A Closer Look at Everbank Field, Home of the Jacksonville Jaguars

Ohio State and Florida will face off Monday, January 2^nd in the 2012 Gator Bowl, and in case you are going to the game, our friends at Stadium Journey dropped us a link to their review of the stadium in Jacksonville which you may find useful.

Jaguars’ Half-Empty House: A Good Bargain
Official Review by Jack Harver, Stadium Journey Correspondent


Ten weeks into the 2009 season, Jacksonville Municipal Stadium has been one of the NFL's most buzzworthy facilities. Not for being big and flashy like the Dallas Cowboys' new billion-dollar home—it isn't—and not because it's on a farewell tour like Giants Stadium. (Not yet, at least.)

Instead, "The Jack" has been a hot topic for the national media because it's practically empty for Jaguars games.

There are over 67,000 seats in the stadium, not including almost 10,000 in the upper corners that remain covered—like training wheels for drawing a "sellout" crowd. But Jacksonville sold less than 46,000 tickets on average for each of the team's first three home contests this year, with reported attendance figures closer to 40,000 per game.

The upshot? Walk-up ticket buyers can score seats that would be prime real estate in other NFL stadiums.

Lower-level tickets were available on the team's website less than a week before the game, including one in the corner of the north end zone that provided an excellent view of the Jaguars' 24-21 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Inside the Jack, Section 118, Row H

With Jacksonville residents spending their Sunday afternoons elsewhere—in one of the many churches within walking distance of the stadium, perhaps—the Jaguars have won three of their four home games.

At 5-4 on the year, they're dark horse playoff contenders despite bidding good-bye to over half of last year's 53-man roster and starting four rookies from their 2009 draft crop.

Factor in top-tier superstars like running back Maurice Jones-Drew and cornerback Rashean Mathis, and Jacksonville's on-field product figures to be respectable for years to come. Like the team, the fan experience at The Jack isn't mind-blowing, but it has its pluses.

View and read the article in its' entirety at StadiumJourney.com

Follow @BlockONation on Twitter.

---

---

Click For The Block Nation Front Page

Ohio State vs. Purdue — Week 11 (Game 10) Outlook, History Lesson, and Prediction

OSU/Purdue—A Few Opening Thoughts...

Ohio State visits Purdue this Saturday for the first time since the then-seventh-ranked Buckeyes left West Lafayette, a 26-18 loser in 2009.


2010 Flashback: Dan "Boom" Herron stretches for the goaline vs. Purdue.
In the last five meetings, the Buckeyes are just 2-3 against Purdue -- a recent trend they most certainly want to reverse this weekend -- especially if they hope to preserve their chances of playing for the 2011 Big Ten crown in December.


Team Rankings / Players of Note

Purdue

The Purdue offense ranks 83^rd nationally at 367 yards per game. They are 74^th in total defense (43^rd vs. the pass, 92^nd vs. the run), allowing an average of 400 yards per game, and rank 58^th in points allowed per game (26.4).

Quarterback Caleb TerBush has thrown for 1,386, with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. His passer efficiency rating is 130. He also has 183 yards rushing and one touchdown.

At running back, Ralph Bolden leads the team with 469 yards and three touchdowns, followed closely by Akeem Shavers, who has gained 338 yards on the ground and scored five times.

The Boilermakers have a trio of wide receivers with over 25 receptions and 300-plus yards. Antavian Edision has 26 catches for 367 yards and two touchdowns -- Justin Siller has 34 catches for 342 yards and one touchdown -- and O.J. Ross has 29 catches for 326 yards and three touchdowns.


Ohio State

Ohio State is 106^th in total offense (319 yards per game) nationally. They are 16^th in total defense (29^th vs. the pass, 27^th vs. the run), allowing an average of 312 yards per game, and rank 14^th in points allowed per game (18.1).

The Silver Bullets have 21 sacks and 10 interceptions through nine games.

On the season, QB Braxton Miller has 547 passing yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions. He also has 447 yards on the ground and four rushing touchdowns. His current passer efficiency rating is 132.

Jordan Hall may play this week after missing the Indiana game. In his absence, team rushing leader Carlos Hyde broke the 100-yard barrier and now has 513 yards and six touchdowns. Dan Herron also broke the 100-yard barrier (as did Braxton Miller) and now has 415 yards and two scores.

Devin Smith leads the team in yardage with 227 yards on 10 catches, including four for scores. TE Jake Stoneburner is second on the team with 150 yards, and still leads in receptions and touchdowns, with 12 and six respectively. Neither had a reception against Indiana, but the fact that the Buckeyes had well over 300 yards rushing in the game is directly attributable to that.


Ohio State—Purdue History Lesson And Trends

• Ohio State is 38-13-2 all-time vs. Purdue.

• Ohio State is 18-1 in all November games since 2005.

• Ohio State is 108-54-8 all-time in November road games.

• Ohio State is 12-7 all-time vs. Purdue in West Lafayette.

• Ohio State is 9-0 on the road in November games since 2005.

• Ohio State is 2-3 vs. Purdue in the last five games at West Lafayette.

• Ohio State is now 4-2 with Braxton Miller as their starting quarterback.

• Ohio State is 21-1 when running back Dan Herron rushes for at least 55 yards.

• Ohio State has won 13 of their last 16 games against Purdue, dating back to 1989.

• Ohio State's defense has allowed just nine 100-yard rushers in their last 59 games.

• In the last 10 meetings between Ohio State and Purdue, the visiting team is just 2-8.

• Ohio State has held 67 opponents to 21 points or less since the start of the 2005 season.

• Ohio State's defense has held their opponent to fewer than 10 points 31 times since 2006.

• Ohio State has lost just two games in the month of November since their last loss to Michigan on November 22^nd, 2003 (@ Purdue 2004, vs. Illinois 2007).

• Purdue is 11-4 all-time on games played on November 11th.

• Purdue is 1-1 against Ohio State under head coach Danny Hope.

• Purdue has outgained Ohio State in seven of the last 10 meetings.

• Purdue has won three of the last five meetings at home against Ohio State.

• Purdue is third nationally and first in the Big Ten in kickoff return average (27.3).

• Purdue has not had a 100-yard rusher since 9/03/11 (Ralph Bolden) vs. Middle Tennessee State.

• Purdue's defense surrendered 605 total yards to Wisconsin last week (11/05/11), including 223 yards on the ground and three touchdowns to RB Montee Ball.


Final Thoughts and Score Prediction

It would seem obvious to me that another big week for the Buckeye running game in on tap.

Nothing personal against Jordan Hall, but I kind of hope he misses again this week so we can all see more of Carlos Hyde. I love this kid -- he's the next Beanie Wells!


Carlos Hyde has a mean stiffarm and he just looks the part of a brusing-Buckeye-back, don't you think?
The defense must play better -- Purdue is most definitely better than Indiana -- but Ohio State has plenty of motivation in this game.

What, with revenge for the 2009 loss in Ross-Ade Stadium, not to mention, a shot at the 2011 title game and a potential Rose Bowl berth hanging in the balance.

Something tells me it could be close into the third quarter, but the Bucks will get separation in the end, and a win for the good guys should be in order this time in West Lafayette.


Ohio State 41
Purdue 20


"To be a champion, you have to believe in yourself when no one else will" - Sugar Ray Robinson

---

---

Click For The Block Nation Front Page

Ohio State—Akron: Week 1 Preview, History Lesson, and Prediction

The bad news may not be completely behind Ohio State, but with the start of the 2011 season just a mere 5 days away, the ongoing NCAA investigation, and possible additional pending sanctions the committe on infractions may still levy on the University and its football program are, at least temporarily, on the back burner for now.

After a tumultuous off-season for the ages -- [/understatement] -- the season is finally set to kickoff this Saturday, September 3rd, 2011, as the No. 18 Buckeyes host in-state foe Akron at Noon. The game can be seen on ESPN or online at ESPN3.com.

These aren't your Dad's Buckeyes...given how much has changed from just one season ago, they're barely even your Buckeyes.

Head coach Jim Tressel and starting QB Terrelle Pryor are both gone.

Tressel was essentially fired for his post-email/tatgate cover-up, and Pryor decided to leave OSU and enter his name into the NFL supplemental draft once Tressel "resigned".

Enter interim new head coach, Luke Fickell.

Fickell is a true Ohio State man. He's from Columbus and was a 4-year-starter for the Buckeyes in the mid-1990's. He has been on the Ohio State coaching staff since 2002 as the linebackers coach and then as the co-defensive coordinator.

The biggest decision looming for Fickell early on this season will be who to start at quarterback. The first handful of games are sure to feature both sixth-year-senior Joe Bauserman and true freshmen Braxton Miller under center, though Bauserman has been given the nod.

Is Fickell right to go with an experienced but average veteran, over a promising but young and inexperienced potential superstar?

Ultimately, Miller could take over in his first season, just as Pryor did as a true freshman in 2008.

Once the QB issue is resolved, the Bucks still have to overcome the five game suspensions of three starters — WR DeVier Posey, OL Mike Adams, and RB Dan Herron.

But remember, despite the various changes and suspensions, THIS IS STILL OHIO STATE, with a roster that's chock-full of blue-chippers ready to step in.

The old cliche' we always hear is "Any Given Saturday", but realistically the first five games of the 2011 season (starting with the Zips) shouldn't provide that much in the way of underdog theatrics, so rest (somewhat) easy until week six, Buckeye fans.

Oh, and no worries, this isn't Michigan, so don't expect any Appalachian State shockers!


Brief Game Outlook

Second year coach Rob Ianello and the Zips are replacing eight starters (five on offense and three on defense) this season. It might have actually been a bigger blessing if they were replacing 22, considering the 1-11 season Akron suffered through in 2010.

The good news is there's nowhere to go but up. The bad news is they must start the season in Columbus at "The Shoe".

Offensively, Ohio State will treat this game as a glorified scrimmage, looking to find which QB, RB, and WRs appear ready to assume the full-time starting roles, respectively.

In the QB battle, as previously mentioned, it's going to either be Bauserman or it's Miller time.

Backup running backs Rod Smith and Carlos Hyde will be looking to increase their chances of (temporarily) being named the No. 1 tailback while Jaamal Berry just hopes to get healthy. He too has his sights set on the starting job, at least until Herron returns in week 6.

Jordan Hall is expected to start against Akron, but Berry is the front-runner to take over if he can overcome the injury bug that has continually bitten him. Smith and Hyde aren't far behind.

At receiver, Corey Brown and Verlon Reed, along with Hall, Chris Fields, and T.Y. Williams will look replace Posey (5-game-susp.) and offensive POY Dane Sanzenbacher (NFL). Bauserman and Miller need someone to make plays for them if either is going to separate himself from the other as the clear No. 1 QB.

Even though OSU lost seven starters from their defense that was ranked in the top 5 statistically in most every key category, that's nothing new here.

The Buckeyes are constantly sending defensive playmakers to the NFL, and then consistently replacing them with a new crop of future NFL draftees on the defensive line, the secondary, and at linebacker.

If Akron gains more than 150-200 total yards, both sidelines might likely be surprised. In fact, as far as expectations go, most will be surprised if this game doesn't get ugly for the Zips.

However, there are a couple silver linings for Akron. First, their players are getting the experience of playing in front of 102,000+ fans and on national TV, and second, there's that nice payday for their trip down I-71.

So, despite what happens on the field, it's not all bad news for the kangaroos...


Ohio State—Akron History Lesson

• This will be the 8th all-time meeting between Ohio State and Akron.

• The last 20 Ohio State coaches are 19-0-1 in their debuts.

• Ohio State is 6-1 all-time vs. Akron, with the lone loss coming in 1894.

• Ohio State has won 32 straight home openers, by an average of 21 ppg.

• Ohio State has won 54 consecutive regular-season non-conference home games against teams not ranked in the AP Top 25.

• Ohio State is 108-8-4 all-time in home openers.

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

• Ohio State has allowed their opponent to fewer than 10 points 29 times since 2006.

• Ohio State is 27-1 all-time vs. MAC schools.

• Ohio State is 40-8 vs. non-conference opponents since 2001.

• Ohio State is 64-7 at home since 2001.

• Akron is 10-28 vs. non-conference opponents since 2001.

• Akron is 16-49 in road games since 2001.


Final Score Prediction

The bottom line in this one is Akron just isn't very good on either side of the ball right now, and the Buckeyes are overloaded every year with talent no matter their personnel losses.

Given the high level of motivation these coaches and players undoubtedly have from endlessly dealing with the negative headlines and doomsday predictions leading into this season, the following quote comes to mind:

"To be a champion, you have to believe in yourself when no one else will" - Sugar Ray Robinson

Ohio State 42
Akron 7

---

---

This article is also featured on



Tweet



Click For The Block Nation Front Page


Image copyright of Jim Davidson / TheOzone.net (Used with permission)

Ohio State 2011 Football Schedule: Game-By-Game Breakdown

By Tim Beilik - BlockONation Featured Contributor


After finally getting the SEC monkey off their backs in the Sugar Bowl over Arkansas, Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes have their work cut out for them in the 2011 season.

This season will be a challenge not only because of the loss of the Suspended Five, but also because the Big Ten is as strong as it's been in quite a few seasons.

For the Buckeyes to make a seventh straight BCS bowl game, they will need to find a way to stay afloat without Terrelle Pryor and company for at least the first month of the season, and then find a flow immediately upon their return.

The schedule is not too favorable past September, especially in their own division.

Here is a look at the Buckeyes' 2011 schedule.

Week One - Akron Zips

When: September 3

Where: Home

Time: TBA (most likely noon)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 1-11, 118th in scoring offense

Breakdown: Rob Ianello's club is a good chance for Ohio State to see what they have in their backups.

The Zips did not win a game in 2010 until the last week of the season at home against Buffalo, but return QB Patrick Nicely for his third year under center.

However, even without the Suspended Five, don't be surprised if the Buckeyes win by at least 30 in their home opener.

Week Two - Toledo Rockets

When: September 10

Where: Home

Time: TBA (most likely noon)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 8-5, lost to Florida International in Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl

Breakdown: Tim Beckman's crew presents a little more of a challenge than the Zips, although this is still somewhat of a typical MAC cupcake game.

The Rockets had a strong 2010 including an upset win at Purdue, featuring a talented wideout in Eric Page in a two-QB system.

This game will put some stress on an OSU secondary that must replace both starting corners, but they should be able to take care of business against the Rockets pretty handily.

Week Three - Miami Hurricanes

When: September 17

Where: Away (Sun Life Stadium - Miami, Fl.)

Time: TBA (3:30/8:00 depending on national preference)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 7-6, lost to Ohio State 36-24

Breakdown: Last season was the first time since the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, in a game where the Buckeyes fell behind early but used big turnovers and explosive plays to take down the Canes.

This matchup might not have Terrelle Pryor, but the Canes also have to replace several skilled players including DE Allen Bailey, WR Leonard Hankerson and DB Brandon Harris.

Much of the success for Al Golden in 2011 will depend on if Jacory Harris doesn't continue to regress like he did last season.

Regardless of who starts at QB for OSU—whether it's Braxton Miller, Kenny Guiton, Taylor Graham, or Joe Bauserman—expect a heavy dose of the ground game, which should help the Buckeyes get a big road win in South Beach (sorry LeBron).

Week Four - Colorado Buffaloes

When: September 24

Where: Home

Time: TBA (most likely noon)

Opponent's 2010 Schedule: 5-7, left Big 12 for Pac-12 beginning in 2011

Breakdown: This game appeared late on the schedule when the Buckeyes had a vacancy on the 2011 schedule, so they host a Colorado team in its first season in the Pac-12.

After the disappointing reign of Dan Hawkins as head coach, Jon Embree takes over a team that returns 16 starters.

Their third game, all away from Boulder, will be their toughest test against a Buckeye team that should by this point have learned how to play without the Suspended Five.

This will most likely be a win for OSU as they should get to 4-0.

Week Five - Michigan State Spartans

When: October 1

Where: Home

Time: TBA (most likely 3:30)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 11-2, lost to Alabama 49-7 in Capital One Bowl

Breakdown: Without question, this is the toughest of the first five games of the 2011 schedule.

After Michigan State's breakout season in 2010, Sparty returns Kirk Cousins, their three best RBs, and WRs B.J. Cunningham and Keshawn Martin.

But the loss of LB Greg Jones is a huge loss for Michigan State to overcome, although returning depth on the defensive line might help the defense to stay afloat early on in the season.

Were Pryor and Co. intact for this game, and they potentially still can be depending on NCAA appeals, this could be the matchup many fans wanted considering the three-way tie atop the Big Ten last season.

But this year, it will be a war where Ohio State should just be able to escape behind an aggressive defense and a powerful running attack.

Week Six - Nebraska Cornhuskers

When: October 8

Where: Away (Memorial Stadium)

Time: TBA (most likely 8:00)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 10-4, Big 12 North Champions, lost to Washington 19-7 in Holiday Bowl

Breakdown: This is the game everyone in the Big Ten is talking about, with the new kid on the block in Nebraska squaring off with the powerhouse of the conference in the Buckeyes.

The Suspended Five will return for this game, so OSU should be at full strength albeit lacking chemistry because of missing the first five or less games.

Nebraska returns both Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead from a team that ranked No. 9 in rushing offense, and also keeps DT Jared Crick and DB Alfonzo Dennard from a powerhouse defense.

The Buckeyes' first game in the Sea of Red might be a rough night, as even the return of Pryor might not help them escape their first loss of the 2011 season.

Week Seven - Illinois Fighting Illini

When: October 15

Where: Away (Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Ill)

Time: TBA (most likely noon)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 7-6, defeated Baylor 38-14 in Texas Bowl

Breakdown: Should Ohio State fall to Nebraska in Week Six, that might be the worst possible thing for the Illini.

Mikel Leshoure and Martez Wilson have moved on to the NFL, but Illini fans should expect big things from second-year starter Nathan Scheelhaase at QB.

But the problem for the Illini is that the last time Ohio State lost a Big Ten game, they shut down Purdue 49-0 and held the Boilermakers to just over 100 yards of offense in an emotional blowout win.

If OSU loses in Lincoln, the Buckeyes should win this one going away.

If the Buckeyes are still undefeated going into this game, this will be a matchup similar to last year where it was too close for comfort for OSU, but they still pulled off the win.

Week Eight - Bye

Week Nine - Wisconsin Badgers

When: October 29

Where: Home

Time: TBA (anytime but 8:00 would be a shock)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 11-2, lost to TCU 21-19 in Rose Bowl

Breakdown: Two weeks to prepare for Ohio State, plus a motivated senior class upset at the 2010 loss in Madison = bad news for Wisconsin.

The Buckeyes should have this game circled and come out fired up to send a reminder to Bucky Badger that the guys in the scarlet and gray are still in charge.

After a loss at Wisconsin where the Buckeyes were physically whipped in a way they had not been in a long time, to say OSU will come out with a chip on their shoulder would be an understatement.

With the departures of J.J. Watt, John Clay and Scott Tolzien, Wisconsin might not be in great shape to make a repeat run to the Rose Bowl.

All signs point to a big time OSU win considering the motivational edge and the fact that this matchup is in Columbus and not Madison, which is good news for the Buckeyes in just about every sport.

Week 10 - Indiana Hoosiers

When: November 5

Where: Home

Time: TBA (most likely noon)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 5-7, lost to Ohio State 38-10

Breakdown: Former Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson is the latest to get his shot at trying to make Indiana football relevant in the Big Ten.

However, he will not have gunslinger Ben Chappell to lead the offense, and will have to find a QB between sophomore's Dusty Kiel and Edward Wright-Baker.

Unless the Buckeyes lack emotion after what could potentially be a draining game against Wisconsin, Tressel's crew should win going away.

Week 11 - Purdue Boilermakers

When: November 12

Where: Away (Ross-Ade Stadium)

Time: TBA (most likely noon)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 4-8, ended season on six-game losing streak

Breakdown: Ohio State fans still remember the last time the Buckeyes traveled to West Lafayette, where Danny Hope's Boilermakers stunned OSU in an upset win 26-18.

Devastated by injuries last season, Purdue should return Robert Marve at QB and sensational RB Ralph Bolden, who missed 2010 with an ACL injury.

Should they be healthy, Purdue can certainly give the Buckeyes a late season scare. But don't count on it, especially in November where OSU is dominant.

Week 12 - Penn State Nittany Lions

When: November 19

Where: Home

Time: TBA (most likely 3:30)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 7-6 lost to Florida 37-24 in Outback Bowl

Breakdown: Penn State struggled in 2010, but that didn't stop them from holding a good first-half lead on Ohio State last season.

But the Buckeyes exploded in the second half for 35 unanswered points including two pick-sixes to win 38-14.

Joe Paterno's team makes an unusual second-straight trip to the Horseshoe and still has to decide whether or not QB Matt McGloin who played well for the second half of the season is their guy in 2011.

However, RB Silas Redd is very much the real deal and should have a breakout season.

This game, like most OSU-PSU games, should be a close one but expect the Buckeyes to prevail one more time, and in what always could be Paterno's last season as coach.

Week 13 - Michigan Wolverines

When: November 26

Where: Away (Michigan Stadium)

Time: TBA (noon based on history of the rivalry)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 7-6, lost to Mississippi State 52-14 in the Gator Bowl

Breakdown: Rich Rodriguez is no longer at Michgan, and "Michigan Man" Brady Hoke along with former Ravens' defensive coordinator Greg Mattison are in town.

Those two coaches understand what The Game means, something Rodriguez never fully grasped.

And while they should be able to help rekindle the rivalry, Michigan does not have enough talent to match up against an Ohio State team looking for a berth in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game.

This game may be closer than some think, but expect the streak for Ohio State to continue to eight straight years where the Wolverines lose.

Week 14 - Big Ten Championship Game (if winner of the Leaders division)

When: December 3

Where: Lucas Oil Stadium

Time: TBA (most likely 8:00)

While the Big Ten Championship Game is not necessarily a guarantee for Ohio State, they should be able to sweep the Leaders' Division and make an appearance in Lucas Oil Stadium come December 3.

Their opponent will most likely come down to either Nebraska, Michigan State or Iowa.

Of course, there is plenty of time for some surprises along the way before December.


Tweet



Click For The Block Nation Front Page

Ohio State-Marshall 2010 Season Opener: Preview, History Lesson, And Prediction

Game Preview

The 2010 Ohio State football season is set to kickoff next Thursday night (9/2/10) at 7:30PM on the Big Ten Network as the Buckeyes host the Thundering Herd from Marshall University.

The Herd are coming off of a disappointing 7-6 season and are now under the direction of new head coach, Doc Holliday.

It could be understating the situation to say that Marshall is not currently a very good football program. Basically, the program has been down ever since Byron Leftwich departed in 2003.

They have several big holes to fill where they had talented players last year, or where they were projected to have them in 2010.

Their top rusher in 2009, Darius Marshall, declared for the NFL after the season and just a little over a week ago, it was announced that QB Willie Korn, a once-highly-regarded transfer from Clemson is now leaving Marshall for DII North Greenville after being told he would be moved from quarterback to safety.

Contrarily, Jim Tressel's Buckeyes are coming off an 11-2 season which culminated with their 26-17 Rose Bowl win over then-No. 7 Oregon, a game which has been billed as Terrelle Pryor's coming out party.

The Buckeyes did lose a handful of very good players from last year's team, but they return 16 starters and many of the projected new starters were used as part of a two-deep rotation so they are not raw and inexperienced.

As (unintentionally) disrespectful as this is going to sound, the fact is that even Ohio State's third or fourth string players could almost certainly defeat the first team squad from this Marshall team.

Since this is the season opener, I will mention a few of the key players from each team and list their respective stats from 2009. This section will be slightly different in future "preview article" editions over the coming weeks as the season progresses.


Marshall—By the Numbers

QB—Brian Anderson (6'3, 213) - Senior

In 13 starts, Anderson had 2,646 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and a QB rating of 118.96. He was also sacked 24 times.


RB—Martin Ward (5'9, 201) - Sophomore

As a backup in 2009, Ward rushed for 393 yards and three scores, all while averaging 4.8 yards per carry.


WR—Antavious Wilson (6'0, 196) - Sophomore

Wilson led the Herd in receiving last year with 60 receptions for 724 yards and three touchdowns. He played in all 13 games a year ago, and in two of those games he had over 150 yards receiving.


WR—Aaron Dobson (6'3, 203) - Sophomore

Appearing in only six games last season, Dobson caught 15 balls for 358 yards and four touchdowns.


LB—Mario Harvey (6'0, 250) - Senior

Harvey led the Marshall defense in 2009 with 117 tackles and 7.5 sacks and he also had 1.5 tackles for loss.


LB—Kellen Harris (6'3, 232) - Junior

Harris recorded 71 tackles including 5.5 tackles for loss as well as one-half of a sack.


FS—Omar Brown (5'11, 194) - Junior

Brown's 73 tackles are second only to Harvey's 117 among returnees. He also has 10 passed defended ans two interceptions.


Ohio State—By the Numbers

QB—Terrelle Pryor (6'6, 235) - Junior

Pryor led the Buckeyes both through the air and on the ground, passing for 2,094 yards and 18 touchdowns and rushing for 779 yards and 7 touchdowns. He also threw 11 interceptions, a feat that he preferably not repeat or exceed in 2010.


RB—Brandon Saine (6'1, 220) - Senior

Saine is a dual-threat back who rushed for 739 yards and four touchdowns with a 5.1 yards per carry average. He also caught 17 passes for 224 yards and two scores—not bad considering he was part of a running-back-by-committee approach used last season in Columbus.


RB—Dan Herron (5'10, 202) - Junior

In eight full games, Herron rushed for 600 yards and scored seven touchdowns last season, but potentially see his role (and stats) diminished in 2010. With the emergence of a healthy Brandon Saine, as well as talented youngsters Jordan Hall, Jaamal Berry, and Carlos Hyde all looking to earn their share of playing time, Boom could be relegated to just a 3rd down and/or goal line back.


WR—DeVier Posey (6'2, 213) - Junior

Posey led Ohio State in receiving with 60 catches for 828 yards and eight touchdowns. He had over 100 yards receiving twice last year, and he caught the fourth quarter touchdown that sealed the victory over Oregon in the Rose Bowl.


WR—Dane Sanzenbacher (5'11, 180) - Senior

Sanzenbacher wasn't that far behind Posey with six touchdown grabs and 570 receiving yards last season. His value and stats could increase this year as OSU is talented, but young and inexperienced, and in at least one case inconsistent, at the wide receiver position after he and Posey.


TE—Jake Stoneburner (6'6, 245) - Sophomore

Stoneburner had just two catches for 30 yards in 2009, but all indications from the Spring game are that he will be used as an extra receiver quite often in addition to his blocking duties.


DT—Cameron Heyward (6'5, 290) - Senior

Heyward came back for his senior year to "be the best" and to hopefully win the Big Ten and a national title. He posted 46 tackles with 3.5 for loss and 6.5 sacks. Although the stats don't tell the full story or include how often he was double-teamed, he will need to nearly double those numbers this year to truly be considered the best ever lineman at Ohio State. I'm not sure that he can, but he might. He's that good.


LB—Ross Homan (6'0, 230) - Senior

Homan quietly led the Buckeyes in tackles with 108 in addition to his two sacks and five interceptions. I see no reason why he won't post similar stats in 2010.


LB—Brian Rolle (5'11, 220) - Senior

Rolle emerged as a star immediately last year when he became the hero against Navy in the too-close-for-comfort 2009 opener. He recorded one sack and was second on the team in tackles just behind Homan with 95, seven of them for loss. Another big year out of Rolle should be on tap.


Ohio State—Marshall: History Lesson and Other Tidbits

• This will be only the second ever meeting between Ohio State and Marshall.

• Ohio State defeated Marshall 24-21 on a last play, 55 yard FG in 2004.

• Ohio State has won 31 straight home openers by an average of 20 ppg.

• Since 2001 under Jim Tressel, Ohio State is 35-8 vs. non-conference opponents.

• Overall since 2001, Ohio State is 56-7 at home.

• Marshall is 0-5 all-time vs. Big Ten opponents.

• Marshall has lost 10 straight road openers by an average of 23 ppg.

• Marshall is 1-13 all-time and has lost 9 straight vs. ranked FBS opponents.


Summary and Prediction

We know No. 2 Ohio State is highly regarded and should have a very potent offense to compliment one of the stingiest and best defensive units in the nation.

We also know that no matter how you slice it, Marshall is clearly considered a cupcake in anyone's opinion unless if you are asking a coach, player, or fan of the Herd.

Like I said before, I am not trying to be overly disrespectful to the Marshall program, but it has seen its' better days.

The 2004 game was a fluke, so with all that being said, it is time for my not-so-surprising final score prediction.

Let it be known that I wouldn't be shocked by a shutout, and even though Ohio State could easily break 50+ points, Tressel is a classy coach that tends not to run it up just for "style points" like the Urban Meyer's of the world.


Ohio State 45
Marshall 3


Sidenote

I am having surgery next week so I might not be able to sit at the computer for an extended period of time, meaning I may or may not publish any articles for the next couple of weeks. It will depend on how I am recovering (hopefully fast) and the level of pain and discomfort (hopefully very little or none) I am experiencing post-op.


Click For The Block Nation Front Page

Ohio State Buckeyes Fans and Miami Hurricanes Fans Open Thread

9/11/2010
3:30PM -- Columbus, Ohio

OHIO STATE VS. MIAMI

OK, so I have a few thoughts about the rapidly-approaching Ohio State-Miami game.

The intention of this thread is to provide an ongoing forum for OSU and Miami fans to come here and chat about the game from now until "D-Day", September 11, 2010.

Please feel free to respond after hearing me out, but let's try to act like adults and keep it civil.


Number One

Terrelle Pryor and Jacory Harris are similar QB's but, as a passer, I'm giving a slight edge to Harris for now.

That being said, Pryor gets the overall nod b/c he's definitely improved/improving as a passing QB, but he has the speed and moxie to be a game breaker.

He's fast, elusive, and he has an amazing stiffarm for a QB. He has shoved many a DB to the ground as they attempted to tackle him, so while I do like Harris and he's a very good QB, Terrelle Pryor, he is not.


Number Two

The OSU O-line, led by Mike Brewster, Justin Boren, and Bryant Browning, is going to be absolutely sick.

The Buckeyes rushed for well over 2,000 yards in 2009 and with this unit of big uglies clearing the way in the trenches, 2,500-3,000 yards is not a pipe dream.

Our No. 1 guy, Brandon Saine is healthy and if you saw the Rose Bowl, you know he's dangerous in the backfield carrying the ball and as a receiver as well.

Dan Herron is also a solid 1B to Saine, and then we also have sophomore Jordan Hall and redshirt freshmen Jaamal Berry who will also see the field, who I'm sure those of you in Florida are familiar with.


Number Three

So, if you are planning on forcing Pryor to beat you by loading the box to stop our superb stable of RB's, I suggest you do not overlook what Pryor did to Oregon in Pasadena.

That was their game plan too.

No. 1 wideout DeVier Posey is on his way to being a 1st round NFL draft pick in 2011 or 2012, but he's not the only target Pryor has.

Dane Sanzenbacher is a clutch receiver with surprisingly elusive speed and it looks as though Taurian Washington will be the no. 3 WR, but a couple other names to know are Jake Stoneburner, Chris Fields and James Louis.

Stoneburner, technically a TE, will see the ball thrown his way a lot more than a TE at OSU traditionally has in the past. Fields is a redshirt freshmen who has been rumored to be pushing Washington for the No. 3 spot, but should definitely be used in some 4-wide sets, and Louis is a very fast true freshmen from Florida who many expect may be used this year as a punt and kick return specialist.


Number Four

The losses on defense aren't as big of a deal to us Ohio State fans as some of you might expect.

Sure, Kurt Coleman and Thaddeus Gibson were both stars who will be missed, but Cameron Heyward and Chimdi Checkwa both return.

Also remember the names Nathan Williams, John Simon, Melvin Fellows, and Jermale Hines. They are all on track to be the next crop of defensive studs for the Buckeyes.


Number Five

The game will probably be close in the first half, but with no disrespect directed towards Miami, the Buckeyes have the more-proven coach and are the better team, so I expect the Buckeyes to pull away in the third and fourth quarter, and ultimately win by at least 14-17 points.


Number Six

At Ohio State, we always lose great players every year to graduation and/or early entry into the NFL, but we do not rebuild -- We reload with the next crop of stars.

The 2010 season will be no exception.


Click For The Block Nation Front Page

Terrelle Pryor Rose Bowl Interview Video From OregonLive.com

Here's my personal favorite quote/excerpt:

"We Don't Care How Much They Beat USC By, Because They're Playing The Buckeyes..." - Terrelle Pryor

Watch the entire video below:


Click For Block Nation Front Page

2010 Rose Bowl—Ohio State vs. Oregon: Preview, History Lesson, and Prediction Included

Preview

It is official—the stage is set.

Oregon outlasted Oregon State in "The Civil War" and will now face the REAL OSU.

That's right—The Big Ten champion vs. the Pac-10 champion in the grand-daddy of them all.

The No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2) will face the No. 7 Oregon Ducks (10-2) on January 1, 2010 in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl presented by Citi.

The Ducks are a very talented offensive team, and to this point have proven they can score plenty of points to win games—especially in the clutch.

The Buckeyes aren't quite as flashy, preferring to pound their opponents with their unrelenting and very successful running game while boasting one of the top defensive units in the nation, yielding less than 11 points per game.

Will the experience and leadership of junior QB Jeremiah Masoli be the difference in leading the Ducks to victory and another big-stage loss for Ohio State, or will youth win out as sophomore QB Terrelle Pryor looks for the first bowl win of his Buckeye career after a narrow, near-miss-loss to Texas a year ago?

One thing is certain—When these two teams meet in Pasadena, something must, and will give.

They say defense wins championships and Ohio State gets the edge on that side of the ball—but it remains to be seen if defense, or offense, will ultimately win the 2010 Rose Bowl.


Oregon—By The Numbers

Jeremiah Masoli has 2,066 passing yards, 659 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, 15 passing touchdowns, five interceptions, and a QB Rating of 138.

Masoli, LaMichael James, and Kenjon Barner have combined for 2,437 yards on the ground and 29 rushing touchdowns. That's an average of 203 yards and 2.4 touchdowns per game.

After missing 10 games due to suspension, LeGarette Blount is also back in the mix and may have an impact against the Buckeyes for the Ducks.

Oregon's top receivers are Jeff Maehl (52 receptions, 686 yards, six touchdowns), Ed Dickson (42 receptions, 551 yards, six touchdowns), D.J. Davis (22 receptions, 230 yards, two touchdowns), and Jamere Holland (13 receptions, 199 yards, two touchdowns).


Ohio State—By The Numbers

Terrelle Pryor has 1825 passing yards, 707 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, 16 passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a QB Rating of 128.

Pryor, Brandon Saine, Boom Herron, and Jordan Hall have combined for 2,207 yards on the ground and 19 rushing touchdowns. That's an average of 184 yards and 1.6 touchdowns per game.

Ohio State's top receivers are DeVier Posey (52 receptions, 727 yards, seven touchdowns plus one passing touchdown), Dane Sanzenbacher (27 receptions, 506 yards, six touchdowns), Duron Carter (13 receptions, 176 yards, one touchdown), Ray Small (15 receptions, 175 yards), and Brandon Saine (15 receptions, 165 yards, one touchdown). Small is also a solid contributor as a punt returner.

---

---

2010


1/01/2010—Game 13—4:30PM EST—TV: ABC


Vs.

---

---

History Lesson
Ohio State—Oregon Tidbits

• This will be the eighth meeting between Ohio State and Oregon.

• Ohio State leads the all-time series 7-0 (1958, 1961, 1962, 1967, 1968, 1983, 1987).

• Ohio State is 6-6 all-time in the Rose Bowl.

• This will be Ohio State's first Rose Bowl appearance since their 1997 win over Arizona State.

• The first ever meeting between the two schools was in the 1958 Rose Bowl, a 10-7 Ohio State victory.

• This will be the first meeting in which Ohio State and Oregon are both ranked in the top 10.

• Oregon is 1-3 all-time in the Rose Bowl, the programs only win coming in 1917 over Penn—no not Penn State, just Penn.

• Oregon's last Rose Bowl appearance was a 38-20 loss to Penn State in 1995.

---

I seriously doubt that Ohio State's defense, as good as it is, will hold Oregon to less than 11 points.

That being said, I do not believe Oregon's defense will be able to contain the Buckeyes running game, nor will they be able to keep the Bucks from scoring.

Clearly Masoli has better statistics and would be considered the better QB of the two right now, but I do believe Terrelle Pryor will have more success vs. the Oregon defense than will Jeremiah Masoli against the Buckeye defense when it comes to scrambling away from pressure, and finding open receivers down the field.

Much like the 2009 Fiesta Bowl (Texas, Ohio State), I fully expect this game to be one of the best, and most entertaining bowls of the season, and also like that game, this one could come down to the final seconds as well.

Call me a homer if you want, but the Buckeyes are due for a big-stage bowl game win, and the Big Ten rep finally gets to play a game in Pasadena in which its' opponent is not essentially playing at home 10 minutes from campus (cough, USC, cough).


Prediction

Ohio State 24
Oregon 17


The Ducks WILL NOT blowout Ohio State, if they even win -- which is NOT a given.

P.S. to the Duck fans posting the cocky, disrespectful, classless comments in the comment section below, I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

Your fan base and your players are clearly birds of a feather...




Click For The Block Nation Front Page

Ohio State-TTUN: Big Ten Network Video Preview of THE GAME

Open Letter to Rich Rodriguez—From UM Fans on a Popular Michigan Message Board

by HD Handshoe
Founder—Block-O-Nation



I just had to share this gem. The sky is falling over Ann Arbor. LMFAO!

On behalf of the Maize 'N Blue Nation, I would just like to personally say, THANK YOU for single-handedly destroying over 125 years of Michigan football in only 2 short years.

Your astounding feat is beyond comprehension and the legacy you have left will never be forgotten or dare I say repeated. With back to back embarrassing losses to both Purdue, Illinois, Wisconsin and soon to be Ohio State and lets not forget those mighty Toledo Rockets, you have sank the Wolverine program to an all time low.

However, there are bright spots.....we sure did show those Delaware State Hornets who's boss! That'll teach them!

Your ego and audacity to make sweeping changes to the most honored and prestigious college football programs in the nation as if before you the program was nothing is simply disgusting and has been an absolute flop.

Michigan did not win its multiple national championships, countless numbers of Big Ten championships, set the all-time winning percentage and all-time wins record on a fluke and you act as if we just didn't have what it takes to return to glory without you.

Well, the experiment is over and I am counting the days until this horrible nightmare of your existence is OVER! Do the right thing, cut tail, admit defeat and flee with the white flag waving high and let someone take the reigns that will restore Michigan's pride, honor and distinction as one of the greatest programs in the nation!

Than you have the other side of the coin. Completely clueless, homerific, Meechigan fans predicting the 2010 season already, which will somehow include a BCS bowl appearance...

Read on for a good laugh!

At any rate I'm going to go ahead and say it—I know everyone is tired of all the "next years" but I can easily see this team going to a BCS bowl game in 2010.

Yes that is a very bold statement, but I wouldn't put it past them. It takes 9 wins to qualify for a BCS bowl, Not very likely if they had the same team next year. but with the guys returning and the guys coming off redshirts this will end up being a different team. Besides after a year of experience the QBs should be playing a lot better. So yes it is possible and I could see it (especially considering their schedule), I'm not expecting it, I'm not sure if it will happen but I can see it as a possibility.

Week 1: UConn (I'm pretty sure this Michigan team won't be giving up another loss in a home opener) - Win

Week 2: @ Notre Dame (I'm sorry but I just don't see Weis or whomever replaces him pulling this one off, especially since I think Clausen and Tate are leaving after this year) - Probable Win

Week 3: UMass (not even going to explain this one) - Win

Week 4: Bowling Green (see UMass) - Win

Week 5: @ Indiana (I'm not going to buy into this being the same Indiana team, besides our Defense will be better, not great, but better) - Win

Week 6: Michigan St. (lol, I think this is finally the year... lol) - Win

Week 7: Iowa (That one is a tough one to figure out, so I'll go ahead and give them that one since I don't know) - ?

Week 8: BYE WEEK

Week 9: @ PSU (No Darryl Clark, No Royster, No Lee, No Bowman, and only one retuning
starter on the D-Line, I think UM takes this one) - Win

Week 10: Illinois (No Juice, probably No Benn, No win) - Win

Week 11: @ Purdue (I think Rich Rod will have his guys fired up or this one) - Win

Week 12: Wisconsin (Again I honestly don't know, UW won't have Schofield but Clay is only a So. so I just don't know so We'll give them that one) - ?

Week 13: @ OSU (Finally, this is another one which I just don't know about, I think it'll come right down to the wire and I have no Idea who comes out on top, So since I'm giving away all the ones I don't know about I'll give u guys this one) - ?

Final tally in my mind: 9-3 (Decent for a UM team, enough to qualify for a BCS game, but probably won't make one) That's why I can see them making it to one.

You can disagree with me, but I will defend that... I wouldn't put it past them.

I can disagree? Really? Thanks for your permission douche.

I do disagree. Looking at that schedule, I see a solid 7-5 season.

Considering the state of scUM football, 7-5 will be like winning the Superbowl.



Click For Block Nation Frontpage

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

De Facto Big Ten Title Game

POST YOUR SCORE PREDICTIONS BELOW

Click For Block Nation Frontpage

Ohio State—Penn State: Week 10 Preview, Free History Lesson Included

By HD Handshoe
Founder—BlockONation



No. 16 Ohio State (7-2) travels to State College this week to take on the No. 11 Penn State Nittany Lions (8-1) in Happy Valley. Kickoff is Saturday at 3:30PM in Beaver Stadium.

The Nittany Lions are currently tied with Ohio State for second place in the Big Ten standings, both with one loss apiece.

PSU lost at home to undefeated Iowa, while the Buckeyes dropped a shocker on the road at Purdue.

Ohio State controls their own destiny and can with its' fifth consecutive Big Ten Championship by winning their final three games.

For Penn State to claim at least a share of the title, they have to win out and get help (in the form of a win over Iowa) from either Northwestern, Ohio State, or Minnesota.


Penn State—By The Numbers:

Quarterback Daryll Clark and running back Evan Royster are the top offensive players for PSU.

Clark has 2158 passing yards, 148 rushing yards, with five rushing touchdowns, 18 passing touchdowns to only seven interceptions, and a QB Rating of 149.

Royster has 145 carries for 859 yards and five scores. He also has 11 receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown.

The leading receivers for Penn State are Derek Moye (39 receptions, 648 yards, five touchdowns), Chaz Powell (26 receptions, 355 yards, three touchdowns), Graham Zug (30 receptions, 350 yards, five touchdowns), and Andrew Quarless (25 receptions, 340 yards, one touchdown).

Statistically, PSU has the top defense in the Big Ten but that 'D' will be tested this week as Ohio State might just be a little better than Akron, Temple, Syracuse, Eastern Illinois, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, or Northwestern.


Ohio State—By The Numbers:

Terrelle Pryor has 1543 passing yards, 554 rushing yards, with six rushing touchdowns, 13 passing touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a QB Rating of 129.

With injuries to Boom Herron and Brandon Saine, freshmen backs Jordan Hall and Jermil Martin have both earned playing time and may continue to see the field as a result of their play.

Pryor, Saine, Herron, Hall, and Martin have combined for 1612 yards on the ground and 15 rushing touchdowns. That's nearly 180 rush yards and 1.7 touchdowns per game.

Ohio State's top receivers are DeVier Posey (43 receptions, 595 yards, six touchdowns plus one passing touchdown), Dane Sanzenbacher (23 receptions, 460 yards, six touchdowns), Duron Carter (12 receptions, 164 yards, one touchdown), and Ray Small (12 receptions, 153 yards).

In shutting out the Aggies last week, the Buckeye defense held NMST to all of 62 total yards. On offense, the Buckeyes piled up 559 yards and had seven players amass more individual yards than the Aggies did as a team in 45 plays.

---

11/7/2009—Game 10—3:30PM Kickoff
TV: ABC

VS.


Ohio State—Penn State History and Tidbits:

• This will be the 25th meeting between Ohio State and Penn State.

• The all-time series is currently tied 12-12-0 (the first meeting was in 1912).

• Ohio State is 5-2 overall in the last seven meetings vs. Penn State.

• Ohio State's last loss in Happy Valley was a 17-10 defeat in 2005.

• Ohio State's last win in Happy Valley was a 37-17 victory in 2007.

• Jim Tressel is 5-3 overall (3-1 at home, 2-2 on the road) vs. Penn State.

• Penn State is 5-4 all-time vs. Ohio State at home.

• Penn State has never beaten Ohio State in consecutive seasons.

• Penn State was 6-2 vs. Ohio State before joining the Big Ten in 1993.

• Penn State has one outright and two shared Big Ten titles: 1994, 2005, and 2008.

• This is Joe Paterno's 44th season as Penn State head coach.

---

After a missed field goal and a punt in a scoreless first quarter of last weeks game against the Aggies of New Mexico State, Terrelle Pryor and crew exploded for 28 points in the second quarter and never looked back.

In fact, most of the starters, Pryor included, did not play at all in the second half. Many second, third, and fourth stringers on both sides of the ball saw considerable action as the Buckeyes cruised to the 45-0 blowout win and their third shutout of the year.

That will not be the case against Penn State. The Buckeyes will surely need every minute and every last ounce of 100% effort they can muster from all 22 of their starters if they are to earn a revenge-game victory over a very good Nittany Lions football team on their home turf.

A year ago, the teams met under somewhat similar circumstances at Ohio Stadium, with both perfect in league play. The Buckeyes led 6-3 in the fourth quarter when Pryor fumbled on a third-down play. The Nittany Lions, with Pat Devlin taking over for an injured Clark, drove 38 yards and scored on a 1-yard touchdown run.

Ohio State had two more possessions, but had to punt after the first. Devlin then guided the Lions to a field goal for a 13-6 lead. Pryor's deep throw with 27 seconds left was picked off by Lydell Sargeant to seal the game.

I hope we see some of the wrinkles Tressel called against NMST, i.e. the onside kick, or double-reverse-pass by Posey, but I won't hold my breath.

After all, JT only goes for those kinds of plays against teams he still expects to thump even if the risks do not pay off.

This game could go either way, and it will probably be low-scoring and close.

But since it's a revenge game, and because I think the OSU defensive front can and will break through PSU's o-line and pressure Clark into mistakes, I'm going with the Scarlet and Gray.

No matter the outcome, I hope PSU fans will show some class and respect for the visiting Ohio State fans, and vice-versa.


Let's please not see another scene like this:




Final score prediction:

Ohio State 20, Penn State 16



Click For Block Nation Frontpage

Ohio State—New Mexico State: Week Nine Preview, Free History Lesson Included

By HD Handshoe
Founder—BlockONation



No. 17 Ohio State (6-2) finishes up their 2009 OOC schedule this week as they host the New Mexico State Aggies (3-5, 1-3) of the Western Athletic Conference. Kickoff is Saturday at 12:00PM in Ohio Stadium.

The Aggies are currently seventh in the WAC standings. They have beaten Prairie View A&M, New Mexico, and Utah State, and have lost to Idaho, UTEP, San Diego State, Louisiana Tech, and Fresno State.

New Mexico State—By The Numbers:

Quarterbacks Jeff Fleming (pictured at top right) and Trevor Walls have combined for 831 passing yards, 101 rushing yards, with four passing touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns, but also 11 interceptions.

Starting tailback Seth Smith has 162 carries for 703 yards and two scores.

The Aggies leading receivers are Todd Lee (18 receptions, 208 yards, one touchdown), Marcus Allen (18 receptions, 195 yards), and Marcus Anderson (18 receptions, 178 yards one touchdown).

Ohio State—By The Numbers:

Terrelle Pryor bounced back nicely last week against Minnesota and this week SHOULD be more of the same. He has completed 55 percent of his passes for 1408 yards and 12 touchdowns to nine interceptions, and his QB rating is up from 128 to 132.

OSU's top receiver is true sophomore DeVier Posey who had eight catches and two touchdowns last week to bring his season totals up to 38 catches, 516 yards, and six scores.

The Buckeyes top three rushers, Pryor, Brandon Saine, and Dan Herron have combined for 1138 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Dan Herron and Brandon Saine are both nursing injuries, so don't be surprised to see the trio of freshmen backs—Jordan Hall, Jermil Martin, and Jaamal Berry—in this game.

Ohio State's offense looked much better last week, but it was against a bad Minnesota defense. New Mexico State's "D" is likely even more pathetic so the half-century plateau is possible this week, even with the ultra-conservative Jim Tressel calling the plays.

---

10/31/2009—Game Nine—12:00PM Kickoff
TV: Big Ten Network

VS.

---

Ohio State—New Mexico State History and Tidbits:

• This will be the first ever meeting between Ohio State and New Mexico State in football.

• Ohio State is 46-2 in their last 48 home games vs. OOC opponents.

• Ohio State is 37-0 at home vs. non-BCS conference opponents, since 1990.

• Ohio State is 3-0 all-time vs. WAC opponents (SJSU once, Fresno State twice).

• The last Ohio State loss to a non-BCS opponent came in the 1990 Liberty Bowl (Memphis, Tennessee) against Air Force by a score of 23-11.

• New Mexico State's football program began in 1894.

• The Aggies have only played against two Big Ten teams all-time, losing both times to Wisconsin in Madison in 1962 by a score of 69-13, and to Iowa in Iowa City in 1995 by a score of 59-21.

• This is DeWayne Walker's first year as New Mexico State Head Coach after serving the past three seasons as UCLA's defensive coordinator.

• New Mexico State's last conference championship came in 1978 when the Aggies were members of the Missouri Valley Conference.

• New Mexico State has lost 12 straight to ranked opponents since a 35-7 win at No. 22 Arizona State back in 1999.

---

I usually post some keys to the game and/or recap the article at this point, but there's really not much else to say here except that anything less than a blowout will be a letdown for the Buckeyes.

Just to give everyone a baseline, New Mexico State lost its' last two WAC games, falling at home last week to 4-3 Fresno State by a score of 34-3, and on the road the week before to 3-4 La Tech by a score of 45-7.

Generally, the transitive property doesn't apply when it comes to college football, but if Fresno State can put up 34 in a 31-point win, and La Tech can put up 45 in a 38-point win, Ohio State better be able to put up 50+, despite how bad the Buckeye offense has looked at times this season.

Final score prediction:

Ohio State 55, New Mexico State 0


Click For Block Nation Frontpage