Skull Session: Ohio State “Super Excited” for Top-Three Showdown with Oregon, the Buckeyes’ Offensive Line Flexes on Iowa and Sonny Styles Shines Versus the Hawkeyes
I think the only thing that keeps Oregon in this game is their home field advantage..I can see a similar half to the first half vs Iowa, but after seeing how we shut Iowa down, they went into beast mode and the defense dominated..fuck Michigan..I can see Oregon hanging around for a bit, bit we win by 2 touchdowns at minimum to take that #1 spot from Texas
With our slipping issues in the last couple of games, I've wondered about their footwear. Everyone seems to wear whatever they want. We should wear cleats designed for our specific brand of turf, not whatever shoe is the new hotness 'drip'. If need be, we can certainly afford to have some made specially for us.
My aim, then, is to whip the Weasels, to humble their pride, to follow them to their inmost recesses, and make them fear and dread us. Fear is the beginning of wisdom. - William Tecumseh Sherman (with apologies)
I don’t buy the best shoes, but decent ones. New shoes are always a little uncomfortable before they get broke in. Is this not true of expensive shoes?
The difference between Oregon and Iowa is that Oregon has a legit passing game. I don't think their line is as stout as Iowa's. Oregon's defense will also present a different challenge. Whereas Iowa's dline is that traditional, hard nose, look to bully you kind of line, Oregon has better athletes, they are fast, and they will give you lots of different looks and stunts. But that can lead to more undisciplined play. Same for their secondary. They want to take chances to make big plays. We have to be ready to both counter them and take advantage of their miscues.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
At least this time the ESPN ignorance was spread to the SEC as well. Their comment on Georgia beating Auburn was less than glowing. Sounds like a writer who compared a box score to a point spread and o/u but didn’t watch any of the games.
Hale used to cover Georgia so I think there is both Georgia and SEC bias for him as well as for his bosses. Its like having the pleasure of reading writers who went through tcun's journalism school
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
that was david hale from espn. he also had another gem - said the bama loss was just a "hangover" for them and that every bounce of the ball in that game went against them. not once did he say it was a BAD LOSS. but, really, do we expect anything else from that network?
Shit, I feel like I'm defending them now (when I want the whole thing to burn to the ground). Hale is a good writer, and that's not what he said. He built off the metaphor. He said it seemed like a hangover which is normal for anybody in Nashville because it's a party town. Then by halftime it had gotten more serious and by the end the hangover was you-are-DoorDashing-Arbys severe. He was building a joke. He also said Vandy absolutely deserved to win that game.
''It felt like 'Bama and the Vols actually earned the Victory when Vanderbilt and Arkansas paid them the fine money for storming the field. "-ESPN(probably)
I will never, ever, ever defend ESPiN, and in fact copied that same quote into a thread last night because it missed its mark. The one thing I will say, though, is that the guy who wrote that is the best writer there, and it was part of his national breakdown where he uses humor and silliness to make fun of everyone. It was tongue-in-cheek but I think I think it missed the mark.
Disagree. First, it's a column not an article, so by definition he can take creative privileges. It is the only thing on ESPiN I will read. It's always long as it covers the entire weekend in one spot. It's always goofy, full of puns, jokes, pop culture and obscure references. (I feel like he has slipped a little this year.) He takes swipes at everyone, which I like, even when it's us. I think maybe he was taking a shot at how OSU fans are never satisfied with anything (which would be legit to make fun of), but he just didn't pull it off well. I don't think he actually believes that we look at it as a loss because we gave up a garbage-time TD.
I apologize for the redundancy as posted this on two threads yesterday: our offense scored more points against Iowa’s vaunted defense than any other team since we beat them, 54-10, on October 22, 2022. (Tennessee blew out Iowa, 35-0, in the 2023 Citrus Bowl but seven points came off a pick six.) instead of touting that stat, Hale chose to focus on a meaningless Q4 touchdown scored against a lot of our backups.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke
You don’t have to look farther than the first half open threads on 11Wto see that his assessment isn’t entirely wrong. Until the defense forced a couple turnovers with short fields that led to TDs, that game was too close for most fans.
Just read these comments. Not a whole lot of praise.
I don't participate in the Ohio State open game threads. a) I value my sanity too much, b) can't stomach all the Chicken Little "sky is falling" negativity, and c) I tried once and couldn't keep up--I felt like a jogger trying to run an Olympic marathon. Thanks but no thanks.
I fully agree we started slowly but a game is four quarters for a reason. In my opinion, Day & Co. have done an extraordinary job making halftime adjustments, and that's not new this year as I've noticed it over the past several seasons.
No mention of how well our offense performed against Iowa's ballyhooed defense is disingenuous. There were two storylines going into the game: how would either offense perform against the other's defense. We passed and Iowa failed. We scored the most offensive points against Iowa in nearly two years. That should be the story, not that we were sluggish in the first half or that Iowa scored a meaningless 4Q TD.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke
Whatever it is, they're not paying you enough to lifeguard the kiddie pool that is the game-day threads. (I say this as a former lifeguard.)
My aim, then, is to whip the Weasels, to humble their pride, to follow them to their inmost recesses, and make them fear and dread us. Fear is the beginning of wisdom. - William Tecumseh Sherman (with apologies)
Exhibit #1,357 as to why I quit watching ESPN unless Ohio State is playing on it.
Also, Michigan fans are coming to terms that their team cheating is coming with a cost.
To err is human. Really sucking requires having yellow stripes on your helmet.
yea, i was thinking about michigan - amazing when they aren't allowed to cheat, how the losses start to pile up. i really don't understand why that NC they got last year is allowed to stand with the cheating scandal (in the same year) happened.
Great entertainment last night.....I went on the Xichigan fan sites last night, the meltdown in Chernobyl pales in comparison to the meltdown on their opinion boards. Several comments comparing Moore to Brady Hoke, they are afraid they will win only 2 more games, etc.... Was much better than watching the Steelers Cowboys game.
Hickory,NC Buckeye......."Because I couldn't go for three!"
To be honest, the person that has set the tone for OSU's physical play this season, as compared to the finesse this has played with in the past, is Quinshon Judkins .... his "violent" running style has rubbed off on everyone, making the Buckeyes a more physically imposing team ..... it has also brought a certain "attitude" with it (recall the one handed catch by Smith against Iowa where he made the catch with one hand, then pushed the defender off him immediately afterwards as if he was brushing a fly off his jersey ..... Attitude, toughness and confidence - things that seemed to be missing from our other talented teams .... I'd be nervous, if I was a Duck - this is one nasty, dangerous team they're about to play .....
TreVeyeon runs hard too, just differently and in his case, to his detriment. I think he leaves yards on the field trying to finish run physically (in space) when he should be using God given ability to be elusive.
TreVeyeon runs much harder, inside the tackles, than he did as a freshman. Even though he is in his first year as running backs coach, Carlos Locklyn deserves credit for the way the backs are playing.
I think though he has done less of that this year. To me he is making better cuts this year and doing a better job of reading not where the openings are but where they are going to be.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
Nope. The starter in the opener and the first person to stick out a vicious stiff arm was Treveyon Henderson. The same Henderson who welcomed Judkins with open arms. The same Henderson that has stiff armed about 6 players and de-cleated 3-4 defenders on blocks. Treveyon is the one setting the tone with his hard running his even harder blocking and his ability to be a great teammate and share. Tre deserves way more credit this year.
Sonny Styles was activated this week after activating Caleb Downs the week before! I think I am liking the activated versions.
The thing about Sonny is he came in a year early at 17 and has shown the maturity to seek out the evaluation of Chase Brown and mold his game to the critique. A lot of guys at that level would have stuck to working with their strength staff and coaches, studying film, working with their position groups. This guy showed the initiative to get the input of the best in the blog world, read those critiques, take it to heart and make the changes.
What do ya mean usmc? You don't remember the old ESPN videos of the civil war? How biased they were of the army of Virginia and calling a win in Gettysburg before the battle started?
The espn writer was trying to be cute. Iowa had an atrocious offense in 2023, but they're about average this season (an average offense + top 10 defense makes them a top 25 caliber team). And now their loss against Ohio State was their first ranked opponent in 2024. Iowa will score more than 1 TD against other ranked opponents this season.
ESPN also ignores that Brian Ferentz is no longer running that offense either. The fact ranked Michigan had two scores against a Brian Ferentz led offense is more disturbing than whatever happened on Saturday against an offense that is a big improvement.
And the writer is fully aware of the Brian Ferentz factor. He's using a tactic you see in politics: stripping out context to try to score a jab. If someone objects, the writer says, "Is what I wrote untrue?" Snark, snark.
Which is why I won't give them clicks or react to these assessments. Same as the Coaches and AP polls; they're certainly not watching these games to cast a well thought out vote, nor are those assigned to provide a summary watching them all either. As mentioned above, checking the box scores and voting off that plus inbred team or conference bias represents most of the results. Pre-season polls set the benchmark of where teams are placed in subsequent weeks as well. As others have posted, it would be better if there were no preseason polls and none until week 4.
I believe our DBs, Igbinosun and Burke, are going to be tested like they haven't yet this season. They need to have a good, clean game with few penalties.
Offensively, I hope we continue to utilize successfully our two top running backs. Pound the rock and take the crowd out of the game.
ACAP. I would assume the officiating crew will be P12 transplants? Remember, it was an anonymous P12 review dude who reversed that call on Marv in the Georgia game.
I have full confidence Chip Kelly will scheme up some delicious tactical advantages with our running game, including both our superbacks, and Will Howard's legs.
Knowles also needs to have a solid game in the booth, which he's shown quite capable so far this year. I expect the more exotic looks to reveal themselves Saturday.
I agree with everything, except that sometimes pass interference can be tactically smart (in cfb) when the DB is beat on downfield throws. 1. I wouldn't try to curtail Igbinosun's nasty edge and 2. Limit big plays.
Eleven Warriors faithful, should our beloved Buckeyes win it all this year, be mentally prepared to hear and read the following narratives from ES(ec)P(i)N and other outlets:
”Buckeyes win with $20 million dollar roster” “It took $20 million dollars, but Ryan Day finally wins” “Buckeyes win the championship with unprecedented $20 million dollar team”
In fact, it’s already started. During the Marshall game, Gus Johnson referenced it a couple of times. Fox Big Noon has talked about it. And recently on Game Day, one of the “experts” said “they have a $20 million dollar team…they should beat Iowa”.
Yeah not sure why Ross Bjork had to let this one out of the bag , but I think Ryan Day did the same thing last year when he publicly stated that the team needed $13million from the NIL collectives. I guess I just answered my own question.
That was a rookie mistake by Bjork. You don't expect those from a guy that's been around as long as he has. It's nobody's business outside the family. Not good, Ross, not good.
My aim, then, is to whip the Weasels, to humble their pride, to follow them to their inmost recesses, and make them fear and dread us. Fear is the beginning of wisdom. - William Tecumseh Sherman (with apologies)
Nothing to hide from. Players and coaches should embrace it. Casual comments about thanking the commitment of OSU nation to commit to taking care of athletes’ needs has allowed ultimate focus on the competition. It won’t stop the “world against OSU,” but it will get the attention of recruits looking for a landing place.
I don't think the Yankees or Dodgers worry about what people think of how much they spend on players. People wanted players to get their fair share and have these opportunities. Well, here it is and now it will be all about which programs do it the best within the rules.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
You can thank our new AD for that. Handle your business and keep details in house. I never trust a man who talks about all the money they make(or throws around).
Agree but the flip side is that it lets recruits know we are serious about being a major player in this and you don't have to go slinking around the back alleys with bags of cash to do it.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
The SEC has been buying players for years in one fashion or another so there shouldn't be any room for criticism from anyone. It only seems to be an issue when schools not in the south get into that game as it upsets the comfortable reality they've been living in until NIL let teams legally do this.
A team as loaded with paid players like Alabama ought to be able to beat Vanderbilt, but maybe only $10-$15 million can get you so far.
"Instinctual" is the key word with Styles, because given his physical gifts, that's really been the only thing holding him back. A lot of the biggest disappointments I can think of in our program over the years were players whose athletic gifts were not matched by a similar feel for the game.
That's a fair point, if we keep in mind that different positions and roles tend to require different instincts. A defender might not have the right combination of "instincts" to play as a read and react LB, but look instinctual playing as a stand up DE who is told before the snap to rush the passer or drop into coverage.
We don't know if maybe scheme changes contribute to big changes in play. I have to wonder if Knowles changed some of his pass coverages in certain situations to allow him to come forward quicker or if things just clicked with him. What ever the reason, he was a force out there Saturday.
I don't think the SEC is all that worried about that. They have enough other options to get into the CFP that they can lean on. But it does help the SEC administrative budget to help pay for their commissioner to make the big bucks.
Now the ACC on the other hand showed how they are going to protect Miami this year. They have to be praying that Pitt or SMU remain undefeated until the championship game to give them their best shot at two teams in the playoffs. Their other option is Clemson doesn't take another loss and beats Miami in their championship then both will get in with only one loss each.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
I hope we get the same refs from Saturday. It’s to our advantage when they let em play-No PF or PI. It looks a lot more like the game I grew up watching.
Used to wake up on Saturday, run a few errands, then sit down and watch all of the pregame shows. then on sunday, would wake up, run a few errands then sit down and watch all of the highlight shows (Final Drive, etc.). Now, I cant stand to watch any of it. I will usually wait about 15 minutes after the hour or dvr the game and start watching it late so I can avoid the pregrame chatter. cant put my finger on exactly when it got so bad, but it is dreadful tv. gameday is horrendous. how many more years are they going to cart out corso for his incoherent ramblings? dont get me started on mcaffee and howard. big nude is pretty bad too. ingram sucks and is like a cartoon character. also, during the game, those sideline reporters are worthless (except for some injury updates). i am the same with some of the other posters above. only time i watch espn is for an acutal game. those talk shows are so bad its not even funny. used to watch those too. maybe i am getting old and thats why they all suck, but damn.
I hear you. If you’re up late on Saturday night, the Final Drive on BTN does a nice, hour-long recap of the weekend’s Big Ten football games. It is usually replayed on Sunday morning as well.
Everyone is flipping out about the ESPN comments but I read it as tongue-in-cheek humor. The Georgia-Auburn game was written with even more clear humor.
Agree with your statement. David Hale does a wrap up column that is actually a very funny read on each Saturday's action. I hardly go on the web site except for scores and schedules but I do enjoy that column every Sunday morning.
It was tongue in cheek BUT they also wanted the narrative to be that NO TEAM looked really good because every unbeaten SEC team lost. Kind of like, it’s ok that they lost since a lot of teams struggled blah blah blah. Nothing is by accident.
What I liked about our running game is that the ypc did not come with one huge run being the bulk of the yards. Don't get me wrong, I love a 70 yard rushing td. But that consistency of getting good yardage each play says both the blockers and the runners are doing their jobs every play.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
On this Beat Blue Monday just a friendly reminder from this guy here BeatTTUN, when it comes to espn never ever forget the wisdom provided by Gunny Highway "DGTPTS"
If you yelled out "RECON!" after reading DGTPTS,,, Thank you.
I never rake leaves. Early fall I mow/mulch leaves. As the leaves start to fall more rapidly, I gather my leaves using a blower/muncher and I dump them into my garden.
It's really fantastic that Sonny Styles answered the bell and had himself a day on Saturday. I'm really glad for him.
I would, however, like to press pause on anointing him to see him apply that functionality over a couple of games... and do it against an opponent that isn't as one dimensional on offense as an OG Mickey Mouse cartoon.
The Excellence of Execution, the Best there is, the Best there was, the Best there ever will be!
Boy the really reached on the reason OSU should feel like this game was a loss. I think they are right though. I think in the post game talk to the team Day probably said "You know guys, we're the first ranked team to allow Iowa to score since 2022. We really let ourselves down out there today....."
I watched the espn highlights and they spent about 40 minutes on the SEC and 20 with the rest of the leagues. Last time I waste time on that sorry network. If we control the clock and not turn the ball over I like our chances at Oregon. With the new playoff it is not a must win game.
It's not just ESPN. Former Buckeye Joshua Perry said the same thing after the game as an NBC analyst, criticizing the Buckeyes slow start against Iowa. Bandwagon jumping I guess.
First and goal at the five and Arch is getting the ball.
It's impressive how quickly they pump these out every week. It's just too bad they couldn't have worked in another shot at TCUN this week. Maybe put them in the coffin.
My aim, then, is to whip the Weasels, to humble their pride, to follow them to their inmost recesses, and make them fear and dread us. Fear is the beginning of wisdom. - William Tecumseh Sherman (with apologies)
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I think the only thing that keeps Oregon in this game is their home field advantage..I can see a similar half to the first half vs Iowa, but after seeing how we shut Iowa down, they went into beast mode and the defense dominated..fuck Michigan..I can see Oregon hanging around for a bit, bit we win by 2 touchdowns at minimum to take that #1 spot from Texas
If Phil sent the team those new cleats, they should not wear them.
Ha ha. They look tight, though. I actually wear Nike Air Zoom Vapor shoes for tennis, and they are great.
With our slipping issues in the last couple of games, I've wondered about their footwear. Everyone seems to wear whatever they want. We should wear cleats designed for our specific brand of turf, not whatever shoe is the new hotness 'drip'. If need be, we can certainly afford to have some made specially for us.
My aim, then, is to whip the Weasels, to humble their pride, to follow them to their inmost recesses, and make them fear and dread us. Fear is the beginning of wisdom. - William Tecumseh Sherman (with apologies)
They look like crap paired with the best away uniforms in college football.
"The day they laid poor Poncho low, Lefty split for O-HI-O".
I don’t buy the best shoes, but decent ones. New shoes are always a little uncomfortable before they get broke in. Is this not true of expensive shoes?
The difference between Oregon and Iowa is that Oregon has a legit passing game. I don't think their line is as stout as Iowa's. Oregon's defense will also present a different challenge. Whereas Iowa's dline is that traditional, hard nose, look to bully you kind of line, Oregon has better athletes, they are fast, and they will give you lots of different looks and stunts. But that can lead to more undisciplined play. Same for their secondary. They want to take chances to make big plays. We have to be ready to both counter them and take advantage of their miscues.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
Nobody knows how to beat Oregon more than Chip Kelly. LFG!!!
David Peck
Must have felt like a loss for the Buckeyes... what the actual shit?
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At least this time the ESPN ignorance was spread to the SEC as well. Their comment on Georgia beating Auburn was less than glowing. Sounds like a writer who compared a box score to a point spread and o/u but didn’t watch any of the games.
Eeeehhh, I'm reading the Georgia review differently.
How does OSUs Iowa win feel like a loss while Georgia's win over (checks notes) 2-4 Auburn feel "entirely reasonable"??
No, friend. This is either one mondo troll job or someone's bias is more naked than a beach in France.
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Hale used to cover Georgia so I think there is both Georgia and SEC bias for him as well as for his bosses. Its like having the pleasure of reading writers who went through tcun's journalism school
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
that was david hale from espn. he also had another gem - said the bama loss was just a "hangover" for them and that every bounce of the ball in that game went against them. not once did he say it was a BAD LOSS. but, really, do we expect anything else from that network?
danny
Shit, I feel like I'm defending them now (when I want the whole thing to burn to the ground). Hale is a good writer, and that's not what he said. He built off the metaphor. He said it seemed like a hangover which is normal for anybody in Nashville because it's a party town. Then by halftime it had gotten more serious and by the end the hangover was you-are-DoorDashing-Arbys severe. He was building a joke. He also said Vandy absolutely deserved to win that game.
''It felt like 'Bama and the Vols actually earned the Victory when Vanderbilt and Arkansas paid them the fine money for storming the field. "-ESPN(probably)
Seo
Tell me you didn’t watch the game without telling me you didn’t watch the game.
~Because we couldn't go for three~
I will never, ever, ever defend ESPiN, and in fact copied that same quote into a thread last night because it missed its mark. The one thing I will say, though, is that the guy who wrote that is the best writer there, and it was part of his national breakdown where he uses humor and silliness to make fun of everyone. It was tongue-in-cheek but I think I think it missed the mark.
i read the article - it was a long one and NOT "tongue in cheek". he was giving HIS real assessment of the day.
danny
Disagree. First, it's a column not an article, so by definition he can take creative privileges. It is the only thing on ESPiN I will read. It's always long as it covers the entire weekend in one spot. It's always goofy, full of puns, jokes, pop culture and obscure references. (I feel like he has slipped a little this year.) He takes swipes at everyone, which I like, even when it's us. I think maybe he was taking a shot at how OSU fans are never satisfied with anything (which would be legit to make fun of), but he just didn't pull it off well. I don't think he actually believes that we look at it as a loss because we gave up a garbage-time TD.
That's how I took it, anyway. Who knows.
I apologize for the redundancy as posted this on two threads yesterday: our offense scored more points against Iowa’s vaunted defense than any other team since we beat them, 54-10, on October 22, 2022. (Tennessee blew out Iowa, 35-0, in the 2023 Citrus Bowl but seven points came off a pick six.) instead of touting that stat, Hale chose to focus on a meaningless Q4 touchdown scored against a lot of our backups.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke
You don’t have to look farther than the first half open threads on 11Wto see that his assessment isn’t entirely wrong. Until the defense forced a couple turnovers with short fields that led to TDs, that game was too close for most fans.
Just read these comments. Not a whole lot of praise.
https://www.elevenwarriors.com/forum/ohio-state-football/2024/10/149561/...
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke
I agree it should be the story. His comment was more of a commentary on OSU fans, who are rarely, if ever, satisfied.
Whatever it is, they're not paying you enough to lifeguard the kiddie pool that is the game-day threads. (I say this as a former lifeguard.)
My aim, then, is to whip the Weasels, to humble their pride, to follow them to their inmost recesses, and make them fear and dread us. Fear is the beginning of wisdom. - William Tecumseh Sherman (with apologies)
Free Zima and Skittles, and the occasional T-shirt
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke
I agree with you.
While I can't argue against their assessment, I can't help but feel that it's another 'back-handed' compliment from ESecPN.
A good general always makes you search for his weaknesses. - Woody Hayes
Exhibit #1,357 as to why I quit watching ESPN unless Ohio State is playing on it.
Also, Michigan fans are coming to terms that their team cheating is coming with a cost.
To err is human. Really sucking requires having yellow stripes on your helmet.
yea, i was thinking about michigan - amazing when they aren't allowed to cheat, how the losses start to pile up. i really don't understand why that NC they got last year is allowed to stand with the cheating scandal (in the same year) happened.
danny
Great entertainment last night.....I went on the Xichigan fan sites last night, the meltdown in Chernobyl pales in comparison to the meltdown on their opinion boards. Several comments comparing Moore to Brady Hoke, they are afraid they will win only 2 more games, etc.... Was much better than watching the Steelers Cowboys game.
Hickory,NC Buckeye......."Because I couldn't go for three!"
It's really not out of the question that they only win 1 more game to be honest. I think they'll only be favored in 2 of them.
@Illinois - probably not favored, MSU - maybe favored, Oregon - loss, @Indiana - not favored, NW - should win this one, @tOSU - loss by 50.
Makes sense that they are now scrambling to get their punishment started this year because they may not make a bowl anyway.
To be honest, the person that has set the tone for OSU's physical play this season, as compared to the finesse this has played with in the past, is Quinshon Judkins .... his "violent" running style has rubbed off on everyone, making the Buckeyes a more physically imposing team ..... it has also brought a certain "attitude" with it (recall the one handed catch by Smith against Iowa where he made the catch with one hand, then pushed the defender off him immediately afterwards as if he was brushing a fly off his jersey ..... Attitude, toughness and confidence - things that seemed to be missing from our other talented teams .... I'd be nervous, if I was a Duck - this is one nasty, dangerous team they're about to play .....
TOTALLY agree, Canuk. This team just has a different attitude and you can feel it. I think these guys are ready for the challenge.
I'm squeamishly optimistic.
TreVeyeon runs hard too, just differently and in his case, to his detriment. I think he leaves yards on the field trying to finish run physically (in space) when he should be using God given ability to be elusive.
TreVeyeon runs much harder, inside the tackles, than he did as a freshman. Even though he is in his first year as running backs coach, Carlos Locklyn deserves credit for the way the backs are playing.
Everyone then me.
I think though he has done less of that this year. To me he is making better cuts this year and doing a better job of reading not where the openings are but where they are going to be.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
I wonder what the Iowa safety thinks about that...
Will not argue that, but would include McLaughlin too. He's been the key to solidifying that Oline and play with a nasty streak.
Nope. The starter in the opener and the first person to stick out a vicious stiff arm was Treveyon Henderson. The same Henderson who welcomed Judkins with open arms. The same Henderson that has stiff armed about 6 players and de-cleated 3-4 defenders on blocks. Treveyon is the one setting the tone with his hard running his even harder blocking and his ability to be a great teammate and share. Tre deserves way more credit this year.
Love those stiff arms from both our RB's
A good general always makes you search for his weaknesses. - Woody Hayes
Sonny Styles was activated this week after activating Caleb Downs the week before! I think I am liking the activated versions.
The thing about Sonny is he came in a year early at 17 and has shown the maturity to seek out the evaluation of Chase Brown and mold his game to the critique. A lot of guys at that level would have stuck to working with their strength staff and coaches, studying film, working with their position groups. This guy showed the initiative to get the input of the best in the blog world, read those critiques, take it to heart and make the changes.
Go Bucks and EsecPn has been a crap network going on 20 decade's.
GO BUCKS
Math
What do ya mean usmc? You don't remember the old ESPN videos of the civil war? How biased they were of the army of Virginia and calling a win in Gettysburg before the battle started?
Ha! :) “Was it over when Lee bombed Pearl Harbor?”
It was Germany. Clearly you didn't go to Faber
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
No matter how much you hate espn, it's not enough.
It would be helpful to ESPN if they actually watched the game. Iowa got a garbage time TD when a lot of the starters had been pulled.
The espn writer was trying to be cute. Iowa had an atrocious offense in 2023, but they're about average this season (an average offense + top 10 defense makes them a top 25 caliber team). And now their loss against Ohio State was their first ranked opponent in 2024. Iowa will score more than 1 TD against other ranked opponents this season.
ESPN also ignores that Brian Ferentz is no longer running that offense either. The fact ranked Michigan had two scores against a Brian Ferentz led offense is more disturbing than whatever happened on Saturday against an offense that is a big improvement.
And the writer is fully aware of the Brian Ferentz factor. He's using a tactic you see in politics: stripping out context to try to score a jab. If someone objects, the writer says, "Is what I wrote untrue?" Snark, snark.
Which is why I won't give them clicks or react to these assessments. Same as the Coaches and AP polls; they're certainly not watching these games to cast a well thought out vote, nor are those assigned to provide a summary watching them all either. As mentioned above, checking the box scores and voting off that plus inbred team or conference bias represents most of the results. Pre-season polls set the benchmark of where teams are placed in subsequent weeks as well. As others have posted, it would be better if there were no preseason polls and none until week 4.
HERE WE GO!
I believe our DBs, Igbinosun and Burke, are going to be tested like they haven't yet this season. They need to have a good, clean game with few penalties.
Offensively, I hope we continue to utilize successfully our two top running backs. Pound the rock and take the crowd out of the game.
I'm squeamishly optimistic.
ACAP. I would assume the officiating crew will be P12 transplants? Remember, it was an anonymous P12 review dude who reversed that call on Marv in the Georgia game.
just expanded it a little
Leave no doubt
I have full confidence Chip Kelly will scheme up some delicious tactical advantages with our running game, including both our superbacks, and Will Howard's legs.
Knowles also needs to have a solid game in the booth, which he's shown quite capable so far this year. I expect the more exotic looks to reveal themselves Saturday.
"Put ya' weight on it"
Chip has also seen Lannings Duck teams teams up close and personal already.
You're too stupid to have a good time. -Dalton
That blade cuts both ways.
Also true.
You're too stupid to have a good time. -Dalton
Same plays with waaayyy better talent cut deeper.
Go Bucks!!!
David Peck
I agree. First real passing threat they have faced this year with very good receivers. And they like to use their running backs in the passing game
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
I agree with everything, except that sometimes pass interference can be tactically smart (in cfb) when the DB is beat on downfield throws. 1. I wouldn't try to curtail Igbinosun's nasty edge and 2. Limit big plays.
Which is why it should be placed at the point of infraction or 15 yards, whichever is longer. Endzone? 1 ft or 1 yard line.
It is a smart penalty in the endzone but takes away from the game, IMHO.
My last words will probably be: "It seemed like a good Idea at the time..."
"The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge." - Steven Hawking
Eleven Warriors faithful, should our beloved Buckeyes win it all this year, be mentally prepared to hear and read the following narratives from ES(ec)P(i)N and other outlets:
”Buckeyes win with $20 million dollar roster” “It took $20 million dollars, but Ryan Day finally wins” “Buckeyes win the championship with unprecedented $20 million dollar team”
In fact, it’s already started. During the Marshall game, Gus Johnson referenced it a couple of times. Fox Big Noon has talked about it. And recently on Game Day, one of the “experts” said “they have a $20 million dollar team…they should beat Iowa”.
I’m a mini van driver in a mega fun world
Yeah not sure why Ross Bjork had to let this one out of the bag , but I think Ryan Day did the same thing last year when he publicly stated that the team needed $13million from the NIL collectives. I guess I just answered my own question.
That was a rookie mistake by Bjork. You don't expect those from a guy that's been around as long as he has. It's nobody's business outside the family. Not good, Ross, not good.
My aim, then, is to whip the Weasels, to humble their pride, to follow them to their inmost recesses, and make them fear and dread us. Fear is the beginning of wisdom. - William Tecumseh Sherman (with apologies)
Nothing to hide from. Players and coaches should embrace it. Casual comments about thanking the commitment of OSU nation to commit to taking care of athletes’ needs has allowed ultimate focus on the competition. It won’t stop the “world against OSU,” but it will get the attention of recruits looking for a landing place.
I don't think the Yankees or Dodgers worry about what people think of how much they spend on players. People wanted players to get their fair share and have these opportunities. Well, here it is and now it will be all about which programs do it the best within the rules.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
Wow - great perspective about the Yankees and Dodgers.
You can thank our new AD for that. Handle your business and keep details in house. I never trust a man who talks about all the money they make(or throws around).
Rom 5:8
Act like you can't afford the bread until they find out you own the bakery. Stay humble.
mtrotb
Agree but the flip side is that it lets recruits know we are serious about being a major player in this and you don't have to go slinking around the back alleys with bags of cash to do it.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
However, this "expert" failed to mention his alma mater has a $15 million dollar team and "should beat Washington"...and yet they didn't.
Leave no doubt
And if TCUN are paying their WR corps more than $20/week and a turkey sandwich, it is scandalous!
Yeah, and damn proud we did it within the rules so suck on it!
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
The SEC has been buying players for years in one fashion or another so there shouldn't be any room for criticism from anyone. It only seems to be an issue when schools not in the south get into that game as it upsets the comfortable reality they've been living in until NIL let teams legally do this.
A team as loaded with paid players like Alabama ought to be able to beat Vanderbilt, but maybe only $10-$15 million can get you so far.
I guess there's plenty of people (pundits) with opinions on Ohio State.
I'll keep focus on the players, they're saying all the right things...I can't wait for Saturday night either.
One game at a time, nobody else matters.
Go Buckeyes.
Did you check over your post before hitting save? Opinions only matter with clear titles and full details.
Reloaded my signature at a good clip, while consulting a magazine. Go Buckeyes.
"Instinctual" is the key word with Styles, because given his physical gifts, that's really been the only thing holding him back. A lot of the biggest disappointments I can think of in our program over the years were players whose athletic gifts were not matched by a similar feel for the game.
The most "loud mouth, disrespect" poster on 11W.
That's a fair point, if we keep in mind that different positions and roles tend to require different instincts. A defender might not have the right combination of "instincts" to play as a read and react LB, but look instinctual playing as a stand up DE who is told before the snap to rush the passer or drop into coverage.
We don't know if maybe scheme changes contribute to big changes in play. I have to wonder if Knowles changed some of his pass coverages in certain situations to allow him to come forward quicker or if things just clicked with him. What ever the reason, he was a force out there Saturday.
The other big sports network has revealed themselves to be Fuk'd On Xichigan so they are getting on my nerves too.
Vanderbilt and Arkansas aren’t being fined for “storming the field”. They’re being fined for beating 2 of the SEC’s cash cows without permission.
They don't let shit like that happen in the ACC! What's that meme? I wish my wife loved me like ACC officials love Miami?
I don't think the SEC is all that worried about that. They have enough other options to get into the CFP that they can lean on. But it does help the SEC administrative budget to help pay for their commissioner to make the big bucks.
Now the ACC on the other hand showed how they are going to protect Miami this year. They have to be praying that Pitt or SMU remain undefeated until the championship game to give them their best shot at two teams in the playoffs. Their other option is Clemson doesn't take another loss and beats Miami in their championship then both will get in with only one loss each.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
I hope we get the same refs from Saturday. It’s to our advantage when they let em play-No PF or PI. It looks a lot more like the game I grew up watching.
Rom 5:8
That was a pleasant change of style...
Used to wake up on Saturday, run a few errands, then sit down and watch all of the pregame shows. then on sunday, would wake up, run a few errands then sit down and watch all of the highlight shows (Final Drive, etc.). Now, I cant stand to watch any of it. I will usually wait about 15 minutes after the hour or dvr the game and start watching it late so I can avoid the pregrame chatter. cant put my finger on exactly when it got so bad, but it is dreadful tv. gameday is horrendous. how many more years are they going to cart out corso for his incoherent ramblings? dont get me started on mcaffee and howard. big nude is pretty bad too. ingram sucks and is like a cartoon character. also, during the game, those sideline reporters are worthless (except for some injury updates). i am the same with some of the other posters above. only time i watch espn is for an acutal game. those talk shows are so bad its not even funny. used to watch those too. maybe i am getting old and thats why they all suck, but damn.
Big B
Mb I also don't watch the NFL and college pregame shows anymore. The talk shows are just plain stupid too!
Now I might actually tune in to see pregame Big Nude show, depending on who is on it!
I hear you. If you’re up late on Saturday night, the Final Drive on BTN does a nice, hour-long recap of the weekend’s Big Ten football games. It is usually replayed on Sunday morning as well.
"Can I borrow your towel? I hit a water buffalo".
"Put ya' weight on it"
Upvote for Fletch reference.
Everyone is flipping out about the ESPN comments but I read it as tongue-in-cheek humor. The Georgia-Auburn game was written with even more clear humor.
Agree with your statement. David Hale does a wrap up column that is actually a very funny read on each Saturday's action. I hardly go on the web site except for scores and schedules but I do enjoy that column every Sunday morning.
Oh David Hale wrote it? That makes me think my interpretation is even closer to the correct read of it then.
1) He’s an ACC guy if I’m not mistaken.
2) He seems to have a sense of humor on Twitter.
But anyway, if what you want to read into that is that ESPN is doing its anti-B1G bias then that’s all you’re going to see.
It was tongue in cheek BUT they also wanted the narrative to be that NO TEAM looked really good because every unbeaten SEC team lost. Kind of like, it’s ok that they lost since a lot of teams struggled blah blah blah. Nothing is by accident.
What I liked about our running game is that the ypc did not come with one huge run being the bulk of the yards. Don't get me wrong, I love a 70 yard rushing td. But that consistency of getting good yardage each play says both the blockers and the runners are doing their jobs every play.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
Pretty bold to have Ohio State and homecoming the same day
~Because we couldn't go for three~
Love the SS!! First game of a BRUTAL 4 game stretch. Buckeyes are built for this, Sat night gonna be FUN!! Lets roll
Mr. Figure Four
ESPN should change their moto to "the voice of the south". The world wide leader has fallen.
Fraudbaugh
I think that writer actually feels like it was a loss for ESPN. They thought Iowa would expose the Buckeyes somehow. They didn't.
Good morning Dudes and Beckys,
On this Beat Blue Monday just a friendly reminder from this guy here BeatTTUN, when it comes to espn never ever forget the wisdom provided by Gunny Highway "DGTPTS"
If you yelled out "RECON!" after reading DGTPTS,,, Thank you.
Go Buckeyes
Beat Michigan
Beat Oregon
Eat your heart out Channel 5.
Go Buckeyes Beat Michigan
I love the Bucks are 'super excited', I wouldn't expect anything else. I only hope it doesn't overwhelm their discipline.
Have fun guys.
Beat scUM
Beat Oregon
A good general always makes you search for his weaknesses. - Woody Hayes
I never rake leaves. Early fall I mow/mulch leaves. As the leaves start to fall more rapidly, I gather my leaves using a blower/muncher and I dump them into my garden.
I try to do the same. Problem is I have a lot of oak trees and have to watch how much of them I add to the garden because of the acidity in oak leaves
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
It's really fantastic that Sonny Styles answered the bell and had himself a day on Saturday. I'm really glad for him.
I would, however, like to press pause on anointing him to see him apply that functionality over a couple of games... and do it against an opponent that isn't as one dimensional on offense as an OG Mickey Mouse cartoon.
The Excellence of Execution, the Best there is, the Best there was, the Best there ever will be!
ESPN is no longer relevant. They suck and are biased. The End.
Boy the really reached on the reason OSU should feel like this game was a loss. I think they are right though. I think in the post game talk to the team Day probably said "You know guys, we're the first ranked team to allow Iowa to score since 2022. We really let ourselves down out there today....."
Michigan Cheated
Did Jackson play in a different game? The video tag line highlights Iowa's 35-7 win over the Buckeyes...
My last words will probably be: "It seemed like a good Idea at the time..."
"The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge." - Steven Hawking
Only 5 ways Ohio State loses on Saturday:
1. Bucks beat themselves
2. Officiating
3. Replay booth
4. Officiating
5. Replay booth
2 through 4 are the only reason they lost to uga 2 yrs ago & to clemson 5 yrs ago.
Go Bucks!!!
David Peck
ESPN has absolutely zero credibility and is completely unwatchable. If they went out of business today I wouldn't shed a tear. Go Buckeyes!
OSUAlumInAZ
I watched the espn highlights and they spent about 40 minutes on the SEC and 20 with the rest of the leagues. Last time I waste time on that sorry network. If we control the clock and not turn the ball over I like our chances at Oregon. With the new playoff it is not a must win game.
Stop paying attention to what people you don't care about or trust say and do. It works for sports teams and news outlets as well.
I don't watch ESPN, nor do I care about what their announcers say.
Boy, I got vision and the rest of the world wears bifocals! - Butch Cassidy
"SLUGGISH DAY FOR THE TOP TEAMS"
It's not just ESPN. Former Buckeye Joshua Perry said the same thing after the game as an NBC analyst, criticizing the Buckeyes slow start against Iowa. Bandwagon jumping I guess.
First and goal at the five and Arch is getting the ball.
It's impressive how quickly they pump these out every week. It's just too bad they couldn't have worked in another shot at TCUN this week. Maybe put them in the coffin.
My aim, then, is to whip the Weasels, to humble their pride, to follow them to their inmost recesses, and make them fear and dread us. Fear is the beginning of wisdom. - William Tecumseh Sherman (with apologies)
Please address the Brian Hartline IG story