It is that time of the year again in the Big Ten, with the opening salvo of conference games. The Illini will visit Columbus with 8 returning starters on offense, led by Juice Williams, their star QB. Their big problem, at least early on, will be the defense. On the other hand the Buckeyes looked pretty strong on the defensive side of the ball. Now if we can just maintain some consistency on the offense, we should be ok. The Illini have been a thorn in our side several times in recent years. Don
We have had periodic struggles with Illinois for a long, long time.....for whatever reason, they always play us tough. They've lost a lot and I am not sure what they've got this year, but I'll take any kind of W, any kind of way. Don, I like this defense alot. The front is big, fast, athletic and nasty and the the linebackers run very well. The secondary was my biggest concern coming in to this season but have shown well thus far and met some big challenges. Offensively we are very young, but very talented - no Beanies running the football to be sure, but a stable of serviceable backs....as this unit grows up over the course of the season, we could have a very nasty football team by year end. Cris Carter's kid - already starting as a true frosh against SC - is going to be a freak just like his Daddy......Daddy's hands, hops and size with more wiggle and better jets. Good combo..... 8)
I have a question about OSU schedule. How come you guys went to Toledo? Is that part of the deal to keep the Leg off your back by not only playing Ohio teams but also go to their stadiums?
While technically it was a home game for Toledo, the game was held in Cleveland Stadium where the Browns play.....the game was sold-out - a win-win for all parties - extra money for the Rockets and always good exposure for the Buckeyes in Cleveland - both from an alum perspective but also a nice recruiting trip.....and yes, the legislature is very sensitive to bringing other schools in state for a payday if we don't include in-state schools as well.....
I once went to Toledo when Indiana played them there. It's a nice stadium for a MAC team. It's been a while, but I'm thinking it doesn't seat more than about 20,000.
Nasty day for football in The Shoe, but Tressel decided to keep the ball on the ground. (Good choice) It rained most of the day. I thought we did a commendable job of running the football. Pryor only threw the ball a couple times in the first half. Our defense was the story of the day and Jyice Willimas did not screw us this time around. In all fairness to him, his supporting cast is now what it has been the last several years. On to Inidana next week for our first road game of the season. Don
The Big Ten continued its hardline attitude toward rule enforcement Monday, suspending Ohio State star safety Kurt Coleman for one game because of a helmet-to-helmet hit delivered against Illinois. Coleman drew a personal foul for his hit on Fighting Illini backup quarterback Eddie McGee late in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 30-0 Ohio State victory in Columbus. The Buckeyes senior was not ejected from the game, but the Big Ten assessed the play as part of a new NCAA rule mandating conference review of any flagrant personal foul, specifically those regarding helmet-to-helmet contact. After reviewing tape and consulting with the NCAA's national coordinator of officials Dave Parry, the league decided to suspend Coleman for this week's game at Indiana. Coleman, a second-team All-Big Ten selection last year and a team captain, ranks second on the team with 29 tackles to go along with three forced fumbles and an interception. Coleman is the third player the league has suspended in the last three weeks. Michigan linebacker Jonas Mouton received a one-game suspension for punching Notre Dame's Eric Olsen in a Sept. 12 game. Purdue Boilermakers offensive lineman Zach Reckman was suspended a game for a late hit on a Northern Illinois player after the Boilermakers' loss on Sept. 19.
Very poor judgement on Coleman's part, especially for a team captain. I have no problem with the one game suspension. Don
I commented on the play earlier on another topic and thought it likely he'd get suspended. Stupid, especially for a senior captain. Coach yanked him immediately after the play and he didn't see the field again.....uncharacteristic for Coleman, but he should know better than that stupid stunt.