Buckeye Breather

They can take a few deep breaths in Columbus after a close call in week five of college football. Second-ranked, Ohio State too their undefeated campaign to Champaign, Illinois on Saturday afternoon. The Buckeyes’ Big 10 opener proved to be a battle, with the nation’s number two team prevailing 24-13. Ohio State overcame a rather grim melee during their first road trip of the season. The scrappy 2-2 Fighting Illini tested visiting OSU at Memorial Stadium, holding the Bucks to their fewest yards in 11 games. But the Buckeyes milked the clock, relying on a bonified defense and robust running game to stave off the Illini. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor completed 9-of-16 passes for just 76 yards. The Ohio State signal caller threw two touchdowns and was intercepted once in Jim Tressel’s 99th win as Buckeyes’ head coach. Pryor was also injured, missing chunks of the conference contest’s third quarter. The junior slinger suffered a strained thigh muscle, but returned to finish the game.
The Buckeyes went three-and-out to start the game in red-clad Memorial Stadium. Illinois quarterback, Nathan Scheelhaase’s three yard run gave the home team a 7-0 edge midway through the first stanza. Scheelhaase converted a 3rd-and-9 to Jarred Fayson to keep the chains moving for Illinois and scored on a third down scramble moments later for the game’s first touchdown. Ohio State’s defense uncharacteristically gave up a touchdown and five first downs in the first quarter, but found their rhythm the rest of the game. Scheelhaase was sacked three times and picked off once in the loss. He was held without a touchdown despite tossing over 100 yards and completing over half of his 22 passes.
Brandon Saine finished off a 74 yard Ohio State drive by hauling in an eight yard pass from Pryor on the fourth play of the drive. Saine’s touchdown tied the game at 7-7 in the first quarter. Illinois took a 10-7 lead in the second quarter on Derek Dimke’s 27 yard field goal with 1:50 remaining. The Buckeyes were determined not to go into the break trialing the unranked Illini by three. The Illini dominated time of possession in the first half. Ohio State held the ball for just over 13 minutes, but it was the final 45 seconds that changed the game’s momentum in favor of the scarlet and gray. Pryor found Dane Sanzenbacher in the end zone for an 11 yard touchdown as the first half ended. Just like that OSU carried a four point lead into the locker room. Sanzenbacher finished with three receptions for 35 yards and a score. The Buckeyes would not trail again.
Ohio State still led 14-10 heading into the fourth quarter after neither team found the end zone in the third. The third quarter featured a trade of turnovers. Jermale Hines intercepted Scheelhaase to give OSU a first down at the Illini 44. Joe Bauserman, filling in for the injured Pryor, overthrew his receiver and gave the ball right back to the home team. Pryor returned before the start of the fourth quarter and threw the ball four times. The Buckeyes had 20 rushes after Pryor’s return. Dan Herron ran for 95 yards during the game. Pryor orchestrated a 59 yard drive that chewed up nearly eight minutes of the third and fourth quarter. The Buckeye defense was strong, holding 100-yard rusher, Mike Leshoure to 80 yards.
Devin Barclay created some breathing room for the Bucks with a 32-yarder through the uprights with 8:27 left on the clock. Dimke gave the Illini another three, pulling the home team within four points with less than five minutes remaining. The Illini were faced with a 4th-and-7 with four minutes remaining, but chose to punt instead of go for the first down. They never got another chance. Herron, with just six yards at halftime, pounded out 89 yards in the second half. The tailback stamped home the final touchdown of the day on a six yard run and an 11 point margin. OSU was helped by an offsides call on Illini cornerback, Justin Green. The Bucks were aided by an Illini penalty earlier in the game also. The extra point attempt following Saine’s touchdown was blocked, but a penalty against Ron Zook’s team gave Barclay a second kick.

Parting Points: The Yankees split the twinbill with the Sox. Now it’s time to win the division. At least Andy Pettitte looked solid.

Sweet Sixteen Sendoff

A Brian Williams tip-in with 32 seconds left sent the Tennessee Volunteers to the Elite Eight and Ohio State home with a 76-73 loss in St. Louis’ Sweet 16 round Friday night. Bruce Pearl’s buried the Buckeyes behind Wayne Chism’s 22 points, 18 in the second half. Chism was 9-of-16 from the field, with 11 rebounds as Tennessee tallied 80% from the line. Evan Turner scored 21 of Ohio State’s 31 points in the second half in the Midwest regional semifinal. The number two seeded Buckeyes came up short on offense after leading 42-39 at the half. OSU played the final 13 minutes of the first half with David Lighty. The junior Buckeye logged 26 minutes total after being whistled for two touch fouls early. Lighty finished with 9 points and five assists.
The Buckeyes lost the lead after Lighty’s departure in the first half. His replacement, Jeremie Simmons notched a pair of treys within less than two minutes of each other off the thin Buckeyes bench. Simmons matched Lighty’s nine points in 14 minutes on the hardwood. He made three 3-pointers last night after knotting four all year long for the Bucks. William Buford recorded nine points in the game’s first four minutes to spot OSU a 13-7 advantage early on. The momentum quickly swung the Volunteers’ way. Tennessee responded with buckets from a variety of players the rest of the way. Sporadic scoring highlighted the ending minutes of the first half. Vols’ guard, Cameron Tatum, accounted for half of the points during a 10-0 Tennessee run. The dangerous Buckeyes suddenly did not seem so contested. Senior Bobby Maze deposited a layup to make it a 17-13 Tennessee deficit before Simmons responded by dropping one in from downtown. Tennessee’s Josh Bone and the Buckeyes’ John Diebler traded 3-pointers with four minutes before the break to even the score at 30. It was the only basket Diebler hit the entire night.
Ohio State led by six with just over 17 minutes remaining in the contest, but gradually gave way at Edward Jones Dome to the relentless sixth seeded Volunteers. Turner proved to be the only one who could score for Ohio State. He overcame a sloppy ball-handling first half in which he committed six turnovers to press the Vols and secure the ball following the intermission. After contributing just three baskets in the first half, the player of the year candidate surpassed that output in the second half’s first five minutes. The Buckeyes took a 59-56 edge with less than eight minutes in the game. Chism’s back-to-back jumpers cut the margin to one point. Scotty Hopson and J.P. Prince gave the Vols their first lead since late in the first half on consecutive connections from the rainbow. Tennessee pulled out the back-and-forth tussle in the paint, with Chism carrying the offense as the Bucks’ defense hit a lull. Thad Matta’s Buckeyes trailed 68-63 with four minutes but rallied to retake the lead twice. Lighty and Turner were successful from the arc in lifting OSU to a one-point advantage with 41 seconds left. Williams’ rebound gave the Volunteers the lead for good. Turner fouled Maze with 12 ticks before a timeout. Maze made both free throws to send the Big 10 champions home. Tennessee moves on to the Elite Eight, where they face another Big 10 team, Michigan State. Prince converted 6-of-13 on a 14 point night and Maze added 10 for the 28-8 Tennessee. The Buckeyes were hurt by their lack of depth in this enormous matchup of elite programs. OSU opened the game with more energy but the intensity subsided as the tired Buckeyes were worn down by a talented Tennessee team.
Parting Points: I’m still going with Duke to make the championship game. They topped Purdue convincingly last night.
Song of the day- “Tears on my pillow”- Little Anthony and the Imperials

Solidfying Seed

Jon Diebler dialed up and drilled devastating downtown deliveries as Ohio State lit up Illinois 73-57 in Columbus on Tuesday. The Buckeye win guarantees them at least a share of the Big 10 crown and solidified them a number one seed in the conference tournament. Diebler knotted seven 3-pointers during his 21 point scoring night. Diebler seems to rumble and rise to the occasion behind the arc whenever he faces the Illini. He hit six 3-pointers on OSU’s Valentine’s Day rout of Illinois. Amazingly, he didn’t take a shot inside the rainbow last night. Diebler made 7 of his 14 from downtown to create the total of 21. The Value City Arena fans mobbed their beloved Buckeyes after the Illini annihilation. The conference title marks the third one in five years for Ohio State, and third in six seasons for coach, Thad Matta. It was the school’s 18th overall title.
Four Buckeyes reached double digits as OSU won their fourth straight game and 13th of their last 15. William Buford bucketed 17 points, Evan Turner turned in 16, and David Lighty collected 15 as the Buckeyes rolled over 18-12 Illinois. Illinois took an early 19-13 lead on four 3-pointers. The home team soon took over, leading 28-21 with seven minutes remaining in the half. Illinois rallied to close within a basket at the two minute mark before Turner drained a jumper. Diebler followed suit with his fifth 3-pointer of the half to give the Bucks a 37-33 advantage at the break. Each team made six shots from the arc during the first half. DeMetri McCamey had four for the visiting Illini. McCamey finished with an Illini team high, 18 points.
Ohio State opened the second half and extended their lead to eight. Lighty deposited five straight points during a fourth period OSU run as the junior began slashing the Illinois defense. The Illini cut the margin to four points with ten minutes remaining in the game before Lighty struck again. The Bucks pushed their edge up to eleven with just over nine minutes left on the clock. Brandon Paul scored 11 points in 18 minutes for the visitors. Mike Tisdale added ten in the loss. The Illini made 80% of their baskets from the charity stripe, but McCamey and Tisdale fouled out in the second half. Illinois was unable to overcome the loss of their two consistent shooters. The Buckeyes put the game out of reach in the final seven minutes. Lighty scored eight of the first ten points on a 17-6 decisive OSU surge. A nine day rest and top seed in the Big 10 tournament are OSU’s rewards. Next up for the Buckeyes will be the winner of the number eight and nine seed first round game at Conseco Fieldhouse March 12.

Parting Points: A song from a band straight out of Ohio State-“Shatter” by OAR

Battle at Breslin

Ohio State rose to the occasion with the Big 10 title on the line in East Lansing Sunday. The ninth-ranked Buckeyes defeated the Spartans to move into a tie for second place in the conference. The 74-67 loss to Ohio State at home was crushing for the team that made it to the national championship game last season. But Michigan State, ranked eleventh in the nation, is still in contention to win the Big 10. The Spartans botched defensive assignments and gave away too many plays with poor shots Sunday. Evan Turner, OSU’s leading scorer, collected 20 points despite playing through flulike symptoms. Turner also finished with 10 rebounds and six assists to help tighten the conference race . Michigan State was led by junior guard, Durrell Summer’s 16 points.
The Buckeyes had a 13 point advantage at the break. Turner secured just four first half points on nine looks. Yet, the Bucks led 39-26 backed by William Buford’s nine points in the game’s first twelve minutes. The crowd was quieted by three dunks by OSU’s Dallas Lauderdale. The Spartan shining star, Kalin Lucas, went 0 for 5 from the floor and hit just one bucket in the first half. The home crowd watched in agony as their team made just 9 of 27 shots before the break. In the second half, the green and white clad Spartans delighted the fans at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Michigan State wiped out the OSU edge with four minutes remaining. Summers scored seven straight to lift the sluggish Spartans to a 62-61 lead. MSU’s depth and experience was retained, but not long enough to prevail over the skillfully crafty Buckeyes. The Bucks went on a bold run, banging in seven points. Ohio State rebounded to take a three point lead on Turner’s downtown dish. Jon Diebler drilled a 3-pointer with less than two minutes to pad the lead to six for the Bucks. David Lighty and Turner made six of eight free throws to seal the deal for 21-7 Ohio State.
Michigan State was outrebounded 41-38. The Spartans fought back but couldn’t forge the strong finish needed to make the comeback complete. MSU managed 33% from the rainbow and only 55% from the charity stripe. Lucas finished with nine points, eight assists and two rebounds. Spartan senior, Raymar Morgan, notched a gnarly 14 of the team’s 32 rebounds. OSU head coach, Thad Matta, played just six of his men the entire game. Kyle Madsen, the 6’9” center, was the only player to come in off the pine for 16 minutes. Four of the five starters clocked the maximum forty minutes, and all of them finished with double digits in points. MSU should have been able to compete and beat the worn out Buckeye starters. The Spartans outscored Ohio State 41-35 in the second half. It was OSU that held on to top of Spartans on their home floor and pick up their third win in five tries. Purdue still carries the Big 10 torch, leading by half a game. OSU has the morale to win the conference. The Buckeyes know how to dictate the pace of play and mark their territory on the road. The won, despite Turner being irrelevant and shut out in the first half. OSU can top Purdue if they succeed in taking away their opponent’s offensive opportunities. They lost by three points to the Boilermakers last Wednesday. Yesterday they handed the Spartans their second loss in fifteen games at the Breslin Center.

Parting Points: Go team USA! Way to chip Canada. Ryan Miller is brilliant.

Number 19 Pitt takes down third ranked Villanova in a Big East thriller.

Monday tune- “Zero” by Smashing Pumpkins

Columbus Clippers

Pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training camps yesterday. The Purdue Boilermakers did their best Columbus Clippers impression Wednesday night at Value City Arena. Fourth-ranked Purdue clipped Ohio State 60-57 on the hardwood in Columbus. It was the first home loss this season for the 20-7 Buckeyes, who were knocked a game behind Michigan State in the Big Ten. Ohio State lost for the first time in 16 homes games and snapped their nine game Big Ten winning streak. The Boilermakers never trailed during the contest and fended off a three point attempt by OSU’s Jon Diebler as time expired. Purdue was previously 0-6 in Value City Arena.
Evan Turner led the Buckeyes with 29 points and 7 rebounds in the beastly Big Ten battle. JaJuan Johnson scored 24 points in 39 minutes for Purdue. The aggressive Johnson had 15 first half points as the visitors built a 36-23 halftime lead over the sloppy Bucks. Matt Painter’s Purdue team basketed the first seven points of the game. The game was similar to the first meeting between the two Midwest rivals. Earlier in the season, Robbie Hummel carried the Boilermakers with 29 points in the first half. Hummel didn’t record a tally in the first half Wednesday in Columbus. The junior forward finished with just four points and no assists, but his team still got their revenge from that earlier loss. The Boilermakers cranked up t he intensity in Columbus. Purdue staved off a comeback by getting consecutive baskets from Hummel and Johnson. The Buckeyes struggled offensively in the first half. They didn’t reach double digits until Turner’s layup with seven minutes remaining in the half.
Turner managed 11 of Ohio State’s first 16 points of the second half. William Buford helped rally the Buckeyes after enduring a poor first half. The sophomore’s short revival trimmed the Purdue lead to two points with less than ten minutes remaining in regulation. The conference’s best shooting team, Ohio State, hit just 37% in the first half. Purdue picked apart the Buckeye’s zone defense on their way to a 60% first half shooting. The Buckeyes were horrid from the arc. Thad Matta switched to a man-to-man defense in the second half, to no avail. The Boilermakers were too strong on defense. Chris Kramer blocked Buford’s layup and ran down the shot clock. OSU never pulled even, coming up short on many missed chances to notch the game. E’Twaun Moore sank two free throws after drawing contact to put the Boilermakers up 60-53 with just over one minute left. The Buckeyes made their shots down the stretch but consistent Purdue had an answer for every bucket. The Boilermakers sunk baskets with astoundingly solid play.
Ohio State had more turnovers than a bake shop in last night’s three point loss. The Buckeyes committed ten turnovers on the night as the Boilermakers locked up their fourth win against top ten teams this season. The ninth ranked Bucks returned to the cream of the college crop this week for the first time since finishing number one in 2007. The efficient Buckeyes toppled Iowa by 19 points Sunday in one of their best 40 minute showings this season. Johnson was unstoppable, swishing shots and pushing the lead for Purdue. Ohio State couldn’t defend against him, even with the thrilling Turner staging a huge second half for the home team. The Buckeyes’ defense did keep them in the game but not enough to keep torrid shooting Purdue down for long. Purdue shut down Turner in the assist column and forced the Buckeyes to adjust their own playing style. Mighty Moore added 15 points and six boards and Keaton Grant poured in 13 as the Boilermakers ran their winning streak to six games. We may be on the heels of baseball season, but Big Ten hoops and hopes are still springing eternal in Columbus.

Parting Points: Song of the day- “Come Out and Play” by The Offspring

“You make sense of madness when my sanity hangs by a thread”- Richard Marx

I am so bummed the Rockets traded McGrady to New York.

Buckeye Blowout

It looked like Valentine’s Day in Champaign, Illinois Sunday afternoon as the Fighting Illini hosted 13th ranked Ohio State. Both teams were clad in red and white. The Big Ten teams showed little love for each other, however. It was Ohio State popping the campaign in Champaign, sticking a dagger in the Illini like cupid with an arrow. The Buckeyes blew out the home team 72-53. It was the worst lost suffered at Assembly Hall in 34 years. Ohio State held on the first place and showed they mean business in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes dominated Illinois from the get-go. They went on to rout their 17-9 opponents to pull into a first place tie with Michigan State. It was the ninth straight win for the smug and superior Buckeyes.
The scarlet and gray shooting was hot and consistent throughout the game. The Illini were coming off back-to-back victories over top 15 teams but never mounted a rally against Ohio State. OSU trailed by one point in the first period before going on an 18-6 run. The Buckeyes never looked back. Illinois trailed by 20 points at the half. OSU’s Jon Diebler led the way with 18 points. David Lighty dropped in 17 and Evan Turner finished with 16. Turner snagged 11 defensive rebounds and 8 assists in the win. The Buckeyes shot 53% for the game and frustrated Illinois with a stingy zone defense. The Buckeyes were 11-for-22 from 3-point range. Diebler accounted for six of his team’s long shots. The Illini managed just 16% from the arc.
Thad Matta’s Ohio State offense was clicking on all cylinders and looked very much in form. Illinois got as close as 13 points in the early minutes of the second half, but Turner and Diebler kept up their penetration and shooting prowess to rebuild the lead to 17 over a four minute span. The 6’7” Turner logged six turnovers at point guard. The befuddled home team couldn’t get anything going offensively and never even made a game of it Sunday. The Illini lost for the first time in six tries. Demetri McCamey scored a ghastly nine points in the loss, nearly seven short of his season average. The Illinois guard came into Sunday with the title of Big Ten co-player of the week (along with OSU’s Turner) You can guarantee he won’t be sharing anything close to that title this week. McCamey’s two rebounds and nine assists were only slightly better than his 0-for-4 from downtown. Forward, Mike Davis, was one of three Illini juniors to tally eight points. Bill Cole and Mike Tisdale also contributed eight as their team fell to 20-6 OSU. Cole and Tisdale put up zeros in the assist column. The Illini came into the contest with the conference’s best field goal percentage defense. They sure didn’t appear to be the best in anything Sunday afternoon. Illinois was unable to keep pace with OSU predominately in the zone. The Illini guards were 0-for-14 from the field until freshman, D.J. Richardson’s layup in the final period. The Buckeyes’ pugnacious accuracy provided the lopsided win over Bruce Weber’s Illini. Illinois has some impressive wins at Assembly Hall this season, but Sunday was just a Valentine’s Day massacre they would like to soon forget.

Parting Points: Big Sunday in sports- NBA All-Star game, Daytona 500 and the Olympics heating up. But the headlines are still dominated by college basketball on the heels of March Madness. Number two Syracuse was crushed by Louisville again and Rutgers stunned Georgetown.

Thursday Take-Twos (Big Battle Basketball Edition)

A pair of big battles highlighted college hoops on Wednesday. The third ranked Villanova Wildcats hosted Big East rival, Notre Dame. The Buckeyes touched up the Hawkeyes in Big 10 ball. Here’s a candid glimpse at the scores and the recaps from the two college clashes.
Villanova remained an unbeaten 8-0 in the Big East after topping Notre Dame 90-72 in Philadelphia. The Fighting Irish dipped to 15-6 and 4-4 in league play despite Luke Harangody’s 21 points in the Wachovia Center loss. The Irish trailed by as many as 23 points and had six turnovers in the first half. Harangody, a candidate for conference player of the year, kept the Irish alive with 16 first half points. The Wildcats led by just one point at the half even with three Notre Dame starters saddled with fouls. There were five lead changes during the first half. Jay Wright’s Wildcats utilized their deep bench to wear down the steady Irish starters. Notre Dame was forced to go to their bench when Harangody, Ben Hansbrough and Ty Nash were charged with two fouls a piece. The Irish made a dismal 19 of 30 from the free throw line
Wildcat staple and clutch shooter, Scottie Reynolds, scored 17 points. Notre Dame held him to just eight points until the fourth quarter. Six foot-one Corey Fisher added 17 and Antonio Pena had 14 points and 10 rebounds in ‘Nova’s 10th straight win. Pena is a presence in the post at 6’8”. He’s also a talented passer who helped the Wildcats make a statement in the second half. The game was a close contest until the Wildcats went on to rout the visiting Irish. Six Wildcats scored at least nine points in the home win. Reynolds keyed the second half scoring when he scored nine straight buckets during an 11-0 Villanova run with four minutes left. The senior guard’s only three pointer of the game put Villanova up 84-67. A grabbing swipe followed the downtown bucket and a hustling Reynolds charted a fast-break layup to increase the lead to 20 points. Maalik Wayns and Taylor King each played twenty minutes off the ‘Nova bench and factored in the victory. Tim Abromaitis contributed 16 points for Notre Dame. The Wildcats are poised to take over the number one ranking a year after advancing to the Final Four. Villanova comes at opponents and they just don’t stop or slow down. Wright’s team is a dangerous and aggressive unit. The Wildcats attack the basket with relentlessness. They are 19-1 for the first time in school history.
The 20th ranked Ohio State Buckeyes did not fall to the Iowa Hawkeyes on the road. Freshman Eric May of Iowa shot a career high 18 points and made five from arc in the 65-57 loss. Ohio State improved to 15-6 overall and 5-3 in the Big 10. The Buckeyes return to Columbus, where they are 12-0 this season, for a three game homestand. David Lighty carried OSU with 20 points in forty minutes. Evan Turner turned in 16 to go along with 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Turner and Lighty helped stave off Iowa’s upset bid in the second half. The two Buckeyes combined for 32 second half points. Jarryd Cole scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds for the Hawkeyes. The Buckeyes struggled from long range in the first half. OSU didn’t hit a 3-pointer until the second half and finished 25% from the arc. Lighty was 3-of-4 from downtown and perfect from the charity stripe.
Ohio State committed just five turnovers and held Iowa’s leading, but injured scorer, Matt Gatens, to six points. Carver-Hawkeye Arena was expecting an upset and on the verge of experiencing one on Wednesday. Turner showed up late to rescue the road victory for the Buckeyes. The best player in the conference and arguable best in the game helped Ohio State pull away in the second half 45-32. Iowa’s reserve center, Andrew Brommer, nailed a pair of free throws with seven seconds before the break to spur the Hawkeyes and expand their first half lead. The Buckeyes trailed by five at the half but the 6’7” Chicago forward won the game down the stretch for Ohio State. May mauled Ohio State and made it a five point Hawkeye lead again with less than five minutes in regulation. Ohio State went on a 12-0 scoring burst that was capped off by Turner’s jumper as the clock closed in on the one minute mark. May’s trey with 46 seconds left trimmed the OSU lead to four before the Buckeyes put the game out of reach at the line. Six free throws and a Turner steal quelled the upset and sealed the win for Thad Matta and the belligerent Buckeyes.

Parting Points: Parting song- “Runaway” by the Corrs

“That's all I do all day. I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all. I know it's crazy, but that's the only thing I'd really like to be.”- Catcher in the Rye (RIP J.D. Salinger)

Morgantown Madness

March Madness is rapidly approaching and Buckeye basketball is heating up. Right? Maybe not. The menacing Mountaineers snapped Ohio State’s three game winning streak with a come-from-behind 71-65 victory at WVU Coliseum Saturday. The 21st ranked Buckeyes were swept off the court in Morgantown by the same Big East opponent that handed them their worst loss in Columbus’ Value City Arena a year ago. The Mountaineers, ranked 11th in the polls, erased a 12 point deficit at the half to outscore Ohio State 43-25 in the second half. The finesse and fluid Evan Turner scored 18 points for the Buckeyes, but was only 6 of 14 from the field. Sophomore scarlet and gray guard, William Buford’s 22 points gave the Bucks’ early momentum to stage a first half lead on the road. But West Virginia answered after heading into the locker room down 40-28. The Mountaineers posted the first ten points of the third quarter to take control and nearly wipe out the Ohio State lead. Da’Sean Butler commandeered the Mountaineers with 16 second half points. Butler finished with 21 points and 8 rebounds as Ohio State dropped the first nonconference contest on their demanding schedule.
West Virginia improved to 15-3 overall by overcoming first half difficulties. They out-rebounded Ohio State in the second half 20-12, while the offense stepped up and drove the lane for easy buckets. The Bucks were armored from the get-go, netting the game’s first eight points. Butler turned the ball over three times for WVU. OSU led by as many as 14 midway through the first half. Sophomore, Darryl Bryant, added 14 points and 4 assists for Bob Huggins’ Mountaineers. Bryant nailed a 3-pointer with just over ten minutes remaining to give West Virginia their first tie of the game. Butler’s hit from the arc two minutes later provided the first lead for the home team. The sophomore snagged another three with 6:28 remaining for a comfortable 62-58 Mountaineer edge. WVU’s defense turned Turner away from the rim in the second half to essentially take him out of OSU’s offensive game plan. The surefire shooter scored 13 points in the first before remaining quiet in the second. He did keep the Bucks in the game with five free throws in a two minute stretch. The home team defense made necessary second half adjustments to stall the best player on the hardwood.
Ohio State shot 68.8% from the charity stripe. They limited the Mountaineers to 38.5% from the field and forced eight first half turnovers. Ohio State’s defense matched up well in size to handle WVU’s height. The Bucks’ torrid first half shooting was overshadowed by second half offensive woes. West Virginia forced fouls and made things happen in the paint. OSU’s Jon Diebler had 11 points, and David Lighty clocked 40 minutes but secured only six points. Diebler dropped a pair of free throws with under two minutes on the clock, and Dallas Lauderdale pulled the Bucks back to within four with 56 seconds, but it wasn’t enough. Buford drained deep shots as the Bucks tried to claw back, but it seemed the Mountaineers had an answer for every one he drained. Lauderdale pulled down 8 rebounds and tallied 8 points. West Virginia’s senior starting forward, Wellington Smith, dribbled his way to 11 points, including three baskets from downtown. Huggins’ team took 23 three point attempts and succeeded on swooshing ten. That’s good for 43.5%. The Mountaineers resorted readily to long range shooting. Lofting threes kept West Virginia in the game. For the Mountaineers, it was their second Big 10 test. WVU was punished by Purdue early in the season. The ‘Neers, at 4-2, are fifth in the Big East.

Parting Points: Federer vs.Hewitt---GO LLEYTON!

The Nets are now 3-40.

At least the Devils weren’t blanked by the Islanders again. I can’t say the same thing for the Rangers, who were ringed up in a second straight shutout. The Blueshirts have been held scoreless in four of their last seven games. What gives?

Sunday ballad- “Rush Rush” by Paula Abdul

Buckeyes Bury Boilermakers

Ohio State narrowly nipped number six Purdue in West Lafayette, Indiana Tuesday night. The two bucket, four point Buckeye victory was the second straight loss for the previously undefeated Boilermakers. Thad Matta’s Ohio State team bested the Boilermakers 70-66 in a battle of Big 10 opponents. Evan Turner torched Purdue with a career high 32 points. The offense is configured around Turner, and the team’s cornerstone did not disappoint. The Buckeyes withstood 35 points from Purdue’s Robbie Hummel and rallied from 13 down to turn in their 12th win of the season against a suddenly precarious Purdue.
Turner pocketed 14 of the final 18 Ohio State points in his third game back for the scarlet and gray since missing a month. Ohio State sophomore, William Buford, had 19 points and seven rebounds in the upset win over the nation’s number six team. Hummel nailed 29 first half points and tied a Purdue record eight 3-pointers. He was also a stopper for the Boilermakers, snagging ten rebounds in a standout effort. But it was Ohio State’s leading man that was the real show-stopper at Mackey Arena. The All-American and NBA-caliber junior had his way with Purdue’s stalwart defense. Turner had nine rebounds and put the ball in the basket during the crucial minutes against the Boilermakers. Turner is an excellent ball-handler and passer in addition to being a proven clutch shooter. With their top scorer back in the starting lineup, the Buckeyes shouldn’t be in danger of falling out of the conference race.
Buford supported Turner in the first quarter with three baskets during a 9-0 Buckeyes run. Ohio State went on to take an 18-13 advantage ten minutes before halftime. Hummel secured six from the arc in an impressive and amazing 3-point barrage with six minutes left in the half. Twenty-two of Purdue’s 27 shots in the first half were 3-pointers. The home team began the game shooting just over 31% from the rainbow. The Boilermakers closed in on the Buckeyes and eventually carried a 41-29 lead into the locker room. Ohio State was driven to make it a respectable second half. David Lighty, the OSU junior, did a good job guarding Hummel. He was physical and executed well in shutting out Hummel down the stretch. Lighty is an effective defender and has a shot to match. Last night, he slowed the Big 10’s top hoopster enough for his offense to gain momentum. He only scored five points but saw 40 minutes playing time. E’Twaun Moore added 19 points for Purdue, including one from downtown to start the second half. The Buckeyes closed to within six points before turning the ball over with five minutes left to play. Moore’s layup was followed by a dunk by JaJuan Johnson to increase the home team’s edge to ten points. Turner responded with a 10 point run to tie the game at 62-62. Purdue pressured with 20 seconds on the clock, but the Buckeyes got the ball inbounds and Buford converted a pair of free throws to win the game. Matta switched his defensive arrangement in the second half, and it proved to be the difference. That, and Turner’s mad run.
Purdue shot 34.5% in the second half and missed five 3-pointers in as many chances. Hummel hit two of eight shots in the second half. Purdue doesn’t seem to be a team that can close out games. You can’t lose a conference contest after leading by 13 points at home. It was the Boilermakers’ first home loss of the season. Matt Painter’s Purdue squad cruised through their nonconference schedule unbeaten. Now they’ve been bested twice by Big 10 foes. The Buckeyes were killed by a front-loaded road schedule, but their point guard returning, should have an easier time in the upcoming weeks. Ohio State prevailed in a much needed conference game. They were coming off a dangerous 1-4 record to being Big 10 play. Tuesday, the Buckeyes chipped in another W, their first of the season on the road. The anxious Buckeyes turned to the dexterous Turner for a signature instrumental performance.

Parting Points: Lane Kiffin is leaving Tennessee for USC. Mistake for the Trojans.
Tiger can’t drive Cadillacs for free anymore. What a pity.

Charles Woodson earned the NFL’s defensive player of the year, much to the chagrin of Jets’ coach Rex Ryan. The Titans’ Chris Johnson was awarded a well-deserving offensive player of the year nod.

Ohio Overtime Ovation

I’m part of the proud crowd of a rose-colored spread glad because their clad in gray and red…
It took five quarters and a 39 yard field goal from a walk-on soccer player, but Ohio State finally knocked off Iowa to book a ticket to the Rose Bowl. The Buckeyes are packing for Pasadena after besting the Hawkeyes 27-24 in overtime Saturday at the Horseshoe in Columbus. The 9-2 Buckeyes can claim the Big 10 title outright with a win against Michigan next week. The combat in Columbus concluded with a close contest and now the club is heading for California. The win over Iowa means the Buckeyes clinch at least a share of their fifth straight Big 10 title. Head coach, Jim Tressel, makes his first trip to the Rose Bowl. It’s the first time in 13 years the scarlet and gray will play New Year’s Day in Pasadena.
Devin Barclay ripped the game-winning field goal through the uprights in overtime to send the OSU crowd into a frenzy. The Hawkeyes narrowed the margin in the fourth quarter after the Buckeyes built a 24-10 lead. Freshman quarterback, James Vandenberg, recorded his first loss in his first start for Iowa. Vandenberg was filling in for starter, Ricky Stanzi, who was sidelined following the upset loss to Northwestern last week. Iowa’s Derrell Johnson-Koulianos returned a kickoff 99 yards following OSU running back, Brandon Saine’s 49 yard scoring burst. With the Hawkeyes trailing by seven, Vandenberg drove Iowa 70 yards and tossed the tying 10 yard touchdown to Marvin McNutt with 2:42 remaining. The even-keeled quarterback orchestrated the eight play drive like a pro. He completed his first seven passes of the game, but was on the losing side of a series of bobbled passes that haunted the Hawkeyes. Vandenberg performed well considering the hostile Horseshoe environment, and the title implications.
Ohio State sophomore quarterback, Terrelle Pryor rushed right for nine yards on the ensuing kickoff, and handed off to Dan Herron for a first down at the OSU 29 yard line. Pryor rushed again, this time to the left before hitting receiver, Ray Small, from three yards out on second time. Following a Buckeyes timeout, Herron ran for a three yard loss and Ohio State was forced to punt. The Big 10’s most dominant defense stopped Iowa tailback, Adam Robinson on the final Hawkeye possession. The freshman back was held to 74 rushing yards on 20 carries. Iowa head coach, Kirk Ferentz took a page out of Tressel’s conservative playbook, and chose to run out the clock with .35 seconds left to send the game into an extra session.
Ohio State won the overtime coin toss and elected to play defense. The Hawkeyes went backward 16 yards and Vandenberg tossed an interception in the end zone. OSU linebacker, Doug Worthington, logged the game’s only sack when he trounced Vandenberg in overtime. The Iowa passer actually performed admirably despite his three picks. He threw for 233 yards and completed 20 of 33 passes with two touchdowns. If not for the defense allowing 200 yards on the ground, Iowa may have been the Big 10 team smelling roses. Instead, the Buckeyes took over in overtime, doing what they do best. Pryor did well in distributing the ball to five different Buckeye receivers. But in overtime, the sophomore gave the ball to Herron three times. Barclay, in his second career start, nailed the field goal that sent the stadium into a euphoric ovation.
The 15th ranked Hawkeyes kept fighting back even when the Buckeyes had every opportunity to put the game away. This was a measuring stick game for Ohio State, and they passed with flying colors. Everything’s coming up roses now. Saine jostled for over 100 yards, and Herron missed the mark by only three. Iowa’s front seven did a credible job in stopping Pryor. The quarterback sailed just 93 yards through the air but had 29 ground yards. Most important, Pryor was mistake-free with the ball. For the third consecutive game, the Buckeyes committed no turnovers. The team seems more sufficient and collective on offense. The offensive line was tremendous for the second straight week in protecting the quarterback and tramping one of the conference’s best defensive lines. The line looks in sync and can collaborate create holes for the run. It is nice to finally see Herron and Saine establish the ground game for Ohio State. Special teams had a brutal day for the Buckeyes, even with Barclay’s willful, worthy winner in the extra quarter. For Ohio State, this game was about stuffing Iowa in overtime and rushing the football behind a productive quarterback. Iowa’s late turnover virtually sealed the game for the Bucs. This was a classic title game that came down to the final play. That should be a testament to the Big 10. The conference takes enough criticism, but Saturday’s showdown proved good football will always silence the naysayers. Iowa’s valiant comeback was all heart and clutch throws from Vandenberg. The scarlet and gray did their best to rattle the quarterback and he barely flinched. Vandenberg came within a snap or two of guiding the underdog Hawkeyes to an upset win. It’s tough to stay on agenda when the team is reeling, but the Buckeyes have really turned their season around. USC could be the opponent in the Rose Bowl. We all know how it went when the Buckeyes hosted the Trojans earlier in the season. Stanford thwarted USC yesterday, and that torching should give Ohio State hope. The Trojans gave up 51 points to the Cardinal. That totaled more than any other USC team ever. Oregon is another likely Rose Bowl candidate. The Ducks are a challenging team who play physical and firm football. The run-oriented Buckeyes can win either game by catching the high-octane west coast offenses off guard. Yesterday was a showcase of just how valuable a refined running game is for Ohio State. For now, Tressel and his team can focus on their biggest rival, Michigan. Until then, Ohio State can savor the snazzy Hawkeye hampering where they cast a thorn into Iowa’s BCS chances.

Parting Points: Required reading- “12 Red Roses” by Barry Lanier

Valley Victory Vaults Vehemence

Happy Valley wasn’t so happy Saturday afternoon. Fans expecting to play testament to a paramount party in Beaver Stadium’s 300th game were aghast rather than amused. Penn State fans clad in all white didn’t have much to celebrate after the Nittany Lions dropped a significant Big 10 contest to visiting Ohio State. It was the 25th meeting between the renowned rivals. The game took on even larger implications prior to kickoff because previously undefeated Iowa suffered their first loss of the season to Northwestern. Control of the Big 10 would suddenly be seized by whatever team escaped Happy Valley victorious. The Lions and Buckeyes were in charge of their own destiny. Only Ohio State played as if they knew the conference was on the line. The Buckeyes blew past Penn State in the second half to vault into a tie for first place with Iowa. Ohio State 24-7 crushing gave them an 8-2 record. Penn State endured their second loss to match the Bucks’ 8-2 posting this year. But Ohio State has the edge in the head-to-head meetings because they bested the Lions.
Saturday’s game pitted the Big 10’s number one defense, Penn State, against the Buckeye’s number two. The game was won at the line of scrimmage. Defense ruled the day. Neither team’s offense could sustain long drives in the first half. Ohio State’s exceptional defense took charge from the first snap. They frustrated Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark with constant pressure. The Bucks’ defense kept running back, Evan Royster, in check the entire game. The blazing back managed just 36 yards on 13 carries. Whiteout conditions mattered little to the Ohio State defense. In fact, it was Penn State that appeared flustered. The offense dropped a few passes when Clark was able to muster a good throw. If Clark was a victim of Ohio State’s impenetrable defense, Buckeye passer, Terrelle Pryor benefited most from his team’s standout performance. The sophomore quarterback finished 8 of 17 for 125 yards with two touchdowns. Pryor didn’t throw a pick and wasn’t sacked one time. Pryor also sprinted for 50 yards on his quick, athletic feet. Jim Tressel’s strategy called for the Buckeyes to run the ball, rather than spread the ball to receivers. It seems as if the head coach lacks confidence in Pryor’s arm. It’s true Terrelle needs to work on being more consistent, but the quarterback has the ability to be an adept passer.
Pryor scored the first touchdown in Beaver Stadium yesterday with a two-play, nine yard sprint into the end zone. The touchdown was set up by Ray Small’s 41 yard punt return to the Penn State nine yard line. Special teams and field position were key components in the Buckeye’s triumph. Punter Jon Thoma pinned Penn State inside the twenty three times. The offensive line also played a major role in the win. They stepped up to protect the passer and gave room for Dan Herron and Brandon Saine to run the ball. Pryor played mistake-free football because the line kept the PSU defense away. Penn State allowed Pryor to beat them with his legs instead of forcing him to throw. Pryor succeeded in avoiding the blitz and giving the offense a crack at scoring because he is so fast at gaining yards with his legs. Clark was limited to 145 yards with an interception and a one-yard touchdown sneak. Clark’s scramble in the second quarter put the Lions on the scoreboard and evened the game at a touchdown a piece. Penn State wouldn’t find the end zone again. The Buckeyes defense was that great. OSU was able to slay the Penn State dragon because the defensive line gave Clark little time to work. Penn State couldn’t manufacture plays because the OSU defense wouldn’t allow it. The Nittany Lions were proven in the red zone all year. The red zone offense was nonexistent for Joe Paterno’s team after the first half. Devin Barclay, a walk-on place kicker for Ohio State, legged a 37 yard field goal before the half. Barclay is a former professional soccer player filling for the injured Aaron Pettrey. Pettrey’s absence worries me a bit. The Bucks don’t realize the value of an experienced kicker in close games. Barclay could be a sensation, but does Tressel win the Big 10 with a first year kicker? Both teams had a chance to score with two minutes in the second quarter. Ohio State handed the ball over after failing to convert a third-and-nine. Following a Penn State ten yard penalty, Royster pounded out four and five yard rushes. The Lions were forced to punt with .38 ticks on the clock. Small returned a Jeremy Boone punt 18 yards to the OSU 42 yard line. Pryor promptly pummeled through Penn State for 11 rushing yards before he missed a wide open Dane Sanzenbacher for what would have been a gift touchdown. I think Tressel should trust Pryor more, despite the missed pass to Sanzenbacher. Pryor’s arm is underutilized. Even though the OSU running game was phenomenal, the Buckeye’s success will be determined by acknowledging Pryor’s ability to engineer an enigmatic offense.
The third and fourth quarters belonged solely to the Buckeyes. Ohio State smothered Clark’s receivers and applied the pressure up front. Penn State’s Graham Zug had seven catches for 96 yards but Ohio State regained possession every time the Lions made big plays. Pryor’s hesitation resulted in a few incompletions, but the quarterback was head and shoulders above the rest in the second half. Pryor’s touchdown pass to DeVier Posey showed Happy Valley why the former top prospect is a prized player. Leading by three, the sophomore found his favorite receiver in stride down the left side line for 62 yards. Small lit up the porous PSU punt coverage unit, burning them for 45 yards to end the third quarter. The results were resounding for a rejuvenated Ohio State. The Bucks completed two third-down conversions and Pryor rolled right to Saine for a six yard touchdown pass in the fourth. The 17 point cushion was made possible because of Saine and Herron. Tressel integrated his running backs into the game plan. Saine carried the ball 20 times for 68 yards and a touchdown, while Herron added 58 yards on 16 chances. Pryor didn’t have to rifle the ball downfield during the fourth quarter. Ohio State was completely content on running out the clock. Ross Homan was charged with a personal foul on Clark in the final quarter, but made up for it with a diving interception with 9:20 remaining. Penn State faithful scurried to the exits after the Lions’ first interception in four games. The game became an exercise in futility for the Lions in the waning minutes. Pryor and the Buckeyes took advantage of every opportunity afforded them in the second half to put the game out of reach. Penn State walked away in almost a laugher of a game after being the slight favorite to win outright. The Lions averaged 35 points per game prior to Saturday. Ohio State held the potent offense to seven and a season-low 125 yards passing. Cameron Heyward recorded a career high 11 tackles and two sacks for OSU. The Buckeyes have won 17 of their last 18 Big 10 road games. They face Iowa next Saturday to determine the conference title. They’re going to need a second consecutive colossal collective effort to have a stab at it. Yesterday was a positive step in the right direction. It was the defense delivering deadly blow. It was Pryor gunning for extra gains. It was Saine trampolining into the end zone. It was everything the Buckeyes are capable of being.

Parting Points: There were some upsets in college football yesterday. Oregon, Notre Dame and Northwestern all pulled out victories.

Ground Game Gimmicks for Gophers

The Ohio State Buckeyes will try to avoid their first back-to-back Big 10 losses in over five years against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Columbus this afternoon. The paucity of playmaking passes and a swift running game have plagued the Buckeyes all season. Dual-threat quarterback, Terrelle Pryor, was coveted by Columbus coaches to carry the club and crash the Big 10. Instead, the conference preseason player of the year has been powerless in getting his offense clicking. Purdue punctuated Pryor’s passes and applied pressure to the sophomore in a turnover-filled Buckeye loss a week ago. Today, the Jeanette, PA high school athlete will take a crack at the first Big 10 team he ever faced when the Gophers visit the Horseshoe. The Buckeyes hope to retain a semblance of their integrity with a dignified defeat today.
Ohio State primary emphasis should be establishing rather than abandoning the run against Minnesota. The Buckeyes are 6-0 against the Gophers under Jim Tressel. Pryor’s predictability put the team in position to be run over by the pass rushing of opposing defense. A consistent ground attack would alleviate some of the quibbling on Pryor. The passer does deserve slight criticism for making poor decisions, but it’s the entire offense that needs to step up for Ohio State. Minnesota is 10th in the conference and 87th nationally in rushing defense. They awarded 177 yards last Saturday in a shutout 20 point pummeling by Penn State. The Nittany Lions succeeded in securing first downs by converting 11 of 17 third downs. Ohio State must mimic the meteoric performance of Penn State to beat Minnesota at home.
It makes all the sense in the world to get the ball to running back, Brandon Saine. Tailback, Dan Herron, also needs more touches. Defenses have been loading up and humbling the Buckeye backfield for weeks now. Ohio State is known for having a powerful running game. It’s time to re-establish and celebrate ground control in Columbus. The play of 18th ranked Ohio State’s quarterback will be highlighted this week. The offensive line looks confused and Pryor has been forced to make quick decisions with the ball. Saine had 36 yards on his first four carries against Purdue. Pryor handed off to his back just three more times during the game. It is imperative to run the ball to expand the offensive options. Pryor’s former coach called his mechanics robotic. It does seem like the sophomore is going through the motions, only to turn the ball over because of careless miscues. Pryor’s pitiful play has been infecting the porous offense. Purdue pounded and plowed through the line before Pryor even had a chance on a number of occasions. It’s important for Ohio State to start strong on drives. Pryor can pitch the ball to the backfield to begin drives on the positive side. The Buckeyes can’t begin possessions with a loss of yardage because of penalties. False starts and fumbles are inexcusable this week. If Wisconsin was able to rack up close to 300 yards earlier this month against the Gophers, Ohio State should have their way as well.
The Ohio State defense has been a bright spot for so long in Columbus. They do not have the talent of former teams, but still tend to excel. Minnesota receiver, Eric Decker, is an all-conference player. He averaged 127 yards per game through the Gophers’ first five contests. Decker has caught a mere 46 over the past two weeks, including only one pass against Penn State. One of the nation’s top wideouts, Decker has not recorded a touchdown in three tries against the Bucks. The torrid receiver fields passes from veteran signal caller, Adam Weber. Weber compliments his offense but if the front four on defense for OSU apply enough pressure, he will garner glitches. Minnesota is least productive in the Big 10 when it comes to the run. Their leading back, Duane Bennett, averages just over 40 yards per game and netted in the single digits against the Nittany Lions. The Buckeyes are second only to Penn State in defending the run. Linebackers Brian Rolle and Austin Spitler shouldn’t have trouble drilling Bennett his backups.
Tressel has to do something else because his strategy and play-calling the past few weeks have not been working. Today is homecoming at Ohio State. Students and fans would like nothing more than a Buckeye bashing in the Horseshoe. The Gophers only victories this season have come on games in which they trailed. Therefore, Ohio State has to apply concentration and stay focused all four quarters. The Buckeyes do best when maintaining possession of the ball. The offense depends on the defense as much as the 16th ranked defense attributes success to Pryor and the offense. Pryor cannot look incompetent against a less talented football team today. The showy sophomore has to be more fastidious. If he falters at all, Buckeye fans could see the return of backup passer, Joe Bauserman. As an avid backer of the Bucks, I sure hope it doesn’t come to that point by the conclusion of today’s game.

Parting Points: Other college games to tune into today include the one in Kansas where the number 24th ranked Jayhawks host number 25 Oklahoma. Also, number 13 Penn State travels to the Big House to take on Michigan at 3:30.

Thursday Take-Twos

The Philadelphia Phillies made it look simple when they got the job done against the desperate Dodgers Wednesday night. Los Angeles failed to push the overpowering Phillies to the brink, losing to the defending World Series champions in five games for the second straight season. The Phillies will return to the ultimate baseball stage beginning next week as the repeat NL representatives. The Dodgers couldn’t wrestle out a win to bring the series back home during the historic homerun haven of Citizen’s Bank Park. The Dodgers dropped the deciding contest 10-4 on three long balls by Andre Ethier, James Loney and Orlando Hudson. The trio of solo shots was rendered meaningless by the seven runs Philadelphia plated on four homeruns. Former Dodger, Jayson Werth, went deep twice for the Phillies, and Ryan Howard was awarded series MVP. Los Angeles starter, Vicente Padilla, a late season pickup, ran out of steam Wednesday against Charlie Manuel’s club. Padilla was charged with six runs in three frames before reliever Ramon Troncoso sent the game spiraling out of Dodger control. The distinct differentiation between the dreary Dodgers and the dashing Phillies was the pitching and clutch hitting. The Dodgers were victimized on the mound by Philadelphia hitting throughout the five games. Starters served up towering homeruns and the L.A. bats never really showed up. When it came to crunch time, all the boys from L.A. did was crouch. This won’t be the year Dodger skipper, Joe Torre, gets a crack at another World Series.
The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels meet for game five in the Bronx tonight. The Bombers are hoping to bring home an AL pennant and chance to play Philadelphia in the Fall Classic. First, the Yankees must get a decent, quality start from their ace, A.J. Burnett. John Lackey opposes Burnett on the hill as the Halos try to find themselves in time to save their superb season. Lackey looks to extend the series on the road and overcome nearly insurmountable odds this post-season. Only 11 of 69 teams in history have come from a 3-1 deficient to win a seven-game series. The Angels have had a lousy time with the Yankees in New York during this series so far. Los Angeles has held the lead three of the 42 innings against the Bombers and stole just two bases in the ALCS. A team known for getting ahead and getting runners on hasn’t lived up to that status. The situational hitting has been specifically scarce, but credit goes to the Yankee starters for much of the slugging and stealing struggles. The players have a sense of urgency to gain a hint of momentum and a mental edge. It will be awfully difficult in a place like Yankee Stadium to recover from this hole.
There are several stories about the Ohio State quarterback, Terrelle Pryor. One of the most enchanting prospects coming out of high school, Pryor was a sought-after and highly touted recruit. The sophomore is under scrutiny for his recent play, especially in last week’s loss to Purdue. After being called out by one of his friends and teammates, Pryor received advice from superstar NBA figurehead, LeBron James. Pryor is a tremendous talent but his high school coach does not believe the Ohio State coaches are utilizing him properly. LeBron is offering counsel to his comrade from Ohio about how to handle the spotlight. The Cavalier was in Columbus for preseason basketball Wednesday night, along with new teammate, Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq and Cleveland fell to the Boston Celtics, but O’Neal was there to pump and pep up Pryor. The tall man told Terrelle to keep his head up and try to get the Buckeyes back on track. Pryor looked pathetic against Purdue in moving the ball last Saturday. Some believe Jim Tressel is restricting his prized quarterback too much. Others argue Pryor is capable of running a pro-style offense but has play with the team he is given. The current Buckeye offense does not fit his abilities, and Pryor is taking a brutal beating for a bad game. As a Buckeye fan, I don’t know what to think. I think Tressel should take most of the blame for how he operates his offense. Pryor is a well-spoken kid with a chip on his shoulder. The prized pupil was pummeled last week but he has brightened up the Horseshoe in most of his other starts as signal-caller. As a fresh-faced freshman passer, Pryor made OSU fans pretty proud. He is still young enough to improve and learn from his mistakes, but the team around him must also vow to invest in some fine-football tuning. It all starts with a strong core. Without that, Pryor can’t expect to become the true leader of the Big 10’s beloved Buckeyes.

Parting Points: Song of the day- “The Way” by Fastball
Read of the day- “Hank Aaron and the homerun that changed America: by Tom Stanton

Hoosiers Hopeful in Handling at Home

Red-clad Hoosier fans will try to overwhelm scarlet-clad Buckeyes fans tonight at Memorial Stadium. The stands will be littered with cherry-colored clothing as Indiana pins their hopes on toppling Big 10 powerhouse, The Ohio State University, for just the 13th time in the neighborly battle. The Buckeyes are victors of 65 meeting between the teams, but the Hoosiers are out to scribe a new chapter in their robust red rivals.
The challenge is a difficult one for the 3-1 Hoosiers. Last week, Indiana dropped their Big 10 opener in a tight skirmish against Michigan. The Wolverines held on to defeat Indiana by three points, thanks in part to quarterback Tate Forcier’s late drive. Tonight the Hoosier crowd welcomes a hungry Buckeye bunch, coming off back-to-back shutouts. Ohio State was installed a 17 point favorite earlier in the week despite Indiana’s home-field advantage. The Buckeyes should respect the 2009 Hoosiers for the product they’ve put on the field so far this year. Although the scarlet and grey have not lost to Indiana since 1988 and have allowed a mere eight points over the last 10 quarters, the Buckeyes are firmly focused for a fierce football game.
The Hoosiers have fight in them, and have demonstrated so with exemplary players refusing to quit. The experience of seasoned veterans can only help Indiana against Jim Tressel’s Buckeyes. The offensive line has big guys up front that are capable of storming in to pull off an upset tonight in Bloomington. The same offense lead the Hoosiers to three consecutive wins to open the season. Indiana snipped Eastern Kentucky 19-13 in week one. They snubbed Western Michigan 23-19 the following week and attacked Akron in September’s third week, 38-21. Ben Chappell is the team’s anchor behind center. Chappell has kept the interceptions in check, while instituting his favorite receiver, Tandon Doss, into Indiana’s balanced offense. Chappell, in his first year as starter, is a productive passer. Redshirt freshman, Darius Willis, has guided the ground game. Willis ushered in two touchdowns against Michigan last week and escorted the ball 152 yards. Trea Burgess is another runner representing a threat to defenses facing Indiana. The junior rusher starred in the home opener and scooted through the endzone late in the fourth quarter against Akron. Demetruis McCray has a career-high 134 yards rushing in week two’s win over Western Michigan. The running attack took a huge jump and an increased workload. In the second week of the season, the Hoosiers ran the ball 33 times for 187 yards. It was the Hoosier defense that carried the team through the game though, preserving the victory with a forced turnover.
The perseverant passer Chappell, knows how to get his offense going and flowing quickly. I am confident the Ohio State defense can handle the onslaught, but they will have to do so without their top defender, Kurt Coleman. The stifling safety was suspended by the conference for initiating helmet-to-helmet contact during the Illinois game a week ago. Anderson Russell, a shaky, sometimes indecisive defender, will replace Coleman. I expect Indiana to run the ball against the Buckeyes to control the clock. Last week, the Hoosiers 197-yard rushing day was the second most ever against the Wolverines. That statistic indicates how the Hoosiers strategize against opponents. The home team will need a lot more than a smart ground attack to outmuscle the visiting Buckeyes. Chappell’s targets will have to run exceptional routes and the quarterback will need to read them well. Indiana’s ace in the hole could be their kick return unit. Against Akron, Ray Fisher returned the opening kickoff 91 yards for a score. The special teams staggered the Zips and will strive to stun the scarlet and grey Saturday. Nick Freeland is a strong kicker for Indiana. He tied a school record last week by booting four field goals against a team with an unblemished record. He did miss wide left on a 42 yard attempt in the fourth quarter. A resourceful defense, starting with linebacker Will Patterson, and a firm offense to spread the ball will be key to Indiana’s success. Special teams might make a difference against the ninth-ranked team in the nation. Sloppiness will not be tolerated or spell success. I still think the Hoosiers will need much more to lift themselves over the burden the Buckeyes will bring.

Parting points: Rainy Saturday First Weekend of the Month Song: “No One” by Alicia Keys

Rolle's Return Redeems Restlessness

Ohio State and Navy met for their first regular season game since 1931 on Saturday afternoon. The college football season kicked off at the Horseshoe and ended with what OSU head coach, Jim Tressel, termed a “dazzling” fourth quarter. Navy quarterback, Ricky Dobbs trimmed the Ohio State lead to two with 2:23 remaining in the game. Dobbs ran up the middle for a 24 yard touchdown to put the Midshipmen in position to tie the game on a two-point conversion. The Buckeyes led 29-27 when Brian Rolle intercepted a potential game-tying two-point conversion in the closing minutes. Rolle returned for two points the other way to preserve the Buckeye lead. The Bucks weathered the storm against a pesky Navy team in their 2009 home opener. An estimated crowd of 105,000 fans turned out at Ohio Stadium, the largest ever to see the Buckeyes open a season.
Rolle’s pick at the one-yard line was the game-saving play, but the contest featured other notable highlights from both sides. OSU’s second year quarterback, Terrelle Pryor was a respectable 14 of 21 for 174 yards. Pryor ran for a touchdown and passed for another to help Ohio State slip past the Midshipmen 31-27. Dan Herron led the Buckeye rushers with 72 yards and a touchdown, and Brandon Saine pounded out 53 yards in the backfield. Ohio State established an early 7-0 lead on their opening drive. The Buckeyes held the ball for just under seven minutes on a 15 play first quarter scoring drive. Pryor swiftly spiraled a 38 yard pass to Dane Sanzenbacher for the first OSU touchdown. Navy scored on the ensuing possession after converting four third downs. The Buckeyes evidently were troubled by the diverse and complicated Navy offensive formation. Dobbs rushed for 16 yards up the middle on a third and two to even the score. OSU place kicker, Aaron Pettry added a 23 yard field goal late in the quarter to put the Buckeyes back on top by three points.
The second quarter began sloppily for both teams. Ohio State overcame a few penalties and a fumble. The Midshipmen also fumbled, but were unable to recover their own ball. Instead, the stalwart OSU defense returned in time and the Buckeyes capitalized on the turnover. Kurt Coleman viciously knocked the ball from Mario Washington, and Ross Horman fell on the loose object. The splendid subsequent drive resulted in a touchdown for the scarlet and gray. Pryor scrambled to the left side of the endzone for the six points. Backup quarterback, Joe Bauserman completed three passes just before the half for Ohio State. He rushed for six yards to the Navy eight yard line before Tressel called their final timeout. Pettry footed a 25-yarder with .58 ticks on the clock to give his team a 20-8 halftime lead. Although not commanding, the Buckeyes did a good job handling Navy in the first half.
The only scoring in the third quarter was from the visiting team. Navy scored just before the end of the quarter on a 15-play drive that set up Marcus Curry’s 16 yard touchdown reception. The slim Ohio State lead was increased by three on Pettry’s third field goal of the game. This time, the slick kicker planted a long 52 yarder between the posts for a 23-14 Buckeye lead. Herron ran six yards for a touchdown on a quick but effective Ohio State drive. Pettry missed the point-after as the ball bounced off the right upright. The PAT wasn’t good, but Ohio State still held the advantage. The 29-14 home team lead would remain for just five minutes, however. Dobbs completed an unfathomable 85 yard pass to Curry on the one play for the Midshipmen. The noxious Navy pair was thorough through the air, but it was Navy’s defense that made this opener a game. Navy never folded, and their flexbone triple option offense rocked the Horseshoe in the second half. Curry beat the one-on-one coverage of OSU safety, Anderson Russell and outran him to the endzone. Dobbs lofted the perfect spiral to Curry, and in doing so completed the third longest pass play in Navy history. The Horseshoe crowd stunningly saw Dobbs throw for 156 yards and two scores. The Navy signal-caller completed 9 of 13 passes on the day. Curry finished with just over 100 total yards.
Ohio State limped through the remainder of the fourth quarter. The lowlight came on Pryor’s intercepted pass by Navy safety, Emmett Merchant. Merchant returned the ball 28 yards to the OSU 33 yard line with four minutes left in the game. Dobbs faked a handoff on third down and sprinted straight up the middle for another Midshipmen score. This is where the missed PAT could come back to haunt the Buckeyes. Navy went for the two-point conversion and the tie. The attempt was fruitless. The junior Buckeye, Rolle, thundered up the Navy sideline 99 yards to give the home crowd something to cheer about again: a 31-27 Buckeyes lead. OSU recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock to notch their first victory of the year. The schedule doesn’t get any easier for my beloved Buckeyes. They welcome their Hollywood opponents, the Pete Carroll-led USC Trojans on September 12th. The game is sure to rate, but will the actual product on the field show value?

Parting points: Does this game bring new meaning to the term “pick and roll(e)?” Gosh, I love this game. Is there anything better than college football?