3yardsandacloud
Administrator Emeritus
2006 Cincinnati Bearcats Game Preview
written by: BB73, BuckeyeRyn, Buckeyeskickbuttocks, Bucklion, DaddyBigBucks, daddyphatsacs, Deety, FKAGobucks877, jwinslow, LordJeffBuck, osugrad21, OSUsushichic, PrincessPeach, and 3yardsandacloud
written by: BB73, BuckeyeRyn, Buckeyeskickbuttocks, Bucklion, DaddyBigBucks, daddyphatsacs, Deety, FKAGobucks877, jwinslow, LordJeffBuck, osugrad21, OSUsushichic, PrincessPeach, and 3yardsandacloud
Well, after going on the road to defeat the defending National Champions in the earliest matchup of #1 vs #2 in the history of college football, what's up next for the Buckeyes? They will host the Cincinnati Bearcats, who left Conference-USA for the Big East in 2005, and their head coach Mark Dantonio, who was the defensive coordinator at tOSU from 2001 through 2003.
Ohio State has won 37 of its last 38 non-conference games in Ohio Stadium since 1991. The lone defeat in that timeframe occurred last year, and was avenged in Austin on Saturday night.
Ohio State is 175-50-15 (.760) against in-state opponents all-time. The Bearcats have claimed two wins over the Buckeyes, although they occurred back in 1896 and 1897.
The most victories that an in-state opponent can claim over tOSU is the 10 racked up by both Oberlin and Case Institute of Technology. At one point Case had a 10-4-2 mark against the Buckeyes, until 7 years of consecutive wins gave Ohio State the edge when that series concluded on November 11, 1918. Apparently the Case Institute football team decided to honor the armistice that was declared that same day.
Oberlin started with 6 straight wins during the 1890's, but that series ended in 1922 with tOSU holding a 13-10-3 margin. Oberlin got their last win in 1921, which is the last time that Ohio State has lost to an in-state opponent. Although one might be able to win a bar bet against someone who has read about that 1921 defeat in the papers this week, by asking which in-state football team was the last to not lose against the Buckeyes. That was Wooster, who battled to a 7-7 tie in 1924.
Looking at the football history of Cincinnati, it seems difficult to see them presenting much of a challenge. They have never been ranked in a final major college football poll, and have only won 3 bowl games, although the most recent was a 32-14 defeat of Marshall in the Fort Worth Bowl, which nicely capped Dantonio's first year at the helm in 2004. The only 10-win season in their history was a 10-1 campaign under Sid Gillman in 1951.
Since Gillman departed following the 1954 season, the only head coaches with a winning record are Tony Mason (25-19 from 1973-76), and current TV analyst Mike Gottfried, who guided them to consecutive 6-5 finishes in 1981-82.
The Bearcats have a record of 8-37-2 against teams currently in the Big Ten conference, with their last win being a 17-12 game against a visiting Wisconsin team in 1999. They are able to claim a 2-1 against current Pac-10 members, and have an alltime mark of 7-7-1 versus Big 12 teams (although none of those victories were against Texas, Oklahoma, or Nebraska).
But Ohio State fans expecting an easy victory will surely recall the 2002 game against Cincinnati, in which tOSU's national championship hopes hung on the fingertips of a couple of receivers trying to grab throws that Gino Guidugli made into the end zone at Paul Brown stadium, before Will Allen snared the fourth down pass to seal the Buckeye victory. Cincinnati ended that year with a 7-7 record, although that gave them a share of the Conference USA Championship.
Will Ohio State's 2006 season give the same boost to antacid sales in Ohio as 2002? This game may be an indication of how the rest of the regular season will be for Buckeye fans.
Ohio State has won 37 of its last 38 non-conference games in Ohio Stadium since 1991. The lone defeat in that timeframe occurred last year, and was avenged in Austin on Saturday night.
Ohio State is 175-50-15 (.760) against in-state opponents all-time. The Bearcats have claimed two wins over the Buckeyes, although they occurred back in 1896 and 1897.
The most victories that an in-state opponent can claim over tOSU is the 10 racked up by both Oberlin and Case Institute of Technology. At one point Case had a 10-4-2 mark against the Buckeyes, until 7 years of consecutive wins gave Ohio State the edge when that series concluded on November 11, 1918. Apparently the Case Institute football team decided to honor the armistice that was declared that same day.
Oberlin started with 6 straight wins during the 1890's, but that series ended in 1922 with tOSU holding a 13-10-3 margin. Oberlin got their last win in 1921, which is the last time that Ohio State has lost to an in-state opponent. Although one might be able to win a bar bet against someone who has read about that 1921 defeat in the papers this week, by asking which in-state football team was the last to not lose against the Buckeyes. That was Wooster, who battled to a 7-7 tie in 1924.
Looking at the football history of Cincinnati, it seems difficult to see them presenting much of a challenge. They have never been ranked in a final major college football poll, and have only won 3 bowl games, although the most recent was a 32-14 defeat of Marshall in the Fort Worth Bowl, which nicely capped Dantonio's first year at the helm in 2004. The only 10-win season in their history was a 10-1 campaign under Sid Gillman in 1951.
Since Gillman departed following the 1954 season, the only head coaches with a winning record are Tony Mason (25-19 from 1973-76), and current TV analyst Mike Gottfried, who guided them to consecutive 6-5 finishes in 1981-82.
The Bearcats have a record of 8-37-2 against teams currently in the Big Ten conference, with their last win being a 17-12 game against a visiting Wisconsin team in 1999. They are able to claim a 2-1 against current Pac-10 members, and have an alltime mark of 7-7-1 versus Big 12 teams (although none of those victories were against Texas, Oklahoma, or Nebraska).
But Ohio State fans expecting an easy victory will surely recall the 2002 game against Cincinnati, in which tOSU's national championship hopes hung on the fingertips of a couple of receivers trying to grab throws that Gino Guidugli made into the end zone at Paul Brown stadium, before Will Allen snared the fourth down pass to seal the Buckeye victory. Cincinnati ended that year with a 7-7 record, although that gave them a share of the Conference USA Championship.
Will Ohio State's 2006 season give the same boost to antacid sales in Ohio as 2002? This game may be an indication of how the rest of the regular season will be for Buckeye fans.
Date and Time
Date: Saturday, September 16th, 2006
Time: Noon EDT Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 101,568 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: Natural Grass (P.A.T.)
Honorary Captain: Craig Krenzel
OSU Hall of Fame Inductees: All-Americans Eddie George (1992-95) and Ted Provost (1967-69)
Broadcast Information:
TV Broacast: ESPN Plus (Regional)
Radio Broadcast: Ohio State Radio Network (1460TheFan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sideline)
Time: Noon EDT Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 101,568 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: Natural Grass (P.A.T.)
Honorary Captain: Craig Krenzel
OSU Hall of Fame Inductees: All-Americans Eddie George (1992-95) and Ted Provost (1967-69)
Broadcast Information:
TV Broacast: ESPN Plus (Regional)
Radio Broadcast: Ohio State Radio Network (1460TheFan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sideline)
2006 Cincinnati Bearcats Offensive Preview
Returning starters: 7
It's hard to imagine the Buckeyes being any higher than coming off of one of the biggest road wins in recent memory, a dominating 24-7 road victory over the #2 team in the country, Texas. The defense was effective at pressuring the young QB, forcing some timely turnovers, and controlling the effective Longhorn running game in spots. But, as with any season, that win is now history, and the next offense to prepare for is already on deck.
Enter the Cincinnati Bearcats, whose offense in 2005 can be described as, more or less, a disaster. Their scoring offense of a mere 17.5 points per game ranked 105/117 Division I-A teams, and they didn't score 30 points all season. Among the lowlights was a 7 point performance against ... not North, not South, not even East ... but Western Carolina. They scored just 25 points in their final 3 games, and their running and passing games failed to place in the top 80 nationally. Their turnover margin of -0.64 per game was 95th in the nation. Needless to say, coach Mark Dantonio had plenty to work on entering 2006.
It's hard to judge how much progress has been made as a team, as they have played only 2 games, one against Eastern Kentucky. The Bearcat passing game has put up 251.5 yards per contest, good for a respectable 35th nationally at this point, if that's anything to go on. They're still struggling mightily to run the ball, averaging only 82 yards per game so far, good for only 98th nationally. They've only turned the ball over 3 times in 2 games, so it appears as though ball security has been a point of emphasis, but again with a lower division opponent one never knows how much progress has really been made. So, much of what we know about the Bearcats will be revealed when they arrive at the stadium.
Quarterbacks
QB #4 Dustin Grutza (6-3, 200, SO, Mason County HS, Maysville, KY)
Grutza was thrown into the fire last season, and didn't perform that bad, considering. He threw for 1799 yards and hit for as many TDs as INTs (11 of each). This season he's completed 30/50 so far for 350 yards and 2 TDs to go with 2 INTs. Perhaps best for him so far is that he has taken only one sack so far in 2 games, compared to last season when he got the tar beat out of him en route to being sacked 40 times. He played a good game against Eastern Kentucky, but also put up some solid numbers against Pittsburgh, passing for 189 yards and a TD to go with 2 INTs. He's a big kid with good size that won't run much, but he did gain 22 yards on 6 carries against the Panthers. Certainly so far it seems he has shown some improvement, and he hopes to continue that on Saturday.
The backup is senior Nick Davila (#9), who played a significant amount against Eastern Kentucky (153 yards, 1 TD) and a few plays against Pittsburgh. He's been around the program for a while and offers an alternative to the younger Grutza, though his size and style are very similar.
QB Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Cincinnati vs Ohio State QBs
Grutza (P/R): 30/50 (60.0%), 350 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 124.0 rating; 8/14, 0 TDs.
Smith (P/R): 35/51 (68.6%), 566 yards, 5 TDs, 0 INTs, 194.2 rating; 8/-14, 0 TDs.
No real need for a comparison here ... the numbers look similar at first glance, but of course the caliber of competition and the penchant for big plays are no contest. It will be interesting to see whether Smith picks up his running game as the season wears on, or if he remains, for the most part, a passer.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
RB #11 Bradley Glatthaar (5-11, 215, JR, Elder HS, Cincinnati, OH)
FB #86 Doug Jones (6-4, 275, JR, Dixie Heights HS, Erlanger, KY)
The Bearcats will basically use tailback by committee. Glatthaar, out of powerhouse Elder HS, is the leading returning rusher from last year, when he gained 620 yards and scored 7 times. This year he leads the team again, though he's gained only 83 yards on 17 carries through two games, scoring 2 TDs, and also catching 3 passes for 17 yards. He gained only 31 yards against Pittsburgh, though he did score a TD in the ballgame.
Next on the chart are Greg Moore (#48) and Butler Benton (#23), a pair of juniors who will also see significant time. Moore has gained 56 yards and caught a couple of passes so far, and Benton has gained 53 yards and also caught a couple of balls. Basically this looks like a fairly solid but pedestrian group who will get you 25-40 yards per player and catch a pass or two each.
Jones is a bulldozer at fullback who will occasionally catch a pass or two as a safety valve.
RB Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Cincinnati vs Ohio State RBs
Glatthaar: 17/83 yards, 2 TDs, 4.9 YPC; 3 rec/21 yards, 0 TDs, 7.0 YPR
Moore: 15/56 yards, 1 TD, 3.7 YPC; 2 rec/17 yards, 0 TDs, 8.5 YPR
Benton: 15/53 yards, 1 TD, 3.5 YPC; 2 rec/14 yards, 0 TDs, 7.0 YPR
Pittman: 35/185 yards, 2 TDs, 5.3 YPC; 1 rec/0 yards, 0 TDs, 0.0 YPR
C Wells: 15/67, 1 TD, 4.5 YPC; 0 rec
M Wells: 6/16 yards, 0 TDs, 2.7 YPC; 1 rec, 30 yards, 0 TDs, 30.0 YPR
No comparison needed here. The Buckeyes are head and shoulders above the Bearcats.
Edge: Ohio State
Wide Receivers
WR #14 Earnest Jackson (6-3, 200, JR, Detroit Country Day HS, Southfield, MI)
WR #16 Dominick Goodman (6-1, 200, SO, Colerain HS, Cincinnati, OH)
WR #84 Bill Poland (6-3, 200, SR, Elder HS, Cincinnati, OH)
Jackson is the veteran of the group, and probably the best all-around player. The former DB and QB has 5 catches for 75 yards so far. Goodman, a converted QB, has perhaps the most big-play potential. He's caught 12 passes for 188 yards and 2 TDs thus far, including 8 for 70 against the Panthers. If the defense is going to keep a close eye on anyone, it should probably be him. Poland is a bigger target and offers experience, and has contributed 6 catches for 63 yards and a TD through 2 games.
Amongst the backups, speedy freshman Derrick Stewart (#10) offers big-play potential.
WR Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Cincinnati vs Ohio State WRs
Jackson: 5 catches, 75 yards, 0 TDs, 15.0 YPR
Goodman: 12 catches, 118 yards, 2 TDs, 9.8 YPR
Poland: 6 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD, 10.5 YPR
Ginn Jr.: 9 catches, 220 yards, 3 TDs, 24.4 YPR
Gonzalez: 12 catches, 195 yards, 2 TDs, 16.3 YPR
Robiskie: 6 catches, 60 yards, 0 TDs, 10.0 YPR
Again, no contest here. The Buckeyes have big-play potential at both major spots, and Gonzalez is quickly moving from the best WR no one has heard about to a great WR people know about.
Edge: Ohio State
Tight Ends
TE #85 Brent Celek (6-4, 240, SR, La Salle HS, Cincinnati, OH)
If one is looking for a player on the roster with some NFL potential, Celek is probably the guy. He has good size, good hands, is a capable blocker, and can be dangerous downfield. He's also a strong route runner. He's caught 9 passes for 107 yards so far, and will be a significant target in the middle of the field Saturday. Sophomore Connor Barwin (#89) is the heir apparent, and is also a good receiver.
TE Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: Cincinnati vs Ohio State TEs
Celek: 9 catches, 107 yards, 0 TDs, 11.9 YPR
Nicol: 3 rec, 16 yards, 0 TDs, 5.3 YPR
Celek is a candidate for first team All-Big East TE. Nicol does what he is supposed to, but Celek?s ability in the passing game sets him apart.
Advantage: Cincinnati
Offensive Line
LT #74 Ken Rodriguez (6-3, 305, JR, Citrus College, Los Angeles, CA)
LG #71 Jeff Reinstatler (6-2, 283, SR, Highlands HS, Fort Thomas, KY)
C #73 Mario Duenas (6-3, 280, JR, CCSF, Pittsburg, CA)
RG #76 Trevor Canfield (6-5, 300, SO, Western Hills HS, Cincinnati, OH)
RT #72 Digger Bujnoch (6-4, 265, JR, Elder HS, Cincinnati, OH)
This line was terrible at times last year, and was unable to keep their QB vertical throughout much of 2005. The running game was not as strong as the coaches would have liked, and giving up 40 sacks is relatively embarrassing, so the coaching staff brought in JUCO transfers Rodriguez and Duenas to add some immediate experience and toughen this group. Their presence should bolster this unit. Bujnoch is the best returning lineman of the group, and should add stability from the holdovers. Canfield has some starting experience, and Reinstatler is also a decent run blocker inside. Backup tackles Jeremy Bolton (#77) and J.P. Simon (#66) could also see action, as could guard Frank Straub.
OL Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Cincinnati vs Ohio State OL
The Bearcat line has been better thus far, allowing 3 sacks in 3 games, but only one to starting QB Grutza. The run blocking still needs significant improvement, and it will be interesting to see how the schemes work to try and keep the Buckeye front 4 out of the backfield. The JUCOs will help, but the Buckeyes are bigger, stronger, and quicker.
Advantage: Ohio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
This offense was not very good last year, but so far has appeared to make some improvements in the passing game, pass protection, and taking care of the football. The running game still needs significant work, and the receivers will have to make some big plays downfield for the Bearcats to have any chance. It's difficult to see the offensive line keeping the Buckeye front four at bay, and it is difficult to see receivers getting open consistently against the physical buckeye corners who, for the most part, handled the Texas receivers admirably last week. Still, if Dantonio has any tricks up his sleeve, be ready to see them, so the Buckeyes will need to be ready for anything. All that said, it is hard to imagine that the Bearcats will pose much of a threat Saturday.
Overall Offensive Rating: C-
It's hard to imagine the Buckeyes being any higher than coming off of one of the biggest road wins in recent memory, a dominating 24-7 road victory over the #2 team in the country, Texas. The defense was effective at pressuring the young QB, forcing some timely turnovers, and controlling the effective Longhorn running game in spots. But, as with any season, that win is now history, and the next offense to prepare for is already on deck.
Enter the Cincinnati Bearcats, whose offense in 2005 can be described as, more or less, a disaster. Their scoring offense of a mere 17.5 points per game ranked 105/117 Division I-A teams, and they didn't score 30 points all season. Among the lowlights was a 7 point performance against ... not North, not South, not even East ... but Western Carolina. They scored just 25 points in their final 3 games, and their running and passing games failed to place in the top 80 nationally. Their turnover margin of -0.64 per game was 95th in the nation. Needless to say, coach Mark Dantonio had plenty to work on entering 2006.
It's hard to judge how much progress has been made as a team, as they have played only 2 games, one against Eastern Kentucky. The Bearcat passing game has put up 251.5 yards per contest, good for a respectable 35th nationally at this point, if that's anything to go on. They're still struggling mightily to run the ball, averaging only 82 yards per game so far, good for only 98th nationally. They've only turned the ball over 3 times in 2 games, so it appears as though ball security has been a point of emphasis, but again with a lower division opponent one never knows how much progress has really been made. So, much of what we know about the Bearcats will be revealed when they arrive at the stadium.
Quarterbacks
QB #4 Dustin Grutza (6-3, 200, SO, Mason County HS, Maysville, KY)
Grutza was thrown into the fire last season, and didn't perform that bad, considering. He threw for 1799 yards and hit for as many TDs as INTs (11 of each). This season he's completed 30/50 so far for 350 yards and 2 TDs to go with 2 INTs. Perhaps best for him so far is that he has taken only one sack so far in 2 games, compared to last season when he got the tar beat out of him en route to being sacked 40 times. He played a good game against Eastern Kentucky, but also put up some solid numbers against Pittsburgh, passing for 189 yards and a TD to go with 2 INTs. He's a big kid with good size that won't run much, but he did gain 22 yards on 6 carries against the Panthers. Certainly so far it seems he has shown some improvement, and he hopes to continue that on Saturday.
The backup is senior Nick Davila (#9), who played a significant amount against Eastern Kentucky (153 yards, 1 TD) and a few plays against Pittsburgh. He's been around the program for a while and offers an alternative to the younger Grutza, though his size and style are very similar.
QB Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Cincinnati vs Ohio State QBs
Grutza (P/R): 30/50 (60.0%), 350 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 124.0 rating; 8/14, 0 TDs.
Smith (P/R): 35/51 (68.6%), 566 yards, 5 TDs, 0 INTs, 194.2 rating; 8/-14, 0 TDs.
No real need for a comparison here ... the numbers look similar at first glance, but of course the caliber of competition and the penchant for big plays are no contest. It will be interesting to see whether Smith picks up his running game as the season wears on, or if he remains, for the most part, a passer.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
RB #11 Bradley Glatthaar (5-11, 215, JR, Elder HS, Cincinnati, OH)
FB #86 Doug Jones (6-4, 275, JR, Dixie Heights HS, Erlanger, KY)
The Bearcats will basically use tailback by committee. Glatthaar, out of powerhouse Elder HS, is the leading returning rusher from last year, when he gained 620 yards and scored 7 times. This year he leads the team again, though he's gained only 83 yards on 17 carries through two games, scoring 2 TDs, and also catching 3 passes for 17 yards. He gained only 31 yards against Pittsburgh, though he did score a TD in the ballgame.
Next on the chart are Greg Moore (#48) and Butler Benton (#23), a pair of juniors who will also see significant time. Moore has gained 56 yards and caught a couple of passes so far, and Benton has gained 53 yards and also caught a couple of balls. Basically this looks like a fairly solid but pedestrian group who will get you 25-40 yards per player and catch a pass or two each.
Jones is a bulldozer at fullback who will occasionally catch a pass or two as a safety valve.
RB Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Cincinnati vs Ohio State RBs
Glatthaar: 17/83 yards, 2 TDs, 4.9 YPC; 3 rec/21 yards, 0 TDs, 7.0 YPR
Moore: 15/56 yards, 1 TD, 3.7 YPC; 2 rec/17 yards, 0 TDs, 8.5 YPR
Benton: 15/53 yards, 1 TD, 3.5 YPC; 2 rec/14 yards, 0 TDs, 7.0 YPR
Pittman: 35/185 yards, 2 TDs, 5.3 YPC; 1 rec/0 yards, 0 TDs, 0.0 YPR
C Wells: 15/67, 1 TD, 4.5 YPC; 0 rec
M Wells: 6/16 yards, 0 TDs, 2.7 YPC; 1 rec, 30 yards, 0 TDs, 30.0 YPR
No comparison needed here. The Buckeyes are head and shoulders above the Bearcats.
Edge: Ohio State
Wide Receivers
WR #14 Earnest Jackson (6-3, 200, JR, Detroit Country Day HS, Southfield, MI)
WR #16 Dominick Goodman (6-1, 200, SO, Colerain HS, Cincinnati, OH)
WR #84 Bill Poland (6-3, 200, SR, Elder HS, Cincinnati, OH)
Jackson is the veteran of the group, and probably the best all-around player. The former DB and QB has 5 catches for 75 yards so far. Goodman, a converted QB, has perhaps the most big-play potential. He's caught 12 passes for 188 yards and 2 TDs thus far, including 8 for 70 against the Panthers. If the defense is going to keep a close eye on anyone, it should probably be him. Poland is a bigger target and offers experience, and has contributed 6 catches for 63 yards and a TD through 2 games.
Amongst the backups, speedy freshman Derrick Stewart (#10) offers big-play potential.
WR Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Cincinnati vs Ohio State WRs
Jackson: 5 catches, 75 yards, 0 TDs, 15.0 YPR
Goodman: 12 catches, 118 yards, 2 TDs, 9.8 YPR
Poland: 6 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD, 10.5 YPR
Ginn Jr.: 9 catches, 220 yards, 3 TDs, 24.4 YPR
Gonzalez: 12 catches, 195 yards, 2 TDs, 16.3 YPR
Robiskie: 6 catches, 60 yards, 0 TDs, 10.0 YPR
Again, no contest here. The Buckeyes have big-play potential at both major spots, and Gonzalez is quickly moving from the best WR no one has heard about to a great WR people know about.
Edge: Ohio State
Tight Ends
TE #85 Brent Celek (6-4, 240, SR, La Salle HS, Cincinnati, OH)
If one is looking for a player on the roster with some NFL potential, Celek is probably the guy. He has good size, good hands, is a capable blocker, and can be dangerous downfield. He's also a strong route runner. He's caught 9 passes for 107 yards so far, and will be a significant target in the middle of the field Saturday. Sophomore Connor Barwin (#89) is the heir apparent, and is also a good receiver.
TE Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: Cincinnati vs Ohio State TEs
Celek: 9 catches, 107 yards, 0 TDs, 11.9 YPR
Nicol: 3 rec, 16 yards, 0 TDs, 5.3 YPR
Celek is a candidate for first team All-Big East TE. Nicol does what he is supposed to, but Celek?s ability in the passing game sets him apart.
Advantage: Cincinnati
Offensive Line
LT #74 Ken Rodriguez (6-3, 305, JR, Citrus College, Los Angeles, CA)
LG #71 Jeff Reinstatler (6-2, 283, SR, Highlands HS, Fort Thomas, KY)
C #73 Mario Duenas (6-3, 280, JR, CCSF, Pittsburg, CA)
RG #76 Trevor Canfield (6-5, 300, SO, Western Hills HS, Cincinnati, OH)
RT #72 Digger Bujnoch (6-4, 265, JR, Elder HS, Cincinnati, OH)
This line was terrible at times last year, and was unable to keep their QB vertical throughout much of 2005. The running game was not as strong as the coaches would have liked, and giving up 40 sacks is relatively embarrassing, so the coaching staff brought in JUCO transfers Rodriguez and Duenas to add some immediate experience and toughen this group. Their presence should bolster this unit. Bujnoch is the best returning lineman of the group, and should add stability from the holdovers. Canfield has some starting experience, and Reinstatler is also a decent run blocker inside. Backup tackles Jeremy Bolton (#77) and J.P. Simon (#66) could also see action, as could guard Frank Straub.
OL Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Cincinnati vs Ohio State OL
The Bearcat line has been better thus far, allowing 3 sacks in 3 games, but only one to starting QB Grutza. The run blocking still needs significant improvement, and it will be interesting to see how the schemes work to try and keep the Buckeye front 4 out of the backfield. The JUCOs will help, but the Buckeyes are bigger, stronger, and quicker.
Advantage: Ohio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
This offense was not very good last year, but so far has appeared to make some improvements in the passing game, pass protection, and taking care of the football. The running game still needs significant work, and the receivers will have to make some big plays downfield for the Bearcats to have any chance. It's difficult to see the offensive line keeping the Buckeye front four at bay, and it is difficult to see receivers getting open consistently against the physical buckeye corners who, for the most part, handled the Texas receivers admirably last week. Still, if Dantonio has any tricks up his sleeve, be ready to see them, so the Buckeyes will need to be ready for anything. All that said, it is hard to imagine that the Bearcats will pose much of a threat Saturday.
Overall Offensive Rating: C-
2006 Cincinnati Bearcats Defensive Preview
Returning Starters: 10
Former Buckeye defensive guru Mark Dantonio brings his young, but improving Cincinnati squad to town this week featuring a defense that has done most of its damage (at least statistically) against lowly I-AA squad Eastern Kentucky. They shut out Eastern Kentucky, but then saw Pittsburgh hang up 33 points on them in their loss last weekend. Below is where they rank nationally, keep in mind that this is through 2 games.
Scoring Defense: 16.5 PPG (46th Nationally)
Rushing Defense: 81.5 Yards per game (36th Nationally)
Passing Defense: 222 YPG (81st Nationally)
Total Defense: 303.5 YPG (53rd Nationally)
Sacks: 2 (41st Nationally)
Tackles for loss: 7 (32nd Nationally)
Interceptions: 3 (17th Nationally)
Defensive Line
DE: #12 Anthony Hoke (6-1 245 JR)
DT: #91 Terrill Byrd (6-1 285 SO)
DT: #53 Tony Carvitti (6-0 235 SR)
DE: #56 Trevor Anderson (6-2 258 SO)
Leading the way for Cincinnati along the defensive front will be sophomore All-Big East candidate Trevor Anderson. Anderson has a total of 10 tackles, including 1.5 for a loss, and half of a sack so far this season. Anderson has also broke up a pass and recovered a fumble. Anderson is the most athletic defensive lineman on the Cincy squad, he's got good quickness, and surprising power. The other end for Cincinnati will be junior Anthony Hoke. On the season Hoke has 8 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss, and a half sack. Hoke has also been credited with 2 quarterback hurries this season. Hoke is a converted linebacker, who has made strides at end. He's got good quickness, so OSU will have to keep their eye on him this week.
Getting the start at one of the tackle spots will be senior Tony Carvitti. On the season Carvitti has 7 tackles, including 2 tackles for a loss, and 2 sacks. Carvitti has also been credited with a quarterback hurry. Carvitti is very undersized for a tackle, but he makes up for that with his quickness, and a motor that never stops. He'll be a much smaller tackle that what OSU faced last week, but he still could be a pesky force inside against the Bucks. The other tackle spot for the Bearcats will be held down by sophomore Terrill Byrd. On the season Byrd has 6 tackles, including 2 for a loss. Byrd has good size, but still is developing from a technique standpoint. If he doesn't have a big game, the Buckeyes are going to eat up Cincy in the middle running the ball.
Overall Defensive Line Analysis:
This line isn't anything like what OSU faced last weekend against Texas. They are much smaller up front, and have sort of mixed and matched athletes from other positions (i.e. linebacker) in an effort to get some talent on the field. Trevor Anderson is probably the only true threat up front. He is very quick off the end, and has the ability to give our tackles headaches. If he is contained, this one could get ugly very quick this weekend for the Bearcats.
DL Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Cincinnati vs Ohio State DL
OSU grew up a lot last weekend from a defensive line standpoint. What's amazing was the depth that was shown as the Texas game unfolded. There wasn't much of a drop off when others were substituted in, which is pretty amazing when you consider the amount of guys that played. Cincinnati cannot match their depth, talent, or size. Not much of a comparison here.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
OLB: #42 Corey Smith (6-1 215 SO)
MLB: #52 Kevin McCullough (6-2 240 SR)
OLB: #37 Anthony Williams (6-1 200 JR)
Leading the way for the Bearcats at linebacker is senior Kevin McCullough. McCullough has 10 tackles on the season, including 2 for a loss. He has also broken up a pass this season. McCullough is the anchor of this crew, he's got good size and range from his middle spot. If McCullough isn't active in this contest, it's a very bad sign for the Bearcats defense. Getting the start at one of the outside linebacker spots will be junior Anthony Williams. On the season Williams has a total of 7 tackles, along with a forced fumble. Williams is undersized for a linebacker, but he has excellent wheels, and is decent in pass coverage. The other outside backer spot will be held down by sophomore All-Big East candidate Corey Smith. Smith has 5 tackles on the season, including 0.5 for a loss. Smith is another athletic linebacker for the Bearcats, he's got cornerback like speed, and uses his speed to get into the backfield.
Overall Linebacker Analysis:
This unit is pretty unimpressive for the most part. They've got good speed on the outside, but they don't have anyone that can change the complexity of this contest. Smith is a great athlete, and has the potential to be something special in the future, but he isn't there yet. They will have a very rough time this weekend stopping the potent OSU offense.
LB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Cincinnati vs Ohio State LB
The Buckeyes linebacker unit has really solidified with the emergence of All-Big Ten candidate James Laurinaitis. Larry Grant has also begun to show the potential that made him a highly sought Juco transfer. Cincinnati has athleticism, but can't match OSU's size to go with that. Again, the Buckeyes have the clear edge here.
Edge: OSU
Secondary
CB: #21 Mike Mickens (6-0 165 SO)
SS: #49 Dominic Ross (6-0 200 SR)
FS: #13 Haruki Nakamura (5-10 185 JR)
CB: #33 John Bowie (5-11 190 Sr)
Cincinnati is led in the secondary by sophomore All-Big East performer Mike Mickens. Mickens has 7 tackles on the season, including 0.5 for a loss. Mickens was outstanding as a freshman for the Bearcats, and was 2nd in the nation with 14 broken up passes last season. Mickens is a bit undersized, but is very fast, and plays a gritty style of football. He'll have his hands full against the Buckeye passing attack. The other corner will be senior John Bowie. Bowie leads the Bearcats with a total of 16 tackles so far this season. In addition, Bowie has also recovered a fumble. Bowie has excellent speed, and is solid against the run. I'm not sure if it's something that you want to brag about when you lead the team in tackles as a corner. Either that says you are very active against the run, or that you are being picked on by the opposing quarterback. We'll find out this weekend.
Getting the nod at one of the safety spots for the Bearcats will be junior Haruki Nakamura (say that one five times in a row). Nakamura is second on the team with 11 tackles, including 1 for a loss. Nakamura has also picked off a pass, and been credited with a QB hurry this season. Nakamura led the Bearcats in tackles last season, and will probably be very active again this weekend against the Bucks. He's got good speed, and is very good at tackling in space. The Bearcats will need a big day out of him. The other safety will be senior Dominic Ross. Ross has 7 tackles and an interception this season. Ross is a converted linebacker, who is average against the pass. Look for the Buckeyes to go after him this weekend.
Overall DB Rating: C+
Overall Secondary Analysis:
It's never a good sign when your leading tackler for the team is a cornerback. This is the sad reality for the Bearcats defense so far this season. Pittsburgh threw for over 250 yards last weekend, so that should be a glaring warning sign for the Bearcats heading into Columbus this weekend. Mickens is a pesky corner, who is good at making plays on the ball, but as a whole this unit isn't flashy. Troy Smith lit up a talented Texas secondary last weekend, this Bearcat unit could be in for a long game if Smith is given time to pick them apart.
Head to Head: Cincinnati vs Ohio State Secondary
Ohio State's secondary didn't get whole lot of work last weekend against Texas due to Colt McCoy's deer in the headlights performance last weekend. Most of the time they had the luxury of everything happening in front of them, which allowed them to pin their ears back and stick whoever caught the ball. They also showed that this is another unit who has great depth for the Buckeyes defense. Cincinnati has a good one in Mickens, but he's about all that they have this weekend. Once again I give the Buckeyes the nod here due to their depth and overall athleticism.
Edge: OSU
Overall Defensive Analysis
I gave this unit a decent defensive rating because I know that they have one intangible going for them this weekend. That intangible is their coach Mark Dantonio. Dantonio has shown over the years that he is very good at putting together a defensive game plan to slow down a good offense. We should also factor in the fact that OSU is coming off of a big emotional victory in Texas last weekend. This one has all the ingredients for it to be closer than we all anticipate, which has happened in the past from time to time. But as I look farther into the Buckeyes offense, I realize that these guys are just flat out good. They could come out stale against this Cincy team, and their talent would cruise them to a victory. Cincinnati has shown vulnerability against the pass, so look for Smith to come out firing for a third straight game. OSU will be able to run and pass against this overmatched Bearcat unit. Look for the Bucks to roll big, and take another step towards a magical season.
Overall Defensive Rating: B-
Former Buckeye defensive guru Mark Dantonio brings his young, but improving Cincinnati squad to town this week featuring a defense that has done most of its damage (at least statistically) against lowly I-AA squad Eastern Kentucky. They shut out Eastern Kentucky, but then saw Pittsburgh hang up 33 points on them in their loss last weekend. Below is where they rank nationally, keep in mind that this is through 2 games.
Scoring Defense: 16.5 PPG (46th Nationally)
Rushing Defense: 81.5 Yards per game (36th Nationally)
Passing Defense: 222 YPG (81st Nationally)
Total Defense: 303.5 YPG (53rd Nationally)
Sacks: 2 (41st Nationally)
Tackles for loss: 7 (32nd Nationally)
Interceptions: 3 (17th Nationally)
Defensive Line
DE: #12 Anthony Hoke (6-1 245 JR)
DT: #91 Terrill Byrd (6-1 285 SO)
DT: #53 Tony Carvitti (6-0 235 SR)
DE: #56 Trevor Anderson (6-2 258 SO)
Leading the way for Cincinnati along the defensive front will be sophomore All-Big East candidate Trevor Anderson. Anderson has a total of 10 tackles, including 1.5 for a loss, and half of a sack so far this season. Anderson has also broke up a pass and recovered a fumble. Anderson is the most athletic defensive lineman on the Cincy squad, he's got good quickness, and surprising power. The other end for Cincinnati will be junior Anthony Hoke. On the season Hoke has 8 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss, and a half sack. Hoke has also been credited with 2 quarterback hurries this season. Hoke is a converted linebacker, who has made strides at end. He's got good quickness, so OSU will have to keep their eye on him this week.
Getting the start at one of the tackle spots will be senior Tony Carvitti. On the season Carvitti has 7 tackles, including 2 tackles for a loss, and 2 sacks. Carvitti has also been credited with a quarterback hurry. Carvitti is very undersized for a tackle, but he makes up for that with his quickness, and a motor that never stops. He'll be a much smaller tackle that what OSU faced last week, but he still could be a pesky force inside against the Bucks. The other tackle spot for the Bearcats will be held down by sophomore Terrill Byrd. On the season Byrd has 6 tackles, including 2 for a loss. Byrd has good size, but still is developing from a technique standpoint. If he doesn't have a big game, the Buckeyes are going to eat up Cincy in the middle running the ball.
Overall Defensive Line Analysis:
This line isn't anything like what OSU faced last weekend against Texas. They are much smaller up front, and have sort of mixed and matched athletes from other positions (i.e. linebacker) in an effort to get some talent on the field. Trevor Anderson is probably the only true threat up front. He is very quick off the end, and has the ability to give our tackles headaches. If he is contained, this one could get ugly very quick this weekend for the Bearcats.
DL Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Cincinnati vs Ohio State DL
OSU grew up a lot last weekend from a defensive line standpoint. What's amazing was the depth that was shown as the Texas game unfolded. There wasn't much of a drop off when others were substituted in, which is pretty amazing when you consider the amount of guys that played. Cincinnati cannot match their depth, talent, or size. Not much of a comparison here.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
OLB: #42 Corey Smith (6-1 215 SO)
MLB: #52 Kevin McCullough (6-2 240 SR)
OLB: #37 Anthony Williams (6-1 200 JR)
Leading the way for the Bearcats at linebacker is senior Kevin McCullough. McCullough has 10 tackles on the season, including 2 for a loss. He has also broken up a pass this season. McCullough is the anchor of this crew, he's got good size and range from his middle spot. If McCullough isn't active in this contest, it's a very bad sign for the Bearcats defense. Getting the start at one of the outside linebacker spots will be junior Anthony Williams. On the season Williams has a total of 7 tackles, along with a forced fumble. Williams is undersized for a linebacker, but he has excellent wheels, and is decent in pass coverage. The other outside backer spot will be held down by sophomore All-Big East candidate Corey Smith. Smith has 5 tackles on the season, including 0.5 for a loss. Smith is another athletic linebacker for the Bearcats, he's got cornerback like speed, and uses his speed to get into the backfield.
Overall Linebacker Analysis:
This unit is pretty unimpressive for the most part. They've got good speed on the outside, but they don't have anyone that can change the complexity of this contest. Smith is a great athlete, and has the potential to be something special in the future, but he isn't there yet. They will have a very rough time this weekend stopping the potent OSU offense.
LB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Cincinnati vs Ohio State LB
The Buckeyes linebacker unit has really solidified with the emergence of All-Big Ten candidate James Laurinaitis. Larry Grant has also begun to show the potential that made him a highly sought Juco transfer. Cincinnati has athleticism, but can't match OSU's size to go with that. Again, the Buckeyes have the clear edge here.
Edge: OSU
Secondary
CB: #21 Mike Mickens (6-0 165 SO)
SS: #49 Dominic Ross (6-0 200 SR)
FS: #13 Haruki Nakamura (5-10 185 JR)
CB: #33 John Bowie (5-11 190 Sr)
Cincinnati is led in the secondary by sophomore All-Big East performer Mike Mickens. Mickens has 7 tackles on the season, including 0.5 for a loss. Mickens was outstanding as a freshman for the Bearcats, and was 2nd in the nation with 14 broken up passes last season. Mickens is a bit undersized, but is very fast, and plays a gritty style of football. He'll have his hands full against the Buckeye passing attack. The other corner will be senior John Bowie. Bowie leads the Bearcats with a total of 16 tackles so far this season. In addition, Bowie has also recovered a fumble. Bowie has excellent speed, and is solid against the run. I'm not sure if it's something that you want to brag about when you lead the team in tackles as a corner. Either that says you are very active against the run, or that you are being picked on by the opposing quarterback. We'll find out this weekend.
Getting the nod at one of the safety spots for the Bearcats will be junior Haruki Nakamura (say that one five times in a row). Nakamura is second on the team with 11 tackles, including 1 for a loss. Nakamura has also picked off a pass, and been credited with a QB hurry this season. Nakamura led the Bearcats in tackles last season, and will probably be very active again this weekend against the Bucks. He's got good speed, and is very good at tackling in space. The Bearcats will need a big day out of him. The other safety will be senior Dominic Ross. Ross has 7 tackles and an interception this season. Ross is a converted linebacker, who is average against the pass. Look for the Buckeyes to go after him this weekend.
Overall DB Rating: C+
Overall Secondary Analysis:
It's never a good sign when your leading tackler for the team is a cornerback. This is the sad reality for the Bearcats defense so far this season. Pittsburgh threw for over 250 yards last weekend, so that should be a glaring warning sign for the Bearcats heading into Columbus this weekend. Mickens is a pesky corner, who is good at making plays on the ball, but as a whole this unit isn't flashy. Troy Smith lit up a talented Texas secondary last weekend, this Bearcat unit could be in for a long game if Smith is given time to pick them apart.
Head to Head: Cincinnati vs Ohio State Secondary
Ohio State's secondary didn't get whole lot of work last weekend against Texas due to Colt McCoy's deer in the headlights performance last weekend. Most of the time they had the luxury of everything happening in front of them, which allowed them to pin their ears back and stick whoever caught the ball. They also showed that this is another unit who has great depth for the Buckeyes defense. Cincinnati has a good one in Mickens, but he's about all that they have this weekend. Once again I give the Buckeyes the nod here due to their depth and overall athleticism.
Edge: OSU
Overall Defensive Analysis
I gave this unit a decent defensive rating because I know that they have one intangible going for them this weekend. That intangible is their coach Mark Dantonio. Dantonio has shown over the years that he is very good at putting together a defensive game plan to slow down a good offense. We should also factor in the fact that OSU is coming off of a big emotional victory in Texas last weekend. This one has all the ingredients for it to be closer than we all anticipate, which has happened in the past from time to time. But as I look farther into the Buckeyes offense, I realize that these guys are just flat out good. They could come out stale against this Cincy team, and their talent would cruise them to a victory. Cincinnati has shown vulnerability against the pass, so look for Smith to come out firing for a third straight game. OSU will be able to run and pass against this overmatched Bearcat unit. Look for the Bucks to roll big, and take another step towards a magical season.
Overall Defensive Rating: B-
2006 Cincinnati Bearcats Special Teams Preview
Returning Starters: 3
The Bearcats special teams play has not been all that special. It also hasn't been all that bad, so in reading this section, just keep in mind one word: average.
Special Teams
P #88 Brian Steel (6-1 220 JR)
PK#15 Kevin Lovell (5-10 160 SR)
PR#10 Derrick Stewart (5-11 175 SO)
KR #16 Dominick Goodman (6-1 200 SO)
LS #96 Patrick Farfsing (6-3 240 SR)
Longtime UC punter Chet Ervin graduated in 2005, leaving the punting job to Brian Steel. So far, Steel has done a decent job, averaging 41.1 yards per punt. He has already accumulated 15 punts (through two games) this year, landing nine of them inside the twenty. His season long is 64 yards.
The placekicker, Kevin Lovell, returns from a relatively unsuccessful campaign in 2005. He made only four of nine tries last year, but has had a solid preseason, and so far has been successful on all of his PAT's (5) and his only FG attempt. Lovell has also been solid on kickoffs, averaging 61 yards per kick, although he has only two touchbacks (eight total kicks). His net per kick, 41.2 yards, certainly isn't stellar, but is relatively consistent. The coverage team has helped him somewhat, as their opponents average beginning field position following a kickoff is the 23 yard line.
Special Teams Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Cincinnati vs Ohio State
There really isn't too much to compare here. Ted Ginn, Jr. obviously holds the edge in the return game, but Dominick Goodman is a very capable returner, and has the speed be a potential phenom. He is limited in experience; although he returned kicks last year (21 returns for 393 total yards, 18.7 avg.), he has yet to break one to the endzone. The Bearcat's coverage certainly isn't up to par with the Buckeye's, so the advantage there goes to tOSU. Haruki Nakamura and Derrick Stewart will both return punts, although Stewart is the "go to" guy. While he has returned two kicks in 2005 (31 yards total), his specialty is returning punts. Stewart has returned five punts so far, for an average of 11 yards per attempt, and a long of only 15. Again, the clear advantage goes to The Ohio State University.
Edge: OSU
Overall Special Teams Analysis
After such a heralded game last week, it seems this week's game is mundane. As Coach Tressel would say, however, we have to "keep taking steps to get better". I'm not sure the Bearcat special teams play will do much to help the Bucks take another step, but the experience certainly can't hurt this young team. 2005 would tell us that UC doesn't even have an advantage in the kicking game, with Lovell missing more field goals than he made, but tOSU has done the same in 2006. Still, Trapasso has shown an outstanding leg this season (averaging over 50 yards per kick against Texas), and the return game of Ohio State is a ton of icing on the cake.
Overall Special Teams Rating: C-
The Bearcats special teams play has not been all that special. It also hasn't been all that bad, so in reading this section, just keep in mind one word: average.
Special Teams
P #88 Brian Steel (6-1 220 JR)
PK#15 Kevin Lovell (5-10 160 SR)
PR#10 Derrick Stewart (5-11 175 SO)
KR #16 Dominick Goodman (6-1 200 SO)
LS #96 Patrick Farfsing (6-3 240 SR)
Longtime UC punter Chet Ervin graduated in 2005, leaving the punting job to Brian Steel. So far, Steel has done a decent job, averaging 41.1 yards per punt. He has already accumulated 15 punts (through two games) this year, landing nine of them inside the twenty. His season long is 64 yards.
The placekicker, Kevin Lovell, returns from a relatively unsuccessful campaign in 2005. He made only four of nine tries last year, but has had a solid preseason, and so far has been successful on all of his PAT's (5) and his only FG attempt. Lovell has also been solid on kickoffs, averaging 61 yards per kick, although he has only two touchbacks (eight total kicks). His net per kick, 41.2 yards, certainly isn't stellar, but is relatively consistent. The coverage team has helped him somewhat, as their opponents average beginning field position following a kickoff is the 23 yard line.
Special Teams Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Cincinnati vs Ohio State
There really isn't too much to compare here. Ted Ginn, Jr. obviously holds the edge in the return game, but Dominick Goodman is a very capable returner, and has the speed be a potential phenom. He is limited in experience; although he returned kicks last year (21 returns for 393 total yards, 18.7 avg.), he has yet to break one to the endzone. The Bearcat's coverage certainly isn't up to par with the Buckeye's, so the advantage there goes to tOSU. Haruki Nakamura and Derrick Stewart will both return punts, although Stewart is the "go to" guy. While he has returned two kicks in 2005 (31 yards total), his specialty is returning punts. Stewart has returned five punts so far, for an average of 11 yards per attempt, and a long of only 15. Again, the clear advantage goes to The Ohio State University.
Edge: OSU
Overall Special Teams Analysis
After such a heralded game last week, it seems this week's game is mundane. As Coach Tressel would say, however, we have to "keep taking steps to get better". I'm not sure the Bearcat special teams play will do much to help the Bucks take another step, but the experience certainly can't hurt this young team. 2005 would tell us that UC doesn't even have an advantage in the kicking game, with Lovell missing more field goals than he made, but tOSU has done the same in 2006. Still, Trapasso has shown an outstanding leg this season (averaging over 50 yards per kick against Texas), and the return game of Ohio State is a ton of icing on the cake.
Overall Special Teams Rating: C-
Predictions
BB73's prediction: 38-13, Ohio State
BuckeyeRyn's prediction: 28-10, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 41-3, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 35-10, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 45-0, Ohio State
daddyphatsac's prediction: 38-10, Ohio State
Deety's prediction: 41-6, Ohio State
FKAGobucks877's prediction: 38-6, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 37-10, Ohio State
LordJeffBuck's prediction: 34-7, Ohio State
osugrad21's prediction: 35-9, Ohio State
OSUsushichic's prediction: 48-6, Ohio State
PrincessPeach's prediction: 38-6, Ohio State
3yardsandacloud's prediction: 45-12, Ohio State
Last Week's Results (OSU 24 - Texas 7)
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual score versus predicted score. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
(23) BB73's prediction: 27-20, Ohio State (3 + 13 = 16)
(23) BuckeyeRyn's prediction: 24-21, Ohio State (0 + 14 = 14)
(23) Bucklion's prediction: 24-22, Ohio State (0 + 15 = 15)
(27) OSUsushichic's prediction: 27-24, Ohio State (3 + 17 = 20)
(29) Buckeyeskickbuttocks? prediction: 31-24, Ohio State (7 + 17 = 24)
(29) Deety's prediction: 31-24, Ohio State (7 + 17 = 24)
(33) osugrad21's prediction: 31-28, Ohio State (7 + 21 = 28)
(38) FKAGobucks877's prediction: 34-24, Ohio State (10 + 17 = 27)
(38) PrincessPeach's prediction: 31-27, Ohio State (7 + 20 = 27)
(40) 3yardsandacloud's prediction: 33-27, Ohio State (9 + 20 = 29)
(45) daddyphatsac's prediction: 34-31, Ohio State (10 + 24 = 34)
(65) LordJeffBuck's prediction: 38-37, Ohio State (14 + 30 = 44)
(30) jwinslow's prediction: 34-27, Ohio State (10 + 20 = 30) Did not play 1st week
BuckeyeRyn's prediction: 28-10, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 41-3, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 35-10, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 45-0, Ohio State
daddyphatsac's prediction: 38-10, Ohio State
Deety's prediction: 41-6, Ohio State
FKAGobucks877's prediction: 38-6, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 37-10, Ohio State
LordJeffBuck's prediction: 34-7, Ohio State
osugrad21's prediction: 35-9, Ohio State
OSUsushichic's prediction: 48-6, Ohio State
PrincessPeach's prediction: 38-6, Ohio State
3yardsandacloud's prediction: 45-12, Ohio State
Last Week's Results (OSU 24 - Texas 7)
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual score versus predicted score. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
(23) BB73's prediction: 27-20, Ohio State (3 + 13 = 16)
(23) BuckeyeRyn's prediction: 24-21, Ohio State (0 + 14 = 14)
(23) Bucklion's prediction: 24-22, Ohio State (0 + 15 = 15)
(27) OSUsushichic's prediction: 27-24, Ohio State (3 + 17 = 20)
(29) Buckeyeskickbuttocks? prediction: 31-24, Ohio State (7 + 17 = 24)
(29) Deety's prediction: 31-24, Ohio State (7 + 17 = 24)
(33) osugrad21's prediction: 31-28, Ohio State (7 + 21 = 28)
(38) FKAGobucks877's prediction: 34-24, Ohio State (10 + 17 = 27)
(38) PrincessPeach's prediction: 31-27, Ohio State (7 + 20 = 27)
(40) 3yardsandacloud's prediction: 33-27, Ohio State (9 + 20 = 29)
(45) daddyphatsac's prediction: 34-31, Ohio State (10 + 24 = 34)
(65) LordJeffBuck's prediction: 38-37, Ohio State (14 + 30 = 44)
(30) jwinslow's prediction: 34-27, Ohio State (10 + 20 = 30) Did not play 1st week
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