Game Eight: Ohio State 45, Minnesota 31 (final)

[Taosman]

We get to see Ginn and Santonio on a really fast track! OOOhhhh! My!

[jimotis4heisman]

Originally Posted by Taosman

We get to see Ginn and Santonio on a really fast track! OOOhhhh! My!

i believe the metrodome no longer has astroturf, they went to fieldturf a couple of years ago.

[Buckeye86]

Alright, I did a little research and it seems to me that the Gophers O-Line is a bit undersized. Now I understand that they do a lot of pulling and try to get their running backs to the edge so the smaller lineman who can move aren't necessarily a bad thing.

But here's my point: many of you are saying that the best way to attack our defense is right up the middle, while our strength is stretching plays to the sidelines. So our defensive strength is perfect for their offensive philosophy while they may have trouble exploiting our middle because of their undersized line.

[Steve19]

Originally Posted by Buckeye86

Alright, I did a little research and it seems to me that the Gophers O-Line is a bit undersized. Now I understand that they do a lot of pulling and try to get their running backs to the edge so the smaller lineman who can move aren't necessarily a bad thing.

But here's my point: many of you are saying that the best way to attack our defense is right up the middle, while our strength is stretching plays to the sidelines. So our defensive strength is perfect for their offensive philosophy while they may have trouble exploiting our middle because of their undersized line.

Which is why I keep saying, Minnesota meet brick wall.

[scarletngrey11]

OSU will shut Maroney down, I would be in awe if he has over 70 yards. Minnesota's Offensive Line is slightly undersized, they pull almost every play, and thats why we will shut them down. Normally you have a 310+ lb guard pulling, but with Minnesota the guards are smaller, meanwhile, our linebackers are bigger and will be able to hold their own.

Dont forget how one-dimensial this team is, we will be playing to shut down Maroney, and other than Wheelwright, they dont have anybody that we should be worried about.

[crazybuckfan40]

Originally Posted by Steve19

Which is why I keep saying, Minnesota meet brick wall.

Very much like 02'.

[2002UNC]

OSU 31
Minny 10

[BuckTwenty]

Minnesota had a bye week last week. Let's hope the bye week blues continues with them.

I wouldn't be surprised if they come outta the gate throwing. Our weakness certainly isn't our rush D, so they might try something different with a week to prepare

OSU in a close one.

[scarletngrey11]

"I wouldn't be surprised if they come outta the gate throwing."

Throwing to who? Other than Ernie Wheelwright, they have no viable threat at wide reciever. Jenkins is playing great, and Everett should be back. Ashton should be able to cover Wheelwright, since they both have great size.

[bukIpower]

I think we give up somewhere near 100 yards on the ground... Thats actually pretty high of a number considering how we play against teams. Only reason I give them such a generous number is thats pretty much all they do. I think Pittman goes for 100 in the rest of his games and he finally takes one to the house this upcoming saturday. I just hope that our team comes out and sticks it to them early!

Also does anyone else feel like Ted Ginn is see'n the field ALOT better than he was? It seems since Michigan State that he's been going upfield alot more and that he's seeing lanes open up alot better also. I think If Ted Ginn can put our offense in good field position we'll be ok.

ONly way concievable Minnesota wins this game is if OSU gives them the game with turnovers. What sucks about our turnovers are they usually come when we're driving into the endzone. talk about a momentum buster! just hold onto the ball in the Red Zone and get some points and we should be straight! GO BUCKS!

[rocketman]

I think Teddy's getting much improved down-field blocking on PR/KR's. Maybe D'Andrea is making an impact in that department? Hopefully this trend will continue to improve. I just wish we can get him more involved on deep routes, like that 40-something yard bomb Smith threw to Ginn.

[BrutusBobcat]

No one's touched on the huge special teams edge we have in this one. So...there it is. Without getting too far out on a limb, I think we will have a substantial edge in field position due to punting and return yards. This game doesn't worry me a bit. Minnesota will only find the endzone if our offense (or return men) gets sloppy and turns the ball over deep.

[MililaniBuckeye]

Originally Posted by R0CK3TM4NN

Maybe D'Andrea is making an impact in that department?

Not in the fair-catch department...

[jimotis4heisman]

wheelwright isnt their leading receiver ellerson is so maybe hes a viable option<br><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=bg0 align=middle><TD colSpan=5>Player Matchup </TD></TR><TR class=bg4 align=middle><TD width="20%"></TD><TD vAlign=top width="20%">Bryan Cupito<br><br>Minnesota Golden Gophers</TD><TD vAlign=top width="20%">Troy Smith<br><br>Ohio State Buckeyes</TD><TD vAlign=top width="20%"></TD><TD vAlign=top width="20%"></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#d1d1d1>Games </TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">12</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">8</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%"></TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%"></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#d1d1d1>Pass Attempts</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">261</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">122</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%"></TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%"></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#d1d1d1>Pass Completions</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">123</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">68</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%"></TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%"></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#d1d1d1>Passing Yards</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">2097</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">896</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%"></TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%"></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#d1d1d1>Touchdown Passes </TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">14</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">8</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%"></TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%"></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#d1d1d1>Interceptions</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">7</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">3</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%"></TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%"></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#d1d1d1>Carries</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">29</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">82</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%"></TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%"></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#d1d1d1>Rushing Yards</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">42</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">339</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%"></TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%"></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#d1d1d1>Rushing Average</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">1.4</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">4.1</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%"></TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%"></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#d1d1d1>Rushing Touchdowns</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">0</TD><TD class=bg2 align=middle width="20%">2</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[jwinslow]

I still crack up at that Troy Smith picture... anyone have an answer to Taos' excellent q about whether Cupito is healthy?

We will win this one easily. The offense will score 24-28, and ST/D will score at least 7.