Posts from October 1, 2008

Playing Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium is not an easy proposition even when the Badgers are not playing well.  The fans are into the game from the get go and are literally on top of the opposition from the time the hit the field.  Back in the day, they would throw marsh mellows stuffed with pennies and you had to wear your helmet the entire game on the sidelines.  They are close to the players, so the verbal assaults never end and if they can make an impact on the game, they will make every effort.  The “Jump” thing in the third quarter is pretty cool and when the game is over everybody takes to the field for the “Budweiser” song, win or lose.

Once you can block out the fans, you have to prepare for a very physical Badger team.  They are traditionally big, physical, with some speed and come right at you.  This might be a better match up for the Bucks since they have been facing spread offenses the last few weeks.  But don’t think that the second half break down against Michigan makes the Badgers an easier opponent.  They are going to be mad as hell and are going to want to prove themselves at home.

On offense, they are led by senior QB Allen Evridge who has handled himself well through the first four games but is lacking the Badgers traditional big play wide out.  He spends a lot of time looking for his TE/H-Backs Beckum and Graham.  The badgers have always relies on a straight ahead running game behind their huge O line (average 320lbs).  PJ Hill is back to carry the ball and with a 260 lb. lead blocker he has deceptive speed for a 235 lber and can get into the secondary and punish DBs.  Ohio State’s defense needs too hold their ground and make sure, gang tackles.  The DB’s need to get to the legs and not let anybody get past them or the Badgers will be gone.  Defensive line play is critical!  They need to hold the LOS and keep the guards off of the LBs.  This may be difficult especial with play action and QB runs.  The Badgers run the screens and draws very well but they will need to finish with TDs to win the game.

The Badgers D is a questions mark.  They are always physical but have been jabbed in the running game and are inexperienced in the backfield.  Other than four year starter Allen Langford, the DBs have given up big passing yards to Akron, Fresno and Marshall.  They will have their hands full now that Robiskie is back on track and Pryor can run for first downs.  With Beanie back the Badgers are going to come up and stop the run which could open up the longer passing game and it’s about time the other Buckeye receivers get into the act.  The O line is going to have play their best game yet but the physical play of the Badgers is more to their liking.

Special teams need to continue to improve because Wisconsin has always been sound in the kicking/return game.  Field position will be the call of the day.  Both teams will take advantage of mistakes and ram the ball into the end zone.  Field goals could be the difference so any miss will be critical.

My hope is that the Bucks continue to cut loose more and more, and play with even more reckless abandon (especially on D)  The Badgers will try to focus on pressuring and containing Pryor so the other playmakers need to get involved and he can’t make any mistakes by forcing the ball to avoid a sack.  The game plan needs to put the Badger D on the defensive immediately and get them on their heals.  Buckeye D needs two turnovers and a score on special teams would be a bonus.

My call:

OSU                 27

Wisc                17

Popularity: 21% [?]

Make a prediction for the score of the Ohio State vs. Wisconsin game.

If you guess the score of game correctly, you win a Buckeye Housewares Package consisting of a Coffee Mug, Sport Tankard, Salt/Pepper Shaker Set, Bottle Suit, Napkin Rings, and a 3 x 5 Flag.

If more than one participant guesses correctly, then the first one to submit their score wins.

To submit your answer simply submit a comment in the comment section of this blog. Winner will be announced on Monday. Please make sure you have a valid email address in your submission, for notification of the winner. Don’t worry, your email address won’t be displayed.

You must be 18 years old or older to participate in the contest.

The contest will close with the game’s first kickoff.

Happy Guessing, Good Luck and Go Bucks!

Popularity: 35% [?]

Former Buckeyes are found throughout the NFL……Here are some stats for the fourth week of NFL action by our beloved Buckeyes. This information came from a variety of sources, and most of it from OhioStateBuckeyes.com. My apologies if any information is inadvertently forgotten.

	Baltmore Ravens - 28 , vs. Cleveland Browns - 10 Smith, Troy (QB): Not Active
	Buffalo Bills - 24 , vs. Oakland Raiders - 23 Whitner, Donte (S): 4 Tkl., 1 Ast. Youboty, Ashton (CB): Substitute Defensive Back, 1 Tkl.
	Denver Broncos - 34 , vs. New Orleans Saints - 32 Peterson, Kenny (DE): Substitute Defensive End
	Indianapolis Colts - 21 , vs. Jacksonville Jaguars - 23 Gonzales, Anthony (WR): Substitute Wide Recevier, 2 Rec., 37 Yds. Hall, Roy (WR): Not Active
	Miami Dolphins - 38 , at New England Patriots - 13 Ginn, Jr., Ted (WR): 5 Rec., 49 Yds. Barton, Kirk (OL): Not Active
	New England Patriots - 13 , vs. Miami Dolphins - 38 Vrabel, Mike (LB): 3 Tkl., 3 Ast.
	New York Jets - , at San Diego Chargers - Golston, Vernon (DE): Substitute Linebacker, 1 Tkl. Mangold, Nick (C): Starting Center Nugent, Mike (PK): Not Active
	Oakland Raiders - 23 , at Buffalo Bills - 24 Carter, Drew (WR): Injured Reserve Richardson, Jay (DE): 2 Tkl., 2 Ast.
	Pittsburgh Steelers - 6 , at Philadelphia Eagles - 15 Holmes, Santonio (WR): 3 Rec., 32 Yds.
	San Diego Chargers - , vs. New York Jets - Wilhelm, Matt (LB): 4 Tkl., 1 Ast.
	Tennessee Titans - 31 , vs. Houston Texans - 12 Nickey, Donnie (DB): Substitute Safety, Special Teams: 4 Tkl.

	Atlanta Falcons - 9 , at Carolina Panthers - 24 Fraser, Simon (DE): Not Active Hartsock, Ben (TE): 1 Rec., 7 yds. Jenkins, Michael (WR): Substitute Wide Receiver- 3 Rec., 32 yds. Stepanovich, Alex (C):
	Carolina Panthers - 24 , vs. Atlanta Falcons - 9 Diggs, Na’il (LB): 2 Tkl. Gamble, Chris (CB): 6 Tkl., 1 Ast. Salley, Nate (S): Substitute Safety
	Dallas Cowboys - 24, vs. Washington Redskins - 26 Carpenter, Bobby (LB): Substitute Linebacker
	Green Bay Packers - 21 , at Tampa Bay Buccanears - 30 Hawk, A.J. (LB): 2 Tkl. Pickett, Ryan (DT): 1 Ast.
	Minnesota Vikings - 17 , at Tennessee Titans - 30 Winfield, Antoine (CB): 4 Tkl., 3 Ast.
	New Orleans Saints - 30 , vs. San Francisco 49ers - 17 Houser, Kevin (FB):Long Snapper Smith, Will (DE): 2 Tkl., 1 Ast., 1 Forced Fumble
	St. Louis Rams - 14 , vs. Buffalo Bills - 31 Pace, Orlando (T): Starting Left Tackle Pittman, Antonio (RB): Not Active
	San Francisco 49ers - 17 , at New Orleans Sains - 30 Clements, Nate (CB/PR): 3 Tkl., 1 Ast.
	Seattle Seahawks - Bye Sims, Rob (OL):
	Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 30 , vs. Green Bay Packers - 21 Allen, Will (S): Substitute Safety, Special Teams- 2 Tkl. Galloway, Joey (WR): Not Active
	Washington Redskins - 26 , at Dallas Cowboys - 24 Springs, Shawn (CB): 4 Tkl., 1 Forced Fumble

Popularity: 22% [?]