Ohio State-Arkansas Sugar Bowl Redux: There's Nothing Wrong With a Little Reminiscing

Please enjoy these game high-def highlights of the 2011 Allstate Sugar Bowl, produced by lednerk, and presented exclusively by BlockONation!







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In Case You Missed it—Dane Sanzenbacher "The Decision" Spoof

If you haven't seen this yet, definitely watch it! It's funny, and it is actually in support of a great cause.




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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!






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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!


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Ohio State Football: Why the Buckeyes and Terrelle Pryor Deserve To Be No. 1

Tim Bielik—Featured Contributor / Storm the Field Founder

It hasn't been since before the kickoff of the 2008 BCS National Championship Game that the Ohio State Buckeyes were the No. 1 team in the country until Sunday's polls came out.

Thanks to Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks' 35-21 victory over the then-top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, the Buckeyes rose to No. 1 in both the AP and USA Today Coaches' Poll, and they were also No. 1 in the first Harris Poll of 2010.

But even though the Buckeyes slid into the top spot by default, this group is very worthy of being the top team in the country.

One reason Ohio State belongs at the top is Heisman hopeful Terrelle Pryor who showed Saturday against Indiana that he could throw the football all around the field.

Against an Indiana team that gave up 42 points to Denard Robinson and Michigan, Pryor threw for a career-high 324 yards and three touchdowns, completing 80 percent of his passes despite a left quad strain.

Pryor's spectacular season has the Buckeyes' offense in the Top-20 in yards per game, rushing yards per game and sixth in the country in points per game.

The play of the Ohio State offense has been a big surprise when considering how much the unit struggled in 2008 and 2009, when Jim Tressel was pegged as being too over-conservative in his play calling.

And in addition to the surprising success of the OSU offense, the Silver Bullets defense has been quite good once again.

Despite the lack of QB sacks (eight in six games), the Buckeyes' defense ranks third in the country and first among AQ teams in total defense and sixth in scoring defense at 13.5 ppg.

But even with the tremendous amount of success that the Buckeyes have had in the season up to this point, they have not been tested like some of the other teams in the hunt for a national title spot.

So far on the season, Ohio State has played only one team that was ranked at the time, a Miami squad that was blown out of their home stadium Saturday night by Jimbo Fisher's Florida State Seminoles 45-17.

Now the Hurricanes are unranked, leaving Ohio State in a shocking predicament in mock BCS standings where even though they are first in all human polls, they are fifth in ESPN's earliest projections due to a very bottom-heavy schedule.

But playing in the much-improved Big Ten, especially with three of their final six conference opponents ranked in the Coaches' Poll, should help balance the computers to where OSU would play in Glendale in January for the National Championship.

Despite the computers, Ohio State has the makings of a true No. 1 team, with a great offense to complement a very consistent defense.

The biggest improvement for this team has been the fact that the special teams has started to turn itself around after a disastrous stretch of giving up three special teams TDs in the first two games and lengthy kickoff returns for most of September.

But this team will be very heavily tested against a tough Wisconsin team hungry to knock off the new No. 1 in Camp Randall, a place where Ohio State has had problems historically, especially in 2003 where the Badgers ended OSU's 19-game winning streak dating back to the 2002 championship season.

The fans will be loud as ever, and John Clay, James White, and the Badgers will have extra motivation to do what Spurrier did to the Crimson Tide just a few days ago.

And if Ohio State can win in Madison, they will have earned the right for the time being to be the best team in the country.

But for how long is up to them.


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The Buckeyes Start Here: Six Ohio State Players Who Will Lead the Team to the BCS Title

Despite the title of my article, I am certainly not a blind homer, nor am I an out-of-touch fool.

In order for the Ohio State Buckeyes to win the 2010 BCS title, all 22 starters, the majority of the second-team players that add depth to each unit, and the players that help to comprise the special teams units (kicker and punter included) will all have to contribute significantly.

That being said, there are three players from the defense and three players from the offense who will individually have the biggest roles in making sure their respective units succeed in ultimately giving the Buckeyes the best chance to win every game up to and including the BCS championship game.

I will now reveal them one at a time for your viewing and reading pleasure.


# 36 Brian Rolle: Linebacker

A year ago, the Buckeyes had to replace three-time All-American linebacker James Laurinaitis.

Enter Brian Rolle.

Rolle, a senior from Immokalee, Fla., is entering his second season as a starter and a solid middle anchor for the Ohio State defense.

Prior to last season, Rolle was a special teams veteran, having seen significant playing time in that role in both 2007 and 2008.

At just 5'11'' and 220 pounds, Rolle is fast, compact, yet deceivingly powerful when it comes to separating a receiver from the ball.

Rolle was the hero for the Buckeyes last year when he intercepted Navy QB Ricky Dobbs' pass attempt on a two-point conversion and returned it 98 yards for the defensive PAT with just 2:23 remaining to seal the win in the season opener.

For the season, he was the second leading tackler for Ohio State with 94 solo take downs.

He is expected to make key contributions and will bring invaluable senior leadership to a defensive unit once again expected to be the best in the Big 10 and one of the best in the nation.


# 51 Ross Homan: Linebacker


Homan returns for his senior season and his third as a starter at LB.

If experience truly is priceless, Homan is worth his weight in gold.

In 2006 as a freshman, he was not a starter, but saw action in all 13 games that season and recorded 28 tackles.

He missed the 2007 season due to injury and took a medical redshirt.

When he returned in 2008, he earned a starting role and was fourth in solo tackles that season with 67.

In 2009, Homan assumed the role of the top LB at Ohio State and led the team in tackles with 108.

All signs point to him once again leading the team in tackles and will likely continue the tradition of linebackers from Ohio State finding themselves heading to the NFL.

At 6'0 and 225 pounds, Homan has excellent speed and big-play ability.

All Homan has done is work hard, improve every year, and become the quiet leader of a great defense.

He may not be flashy or have the household name of some of his predecessors, but he's silently as good, if not better.

He is yet another star linebacker in-the-making at Ohio State, the real linebacker U, and opposing QBs and WRs would do well to take note.


# 97 Cameron Heyward: Defensive End

The son of the late Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, Cameron Heyward is a 6'5, 290-pound defensive lineman for the Buckeyes.

To the pleasant surprise of many Buckeyes fans, Cam decided to skip the NFL for one more season and return for his senior year—one he intends on making his best season yet.

Heyward has had starting experience since his freshman year of 2007, but he seized that role permanently in 2009.

A year ago, he had 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 QB sacks. With the talent along the defensive line, Heyward will look to post double digits in each of those categories this coming season.

Recently named to the 2010 Nagurski and Lombardi watch lists, Heyward is blessed with size, agility, and excellent speed for his size.

Clearly, he has all the physical tools to be one of the best defensive lineman in the country in 2010.


# 3 Brandon Saine: Running Back

Saine, now a senior tailback, played high school football and ran track for the Piqua, Ohio Indians.

He was compared favorably to Reggie Bush while entering his freshman year at Ohio State due to his ability to be a jack of all trades—running, blocking and even spending time in the slot as a WR, which he may also do this season in Columbus due to the depth behind him in the Ohio State backfield.

Saine has been officially timed at 4.40 seconds in the 40-yard dash, although he has been unofficially timed at 4.25 seconds.

After being stuck in the shadow of Beanie Wells in 2007 and being injured in 2008, Saine was finally healthy for most of the 2009 season. He split carries with Dan Herron, who had impressed coaches in 2008 when Beanie Wells went down with injury, but is expected to be featured more as the top back in 2010.

Last season, Saine finally showed flashes of brilliance and the potential greatness Buckeye fans expected from him when he committed to OSU in 2007.

For those who doubt Saine is a potential top RB, consider that as a healthy featured back during his senior year of high school, he ran for 1,895 yards and scored 27 touchdowns on 259 carries, while recording 30 receptions for 412 yards.

Last year, Saine averaged 5.1 yards per carry while rushing for 739 yards and scoring four touchdowns. He also had 224 yards receiving and caught two touchdown passes.

He will definitely be a featured option for OSU this year and if he stays healthy, he will be one of the top backs in the Big 10.


# 8 DeVier Posey: Wide Receiver

Not a newsflash: Junior wide receiver DeVier Posey will be the top WR target for Ohio State in 2010.

Posey wasn't always great in 2009, but he was almost always good, improving his game from week to week, culminating in the Rose Bowl with his eight catches and 101 yards receiving, including a picture-perfect touchdown pass and catch to help seal the victory.

Overall, Posey caught 60 balls for 828 yards in 2009. What is best for the team is what matters most, but anything less than 80 receptions and over 1,000 yards receiving in 2010 for Posey will be somewhat of an individual disappointment.

I believe the running game will open up the passing lanes for Posey and those numbers should be attainable.

Dane Sanzenbacher, Taurian Washington, and Chris Fields are also other talented receivers that should help prevent defenses from doubling up on Posey.

Of course, Posey's overall success will also depend heavily on the play of the quarterback...


# 2 Terrelle Pryor: Quarterback

Junior QB Terrelle Pryor is clearly the centerpiece of the Ohio State offense and the face of the program.

I wonder if any other quarterback that boasts a 19-3 record as a starter has ever had to face the level of criticism that Pryor has had to endure since taking over for the Buckeyes in week four of his freshmen season.

It's not all negative, though. Pryor is considered by several notable sources as the preseason 2010 Heisman Trophy favorite.

It hasn't always been perfect or pretty, especially when it comes to mechanics and footwork, but this kid is a winner, pure and simple.

As advertised when he was the No. 1 overall recruit in the entire 2008 recruiting class, he's also an amazing freak of an athlete.

It's not often that a 6'6, 240 pound quarterback can run a sub 4.4 40-yard-dash and shove countless would-be-tacklers to the ground.

Defensive coordinators may want to pull their hair out when defending against Pryor and the Buckeyes as 2010 unfolds.

In his 22 career starts, Pryor has amassed 3,405 passing yards, 30 touchdown passes, 1,410 rushing yards, and 13 rushing touchdowns.

With his improved footwork and mechanics, it's safe to expect a similar path for Pryor that Troy Smith took from 2005 to 2006 as Coach Tressel gains more and more confidence in him, just he did Smith.

Pryor came to Ohio State because he wanted to become a pro-style QB and he should take significant steps towards that goal this year. His passing stats are sure to increase and his rushing numbers should decline somewhat.

One thing that is for sure...

He still has the ability to scramble away from pressure and keep a drive alive if need-be, but he is improved and will continue to improve as a passing QB with each passing week. Opposing defenses are going to have few options when it comes to game planning against him.

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In closing, I just want to add that I am not guaranteeing or predicting that the Buckeyes are going to win, or even play for the BCS title.

I am only suggesting that they have a very high probability of accomplishing that goal if they remain healthy and the six players I mentioned live up to the hype.

I know I will enjoy the journey no matter what. It's going to be a great season and hopefully expectations meet reality and it culminates in another national title for the Buckeyes.

I just found this Sports Illustrated cover that features Ohio State. I had not seen it until just now. I must be on to something seeing as how SI used the same players for the cover that I mentioned in the story.


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2010 Ohio State Buckeyes: Spring Football Is In The Air

Spring practice will begin in roughly three weeks, but many of the players have been working out on their own in their spare time, preparing for what could be an extra-special season for our beloved Buckeyes.

After an amazing display in the 2010 Rose Bowl, QB Terrelle Pryor (who had off season arthroscopic knee surgery) will be entering his junior season with higher expectations that ever before.

The comparison was and has almost always been there before, but after his Rose Bowl performance, many now believe (and hope) that TP evolves this season as Vince Young did in his junior year of 2005 for the Texas Longhorns.

The Spring Game is set for April 24 in Ohio Stadium. Last year, the Buckeyes drew a Spring Game record of 95,722 fans, and I wouldn't be surprised if they topped that this April.

There are several questions that will need to be answered.

Who will emerge as the featured running back or will it will more of the running back-by-committee approach?

Who will replace Thaddeus Gibson at DE?

Who will replace Kurt Coleman at S?

Will Etienne Sabino finally get his shot to start at LB, or will someone else take that spot, perhaps Dorian Bell if not Sabino?

What will be the pecking order at WR after DeVier and Dane?

One thing is certain—The Spring Game is only six weeks away and I, like the rest of the Buckeye fans worldwide, can't hardly wait to get my sneak peek at what the 2010 Buckeyes may have in store for us all!

Here's a small dose of what Ohio State Football may bring us all in 2010 from our good friend Rob (aka Kitchel22130 on YouTube) to help get us all get by until April 24.





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2010 Ohio State Buckeyes: Five Pitfalls That Could Derail Their Chances at a BCS Title Game Berth

After what was an incredible finish to the 2009 season that saw Ohio State win the Rose Bowl, 2010 is shaping up to be the best team Jim Tressel has ever had at Ohio State.

But with all of those expectations, there is the "what if?" factor.

What if Ohio State has another "Purdue" game?

What if Terrelle Pryor goes down with an injury? (*knock on wood*)

What if the defensive line isn't as dominant as in 2009 and late 2008?

Regardless of the reasoning, everyone knows that teams, especially in the Big Ten, will be gunning for the Buckeyes and trying to end their stronghold grip on the conference.

There are obviously high expectations for Ohio State in 2010. Many "way too early" 2010 rankings have put the Buckeyes as high as No. 2, but none of that matters if expectations don't translate into reality once the season begins.

Here are five Saturdays that could potentially cost Ohio State a shot at the BCS National Championship Game in Glendale.


No. 5—November 27 at Home vs. Michigan

This one is the least likely of the five, and some fans may consider it a stretch, but remember, it has happened before. Anything can happen in a rivalry game.

That being said, over the last six years, this rivalry have been very one-sided. Ohio State has not lost to Michigan since John Navarre and Chris Perry were running the show for UM back in 2003.

But there's always cause for concern when the Wolverines come to town because of the rivalry that it is. It's always one of those games where the records need to be thrown out when these two teams meet.

Of course, that meant very little the last time Michigan played in Columbus...UM got "McGuffied!"


Still, it is the biggest game of the year, even with UM down right now. To give an example of how the Buckeyes focus on Michigan, their training facility has active countdown clocks set specifically to countdown to the Michigan game.

With the Big Ten adding a bye week as of this year, this will be the first time the teams meet after Thanksgiving ever.

Could changing that 100+ year tradition of THE GAME always being played on the third Saturday of November finally change the recent misfortunes of the Wolverines?

It could happen, but even most logical Michigan fans (that is definitely an oxymoron, and a very small group of people) do not expect a win in Columbus this coming season.


No. 4—September 11 at Home vs. Miami (FL)

These two teams last met in 2003 for the National Title, which the Buckeyes won in double-overtime after a controversial (only in Florida) pass interference flag by referee Terry Porter.


Deja Vu coming for Miami fans?
Seven years later, the Hurricanes come North looking for revenge, and QB Jacory Harris will get to face off against his good friend Terrelle Pryor.

Miami should have reason for motivation, especially coach Randy Shannon, who was the Defensive Coordinator when these teams last met.

The 'Canes will likely be a top 10 team when they meet Ohio State, but this Miami team lost in the Champs Sports Bowl to a Wisconsin team that the Buckeyes beat by 18 points earlier in the season.

This game will be the barometer as to where the Buckeyes and the Big Ten stand in 2010. So to will the Penn State vs. Alabama game that will be played the same day.

Wins by each would be an even greater boost to the steadily recovering perception of the Big Ten conference, and could potentially set up a huge top-five showdown between the Bucks and Nittany Lions once conference play begins.

Speaking of Penn State...


No. 3—November 13 at Home vs. Penn State

Two years ago, when Penn State came to Columbus undefeated, the Buckeyes had the Nittany Lions on the ropes until a fumble by then-true freshman Terrelle Pryor, led to the game's only touchdown, allowing PSU to escape with a 13-6 win—their first in Ohio Stadium since 1978.


Terrelle Pryor giveth...
Last season, despite the Terrelle Cryor t-shirt non-sense, and a "white-out" in Happy Valley, OSU left no doubt, beating up on the previously once-beaten (by Iowa) Nittany Lions, 24-7.

In recent years, this matchup has become quite the rivalry in the Big Ten, though OSU fans still recognize Michigan as their true No. 1 rival, not Penn State, much to the chagrin of jilted PSU fans.

But this years meeting brings some interesting storylines, with QB Kevin Newsome making his first trip to Columbus after the departure of Daryll Clark, and the final year of RB Evan Royster's outstanding career.

These games are some of the most physical in the country, so by no means will this one be pretty.

The Buckeyes certainly can't take this one for granted, but with the experience edge in their favor, another "per-usual" home win over the Nittany Lions should be the most likely outcome.


No. 2—October 16 at Camp Randall vs. Wisconsin

Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin is no doubt one of the toughest venues for a visiting opponent to play in, in all of college football.

And in mid-October, the Buckeyes will get a refresher course against a much-improved Wisconsin team, led by QB Scott Tolzien and 2009 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year RB John Clay.

Clay is the best RB in the conference, although to be fair, I must also mention that Ohio State's defense held him to just 59 yards on 21 carries last season, as the Buckeyes defeated the then-unbeaten (5-0) Badgers, 31-13.

Wisconsin fans surely have fresh memories (and revenge on their minds) of Pryor's big drive and late touchdown scramble and dive to win the game the last time the Badgers hosted Ohio State in 2008.


And Terrelle Pryor, taketh away...
Winning in Madison can often prove to be difficult for any team, especially at night under the lights. This game will be physical, and both teams will bring their "A" games.

Ohio State and Wisconsin both could be, and probably will be, undefeated when they meet, meaning the team that wins will very likely solidify their position at or near the top of the conference, and near the top of the national rankings.

With Pryor entering his third season as a starter, and the OSU defense looking like it should once again be dominant, the Buckeyes have to be the favorite in this game as of right now.

But, much like with Penn State, they cannot afford to overlook the Badgers, especially on the road.


No. 1—November 20 at Kinnick Stadium vs. Iowa

There is no bigger threat to the Buckeyes reign in the Big Ten than the team they escaped against to win the conference title outright in 2009 than the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Kirk Ferentz's teams are almost impossible to beat at home in November, and that's exactly when these two teams will meet head on, possibly for a conference title, and a trip to the BCS title game.

This time around, Ohio State should be dealing with Ricky Stanzi, who is one of the best QB's in the conference, and maybe even the nation.

With Stanzi out with an ankle injury last season, OSU nearly saw backup James Vandenburg lead Iowa to a win in Columbus.


Could the 2010 meeting be even better? In a word, YES!
Iowa, much like Ohio State likes to run the ball, control the time of possession, and play great defense.

I'm thinking Ferentz recently decided to copy Tressel's formula for success—If you can't beat'em, join'em, right?

In all seriousness, this game on paper should be just as good as last years. Both teams have veteran QB's, solid RB's, a a stud defense.

Adrian Clayborn and Tyler Sash are back, along with most of Iowa's talented skill players.

There's no doubt that Iowa will be motivated and wanting revenge after losing the game, and the conference title, in Columbus by a field goal in OT.

This could be the college game of the year if both teams are undefeated (a distinct possibility) when they meet.

Just like in 2006 when Ohio State and Michigan were both unbeaten in the final game of the year, we could see another No. 1 vs. No. 2 between OSU and Iowa if Alabama, Boise State and a few others (Texas, Florida, TCU, Va Tech, etc.) lose before week 13.


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Original article written by Tim Bielik—B/R OSU Featured Columnist & Block-O-Nation Contributor
Edits, changes, and additions to the original article made by HD Handshoe—Founder—Block-O-Nation
Photo Copyright of Jim Davidson--TheOzone.net

Ohio State-Iowa: Week 11 Preview, Free History Lesson Included

by HD Handshoe
Founder—Block-O-Nation


The Big Ten will hold its' annual conference Championship game this weekend as the No. 10 Iowa Hawkeyes (9-1, 5-1) visit Columbus to take on the No. 11 Ohio State Buckeyes (8-2, 5-1).

Unlike the SEC, Big East, Big 12, and ACC, the Big Ten regular season means something. The best team during the season wins the title, period.

Critics of a playoff system for college football say it will decrease the importance of the regular season. Conference championship games held after the season already do that, and they are only held for one reason—money. It's like playing a bowl game, before your bowl game...

I like my football Big Ten style, and conference titles should be won—or lost—on the field during the season.

Now, on to the preview and history lesson.


Iowa—By The Numbers:

Starting QB Out: Check.

Starting RB Out: Check.

Backup RB Out: Check

Iowa's magical season and BCS hopes came crashing down last week as the Northwestern Wildcats handed the Hawkeyes their first loss of the season.

Adding injury to insult, starting quarterback Ricky Stanzi injured his ankle and had to have surgery. He will miss the final two games of the season.

The numbers aren't going to look very pretty, but nevertheless, here they are.

Stanzi will be replaced by freshman James Vandenberg. Prior to last weekend, he had attemped just three passes. For the season, he is 11/30 passing for 120 yards with no touchdowns, one interception, a 36.7 completion percentage, and a QB Rating of 63.6.

As mentioned Jewel Hampton was supposed to take over for NFL-departed Shonn Greene at running back, but has been out the entire season. His replacement, Adam Robinson was having a solid season until he was injured and now will miss the rest of the year as well. That means Brandon Wegher will take over as the starter the rest of the way.

Wegher had shared carries with Robinson so there shouldn't be much of a drop off. On the year, he has 502 rushing yards and six touchdowns, and has caught 13 balls for 112 yards.

The leading receivers for Iowa are Darrell Johnson-Koulianos (31 receptions, 553 yards, two touchdowns), Marvin McNutt (21 receptions, 547 yards, five touchdowns), Trey Stross (25 receptions, 368 yards, one touchdown), and Tony Moeaki (23 receptions, 274 yards, four touchdowns).

Iowa also boasts one of the best defensive units in the Big Ten and the nation. They've built that reputation against some solid teams, such as Arizona and Penn State. The Buckeyes o-line will have their hands full on Saturday.


Ohio State—By The Numbers:

Terrelle Pryor has 1668 passing yards, 604 rushing yards, with seven rushing touchdowns, 15 passing touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a QB Rating of 130.6.

Pryor, Brandon Saine, Boom Herron, Jordan Hall, and Jermil Martin have combined for 1808 yards on the ground and 22 rushing touchdowns. That's nearly 180 yards and 2.2 touchdowns rushing per game.

Ohio State's top receivers are DeVier Posey (45 receptions, 672 yards, seven touchdowns plus one passing touchdown), Dane Sanzenbacher (24 receptions, 482 yards, six touchdowns), Duron Carter (12 receptions, 164 yards, one touchdown), and Ray Small (12 receptions, 153 yards). Small is also a huge contributor as a punt returner.

The Buckeye defense held Penn State to a season low seven points and only 201 total yards in Beaver Stadium last Saturday. Daryll Clark had one of the worst games of his career, while Pryor played mistake free as the Buckeyes rolled to a 24-7 win.

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11/7/2009—Game 11—3:30PM Kickoff
TV: ABC

VS.


Ohio State—Iowa History and Tidbits:

• This will be the 62nd meeting between Ohio State and Iowa.

• Ohio State leads the all-time series, 44-14-3.

• Ohio State is 15-4-1 in the last 20 meetings vs. Iowa (dating back to 1983).

• Ohio State is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings vs. Iowa in Columbus.

• Ohio State's last loss at home to Iowa was in 1991 by a score of 16-9 (that year, OSU was 8-4, Iowa was 10-1-1).

• Ohio State's last home win vs. Iowa was a 31-6 victory in 2005.

• Because of the Big Ten rotating schedule, this is the first meeting since 2006.

• Jim Tressel is 3-1 overall (2-0 at home, 1-1 on the road) vs. Iowa.

• The Ohio State football program began in 1890 and all-time, they have an overall record of 816-308-53.

• This is Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz's 11th season at Iowa (79-53).

• Iowa is 1-5 vs. Ohio State under Ferentz, whose only win was a 33-7 blowout over the Buckeyes in Iowa City in 2004.

• 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 #8, OSU #20).

• The Iowa football program began play in 1889 and all-time, they have an overall record of 577-509-39.

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Even though both teams are ranked, the season appears to be slipping away from Iowa, while Ohio State seems to be peaking at the right time.

This game could still be a fairly low scoring game, as both teams are solid on defense, but without all those experienced weapons, I just can't convince myself that Iowa can score more than once or twice.

If the Buckeyes, and specifically Terrelle Pryor, can play like they did against the Nittany Lions, they may win in a bigger rout than I am predicting.


Final score prediction:

Ohio State 30, Iowa 6


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This article is also featured on
BusterSports.com and BleacherReport.com
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AP Photo--Charlie Neibergall

No. 10 Iowa Hawkeyes at No. 11 Ohio State Buckeyes

De Facto Big Ten Title Game

POST YOUR SCORE PREDICTIONS BELOW

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Ohio State-Indiana Week Five Preview: Free History Lesson Included

Final Score of the game was Ohio State 33, Indiana 14.

OSU missed two FG's, and IU scored a touchdown on the last play of the game after calling a timeout with seconds left, so it realistically should have been 39-7.

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By HD Handshoe
Founder—BlockONation


In the words of Eminem's song Slim Shady, "Will the real Indiana (and Michigan for that matter) please stand up?

The untested Michigan Wolverines are now 4-0 while the surprising Indiana Hoosiers are 3-1, their only loss coming to the Wolverines, but more on that in a bit.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are 3-1, and probably should be 4-0, but we won't dwell on the past mistakes that led to the loss against USC, but rather, we will look ahead.

Ohio State won easily vs. Illinois as I predicted. I specifically said I was not expecting another shutout, but definitely a win. My prediction was 38-13. The actual final score was 30-0.

Meh, close enough.

This Buckeye "D" is much better than I imagined, and I already thought they were very good.

This week, Ohio State will play their first true road game of the season (the Toledo Rockets were the home team in Cleveland two weeks ago) as they will travel to Bloomington, Indiana, to take on the Hoosiers.

Last week, Indiana nearly pulled out a win vs. Michigan in the Big House.

Unfortunately for them, the officials gave the game away on a terrible call when there clearly appeared to be a simultaneous catch and possession by an IU receiver and a UM defensive back, but the officials ruled it an interception.

After a home cooked booth review, the call was upheld (how convenient) and UM escaped with a shady 36-33 "win".

IU coach Bill Lynch was livid, and rightfully so.



While I don't mean to totally disrespect Indiana, they really aren't a good football program (their three wins were all pretty close over FCS or small FBS foes Eastern Kentucky, Western Michigan, and Akron), the closeness of this game shows me the Wolverines are vastly overrated, and that Ohio State "should" win over IU by a minimum of three to four scores this week.

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10/03/2009—Game Five—7PM
TV: Big Ten Network

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Here is the recent and all-time history between OSU and IU.

• Ohio State leads the all-time head-to-head series (65-12-5)

• Ohio State is 17-2-1 vs. IU last 20 meetings (dating back to 1985).

• Last Ohio State loss at IU was in 1988 by a score of 41-7 (That year, IU was 8-3-1 and OSU was 4-6-1).

• Since 1991, Ohio State is 16-0 vs. IU.

• Tressel is 6-0 vs. IU, outscoring them 222-57, or an average game score of 37-10.

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A third straight shutout win could become a reality, but either way, I fully expect the Buckeyes to win, and win big.

Maybe Indiana will prove me wrong.

Maybe they are far better than I believe they are, and they actually keep it close against the Bucks—Or even pull off the huge upset win...?

NAH...I'm not a crackhead.

Final score prediction:

Ohio State 44
Indiana 16


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With Four Games In The Books, Just How Good Is This Ohio State Defense?

Written by Michael Periatt
B/R Ohio State Featured Columnist—BlockONation Contributor


Ever since Matt Barkley's heartbreaking drive, the Ohio State defense hasn't allowed a single point.

Not one.

I don't know if they're carrying a chip on their shoulder or just hitting their stride, but the two game shut-out streak is the first in thirteen years.

I can't attest for a long Buckeye history (I'm 17 years old), but when I think of classic Buckeye defenses, I think of the 2002 championship team and the 2005 defense.

Amazingly, neither of these legendary defenses ever recorded a shut-out.

Now, both of those defenses were stacked with talent. The 2002 team had Chris Gamble, Mike Doss, Matt Wilhelm, and Will Smith just off the top of my head and the 2005 team had one of the best line backing cores in Ohio State history (Hawk, Carpenter, Schlegel.)

But the current defense really has no identifiable player. Brian Rolle seems to have emerged as a clutch play maker, Coleman seems to have established himself as the leader, and Cameron Heyward seems to be a super-stud. But there are no preseason All-Americans and no upperclassmen predicted to go in the first round of the draft (possibly Heyward).

It's really unbelievable they have been this solid.

So how have they done it?

I think it all goes back to the defensive line. The unit is clearly the strong point of the team and is arguably the best in the nation.

USC might have a stable of running backs, but Ohio State has a stable of defensive lineman. And unlike running backs, you can play more than one at a time.

Thaddeus Gibson, Cameron Heyward, Dexter Larimore, and Doug Worthington are the starters, but to have quality replacements like Nathan Williams, Soloman Thomas, Lawrence Wilson, Todd Denlinger, John Simon, and Garret Goebel is something that you just don't normally see.

Chances are, many of these guys would be starting on any other team in the nation. These guys are not just big "space fillers," but athletes ready to make plays.

By getting pressure on the quarterback without having to constantly blitz (a luxury OSU hasn't had in forever), it automatically takes a load of pressure off the rest of the defense.

Even against USC, the Buck's defense was only really responsible for one touchdown (the other was on TP for throwing an INT that USC returned inside the five yard line).

The lone sub-par performance was against Navy which is really baffling. It could have been the first game jitters, the corky triple-option offense, or a case of the look-aheads, but the fact remains they gave up 27 points to a service academy.

Following the USC game, the Bucks shut out a Toledo team that has put up at least 31 against every other team they played (including Colorado and Purdue).

They then replicated the feat against a supposed high powered Illinois offense that could very well turn out to be a joke.

So three excellent performances and one semi-flop.

The verdict?

I think this defense is really, really good, but I'm not ready to anoint them as a legendary defense just yet. A legendary defense finds a way to make that stop against USC and they sure as hell shouldn't give up 27 point to a service academy.

One thing that seems very promising is that, with the exception of the USC game, the defense made big plays when they had to. They were bent, but didn't break.

In the Navy game, Rolle got the pick-two to save the game.

Against Toledo, they stripped the ball inside the ten yard line to secure the shutout.

And against Illinois they got a clutch interception when the Illini were driving and a sack at the end of the game to push them out of field goal range.

I need to apologize to Jim Heacock. For a while there, I, like many others, was calling for his head, but he seems to have gotten it all together.

Then again, maybe the defense is more stable now that Luke Fickell is in charge of it more than we know...

As a fan, you can really see the development of the young guys and their readiness to replace their NFL predecessors.

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Starting D-Lineman Cameron Heyward Injured

by HD Handshoe
Founder
BlockONation


Lawrence Wilson may have a chance to get his starting job back, at least for a day or two.

Starter Cameron Heyward injured his ankle and could miss a couple practices, although at this time, the full extent of the injury is not known so don't take it to the bank yet.

It is also not known as of yet if there have been X-rays or an MRI, or if and when either test may scheduled.

What is known is that Heyward had to be helped off the field, had ice on his ankle the rest of the scrimmage, and left practice on crutches.

Coach Tressel said Heyward should be fine and doesn't believe the injury is serious.

The Buckeyes open the 2009 season in two weeks when they host the Navy Midshipmen and there are already several players nursing injuries, but Tressel expects them all to be ready by game day.

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BlockONation will add any updates on Heyward's condition when they become available.

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