Can We Make Illinois A 10?

We had a great turnout for the hosting of the Buckeyes for the Penn State game October 27 at our home.  The pictures below depict the event.  I brought all types of my Buckeye collection out on display, which I gathered over many years.  It was so much fun and we really enjoyed everyone, the more Buckeyes the Better!  Click on any of the pictures below to enlarge them for easier viewing.

 

If the Buckeyes can pull off a victory over Illinois, it would be a Perfect 10 for this year!  While this should be a very easy task to pull off, it would be a mistake to overlook a talent laden Illinois team, that has fallen on terrible times.  OSU is favored by 27.5 points, but if we can win by two TD's that would be more than enough for me.

This will be the 99th meeting between the two teams.  OSU is 63-30-4.  However, Illinois has won 7 of the last 11 times they have been to Columbus.

Because this group of Buckeye players were not expected to be undefeated, Urban is calling this football season as one of the most rewarding of his career!  He says he loves coming to work!  Meyer goes on to say that he feels that Braxton Miller is worthy of Heisman mention....and if the team does go undefeated and all the other teams loose at least one game, who knows what may happen.

Of course, Braxton will have to keep up his pace of brilliance and must improve his passing game and be free from injury.  Miller leads the Big Ten in total offense 291.1 yards per game and became the 3rd QB in Big Ten history to surpass 1,000 yards rushing for the year with 1093 yards so far.  Denard Robinson in (2010, 2011) and Antwaan Randle El (2000).  Overall Miller leads the conference in rushing with 121.4 yards per game and his 12 TD's are only one short of the Big Ten lead.

From the victory over the Nittany Lions Linebacker Ryan Shazier was named the Big Ten's Co-Defensive player of the week.  The Sophomore had a team leading 8 tackles, two sacks and returned an interception for the go-ahead TD.

Three Buckeyes are named in the semifinalists for National Awards.  Miller is one of 16 for Maxwell Award (top player).  Junior DT Johnathan Hankins one of 16 for Bednarik Award (top defensive player).  Sophomore Bradley Roby one of 15 for the Thorpe Award (top cornerback).

ILLINOIS:

They are rushing for 132.5 yards per game.  Sophomore Donovonn Young leads the team with 400 yards and averages 4.2 yds. per rush.  Illinois will have a spread offense using the screen mostly, which Ohio State defended poorly against the close game with Purdue.  The only player that has given Illinois a big pass play is Ryan Lankford (29-413-5).  Illinois is averaging 184.9 yds per game on the ground.  QB Nathan Scheelhasse gets very little protection, having been sacked 30 times (3.75 per game) which is 121st in College football.

Illinois leading tackler is linebacker Jonathan Brown with 55 tackles and also leads the team with 8.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

Illinois 3rd down conversion (30%) leads the Big Ten.  However, Illinois is dead last in the Big Ten in pass efficiency defense.  Illinois does have a good punter.

OHIO STATE:

Hopefully Ohio State will not get stuck deep in their own territory on a regular basis.  This could give cause for the Illini Defense to play better than normal and make it a long afternoon.

Expect this to be Miller's biggest passing game, even though rain is forecast for the game.  It is time for him to do well on the short pass and long pass.

With a good passing game, the running game will be strong as well.

Ohio State may disappoint a bit in their passing defense, but be strong on run defense.  If they get the average of almost 4 sacks a game against Illinois, it should prove to be a lop-sided Ohio State victory.

However, like all teams, Illinois will be doing their best for a victory, which would be like winning a bowl game for them.

DREAM;

It would be good to see our Maui Ohio State fans get their own Ohio State Alumni Association going here.  The Oahu group had 75 fans show up Saturday at Giovanni Pastrami in Wakiki.  Lets keep our hopes alive by supporting Katie and Brett in the upcoming seasons that we can have that success in the future.

GO BUCKS!!   Buckeye Bob

NOTHING GAME FOR BEST TEAM IN BIG TEN

This Saturday for the Ohio State vs. Penn State game, we will be hosting the game for our Buckeye faithful here on Maui.  Our address is 182 Halona Street.  If your coming from North Kihei down Piilani highway going South towards Wailea, you go to the next traffic light after Lipoa Street (Lipoa is where the Elleair golf course and high tech park is located).  The next traffic light is Kanani Street.  You turn right there.  At the telephone exchange building, about one block, you turn right on Halona Street.  We are the second house on the left (Green house with two stories over the carport).  You may park in the driveway and come upstairs.

If your coming South on Kihei road, you turn left on Auhana Street at the Island Surf Building.  You drive up the hill until you pass the Mormon church driveway on your left, we are the next street after that.  Turn left on Halona Street and we are the 5th house on your right.  We will provide the food and drinks.  The game begins at 11:30am Maui time.  Ashleea will make fresh Nachos for half-time.  We are looking for a great game, lots of fun and cheering our Buckeyes on to victory.

As the title of this blog states, this game means nothing, since Penn State and Ohio State are only playing exhibition games this year.  However, not so fast my friend....the game will still be for the best team in The Big Ten!

Since Jordan Hall will be redshirted, Carlos Hyde is our man at running back and we expect him to pound out another 100 yard game against a stiff Penn State defense.

Who would believe, that after Penn State lost 10 players to other teams....fall out from the Sandusky scandal...they would win more than one or two games all season.   It seems that the players who stepped forward decided to show their talents and seem to be over excelling and showing everyone they are pretty darn good.

Penn State is last in the Nation in it's punting game.  The Buckeye secondary has been picked apart all year.

Matt McGloin is getting great protection and he should be able to pick his way down field.  Michael Mauti is the Nittany Lions leading tackler with 45 tackles, 2 picks and 2.5 sacks!  With inspiration from a team effort, it could be enough to give Penn State the victory.

A 12-0 season for Ohio State would be good for the fan base.  It would also gear up expectations and pressure for 2013 and give Meyer a great recruiting pitch.

Wisconsin will no doubt end up representing the Leaders in the Big Ten Championship and they could still end up beating both Ohio State and Penn State to earn the title without anyone mentally applying an asterisk!

The experts are calling this game a close one, some saying Penn State will win and a few are saying Ohio State will win.  It is a toss-up.  Since they are playing at Penn State, that may give them a slight edge.  Also, there is a 20% chance of rain for the game, so that may play a factor as well.

The two pictures below are Buckeye Katie and Buckeye Bob on the roof at Craig and Kim's house in Maui Meadows after last Saturday's victory over Purdue.  The two little Munchkins are little Buckeyes that Katie and Justin brought with them.   The second photo down is of our group of Buckeyes at Katie and Justin's house the week before.  On the right of the photo is Jack and Patty who were visiting from Denver.  The rest of the gang in that photo is Buckeye Bob, Katie, Richard Long behind Katie, Brett and Leah.  In front and center is Craig.

I for one am not alarmed if Braxton Miller does not play this Saturday.  I have every confidence that Kenny Guiton can lead us to a solid victory. 

Braxton is saying the only discomfort he feels from last Saturday's injury, is a sore shoulder.  Since Braxton is up for the Heisman, I'm sure that Urban Meyer will make every attempt to give him the start and hopefully have him build up some statistics.  While that is all good, there has to be caution used, because we certainly do not want to do that at the expense of a loss.  But who knows, Braxton may perform brilliantly!

Ashleea and I had a grand time at Katie and Justin's wedding Monday of this week....it was a great event and we wish the very best to both of them for a long, happy and healthy marriage.

GO BUCKS!!!

OHIO STATE MAINTAIN OFFENSE AND IMPROVE ON DEFENSE TO BEAT PURDUE

This Saturday Craig is hosting the Buckeye group at his home in Maui Meadows.  His address is 3288 Keha Drive.  The way to get there is go South from Kihei on Piilani Highway towards Wailea.  The first exit for Maui Meadows is Mapu Place, turn left there.  Drive about half mile to the first Stop Sign you come to, which is Kupulau Drive and turn left.  You drive .4 miles to the 4th street on your right on the winding road all the way to the top.  Turn Right on Keha Drive and pass about 5 driveways on your right, when you come to the second Hedge park alongside it.  At the end of the hedge you will see the mail box with 3288 on it.  Walk to your right down the driveway to the stairs at the end that take you upstairs and your there.  Do Not go into down stairs unit.

Katie and Justin are getting married this coming Monday, so they may not make it.  Lets wish them the very best in handling all the stress with getting themselves prepared and dealing with family and friends and who knows when Justin may get called out for a photo Op job!  Hope you all support them by being at their wedding....I will be there for sure!

Now our Buckeyes, can they maintain the offensive fire power and improve on Defense?

We know Braxton Miller is now on everyone's radar for the Heisman Award.  Other high candidates are LB Manti Te'o of Notre Dame and Collin Klein of Kansas State.  CNN has picked Braxton as the mid season Offensive player of the year.  No other Buckeyes are getting any mention at all.  Hope all this hype and news media attention does not give Braxton  a Big Head or cause him to lose his focus. 

Carlos Hyde with 156 yards this past week is starting to show consistency at running back.  And of course the Offensive Line continues to shine making it all possible for Braxton and Carlos to do what they do best.
While coach Meyer is content with the offensive rushing game, I feel we still need a kick in the butt at getting better and more production in the passing game.  It has been very weak and even almost at the bottom of the Big Ten!

Now Defense has been a disgrace!!  What else can we say.  Urban is so upset, he said he will coach the defense in practice this week.  He is going to move in on Fickell's dire defense.  Luke Fickell is making NO excuses for the Defense...what can he say?  Well here is what he said "Don't Whine, Don't Complain, Don't make excuses.  We know it is about Big Plays, and if we can limit big plays we'll be in a lot better situation."  In other words, if the defense does not improve, he will be packing his bags to go else where next year if not before.  This Defense is Not Acceptable.  Can Urban motivate and improve the Defense and ease the pain and suffering he is experiencing in the close game against Indiana?  If so, it may help to save Fickell's job.  One game does not make a season and Purdue is sliding downwards fast, so even an improvement in Defense against Purdue does not mean much.  It has to improve in every game the rest of this season!

Zach Boren has been moved to middle linebacker until Etienne Sabino can return from a broken right fibula.
Urban Meyer has been very impressed with 86 Heuerman and Nick Vannett as Lead Blockers and Tight Ends.  While Stoneburner is beginning to get better again and was a good blocker in the Indiana game.

Purdue and Ohio State have split the last six games between them.  But we are 37-14-2 all-time against them.  The two games they won at The Shoe was in 1988 and 1968.

Purdue has been terrible against the rush this year, so figure on Ohio State pounding the ball on the ground again.

If the Buckeyes win against Purdue we will be the only college football team in the nation at 8 - 0.

Tid Bits:  There was  a strange poll done by the Ozone, where they asked the question:  Outside of Braxton Miller, which young player gives you the most excitement for the future?  The player that got the most votes was number 8 Noah Spence a DE.  The other choices were Ryan Shazier who came in second, Rod Smith third, Devin Smith, Michael Thomas and Doran Grant.

Vanderbilt just cancelled the 2013 August 31st game with Ohio State.  West Virgina would be the most intriguing choice but of course no one thinks Gene Smith will do that (what give Ohio State a competitive non-conference game?).  The other choices are BYU, Washington State, Tulane, Kansas, UTEP or Southern Miss..

Buckeye Basketball is right around the corner and our mens team is ranked fourth pre-season and some are ranking Indiana first. Our womens team will have Aaron Craft's sister Cait Craft on the team.  She is said to be a good defender and  3-point shooter.

Lets Go BUCKEYES and get the job done against Purdue both offense and defense.  We are picked by 19 points.

Until next time, Buckeye Bob

BUCKEYES IMPROVING...CAN THEY KEEP IT UP?

I have just returned from a long vacation to Ohio where I attended three victories by our Ohio State team.  I watched the Michigan State win on TV, while in Atlantic City that weekend.  I also had a great visit with my family, staying with my sister Ann and her husband Herb in Pickerington, Ohio most of the time, a visit to my Sister Sue's for a couple days in Coshocton, Ohio and a one night visit in Stockport, Ohio with my golfing buddy cousin Dan Woerner from North Carolina and four nights in Atlantic City, where I actually hit several jackpots and left a winner..

What can we glean from those four victories?  We know Braxton Miller is the Shining Star, but seems to be getting more help on Offense from Carlos Hyde and The Offensive Line.  Only three of the six teams we have played so far have a winning record at this point in the season.  We know the Big Ten is having a bad year, with Michigan being clobbered by Alabama and Notre Dame, Michigan State being beat by Notre Dame and Nebraska being beat by a UCLA team that was just beat last Saturday by California, whom we had a struggle with.

So one might say "It is great to be undefeated, but we really did not beat any good ranked teams".  A perfect season would still be highly appreciated from the Ohio State football nation, and would show our dominance in the Big Ten, since we play all the best teams in the league, Purdue, at Penn State, at Wisconsin and Michigan still on our schedule.

I am one fan who could do without all the Personal foul penalties.  I do not know if the rest of you Buckeye fans have noticed that we have 16 personal fouls in 6 games, 5 in the Nebraska game.  Urban Meyer should do something about this?  OSU is currently the most penalized team in the conference with 46 flags totaling 401 yards.  On the flip side is unbeaten Kansas State with 9 penalties for only 71 yards.

INJURIES:   Jordan Hall missed the contest with a knee injury and safety CJ Barnett sat out a third consecutive game with an ankle injury.

Senior linebacker Etienne Sabino went down in the first half with a lower leg injury and missed all the second half and will miss the Indiana game.  True freshman Joshua Perry replaced him in the base defense against Nebraska, while Senior Storm Klein took his position in the nickel defense.  Klein was already playing linebacker in the base defense.  Sabino entered the game second on the team with 36 tackles and played his best game against Michigan State.

Sophomore linebacker Ryan Shazier briefly left the game after hitting his knee on the Ohio Stadium turf, but was able to return and finished as the top tackler with 11 stops, 2 for a loss and a sack.  He is the team's leader with 59 stops.

Junior Carlos Hyde made his 3rd start of the season taking Hall's place and ran 28 times for 140 yards and 4 touchdowns all career single-game highs.

Sophomore Rod Smith backed up Hyde and rushed twice for 38 yards and a TD.

Jordan Hall's replacement as punt returner was Junior receiver Corey "Philly" Brown, who had a 76-yard jaunt for a score, which helped blow the game open.

NOTES;  Bradley Roby is beginning to live up to his hype after blocking the first punt of the year against the Spartans and making 2 interceptions against Nebraska.

Despite Ohio State surrendering more than 400 yards for the 3rd time in  6 games, John Simon had a great game with 5 tackles for loss among his 7 total stops.  That tied a single-game OSU record held by 3 previous players including Andy Katzenmoyer in the 1997 Rose Bowl victory over Jake the Snake's Arizona State team 20-17.

The Stat of the game was the 101 points the two teams put up, which is the most points scored in Ohio Stadium since we rolled up an 83-21 victory over Iowa in 1950.

THIS WEEKS INDIANA GAME:  The Hoosiers and their hurry-up offense have topped 24 points in each contest this year.  They lead the Big Ten in passing with 304.8 yds. per game and are second with 472.4 total yards.  They have done this mainly without QB Tre Roberson who suffered a serious leg injury during a blowout win over Massachusetts on Sept. 8.

The Hoosiers continue to move the ball thanks to QB's Coffman and Nate Sudfeld who have split time. Coffman played the entire Michigan State game and the pocket passer has gone 86 for 126 (67.2%) for 801 yards 6 TD's and 1 Interception.

Sudfield is a 6-5 218 lb. true freshman going 25 of 40 (62.5%) for 357 yards, 3 TD's and NO picks.

Indiana has a one-back offense with Stephen Houston, D'Angelo Roberts and Tevin Coleman splitting time.  Each is sure handed, having lost just one fumble in 418 attempts.

Wynn a small speedster from Cleveland Glenville ran a 4.37 40 yard dash in the offseason.  He is a constant target on screen passes and other  ball-control  plays for 213 yards and a team-best four touchdowns.

Their Big Play targets are Cody Latimer with an 18.1 yard average and 2 TD's and Kofi Hughes with 16 grabs for 248 yards and 2 TD's.

Indiana has dangerous returners leading the Big Ten in Kickoff returns both Wynn and Coleman have returns for touchdowns.  This year the two combine for a 31.7 yard average on 9 returns.

On defense the leader is Adam Replogle one of the Senior leaders from Centerville, Ohio who has 149 career tackles, 12 1/2 sacks and 20 tackles for loss.

Thus, our Buckeyes cannot take Indiana for granted.  Let us hope and expect that we will improve on our game against Nebraska.  And of course get a quicker start, not wasting the first quarter for naught!

Below picture was taken at The Stockport Mill.  Dan, my cousin, who lives in North Carolina, has a second house on the Muskinggum River, where he invited my sister Ann, her husband Herb and myself for a Brunch at the Ohio Historical landmark, which was built in 1906 and did both milling and generated electric for the town.  It operated as a feed mill until 1997.  Thanks Dan for the good Brunch!

URBAN TO DEFENSIVE COACHES MUST IMPROVE PASS DEFENSE

We Buckeye faithful watched the football game at Howard and Sue's house. Howard and wife Sue are on right in photo. This photo was taken on their lanai by award winning Maui photographer, Justin Orr, bottom center of photo.

Sue put out a mouth-watering delectable breakfast with starters of fresh fruits, yogurts, parfaits and fresh coffee and juices.  This was followed by an award winning recipe of a casserole consisting of eggs, spinach and many other ingredient's complimented by bacon, sausage and French Toast.  What a feast! 

Thanks Howard and Sue.  After the game The Maui Buckeyes hung out at the pool basking in the sun.  As some would say, why not make it a day?!

Ohio State won over University of Central Florida by 31 to 16, but they did not look good in the process.  One could easily see they have a long way to go to be a good football team.  They have the talent, but they seem to lack the chemistry or good coaching to get them to the next level. 

Speaking of coaching--three strikes and you may be out?  If the Buckeyes do not make remarkable improvements during the rest of this year and particularly starting with the California game this Saturday, September 15th, they may not be coming back next year.  That is Luke Fickell and Mike Vrabel for sure and possibly Everett Withers. 

Fickell took over last year amidst the chaos of Tressell and 6 starters getting suspended for the Tattoo fiasco  among other miss deeds.  During that period of being an interim Head Coach, although not much was expected of him, Fickell made many mental errors like important time outs and poor decision making during critical times of football games--that could have made the difference between winning and loosing a game.

Now for two games the pass rush has not existed and that part of Ohio States team is supposed to be their strongest assets?  Mike Vrabel has no coaching experience to speak of, being in only his second year at Ohio State.  Although, he broke records for Ohio State as a player in 1995 and 1996 as Big Ten Lineman of the Year (only player in Big Ten history to hold that honor) and also 1st team All-American those same two years.  Also he has obtained and earned 3 Super Bowl rings playing for New England between 2001 and 2007.  However, he just does not seem to have what it takes to mold young players to excel on the field!

Everett Withers has been a coach for 25 years and his five years at North Carolina, his defensive credentials were very impressive.  However, something drastically has to change on the Defensive side of the football or all three of the above mentioned coaches will not be part of the Ohio State coaching staff in 2013.

It boils down to this: if Urban Meyer wants to have a Legacy and be a Legendary coach at Ohio State and have the possibility of having more National Championship teams at Ohio State, regardless of the great college football athletics he is able to recruit to OSU, and  if his COACHES can not deliver the goods via suburb play, excellent performances and playing up to their expected potential, his tenure at Ohio State will be short lived and so will his great reputation.

I do not see Meyer allowing this to happen.  And just what is wrong with Hankins and Simon not  making a dent in Pass Defense?  They have been hyped as Super Defensive players?

And what happened to the "Hurry Up Offense"? Only 75 offensive plays in week two to compared to 86 week One-- that is more than a 10% drop in production. And again about 33% passing versus 67% running.  While some college teams are getting over 100 offensive plays or more in, LA Monroe averages 106, Marshall 102, Indiana 94, Oregon 93 and Arizona 92. 

As a matter of fact, Ohio State is ranked only 31st in number of offensive plays per game so far in 2012.  While this is an improvement of their average offensive plays per game in 2011 of 66, it is by NO means a good showing compared with the rest of College football in 2012, to date. And especially since Urban broadcast to the nation this was going to be to be one of the most obvious improvements in his offense of 2012....come on Urban...start walking your talk!!


As everyone is saying, Braxton Miller seems to be a one-dimensional offense, and cannot be expected to carry the ball 27 times a game.  With Carlos Hyde injured, it appears that four players will have to step up to the plate and be impressive.  Zach Boren will be used more. Bri'onte Dunn will get the bulk of the calls.  Rod Smith (if he can be fumble free) will get more calls.  And Philly Brown will be more involved; he was over a 3,000 yard rusher in high school and has good speed.  Jordan Hall may return and get some action, but they will need these other 4 guys to step up, if we are to have an improved offense and football team.

Also, speaking of Braxton Miller where in the world is the down field pass? It has to be 1, 2 and 3 pass--there should be receivers open. Again, what happened to all the preseason Hype about the Big Improvement between Miller and his receivers having chemistry by spending hour upon long summer hour throwing and catching the ball....was all this for naught?   Braxton waits what seems like an eternity in the pocket and about half the time gets sacked (not good and not acceptable).  His longest pass on Saturday was only 15 yards and he did throw for one interception--still a athletic trying to be a QB, instead of a QB that is athletic (a long way to go to be a mature, smooth and dependable QB).

In my heart and mind, I believe Kenny Guiton is the better all around QB and a better leader to get the job done, but he can by no means match Miller at running.

While the Big Ten conference looked the worst I have ever seen it Saturday (and especially since it is striving to make an impression against the SEC...Ha...what a joke), six teams won and six teams lost  We look to be about the worst conference out of the top six recognized conferences in Big Time college football.  The worst and most disappointing loss was Wisconsin at the hands of Oregon State.  They looked as hapless as Michigan disgraced us all with their performance against Alabama last Saturday! 

And by the way Michigan did not look much better this past Saturday, with Denard Robinson getting 100% of the Offense (when and how many times has that happened?) in a struggling victory over a weak opponent.  And what a big disappointment in Nebraska (I know they were without leading rusher Burkhead), but is UCLA that good and that improved?  I do like the new coach Mora, his players seem to love him and are giving  their best efforts, which they certainly expressed Saturday.  Teams we expected to struggle, Northwestern, Indiana and Minnesota brought home the bacon in a big way....except Indiana lost there star QB for the season in their victory...Ouch!!

Looking ahead to this Saturday's game against an improving California team, what can we expect?  California is primarily a running team about 67% of the time against 33% passing.  Their main running back is Isi Sofele who had 19 carries for 104 yards last week and one touchdown.  Last year he had 1322 yards rushing, so he definitely has experience and is a threat.

The best receiver from last year is Keenan Allen, who had 5 catches for 69 yards and one TD last week.  Last year he caught 98 passes for 1343 yards, so he is another legitimate proven threat.  And also watch out for Chris Harper who had 7 catches last week for 94 yards.  The QB is Zach Maynard (the half brother of receiver Keenan Allen!) also experienced with about 3,000 yards passing last year with 17 TD's and 11 interceptions.  Last week he threw for 229 yards on 17/23 passing with 1 TD and 1 Interception.

Last week California had 1 TD on a punt return and one TD on an interception to go along with their balanced offensive attack of 229 yards in the air and 289 yards rushing. They did all this while Southern Utah had almost 36 minutes of possession compared to California's 24 minutes?  By the way Southern Utah had 292 yards of passing offense.  However, they only had 79 yards of rushing offense.

So Braxton Miller had better learn how to throw the ball down field, because it may be tough sledding for the rushing game.....but lets hope Ohio State surprises us all by excelling in both running and passing in the game against California.

As a side note, I enjoyed playing golf a couple times with Howard Robboy during his visit to Maui from Seattle.  Sunday we played the Emerald course at Wailea, and James Worthy the noted basketball star for North Carolina and LA Lakers was in a two-some right behind us.

I'm leaving Maui for Ohio this Wednesday September 12, 2012 and will attend the California game this Saturday--the UAB game the next week and the Nebraska game on October 6th.  I return to Maui October 9th.

GO BUCKS, BUCKEYE BOB 

Until my next blog.  This is "The Way I See It"!

URBAN AGAINST CENTRAL FLORIDA WANTS IMPROVEMENT

This Saturday September 8, 2012, the game will be hosted by Howard Robboy and his wife Sue from Seattle.  That is Howard on the right in the above picture and his wife Sue next to him.  Sue is a graduate of Duke, but she is tolerable of us Buckeyes.....otherwise, who does she have to root for during football season?   Game time is 6 AM. Their address is 3100 Wailea Alanui #17. Their complex is called Papali Wailea.  Directions:  Take Kilohana towards the ocean. Turn left at Wailea Alanui.  Turn into the 2nd gate on the right. Papali Wailea units are before The Palms. You will need to call their unit to get in which you can do by dialing their last name - Robboy (762269).

I was not happy with Ohio States performance last week for two reasons, we did nothing in the first quarter and let Miami pass for 313 yards.  Where was the great pass rush...pretty much non-existent.  I'm sorry but that is not acceptable!  I know coach Meyer feels the same way and even though it seems he is practicing more to score touchdowns than to rush the opposing teams quarterback....none the less they had a grueling, intense and exhausting practice this Tuesday.  I did like the fact that we threw the ball to seven different receivers and seven different players also carried the ball....Urban is giving many players a chance to see if they can sparkle.  We did have 27 first downs and a total of 538 yards of total offense.  We had more yards rushing with 294 yds. on 53 carries, while we had 244 yds. through the air on 33 attempts.  86 total plays was a lot for an Ohio State team, so the hurry up offense is working.  Time of possession was Ohio State 31:26 and Miami 28:34, not a big margin, considering we were running the ball almost 70% of the time.  On third down conversions we were only 9 of 17 (I do not consider that good).  While Devin Smith made the highlight reel with his one-handed catch, my two favorite players on Offense are Kenny Guiton and Evan Spencer.  Evan made a great catch of his own, while Kenny got into the game because of cramps in Braxton's leg in the third quarter.  On his first play Kenny was faced with 4th and 3 yards to go.  I applaud Meyer for giving Kenny the chance to make that play and he did well running for a first down.  His first pass was not caught, going through the hands of a  receiver.  Another pass attempt was missed by Stoneburner when he never looked back for the ball.  Also, Kenny had the misfortune  of having a bad snap thrown over his head for a big loss.  Kenny still hit 5 out of 9 passes for 37 yards.  Good job Kenny for your first exposure of 2012.

Now for the game against University of Central Florida.  Meyer said he considers UCF to be a Big Ten caliber team and said they are better than OSU at some spots.  They have 5 or 6 guys with NFL talent including two DT's and their 4-year starter at Safety.  RB Latavious Murray is on that list but may not play Saturday because of a slight shoulder injury, but they have two good backups for him.  UCF also has an All-American kick returner.  While all this is true, Meyer is beginning to sound like coach Saban of Alabama, who is always praising the opposing team, while the point spread is Ohio State by 18 points!  I feel if we do not win by at least 30 points I will be disappointed.  UCF does have speed and a pretty good defense to try to slow down our offense with FS Kemal Ishmael, LB Jonathan Davis and ends Victor Gray and Troy Davis all play with terrific range.  Their QB Blake Bortles is solid also with 3 TD passes last week.  This game should prove to be  more physical  than last week against Miami of Ohio!

The first week for the Big Ten was OK but Wisconsin struggled and Michigan looked miserable.  I do not believe Alabama is that good, so that makes Michigan even worse....we should know better than to root for that damn team up North!  The Big Ten  plays on the ROAD at 4 different PAC 12 teams this Saturday and three of those games should be fairly good, with the best game between Nebraska and UCLA.  Burkhead will probably miss the game with a slight injury but QB Taylor Martinez threw for over 300 yards, the best showing of his career and the best performance in the Big Ten last week.  Nebraska is favored by 5.5 points, but UCLA looked awesome last week with Brent Hundley QB shining and RB Johnathan Franklin scrambling for 214 yards on the ground....it could be a close game.  Another good match will be Vanderbilt favored by 3.5 points against Northwestern and Illinois against a favored Arizona State team.  The QB Scheelhaase may be out, but I still think Illinois defense can hold off ASU for a victory.  Other good match-ups for the Big Ten will be Purdue against Notre Dame favored by 14.5 points (but I expect this to be a very close game).  And one other game between Iowa favored by 5.5 points over Iowa State (this will also be a very close game).  Now please do not tell me that Wisconsin will go to Oregon State and lose....is that possible?

Other interesting games this weekend will be Georgia 4.5 favorite at Missouri, Texas A&M at home favored by 1 point over Florida and Kansas State favored over Miami.

So....GO BUCKS.....keep the good times rolling!!

BUCKEYE BOB

OSU WITH MEYER AND PRESEASON HYPE

Note of Attention for Maui Ohio State University football fans:  Some of our local fans have been upset at the Sports Page Bar and Grill for  not getting new HD service for their TV's.  Richard Long bad cold and all may volunteer to let the Sports Page know what is going on, so they will not have to open early on Saturday mornings for our group.  Thus, if they are not opening early 6am for any other college football fans, they can resume opening at their regular scheduled time of 8am. on Saturday morning.  My hat goes off to Richard Long for his respect,  courtesy and good manners in doing this good deed  on behalf of all the local  Buckeyes...   Thank You Richard. (Richard is second from right in above picture, on end is his wife Barbara)

Therefore, our local core group of Buckeyes will be meeting at Katie Cook (that is Katie with me in top photo) and Justin's house to watch the games on their Big Screen High Definition TV set.  Katy always has a huge Ohio State banner in front of her house and the address is 79 Noulu Street.  Their house is near the Safeway Shopping Center.  Go to the Round-A-Bout and head North.  Go straight until it dead ends, Turn Right and next street Noulu Street Turn Left.  There house is second house from the end of the street on the left side.  See all the core group and hopefully other Buckeyes there.  I let Howard Raboy from Seattle know and he will be there.

Now, the football Hype of who will be Number One.  Well that is a good question and as my brother-in-law Herb said,  anyone's guess is as good as the Experts.  Some of the best teams from last year have lost key players, so there is No One Clear Choice this year.  Some say Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, USC or Florida State.  Kirk Herbstreit goes as far as saying it will be USC and Florida State in the National Championship game, with Florida State winning with their Defense.  In the past sometimes neither team he predicted even made it to the Championship game.  Herbstreit goes on to say the Heisman winner will be Matt Barkley from USC,  Now there are one or two spoilers in each conference waiting to upset the favorite teams and gain fame like Oregon, Arkansas, Texas, etc..  So the bottom line for all of us football fans, it looks like a great forthcoming football seasons with many surprises!!

The Big Ten Conference is much like the National spot light, with No Clear cut favorites, and many teams that seem to have the potential to go all the way.  The first choice is usually Wisconsin, with their great Offensive line and Defense and the Return of Heisman candidate Montee Ball running the ball.  Michigan with their Quarterback Denard Robinson.   Michigan State with their Superior Defense, which includes William Gholston, number two, whom they hope has matured a bit this year.  Purdue cannot be overlooked because they return more starters than anyone from last years team.  19 return, 8 on Offense and 8 on Defense and 2 on Special Teams.  And of course Nebraska has thrown their hat in the mix, with a pretty solid team returning, including running back Burkhead .  And for some reason the new coach at Illinois Tim Beckman is so highly thought of by many football experts, that Illinois also is said to have a chance at fame this year.  They do have a great returning QB Nathan Scheelhusse and traditionally usually have a solid defense.

Now what about the New Urban Meyer Era at The Ohio State University?  He grew up in Ashtabula, got his under graduate degree at Cincinnati and Master degree from Ohio State.   First his accomplishments are astonishing!! His record is 104-23 and the 6th youngest coach to reach 100 wins.  Against top ten teams he is 11-4.  In Bowl games he is 7-1.  And in BCS games and overtime games he is 4-0.  His four tenets to winning are 1. Great Defense, 2. Score in Red Zone, 3. Dominate Turnovers and 4. Win the kicking game.  The trainer for the Buckeyes had the players in good shape before they were turned over to Meyer and after an almost Brutal Training camp, they look mean and angry and ready to play beyond their  best abilities.  Urban says he will play the best players and if players are careless with the football on offense he will replace them.  I know Braxton Miller is a tremendous runner but he has to be at his best, otherwise he will get a rest and Kenny Guiton will have a chance.  I have always liked Guiton a lot and would love to see him play some.  Of course if the team is clicking on all cylinders, they will be so far ahead at half-time that Kenny will get some playing time anyhow.

Urban said the players that have improved the most since Spring practice until the present are running back Carlos Hyde and Garrett Goebel Nose Tackle.  He said Braxton Miller has improved  tremendously  but is still an Athletic being a QB and he wants him to be a QB that is athletic.

It looks like a few stupid mistakes by three of the players Jake Stoneburner, Jack Mewhart  and Storm Klein will be back in the line up.  Also Jordan Hall will be back by at least the third game.  And possibly the injured Nathan Williams  may be returning to full speed.  So with one of the most talented laden football teams in the USA on the gridiron in 2012, Ohio State could possibly be one of the Big Spoilers in the Big Ten, as we play all the contenders for the Big Ten Championship.  And as always, Ohio State has a generally speaking weak non-conference schedule, so it is very possible that we may go 12 and 0.  Many Buckeye fans expect nothing less than a 10 - 2 season.

Just for the fun of it, it would really be a feather in The Big Ten Conference cap, if Michigan can beat Alabama this Saturday.  While it is possible, the Vegas odds makers have Alabama as  a 12 point favorite.  We do not often cheer for the team up North, but this Saturday I for one will be rooting for them.

Our first week of football Ohio State will be facing the third active quarter back with the most yards passing in college football in Miami's Dysert and that QB has his favorite receiver back Harwell.  Barkley of USC and Landry Jones QB of Oklahoma are the only two active QB's with more passing yardage.   However, Dysert was sacked 46 times last year and Miami had only a 4-8 season.

That is all for now....GO BUCKS!!!  Buckeye Bob