Buckeyes Preview 11/23/17: Ohio State @ Michigan Wolverines

By Jason Disantis, @JasonInCLE


Ask the nation what the greatest rivalry in college football is and depending on what part of the country you’re in, you could get a couple different answers. But as you scour the country there is one answer you can find almost anywhere, and only one answer is known as “The Game.”

The No.9 Ohio State Buckeyes (9-2, 7-1 Big Ten) travel to Ann Arbor this Saturday to take on the Michigan Wolverines (8-3, 5-3 Big Ten).

This game means a lot to both teams but for two very different reasons.

Ohio State sits at No.9 in the nation and although they will be playing Wisconsin for a Big Ten championship in two weeks, they still have an outside chance of making the playoff by winning out and getting some help.

The Wolverines are out of any championship hunt, but the opportunity to play spoiler to Ohio State would ease the pain of this season and give them a positive to end on. It also would also restore some respectability to “The Game” as they have lost five straight to the Buckeyes and 12 out of the last 13 games.

“We haven’t beat these guys in a while, nobody on this team has a win against (Ohio State),” Michigan safety Tyree Kinnel said this week. “It starts to get old when you don’t win.”

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh was brought in to bring respect back to the Michigan program, and although he has once again made them relevant, his 1-4 record against Michigan State and Ohio State looms over him. And coach Harbaugh is well aware of his record.

“The record is what the record is,” Harbaugh said. “Well aware of what the record is against Michigan State and Ohio State, we’re 1-4. The record [against] all other opponents is 23-3. We know what the records are.”

The best chance for Harbaugh to start to turn that record around may not even play. The Wolverines offense has started to show signs of life after making a switch to recently named starter Brandon Peters. Peters left last week’s game against Wisconsin due to a concussion. Reports say Peters is progressing and could be cleared in time for the game.

Even though Ohio State has its eyes set on a Big Ten and possibly National Championship they understand the importance of this game on its own. The week Ohio State plays the Wolverines no one utters the name “Michigan” and all “M’s” go missing in Columbus.

“The rivalry is not a one-week deal,” said coach Urban Meyer. “It’s in your blood and in your DNA.”



Senior quarterback JT Barrett will be playing his last game against Michigan and is looking forward to heading the Ann Arbor one last time.

“I don’t think it’s going to be pleasant,” Barrett said. “I’m pretty sure they’re going to hate me. You got to learn to love the hate. I like being hated sometimes. I don’t mind it. They hate us anyway.”

Ohio State center echoed Barrett’s sentiments when speaking about his leader.

“He’s a competitor. He’s one of the greatest competitors in college football right now,” Brice said. “Again, go ahead, bring on the hate. It is a rivalry.”



What: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan Wolverines
When: Saturday November 25, 2017 at 12:00 ET
Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Watch: FOX
Spread: OSU -12
Over/Under: 50
Money Line: OSU -460, UM +385

Buckeyes Preview 10/6/17: Maryland Terrapins @ Ohio State

By Jason Disantis, @JasonInCLE


The J.T. Barrett led Buckeyes put together their most complete game of the season as they pounded Rutgers 56-0. This was the second year in a row the Silver Bullets pitched a shutout against the Scarlet Knights who have lost the last two years to the Buckeyes by a total of 114-0.

Barrett, who threw three touchdown passes, tallied 286 yards through the air making him Ohio State’s career passing yardage leader.

“I think it’s a tremendous honor,” Barrett said on his record. “I came to Ohio State, I always wanted to be a quarterback there, and win football games and be productive. This is a great honor and I’m just going to focus on winning football games.”

Northeast Ohio product Demario McCall led the Buckeyes in rushing, taking full advantage of his opportunity, with 103 yards and a touchdown on eleven carries. McCall also did some damage in the passing game with a 35 yard touchdown catch.

Mike Weber made the most of his carries piling up a career-highthree touchdowns while J.K. Dobbins only got six carries in a game that got out of hand quickly for Rutgers and allowed the Buckeyes to get others involved.

The tenth ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (4-1, 2-0 Big Ten) enter this Saturday as another heavy favorite as the Maryland Terrapins (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) come to Columbus.

The Terrapins opened the 2017 campaign with a big upset on the road against #23 Texas and are coming off a 31-24 road win in their Big Ten opener against Minnesota.

Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer knows that this Terrapin team isn’t the same one the Buckeyes rolled over 62-3 last year.

“Playing a very good Maryland team that beat Texas,” Meyer said. “And came back with their third-string quarterback and really looked much improved against Minnesota. A very good team.”

That third-string quarterback is Max Bortenschlager, a sophomore who will now lead the Terrapins the rest of the year after season-ending knee injuries to Tyrrell Pigrome and KasimHill.

“I’m feeling good after the win, but that only lasts so long,” said Bortenschlager. “Just have to look forward to this week and just have to build off last week.”

Inadvertently, Buckeye quarterback Dwayne Haskins played a big part of Bortenschlager getting to Maryland. When Haskins, who was a local kid originally committed to Maryland, flipped to Ohio State a scholarship opened up. Bortenschlager, who was committed to Buffalo at the time, was convinced by Maryland offensive coordinator Walt Bell to come to the Terrapins. While Bortenschlager isn’t as flashy and Pigrome and Hill, he’s steady, plays within himself, and knows what his coaches need from the quarterback position.

In Maryland's win against Minnesota Bortenschlager attempted just two throws of 20 yards or more and ended with only 154 yards passing. But he also threw two touchdowns and did not throw an interception.

“I think he was confident and comfortable with the game plan,” Maryland coach DJ Durkin said. “That’s Max. He’s the same guy. He’s got a quiet confidence about him, and he went out and played that way.”

Helping take the pressure off of Bortenschlager is running back Ty Johnson whose 34 yard touchdown run put the Terrapins ahead of Minnesota with a 1:10 left last week. Johnson, who leads Maryland in rushing with 411 yards on the year, totaled 130 against the Gophers to go along with what proved to be the game-winning touchdown.



The Buckeyes defense will also have to lock down the Terrapins leading receiver D.J. Moore.

Moore had a big game against Minnesota with eight catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. Moore has 30 receptions on the year to go along with 403 yards and five touchdowns.

Durkin, a former assistant coach for Urban Meyer, knows the task is tall for the Terrapins. Maryland will have to try and stop the No. 5 total yardage and 11th ranked scoring offense in the nation. Add to that the problem of trying to rack up points against the No. 16 scoring defense and it could prove to be a long day for the Terrapins. But Durkin knows that the bigger the challenge, the bigger the opportunity.

“It’s going to be an unbelievable opportunity this weekend,” Durkin said. “This is a great football team that we’re playing, and I mean that -- great.”



What: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Maryland Terrapins
When: Saturday October 7, 2017 at 4:00 PM ET
Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus Ohio
Watch: FOX
Spread: OSU -30.5
Over/Under: 60
Money Line: OSU -12500, Maryland +5000

Buckeyes Preview 12.30.16: Playstation Fiesta Bowl, Ohio State vs. Clemson

By Jason Disantis, @JasonInCLE

As 2016 comes to a close this New Years Eve the college football playoff will be kicking off as the no.3 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes will be traveling to the Fiesta Bowl to take on the no.2 ranked Clemson Tigers for a chance at a national championship.  

Statistically Ohio State and Clemson are very similar.  Both teams are loaded with NFL players, many of which will be early round selections. Clemson features a Heisman trophy candidate at quarterback and possibly the number one wide receiver in the upcoming draft.  Ohio State has one of the most dynamic players in the nation and the best secondary in the nation.  Lets take a closer look at a couple match-ups to keep eye on come Saturday night.


Conley, Lattimore and Hooker vs. Watson, Williams and Leggett
This match-up is chock-full of NFL talent.  Gareon Conley and Marshon Lattimore are two lock down corners for the Buckeyes and Malik Hooker has a knack for taking interceptions to the house.  They will have their hands full as they take on the Heisman trophy runner-up Deshaun Watson and the no.1 ranked WR in next years draft, Mike Williams, and a 6-5 freak athlete tight-end, Jordan Leggett.  

Although Lattimore may be the Buckeyes best NFL prospect, Ohio State's best corner is Conley.  Conley has only given up one touchdown this season and is physically equipped to handle the 6-3 220 pound Williams.  Ohio State has seen some very good WR in the past couple bowls in Amari Cooper and Sammy Watkins.  Mike Williams may be the best of them all.  Having Conley and Lattimore on the field allows the Buckeyes to focus more on total scheme rather than worrying about where Williams is lining up.  The Buckeyes can allow both Lattimore and Conley to lineup with Williams and if one is having more success, allow him to shadow Williams for the rest of the game.  

Watson has been one of the best quarterbacks in the nation.  He has focused more on his passing this year and has ran the ball 78 times less this year with half of the yardage of 2015.  Despite Watson rushing less he is always a threat to break a big play with his legs.  

It might be in the Buckeyes best interest to keep him in the pocket and force Watson to beat them with his arm.  Watson has been prone to turnovers as he has thrown 15 INT's this year.  Buckeye safety Malik Hooker will be roaming the field looking for an opportunity to chase on of those balls down and take it for a score.  Hooker has three touchdowns this year and would like nothing more than to add to that total.  Hooker may have his hands full if he gets the responsibility of covering Leggett.  Leggett is versatile and will line-up at the slot along with other positions on the field.  With Mike Williams getting so much attention if you forget Leggett is on the field, the match-up nightmare will make you pay.  


Isiah Prince vs. Christian Wilkins

Anyone who has watched Ohio State this year knows that Isiah Prince has struggled in certain moments.  This first year starter at right tackle has been the subject of some strong praise from coach Urban Meyer over the last three weeks.  Meyer has mentioned the work Prince has put in and how much he has progressed during these bowl practices.  Let's hope Meyer is right because Isiah Prince will have to block a 6-4 300 pound defensive end in Christian Wilkins.  Wilkins is an All-American and had 52 tackles, 12 being for a loss, and 3.5 sacks this year.  If Prince can't handle Wilkins alone Ohio State will be in trouble.  Clemson also has three other studs on the defensive line so Prince will most likely be on an island against Wilkins.  If Prince struggles, Ohio State will have to find a way to get him help without hurting his offenses ability to handle the rest of Clemson's D-line.  


Curtis Samuel vs. Cordrea Tankersley

The question mark is because Clemson hasn't tipped their cap to how they exactly plan on defending the play-making dynamo for Ohio State. Tankersley is an All-American and Clemson's best cornerback.  Clemson has had a hard time covering backs out of the backfield to go along with tight end's and slot wide receivers.  Samuel has spent most of his time this year out of the backfield or lined up in slot.  Although Tankersley typically lines up on the outside, he has spent some time in the slot.  Clemson might give him the responsibility of shadowing the Buckeyes best playmaker.  If Clemson decides to keep Tankersley on the outside they may live to regret it.  Tankersley is the only player on that side of the ball with a chance of keeping Samuel from turning an 8-yard catch into a 70-yard touchdown. 


Urban Meyer vs. Dabo Swinney

We would be re-missed if we didn't take a closer look at the leaders of these two teams; head coaches Urban Meyer and Dabo Swinney.  Coach Meyer is an incredible 9-2 in bowl games and has three national championships.  Meyer and his Ohio State Buckeyes won the first ever College Football Championship with their third string quarterback under center.  When coach Meyer gets multiple weeks to prepare for an opponent he has shown an ability to get his kids ready and focused but keep them loose and enjoying the experience as well.  

Dabo Swinney has turned Clemson into a powerhouse program.  Although Swinney doesn't boast the same success as Meyer in bowls, he is still has a winning percentage north of .500 at 5-4 in 9 bowls.  Swinney had his Tigers in this same position last year as they lost to Alabama in the National Championship game.  Clemson has been looking forward to this all year and through Swinney's leadership has handled the pressure of being an elite team with elite expectations well.  

With these two teams so evenly matched this game has all the makings of a nail-biter.  J.T. Barrett has struggled with down field accuracy all year.  If he continues to struggle then the Buckeyes are in trouble.  If Barrett can complete some of those throws for big plays then the Buckeyes will be in good position to return to the National Championship game.  

For many, this is the game they have been waiting to see this bowl season. New Years toasts can wait. Keep the champagne on ice.  Hold off on dropping the ball for a couple extra minutes.  2017 isn't going anywhere.  There are more important things at stake this Saturday night.  



What:  College Football Playoff Semi-final; Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Clemson Tigers
When:  Saturday December 31, 2016 at 7:00 PM ET
Where:  University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale Arizona
Watch:  ESPN
Line:  OSU -3, O/U 59

Buckeyes Preview 11.25.16: Michigan Wolverines @ Ohio State Buckeyes

By Jason Disantis, @JasonInCLE

It's called "The Game" for a reason.

"The ❌agnitude of The Ga❌e is what you co❌e to Ohio State for."

The current Buckeyes know the historical significance behind this rivalry. pic.twitter.com/o6bssIsO8y

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 24, 2016

It's a rivalry that spans the course of over a century.

They first played in 1897 and since then have battled 112 times.  In 2000, ESPN ranked "The Game" as the greatest North American sports rivalry.

In 2006 they played the "Game of the Century" as no. 1 ranked Ohio State beat no. 2 ranked Michigan 42-39.  And while Michigan leads the all-time series, Ohio State has won 11 of the last 12 meetings.

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer understands the magnitude of "The Game."  During this week the word "Michigan" is never mentioned.

"I'm very biased and I'm very respectful of all rivalries, but I grew up in the 70's and this was a time when Bo Schembechler and Woody Hayes had two programs that were at the top of the food chain," said Meyer.  "What I remember and what I make perfectly clear to our players is the amount of respect that I learned in this rivalry from those two great coaches was real."

This Saturday the no. 2 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten) will host the no. 3 ranked Michigan Wolverines with National and Big Ten championship hopes on the line.

Looking at the stats these teams are as close as you would expect out of a 2 and 3 matchup.  Ohio State is scoring 43.8 points per game while Michigan posts 42.3.  The Wolverines give up 10.9 ppg with the Buckeyes allowing 13.  Add to those numbers less than 50 yards difference in total yards posted and allowed and you have the making of a game for the ages.

Even the best player on each team are alike in that they are do-it-all playmakers for their teams.

Jabrill Peppers is in the Heisman discussion and with a big performance could be the first defensive player to win the award since another Wolverine defensive back, Charles Woodson.  Peppers will return kicks and have his share of snaps on offense along with lining up all over the field on defense.

Ohio State H-back Curtis Samuel will look to break a couple big plays as he has done all year for the Buckeyes.  Samuel has displayed a tremendous balance to his game gaining over 600 yards rushing and receiving for the Buckeyes along with 7 touchdowns on the ground and 7 through the air as well.  He will have his work cut out for him as Michigan will come to the Shoe with the best defense Ohio State has faced all season.

For Michigan a win would give them a divisional championship and send them to Indianapolis for a shot at their first Big Ten championship since 2004.  If they won the Big Ten championship they would lock up a place in the college football playoff and go on for a chance at a national championship.

Ohio State's path to a national title is actually more promising than their shot at a conference championship.  The Buckeyes would need to win this weekend and then hope for Michigan State to beat Penn State to get a shot at a Big Ten championship in Indianapolis.  But even if Penn State wins, the fact that the playoff committee has the Buckeyes ranked no.2 means a win against the no.3 team in the country would make it very difficult to leave Ohio State out of the four-team playoff.

"The Game" has more than just bragging rights on the line this year.  Michigan is finally back to relevancy after a long layoff filled with losing seasons and multiple coaches.  They've quickly put themselves back among the elite in college football after bringing in Jim Harbaugh.  And while Michigan looks to build on a season that has them back in the national picture, Ohio State will try to continue as one of college footballs most successful programs since Urban Meyer was named head coach.

Personally as an Ohio State fan the rivalry with Michigan has lost a lot of its luster.  Part of it was how bad the Michigan program had become, and part of it was a renewed rivalry between Meyer and Alabama coach Nick Saban.  But with coach Harbaugh leading the Michigan program there is no doubt that they are back, and so is the greatest rivalry in college football.


What:  Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan Wolverines
When:  Saturday November 26, 2016 at 12:00 PM ET
Where:  Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Watch:  ABC

Buckeyes Preview 10.28.16: Northwestern @ Ohio State

By Jason Disantis, @JasonInCLE


The Ohio State Buckeyes (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) haven't been playing good football the past couple weeks and it caught up to them last Saturday at Penn State.  The Buckeyes dropped to #6 in the nation after losing to the Nittany Lions 24-21.  This was the first time in five seasons under coach Urban Meyer that Ohio State lost a Big Ten regular season road game.  Ohio State will come back home after two tough road night games and look to get their offense back on track this Saturday against the Northwestern Wildcats (4-3, 3-1 Big Ten).

The biggest shock from the loss to Penn State was the lack of touches for Ohio States most dynamic playmaker H-back Curtis Samuel.  Samuel caught 8 passes for lackluster 68 yards.  More surprisingly Samuel only had two carries despite taking one of them 74 yards for a touchdown.

Ohio State's offense has slowed down of late.  After averaging 57 points per game for the first four games of the season the Buckeyes are averaging just 29.7 points over the past three and allowed 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter of last weeks loss to Penn State.    

What's the cause of the decline in production?

Play calling has become questionable as stated before.  When you're best offensive weapon takes a hand-off 74 yards to the house and only has two carries on the day that's a problem.  Add to that J.T. Barrett's inability to complete passes downfield and you have a recipe for an upset.

While acknowledging their poor play, coach Urban Meyer understands that Ohio State still controls its destiny.

"Every goal is still alive," Meyer said.  "We're not a great team right now."

Meyer knows his team must move on and focus on an improved Northwestern team.

"That is as improved a team as I've ever seen from beginning to now," Meyer said about Northwestern.  "They've had three big wins with two on the road.  Their defense is outstanding."

After splitting their first two, the Wildcats have won three in a row including wins on the road against Big Ten foes Iowa and Michigan State.  

If Northwestern is going to come in to Columbus and pull off the upset they're going to try and do it on the arm of sophomore quarterback Clayton Thorson.  Thorson has 1686 passing yards on the year and has thrown 14 touchdowns, 9 of which have gone to senior receiver Austin Carr. Carr has caught at least one touchdown in every game this season.

Ohio State had to do some soul-searching after last weeks loss to Penn State.  The good news is their Big Ten and National Championship hopes are still alive and in their hands.  The bad news is exactly what Meyer said, they're not a great team right now.

With #7 Nebraska waiting in the wings the Buckeyes will have a tough task of staying focused on the opponent in front of them and not get caught looking ahead.  Most importantly Ohio State needs to focus on being better in all facets of the game regardless of the opponent.  This team has the talent to run the table the rest of the way but it will depend on how these young Buckeyes can handle their first real taste of adversity.  If the Buckeyes can find the chemistry that made them so dynamic in the beginning of the year they will put themselves back on track to a Big Ten championship and the college football playoff.

What:  Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Northwestern Wildcats
When:  Saturday October 29, 2016 at 3:30 ET
Where:  Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Watch:  ESPN
Line:  OSU -28, O/U 53

Buckeyes Preview: Ohio State Buckeyes @ Wisconsin Badgers

By Jason Disantis, @JasonInCLE

The #2 Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) travels to Camp Randall for their toughest task of the season in a Big Ten showdown against the #8 Wisconsin Badgers (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten).

Ohio State is coming off of a 38-17 win against Indiana where the Buckeyes didn't look very sharp. J.T. Barrett was 9-21 for 93 yards and 2 total touchdowns (1 pass, 1 rush) to go along with 1 interception. Despite his struggles passing Barrett had his most efficient day on the ground, leading the Buckeyes in rushing with 137 yards on 26 carries. Look for the Buckeyes to continue to use Barrett more on the ground now that Ohio State is in the heart of their schedule. From now until the end of the season the Buckeyes have dates with three top-ten teams.

Wisconsin last played two weeks ago when they lost to Michigan 14-7. Before that game the Badgers had won four in a row including two top-ten wins against Michigan State and LSU.

Leading up to Saturday's showdown the first-year secondary coach of the Badgers, Jim Leonhard, spoke on Ohio State offense calling them "simple but effective."

If you feel like you've heard that before, you have. Weeks ago Oklahoma backup quarterback Austin Kendall had similar words about the Ohio State defense and the Buckeyes made it clear that they were aware of those comments.

Leonhard also garnered some attention for his comments on Buckeye receiver Noah Brown.

"I have yet to see a corner play it from a good position. So the way you play in press, he is not going to run past you. Same thing when you watch on tape. He is never more than this far [gesturing] away from a guy. Haven't seen it yet. So you can challenge him."

The last time Ohio State lost in Camp Randall was six years ago when the #1 ranked Buckeyes fell to the #18 Badgers. Ohio State was unbeaten and eyeing a shot at the National Championship. As Saturday nears I doubt anyone current player on the Buckeyes will give a damn about what happened six years ago. This team has shown the ability to go on the road and handle the pressure of being under the lights in a hostile environment.

On paper this game doesn't seem close. Ohio State is better in every category. And in some, it's not close. But when championship hopes are on the line on a Saturday night, anything can happen. So gather some friends, order a couple pizzas, and clear the schedule. It's gonna be fun.


What: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Wisconsin Badgers
When:  Saturday October 15, 2016 at 8:00 PM ET
Where:  Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin
Watch:  ABC
Line:  OSU -10, O/U 44

Buckeyes Preview 9.8.16: Tulsa @ Ohio State

By Jason Disantis, @JasonInCLE


The Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0, 0-0 Big Ten) started off the 2016 season with a bang against the over-matched Falcons of Bowling Green State. Questions surrounded the Buckeyes of whether or not they could overcome the losses in personnel from last years draft.  How quickly would the Buckeyes be able to grow up under the leadership of J.T. Barrett?  Although many questions still remain, Ohio State played very well in their first game of the season.

On the offensive side of the ball J.T. Barrett firmly placed his name in the early Heisman discussion, accounting for 7 touchdowns and throwing for 349 yards.  Barrett's favorite receiver on the day was the Buckeyes most dynamic playmaker, H-back Curtis Samuel.  Samuel caught 9 balls for 177 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Add to his receiving production 84 yards and a touchdown on the ground and Curtis Samuel may find his name added to the Heisman hopefuls before long.

The defense of the Buckeyes gave us a couple new names to watch out for, while Raekwon McMillan continued to provide the hammer in the middle.  Malik Hooker showed tremendous range at the safety position making two interceptions, the first of which was as an athletic play as you'll see.  And while the Buckeyes might have lost Joey Bosa to the NFL, little brother Nick Bosa got his first action as a Buckeye and recorded a sack.

The Buckeyes will look to keep the momentum rolling this Saturday as they host the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (1-0).  Tulsa is coming off of a decisive victory in their first game of the year as well.  The Golden Hurricane beat San Jose State 45-10 and posted 512 yards of offense. Tulsa's big producer was junior running back D'Angelo Brewer, running for 164 yards and 3 touchdowns.  Although senior quarterback Dane Evans didn't play poorly against San Jose State he is going to have to be better if Tulsa is going to keep up with Ohio State.  Tulsa averaged 39.8 points per game last year and typically showcases a high powered offense.  They have a difficult task coming into Columbus this Saturday and are going to need to be running on all cylinders to stay within reach of the Buckeyes.

The biggest challenge the Buckeyes may face this Saturday will be staying focused on Tulsa.  With a showdown with Oklahoma looming the next weekend, coach Meyer will have to keep his players focused on the task at hand.  If the Buckeyes get caught looking ahead it could give the Golden Hurricane an opportunity to post some points and possibly put some pressure on Ohio State late in the game.  If Ohio State can stay focused on Tulsa then it could be another lopsided victory in favor of the Buckeyes.


What:  Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane
When:  Saturday September 10, 2016 @ 3:30 PM ET
Where:  Ohio Stadium, Columbus Ohio
Watch:  ABC
Line:  Ohio State -29 (as of 9/6), O/U 72

#Buckeyes Preview 12.31.15: Ohio State v. Notre Dame #FiestaBowl

By @jddisantis


The BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl hit the jackpot when it landed two of college footballs biggest powers for their New Years Day bowl game.  Few schools "move the needle" like #7 Ohio State (11-1) and #8 Notre Dame (10-2) as these two teams should provide an entertaining game along with more first rounders in next years NFL draft than any other game this bowl season.  Both teams are looking to finish their season on a high note with a New Years Six bowl win and momentum heading into recruiting and next season.

While Ohio State will be without both starting defensive tackles, Notre Dame will be getting healthier on the offensive side of the ball for this game.  The Buckeyes will be without Adolphus Washington due to suspension for soliciting a prostitute and will also be missing Tommy Schutt from a broken foot.  For Notre Dame, starting running back C. J. Prosise should finally be healthy since leaving with an ankle injury against Boston College.  Adding Prosise will give the Irish a 1000 yard rusher with dual threat skills out of the backfield.

The matchup most people will be watching (including NFL scouts) will be against Notre Dame left tackle Ronnie Stanley and Ohio State defensive end, Joey Bosa.  Bosa will look to create pressure from the blindside of Notre Dame quarterback Deshone Kizer.  That type of pressure is something Kizer hasn't had to deal with much of this season.  Unfortunately with the injuries on the Buckeye defensive line there has been talk about Bosa moving around and lining up at multiple positions so we may not get to see as much of the Stanley/Bosa battle as we originally hoped but we should still get a great matchup to watch.

This game will be the first head-to-head match-up between Notre Dame's Brian Kelly and Ohio State's Urban Meyer.  Kelly is 4-4 in bowl games while Meyer boasts an impressive 9-2 record in college postseason.  This game may provide some strong persuasion when it comes to recruiting between these two teams.  Notre Dame has always done well in Ohio and Brian Kelly's history at the University of Cincinnati has him very familiar with Catholic schools in southern Ohio.  Many recruits will have their eyes on this clash of mid-western powerhouses.

Both teams had national championship hopes in the beginning of the year but stumbled along the way.  Although losses, all three teams that collectively beat Buckeyes and Fighting Irish are also playing in the big New Years Six, two of which (Clemson and Michigan State) have an opportunity to play for a national championship.  Despite the hype surrounding this classic match-up. these two teams aren't playing for anything other than bragging rights, and possibly recruits.  With so many first round draft picks anticipated in this game, hopefully neither team has checked out mentally and is focused at the immediate task at hand.  


What:  BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl
When:  January 1st, 1 PM ET
Where:  University of Pheonix Stadium, Glendale Arizona
Watch:  ESPN

On The Mark 11.22.15: #Buckeyes vs. Michigan State Recap

Ugly day leads to ugly loss for the Buckeyes 17-14 to Michigan State
By @MarkW2112

It was Senior Day in Columbus but there was also a feeling that this would be the last game for such talent as juniors Ezekiel Elliot and Joey Bosa. The way the Buckeyes played, it was a very disappointing day for all involved as a stagnant offense couldn't really do much against the stout Michigan State defense.  In the end, the Spartans won 17-14 due to bad offensive play calls and mistakes on defense.

J.T. Barrett may have had one of his worse performances since last years Virginia Tech game.  He passed for only 46 yards and ran 15 times for 44 more.  It was definitely a day he would like to forget.  What was worse was that Ezekiel Elliot only ran 12 times for 33 yards, ending his 15 game streak of rushing for 100 yards or more.  It seemed that the offensive coaches were mostly concentrating on having Barrett run the option out of the backfield instead of trying to get it Elliot.  Elliot was able to get a touchdown after a fumble recovery by the defense while Barrett threw a touchdown to Jalin Marshall after a fumbled punt set them up within the 5 yard line.  But for most of the day, it was 3 and out as they could not establish any kind of pattern.

The defense played as well as they could.  Connor Cook did not start to Michigan State went with a 2 quarterback system of Tyler O'Connell and Damion Terry.  They combined to move the ball for 90 yards passing and 50 yards rushing.  It was workhorse running back Gerald Holmes who led with 65 yards and a touchdown and help set them up for the final field goal to win the game.  Joey Bosa, playing his last game in Columbus, also jumped off sides 4 times during the game but was disruptive most of the game.  But, when it counted, Michigan State was able to make just enough plays to set themselves up for the win.

My take:  The Buckeyes offense was obviously affected by the wet weather.  But it was still no excuse for them to run basic plays over and over again as it seemed they forgot they had a stout running back in Ezekiel Elliot and, instead, put the game in to J.T. Barrett's hands.  It was a disaster.  The defense was good but not good enough to stop Michigan State from going on long touchdown drives after they were given leads.  It was a heartbreaking way for the seniors and juniors that are leaving early to go in the NFL to end their time at the Horseshoe.  But this team has been off all year, especially on offense, since Tom Herman left to become the head coach of Houston.  It was a fun year but, sadly, the Buckeyes failed to win which pretty much puts them out of a playoff spot this year. 

Player(s) of the game:  Michigan State.  They did just enough to beat the Buckeyes on a cold and rainy day.  It was a full team effort.

Next for the Buckeyes:  The Game against That Team Up North in Ann Arbor, next Saturday at Noon.

#Buckeyes Preview 11.13.15: Ohio State @ #Illinois Fighting Illini

By @jddisantis

The third ranked Buckeyes (9-0, 5-0 Big Ten) will travel to Champaign on Saturday to take on the Fighting Illini of Illinois (5-4, 2-3 Big Ten). With Cardale Jones back at quarterback, Ohio State showed some of the same struggles it did previously in the season.  With J.T. Barrett back under center after serving a one game suspension, the Buckeyes will look to regain their chemistry and tempo on offense. With their two biggest games of the year coming after Illinois, the Buckeyes will need to stay focused on the task at hand and not get caught looking ahead.

The offense against the Gophers was once again stalled with Cardale Jones at quarterback.  The Buckeyes totaled their fewest amount of offense in Big Ten play this year racking up only 376 yards.  Coach Urban Meyer has brought calm back to the Buckeye faithful, as he named J.T. the starter for this weekend.  "(Barrett) will be the starter unless he does not have a good week of practice," Meyer said.

Ezekiel Elliott continued his 100-yard game streak to 14 as he racked up 114 and a touchdown on 26 carries.  But despite his success against Minnesota he averaged his second lowest yards per carry of the year at 4.4.  Zeke will be looking forward to the return of J.T. Barrett as well.

Illinois has lost three of their last four but are coming off of a 48-14 win against Purdue.  The Fighting Illini have had a lot of changeover this season.  Earlier this year head coach Tim Beckman was fired and interim coach Bill Cubit took over.  Earlier this week the school fired athletic director Mike Thomas.  Despite the changeover the Illini will be looking to return to bowl season this year with a sixth win and end the season on a better note than it started.

What:  Ohio State University vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
When:  Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 12:00PM ET
Where:  Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL
Watch:  ABC
Line:  OSU -15, O/U 55

On The Mark 10.11.15: #Buckeyes v. #Maryland Recap

Offense finally clicks for the Buckeyes in 49-28 victory against Maryland
By @MarkW2112

The Ohio State Buckeyes finally seemed to be click on offense, let by both Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett, in a 49-28 victory against the beleaguered Maryland Terrapins today at The Horseshoe in Columbus.  Jones threw for 291 yards and 2 touchdowns while J.T. Barrett only went 2-2 for 26 yards but ran for 3 touchdowns on 62 yards.  The Terps offense, however, also played well, led by Perry Hills.  While not very that spectacular throwing the ball, he did run for 170 yards and 2 touchdowns while passing for 1 touchdown. 

Ezekiel Elliot ran for 106 yards and a 2 touchdowns.  The highlight of the game for the Buckeyes was a spectacular catch by Braxton Miller, leaping high in to the air to catch a bullet thrown by Jones.  He then scored on a passing touchdown on the next play.  Michael Thomas also caught 7 passes for 107 yards.

The defense did have 4 sacks but, once again, was susceptible to the big plays, with Hills running free for huge gains.  It wasn't pretty but they were able to contain the Terps offense just enough to allow the offense to get going after the Terps tied it at 21 to start the third quarter.

My take:  Urban Meyer is trying everything he can to keep his team focused during a supposed "cupcake" schedule.  The Terps are not a good team but were still able to get 28 points on the board.  It was a good sign, however, how the offense finally seemed to come together.  With Cardale Jones doing more passing and J.T. Barrett more running, there is a balance to both of them playing on different occasions during the game.  After the success they had today, the Buckeyes, it appears, will use the 2 quarterbacks in the same fashion moving forward.

Player of the game:  J.T. Barrett, who ran for 3 touchdowns and seemed to spark the offense when they needed it.

Play of the game:  Braxton Miller's phenomenal open field catch.  Coming from a former quarterback makes it that much more impressive.

Next game:  against Penn State at Ohio Stadium next Saturday night at 8 PM

On The Mark 9.8.15: Ohio State #Buckeyes vs. Virginia Tech Recap

Cardale Jones, Braxton Miller shine for the Buckeyes in 42-24 revenge win against Virginia Tech
By @MarkW2112

Hello and welcome to another season of Buckeyes football!  It's been 8 long months since the Buckeyes won the first ever National Championship trophy and their first game of the 2015 season was a rematch against the Virginia Tech Hokies, who beat the Buckeyes in the second game of the year in Columbus. This year, it was the number 1 ranked Buckeyes who pulled out the big win, 42-24 in Blacksburg, VA.

Urban Meyer kept his starting quarterback a secret until the very first play of the Buckeyes offense.  But it really came as no surprise to see Cardale Jones, who had 3 of the greatest games in college history to end last season, as the starting quarterback.  And he started off this season where he left off, throwing amazing passes and running with power.  He finished the game 9/18 for 186 yards, 2 touchdowns and interception while carrying the ball 13 times for 99 yards and 1 touchdown.  While Jones was mostly solid, with an excellent pass and touchdown catch to Curtis Samuel, it was Braxton Miller who stole the show with 2 show stopping touchdowns.  The converted wide receiver caught 2 catches for 78 yards, including a fantastic 54 yard where he kept his balance while staying inbounds.  His second touchdown was on a spectacular 53 yard run which included an amazing spin move.  J.T. Barrett did come in during "garbage" time to throw a touchdown to Michael Thomas, making it 42-17. 

The defense struggled some after the Buckeyes went up 14-0 early in the first half, especially the secondary.  The Hokies, led by Michael Brewer at quarterback, scored 17 unanswered points before halftime.  While taking some big hits, Brewer was in control throwing some big time throws including a 51 yard touchdown to fullback Sam Rogers and another 1 yard TD before halftime to Ryan Malleck.  However, to start the second half, after saying during halftime that it would "take a hell of a lot more than that to take me out", Brewer was knocked out of the game with a shoulder injury on a big hit by Adolphus Washington.  Junior quarterback Brenden Motley came in to the game and the Buckeyes defense were able to easily shut him down.  Motley finished 4 of 9 for 36 yards passing, a touchdown and an interception.

Thoughts:  The Buckeyes started out quickly on offense, lagged a little bit after being up 14-0 and showed in the second half  how powerful the  offense can be with 28 unanswered points until the very last few minutes where the Hokies scored a garbage time touchdown to make it 42-24 final.  Braxton Miller proved that he is still a dynamic player with his 2 show stopping touchdown plays.  Ezekiel Elliot was able to break away for an 80 yard touchdown run himself and finished with 122 rushing yards on 11 carries.  The possibilities are endless once Jalen Marshall and Cory Smith return next week.  As far as the defense, they were able to hold their own without Joey Bosa.  But with him coming back, look for a more disruptive defense to appear.  That said, there is work to be done in the secondary which got burned multiple times in the first half.

Player Of The Game:  Braxton Miller, who's conversion to receiver/h-back proved to be fluid with his big day both catching and running the ball for touchdowns.

Biggest Factor: The Hokies losing Michael Brewer was deflating for their offense, especially after getting them up 17-14 before the end of the first half.  

Up Next For The Buckeyes: the home opener at "The Shoe" in Columbus against Hawaii