Toughest games on the schedule

[Clarity]

Earlier I asked people what they felt our record would be this year. We got a lot of responses, and in a week or two I'll ask again to see how our perspectives may or may not have shifted following the Spring Game. I think if we do that a few times before each season, it will make for an interesting time capsule as the season plays on, and even afterwards. Should provoke some interesting conversation in regards to the genesis of individual perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of a team.

In my case, one thing that changed from before the Spring is I'm much more concerned about Special Teams than I was previously. To the point where I think it could cost us another game if it isn't drastically improved before the season starts. If I was 1 loss before, I might now put 2, and offer that as an explanation. Perhaps that prompts insight and perspective on STs that I hadn't considered. Anyway, the point is good and entirely interesting (for me at least) football chatter.

This poll is a little different, even a little difficult to respond to. The point here is to flag the teams/games (and you can select more than one) that you at present feel represent the greatest risk of losses. With this too, we might try asking this again just before the season starts, see how our perspectives have changed, and why.

Have at it.

 

[RAMdrvr1]

Because of how young the team is, I think the 1st BTen game will have the most tension. I know it's NWestern, but it's still BTen and on the road.

 

[themongoose32]

I feel that the North Carolina State game will be extremely tough because of a couple things. One, we are a very young team and it will be either Zwick or Smith's first start away from Ohio Stadium so there will definitely be some nerves. Second, I think there fans and all their returning players will not be happy with the disapointing loss they had in the Shoe last year. Its tuff for a team to swallow a triple overtime loss to a top 5 team on the road. They will definitely want some pay back.


The Mongoose

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

At NCSU and at Purdue are tied in my mind. Those games will be tougher than any of our home games, including Michigan.

 

[sears3820]

@NCSU, @Iowa & @Purdue were all tied for me....

 

[MightbeaBuck]

I imagine everyone will put Michigan on their list. If they don't, then they are thinking with their hearts, not their heads. Personally, I hope the Buckeyes crush scUM, but in reality, it will probably be one of the toughest games.

Iowa will be tough because they will have a good part of a good team back. And they will be tough to play because they follow Wisky, and Wisky is a very physical, therefore very draining, team.

The Cincy game will be the first start for many, maybe too many, of our players. Enough of each team will be back to remember what happened in the previous matchup. Our side may think that maybe we were lucky. while Cinncinnati may think they can stay with us, and that takes away any psycholocal edge. But the main reason I think this will be a tough game is the new coach down there. If you haven't heard: he's pretty good.

 

[buckiprof]

@NCSt, @Iowa, and scUM. I believe that if we can go to NCSt. and pull out a win, that could be a tremendous boost of confidence for a young team. The type of boost that could propel the team to a great season.

 

[Geaugabuck]

tsun will always be the toughest game on the schedule. The tradition alone makes it a very tough game. However, I believe that Iowa and wisky will provide a solid test of a young team. For some reason I am not so worried about NCSt. Maybe because Rivers is gone.

 

[LouisHMartinez]

Can't believe no one mentioned Wisconsin !

The only league team Tressel has a losing record against. Maybe they somehow get overlooked ? I'm thinking they return a lot of starters too.

 

[Clarity]

The only league team Tressel has a losing record against. Maybe they somehow get overlooked ? I'm thinking they return a lot of starters too.

Take away the rain, the back to back games in Madison, Turbo's unfortunate incident, and a slew of other factors, and Wiscy is a non-issue. Not trying minimize their win last year, just saying that they shouldn't be a factor on paper.

Only thing they rule the Big Ten in is idiot fans.

But just for the sake of pointing it out, 8 people listed Wiscy. Including myself.

 

[RugbyBuck]

We would have won at Wisconsin last year, even though it was not our best played game, had Gamble not tried to be a hero in the 4th quarter.

 

[FKAGobucks877]

I think the Iowa and Purdue games, along with MSU (depending on their record at that point) will be the toughest tests. SCum is always tough, so I discount that game for this poll. NC State could be tough, but I think they were over-rated last year, and with all of their other losses I don't really see them taking this game as that much of a "revenge" type of game. Plus, they have several thugs down there (Richard Washington, Derrick Morris) who will definitely have targets painted all over them.

Purdue has played us very tough in recent history, and it took a miracle to beat them last time we travelled there. Iowa and MSU are sleepers IMO, and either one could be VERY tough, especially if they have played well to that point and are brimming with confidence. Wisky doesn't scare me at all, as we will be very hyped for that game, plus we finally have them at home. GO BUCKS!!!

 

[LordJeffBuck]

When is it not Michigan?

 

[O-S-U]

Without doubt its Michigan. On a second note, I think we should also not forget about MSU at their place. Even with a new QB it will be tough.

 

[gold_pants]

There is a reason it is the greatest rivalry in sports...