Our Honor Defend

At long last, The Game is nigh.  Tomorrow, the Buckeyes and Wolvereenies play each other in the least interesting The Game matchup in what seems like forever.  For the Buckeyes, a win against Them will go a long way in securing its 5th BCS bowl bid in 6th years.  Depending on the outcome of the Penn State-Sparty game, their destinations may be Pasadena, New Orleans or even Miami.  For the Wolvereenies, this game represents the screeching halt to, empirically, their worst season in program history.

It has not been an easy transition year for first year head coach Rich Rodriguez.  Ryan Mallett’s departure after he took the reins left him with a walk-on transfer from Georgia Tech and Nick Sheridan, who equals death.  Justin Boren left, and the offensive line has not been up to the task of blocking in Rodriguez’ schemes.  Stephen Schilling, probably Rodriguez’ best lineman this season… which isn’t saying much… injured his knee in practice and is questionable for the game.  Further, the woes for that team that shall not be further named aren’t just limited to on the field stuff.  Sam McYouTube has been a constant transfer rumor for the past two weeks or so (though he is scheduled to play tomorrow), Zion Babb among others has been kicked off the team and Rodriguez has also lost a few recruits along the way.

All of this has led recently profiled MGoBlog author and Sean Waltman doppelganger¹ (see: Exhibit A, Exhibit B) to openly laugh at any prospect of Ohio State losing on Saturday.  In that same radio interview, Jason of Eleven Warriors expressed a little more optimism for That Team Up North’s chances on Saturday, though thinking that end result should be something similar to TTUN’s Penn State game earlier this year (brilliant first quarter, inability to play for all 4 quarters).  In short, with a 19.5 point spread given to the Buckeyes by the Vegas folks, most everyone seems to have this in the bag for the Buckeyes.

Of course, maybe I’m alone in being terrified about this game, but mostly because I fret over the Wolvereenies every day.  Indeed, the sole existence of the University of Michigan is an act of violence to my very essence and I will not sleep a quiet sleep until the ultimate demolition of said institution of evil and higher learning.  Still, on the matter at hand, the Wolvereenie defense poses some consternation for me tomorrow and, naturally, it’s because of our offensive line.  While there may not be a lot to boast about on the TTUN front four, it is probably their strength.  Moreover, our offensive line is certainly not our strength.  With an inconsistent, and sometimes outright awful, offensive line comes a variability of outcomes on offense.  Sometimes they’ve looked brilliant (Troy, Michigan State); other times they’ve made me hate life (Penn State, Purdue, USC, Ohio).  It’s no secret to anyone involved what the Buckeyes’ game plan will be when Ohio State has the ball.  But, if Beanie dives are going to work, our offensive line will have to handle the opposing front 4, 3 of whom are returning starters.  TTUN’s rush defense hasn’t been very good, allowing over 128ypg.  Further, they’ve been awful on defense, period (66th nationally on total defense, 80th nationally on point defense, 89th nationally on pass defense).  In fairness to the front four, much of that has been because of the TTUN offense’s inability to stay on the field.  If the running game works well enough to allow an air raid from Pryor, this game should effectively be over soon.

Sooo, this will be Heacock’s chance to shine on defense and show Buckeye fans that the very sight of a spread option offense won’t make his units explode like they did in January 2007².  To the frustration of the opposing fans, Nick Sheridan, the Harbinger of Doom himself, is the likely starter against Ohio State tomorrow.  Justin Feagin will be a change of pace QB.  This is a small victory by itself; while Threet and Sheridan aren’t very good, Threet is just so much better.  However, Threet will likely sit because of a separated shoulder.  McYouTube will be back from a family funeral in Texas and is slated to play, though it’s apparent to me that Brandon Minor is probably their best option at tailback.  Regardless of which of the Carr-era personnel that Rodriguez goes with, he still finds his offense at the bottom of the Big Ten and 105th nationally in offensive production (299ypg).  Sheridan looked not so bad in a victory against Minnesota, but was 8/29 against Nerdwestern last week in the loss.  The Wolvereenies have been unable to sustain drives and unable to score more than 30 points in a game with just one exception.  However, hanging 42 on Purdue isn’t a lot to write home about… though I wish we could’ve done it.  On paper, there doesn’t appear to be a lot to be threatened about by M*ch*g*n’s lack of thoroughbreds, but I keep running through worst-case scenarios in my brain.  The defensive line has to dominate in order to let That Team Up North know who is the 3 touchdown favorite.  Pressure up the interior will be really important.  With Nader Abdallah’s recent brilliance, I guess I should feel pretty good about it.

With mismatches that abound in this match-up, more than a few Buckeye fans are wanting to run up the score against Rodriguez.  Naturally, I would love to run up the score too, but just because of my unadulterated hatred for all things maize and blue.  Indeed, I would be more than fine with the opposing team and fans meeting the same fate as Achan, even down to slaughtering and burning worldly possessions, children and cattle ³.  Afterwards, we’ll bomb Ann Arbor (now!) and bring death to the whole state. More importantly, though, I’d be fine with the Buckeyes being in a position to run up the score, whether Tressel chooses to do so or to kill clock and take home a win.  First things first.

Also, for those of you lucky to be in attendance, don’t be that guy that doesn’t clap or even boos players like Maurice Wells or Todd Boeckman when they get their introduction.  In fact, make sure you let them know that their dedication to the cause isn’t lost on you.  Cheer louder, even.

Ohio State wins if… ceteris paribus.  If this game were played on paper, we’d take home our 3 touchdown victory and be grateful for it.  Offensive and defensive lines have to show up to this game, though.

That Team Up North wi*gag*… sorry.  Nevertheless, they could secure their first victory in Columbus under Tressel and first in 8 years if the Buckeye coaching staff has really learned nothing about this spread thingie that’s swept the college football landscape.  The LSU and USC games have underscored how we can’t safely presume learning from past mistakes and that our coverages on defense can be ripped to shreds.  Of course, That Team Up North doesn’t have the horses that LSU and USC has.  Missed tackles are also a no-no for the Buckeye defense this game, but they were an issue against Illinois.  This is Senior Day, though, and losing to Them on Senior Day is not an option, dammit.  Important for the Wolvereenies is winning each quarter and sewing the seeds of doubt in Ohio State’s mind.  The issue for them shouldn’t be how they probably don’t have the thoroughbreds to win a 4 quarter race, but rather focusing on winning each interval and making the Buckeyes’ second guess themselves.

Oh, and should the Buckeyes be icing the game away in the final seconds, make sure to storm the pitch as such in 1970 and 1994.

1. This is all meant as light-hearted ribbing.  There’s nothing mean-spirited in this observation and I’m not trying to ruffle any feathers or start a blogfight or anything like that.  I respect Brian immensely for what he does. [↩]
2. I think I remember reading a few months back after the Rodriguez hire that a few Buckeye assistants flew down to Tampa to meet with USF personnel and discuss how they contained Rodriguez while he was at WVU.  I can’t find that article, though. [↩]
3. ahhh, aren’t rivalries grand? [↩]