It's the Michigan game.  No way they can just roll over.  Need to get the ground game going early and open things up for Miller-Posey all day.

Have you watched Michigan play lately?  They are very explosive and can beat teams equally with the pass or the run.  Toussant has reinvigorated that offense and taken the pressure of Denard Robinson to make every play himself.  Michigan has scored over 30 eight times now and been held to less than 28 once.  No way can OSU hang with them in a track meet.

 

The bucks will be up for this game like they were for wisky.  This situation reminds me of Earle Bruce's last yr. 

Have you watched Michigan play lately?  They are very explosive and can beat teams equally with the pass or the run.  Toussant has reinvigorated that offense and taken the pressure of Denard Robinson to make every play himself.  Michigan has scored over 30 eight times now and been held to less than 28 once.  No way can OSU hang with them in a track meet.

 

The bucks will be up for this game like they were for wisky.  This situation reminds me of Earle Bruce's last yr. 

UGH.  I lived thru that mess.

Emotion doesn't get you very far in a football game.  Very soon afterward it comes down to speed, strength, & skill.  Michigan wins by double digits.

Emotion doesn't get you very far in a football game.  Very soon afterward it comes down to speed, strength, & skill.  Michigan wins by double digits.

 

That's not true at all.  Over the course of the season, sure, but not for one game.  I played football at the highest collegiate level so I know a little bit about the sport.  We beat teams that we didn't belong on the same field with.  The game is ALL about emotion and sound execution.

Emotion doesn't get you very far in a football game.  Very soon afterward it comes down to speed, strength, & skill.  Michigan wins by double digits.

 

The more I watch football, the more I am convinced the opposite is true, particularly as you get to higher levels where the difference in talent isn't that great.  Confidence, determination, mental state through the entire game (stay focused on execution)...this is what seperates teams...and why coaches can have such a big impact.

Emotion doesn't get you very far in a football game.  Very soon afterward it comes down to speed, strength, & skill.  Michigan wins by double digits.

 

The more I watch football, the more I am convinced the opposite is true, particularly as you get to higher levels where the difference in talent isn't that great.  Confidence, determination, mental state through the entire game (stay focused on execution)...this is what seperates teams...and why coaches can have such a big impact.

 

You got it.  Michigan isn't smoking teams lately because their athlete's are bigger, faster, or stronger than OSU's.  They're playing with an edge and simply executing better than their opposition right now.  That could change saturday if OSU gets some good hits on Denard like have in the past. 

so what's your game prediction?

It depends on which OSU team shows up.  They have the talent to win no doubt.  If both teams play to their full potential (which I think they will) michigan wins it in a close 3 - 7pt game. 

I would take OSU against the spread...they've hung in there against every top team in the Big 10.  I think which team's QB makes plays down the stretch will decide it.

I'd take the Bucks because Michigan's coach looks like they snagged him out of a golden corral buffet.  Thats's gotta be worth 7 and a hook. 

i just don't see it happening.  Miller has plateau'd in terms of his progress - holds the ball too long, stares down his receivers, struggles with accuracy, alot of mistakes in game management, recognizing coverages...  running game lacks consistency...  rarely are they able to move the pile to get the short yard when they need it.  RB's can't break tackles like Beanie Wells could and go down easily with arm tackles.    Defense seems out of position too often, very succeptible to short passing game which Michigan does very well.  I think they lack overall team speed to hang with Michigan.  And it's on the road.  Emotions included, I stick with Michigan winning by double digits.

 

Speaking of emotions, how many remember when it was the week of the OSU/Michigan game that Bo Schembechler died?  Wasn't that Lloyd Carr's last game too?  I can't imagine a more emotional game for Michigan players and coaches, and OSU still won that game....

Emotion can hurt just as much as it can help...over confidence, complacency, lack of focus.  See Iowa St over Oklahoma St.  Or perhaps Troy Smith going on his celebrity Heiseman tour instead of focusing on beating Florida.

i just don't see it happening.  Miller has plateau'd in terms of his progress - holds the ball too long, stares down his receivers, struggles with accuracy, alot of mistakes in game management, recognizing coverages...  running game lacks consistency...  rarely are they able to move the pile to get the short yard when they need it.  RB's can't break tackles like Beanie Wells could and go down easily with arm tackles.    Defense seems out of position too often, very succeptible to short passing game which Michigan does very well.  I think they lack overall team speed to hang with Michigan.  And it's on the road.  Emotions included, I stick with Michigan winning by double digits.

 

Speaking of emotions, how many remember when it was the week of the OSU/Michigan game that Bo Schembechler died?  Wasn't that Lloyd Carr's last game too?  I can't imagine a more emotional game for Michigan players and coaches, and OSU still won that game....

 

Think whatever you want.  I would love to play against someone like you!

Emotion can hurt just as much as it can help...over confidence, complacency, lack of focus.  See Iowa St over Oklahoma St.  Or perhaps Troy Smith going on his celebrity Heiseman tour instead of focusing on beating Florida.

 

Right on.  I should've stated earlier it's all about controlling and channeling that emotion for the good.  I had to listen to James Taylor to get my mind right before a game. 

 

Source: Meyer agrees to OSU job

Meyer accepts in principle to 7-year, $40 million contract

 

http://www.clickorlando.com/sports/Source-Meyer-agrees-to-OSU-job/-/1636890/4810492/-/5bkcl4/-/index.html

Meyer is THE home run in finding a successor to Tressel.  That would be huge.

 

Not to go unmentioned, the Bucks got a commit yesterday out of Ohio's top HS player, Adolphus Washington DE from Cincy Taft.  He will most likely play right away as a freshman

Meyer is THE home run in finding a successor to Tressel.  That would be huge.

 

Not to go unmentioned, the Bucks got a commit yesterday out of Ohio's top HS player, Adolphus Washington DE from Cincy Taft.  He will most likely play right away as a freshman

 

Signing day's in February, right?  So all of the commitments up until now have been verbal?  I ask this because I have to believe that if Meyer is in place by December, he's going to go out there and work on getting some of the highly-rated in-state guys that verballed to other schools (particularly a few that went to Michigan).

I would have to imagine he would make a play for Kalis (St. Edward - Michigan) and Dodson (Cleveland Hts - Wisconsin), at least.  It would be a shame to lose our top two OL recruits to Big 10 rivals.

Very entertaining first half of "The Game".  Buckeyes strike first on a long bomb to a wide open receiver in their first drive.  Michigan strikes back and builds a 16-7 lead.  OSU fights back to regain a 17-16 lead on a great Miller TD run.  Robinson moves UM down the field for 23-17 lead.  But Ohio State strikes last with a Miller to Posey TD pass for a 24-23 halftime lead.

Emotion doesn't get you very far in a football game.  Very soon afterward it comes down to speed, strength, & skill.  Michigan wins by double digits.

 

Well that didn't happen.  Looks like my prediction was spot on.  Bring on Urban!

One of the most bone headed choices I've seen in my entire life of spiking the ball on 3rd and long, don't know if that's on Braxton or the coach. Very entertaining game tho, frustrated as hell in the defensive showing. BRING ON U.MEYER!

Not as entertaining 40-34 finish (unless you're a Wolverine fan).  It was really the Denard Robinson show in the second half and the game.  He throws for two TD's in the second half - three passing TD's and two rushing TD's for the game.

 

Braxton Miller really gave it all for the Bucks - but oh those overthrows!

With all that said, if Braxton Miller can get some accuracy in which I think he will next year, he will be one dangerous QB :). Can't wait for next year, hopefully they decline an invitation this year to the Lil Ceasers bowl :-D

I completely agree with you but the offense put up enough points to pull a win out, the defense leaves me speechless :\, I don't see how I'm sitting here watching the game and knew what "The team up North" were doing and some for some odd reason our D and DC seemed so lost D:. Them overthrows still hurt my heart tho :-D

If Miller didn't overthrow Posey by 10 yards on that final drive 2nd down play, that would have been the final score and OSU would have won.

^I wouldn't be so sure about that.  Did you not watch the Michigan vs Notre Dame game this year?

 

It was a tough game to watch on both ends with Michigan failing to score a TD late when they thought they had scored on two separate occasions and the frustrating overthrows by Miller.

 

As a Michigan fan I'm just happy to see 'the game' competitive again.  OSU should be able to turn the program around very quickly with a pretty solid recruiting class (given the circumstances) coming in next year.  I don't think anyone expects them to pull a "Rodriguez" and go into a 5 year funk.

Not breaking news anymore, but now it's official (with some details still to be revealed).  Here's the word from The Big D:

 

 

College football: Meyer accepts job at Ohio State

By Tim May, The Columbus Dispatch

Monday, November 28, 2011 - 11:21 AM

 

Urban Meyer agreed in principle last week to be the next head coach at Ohio State, The Dispatch reported, and now he apparently has agreed to terms.

 

A source inside the current OSU coaching staff said the assistants were informed this morning there will be a change at head coach.  That coincides with the ESPN report this morning that the agent for Meyer – Ohio native and two-time national championship winner at Florida before taking a hiatus this year to be an analyst for the network – said he has taken the OSU job.

 

An official announcement is expected from Ohio State later today.  The assistant coaches had not been made aware of the school’s plans until this morning.  Luke Fickell, who had been elevated to head coach May 30 after Jim Tressel was forced to resign in the wake of an NCAA investigation, reportedly will be offered the defensive coordinator job by Meyer, though that could not be confirmed.

 

MORE: http://www.buckeyextra.com/content/stories/2011/11/28/28-urban-meyer-accepting-job.html

^I wouldn't be so sure about that.  Did you not watch the Michigan vs Notre Dame game this year?

 

It was a tough game to watch on both ends with Michigan failing to score a TD late when they thought they had scored on two separate occasions and the frustrating overthrows by Miller.

 

As a Michigan fan I'm just happy to see 'the game' competitive again.  OSU should be able to turn the program around very quickly with a pretty solid recruiting class (given the circumstances) coming in next year.  I don't think anyone expects them to pull a "Rodriguez" and go into a 5 year funk.

 

A few years of crappy Michigan teams have taught us in Columbus that it's no fun when Michigan's no good.

 

 

It is the year 2009...

Guy 1: "RAGE!!! SLAUGHTER THE TEAM UP NORTH!!!"

Guy 2: "That shouldn't be much of a problem this year..."

Guy 1: "OF COURSE NOT! BUCKEYESSSSSSSS!!!!"

Guy 2: "I mean, they're coming in 5-6. Won't be much of a game."

Guy 1: "WELL SCROOOOO USC THEN!!! NUKE THE ENTIRE STATE OF FLORIDA! KILL ALL THE SEC!!! AND I STILL HATE NOTRE DAME!!!!"

Guy 2: (thinking to self) 'Hmm, I hope Michigan is better next year.'

^Pretty much.

I would assume that Meyer somehow assured that the NCAA isn't coming in with any more serious penalties before he took the job.

^maybe a general understanding of possible bowl ban this year and loss of a few scholarships, but I doubt any assurances were given...

 

It will be very fun to watch & see how quickly Meyer has success at OSU.  I think he can get most any player in the country to come play for OSU now and he has a good foundation to build on, but Buckeye fans aren't content with winning Big 10 titles, we want another National title.  Meyer should get them a shot, but Oklahoma, USC, LSU, Alabama and other programs aren't going away anytime soon

This is the first time that I can think of that OSU has gotten a head coach that's already been hugely successful on the national stage. Before, they would promote from within or bring 'em up from smaller schools.

^maybe a general understanding of possible bowl ban this year and loss of a few scholarships, but I doubt any assurances were given...

 

It will be very fun to watch & see how quickly Meyer has success at OSU.  I think he can get most any player in the country to come play for OSU now and he has a good foundation to build on, but Buckeye fans aren't content with winning Big 10 titles, we want another National title.  Meyer should get them a shot, but Oklahoma, USC, LSU, Alabama and other programs aren't going away anytime soon

 

Meyer will only have to compete against them boys once a yr in a BCS.  We ALL know that with sound execution and emotion OSU can play w/anyone.  The B10 will be a cakewalk for Urban and his strategic offense.  He'll matchup OSU's fast guys against the other teams slow ones in open space.  It's really a simple game. 

^Now that's the confidence of a true OSU fan!

First the Arby's Good Mood Food guy, now this (former coach under my former gym teacher, Coach Rasso).  A big year for St. Xavier High School.

The GOOD MOOD FOOD GUY LOL!!!

 

(and yes, I actually LOL'd at work)

Urban Meyer "No drugs, no stealing, no weapons" No fun?  J/k...tOSU got their guy.  Welcome home coach Meyer!

The beginning of the end was when I got in a fight 20 minutes after Andy sold me a Yoda mask (while wearing said mask) back in September of '95:

 

He may be international now, but he remembers where he came from:

 

 

Looks like last week's rumors of Urban Meyer's salary were a bit off.  Meyer signed for six years at $4 million-a-year (with some retention bonuses in 2014, 2016 & 2018).  Pretty much Coach Tressel level of compensation. 

 

The current coaching staff, led by Luke Fickell, will run the team through whichever bowl the Buckeyes get invited to.  Interim Head Coach Fickell has been offered a position on the 2012 coaching staff by Meyer.  And Fickell has excepted.  They didn't announce what Fickell's job on next year's coaching staff would be, but it's expected to be defensive coordinator.

 

I didn't realize Urban Meyer had so many Ohio roots.  Born in Toledo.  Raised in Ashtabula.  Degrees from UC and OSU.  Graduate assistant under Earle Bruce (who was at yesterday's press conference).  And of course two years as head coach at Bowling Green.

 

---

Couple more articles about Urban Meyer from The Dispatch:

 

Ohio State football: Meyer era begins

 

Urban Meyer at a glance

Maybe Urban Ohio will become Urban's favorite Ohio site.

I see what you did there...

Urban Meyer was in Cleveland today having lunch at Blue Pointe grille...

Maybe Urban Ohio will become Urban's favorite Ohio site.

 

I wasn't going to be the first to use that pun.  But since its been broached . . .

 

 

I don't see how anyone here at UO could object Meyer's hire.  After all, UO posters are always going on about how Columbus needs to get more Urban!

Columbus Business First looks at the business side of Urban Meyer's coaching contract with Ohio State.  At the Business First article linked below, there is even a link to Meyer's actual signed contract.  It's got some interesting extras like $500,000 in “transition payments” to help Meyer move his family to Central Ohio and $1,200 a month to cover auto costs!

 

Business First: Meyer contract loaded with bonuses, perks

 

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And for some on-the-field football news - Braxton Miller was named freshman of the year by the Big Ten.

 

Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football: Miller named Big Ten freshman of year

Love the Urb!!

DISPATCH: NCAA: Ohio State banned from postseason play next season

 

10TV: Ohio State Banned From 2012 Bowl, Placed On 3 Years Probation

I have no idea with the possibility of a bowl ban why Gene Smith didn't self impose one for this horrible year. I have no idea if they would've tacked on an extra year if we did or not but I highly doubt it. Thanks for caring about your players but not the fans Tressel, I really do mean it SMH. My day is really fkd up now :'(

I agree mostly with this^ but I don't see a one year bowl ban as the end of the world.  Sure doesn't seem to be hurting USC's pride...  I think a bowl ban this year would have been lights out on a pretty bad season.  At least now they have something to salvage still after a crap season and a close loss to Michigan.  I'm not convinced next year is going to be a great year.  I think the entire Big Ten is going to be much improved.  Except maybe Penn State.  They'll probably have a rough season.

Gene Smith is a fkn MORON, plain and simple. ^ I agree to an certain extend but nobody has no idea how this will effect the current commits or the targets for this current recruiting class. I do agree, its not the end of the world but I really do think we self imposed enough to not be furthur sanctioned. Loss of the entire 2010 season, loss or arguably one of the best coaches of this decade, limitations on schollies, and not to forget THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY'S reputation dragged through the mud by the media (espn). IMO I think we suffered enough, especially to see them give Auburn a medicure for the whole Scam Newton situation. I'm just pissed, I'll cool off in a couple of days lol.