Game Thread THE GAME: #1 Ohio State 42, #2 Michigan 39 (11/18/06)

[UpNorthBuckeye]

First down play calling

If you watch the Fiesta Bowl (like I have about 40 times!), every big play was on first down. By "every big play" I mean Holmes' 85 yard TD reception, Ginn's 58 yarder, Ginn's end-around, Ginn's down the sideline 50 yarder on the hitch and go, and yes, even Pittman's 60 yard run to seal it.

The dynamite that is Troy Smith is most effective on first down. Yes, I've seen us convert (or score) on third and longs this year, and that is great.

And I do agree that we need to pummel them with Smith, Pitt and Beanie running the ball. And if we continue to move the chains and score touchdowns on 7 minute drives, great. But what will freak out the UM defense is the first down deep throws and reverses.

What I saw happening in the Fiesta Bowl was more passing that set up the running game than running to set up the passing game.

I am not an expert by any means, and I realize UM defense is probably better than the Domers, but as far as exhilirating fun stuff to watch as a fan, I hope they spread it out a LOT.

It's really too early to even be talking about Nov. 18th, but I see something like 35-16..... but I'll take 7-6 if it's a win!

 

[SanClementeBuck]

Our wiley coaches will have a great gameplan for the weasels.

There are a lot of plays between Indiana and weasels; improvement across the board is probable. If we have a healthy 1st and 2nd teams going into November 18th, the weasels will be defeated in Ohio Stadium.

 

[smartone]

mAURICE

My mistake about assuming he's a senior. I should have said nothing because I didn't know. Sorry.

 

[lvbuckeye]

Hart is a great RB. We had a great rush D in 04 & 05. We do not have one this year, tho they are improving (thanks in part to increased PT for Terry).

outside of '01, our rush D in '04 was the worst of Tressel's tenure, at over 130 YPG... so far in '06, our rush D is better than '04 by 20 YPG, though YPC is up by .13 or about 4.7 inches per carry...

 

[JXC]

Quote:
Originally Posted by JonathanXC
Like we did in 2004?

Yeah, but you have to think that we had the ultimate defense in the league and we were able to hold him. But this year we still have that ultimate defense but not it that same way. I mean like yea we lead in interceptions and all but I mean we have to stop Hart in the run and the switch plays.

Are you kidding me? Ultimate defense in the league in 2004? You think 2004s defense is better than this years? No way. How many times did we give up more than 17 points in 2004? How many times have we done that this year?

 

[jwinslow]

outside of '01, our rush D in '04 was the worst of Tressel's tenure, at over 130 YPG... so far in '06, our rush D is better than '04 by 20 YPG, though YPC is up by .13 or about 4.7 inches per carry...

My evaluation was somewhat unfair... I was looking at 11/20/04 Defense vs 10/07/06 Defense. Given the way JT teams progress (especially on D in 04, and it's happening this year too), my comparison is probably unfair and unwise.

 

[WaitingforKickoff]

My evaluation was somewhat unfair... I was looking at 11/20/04 Defense vs 10/07/06 Defense. Given the way JT teams progress (especially on D in 04, and it's happening this year too), my comparison is probably unfair and unwise.

Somehow, Tressel has always managed to get a young defense to perform great against u of m. In 2001, junior Mike Doss and the young dline shutdown Michigan in Ann Arbor. In 2004, our JR linebackers and Youboty led a solid defensive effort against a powerful Michigan attack. In 2006, our sophomore LBers will play great behind a veteran DLine and Malcolm Jenkins will lead the secondary to another impressive performance against u of m. It's going to be fun to watch them all come together these last few weeks.

 

[OSU Knights]

Are you kidding me? Ultimate defense in the league in 2004? You think 2004s defense is better than this years? No way. How many times did we give up more than 17 points in 2004? How many times have we done that this year?

I don't think in all ways they are, but in some ways. Like in yards lost and deffensive coverage yeah but other than that no. That's all I was saying.

 

[BuckeyeGanoosh]

Our defense this year is not what I would call as "stout" as last years defense, however the scoreboard disagrees with me. I remember the LB trio last year dominating the line of scrimmage, yet our scoring D this year is regoddamndiculous. It's hard to really compare these two groups because the difference in playing style is very evident in contrast to to last year (with much respect to Pitcock and Patterson).

While last year gave us a highly active, extremely quick, yet conservative approach to defense, we're seeing a new group of kids gel in their own right. These guys really know how to sniff out the ball, and we've seen them do it to the frosh and senior alike. The downside has been the somewhat porous rush defense that we aren't so accustomed to because we were so spoiled with last year's wrecking crew. Oddly enough, even with Texas runnin up almost 200 on us, we held them to 7 stinkin points(thank you Animal Jr.). Whether the bend don't break stigma this years defense has acquired really applies or not, you don't have to look too hard to see the pattern evolving here. Create turnovers, pressure with Gholston, Pitcock, and -hopefully soon- Patterson, and I believe we can stone any offense in college football (and possibly the Oakland Raiders) on that scoreboard.

That's some more depth into why I don't think tsun will hold up for the full 60 in this one.

TOSU-31
TsUn-17

 

[txbuckeye1983]

If you watch the Fiesta Bowl (like I have about 40 times!), every big play was on first down. By "every big play" I mean Holmes' 85 yard TD reception, Ginn's 58 yarder, Ginn's end-around, Ginn's down the sideline 50 yarder on the hitch and go, and yes, even Pittman's 60 yard run to seal it.

The dynamite that is Troy Smith is most effective on first down. Yes, I've seen us convert (or score) on third and longs this year, and that is great.

And I do agree that we need to pummel them with Smith, Pitt and Beanie running the ball. And if we continue to move the chains and score touchdowns on 7 minute drives, great. But what will freak out the UM defense is the first down deep throws and reverses.

What I saw happening in the Fiesta Bowl was more passing that set up the running game than running to set up the passing game.

I am not an expert by any means, and I realize UM defense is probably better than the Domers, but as far as exhilirating fun stuff to watch as a fan, I hope they spread it out a LOT.

It's really too early to even be talking about Nov. 18th, but I see something like 35-16..... but I'll take 7-6 if it's a win!

If you go back and rewatch those TDs, make sure you watch the plays before the TDs. I think all but one of those TDs came after Troy made plays on third and long with his feet or arm.....Or both in the instance of the third and long scramble and throw to Gonzo just before Pitt's TD. It is Troy's ability to buy time and make plays on third downs that is the key to this offense.

I think the key to this game is our ability to convert on third downs. I bet Ron English (who might be Michael Strahan and Vince Young's love child) will be dialing up tons of different fronts and blitz packages to try and pressure and confuse Troy. If our line does a good job of protecting Troy, we can't be beat. Alex Boone and Steve Rehring against Alan Branch and Lamarr Woodley is going to be a battle all day long. I bet we see a lot of two tight-end formations, and possibly even a new wrinkle like Andre Tyree last year.

 

[gregorylee]

Jeebus, I was just at walmart and they are already selling freaking t-shirts for the game...

 

[osugrad21]

Link

OSU-UM Rivalry Has Some New Heat

Indiana owns back-to-back wins in conference; coaches sound off

Michael Schlossberg


Just in case there wasn't enough hype already surrounding the Nov. 18 showdown between rivals Michigan and Ohio State, the latest polls just created plenty more.

The top two teams in the Big Ten are now the top two teams in the country. Following a 17-10 victory at Penn State, Michigan jumped over USC and Florida into the second spot in the AP Poll and now sits directly behind No. 1 Ohio State.

The Big Ten becomes the first conference in six years to have the two top-ranked teams, with the Big 12 duo of Nebraska and Kansas State being the last teams to do it in October 2000. The last time the Big Ten accomplished the feat was in 1985.

While the Wolverines now own their highest ranking since 1997, Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said his team does not give the rankings much attention.

"As a football team we're happy, obviously, with the fact that we are where we are as far as a record," Carr said. "But it really does not have any significance now. There should be something in there that's a motivating factor because we don't live in a vacuum."

In the first edition of the BCS poll released Monday, Ohio State was ranked first, while Michigan was in the third spot behind USC, meaning the Wolverines and Buckeyes could potentially be playing for a ticket to the national championship when they square off next month.

 

[osugrad21]

Link

'M' passing game survives sans Mario

By Stephanie Wright

Steve Breaston shined in Mario Manningham's absence. (ALEX DZIADOSZ/Daily)

STATE COLLEGE - Mario Manningham might have been sidelined, but that didn't stop Michigan from airing it out.

Instead, receivers Steve Breaston and Adrian Arrington proved they were up to the challenge of filling Manningham's shoes.

On the first play of the second quarter, quarterback Chad Henne completed a 15-yard pass to Breaston in traffic. One play later, Adrian Arrington gained 15 yards on his first catch of the day, which Breaston followed with an 11-yard reception.

The drive culminated in a 25-yard touchdown pass to Arrington, who split two Penn State defenders to scamper into the end zone for the Wolverines' first score.

"(Arrington) caught two or three balls with people all over him, where his feet � were extended, and he caught them early in the game," Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said. "I thought Adrian made some great plays, particularly in the first half."

Arrington finished the game with five receptions and 85 yards, both career highs. Breaston grabbed five balls for 79 yards, including a 24-yard catch that helped set up Michigan's second touchdown.

Even though the receiving corps played well, Manningham was still missed. Henne tried to connect with Breaston on a few deep passes - Manningham's calling card - but the fifth-year senior couldn't pull them in.

At his weekly press conference, Carr seemed optimistic about Manningham's progress, reporting that the sophomore had suffered minimal swelling after undergoing knee surgery. But Carr didn't give a timetable for Manningham's return.

On Monday, Carr confirmed that Manningham started rehab on his knee late last week.

Apparently, the encouraging news put Carr in a joking mood.

"I saw him in there on Friday and asked him if he had run, and he said, 'No,' " Carr said after Saturday's game. "I said, 'That's because you're soft and you're not tough.' Of course that got a big smile out of him."

Bringin' da noise: When the student section started filling in more than two hours before kickoff, you knew Beaver Stadium was going to be loud.

By game time, it was deafening.

"It was definitely a lot louder than the crowd noise we prepared for in practice," Henne said. "I was screaming at the top of my lungs just so everybody could hear."

Said linebacker Prescott Burgess: "This is one of the loudest stadiums I've ever played in."

To get ready for the hostile Happy Valley, Michigan practiced with its crowd noise machine on full blast last week, blaring music while Henne tried to relay plays to the rest of the offense.

The Wolverines' preparation seemed to be for naught at the start of the game. Michigan racked up two false start penalties on its opening drive, forcing back-to-back second-and-long situations. But the offense adjusted and didn't commit another false start for the rest of the contest.

"It was a real problem early on; it was pretty rowdy in there," Arrington said. "But we kind of settled down, and once we got on the board, the noise kind of subsided and it was pretty easy until the end."

Penn State tailback Tony Hunt's late touchdown off a 43-yard screen fired up the Nittany Lion faithful, making it almost impossible to hear on the field.

That is, until Michigan's defensive stand shut the Penn State fans up for good.

Let's go bowling: During Sunday's NFL telecast, FOX announced the Bowl Championship Series standings for the first time this season.

Thanks to their big road win over Penn State and Florida's first loss, the Wolverines debuted at No. 3.

Predictably, Carr said he isn't concerned with Michigan's place in the rankings, BCS or otherwise.

"As far as putting any stock into them, it doesn't matter because they're going to change next week," Carr said. "Somebody is going to fall, somebody is going to rise, so you better take care of the business at hand."

Not surprisingly, Ohio State came in at No. 1. The Buckeyes have been the near-consensus No. 1 team in the AP and ESPN/Coaches polls since the season began.

Southern Cal's No. 2 ranking was a little more controversial. The Trojans have eked out a series of close wins over mediocre teams recently, and pundits have questioned whether they deserve to be ranked so highly.

Either way, the Wolverines' No. 3 position means they control their destiny as the season progresses. If Michigan wins out, it's almost guaranteed a spot in the BCS national championship game.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch


Quote:
OHIO STATE FOOTBALL
Focus turns to IU, but it?s hard to ignore prize ahead

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Ken Gordon
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH




Try as they might to focus squarely on Indiana, Ohio State players can?t help shifting one eye to the prize that could await them in a month.
With the release of the Bowl Championship Series standings on Sunday, the No. 1-ranked Buckeyes (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten) find themselves anticipating a showdown with Michigan (7-0, 4-0), which ranked third in the BCS and second in the Associated Press poll.
The teams are on track for a potentially monumental contest Nov. 18 in Columbus. It has been 33 years since OSU and Michigan have met when both were unbeaten, and the schools have never met when ranked No. 1 and 2 in the nation.
"We know Michigan is up and coming," offensive tackle Kirk Barton said. "They probably are the second-best team, or one of the top two teams, in the country. You could probably flip-flop us and you won?t have much of an argument, because we watched them on film and they?re tough.
"That?s going to be a battle, but we obviously have to focus on getting through Indiana first."
Indeed, even as the Buckeyes appear to be on a fast elevator ride to the penthouse, no amount of finger-jabbing can keep them from stopping on all four floors between now and Michigan.
Floor Eight is the Hoosiers department. It?s up to coach Jim Tressel to keep OSU from gazing too far into the future.
"The suggestion we give them is the one we give them from the beginning of the season: Focus on what?s going on right this second," he said. "I guess the other suggestion is go study some more film rather than taking time to read what?s being written."
Tressel feels his team has done a good job of staying focused, two-plus weeks into a soft stretch of the schedule. His mantra has been to concentrate on self-improvement, and backto-back 35-7 and 38-7 wins over Bowling Green and Michigan State seem to show that the Buckeyes are heeding his call.
In that regard, Tressel got some help last week from Indiana (4-3, 2-1), which won its second straight Big Ten game with a 31-28 win over Iowa.
"Any time someone beats a quality opponent, you always take them seriously and you get a little bit more revved up for the game," safety Brandon Mitchell said. "Because Iowa is a great team. If they can beat Iowa, they can definitely come in here and beat us."
But the big picture is mainly what keeps OSU players from relaxing, even against lesser opponents. It?s the sense that they can make history, particularly the chance to become the first Buckeyes team to go "wireto-wire" ? ranked No. 1 all year ? on the way to a national title.
"With the kind of year we?re having right now and with so much on the line, it?s easy to get up for every team," defensive end Jay Richardson said. "Because you know it only takes one loss and it will all be over, so you?re going to be intense for every game."
And above all, players already are getting intense thinking about "The Game." The Buckeyes are keeping an eye on Michigan.
"If they beat a team by 40, we want to beat (that team) by 50," Barton said. "You just want to say we?re doing a little bit better than they are, kind of shoot for something. You still want to compare yourself and see how you?re stacking up.
"Because they?re obviously having a very good season, and it?s going to be a big one at the end of the year."
But only if each team keeps winning.
[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

BIG TEN NOTEBOOK
OSU-Michigan already the talk of the league

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Bob Baptist
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH




Even if those involved on the inside don?t want to, many on the periphery already are looking forward to a Michigan-Ohio State battle of the unbeatens. They would include two of those already beaten.
Michigan State coach John L. Smith, who has lost to each the past two weeks, said yesterday that he sees little difference between them.
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz, vanquished by Ohio State and headed for Michigan on Saturday, said the Wolverines are "arguably as good" as the Buckeyes. "I don?t see a weakness on tape with either ballclub."
Ohio State was first and Michigan third in the first Bowl Championship Series standings released Sunday.
"Both of them are focused right now, they seem to be getting great leadership, they?re healthy and they?re both playing at a real high level," Ferentz said. "If that would continue for both teams the rest of the season ? and I don?t anticipate it changing ? you?re looking at one heck of a matchup."
Smith identified two areas that might make the difference in the game.
On offense, he said, OSU is less predictable, and might be tougher to defend because of quarterback Troy Smith.
"Michigan is going to run the football, and they?re going to play-action (pass) you," he said. "Ohio State is going to run the football and then they?re going to put it in Troy?s hands and let him make something happen with it. That guy, to me, running around with the football in his hands, is a definite, definite threat. He?s scary. This guy might just run around and make something happen that you never would have an idea of happening."
On defense, the Spartans coach said, Michigan?s front seven "is underrated. I think they?re extremely good up front. I don?t think enough people take notice of that."
Premature end

Minnesota cornerback Trumaine Banks, an Eastmoor Academy graduate, had his career with the Gophers end when he suffered a broken arm in a loss at Wisconsin on Saturday.
Banks started all 41 games he played in four seasons and finished with a share of the school record of 31 pass breakups.
Coach Glen Mason said safety Dominic Jones, a Brookhaven graduate, probably would "play some cornerback" in Banks? absence.
Who?s the man ?

Penn State?s first- and secondteam quarterbacks, Anthony Morelli and Darryl Clark, left the loss to Michigan on Saturday with concussions, and their status for this week?s game against Illinois is uncertain, coach Joe Paterno said. Neither was expected to be cleared to practice until Thursday at the earliest.
"There?s an outside chance we?ll have one or both of them. But it?s just an outside chance," Paterno said.
Deja vu

Big Ten rushing leader P.J. Hill of Wisconsin is a 5-foot-11, 242-pound redshirt freshman who reminds Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald of former Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne. Fitzgerald was a senior linebacker at Northwestern when the 250-pound Dayne led the Big Ten in rushing as a Wisconsin freshman in 1996.
"He?s a big guy, he?s got great quickness, good feet, has extremely strong vision and plays behind his pads and gives himself a chance to get positive yards on every play," Fitzgerald said of Hill.
"One thing I see in P.J., as well, is he catches the football very well."
Hill is averaging 149 yards rushing per game and 5.8 per carry. Dayne averaged 162.2 per game and 6.5 per carry as a freshman.
[email protected]