January 12, 201510 yr Despite Oregon being an initial 7-point favorite (now down to 5 points), this feels like a pick-em game to me. I could see the Ducks winning by a little or a lot. I could see the Bucks winning by a little or a lot. It's going to come down to the cliched "big plays and turnovers". And since this cliche worked so well in the OSU/Alabama, I'm using it again. --- Whichever team has the most big plays and least turnovers will win tonight. It also seems like neither team's defense will shutdown either's team's offense. So I'll go with a 41-40 OSU victory. But I have to say, with the big win over Alabama, it feels like OSU and the Big Ten have already "won". Alabama was the team I really wanted to see OSU beat, mostly because of the SEC fan base. Oregon just doesn't have that kind of fan. The Ducks have been very good for the past 10-15 years, but they're still seeking their first national championship. Plus, OSU beat Oregon in the 2010 Rose Bowl. And in seven other previous matchups, the closest game in the 1958 Rose Bowl. OSU's 1/1/2015 win over Alabama was the first ever win over Alabama in four meetings between the schools. Alabama (and the SEC) just felt like a mountain that hadn't been climbed by OSU. Plus, I kinda like the Oregon program. The whole "warp-speed spread offense, multiple neon colored uniforms, we-dont-yell-at-our-players" mojo is fun. There's not the cringe factor like when Bama/FSU/aTm/SEC/deep south programs win. Now, with all that said, I also feel like Jake Taylor in 'Major League' (played by Tom Berenger) when the team found they would be replaced at the end of the season, win or lose. He said: "I guess there's only one thing left to do. ... Win the whole (freaking) thing."
January 12, 201510 yr I agree that OSU is in somewhat of a can't lose scenario. Beating an SEC team, Alabama no less, in a game of such magnitude makes the season a success. If they lose tonight, there won't be one evaluation which could omit the fact we are playing our 3rd string QB. We are loaded for next year, with nearly every key piece to the puzzle having no choice but to return given the NFL's draft eligibility rules and other factors. The only thing that would really be a let down is if they are not competitive a la the NC games against Florida and LSU.
January 12, 201510 yr I agree that OSU is in somewhat of a can't lose scenario. Beating an SEC team, Alabama no less, in a game of such magnitude makes the season a success. If they lose tonight, there won't be one evaluation which could omit the fact we are playing our 3rd string QB. We are loaded for next year, with nearly every key piece to the puzzle having no choice but to return given the NFL's draft eligibility rules and other factors. The only thing that would really be a let down is if they are not competitive a la the NC games against Florida and LSU. C'mon & make a prediction already
January 12, 201510 yr Quick question: when did the main broadcast networks stop showing so many bowl games? I do not understand why they have been on ESPN only No cable TV for us, so I won't be watching. I'll follow the scores online. I actually predict an OSU loss. Maybe 42 to 24. I think it will be a one posession game through the half at which Oregon will take over from there. I'm sure you can find an online feed if you look around.
January 12, 201510 yr OSU offense needs to grind and keep the Ducks offense on the bench. Watch Time of Possession. I think a shootout absolutely favors Oregon. I'm concerned there's now just enough game tape on Cardale Jones that Oregon could have a plan in place to throw a wrench into the Buckeye offense.
January 12, 201510 yr OSU offense needs to grind and keep the Ducks offense on the bench. Watch Time of Possession. I think a shootout absolutely favors Oregon. I'm concerned there's now just enough game tape on Cardale Jones that Oregon could have a plan in place to throw a wrench into the Buckeye offense. Listening to ESPN this morning, some interesting stats - Oregon runs 73 plays a game. OSU runs 72 plays a game - Oregon has a lot of 3 & outs. Their rapid-fire playcalling doesn't always set them up for the best play based on what the situation requires. It's more of a predetermined set of play calls that may or may not work.
January 12, 201510 yr Quick question: when did the main broadcast networks stop showing so many bowl games? I do not understand why they have been on ESPN only No cable TV for us, so I won't be watching. I'll follow the scores online. I actually predict an OSU loss. Maybe 42 to 24. I think it will be a one posession game through the half at which Oregon will take over from there. I'm sure you can find an online feed if you look around. Oh yes... I most certainly did.
January 13, 201510 yr Well, that's that. "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
January 13, 201510 yr Oh, and... http://www.collegeflagsandbanners.com/ "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
January 13, 201510 yr I was watching this game in awe last night. Disclaimer: I am a huge Iowa Hawkeye fan, please don't shoot! We were witnessing in my opinion, the next great dynasty in college football, akin to Alabama 2009-2014 / present. A lot of people love to hate Ohio State, but I really like Urban Meyer. I think he is a great person, and boy does he get those players ready to play. I was in so much awe watching Ezekiel Elliot bust through the offensive line, Cardale Jones running over 310 lb. nose tackles and tossing the ball 50 yards down field with a flick of the wrist on the run, the play making ability of Marshall, Smith, etc. Then on defense, Joey Bosa, Adolphus Washington, and their defensive backs. And wow that linebacker, Daron Lee, he may have been the best athlete on the field, if not on par with Elliot, Jones and Marshall. Watch out nation, Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes have arrived!
January 13, 201510 yr Oregon defense was soft. They were not stepping up to make plays on the runners last night and their linebackers were getting blown up. Ezekiel is a beast for sure but he was blasting through the line untouched and his vision to see the cutbacks was on full display last night. Urban Meyer is definitely starting a new dynasty at OSU. The QB competition is going to be very exciting to watch unfold next year.
January 13, 201510 yr ESPN was sniffing Oregon and the SEC's jocks for months leading up to this (especially that Oregon QB), then OSU shows up with a third-string QB and wins the damn thing.
January 13, 201510 yr The fact that we could have four turnovers to their zero* and still win in such dominant fashion ought to have been impossible. It's a testament both to our defense holding strong after turnovers and on third and fourth downs (another thing we did extremely well against Wisconsin and Alabama), but also to the strength of the run game in the second half that simply kept Mariota off the field for long stretches. (Best defense is a good offense and all that.) Particularly in the second half, we ran a lot more plays than they did. * the Hail Mary on the last play of the game doesn't really count. And we return the vast majority of the team next season, even if Miller transfers. I have to imagine we're going to be a consensus #1 for this fall. In fact, I think our biggest loss is going to be offensive coordinator & quarterbacks coach Tom Herman.
January 13, 201510 yr ESPN was sniffing Oregon and the SEC's jocks for months leading up to this (especially that Oregon QB), then OSU shows up with a third-string QB and wins the damn thing. Don't forget CBS doing it too; though they are at least more transparent about the fact that they have a special deal with the SEC. They've got that SEC on NCIS, er, I mean CBS logo.
January 13, 201510 yr How good is Zeke Elliot? Everyone keeps talking about Cardale, but Elliot was the horse we rode to that championship. 220yds in the B10 Championship Game, 230 yds in the Sugar Bowl, and 245 yds in the NC game. He kept Oregon's offense off the field so they couldn't get their rhythm which also kept our defense fresh. His running opened up the passing game and put the Ducks defense on its heels. He's a beast. So long as they keep at it during the offseason, the Bucks are going to be even more of a load to handle next year. We need to find a good replacement for Bennett..... that is probably our biggest loss along with Doran Grant at CB. Heurman too I suppose..... but hopefully we can finally get the talented Marcus Baugh on the field. We lose Baldwin on the O-line but he was just barely a starter anyways. McMillan taking Grant's spot at MLB full-time will be a huge upgrade.
January 13, 201510 yr No, no.... these are college kids. They are 'revelers', not 'rioters' http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2015/01/police_use_tear_gas_pepper_spr.html#incart_2box
January 13, 201510 yr No, no.... these are college kids. They are 'revelers', not 'rioters' http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2015/01/police_use_tear_gas_pepper_spr.html#incart_2box When white trustafarians riot, only hand-me-down couches suffer!
January 13, 201510 yr I was watching this game in awe last night. Disclaimer: I am a huge Iowa Hawkeye fan, please don't shoot! We were witnessing in my opinion, the next great dynasty in college football, akin to Alabama 2009-2014 / present. A lot of people love to hate Ohio State, but I really like Urban Meyer. I think he is a great person, and boy does he get those players ready to play. I was in so much awe watching Ezekiel Elliot bust through the offensive line, Cardale Jones running over 310 lb. nose tackles and tossing the ball 50 yards down field with a flick of the wrist on the run, the play making ability of Marshall, Smith, etc. Then on defense, Joey Bosa, Adolphus Washington, and their defensive backs. And wow that linebacker, Daron Lee, he may have been the best athlete on the field, if not on par with Elliot, Jones and Marshall. Watch out nation, Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes have arrived! Great recap. Watch out for the Ohio State University: http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=400610325
January 13, 201510 yr I could say alot about last night's championship game. But why reinvent the wheel? You guys already said it!! Great great win for the Buckeyes and Ohio!!! Well, that's that. Oregon defense was soft. They were not stepping up to make plays on the runners last night and their linebackers were getting blown up. Ezekiel is a beast for sure but he was blasting through the line untouched and his vision to see the cutbacks was on full display last night. The fact that we could have four turnovers to their zero* and still win in such dominant fashion ought to have been impossible. It's a testament both to our defense holding strong after turnovers and on third and fourth downs (another thing we did extremely well against Wisconsin and Alabama), but also to the strength of the run game in the second half that simply kept Mariota off the field for long stretches. (Best defense is a good offense and all that.) Particularly in the second half, we ran a lot more plays than they did. How good is Zeke Elliot? Everyone keeps talking about Cardale, but Elliot was the horse we rode to that championship. 220yds in the B10 Championship Game, 230 yds in the Sugar Bowl, and 245 yds in the NC game. He kept Oregon's offense off the field so they couldn't get their rhythm which also kept our defense fresh. His running opened up the passing game and put the Ducks defense on its heels. He's a beast. O - H - I - O
January 13, 201510 yr The 7 best Ohio newspaper front pages after the Buckeyes' title (and the SI cover!): http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/1/13/7536957/ohio-state-championship-sports-illustrated-newspaper-covers
January 13, 201510 yr Nike's Ohio State championship poster is so perfect: http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/1/13/7536479/ohio-state-nike-WOO
January 13, 201510 yr What's up with the riots? 89 fires is a bit much. Yeah I don't get it. College fans and pro fans both do it after their team wins a championship.
January 13, 201510 yr ^Alcohol and mob mentality. A dangerous combination. In Athens they riot because of daylight savings time.
January 13, 201510 yr ^Alcohol and mob mentality. A dangerous combination. In Athens they riot because of daylight savings time. They're just outwardly expressing how we all feel about the time change.
January 14, 201510 yr ^Alcohol and mob mentality. A dangerous combination. In Athens they riot because of daylight savings time. Kent, too. Of course it doesn't help that the bars have to close a half hour early. Indeed, I'm assuming that those same bars stay open the extra hour in the fall, so there is a net gain in drinking time.
January 15, 201510 yr Cardale Jones tweet at https://twitter.com/CJ12_ Cardale Jones @CJ12_ - 47 minutes ago Life changing decision at 3pm ESPN is now reporting its been pushed back to 4pm (possibly later). Although he needs to declare for the NFL Draft by 11:59PM today!
January 15, 201510 yr He can still enter the supplementary draft. Bernie intentionally missed this deadline in 1985.
January 15, 201510 yr ^The rules have been tightened on that front. You need 'cause' to enter the supplemental draft. Cardale has a chance to declare today. If he delays for the purpose of entering the supplemental draft, I doubt the NFL will allow him to do so.
January 15, 201510 yr If he was your kid, what advice would you give him? I'm inclined to tell the kid from Glenville to strike while the iron is hot and your agent has leverage. Make the NFL money and go back to school when done. Would hate to see him get injured.
January 15, 201510 yr Idk. I get the argument for leaving now given the risk that he either (a) gets injured or (b) stays healthy yet never starts another game at OSU. On the other hand, he clearly is not ready for the NFL and would be considered a long term investment at best. 3 years down the road, and the kid might've only started 3 games at any level. That would have to cause some rust. What's intriguing is that he might have the most upside as a legit NFL prospect at the QB position out of OSU's 'big three' given his size and arm strength. Another year or two under his belt and he might be a top 10 pick. All that said, I think he has already secured some level of financial security. He will now and hereinafter be considered a God in Columbus and could make a living for a decent while simply promoting local car dealerships.
January 15, 201510 yr One of the strangest situations I can remember.... Good luck in the NFL and thanks, big guy.
January 15, 201510 yr Another year or two under his belt and he might be a top 10 pick. Wow, I'm with Cleburger. Make some NFL money asap. Otherwise I'd be walking on eggshells worrying about tripping, etc. and getting injured. But yeah you're 100 percent correct that he's got a lifelong guarantee of job security in Columbus.
January 15, 201510 yr Idk. I get the argument for leaving now given the risk that he either (a) gets injured or (b) stays healthy yet never starts another game at OSU. On the other hand, he clearly is not ready for the NFL and would be considered a long term investment at best. 3 years down the road, and the kid might've only started 3 games at any level. That would have to cause some rust. What's intriguing is that he might have the most upside as a legit NFL prospect at the QB position out of OSU's 'big three' given his size and arm strength. Another year or two under his belt and he might be a top 10 pick. All that said, I think he has already secured some level of financial security. He will now and hereinafter be considered a God in Columbus and could make a living for a decent while simply promoting local car dealerships. Industrial sales companies in particular like to use ex pro or college athletes in sales roles. Ben Jefferson and Daryl Sims used to call on us for one of the truck lines. He's indeed secured future opportunities in that manner.
January 15, 201510 yr Wow. I'm hearing Michael Thomas might be leaving too....Honestly hadn't even given Thomas to the NFL a single thought until today. Didn't really know it was a viable option.
January 15, 201510 yr Cardale Jones has decided to return to the Ohio State Buckeyes, foregoing the NFL draft
January 15, 201510 yr Cardale Jones has decided to return to the Ohio State Buckeyes, foregoing the NFL draft Well there ya go. Maybe he will come out as a top 10 pick in a couple years, and the Browns will be lucky enough to snag him and bring him home, in some sort of second-coming of Lebron. By then Johnny D-bag should be ready to give up the starting job?
January 15, 201510 yr Hmmmm...... I can't help but think that Cardale has some insight into Braxton's plans (either to switch positions or transfer schools). ^Johnny has to win the starting job first. ^^^I hope not. He was really emerging and might be able to rise to one of the top WR prospects in the entire draft if he stays. That said, I believe he has some issues in his past and would run the risk of hurting his draft stock by staying in school and running the risk of a suspension for some knuckleheaded issues. I read something the other day which I hate to admit is a good argument that Zeke Elliot should seriously consider shutting it down until he is draft eligible. These days there is only so much tread on a RB's tires, with an avg NFL career span of less than 2 1/2 years. Anyone remember Marcus Lattimore? I don't see Zeke doing that and it was just some writer's random thoughts, but I would be hard pressed to advise him otherwise, especially knowing that Meyer is going to ride that guy all the way to another playoff appearance.
January 15, 201510 yr MT is staying...It came out that he was just joking around on twitter with OSU's wr coach. LOL. No doubt he has 1st rd talent. Reload the 12 Gauge!!!
January 15, 201510 yr he will be a great 3rd round pickup. probably will go higher with the hype, we will see. why not go for it? good for him and good luck to him. it will be very interesting to see how much $ he can get given his brief, but could not be more spectacular and legendary college career. edit -- aww wow he is staying. even better. go get'm cardale!
January 16, 201510 yr I can't help but think Lebron had an influence (indirect, or possibly even direct given that they went to the same high school and that Lebron is "around") on this overly-dramatic buildup to a Decision. ANYWAY, Cardale made the right choice. There would be many problems with him joining the draft: PROBLEM: 3 games? 3 games. NFL scouts don't care about 3 games. They don't care about one season. They want a solid resume that shows you can handle the long haul. PROBLEM: NFL scouts don't trust Ohio State players in high-profile offensive roles such as QB, RB and WR. Can you blame them? Over the past 25 years their NFL careers have been spotty at best. Defensive, kickers and OLs have decent records in the NFL out of OSU. PROBLEM: Pay attention to player introductions and hear all the mid-major school players that are out there starting in the NFL. Why are these guys out there banging away while big-school college phenoms flame out? Everything changes for many players a few years after school. I don't know why; I was never a good athlete. But the scouts look for guys that they can get a few years out of. PROBLEM: OSU got so good so fast about halfway though the season that the other teams weren't even ready. Cardale was often given lots of time to get rid of the ball. Would that happen in the NFL?
January 16, 201510 yr Don't get me wrong, I think Cardale is a serious badass with massive potential. Think about his sheer size. But I can see why NFL scouts would be plucky.
January 16, 201510 yr PROBLEM: NFL scouts don't trust Ohio State players in high-profile offensive roles such as QB, RB and WR. Can you blame them? Over the past 25 years their NFL careers have been spotty at best. Defensive, kickers and OLs have decent records in the NFL out of OSU. Sorry but OSU hasn't had a true Pro-Prospect QB in a generation. Maybe since Joe Germaine in late 90;s and he sucked. We won a national title with Craig Krenzel who sucked as well. But we've been loaded at WR. Ginn, Holmes, Robiske, Gonzalez, Jenkins, Hartline.... all played 4 to 6 years in the league. Then you talk about Cris Carter, David Boston, Joey Galloway, Terry Glenn... Seriously, what school has produced more WR pro players than OSU? I think OSU has held it's own at RB. When you consider the league average is only 2.5 yrs, guys like Beanie Wells, Carlos Hyde are on the cusp. Eddie George, Robert Smith and Keith Byars all had great careers in the NFL
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