The Buckeyes will most certainly be steamrolling their way through Ann Arbor this November, led by preseason Heisman hopeful and favorite, RB Ezekiel Elliott, a slew of talented WRs, and whichever of the Big Three QBs gets the nod, or whichever is healthy by then. It's nice to have extra starters, not just backups!
Stephen Collier, Joe Burrow, and Torrance Gibson, be ready just in case young fellas!
Those of you reading this may be well aware that very often, I refer to the team up north as Ann Arbor Community College, or AACC for short instead, 1) because they call us Ohio and 2) they barely resemble a DI-level football program and they haven't won an outright national title since 1948, but I digress.
You are also aware that I keep track of how many days it's been since our last loss to AACC, which was during our 6 win, 7-loss, 2011 Tressell-less, Fickell-led season.
Enter Urban Meyer. Since 2001, the Buckeyes are 12-2 vs. AACC and Meyers' Buckeyes are 3-0. In spite of AACC hiring Jim Harbaugh, I have a hard time believing Urban and company won't rack up at least 2-3 more wins in The Game before they could actually be legitimately challenged by AACC.
Let's just say they have a lot of ground to make up to become a threat to the recent, lopsided, Buckeye dominance of the series.
It's entirely realistic that a lot of Buckeyes end their college football careers with four pairs of gold pants!
Get the gold pants mold ready again this year Bucks!
Much to your dismay, I'm sure.....see you in November Ann Arbor CC!
By Tim Bielik — BlockONation.com Featured Contributor
No conference has undergone as much scrutiny and criticism in the past few years as the Big Ten has.
And most of it has been deserved.
The Big Ten has a reputation for being a slow, plodding conference full of conservative coaches who don't pull in big-time athletes.
Ohio State, one of the few Big Ten schools that can pull in those kinds of athletes, is largely to blame for the stereotype of the Big Ten after back-to-back national championship game losses. Ironically enough, the coach who dealt OSU its first title game loss is now standing on the Buckeyes' sideline: Urban Meyer.
The typical Urban Meyer team that we saw at Florida was almost the antithesis of Big Ten squad, full of speedsters and a very aggressive, opportunistic mentality on both sides of the ball.
The Buckeyes do have the ability to be that kind of team, even within a year or two, simply because of Meyer's national reputation and the reputation of the program itself. And he has the right quarterback to help him as well, in one Braxton Miller.
The sophomore is the prototypical dual-threat quarterback. He has already put together a strong start to his sophomore season—one that has generated early Heisman talks. With his ability to run and his potential as a passer, Miller has already shown that he's a perfect fit for Meyer's spread offense.
It's early, but thus far coach and quarterback seem to be an ideal match. They will have possibly two years together and will set their sights on winning conference titles and possibly a national championship.
But the biggest thing that might change in the Big Ten is that other teams in the conference will need to play catchup with the Buckeyes. Ohio State could be embarking on a run of conference dominance similar to that enjoyed at the end of the Jim Tressel era, when the Buckeyes won five straight Big Ten titles (the 2010 title was vacated, of course).
If they can win a national championship or two, that will force the other top teams in the conference like Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska and Wisconsin to really step up their recruiting efforts and make sure they can compete with Ohio State.
First things first though, OSU has to be able to win a Big Ten championship, which they still have to wait a year for due to NCAA sanctions.
But in a way, it's better for Meyer and Miller to have that year because the first three games showed that—while they're good—they're not great...yet.
The mental lapses the defense had all last year have already created a few red flags, and the offense, though they are putting up nice numbers, struggles from a lack of consistency and too few playmakers.
Luckily, those are things that can be corrected and fixed in a year or two, probably sooner if you bring in the right players.
Meyer can do that.
And for the offense to continue to improve, Miller will need to continue to be the guy until he gets a stable of playmakers outside of the three he has right now: Corey Brown, Jake Stoneburner and Devin Smith.
There are no burners in the backfield, yet. But they are coming.
Meyer is already sending a message that his SEC way of doing things—in terms of what types of players he wants and what style he is going to coach—is coming to the Big Ten; other teams will either rise up to the challenge or sink to the back of the pack.
It's the foundation for a new era, and the Big Ten may never be the same again.
On the January night in 2003 when Ohio State stunned Miami and won the national title, the Big Ten seemed poised for a renaissance.
The Buckeyes were back under Jim Tressel, and that wasn't all.
Michigan and Penn State were their usual selves, rolling up 10 and nine victories, respectively.
Iowa went 11-2 that season. Wisconsin and Minnesota each won eight games.
Surely, those schools and others in the league would rise to meet the Buckeyes at or near the summit.
Six humbling seasons later, Ohio State is still waiting for backup.
Yes, there have been high points for the rest of the conference: Iowa's 20 victories in 2003 and '04 combined; Penn State's 11-1 mark in 2005; Michigan's 11-2 and Wisconsin's 12-1 records in '06; Illinois' 2008 Rose Bowl berth; Northwestern and Michigan State each winning nine games last year.
But beyond the Buckeyes, every single program in the Big Ten has had at least one big bust of a season.
Ohio State has not ranked lower than No. 21 in the Sagarin computer ratings in any of the past six seasons. The other 10 teams in the league have ranked in the lower half of the FBS nationally at least once during that time.
Michigan had its 3-9 train wreck last year, finishing 95th.
Wisconsin threw in a 7-6 clunker last season against a soft schedule to finish 61st.
Iowa was 79th in 2007.
Penn State was 71st in 2003 and 63rd in '04.
Purdue slid in its final years under Joe Tiller, finishing 62nd in 2006 and 78th last year.
Michigan State had a couple of rough seasons under John L. Smith, ranking 66th in 2004 and 80th in '06.
Minnesota cratered in 2007, winning one game and finishing 123rd.
Northwestern is justifiably proud of earning three Big Ten titles since 1995, but it was No. 93 in the Sagarin ratings in 2006 and No. 86 in '07.
Illinois has been higher than 68th only once in the past six years.
And Indiana -- where they're now selling league home games to the highest bidder -- has failed to crack the top 70.
Compare that to the other leagues, and you'll see a consistency problem.
Five schools in the Big Ten's nemesis league, the Southeastern Conference, have ranked in the top half of the FBS nationally all six years: Florida, LSU, Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina.
Three of them -- Florida, LSU and Georgia -- have done what the Buckeyes have done, ranking in the top 30 every season.
I'd just like to add:
During his hateful rant against the Big Ten, I absolutely love how Pat slurps several SEC teams, yet conveniently doesn't mention the fact that the Big Ten has a winning record vs. the SEC this decade and all-time.
I suppose that's not really that important when your employer has a $3 Billion TV deal with the SEC though, huh...
Just focus on those lowly season end rankings and not the fact that many of those "terrible" Big Ten teams went on to beat an SEC team in a bowl game that same year.
Spun like a true ESPN anal-yst.
Here's a video of Forde's take, in case you want to see and hear what he has to say about the top five conferences and how he ranks them 1-5.
Following what was essentially the worst season ever for Michigan football, the 2009 outlook isn't much better for Rich Rodriguez and his Wolverines in year two of his reign.
Overall, it's been stormy in Ann Arbor for the better part of the last two seasons.
With several embarrassing and/or lop-sided losses—especially those home losses to Appalachian State and Toledo—things have to get better, and soon, right?
Oh, and then there's that little matter of the Buckeyes having won five straight and seven of eight under Jim Tressel.
With the arrival of new quarterback and UM savior Tate Forcier (I am a Buckeye fan so please detect the sarcasm), maybe 2009 will get a little bit better.
But then, it really can't get much worse after a 3-9 season, can it?
2009 UM Schedule and Game Breakdown
Week One
Michigan vs. Western Michigan
Prediction: Michigan had never lost to a MAC team before losing to Toledo in 2008. Michigan will wish they had WMU QB Tim Hiller when lightning strikes twice in consecutive seasons and the Broncos pull off the very mild upset, and I do mean mild.
Week Two
Michigan vs. Notre Dame
Prediction: Michigan barely showed up for the game in South Bend last year, losing by three scores. It could be closer this year since the game is in Ann Arbor, but Notre Dame will be more improved this year than Michigan and should send the Wolverines to an 0-2 start.
Week Three
Michigan vs. Eastern Michigan
Prediction: Michigan makes it rounds across the state for yet another directional school from TSUN (that state up North). This time, they finally found one more pathetic than themselves to play and will get their first win of the season, bringing their record up to 1-2. I'm so confident this is a lock for UM that I'd bet on it, (as long as no money was on the line).
Week Four
Michigan vs. Indiana
Prediction: As bad as Michigan has been recently, there is no weaker BCS program in the Big Ten and quite possibly the nation than Indiana. Back to back cupcakes on the schedule should translate into back to back wins for UM and a 2-2 record.
Week Five
Michigan @ Michigan State
Prediction: The Spartans spanked Michigan 35-21 in the Big House a year ago. Even with the departure of Javon Ringer and Brian Hoyer, I believe the Spartans will win nine games again in 2009. This years game is in East Lansing and I just don't think Michigan will be improved enough to beat MSU on the road, dropping them to 2-3.
Week Six
Michigan @ Iowa
Prediction: The Wolverines didn't face Shonn Greene and Iowa in 2008 but will travel to Iowa City this season. Greene is gone but running back Jewel Hampton and quarterback Ricki Stanzi, along with a crazy-loud crowd in Kinnick Stadium, will prevail. Iowa could actually challenge for the Big Ten title this year. Michigan, not so much. The Hawkeyes victory will drop the Wolverines to 2-4.
Week Seven
Michigan vs. Delaware State
Prediction: Michigan looks to avoid another loss to an FCS opponent as Delaware State comes to town. I don't know much about the 2009 Delaware State Hornets other than they went 5-6 in 2008. Another cupcake should equal another win, bringing Michigan's record to 3-4.
Week Eight
Michigan vs. Penn State
Prediction: Michigan actually kept it close for a little bit vs. PSU in 2008 but in the end, Clark and Royster were too much and the Wolverines folded like lawn chairs, 46-17. It will be more of the same in 2009 and UM will drop to 3-5.
Week Nine
Michigan @ Illinois
Prediction: Quarterback Juice Williams had one of his biggest games of the year in Michigan Stadium as the Illini thumped the Wolverines 45-20 last season. Williams returns along with star wide-out Arrelious Benn and running backs Daniel Dufrene and Jason Ford. The game is in Champaign and UM dropping to 3-6 is all but an absolute certainty.
Week 10
Michigan vs. Purdue
Prediction: In the 2008 Big Ten "No-defense Bowl", Purdue out slugged Michigan 48-42 in West Lafayette in Joe Tiller's final season. I'm not sure Purdue has much "Hope" to win four games this season. Even If they do, this won't be one of them and Michigan will improve to 4-6.
Week 11
Michigan @ Wisconsin
Prediction: Michigan beat Wisconsin, 27-25 in 2008 but this year, they play in Madison. Camp Randall is one of the toughest stadiums to play in as the visiting team. Ohio State eked out a win over an average Badgers team last season. Wisconsin was the better team, but choked a year ago. They will be better in 2009, while Michigan will be about the same. That fact, and the crowd will be the difference as Michigan will drop to 4-7.
Week 12
Michigan vs. Ohio State
Prediction: As noted above, Ohio State has won five in a row over Michigan and Coach Jim Tressel boasts a 7-1 record over the most hated team North of Ohio. This all comes down to Terrelle Pryor. Ohio State won the recruiting battle for him last year and as long as he is running the show Columbus, it's extremely unlikely that UM wins again in this series. If the world truly ends in 2012, Wolverine fans will never see their team beat the Buckeyes again. I was right though: 4-8 is a little better than 3-9.
Thanks for visiting and please post your thoughts in the comments section!
CLICK HERE for more Buckeye articles from BlockONation
After a couple of weeks of practice and their Spring game, many out-of-touch fans of that school up North already believe that Robert "Tate" Forcier will lead them to a victory over Ohio State in 2009.
Never mind that they lost nine games in 2008, including a 42-7 beatdown at the hands of the Buckeyes.
Never mind that they still have no defense and are unproven at wide receiver and running back.
Never mind that Tressel is 7-1 and Dick-Rod isn't the savior they all believed he was and wanted him to be.
Sure, he built a decent program at West Virginia, but I mean, that's the Big East, where you play schools like UConn, Rutgers, Cincinnati, and Louisville, not the Big Ten where you deal with Wisconsin, Iowa, Penn State, and Ohio State.
Never mind that Forcier might not even be the starter in 2009.
Even if he is and he has a decent year, he can never live up to the hype and unrealistic expectations scUm fans (like Jordan from B/R) are placing on his shoulders.
I had better remind them once again, just for good measure:
UM lost nine games last year.
They're not going to win nine or 10 games this year.
Forcier looked OK, but remember, he was playing against his own weak defense so you be the judge.
Here are the video highlights from the 2009 UM Spring game—GO BUCKS!
Here's a friendly reminder to my scUm fan homeboys—LMFAO!
This article is currently featured on
CLICK HERE to return to the Blog.BlockONation.com Front Page
Do you really like or really hate one of our articles?
Do you agree or absolutely disagree with something you've read here?
WE WANT TO KNOW SO PLEASE ADD YOUR COMMENTS!
You can post anonymously or add your name if you like.
Either way, registration is NOT required!
BlockONation's Expanding Web Presence
6/05/2009
Numerous BlockONation articles have been posted on or linked to from some very well known, high-volume sports websites.
We'd like to take a moment to both acknowledge and thank those sites for their support in helping make BlockONation one of the most popular new Ohio State Football blogs on the web!
In no particular order:
CBSSports.com
FOXSports.com
BuckeyeExtra.com
BleacherReport.com
SportsTimeOhio.com
TheClevelandFan.com
Again, thanks so very much to those sites for all their support and also, a huge thank you to the fans who have visited the site to date!
I'd also like to personally thank all those individuals who have contributed to the success of the site! I wouldn't be here without your help over the last 8+ years. You all know who you are!
It is our mission here at BlockONation.com to continue to provide top-notch, fresh content for our readers and we will always do everything possible to meet your expectations!
Nation Articles - Click Here
No conference has undergone as much scrutiny and criticism in the past few years as the Big Ten has.
Nation Articles — Click Here
BlockONation has hit 1,250 Twitter followers so to say thanks, we will now give away a signed OSU-Michigan "The Rivalry" DVD.
On the January night in 2003 when Ohio State stunned Miami and won the national title, the Big Ten seemed poised for a renaissance.
This article was written by Pat Forde and posted on 
Following what was essentially the worst season ever for Michigan football, the 2009 outlook isn't much better for Rich Rodriguez and his Wolverines in year two of his reign.
Western Michigan
Notre Dame
Eastern Michigan
Indiana
Michigan State
Iowa
Delaware State
Penn State
Illinois
Purdue
Wisconsin
Ohio State
OSU LINKS