Ohio State's BCS Future, Plus BCS Projections for Every Bowl—"Firmly" Fluid Edition

With the Big Ten regular season in the books, it's a good time to take a look at the latest projections, pending next week's conference title game results of course.

There could be an upset or two, but if there are none, here is who will likely be playing who, their estimated final BCS ranking, and in what bowl they will meet.


BCS National Championship Game
No. 2 Auburn vs. No.1 Oregon


Rose Bowl

No. 5 Wisconsin vs. No. 3 TCU


Sugar Bowl

No. 6 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Arkansas


Orange Bowl

No. 13 Virginia Tech vs. No. 4 Stanford


Fiesta Bowl

UConn vs. No. 12 Nebraska


The Fiesta will get screwed hard by having last choice and thus getting stuck with an unranked Big East champ, while several much-more deserving teams will be left on the outside looking in.

A few of note on that list include Boise State, LSU, Michigan State, and Oklahoma.

Every year we are left wondering what will it take to facilitate the college presidents to admit it is time for a playoff at the FBS level.

And every year, there are injustices and oversights, and tons of question marks about who really deserved to be ranked No. 1 or No. 2.

A playoff would not be perfect either because if there are eight teams chosen, teams nine and 10 will complain, but hands down, it would be better than the BCS.

For now, it is the system we have and those are the teams that will likely meet in each of the bowls this post season.

The again, a few upsets could occur next week rendering everything you just read completely moot, so stay tuned!


Click For The Block Nation Front Page

Ohio State-Michigan History Lesson, Game Outlook/Prediction, and LIVE In-Game Chat

Dan Herron and Terrelle Pryor in action vs. TTUN in 2008.

11/27/2010—Game 12—Noon Kickoff

VS.

---

---

Brief Game Outlook

Outsiders might not see this as a big game when No. 8 Ohio State (10-1, 6-1) hosts TTUN (7-4, 3-4) today in The Shoe.

Astute college fans nationwide know that's not the case. The records don't matter—the rankings don't matter—the hype doesn't matter when the Buckeyes and TTUN meet.

Even with TTUN still somewhat in rebuilding mode (especially on defense), the hate and utter disdain between these two programs, fan bases, and neighboring states matters, and is unmatched.

That is why this rivalry has always, and will always, rank as the best rivalry in all of sports, period.

Ohio State has at least a share of the Big Ten title and a potential BCS Bowl invitation on the line today.

If Wisconsin and Michigan State were to lose to Northwestern and Penn State respectively, the Buckeyes would win the title outright with a win over their hated rival TTUN, from TSUN, aka (the team up North, from the state up North).

Under coach Rich Rodriguez, TTUN has missed going to a bowl game the last two years. This year, win or lose against the Buckeyes, the Wolverines are bowl eligible at 7-4 entering the game, but Dickrod's seat could still be hot this off-season.

Despite Buckeye fans hoping that a contract extension is offered to Rodriguez, there will be serious discussions about replacing him if his squad suffers yet another embarrassing loss to the Buckeyes.

QB Denard Robinson won the starting job this season, but last year's starter, Tate Forcier, has also seen some LIVE game-action.

Expect the offense to be able to move the ball and even put up a few scores.

That's where the positive thoughts on TTUN come to an end.

There are only 11 teams in the entire FBS that give up more points than TTUN. Calling TTUN's defense as weak as a wet paper towel is an insult to the paper towel.

Terrelle Pryor, Boom Herron, and company should find little to no resistance from the nation's 99th ranked scoring defense (33.5 points per game allowed).

The Buckeye offense is ninth in the nation in scoring average (39.6 points per game), and hitting that average (and more) shouldn't be a challenge.

TTUN is averaging 36.8 points per game (15th in the nation), while the Buckeyes defense is only allowing 13.9 points per game (fifth in the nation).

The Buckeyes look to continue their recent dominance in the series, while TTUN hopes to make their season by pulling the upset.

You can bet when toe meets leather at Noon this Saturday, that both teams will be ramped-up and ready for this one—The 107th edition of THE GAME.


Ohio State—TTUN History Lesson

• This will be the 107th meeting between Ohio State and TTUN.

• Ohio State trails in the all-time series, 43-57-6.

• From 1897-1918 OSU played TTUN 15 times, losing 13 times and playing to two ties, a 0-0 tie in 1900, and a 3-3 tie in 1910.

• Ohio State's first-ever win over TTUN came in 1919 by a final score of 13-3.

• Since 1919, Ohio State is 43-43-5 head to head against TTUN.

• In what is widely considered the modern era of college football (1951-present day), Ohio State is 31-26-2 vs. TTUN.

• Ohio State is 6-3-1 in the last 10 home meetings vs. TTUN (1990-2008).

• Ohio State is 10-9-1 in the last 20 meetings overall vs. TTUN (1990-2009).

• Ohio State's last home loss to TTUN was in 2000 by a score of 38-26.

• Ohio State's last home win vs. TTUN was a 42-7 victory in 2008.

• Ohio State is 18-2 in their last 20 November games (2004-2010).

• Ohio State is 28-4 in November games under Jim Tressel (2001-2010).

• Jim Tressel is 8-1 overall (4-0 at home, 4-1 on the road) vs. TTUN.

• Terrelle Pryor is now 29-4 as Ohio State's starting quarterback (2-0 vs. TTUN).

• Ohio State's defense has allowed just two 100-yard rushers in their last 35 games.

• Ohio State could clinch their record-ninth BCS bowl game invitation with a win over TTUN today.

• Ohio State has won 34 Big Ten titles—having now won or shared five in a row (2005-2009).

• Ohio State claims seven national championships and has had six Heisman winners (seven trophies).

• The Ohio State football program currently has an overall record of 829-309-53 (1890-2010).

• This is Head Coach Rich Rodriguez's third season at TTUN (15-20).

• The TTUN football program is the all-time leader in wins, currently with 884.

• TTUN claims 11 national titles, the last being a split title in 1997. Prior to that, TTUN's last title was in 1948.

• TTUN has won 42 Big Ten titles, the last being a co-championship in 2004 (Iowa).

• The TTUN football program began play in 1879 and currently has an overall record of 884-305-36.


Final Score Prediction

Ohio State 41
TTUN 17


Click For The Block Nation Front Page

The Rivalry: Ohio State vs. Michigan HBO Documentary

From 2006, the HBO documentary about the rivalry.

If you missed it, watch it. It is must see!














Click For The Block Nation Front Page

An Ohio State Thanksgiving: The Top 10 Things to Give Thanks for During HATE Michigan Week

Thanksgiving can mean so many different things to different people.

For me, it is a time to reflect upon, and appreciate the people, and things in life that I care for and cherish the most like my parents, my children, my wife, my closest friends, etc....

If you're a sports fan, it also can be applied to the teams you love, or those you love to hate.


Here are my top 10 things to be thankful for this year—Buckeye Football Fan Edition.


No. 10—I was not born in TSUN.

I'm not a fan of potholes, ugly women, or the smell of hot dog water, so I am very happy to be from Ohio and not from the abyss to our North.




No. 9—I am not a fan of a certain hated, and currently God-awful team from TSUN.

UM football has been horrible over the last four seasons, and since 2001, the Wolverines are just 1-8 vs. the Buckeyes. Why anyone would voluntarily want to be a fan of such a down-trodden program is beyond me.

UM is a meager 15-20 since 2008 under Dickrod.


No. 8—It has been 2,559 days and counting since UM beat Ohio State in football.

While the Buckeyes are in position to play in yet another BCS bowl game this post season, UM is just happy to finally be bowl eligible again (thank goodness for those four out-of-conference cupcake games) after missing a bowl game the past two seasons.

Motor City or Little Caesars Bowl, here comes the Wolverines!

LOSERS, LOSERS...


No. 7—For the fourth straight year, the OSU seniors can finish their careers 4-0 vs. TTUN.

Each year Ohio State wins the rivalry game, the players earn a set of gold pants. There sure have been a lot of them handed out lately!

In March of 1934, when asked how his Buckeyes would do against Michigan, coach Frances Schmidt replied, "They put their pants on one leg at a time, the same as we do," and the tradition was born.



No. 6—SCOREBOARD, SCOREBOARD, SCOREBOARD...

Ohio State has won a school record six meetings in a row over UM. Barring an act of God, they should make it seven in a row and nine of the last ten this Saturday in Ohio Stadium.




No. 5—Having Terrelle Pryor playing quarterback for my Buckeyes.

Pryor has improved so much as a passer in his three years and the scary thing is he still can be even better next year.

He is now 29-4 as the starting QB for OSU and he is practically a lock to finish his Buckeye career with over 40 wins. A Heisman Trophy and a National Championship could also be in his future.



No. 4—Having six Heisman Trophy winners.

Pryor could become number seven in 2011.

In the meantime, last years winner, Alabama's Mark Ingram, has no shot at the 2010 Heisman. That means Ohio State still has the only two-time winner, the great Archie Griffin!


No. 3—Having seven National Championships, and 34 Big Ten Championships.

We might have to wait until 2011 to get a shot at another college football national title, but a win this week secures at least a share of the conference title.

That would be Ohio State's sixth straight shared or outright Big Ten title and their 35th overall. There's really no end in sight to them winning many more in the coming seasons either.




No. 2—Having been lucky enough to go to several OSU games with my Dad.

Having that time with him in the greatest venue in all of sports, Ohio Stadium is priceless.

It is a great father-son experience that I recommend to all.

The Horseshoe is a true National Treasure and I still get chills every time I walk through the gates. There really is nothing like a Saturday in "The Shoe."




No. 1—This was a very easy choice for the top slot.

Having this guy...



instead of this guy...



leading our football program.

It's not always pretty, and Tressel-ball certainly isn't flashy, but a 103-22 record in 10 seasons, six conference championships, eight 10-plus win seasons, 10 bowl games in 10 years with a 5-4 record, including the 2002 BCS Championship. speaks volumes about Coach Tressel.

I could go on, but the point here is that Tressel is a winner, and so too are we, the fans, and also the young men that suit up and proudly wear the Scarlet and Gray under Tressel.

The 2010 season has flown by and I'm not thankful for that, but I am thankful for the opportunity to see the Buckeyes play Michigan this week, and one more game in January.

I also want to give thanks for the visions I don't want to get out of my head of more Heisman, and National Championship trophies that could each end up in Columbus in the very near future.

In closing, I'm also thankful that Mike Hart came back for his senior season to, in his words, "Beat the Buckeyes, and win a National Championship..."

Thanks for the memories (of epic failure) Mikey!


Happy Thanksgiving to the entire Buckeye Nation.

To those that hate and/or do not root for THE Ohio State Buckeyes:



Just kidding...Happy Thanksgiving to scUm fans too, from BlockONation!


Click For The Block Nation Front Page

BlockONation Exclusive: Ohio State-Iowa Hi-Def Game Highlights

Iowa City, Iowa -- The Buckeyes proved that their (now) 18-2 record in November games since 2004 is no joke as they earned a hard-fought, and well-deserved win over the Hawkeyes on Saturday night despite some questionable officiating.

The following highlight video was produced by Lednerk, and is presented here for your viewing pleasure, exclusively by BlockONation—Enjoy!






Click For The Block Nation Front Page

Ohio State-Iowa Post-Game Thoughts: Buckeyes Escape With 20-17 Victory Over Hawkeyes

I must admit that I really thought Iowa might come out flat and Ohio State would play inspired early and often offensively. I predicted OSU would win 41-20. I'm glad I was wrong.

This game was exciting and great to watch!

My hat is off to Iowa. They played a heck of a game today!

The play of the game that more or less clinched the victory for the Buckeyes was when Cameron Heyward crushed Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi on 3rd and long, forcing a 4th and 21 situation. Iowa then came up two yards short and the Buckeyes eked out a close, hard-fought win!

Heyward picked a perfect time to get the most important QB sack in his Buckeyes career.

DeVier Posey, who dropped a wide-open TD pass with about 3:30 to go in the game better treat Terrelle Pryor, Dane Sanzenbacher, Boom Herron, and Cameron Heyward all to a nice fat all-expenses paid steak dinner!

Despite not playing great at times, Pryor ended the game with 273 total yards and a touchdown.

Herron added 69 rush yards and the game winning touchdown run with under two minutes left in the game.

Sanzenbacher caught six balls for 102 yards to lead all OSU receivers, and Heyward's heroics were mentioned, and pictured, above.

I again wish to salute the Hawkeyes on a great effort and just add that I'm glad the Buckeyes showed some heart and pride and fought back for the win.

Now it's officially time to start scUm HATE WEEK!

GO BUCKS, SCREW BLUE!


Click For The Block Nation Front Page

Ohio State-Iowa History Lesson, Game Outlook, and LIVE In-Game Blog Chat

Hey Buckeye fans, join in the LIVE chat starting today at 3:15PM, brought to you by FoxSportsOhio and BlockONation!

at

Ohio State—Iowa History Lesson

• This will be the 63rd meeting between Ohio State and Iowa.

• Ohio State leads the all-time series 45-14-3.

• Ohio State has won 11 of the last 12 meetings vs. the Hawkeyes.

• Ohio State is 16-3-1 in the last 20 meetings vs. the Hawkeyes (1984-2009).

• Ohio State is 12-2-1 in the last 15 meetings in Iowa City (1968-2006).

• Ohio State's defense has allowed just one 100-yard rusher in their last 33 games.

• Ohio State ranks 1st nationally in turnover margin with 26 takeaways (+14).

• Ohio State is 20-2 in their last 22 Big 10 road games.

• Ohio State is 14-1 in November games since Oct., 2005.

• Ohio State is 7-2 in Big 10 road finales under Jim Tressel.

• Ohio State is 27-4 in November games under Jim Tressel.

• Jim Tressel is 4-1 overall vs. Iowa (2001-2009).

• Terrelle Pryor is now 28-4 as Ohio State's starting quarterback.

• Iowa is 1-6 vs. Ohio State under Kirk Ferentz (1999-2009).

• Iowa is 16-4 in their last 20 home finales.

• Iowa has won or shared 11 Big Ten titles, their last being a co-championship in 2004.

• The last time Iowa finished ranked ahead of Ohio State in the final AP poll was 2004 (Iowa No. 8, OSU No. 20).



Brief Game Outlook

In 2009, Northwestern derailed previously undefeated Iowa's dream season the week before the Hawkeyes played the Buckeyes.

Last week, the Wildcats upset Iowa again to drop the Hawkeyes to a disappointing 7-3 mark.

QB Ricky Stanzi missed the 2009 game with an ankle injury, but he will play today. The Buckeyes have the best defense in the conference meaning Stanzi might just wish he would have missed this game too.

The key to the game for the Buckeyes will be the offensive line. They must continue to play well and protect Terrelle Pryor when he drops back to pass and open up the running lanes for Dan Herron and company.

Iowa has a talented receiving corp led by Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and Marvin McNutt and the Buckeyes will have to focus on containing both receivers and look to force Stanzi into mistakes.

This game once looked like it would be a matchup of two top 10 teams who would both be playing for a chance at the conference title and a trip to the Rose Bowl. Now it appears more likely that if the Buckeyes come in focused and play well, the game may not be close.


Final Score Prediction

Ohio State 41
Iowa 20


Click For The Block Nation Front Page

Buckeye Basketball: #4 Ohio State @ #9 Florida Tonight at 6PM on ESPN

We don't run OSU basketball stories all that often here on BlockONation, but this game warrants some attention even from a Buckeye football blog.

Not only is it a matchup of top 10 teams, but it is against the hated Florida Gators.

They beat tOSU on the gridiron in January 2007 for the BCS title and again just two short months later on the hardwood in March 2007 in the NCAA Championship game.

The Buckeyes finally beat a down-UF on the court during the 2007-2008 season, but Buckeye fans still have a bitter taste in their mouths from the championship defeats.

A victory tonight in Gainesville for the basketball Buckeyes would go a long way in solidifying the hype and their current ranking.

It would also be great for Buckeye fans to beat the Gators when they are considered to be one of the 10 best teams in the nation instead of in rebuilding mode as they were during the 07-08 season.

Below is the game preview for tonight's game from ESPN.com, which can also be viewed here.

____________________________________________________________________

The last time Ohio State and Florida met as ranked teams, the national championship was on the line. The stakes aren't nearly that high this time, but an early-season matchup should reveal plenty about each club.

The fourth-ranked Buckeyes and No. 9 Gators each face their first significant test of the new season Tuesday night when they meet in Gainesville.

Ohio State (1-0) and Florida (1-0) haven't been ranked when they faced each other since the Gators won a second consecutive national title by beating the Buckeyes in 2007.

Ohio State took the rematch 62-49 at home in December of that year, but neither team was in the Top 25 at the time.

Now, a number of young, promising players make another March meeting a realistic possibility.

The reigning Big Ten champion Buckeyes, who cruised to a 102-61 win over North Carolina A&T in their season opener Friday, may have exerted themselves more while practicing to take on the Gators.

"Our intensity in practice prepares us for all of the big games," said senior forward Dallas Lauderdale, who had 12 points, 13 rebounds and eight blocks against the Aggies. "The way we practice makes all of the games easier."

Lauderdale, who averaged 6.5 points and 5.2 rebounds last season, will likely be joined in the front court by Jared Sullinger, Ohio State's top recruit.

The forward turned in a superb collegiate debut Friday, scoring 19 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Fellow freshman forward Deshaun Thomas had 24 points and eight boards.

"He has been so focused on his defense in practice," Matta said of Thomas. "I always say if you focus on defense the offense will come and he found this out. That's the impact we thought he would have."

Much like Ohio State, Florida is considered a favorite in its conference and a trendy pick to return to the Final Four.

The Gators opened their most anticipated season in four years without much trouble Friday, beating UNC Wilmington 77-60.

Coach Billy Donovan saw plenty of room for improvement, especially defensively. Florida allowed the Seahawks to shoot 47.9 percent.

"We've got to get more disciplined," Donovan said. "I think that we have a team that can press. We've got to get more disciplined in terms of what we're doing and I do believe we have a chance to be a good pressing team. We've just got to keep getting better at it."

With a deep group of young players, Donovan may continue to rotate players often in order to press the entire game. Four freshmen -- Patric Young, Scotti Wilbekin, Will Yeguete and Casey Prather -- totaled 10 points, seven assists and five steals Friday.

"It helps a lot," sophomore guard Kenny Boynton said of the frequent substitutions. "I can't remember too many times in the game when I was tired. Coach had us rotating in and out, and they gave us good minutes off the bench."

Boynton, who averaged 14.0 points while starting all but one game as a freshman, scored 10 in the season opener.


Click For The Block Nation Front Page

Ohio State-Penn State Exclusive Game Highlights in Hi-Def

This past Saturday evening, Penn State may have won the first half, but it's not how you start, it's how you finish...

The following video was produced by Lednerk, and is presented here, exclusively by BlockONation.

Enjoy!




Devon Torrence with the 1st of TWO second half Pick-6 INTs for the Buckeyes!


Click For The Block Nation Front Page