EIGHTH IN A SERIES: THE IOWA COCKTAIL PARTY PREVIEW

On last season

The good news is...

Quarterback James Vandenberg engineered the biggest comeback in Iowa history in the second week of the season against Pittsburgh, closing a 17-point gap with just under 12 minutes to play. And despite their ultimate 4-4 finish in conference, the Hawks controlled their own championship destiny as late as the second week in November.

The bad news is...

With the exception of a 41-31 win over Northwestern and a 24-16 upset of No. 13 Michigan, Iowa lost basically every game that mattered in 2011. A painful triple-overtime loss at Iowa State was compounded by disappointing road performances at Penn State, Minnesota, and Nebraska and a home stinker against Michigan State. To top things off, the Hawks -- who can usually be counted on to deliver one of the B1G's two bowl wins each season -- were routed by Oklahoma in the Insight Bowl.

On the offensive side of the ball

The good news is...

James Vandenberg is back at quarterback, giving an embattled (see below) Hawkeye offense some much needed experience. The senior threw for 25 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards in 2011. And although he'll be missing his favorite target (Marvin McNutt), Keenan Davis should provide a steady set of hands in the open field.

The bad news is...

After Vanderberg and Davis, just about everything else related to the Hawkeye offense is a big fat question mark. The departure of long time offensive coordinator Ken O’Keefe (for the Miami Dolphins), and hiring of ex-Texas offensive coordinator Greg Davis, who has a lot more experience coordinating from the shotgun than the pro-set, ensures some growing pains. So does the loss of a first-rounder at offensive tackle (Riley Reiff), and the gargantuan shortage of proven running backs. The bottom line: if the Hawks are going to put together a winning season in 2012 they'll have to rely heavily on their defense.

Continue reading this post »

THIRD IN A SERIES: THE OHIO STATE COCKTAIL PARTY PREVIEW

[Note: This year's introduction to the OSU Cocktail Party Preview has been replaced with a brief synopsis of Articles 1 & 2 of the 2012 Edition of the Uniform Rules for Writing About Ohio State Football, published by ESPN.com and The Sporting News which require mention of: 1. Jim Tressel's (Ohio State's best coach since Woody Hayes) forced resignation for lying to the NCAA about his knowledge of a memorabilia for tattoo scandal, 2. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor's decision to forego his senior year in the wake of said scandal, 3. Ohio State's 6-7 record in 2011, its first losing season since 1988, 3. Ohio State's loss to arch rival Michigan, it's first since 2003, 4. Ohio State's decision to hire Urban Meyer, who won two national championships while coaching at Florida from 2005 to 2010, but retired twice at the end of the 2009 and 2010 seasons, citing health concerns and a desire to spend more time with his family only to return to coaching after working just one year as an ESPN play-by-play analyst, 5. Urban butting heads with Wisconsin's Bret Bielema and Michigan State's Mark Dantonio on the recruiting trail and violation of an alleged "Gentleman's Agreement" among Big Ten Coaches, 6. Ohio State's receipt of a bowl ban from the NCAA, 7. Ohio State's signing of a Top 5 recruiting class, 8. The crumbling program Urban left in his wake at Florida, lax attitude towards player drug use and arrests, and the "Circle of Trust" which (according to unnamed sources) allowed star players to flout the law, skip workouts, assault assistant coaches, and ultimately resulted in a loss of control in the locker-room, and 9. The fact that the actual crowd at Ohio State's spring game looked much smaller than the school's official attendance of 81,112.]

On last season

The good news is...

It's over. Amidst a flurry of star player suspensions, revolving lineup of captains, decrepit passing statistics, and stone age offensive play calling, the Buckeyes limped their way to the school's first losing season since 1988. Interim head coach Luke Fickell prevented the wheels from coming completely off the bus, but far too often looked way over his head on the sideline. Yet, some how, some way, the same team that blew a 21-point second half lead to Nebraska and lost to Michigan for the first time in seven seasons, managed to hire one of the two best active coaches in the game and subsequently turned around a moribund recruiting effort.

The bad news is...

The stench of an embarrassing tattoos for memorabilia scandal still permeates the halls of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, and most of Ohio State's experienced skill position players have had their last hurrah. Plus, sky high expectations for Urban Messiah (back-to-back-to-back national titles) have practically set the new coach up to fail. Unless, of course, Urbs really is as good as advertised.

On the offensive side of the ball

The good news is...

Both JBs (Backup quarterback Joe Bauserman and Offensive [as in, everyone is offended by his playcalling] Coordinator Jim Bollman) are gone, and Braxton Miller is developing a passing prowess to complement his ridiculous running abilities. Along with Miller, athletic running back Jordan Hall is primed to explode in Urban's/Tom Herman's spread offense. A no-huddle attack combined with a completely new playbook are bound to bring Columbus' age old offensive mentality into the twenty-first century.

The bad news is...

Offensive line play was supremely sub par in 2011, and this year's unit will have to play without the two best linemen from last year. Plus the Buckeyes lack the sprightly and sure handed receivers Urban Meyer depends on to keep his offense balanced (although Freshman wide receiver Michael Thomas' 12 reception, 131 yard performance in the spring game has a lot of people dreaming.)

Continue reading this post »

Greetings loyal readers. Those of you who stuck with us through the dead of winter know that the pulse on the front page of this site grew a bit faint. That, I'm pleased to announce, is ancient history. Today is the beginning of B1G 2012, our comprehensive offseason preview series. From now through mid July, we'll be dedicating each week on OTE to individual programs, and providing daily team insight and analysis. We'll work in reverse chronological order from last year's conference finish -- which means Ohio State is up to bat way sooner than usual this year.

This is the third year we've ran with this format, and I think you'll agree that it's a great way to survey the conference heading into the fall. The team-specific design lets fans of all stripes get in on the conversation, and we hope that everyone will do their part to give the team of the week the attention it deserves. As I recently told our staff writers on a conference call, the thing that amazes me the most about these previews is how much I learn about the competition -- and how much the tidbits I pick up stay with me through the season.

With that in mind, throw your duffel in the luggage compartment and hop on the charter bus. The first stop on our virtual road tour is a familiar one: good 'ol Bloomington, Indiana. Let's travel I-37 South to Monroe County to visit a perpetual Big Ten cellar-dweller: the Indiana Hoosiers.

FIRST IN A SERIES: THE IU COCKTAIL PARTY PREVIEW

Last year, we introduced the concept of the "cocktail party preview." If you're new to these parts (or, gasp, weren't paying attention last year) here's the idea. Imagine you just graduated from school and you're looking for a job in this crappy economy, or you're employed, and your boss asks you to schmooze a few prospective clients on the golf course. Either way you're in front of somebody you really need to impress. As you sit down in the hiring partner's office, or walk up to the putting green, you notice your mark has a framed picture of Randle El on the wall, or a trident logo on his driver sleeve. "Did you go to Indiana?" you ask politely. "Heck yeah," comes the response. "I've had football season tickets for 18 years." And then, after a pause, he asks, "You a fan?"

After you thank your lucky stars you're not a Boilermaker you ask yourself: what do I really know about Indiana football? The bad news is not a lot. But have no fear, you read Off Tackle Empire's IU Cocktail Party Preview, a distilled, no-nonsense, matter of fact primer for the unacquainted fan. The content that follows will arm you with just enough knowledge to navigate your way through any social encounter. Or at least give you enough information to make polite conversation at a cocktail party.

Like always, we've tweaked the format a bit this year in favor of a dichotomous "on one hand/on the other hand" approach. Just like most things in life, there's good news and bad news for the Hoosiers heading into 2012. What do you want to hear first?

On last season

The good news is...

It's over. There's really nothing that needs to be said about Kevin Wilson's inaugural campaign except that the Hoosiers went 1-11 in 2011 and that one win was over FCS foe South Carolina State. Zero B1G wins times zero FBS wins equals zero things to build off of in 2012. If I'm Kevin Wilson I take a page from Urban Meyer's playbook, bury the tapes, and let everyone start over with a clean slate coming in to 2012.

Okay, so maybe that's being a tad bit harsh. The good news is the Hoosiers will return 19 of 22 first teamers, tied for fourth in the nation in returning starters.

The bad news is...

Even though a significant number of personnel from last year are back, Indiana can hardly call themselves experienced. They were so young last season that they're still a youthful outfit heading into 2012.

On the offensive side of the ball

The good news is...

Kevin Wilson knows offense, and Quarterback Tre Roberson had a year to learn his system while seeing a significant amount of action last season. Equally important, Stephen Houston and D’Angelo Roberts, are two capable, if not raw, running backs that could help the Hoosiers develop the kind of reliable ground game that's been missing in Bloomington for as long as I can remember. The young tandem rushed for 223 yards against Wisconsin last season, and 319 yards against Northwestern. If they can put up those kind of numbers regularly in Big Ten play, they'll open up defenses for wide receiver Kofi Hughes to make big plays.

The bad news is...

It remains to be seen whether the pass-happy Hoosier offense has a reliable No. 2 receiver behind the aforementioned Hughes. Damarlo Belcher is gone, and Jamonne Chester, Dre Muhammad, and Duwyce Wilson are still unproven. And having a spotty offensive line won't do the skill position athletes any favors. Plus let's face it, offense wasn''t exactly the problem for Indiana during the Bill Lynch era.

Continue reading this post »

Every year, we profile the biggest games, best wins, worse losses and biggest moments of the Big Ten season, month by month. To be sure, 2011 wasn't exactly all roses in the Middle West. In fact it was the worst year in sports I can remember. And that's just not a reflection of the turmoil which engulfed my personal rooting interest. It's a referendum on the state of college athletics in general. That's where our story opens. In the midst of a dark and volatile storm. Realignment talk overshadows the first week of actual football. It's a sign of things to come...

But we don't know that yet. As far as we -- and by we I mean the mainstream media -- are concerned, illegal benefits at Ohio State are THE WORST THING IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD. Opportunistic journalists are flocking to Columbus by the boat full to uncover the proverbial smoking gun. For the rest of the conference things are looking up. After two years of exchanging love letters and whispering sweet nothings over the telephone, the B1G is finally going to get its hands on Nebraska -- the first new conference member in 18 years. Local sports pundits are having a grand old time making B1G Championship Game predictions.

It's September. The trees are still green. The grass is brown. And things are about to heat up -- on and off the field.

It was a night game atmosphere that would have made the SEC proud.

September

Biggest Game: Notre Dame at Michigan (31-35)

I don't exactly know what it says about the conference that the biggest game in the first month of the season was between two dusty, unranked, former powerhouses, but this was Michigan's first official night game in 131 years of playing football, and like Norma Desmond, it did not disappoint. Pre-game discussions centered on the odd fashion choices made by both teams. Michigan, with its Rugby-striped, faux crackled "Bumble-bee" throwback uniforms, looked like Euro Cup all stars, and Notre Dame put a shamrock on its helmet just like old times...or not. Michigan didn't take its first lead until there was only 1:12 seconds to play, and promptly lost it when Tommy Rees hit Theo Riddick on a 29-yard bomb to put the Irish up with 30 ticks left. Denard Robinson responded a lightening fast 16 yard touchdown strike to Roy Roundtree to give the Wolverines the win, and my DVR box a coronary.

Best Win: Northwestern at Boston College (31-34) (Honorable Mention: Illinois vs. Arizona State.)

This one might not have made such an impression on me, but for the fact that pre-season Heisman contender Dan "Persa Strong" was sidelined. Nobody gave Northwestern a chance on the road, but Kain Coulter quickly showed that second string doesn't have to mean second class. Coulter's 197 yards in the air and 71 on the ground helped the Wildcats out to a 24-10 lead, and Pat Fitzgerald's defense held on -- coming up with a huge stop on 4th and 10 with under 3 minutes to play and the Eagles driving for the tying score. It was a solid opener for Northwestern, and for Chad's early season credibility.

It was a good reminder that there are a lot of things more important than football.

Worse Loss: Minnesota vs. New Mexico State (21-28)

Minnesota seems to have this spot locked down, and try as I might to give them a breather, they just keep coming up with mind-boggling ways to lose to inferior opponents. One week after giving an eventual 10 win USC team all it could handle in the Colosseum, the Golden Gophers came out flat as a pancake, and let the Aggies jump out to a 21-7 lead at TCF Bank. Marquis Gray tossed up two interceptions, and the Gophers gave up 421 yards to a mid-major that had nine penalties and would go on to finish 4-9 with just two wins in the WAC. Read that last part again. This was a two win WAC team that came into Minneapolis and walked away with a B1G scalp. Not cool. Worse yet, new Minnesota Head Coach Jerry Kill collapsed in a scary scene on the sidelines. Fortunately, Coach Kill was okay, but the Gophers couldn't pull off a comeback in his absence.

It was the capstone to the comeback.

Biggest Moment: James Vandenberg rallies Iowa from 17 down

When Pittsburgh kicked a field goal to go up 27-10 with 12:09 to play in the fourth quarter of this September 17 matchup, Iowa's season went on life support. The Hawkeyes were one week removed from a devastating triple overtime loss to rival Iowa State, and seemed poised to start the season 1-2. The groans from the home crowd were understandable. So Kirk Ferentz did something uncharacteristic. He opened up the playbook. Quarterback James Vandenberg responded to the new mandate by hurling touchdown strikes of 14 and 25 yards to bring the Hawks within three. The defense stepped it up, and with almost three minutes to spare, Vandenberg found Kevonte Martin-Manley from 22 yards out to bring the Hawk's season back from the brink.

Stay tuned for October's memorable milestones...

Hard to believe, but it's Championship Week. Whoever is at the top of the integrated standings when the final whistle sounds will be the proud recipient of a $50.00 gift certificate, courtesy of Gameday Depot.

Integrated standings, what's that, you ask? Admittedly, I've been a bit lax announcing winners and updating the leaderboard on the site for the past month, but fortuantely, the fine servers at Yahoo! are not so easily distracted. Here's a look at the current Top 13:

1. downfall (236-50)

2. El Niche (235-51)

3 Boilerman31's Picks (234-52)

T-4 HoyaGoon (231-55)

T-4 Goldy Appreciation Society (231-55)

T-4 CatsArgentina (231-55)

T-4 Clint Barton (231-55)

T-8 Go Hawks (230-56)

T-8 Bama Hawkeye (230-56)

T-8 buckyor (230-56)

T-11 In The Deed The Glory (229-57)

T-11 GCS (229-57)

T-13 josephacampbell (228-58)

T-13 John Veldhuis (228-58)

T-13 cbrett42 (228-58)

T-13 PaternosGranddaughter (228-58)

Use this list to see how you measure up, then log onto Yahoo! to weigh in.


1. No. 22 TEXAS @ No. 17 BAYLOR, 3:30 p.m. EST (12/3)

GRAHAM predicts BAYLOR

Don’t pick against the Horns (oh, my bad TAMU, the horns) this year or they’ll break your heart. Lots of talent, per usual, and lots of defensive ability make them scary. Baylor with RG3, who is playing, is even scarier though. Baylah (like Tom Wolfe would write it) wins.

JON predicts BAYLOR

I watched the Oklahoma game. That's all you need to know.


2. THE SEC CHAMPIONSHIP, No. 14 GEORGIA vs. No. 1 LSU, 4:00 p.m. EST (12/3)



GRAHAM predicts LSU

Meaningless game apparently? Should be semi-entertaining, really no one’s made a run at LSU this year, so if Georgia even keeps it close, I’ll be watching. Even though it’s meaningless. LSU wins.

JON predicts LSU

LSU has nothing to lose. So why do they win? Defense. It's always the defense.

Continue reading this post »

OHIO STATE vs. No. 17 MICHIGAN (11/16) 12:00 p.m. ABC

GRAHAM predicts MICHIGAN

I picked Michigan over Michigan State. Big mistake. MSU was stronger, angrier, more aggressive. I feel the same way against OSU, but you can't discount the momentum that Michigan has picked up. UM at home in front of an ape-shit crowd.

JON predicts OHIO STATE

Graham and I met on a cloudy Saturday in November in 2003, when I hosted an Ohio State/Michigan party on campus at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and he showed up decked out in the maize and blue, instantly endearing himself as persona non grata.  No. 5 Michigan beat No. 4 Ohio State that day in Ann Arbor.  In the eight years (and two days) we've been friends it's the only time he's been able to celebrate the outcome of The Game.  Meanwhile, I've had my fair share of opportunities to gloat.  It's been an incredible ride, but all good things eventually have to end.

On paper this looks like a clear win for TSUN.  Michigan is rightfully ranked and coming off of its best win of the season, a 45-17 blowout of a solid Nebraska squad.  They're playing confident football on both sides of the ball -- especially on defense where first year coordinator Greg Mattison has pulled off a miracle turnaround.  Ohio State meanwhile has weathered back-to-back losses, has a one-dimensional offense, and a defense that's somehow more inconsistent than Oregon's uniforms.

So why am I picking the Buckeyes?  Well, for starters, I'd rather eat the point than pick the maize and blue.  And, for those of you who demand logic, Ohio State has shown that when it brings its "A Game" it's still pretty formidable (see Wisconsin.)  Plus the pressure is on the Wolverines to win. The Buckeyes have everything to gain.

Of course, they also have a lot to lose.  We'll probably never see a streak like this again in our lifetimes.  Unless, that is, a certain Urban Meyer ends up in Columbus.  I kid, I kid.

Go Bucks!

 
First comes love, then comes?

Late last week, reports surfaced that Ohio State and Urban Meyer had "spoken" about a prospective job opening in Columbus.  In a scoop that may well redefine the pejorative "reports vs. reacts" meme that professional journalists use to set themselves apart from bloggers, Eleven Warriors -- far and away the best Buckeye community on the web -- first broke the story, and ESPN later confirmed that there was "strong" interest on both sides.

On Saturday, from his comfortable perch in the broadcasting booth at Michigan Stadium, Meyer was given an opportunity to douse the bonfire of speculation with cold water, by stating that: 1. He had not spoken to Ohio State, either directly or indirectly, 2. He was not interested in returning to coaching at Ohio State or anywhere else, and 3. If offered a job at Ohio State, he would decline. 

Meyer did nothing of the sorts, stating "I've not been offered any job, and I've certainly not accepted any job."

If this non-denial denial only added more fuel to the flames, this morning's interview with Pat Dooley at The Gainesville Sun, has created an inferno.

Sure, Urban said that he has not interviewed for the Ohio State job, but what does that really mean?  Is fielding a phone call from a head hunter hired by Gene Smith to guage the interest of prospective candidates "interviewing"?  Of course not.  Neither is stating one's interest, or discussing salary terms.  Short of putting on a suit, printing out a resume, sitting down at a table with the Ohio State brass, and answering questions about strengths and weaknesses, Meyer can say in good faith that he has not "interviewed" for the Ohio State job.  And let's face it, coaches like Meyer don't actually interview anyway.  Their record speaks for itself.

But that's small potatoes compared to what Meyer went on to say. 

Continue reading this post »

Disclaimer: Notwithstanding the fact that this editorial is directed towards the Penn State community, the victims of the shocking sex abuse scandal at Penn State University are the children and the children alone.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Dear Penn State Fan/Alumni,

You don't know me.  Sure, we may have seen each other once or twice at a road game or a tailgate, but aside from a passing glance, and an occasional hello, we are strangers.  Heck, we're actually more like enemies.  After all, I'm a fan of The Ohio State University -- tOSU, or O$U as you might call it.  Since you guys joined the Big Ten Conference in the early-90s we've built a pretty spirited rivalry, with more than its fair share of heroics, heartbreaks, and triumphs.  To be sure, we've both crossed the line on occasion.  Urine balloon barbs and incontinence jabs have clouded the fact that we're actually not that different, you and I.  We're both proud disciples of two of the most storied programs in all of college football, and although you'd be hard pressed to get a Buckeye fan to say it to your face, we respect the hell out of you and your traditions.

I'm writing because I know how you feel right now.  The actions of your beloved president, coach, and athletic director have shaken your program to the core and have threatened your own faith in humanity.  You're shocked that someone you idolized could have done something so stupid, so selfish, so infuriatingly contradictory to the values they spent decades promoting.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not comparing what happened in Columbus to what's alleged to have happened in State College.  Only Bob Ryan is stupid enough to draw that parallel.  What I am saying is that I know what it feels like to have a personal hero disgraced.  To watch someone you admire, who did more good in a week than most of us do in our entire lifetimes get publicly shamed, and forced out under a cover of darkness.  To see a legacy irrevocably stained and treasured accomplishments tarnished.  To have one person's mistakes drag your university's good name through the mud.  To be labeled an accomplice to the crime by virtue of your fan allegiances.

As I was driving to work this morning, I heard one of your own call in to The Herd and explain that he didn't know how he was going to unapologetically put on the Blue and White and sing "Fight On, State" this Saturday.  He's not the only one to express that sentiment.  Perhaps you're feeling a little this way.

This is what I want to say to you.  You are not Joe Paterno.  You are not Tim Curley.  You are not Gary Schultz.  You are not Graham Spanier, and you are sure as hell not Jerry Sandusky.  Their alleged sins are not your own.  They may be the most recognizable faces of your beloved program, but they are not Penn State.  They are not a 156 year old center of higher learning.  They are not a century of football tradition.  Their flaws cannot eclipse the innumerable scientific, artistic, and humanitarian contributions your university, and its 44,000 students and 570,000 living alumni have made and will continue to make to the world at large.

Continue reading this post »

 

Two weeks ago I complained to my wife that this was a squeaky clean year in college football where favorites rolled and challengers collapsed.  That same day, Michigan State dealt Wisconsin the first of back-to-back heartbreaks, and Texas Tech abominated the Sooners at home.  So what if the national picture still feels a bit static.  The B1G race is shaping up to be one for the ages.  If you haven't already, take a look at KennardHusker's excellent Mid Season Division Arguments.  Then log onto Yahoo! to weigh in.

1. No. 15 MICHIGAN @ IOWA, 12:00 p.m. EST (11/5)

GRAHAM predicts MICHIGAN

Michigan, the four point favorites, and yet against a standard Kirk Ferentz team at home, I would typically go with Iowa. I still don't trust Michigan against angry teams on the road, but I'll follow Vegas on this one and go with the Wolverines.

JON predicts MICHIGAN

I've been to Kinnick Stadium.  It's a tough place to play on the road.  But, as Bama Hawkeye lamented earlier this week, this is an uncharacteristically soft Iowa team.  I still think the Wolverine offense is vulnerable to an aggressive defensive front.  But unless the 2009 Iowa defense makes a special guest appearance, I just don't trust the Hawks to make places to shorten drives.  The Wolverines jump out to a double digit lead and hold on on the road.    

2. MINNESOTA @ No. 17 MICHIGAN STATE, 12:00 p.m. EST (11/5)



GRAHAM predicts MICHIGAN STATE

MSU has the perfect defense to slow the Gophers: active blitzers and penetrating linemen. Gray is going to get hit hard and early, just like every other QB MSU's faced not named Taylor Martinez.

JON predicts MICHIGAN STATE

No question, Sparty occasionally turns into a noctambulist on the road.  But now that last week's let down is out of their system I say they get back into form at home.  Make no mistake, a gutsy on-sides kick won't be the difference in this one.

Continue reading this post »

FTC disclosure: This contest is sponsored by Gameday Depot and SB Nation.

Congratulations to RedPoo for winning Week 9 of The Obligatory Predictions Competition and taking home the $10 gift certificate from Gameday Depot. Be on the lookout for a confirmation email with instructions on how to claim your prize.  (On a completely unrelated note, you might want to get that gastro-intestinal condition checked out.  We're always looking out for the health of our readers.)

There's another $10 gift certificate up for grabs this week and a $50 gift certificate for the entire season, so keep at it.

The integrated leaderboard is after the jump.

Continue reading this post »

Will this be another straight laced week in college football?  Log onto Yahoo! to play.

1. ILLINOIS @ PURDUE, 12:00 p.m. EST (10/22)

GRAHAM predicts ILLINOIS

It's got to be Illinois, even on the road. Are they ripe for upset after OSU gave everyone the blueprint? Yup, but OSU also has a Top 10 defense nationally. Illinois on the road, in another close game that Purdue would love to have.

JON predicts ILLINOIS

Sure, OSU outlined a model defensive blueprint in last week's constrictive win over the Illini.  But the 40 mile per hour wind gusts certainly didn't hurt.  Nathan Scheelhaase and A.J. Jenkins get back in rhythm in West Lafayette against the languid Boilermakers.

2. No. 22 GEORGIA TECH @ MIAMI (FL), 3:30 p.m. EST (10/22)



GRAHAM predicts MIAMI

I'm just not sold on Georgia Tech - Miami knocked 'em off last year and the Canes aren't plagued by Jacory Harris TO's this year. Canes get the win at home.

JON predicts GEORGIA TECH

In a week full of phone-in predictions, this toss up match probably carries a lot more weight than it should.  Interesting statistic: Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson is 3-0 in games following his first loss of the season.  Those wins are by an average of 18 points.  Graham isn't sold on the Jackets.  Well, I'm not sold on Jacory Harris.  Say what you want about him turning over a new leaf, I think he's still mistake prone, especially with the opportunistic Rod Sweeting in the Tech secondary.  A shorthanded Cane defensive line can't handle the triple-option and the Jackets escape with another conference win. 

Continue reading this post »

FTC disclosure: This contest is sponsored by Gameday Depot and SB Nation.

Congratulations to cjkanski for winning Week 7 of The Obligatory Predictions Competition and the $10 gift certificate from Gameday Depot. Be on the lookout for a confirmation email with instructions on how to claim your prize.

There's another $10 gift certificate up for grabs this week and a $50 gift certificate for the entire season, so keep playing.

Work interferes once again, so check the standings at Yahoo!.

Something tells me this is one of those deceptively tricky weeks.  Log onto Yahoo! and get in the game.

1. No. 11 MICHIGAN @ No. 23 MICHIGAN STATE, 12:00 p.m. EST (10/15)

GRAHAM predicts MICHIGAN

Everyone's healthy. That's why I say Michigan has a shot. I know Sparty's a FG fav in Vegas, I know MSU plays real tough against Denard. But the suddenly alive Michigan D is healthier and better coached than it has been for so long. Wolverines win on the road.

JON predicts MICHIGAN

This is the game of the week as far as I'm concerned.  I've read a lot about how Michigan State's defense will have no problem containing Denard Robinson.  I respectfully disagree.

2. PURDUE @ PENN STATE, 12:00 p.m. EST (10/15)



GRAHAM predicts PENN STATE

Purdue can score points....against Mini. But against PSU? In Happy Valley? Nah. PSU picks up another win.

JON predicts PENN STATE

Yeah, don't let last week's performance fool you.  Purdue is still a hot mess on both sides of the ball and Penn State's defense is the real deal.

Continue reading this post »

FTC disclosure: This contest is sponsored by Gameday Depot and SB Nation.

Congratulations to Spartan D for winning Week 6 of the The Obligatory Predictions Competition and the $10 gift certificate from Gameday Depot. Be on the lookout for a confirmation email with instructions on how to claim your prize.

There's another $10 gift certificate up for grabs this week and a $50 gift certificate for the entire season, so keep playing.

The integrated leaderboard is after the jump.

Continue reading this post »

Continue reading this post »

FTC disclosure: This contest is sponsored by Gameday Depot and SB Nation.

Congratulations to Spotted42 for winning last week's installment of The Obligatory Predictions Competition and the $10 gift certificate from Gameday Depot. Be on the lookout for a confirmation email with instructions on how to claim your prize.

There's another $10 gift certificate up for grabs this week and a $50 gift certificate for the entire season, so keep playing.

Life intervenes this week, so to see the full standings for your group, click on the appropriate link: OPC 1, OPC 2.

As my wife will tell you, I'm a glass half full kind of guy.  I also subscribe to the belief that experienced, well-trained individuals in executive level positions are generally better at their jobs than the emotional, irrational, lay-critics that second guess them.  In other words, it takes a lot before I'm ready to call for anyone's head.

Having said that, there's a time and a place for everything, and the best way to minimize the short and long term effects of the 2010-2011 scandal at Ohio State is to make a clear break with the past.

Here is how to fix Ohio State football in five easy steps:

STEP 1: Fire Offensive Coordinator Jim Bollman

When: Now

Why: Jim Bollman needs to go sooner rather than later.  He isn't developing athletes and his playcalling is prehistoric.  Ohio State currently ranks 108th nationally in total offense.  The Buckeyes were 13 seconds away from being shut out at home on Saturday for the first time in almost 30 years.  Of all the bottom barrel offenses, Bollman's is the only one loaded with elite talent.  An offensive line stocked with 5-star recruits and one of the best centers in the country in Michael Brewster is pillow soft.  Meanwhile, as Along the Olentangy notes, Bollman "has forced Miller into a pro-style offense, bludgeoning his athleticism and inexperience into a natural, experienced passer's hole. The routes being run-- square-ins, deep posts, fades-- are vestiges of Ohio State's 2010 playbook, and they reveal an offensive staff unable to adjust. TerrellePryor, now an Oakland Raider, rarely threw these routes his first two seasons, yet the Buckeye coaches somehow deem Miller capable."  (emphasis added.)

Just as importantly, Bollman's departure will help quell staff and player tensions.  It's no secret that the offense and defensive coaches don't get along.  The internet was swirling this morning with rumors of a September confrontation between Linebackers Coach Mike Vrabel and Bollman.  At a press conference after Saturday's game, running back Carlos Hyde openly criticised the offensive game plan, and at least one defensive starter dissed the offense.  Luke Fickell is one locker room argument away from losing control of his team, and the risk of mutiny increases each week that the feuding coaching staff is kept together.

So bite the bullet.  Fire Jim Bollman today, and give someone (anyone) else on the offensive staff a shot at calling plays.

The Possible Downside: None.  I really mean it.  We're already ranked in the bottom 20 nationally in offense, and Bollman refuses to change his ways.  There's really nowhere to go but up.

STEP 2. Fire Head Coach Luke Fickell

When: If Ohio State fails to make a bowl game or is ineligible... Monday, November 28th, after the conclusion of the regular season.  If Ohio State makes a bowl game... Announce on November 28th that Fickell isn't coming back to give the Athletic Department an entire month to conduct a coaching search.  (In other words, don't follow the Michigan model.)  Allow Fickell to coach his team in the bowl, while the new coach gladhands on the sidelines.

Why: You would be hard pressed to find anyone in Columbus that doesn't respect Fickell's attitude, committment, or work ethic.  And everyone knows he's been put between a rock and a hard place.  But let's face it, coaching FBS football -- like any one of a number of specialized professions -- is experience dependent.  Just as a junior litigator (like myself) can't first chair a big trial right out of law school, a first time head coach lacks the experience to make important decisions on the fly.  Of course, promising coordinators take head coaching jobs every year, but they don't go to powerhouse programs where public scrutiny is unavoidable -- they set up shop in sleepy college towns like Bowling Green and Muncie, establish a system through trial and error, and develop chemistry with their staff before they take the plunge. 

Want proof that Fickell is no exception?  Look at his clock management in the final minute of the first half against Michigan State.  Down 7-0, with 39 seconds on the clock, Carlos Hyde rushed for 13 yards for a first down at the MSU 49-yard line.  Although Fickell had two timeouts, he let five seconds run off the clock before he called one of them.  Two plays later, on 2nd and 6 Braxton Miller was sacked for a loss of eight yards to the Ohio State 47.  There were still 13 seconds on the clock.  (There should have been 18.)  Rather than use his last time out to stop the clock to set up a quick pass, spike, and field goal attempt, or jump ball in the endzone, Fickell conceded the half.  The Buckeyes went on to lose to the Spartans by 3 points.

A big time coach cannot afford to make that kind of mistake.  It's the kind of thing other coaches use against you in recruiting -- where we're already getting killed because of Fickell's lack of proven ability.

The Possible Downside: Again, this is really a no brainer.  Other than alienating a talented alumni who could blossom into a elite coach five to ten years down the road, there really is no reason not to replace Fickell at the end of the season.

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The 1906 college football season saw the introduction of the forward pass.  In the some 100 seasons since, a number of teams have struggled to integrate this new-fanged dimension into their offensive attack.  To be sure Ohio State's anemic performance Saturday (143 yards passing) falls well short of the statistical low water mark.  But if you're anything like me -- unfortunate enough to witness four quarters of Jim Bollman's prehistorically pathetic offense -- you can't help but feel like you were just transported back to the nineteenth century.

Okay, I'm being melodramatic, but let's face it.  Out of the 120 some odd offenses in college football, 75 could have won today's game -- a game in which a visiting opponent scored just a single touchdown in over three quarters of play.  Buoyed by the home crowd, and a tough-as-nails defensive effort, all but the most impotent cellar dwellers could have shown some semblance of a pulse and put together one drive.  One lousy freaking drive.

But we couldn't do that.  At least not until the final seconds.  Why?  Because we have one of the worst offenses in college football.  I'm not talking about statistics.  I'm talking about the look test.  And God help us, we look awful.

To be sure, Michigan State boasts a terrific defense, and guys like Jerel Worthy and William Gholston deserve a ton of credit for shaking our confidence -- for suffocating the small embryo that is our offensive identity.  But at the end of the day, the buck stops here, and responsibility begins and ends with Mr. Bollman.

Of course I'm biased.  I've never liked Bollman.  But not because he can't call plays, because he can't develop a consistent offensive line.  That -- not the reluctant play of a freshman quarterback or the inability of young wideouts to get open -- is what killed Ohio State's offensive mojo Saturday.  it's not a lack of talent -- the Buckeyes have one of the best centers in the country in Michael Brewster and the kind of size and speed up front that coaches like Oregon's Chip Kelly dream about.  It's a lack of leadership.

That lack of leadership was counteracted in the Tressel era by a host of veteran play-makers.  Now, it's up to the freshman to improvise.

It's a B1G week, with B1G potential for upsets.  Who ya got?  Log onto Yahoo! and get your picks in.

1. NORTHWESTERN @ No. 24 ILLINOIS, 12:00 p.m. EST (10/1)

GRAHAM predicts ILLINOIS

Illinois is better than NW, but take this game off the betting table because of #PersaQuestionMark. Illinois wins

JON predicts ILLINOIS

If I actually believed Dan Persa was going to play like Dan Persa, I might be tempted to take the Wildcats.  But this is not your typical Illinois team.  A balanced offense and aggressive defense are hallmarks of the most promising team Ron Zook has fielded since 2007.  Leaders 1, Legends 0.

2. MINNESOTA @ No. 19 MICHIGAN, 12:00 p.m. EST (10/1)



GRAHAM predicts MICHIGAN

Too much terrible Gopher football to pick the upset. Michigan wins.

JON predicts MICHIGAN

Normally, the Wolverines are the team I can't figure out.  But Al Borges' shifty shotgun attack, and Greg Mattison's zombie (as in, back from the dead) defense, have elevated my confidence in the maize and blue.  Not that they'll actually get tested against a moribund Minnesota squad.  The Gophers have played exactly two quarters of decent football all season.  The rest has been largely forgettable.  The same will be true for this game after the second quarter.

 

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FTC disclosure: This contest is sponsored by Gameday Depot and SB Nation.

In addition to being staffed on a crazy case at the office, my entire extended family was in L.A. last weekend for a wedding, so needless to say I was forced to neglect my regular duties as Master of Ceremonies of the OPC.

Nevertheless, far be it from me to deprive anyone of their rightful 15 minutes of fame, so let me take this opportunity to recognize both the Week 3 and Week 4 winners of the Obligatory Predictions Competition, Hatchet13 and Justinian.

Both individuals bag $10 gift certificates to Gameday Depot. (Hatchet13, you should have already gotten yours.  Justinian, be on the lookout for a confirmation email with instructions on how to claim your prize.) You can choose one that can be used for officially licensed NCAA apparel and merchandise or one that can be used for custom t-shirts you create yourself.

You know the drill.  We'll be giving away another $10 gift certificate this week. Don't forget to make your picks before the deadline, and remember, a $50 gift certificate is on the line for whoever wins the entire season, so keep playing each week.

The integrated Week 4 Leaderboard will appear after the jump.

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We're kicking things off a little early this week with a prime Thursday night SEC matchup.  Log onto Yahoo! and get your picks in.

1. PITTSBURGH @ IOWA, 12:00 p.m. EST (9/17)

GRAHAM predicts IOWA

Well apparently this isn't your 2009 Hawkeye defense. But how do you pick against a wounded Hawkeye team at home? You don't. Iowa wins.

JON predicts IOWA

Last week I went to a bar in Pasadena at 9:00 a.m. donned in scarlet and gray to watch Ohio State play Toledo (Time Warner Cable in Los Angeles doesn't offer the Big Ten Network) and unexpectedly found myself smack in the middle of a sea of Iowa alumni who were there to watch their beloved Hawks take on Iowa State.  Things were cordial at first.  After all, I always root for the B1G out of conference.  But then Toledo took a 15-7 lead, one of the Iowa fans shouted "Go Zips!" [Ed. I think he met Rockets.  But you get the idea], and the entire contingent started obnoxiously rooting against the Buckeyes (and by extension, me).  An Iowa fan with a mullet slapped me on the back when Tyler Moeller missed a tackle, and in the process I spilled a few ounces of beer.

That was the final straw.  Naturally, I did what any self-respecting fan would.  I started cheering hard for the Cyclones. 

To be sure, Iowa's ultimate loss -- and Ferentz's horrible late game decision making -- made the B1G partisan in me sick.  But they don't know that...

As much as I want to penalize the Hawks for an embarrassing defensive showing last week in Ames, I think this team rebounds and makes a run in conference.  Redemption starts Saturday at Kinnick.

2. MIAMI (OH) @ MINNESOTA, 3:30 p.m. EST (9/17)



GRAHAM predicts MIAMI

The ol' Alma Mater showed me a lot of defensive toughness against Mizzou in their first game. Minnesota has one stud WR and...not too much else. Miami OH wins, on the road. Their last matchup in the Dome was a classic, btw.

JON predicts MIAMI

Funny Graham should mention that last Miami/Minnesota matchup.  My sister's boyfriend was Miami's kicker in that game.  I've followed this Redhawk team pretty closely (including seeing them up close and personal last year at Bowling Green, versus Northern Illinois in the MAC Championship Game, and in the GoDaddy.com bowl), and I'm convinced this is the strongest group of athletes Oxford has had since 2002 when Miami was led by Big Ben.  Zac Dysert shreds the Gopher secondary a la Matt Barkley, and the Redhawks claim a B1G scalp.

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FTC disclosure: This contest is sponsored by Gameday Depot and SB Nation.

Congratulations to TigerHawks for finishing first in this week's edition of The Obligatory Predictions Competition and bagging a $10 gift certificate from Gameday Depot. Be on the lookout for a confirmation email with instructions on how to claim your prize. You can choose one that can be used for officially licensed NCAA apparel and merchandise or one that can be used for custom t-shirts you create yourself.

It's worth noting that our very own Chadnudj finished tied for the top spot, but since OTE staff aren't eligible for prize, TigerHawk takes the loot.

We'll be giving away another $10 gift certificate this week so step up your game. Don't forget to make your picks before the deadline, and remember, a $50 gift certificate is on the line for whoever wins the entire season, so keep playing each week.

The integrated leaderboard is after the jump.

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It's that time again.  Log onto Yahoo! and get your picks in for Week 2.

1. IOWA @ IOWA STATE, 12:00 p.m. EST (9/10)



GRAHAM predicts IOWA

This has all the markings of "should be a blowout, away, which is more fun, but Iowa will lose a key starter to injury early, then the game is closer than you predicted." The individual brought in to replace the injured starter will subsequently become 1st team All B1G and be drafted in the NFL.

JON predicts IOWA

This second-tier rivalry gained a bit of notoriety at the end of August, when the new CyHawk trophy was unveiled to universal criticism.  I don't know what temporary trinket these two squads will be playing for, but I do know that it will belong to the Hawkeyes after 60-minutes.  The Vandenberg/McNutt show continues in Ames.


2. PURDUE @ RICE, 3:30 p.m. EST (9/10)




GRAHAM predicts RICE

Pretty easy to pick the upset here as Purdue continues to show why it's not the class of the B1G. The old saying goes, "if you struggled against MTSU, you struggle against everyone." But hey, MTSU ain't so bad, right? Wrong. Rice wins.

JON predicts PURDUE

I think it goes without saying that this is one of the toughest games to pick this week.  Purdue needed a blocked field goal last Saturday to close out a languid Middle Tennessee State squad who moved the football on the Boilers seemingly at will.  I want to believe that last week's near death experience has Caleb Terbush and Ralph Bolden motivated.  Rice is no gimme, which might be bad news for Danny Hope in Big Ten play, but I think Purdue does just enough to get to 2-0.

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If covering the past fifteen months of college football expansion on the site has taught me anything, it's that the rumor mill generates a lot more smoke than it does fire.  Still, with the latest development that SEC presidents have unaminiously approved Texas A&M's application for membership, it's clear that a small religious school in Waco, Texas is the only thing standing between college football as we know it and a brave new world. 

Sure, it's possible that the nine remaining members of the Big 12 will band even tighter together after A&M's departure like a Chinese finger trap.  It could be that embattled Commissioner Dan Beebe will roll up his sleeves, dust off his spectacles, and pull off an improbable eleventh-hour come back for the second year in a row.  But that seems less and less likely every day.  Especially after Oklahoma President David Boren's comments last week made it clear that it's minutes to midnight for the Sooners.

So, it appears that we're about to watch the death of the Big 12 Conference.  You can't say I didn't warn you.  But before you start salivating at the prospect of a new world order, and trumpeting the dawn of super-conferences from sea to shining sea, take a step back for one moment and consider just what it is that makes college football so special.

I submit that it's the sport's regional character.  The unquantifiable milieu of Saturdays on campus.  In the Midwest, where I fell in love with the game, that means the pre-dawn crunch of sneakers in gravel lots, lugging coolers across frost covered fields to set up to tailgate, and soaking up the sweet smell of charcoal and draft beer outside the stadium.  It's blue skies and bonfires.  Orange leafs and freezing fourth quarters.

Each cross-section of the country has its own unique characteristics.  And although no amount of re-alignment can take away Monroe Street in Madison, the pastoral charm of State College, or golf course tailgating in Ann Arbor, it can remove the common threads that form the basis of conference identification.  This unique, in our case Midwestern, identity is what brings us together, and helps forge long-standing rivalries and ultimately (dare I say) genune respect for one another and the institutions in which we charter the course of our lives.

This is why we root for one another in the out of conference season.  Not just because it helps our strength of schedule, but because we believe that the B1G is a larger embodiment of our selves.  Land grant.  Middle west.  Corn fed.  I think it's important that we don't lose sight of that if and when the music starts.