this a modern version of Coach Cooper just better. The rational side says, Oregon is a good team, they are well coached and play fast, but the in between me looks at the data and says we can't finish big games. The games all play out the same with penalties, miss management of the time, defense gets shredded, we appear to get out coached. I am not getting into all the excuses to justify each loss. For me a loss is a loss. The PSU and scUM games are now more important but neither have the talent that Oregon posses. We shredded Oregon's defense just as they shredded ours. The difference was pure execution of the offense in terms of which team hurt themselves more, I say us. Both teams had opportunities to extend the lead and didn't. We were driving then Howard mishandles a snap, we punt. The last drive was winnable, run the ball, once in range and use your timeout and kick. Even the last play instead of waiting for the WR to be open just run and slide, then kick, Its frustrating to keep hearing the same narrative from Day and Knowles after each loss. Something is off somewhere. Our goals are still on the table and we still control them but we are left again scratching our heads.
This team was expected to win every game. This increases the pressure, but moreso for us fans who are thinking less about the game and more about the playoffs and future of OSU if Day fails.
Playing at PSU will be very difficult, but it's also much more familiar and their offense can't attack the defense in the same way. If they can come out even or win the turnover battle, they win.
Is that a night game? Figured it will be. Yes, there is a lot of pressure from here out. They have to at least beat tcun and win their bowl game.
Big Noon game on Fox.
Seek not to change the world. Seek rather to change your mind about the world.
That hasn’t been 100% confirmed yet, but, Joel Klatt hinted that his crew would be in HV for that game. If Fox does indeed get that game, it will be at noon, particularly considering that the World Series will likely still be going on then.
I hope they move on from the loss this bye week while buckling down and stop doing "how great we are interviews'.
The pressure is massive lol
People already say Day can't win a big game. Can't lose to the one coach who's known for being even worse in big games
You can never live a lie and die a legend - Cal Scruby
Man, that would be a kick in the head. “Leave no doubt” Day being taken down by “we are not elite” Franklin.
1. PSU is a must win to reach Indy.
2. We burned our margin for error in reaching Indy on Saturday.
3. We demonstrated ourselves Saturday night to be very talented, resilient, and less disciplined on D than I had hoped. Not one unfixable problem demonstrated Saturday night.
4. Quarterbacks must be attacked. Period. Defensive backs need to get their eyes outta the offensive backfield. Period.
5. If I were required to wager on any/all of our remaining games, I'd have my money on Ohio State.
6. Were I Day, I'd have had Howard sneak forward with the intention of 3 yards and then sent my kicker to do his job from 43. Maybe it works. Maybe Howard fumbles. Day called a play that picked up 9...and drew a controversial flag. A 32-31 gut wrencher that still leaves me more than reasonably convinced that Ohio State can meet its goals.
I have a refundable hotel for the Big Championship and I am nervous to pull the trigger on buying 4 tickets to the game! I absolutely believe we have a better team than the kittens, but I also thought that about us vs Oregon!
Talk me off the ledge!!
Ironballs
You can always resell the tickets.
Although I think Oregon is a better team than PSU, they are still going to be a formidable challenge and can't be blown off. Last week, most everyone here was massively underestimating Oregon to the point of near complete dismissal.
BubbaGumps
If OSU doesn't make it that means PSU likely does. They'll pay big bucks for those tickets.
Ayyy!
Correct. You will have no trouble reselling tickets. You might even get more than you paid.
BubbaGumps
Do we know what time OSU @ PSU will be? I thought I heard rumors of Big Noon Kickoff?
It should be through the roof as half of the team stated goals would be gone or in jeopardy. We will see how good Day is at managing the pressure for sure.
JBuckI
Penn st has a better defense than Oregon but not by a wide margin they have a worse offense than Penn state by a wide margin. At this point I’m pretty confident in our offense we scored 35 on Iowa and called off the dogs to start the 4th and got 31 against Oregon despite a fumble and onside kick so I see Penn st having a hard time with this team. Win that game and we’re assured at the least a playoff spot and we’d have to choke bad not to make the big ten title game
Oregon's defense isn't good. Boise destroyed them
As big as the PSU game now is for winning the Big Ten, the Nebraska game can’t be overlooked. Nebraska is the type of team that can beat you if you are not focused. The next 2 weeks of practice and preparation are really going to test the leadership of this team and I’m not talking about the coaches. The player leaders of this team have to ensure that this team refocuses for the rest of the season and not hang their heads because of what happened at Oregon. All the goals are still achievable but there is no margin for error. This is a new 6 game season and it has to be perfect.
TBDBFIT
Every game is important. It's not just about winning. The margin of victory is important when coaches and the AP fill out the rankings sheet. If we did lose to PSU and had close games with other teams, those making the polls are going to have to decide whether you really should get an at-large bid over another team with the same or better record.
BubbaGumps
At least nebraska has a tough game at Indiana this weekend while we are on a bye
It's weird that given Indiana is heavily favored in their next four games, they are probably going to come into town with a better record. If you predicted that before the season, people would say you are nuts. This is kind of a strange season so far.
BubbaGumps
Sadly right now we probably want them to win out just in case we were to lose to PSU
Exactly! At this point, just beat Nebraska! Then worry about the trip to Happy Valley.
SurfBuck
I think we have the cart out in front here. The loss of Simmons is potentially a nightmare come true. They need to find out QUICKLY who their best LT is and get them reps because if LT is a big issues then the rest of the season is a big issue.
I am stunned at the number of people just ignoring what the NEW IU coaching staff has accomplished. We will see how much is real the next couple of games but they are tied with Oregon and PSU for first place in the B1G
You WIN with people.
WW Hayes
Haven’t seen this talked about but do you know rob if Simmons has any eligibility left after this season the only silver lining I can see is he might consider coming back now
He's a RS Junior
Now i become Boob Salsa, grifter of men.
Thank you undercover he was becoming a borderline first rounder I wonder if he comes back now
I'd think there's at least a decent chance. If it's a knee injury that requires surgery he probably won't test at the combine and being ready for the next season is still up in the air. It wasn't like he was playing well enough to warrant a day two pick. It was more of a if he continues playing like this and tests well he might play himself in to the first/second round. I think with NIL he comes back for his third year here and really re-enforces his draft stock to show the first 5 games weren't a fluke. He'd probably make more in NIL than whatever late round pick he'd have been anyways.
Now i become Boob Salsa, grifter of men.
Penn State is out for blood for this game. Franklin and their fans are tired of losing to us. This is their golden opportunity. Yes, it will be an afternoon game, but their crowd will be as loud as any White Out. They beat Wisconsin and us, they're going to Indy. Abdul Carter and Dennis Sutton are talented enough edge rushers to give Zen and Josh big problems. I do NOT like that matchup. They will look to create pressure early and often. I'm very concerned about false starts and holding penalties, because you know it will happen. Can Zen handle that kind of pressure and atmosphere with the stakes this high now?
They've fully weaponized Tyler Warren and I really wonder if this defense is equipped to stop him. Penn State moves him around in an attempt to exploit matchups. They still have Singleton and Allen as their tailbacks. They will also put Beau Pribula out there to run the zone read, and he does that very well. Penn State's new OC Kotelnicki is really good and very creative, and that worries me with Jim Knowles' inability to stop anything with an offensive pulse. (Yes, it's true, and Notre Dame doesn't count, because their offense was mid). Penn State may not have as dynamic of an offense as Oregon does, but they're definitely good enough to score plenty on us and beat us.
Maybe JT can have another great game against them, because we absolutely need it.
It’s OSU. Every game is a must win around here. They don’t all count as “big wins” unless you lose one.
This game is going to have massive implications, and could be decisive for our entire season. Looking at the entire B1G schedule, though, I see where Wisconsin has both PSU and Oregon coming into Camp Randall. We may want to start rooting for Luke and the Badgers just in case.
Badgers are playing a little better. Something could happen there.
I don't really believe Oregon and PSU are head and shoulders above the rest of the B1G, so everyone assuming they are going win out would be foolish. There's always chaos.
Wisconsin is a B- team on a good day. They got bludgeoned by an incredibly flawed and overrated Alabama team and lost by multiple scores to a 3 loss USC team. The same USC team that lost to Minnesota. Penn State will handle Wisconsin without a problem. We will have to beat them.
This is most likely correct. Franklin has actually never lost to Wisconsin.
I truly think there’s a higher chance of another loss than running the tables
I know Oregon was #3 they weren’t 500 yards of offense better than us. The defense laid an egg and the offensive line did their best to stop crucial drives with penalties. Can those guys please not f-ing move before the ball is snapped??
osuflash
It would be very difficult for them to get to the B1G championship, but 10-2 and a home playoff game isn't a bad consolation.
How do you think they get a home playoff game?
The losses of the SEC title game will host. The loser of the Big Ten title game will host.
That leaves two spots. Notre Dame could take one. ACC runner up could take one if say Miami.
Most likely scenario is Ohio as rare is a 9, 10, or 11 seed.
It is imperative Ohio Stare win at Penn State. No margin for error now!
Yeah in that scenario they likely get one of the lower seeds. But if OSU looks really impressive in all the rest of the games and finish off TUN with a dominating win. they can get a higher seed.
Rematch with either PSU or oregon (depending on who wins the Big 10 CG) or a 2 loss SEC team (or maybe Clemson? (yikes). Either way its gonna be a tough game, but it will be a new season at that point. team would have had plenty of rest and a chance for Day to silence the critics.. somewhat.
Still think it would be next to Impossible. You have to figure a loss to Penn State will drop you out of the top eight. Winning impressively the other games might get you to the eight or nine spot. But you have to remember with the automatic bids it's not a given that all the top four seeded teams are in the top eight ranked teams.
You have to beat Penn State or at least one goal for the season is gone. If you cannot even get to the Big Ten championship game with this roster, when can you?
It’s pretty much a must win plain and simple
DH7 was Special R.I.P Simba
Ohio State could lose and make it in, yes but no - let's not. They must beat Penn State. Idc how hard it is - you have to beat Penn State. No Exceptions.
"Khajiit has wares if you have the coin."
Depends on what matters to you. If beating TTUN and getting to the playoffs is enough, this one might not mean much. If you want to win the conference and get a top two seed or get a great 5th or 6 seed, you need to win this one.
It's not at all out of the question for OSU to land somewhere around 9th if they lose this game and have to play on the road even.
Also, as it was with Dan Lanning, Franklin also wants to knock the big game monkey off his back as much as Day, so the reputations are still very much at stake as well. The problem is Day won't get any credit if he wins anyway, where as this would be Franklin's Super Bowl.
If you take everything I’ve accomplished in my life and condense it down to one day, it looks decent!
Confidence rides a line of the ability you have in yourself and your ability to weather any storm the game gives you. I have no doubt this team has trust in itself and it's abilities (and the need execute on them). Sooner than later you can lose sight of this when it feels like the winds, in recent time, have been put against you. Thinking the fan base is feeling this fatigue and wouldn't be surprised if the coaches are feeling this as well. Not saying we're Ohio against the world and no one should feel bad for us given the resources we have, but crap, you'd think we stole from mutilated children from a 3rd world country with how some of the recent juju has turned out (big game specifically).
While Nebraska is the next focus, would love to see a statement reaction for the 1st play of the game against PSU. If offense, line up in the pistol and throw a play action 50yd bomb to J Smith. If defense, send Burke on a backside blitz. Not saying the whole game plan needs to be built with reckless abandon but give yourself a reason to believe we're past this wallowing of unfortunate events.
* Know that might be testing the limits of Howard's throwing ability but honestly, can't be any worse than the noodle Trace McSorley had and he was regularly able to throw up balls with 5 seconds of hang time.
I think PSU is the same old PSU. They haven't been winning impressively at all. The only difference between this year and most years is, they won't play TCUN and lose. I wouldn't be shocked at all if they laid an egg against Wisconsin, or one of the soft teams left on their schedule after November 2nd. I just don't think they'll be that tough.
The PSU team I watched Saturday looked very slow, small and plodding. I think the OSU offense will be successful all day.
Biggest concern is the defense getting to the QB. Defense needs to get pressure on Allar because he folds like a tent.
Stay gold, Ponyboy.
Then again, the same thing was said about Oregon last week.
If I recall some of the comments I heard - 'Garbiel is overrated trash and will fold like a cheap accordion', ' Their receivers don't stack up to anything we can throw in their way.' , 'They often looked slow and inept against Boise State and Idaho.' etc etc..
BubbaGumps
I see your point but PSU truly doesn't have an offense with the same capacity as Oregon. Oregon has a much better QB (most importantly) and much better receivers. Outside of when they played Kent State, the most points PSU has scored is 34 and none of the teams they've played have a great defense. They're not gonna put up a bunch of points and certainly not gonna score more than Oregon did. I'll be shocked if PSU scores more than 24.
"In weightlifting, I don't think sudden, uncontrolled urination should automatically disqualify you."
-Jack Handey
I fully expect Penn State to play their best game of the season on both sides of the ball. Everyone should, too. They will be ready for war. That game will be close and if Zen and Josh don't keep their really good edge rushers out of the pocket, and if we can't create pressure from the DL, we could lose.
The pressure for winning the game will be at an all time high.
The actual worry of winning the game is not high. They are not as good as Oregon and we will be a pissed off team. I think we win convincingly.
However, to answer your question, yes losing to them would be catastrophic for Day's career and perception in Columbus.
"The Best Damn Band In The Land!" - Woody Hayes
And you don't think they will be a pissed off team, too? We've owned them for over a decade. They would love to beat us and block us from going to Indy for the 4th straight year. I don't care what anyone says, if we don't go to Indy with this team, it'll be an embarrassing disaster. They can absolutely beat us at home in front of a loud crowd. Kotelnicki definitely has the ability to out scheme Knowles. This fanbase needs to be more humble, considering we have issues in the trenches yet again. Simmons is done, which is a huge problem, and our DL full of seniors still can't create pressure.
Regardless of them being ranked in the top 3, if we lose, it's gonna get really ugly.
At this point we know that Knowles's defense will not be able to stop Drew Allar and the PSU offense for the whole 4th quarter. So our only hope is if Kelly/Day can come up with an offensive game plan that puts OSU up a couple TDs entering the final frame, then we can hopefully play ball control and prevent them from having enough time to catch us.
Even if TTUN absolutely cheated, I fail to see why the OSU defense couldn't force a single 4th quarter punt in 3 straight games against them. Force a single 4th quarter punt against Oregon in 2024, TTUN in 2023, or Georgia in 2022, and we win all three of those games.
The Ohio State University - "Haters love us!"
Baskins and Robbins? Nah, Haskins and Dobbins - KannonMic
If you're Knowles and you read that stat (I'm sure he already knows), he has to be beyond humiliated. If I were him, I would feel like I stole a lot of money. It's not hyperbole. He's had the recruited talent. Especially up front.
Last season Knowles held them to 6 in the last quarter and 12 total. PSU hasn't had a great offense in a very long time and this season is no different. I'm not suggesting it will be an easy win but the Bucks should be favored in this one.
"In weightlifting, I don't think sudden, uncontrolled urination should automatically disqualify you."
-Jack Handey
yup. i dont know what michigan 'cheating' had anything to do with Knowles D not able to stop them in the 4th , 2 years in a row. we saw what happened in the Georgia game in 2022 just a few weeks after the TTUN game. similar defensive breakdowns.
Last year it was so demoralizing for the D not to get a stop against TUN while they kept running the ball and killing clock. its what Tressel and Urban routinely used to do to mich. and other teams. bottomline it comes down to winning the trenches and exerting the will to win. the opponents just seem to want it more in these games.
As far as hitting their goals, Penn State is now a must win game, period. They can beat Penn State, and I think a rematch on a neutral field against Oregon goes differently, assuming between now and then they clean up the stuff they're in control of.
The Excellence of Execution, the Best there is, the Best there was, the Best there ever will be!
Forget Penn State. After that defensive performance I’m concerned about Nebraska.
"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed, is more important than any other one thing." - Abraham Lincoln
The other concern, which is sort of the flip side of everyone coming back for this run, is guys start to check out when things get tougher. That seemed to happen in 2008, when several guys came back after the 2006-7 disappointments, only to get hammered by USC, lose to Penn State and then lose in the Fiesta Bowl.
If that happens, game over for Day.
Why the fuck would anyone check out because they lost 1 top 5 game on the road by a point?
Now i become Boob Salsa, grifter of men.
I think that Day is coaching for his job against TSUN. Four in a row is unacceptable.
IMO the pressure is HUGE and justifiably so. This is just about a MUST win. Those who say it'll be alright even if they lose this one? Think about it. Accepting this - is admitting the NC season is a bust.
Not sure if a 2 lost Buckeyes gets into the CFP. Depends on how the other teams play out. It will be sad if the Buckeyes lose control of their way into the CFP.
11-2 gets in if we lose the BIGCG. 10-2 might be hard pressed to get in but if the only loses are 1 pt road loss to Oregon and less then a FG to PSU and they run the table I’d feel pretty decent about our chances. Two 1 score road loses to two top 5 teams would probably put us somewhere in the 10-12 range.
Theres still a chance Iowa, Nebraska and Indiana all finish ranked or viewed respectively. If Nebraska and Indiana both end up like the Iowa game that would only help our case.
But let’s just beat PSU and not have to worry about it.
Now i become Boob Salsa, grifter of men.
Nebraska may be a better team the Psu and Xichigan. Then you also have a brand new Indiana. We can just as easily finish this season as the #1 overall seed. Odds are probably about 50/50 whether we win out or lose another close road game to finish 10-2. Or possibly even lose to Oregon again in the B1G to finish 10-2. Day would probably need to make the National championship game if he suffers another regular season loss. In order for it to feel like it wasn't a wasted season. He is so close to winning it all, and close to losing it all. But here we are. And I love every minute of it.
Bullets will be back to save the season, and Stroud's dignity.
Nebraska is not a better team than PSU. TTUN? Yes. Can Nebraska beat PSU? Sure. But that doesn't mean they field a better team. Better teams don't always win. We saw that Saturday.
BubbaGumps
At the end of the day Ohio State will not reach it goals until they get rid of Knowles and employ someone who can coach and coordinate a defense…
Artthedart
Does anybody have a feel as to what time the game will be? I hate that they basically announce the times a week in advance
Does anybody have a feel as to what time the game will be? I hate that they basically announce the times a week in advance
Funny thing is. This type of defensive performance isn't limited to us. Ove watched Bama, Georgia, Oregon, Lsu, Missouri and everyone in between all get smoked. Texas is about the only team that hasn't and they still have a few games left to join the club. This is the new Era of college football. Holding playoff level teams, top-5 offenses to under 20 points isn't happening. 32 points was a decent showing for everything that went against us. The 500 yards was a bit much. But take away 2 of the Burke 50/50 balls and that yardage is under 400. There isn't a magical coordinator out there that can come in and hold the 5 best teams under 30 points. Maybe with a lot of lucky bounces. Nobody pointing out that we held Oregon to 10 second half points in their house. And had held them to 7 points for 28 minutes and 13 seconds. And if I remember correctly we would have probably shut Oregon out in the 2nd half if not for a couple of penalties that extended their drives. Have faith in Knowles and Day. Don't let Burkes bad gambles and bad night shine a bright light on the unit as a whole.
Bullets will be back to save the season, and Stroud's dignity.
Lose the Penn State game and it’s possible they end the season with zero Top 25 wins, depending on how Indiana and SCUM play out. Does that resume make the playoffs?
TXBuckeye59 makes the best point on this thread. OSU's world beating 20 million dollar roster better be focused 100% on Nebraska. Enough with the rematch in tB1G championship game or playoff talk. This team needs to win vs Nebraska first...bc they got exposed last Saturday in all three phases. They need to get better, fast.
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
Woody Hayes
Why is a Penn St loss more scary than a loss to Northwestern?
We needed to win them all.
If we couldn't do that, we needed to win the rest of them.
If we lose again, we need to win the rest of them.
If we lose yet again, we need to win the rest of them.
What's the point?