Ohio State 45, Michigan State 7 (Oct. 18)

[TS10HTW]

After the offense scored only 3 FGs vs Purdue: this matchup has me anxious and excited to see what the coaches will put together for this week's gameplan.

I think TP gets more aggressive and decisive this week when he turns it up field to run. More pony set and I formation with 2 TE is what I'd like to see. I watched Iowa run the ball effectively against sparty with beanie and TP I truly believe our power running game can be as effective as the Hawkeyes.

Defensively, this has to be the week to step it up. Big time step it up. peroid.

[Tonyank]

I will be drinking in the parking lot at 11:30 am

[buckeyebri]

Lets get this party started......

[daveeb]

Originally Posted by buckeyebri

Lets get this party started......

First game of the year I get to watch with my dad. So, it should be fun no matter what.

Anyway, I've had the opportunity to watch a lot of Sparty's games this year. that 6 game winning streak isn't "same old sparty". The team is playing very well this year, and is a threat to make a January 1st bowl game.

Here are a few of my observations:
1. Their defensive backs are the biggest change on this team compared to the JLS era. They no longer have their backs turned towards the ball while it's in the air. They know how to play the ball and how to cover someone to prevent them from making the catch. Basically, their DBs know how to play football now.
2. Michigan State relies on ball control.
Game 7: +3
Game 6: +2
Game 5: +3
Game 4: +2
Game 3: +0
Game 2: -1
Game 1: +1
Gives MSU a +10 turnover margin. Ohio State can't turn over the ball and they have to force turnovers.
3. We all know about Javon Ringer. The weak point on that MSU team has been QB Brian Hoyer. However, after a rough start and since Javon Ringer has really brought the pressure off of the passing game, Hoyer has been playing well. And, he has only been sacked 4 times this year. Ohio State needs to get to Hoyer and pressure him. Thus, the run defense must be stout and capable of stopping Ringer without stacking the box every play.
4. Kick Brent Swenson has been automatic. 23/23 XPs. 15/16 field goals. Longest 48. Ohio State has to keep MSU from getting into field goal range, because Swenson probably won't be missing any.

Just my .02. Tough team, but not impossible to beat.

[3074326]

Defense and special teams. The d-line is going to have to step up big time, and we're going to have to win the field position battle. They're going to hold on to the ball for a long time.

[Taosman]

A fully recovered from the Flu, Beanie will have a big effect on everything.
The defense will hold they're own and keep us in the game. The team will be refocused and ready. It will still be a nail biter. Have your antacids handy.

[buckeyebri]

My keys to the game:

On Defense:
Stop Ringer and force Hoyer to throw the ball

On Offense:
Mix it up on first down and throw the ball a liitle
Beanie...Beanie....Beanie

[Tresselbeliever]

Ringer hasn't done anything against us, and there's no reason to think that he'll do anything different. As long as we don't make too many mistakes and have a healthy Beanie, we should be fine.

[LightningRod]

Opening Vegas line is OSU -4

[Joppin14]

We need to get Thomas and Posey on the field in open space. I am loving Lamaar returning kickoffs....

Pryor needs to get rid of the ball quicker (might as well beat it into the ground even more) and I really hope that JDaniels is getting on his tail about it.

Beanie could have a big day.

All in all, a win here would do a lot of good heading into a huge showdown with the Nittany Lions.

[Yertle]

1. Buckeyes need to stop Ringer. I doubt this will happen. And I hate watching the Buckeye D get gashed for rushing yards (a la Illinois last year).
2. Play calling needs to improve. I think it will. JT has to have a plan... millions of Buckeye fans are scratching their heads at the offensive calls, and he's a football genius. He must be up to something.
3. Wells needs to have a big game. Pryor can't be expected to win this game for us, so Beanie needs 150+. Now that the flu bug is gone, he should be good to go. Besides, the o-line seems to have one good game and then one bad game. MSU should be a good game.

This is a tough one, and I don't have a good feeling for this. The optimism is leaving me... I'll hold off on the prediction until later in the week.

[Flocka]

Originally Posted by Taosman

A fully recovered from the Flu, Beanie will have a big effect on everything.
The defense will hold they're own and keep us in the game.

You put CCI to shame.

[NightmaresDad]

Originally Posted by Yertle

1. Buckeyes need to stop Ringer. I doubt this will happen. And I hate watching the Buckeye D get gashed for rushing yards (a la Illinois last year).
2. Play calling needs to improve. I think it will. JT has to have a plan... millions of Buckeye fans are scratching their heads at the offensive calls, and he's a football genius. He must be up to something.
3. Wells needs to have a big game. Pryor can't be expected to win this game for us, so Beanie needs 150+. Now that the flu bug is gone, he should be good to go. Besides, the o-line seems to have one good game and then one bad game. MSU should be a good game.

This is a tough one, and I don't have a good feeling for this. The optimism is leaving me... I'll hold off on the prediction until later in the week.

Re: #1...........
I don't think it's that impossible. Ringer's games against decent teams have been something like 30 rushes for 100 yrads through 3 quarters, then 10 rushes for 100 more yards in the 4th.
If we get them behind us on the scoreboard, we can help eliminate that 4th Qtr diet of Ringer where he always breaks a couple of big ones.
Plus, then we can pound Beanie in the 2nd half, and he can be the one breaking the big ones.

I see 20 pass plays called in the first half, and hopefully only about 10 in the second half. (for us, that is)

[utgrad73]

Ringer may be a force to be dealt with, but MSU has had a cupcake schedule so far.

We'll be fine.

[notfadeaway]

Originally Posted by utgrad73

Ringer may be a force to be dealt with, but MSU has had a cupcake schedule so far.

We'll be fine.

Agreed