I changed my pick to Ohio State. In addition to being a very good team I think they have all the intangibles going for them. BT, when do you leave for New Orleans? I believe you are going to enjoy this trip.
Bill, I am looking forward to the game. Hopefully we will fare a little bit better this year. :roll: Don
I waffle on this game because I just don't know if LSU can match the motivation of the Buckeyes. I suspect it comes down to the wire and one of Mile's gambles. I think he doesn't make it because OSU just will not fold. Prediction: Ohio State 23 LSU 20
Bill, I heading down Saturday afternoon. Playing golf Sunday at the TPC-Louisiana - Anybody played there? - I've enjoyed most of the TPC courses I've played so looking forward to this one....Spending the weekend with tens of thousands of my closest friends from the Buckeye Nation on Bourbon Street and a stray LSU fan or two..... :wink: and then on to the ballgame Monday evening, returning home Tuesday evening. Should be a great time.... As for the ballgame, I think the spread is about right....we're 4 point dogs. I think if we can establish Beanie early the offense should be fine. Getting a couple hats on Dorsey will be a challenge so getting the running game going is problematic. We'll struggle if the running game isn't effective as we just don't have the gamebreakers outside that we've been used to....defensively I think we'll be fine. I'm concerned about the Perilloux kid making some plays with his feet and moving the chains and the Hester kid running hard between the tackles. If our DT's can't keep Laurinaitis clean they could just grind us to a pulp but I can't see them doing that consistently and being able to sustain drives against this group. I see a tough, hardnosed, physical old-school style match-up with the defenses carrying the day in a tight battle to the gun. That doesn't bode well for us, in that LSU is playing at home and have been in many tight ballgames this year.....we've really only been in 2 or 3 real struggles. That said, I think they'll be ready to play and I like our chances....
I cash in two bowl polls if OSU wins. I think that last year left a bitter bitter taste in their mouths. They have a chance at redemption this year. This time I don't think that the long layoff mattered. I'll be surprised if they don't play with great emotion in this game.
I had the same thoughts with regard to the OU/WVU game. I figured that OU would remember the sting of the Boise State humiliation last year and take apart the Mountaineers. I mean OU defense was big and fast, OU offense had a great running game and Sam Bradford and his recievers were outstanding all year. I figured Stoops would have them at peak emotion to obliterate a WVU team who was in dissarray from the events of the past month plus the disappointing loss at home to a mediocre Pitt team. I thought the OU defense wuold knock Pat White out of the game. I thought wrong!! OU SUCKS!
Ironically if you look back over the years, the under dog has come out on top. Not always, but I like the odds. Don
Don, I think it will be critical for this young group to maintain their poise early.....make no mistake, this is a home game for LSU and the Dome is gonna be rockin' full of ragin' cajuns well-fueled from a day on Bourbon St. I fully expect them to face some adversity early. How they respond is going to be the great challenge. It's a young group but they've been here and done that, the experience of which is huge. They responded well in front of a huge white-out clad crowd in Happy Valley after falling behind early and in the face of a solid defense, answered with a TDd of their own to retake the lead for good. I don't expect the deer in the headlights stare that we saw out of the young Illini bunch, but for sure, they are going to have to be prepared to match the intensity and emotion early as the Tigers play to the home crowd.
I believe you have it right BT and I expect that Sugar Bowl will be rocking. Let me say to you and anyone else here that might be heading for the game, have a good time! I'm envious.
Buckeye Terry, Thus far we have played well on the road and in hostile situations. No doubt the crowd will be noisy and favor LSU. Have a nice safe trip. Don
BTW...I think that those of you who think that OSU is going to win because of some intangible emotional advantage because of last year's game are WAY OFF BASE... I do think that we learned some lessons...I do expect Tressel to have the team properly prepared...physically, intellectually, and emotionally. But I also expect that LSU will come out ready to play...they are extremely talented and just a couple of plays away from being undefeated with a very tough schedule...they are scary. This is an extremely good matchup...it could be highly entertaining due to the quality of the two teams...just don't let it be another blowout...please!
Well Stu I have a wager that gives me Ohio State and 9.5 points. I say if the Buckeyes cannot parlay last year's motivation into staying within that generous spread then forget 'em.....I don't want to hear about it again next year or the year after. These guys had better step it up and I think they will.
MCG, Would you please pass along the name and phone number of the guy who gave you OSU and 9.5 points? He is going to have a whole bunch of new friends. :lol: :lol: (Just kidding. I don't bet.)
Sid, The Jags tonight had to play a good game for me to get those extra points and they did just enough. I had Jax plus 4 and then OSU plus 9.5 if the Jags worked out...which they did winning by two. Now...as I said....if OSU "steps on their crank".....man I love that term ( thanks BT ) ....then PLEASE don't tell me about dem Buckeyes ever again.... 8)
This is all empty talk unless your provide us with the number of the person taking LSU and laying 9.5. All empty talk. 8)