Game Day

Here come the Aggies.
This should be a laugher on a dreary day in Columbus. The costumes in the stands will probably be more interesting than the game. Look for Tressel to rest some guys who are a little banged up, getting ready for the toughest part of the schedule. I imagine this will be used as a game to work on some things so look for Pryor to throw some balls down the field and some of the backs to get a lot of work. A lot of guys will play today. The Buckeyes roll easily, but do not cover the spread, 42-7.

How am I doing so far?

Game 1 Prediction Ohio State 31 Navy 17
Final OSU 31-27
Game 2 Prediction Ohio State 10 USC 35
Final USC 18-15
Game 3 Prediction Ohio State 45 Toledo 17
Final OSU 38-0
Game 4 Prediction Ohio State 35 Illinois 17
Final OSU 30-0
Game 5 Prediction Ohio State 28 Indiana 7
Final OSU 33-14
Game 6 Prediction Ohio State 24 Wisconsin 17
Final OSU 31-13
Game 7 Prediction Ohio State 42 Purdue 7
Final PU 26-18
Game 8 Prediction Ohio State 21 Minnesota 7
Final OSU 38-7

Happy Halloween

Buckeye Recap

Sorry this didn't post last week




Briefly, the Bucks rolled 38-7. Pryor ran for 107 and threw for 239, 161 to Posey. The Bucks played with a lot more heart than they did against the Boilermakers but still need some work.

Go Bucks

Game Day

It won't be pretty but it will be better than last week. I think Pryor pulls himself out of the fan's doghouse and plays a lot better. Still a work in progress. Hopefully the offensive line steps up and helps get it done. OSU 21 Minnesota 7

How am I doing so far?

Game 1 Prediction Ohio State 31 Navy 17
Final OSU 31-27
Game 2 Prediction Ohio State 10 USC 35
Final USC 18-15
Game 3 Prediction Ohio State 45 Toledo 17
Final OSU 38-0
Game 4 Prediction Ohio State 35 Illinois 17
Final OSU 30-0
Game 5 Prediction Ohio State 28 Indiana 7
Final OSU 33-14
Game 6 Prediction Ohio State 24 Wisconsin 17
Final OSU 31-13
Game 7 Prediction Ohio State 42 Purdue 7
Final PU 26-18

Buckeye Recap

nos venit , nos vigilo , nos erant evinco

26-18.
The Buckeyes appear to be vastly over rated. It looks like the rest of the country is correct. The Bucks get dominated, on the road, by a one win team. The vaunted defense is shredded for 465 yards and the offense is pathetic. The OSU rushing game managed a total of 66 yards today. 66. Sixty-Six. This coming against a team that gives up an average of 185. Turnovers were huge, as always and Ohio State just gave the ball away too much. The defense did hold Purdue to field goals on several short drives but they were on the field way too much. The "D" better figure out the short passing game because they are going to see it the rest of the season. Our offensive line was dominated, blown-up and destroyed, play after play after play. This has been a problem all season and must be corrected. Adams and Browning looked terrible.

Tressel really needs to seriously think about a couple of things. The first is letting someone else call the plays. And if the plays are too complicated for a player, replace him.

This is, at least to me, the worst loss of The Vest's OSU Career. Losing to an SEC team in a Bowl, or a high ranked USC / Texas type during the regular season is one thing but losing to a one win team in week seven is another. I don't ever remember that happening before to Ohio State.

Go Bucks!

It's here!! It's here!!

If you are a member of Board Game Geek the 2009 Secret Santa has begun. I participated in this last year and it was a blast. You are given an unknown "target" and you are their Secret Santa. They can be anywhere around the world so be prepared for shipping costs. Everyone has a wishlist of games to choose from and you get something from the list. Last year I got two really cool games. Check it out here if you want but I really recommend it.

Game Day

The Bucks take their first real road trip today into a hostile territory. Road trips to Cleveland and Indiana really didn't prepare the freshman and younger players for road games. Purdue's defense, which plays soft against the run, has been shredded all season. Look for Pryor and the Bucks to run the ball. A lot. And then look for Pryor to launch a couple of long balls to streaking receivers when Purdue is playing with 8-9 in the box.

The Bucks defense should dominate, although Purdue always has some punch that seems to catch OSU off guard. Look for the defensive front to control the line and force several key turnovers, including two in the Red Zone.


My prediction

Pryor throws 3 touchdowns, including one to a tight end, the running game goes for 275+, and the defense/special teams chip in with a score. OSU rolls to an easy win 42-7.

How am I doing so far?

Game 1 Prediction Ohio State 31 Navy 17
Final OSU 31-27
Game 2 Prediction Ohio State 10 USC 35
Final USC 18-15
Game 3 Prediction Ohio State 45 Toledo 17
Final OSU 38-0
Game 4 Prediction Ohio State 35 Illinois 17
Final OSU 30-0
Game 5 Prediction Ohio State 28 Indiana 7
Final OSU 33-14
Game 6 Prediction Ohio State 24 Wisconsin 17
Final OSU 31-13

Happy Halloween from CoH

City of Heroes is having a cool looking event this year starting on the 20th of October.

Brace yourself for the apocalypse as our annual Halloween Event returns to City of Heroes® ! Legions of Zombies, Werewolves, Jack-o-Lanterns, and other foul denizens are preparing to descend upon Paragon City™ and the Rogue Isles™. This year they're bringing even more powerful allies! The apocalypse is deadlier than ever as mysterious monstrosities are joining forces with the Eidolons, Shivans, and others. Paragon City and the Rogue Isles could be in terrible peril, and only the greatest Heroes and Villains can turn back the tide.
- Starts: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 8:59 a.m. PST (11:59 a.m. EST)
- Ends: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. PST (2:59 a.m. EST)

Badges, Temporary Costumes, and Other Rewards
The greater the challenge, the greater the reward! This year our Heroes and Villains receive new trick or treat prizes. Everyone who completes the various stages of the Deadly Apocalypse will receive a badge, and all of last year's goodies will be back for players who missed them.
Be sure to visit Ravenwing Cabbal's Annah in Croatoa or Granny Beldam in Nerva Archipelago to learn more about the 2009 Halloween Event activities.
Happy trick or treating!

Too soon?

2009 Bowl Projections - Week 6
BOWL (MATCHUP) Mark Schlabach Bruce Feldman
Citi BCS National Championship Game
(BCS No. 1 vs. BCS No. 2) Florida vs. Texas Florida vs. Texas
Tostitos Fiesta
(BCS vs. BCS) Ohio State vs. Miami (FL) Boise State vs. Miami (FL)
Allstate Sugar
(BCS vs. BCS) Alabama vs. Cincinnati Alabama vs. Cincinnati
FedEx Orange
(BCS vs. BCS) Virginia Tech vs. Boise State Virginia Tech vs. TCU
Rose Bowl presented by Citi
(BCS vs. BCS) Oregon vs. Iowa USC vs. Iowa

I ran across these bowl predictions by ESPN's "experts" this morning. Interesting that neither one has Ohio State winning the Big Ten but still making a BCS game vs. Miami. I'd be shocked if they match them up seeing how they play in game two next season in Columbus.

Buckeye Recap

Offense schmoffense

Who needs offense when your defense/special teams scores three touchdowns? The Offense really struggled today. They had one drive that lasted longer than three minutes. They had only two drives that lasted longer than six plays. They were outgained 368 total yards to 184. The offense was on the field for three plays in the third quarter. And they won by 18. Nice.

It is great when your defense not only wins the game for you but controls the game for you as well. The Bucks racked up 6 sacks. Ross Homan led the way with 15 tackles, Spitler was huge, seemed to be all over the Wisconsin backfield. Coleman and Hines both had pick sixes and Ray Small ran a kickoff back 96 yards for a TD.

I thought Pryor would be the X-factor but he really didn't need to be. Although he did look good ona two minute drill to close out the first half with a touchdown pass to Posey. A win is a win is a win. I'll take 31-13 every week.

Go Bucks!!

Buckeye Minutiae

Small's return was the first kickoff returned for a TD by a Buckeye since Ted Ginn in that game we all want to forget.

2 Pick Sixes in the same game happened for the first time since 2006 against Penn State.

This might have been the first game with 2 TD interception returns and a Kick Off return for a touchdown by the Buckeyes but I can't find anything to back that up.

Number 59 watch

A couple of sightings on the sidelines. I'm going to try to get him to waive a towel or something.

Game Day

Big Game #2. Wisconsin is a team that always scares me. They are a hard nosed, hard hitting, run it down your throat, punch you in the mouth football team. Ohio State better bring their "A" game and the defensive line will need to be ready to match Bucky Badger punch for punch. I think this game will be a brutal, bloody, typical Big 10 match up.

My Prediction
I look for the running game to control the game today. If the Bucks can't do that on offense then the defense better make sure they stop Clay and the Badgers potent running attack. ALso, the tight ends will be huge. Hopefully OSU will realize they have one and remember Wisconsin likes theirs. It will be a gray day and that is a perfect setting for this type of game. Fun thing to watch will be the head hunting safety of the Badgers Jay Valai. He loves to make big hits, most of them cheap shots, and I am sure OSU remembers him knocking out two guys last year. Pryor is once again the X factor as the Bucks win 24-17.

Go Bucks!!


How am I doing so far?

Game 1 Prediction Ohio State 31 Navy 17
Final OSU 31-27
Game 2 Prediction Ohio State 10 USC 35
Final USC 18-15
Game 3 Prediction Ohio State 45 Toledo 17
Final OSU 38-0
Game 4 Prediction Ohio State 35 Illinois 17
Final OSU 30-0
Game 5 Prediction Ohio State 28 Indiana 7
Final OSU 33-14

The Shorn-Lamb with the Lamb of God

A good lady and a great Christian passed away this past week. She lived her life as an example to all. I went to her funeral and was all the better for it. Below is her obit and below that is the last in a series she wrote while going through her battle with cancer.



*************************************************************************************
SMITH Edna Anne "Eddie" Smith, age 70, of Lincoln, Ill., died 8:24 a.m. October 3, 2009 at her residence. Born August 26, 1939 in Columbus, Oh., daughter of the late Paul and Geraldine Siebert Baughman. Member of Lincoln Christian Church. Missionary at Nigeria, West Africa for 43 years. On July 20, 1959, she married Walter C. Smith in Columbus, Oh., and he survives in Lincoln. Survived by son, Keith (Nancy) Smith of Tucumcari, N.M.; daughter, Jerianne (Timothy) Hyde of Lincoln, Ill.; brother, Richard (Patricia) Baughman of Vandalia, Oh.; sister, Betty (Herman) Hafey of Columbus, Oh.; six grandchildren. Funeral service for Eddie will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, October 8, 2009 at Lincoln Christian Church with Paul Boatman officiating. Visitation in Lincoln, Ill. will be from 3-6 p.m. on Thursday at the Church. Arrangements by FRICKE-CALVERT-SCHRADER FUNERAL HOME, Lincoln, Ill. Funeral service in Butler, Ind. will be at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2009 at the Church of Christ on Oak St. with Dan Wagoner officiating. Visiation will be from 3-6 p.m. at the church. Arrangements by Johnson Funeral Home, Butler, Ind. A graveside service for Eddie will be on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 10 a.m. at Riverview Cemetery, Newville, Ind. Memorials to A C M International for Christian Memorial Medical Center in Nigeria or Home Services Hospice.


3 October 2009
Dear Ones,
As Mike and I sang, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face," Eddie breathed her last. I like the thought that she was looking into the wonderful face of our Savior at the time we were singing those words. What actually occurred is beyond our ken, as the self-described shorn-lamb was ushered into the presence of God's Lamb, but it's not beyond God's love for us. I am rejoicing in the gentle way He took her to be with Him. I will let you know further details when we have them.

I am grateful to everyone who read Eddie's lines about the progress of the disease, brought food and flowers, sent cards, notes, letters, and e-mail messages of love and concern, and prayed for her and me. I am grateful to Mike Bennett and Judy Horn who spent so much of their time to make Eddie's final days here as comfortable as possible. We have received so many acts of loving kindness, and I'm grateful to all of you and to our Heavenly Father who has put His love into your hearts. Thank you. Eddie and I love you all.
Walter

Buckeye Recap

Ho Hum. That's how I would describe Ohio State's 33-14 victory over Indiana. The defense was as good as it wanted, or needed, to be and pretty much shut them down. But not out. Pryor played well at times hitting a lot of different receivers, including three different ones for touchdowns.

The Good
Duron Carter and Zach Boren both scoring their first career touchdowns on passes from Pryor.

Brandon Saine's first career 100 yard day as a Buckeye gaining 113 on 17 carries.

The defense holding Indiana's rushing game to 18 yards on 26 carries

Ray Small making some plays

292 pound Todd Denlinger's interception and rumbling, bumbling, stumbling 14 yard return. Actually he looked decent on the return. Can you say fullback anyone?

The Bad

Allowing an eight play eighty yard Touchdown drive to cut the score to 10-7. The Bucks looked really confused on that drive. I'm glad IU couldn't maintain that type of consistency or this game would have been a lot closer.

Allowing a seven play, two minute thirteen second drive to close out the game and allow IU's second touchdown.

Pryor still has moments when he just lobs the ball up in the air. He throws falling away or off the wrong foot way too much.

The Ugly

Missing two chip shot field goals. If this is the great joy of a Tressel led offense, and I tend to think it is, then Aaron Pettry is the bane of The Sweater Vest this morning.

Quit taking the second half off. This will bite you against the Wisconsin, Penn State, Iowa and Michigan's of the world.


Buckeye Minutiae

This was the first time since 1996 when David Boston and Michael Wiley scored as true freshman that two true freshman scored their first career touchdowns in the same game. I think. More research to follow.

Saine's 100 yard rushing game was the 411th in Ohio State History.


Number 59 Watch

Red-shirt year's suck. Didn't travel.

Looking for something to do, somewhere to go?

Charleston West Virginia is hosting a game convention October 23-25. Only a three hour drive from Cbus it might be worth a road trip. What say you men? More here.

Game Day

Game 5 against the up and coming Indiana Hoosiers. This will be a night game in their newly refurbished stadium and the crowd should be jacked up. And that is great for Indiana and their program.

This is a team that probably should have beat the team up north (TTUN) in Ann Arbor. Their offense looks pretty fast and they have some big play guys. Ben Chappell, Demetrius McCray, Darius Willis and Tandon Doss lead an explosive offense head long into a very tough OSU defense. The Bucks "D" will be playing without safety Kurt Coleman who was suspended, and rightfully so, by the Big 10 for a flagrant late hit last week.

I think the Indiana defense will have some trouble with the passing game as shown by Tate Forcier (223 yds 2 TD's) last week, and 266 against Western Michigan.

Brandon Saine will get his first career start due to Boom Herron's sprained ankle. Look for Saine to improve on his career high 81 yards from last week. Also benefiting will be the exciting Jordan Hall.

The defense will be gunning for their third straight shutout, something not seen in Buckeye Nation since 1973 and some guys named Colzie (1975 #1 by Oakland), Gradishar (1974 #1 by Denver), Middleton (1974 #1 New Orleans), and Luke (1975 #4 Green Bay), Fox ( 1976 #1 New England). Those guys are very arguably the best defense in Ohio State history.

My Prediction
I think the running game will be able to do enough and the "O" line will show a little more swagger than in games past. Pryor will be able to hit a couple of big plays and his running will give the Hoosiers fits. I don't think the Bucks can keep the shutout string going as the Bucks win 28-7.

Go Bucks!!


How am I doing so far?

Game 1 Prediction Ohio State 31 Navy 17
Final OSU 31-27
Game 2 Prediction Ohio State 10 USC 35
Final USC 18-15
Game 3 Prediction Ohio State 45 Toledo 17
Final OSU 38-0
Game 4 Prediction Ohio State 35 Illinois 17
Final OSU 30-0

Holy Swami

This is the greatest documented baseball prediction I have ever seen or heard of. Check.It. Out.">