Thursday’s Grab Bag — Iowa! Iowa!
Further, and perhaps most importantly, it’d be a credible signal delivered to the rest of the conference that in a season where A) we wondered if our offensive line was on the verge of collapse, B) we wondered if Jim Tressel still had it as a playcaller, C) we wondered if our star QB would ever realize his potential, D) we suffered a monumental drop-off in production from the tailback position and E) we wondered how gone is our offensive coordinator, we’re still capable of winning the conference.
In short, I want this victory, badly. Iowa is no slouch. Their defense, especially that monster of a defensive end, will be formidable. This discussion will be expanded in the preview post. In the meantime, here are some things to consider.
We Now Know Why Anderson Russell Has Been Starting
I was curious why Anderson Russell creeped his way back into the starting lineup. Jermale Hines had some start-up costs associated with more playing time, but it was clear to me that he was a superior option to Russell even when he struggled at times with the position. After all, it’s not like Jermale Hines was injured or anything.
Actually, he is. He has a nagging elbow injury that still permits him to play, but it’s in Paul Haynes’ interest to reduce wear and tear for Hines. Therefore, Anderson Russell has been seeing more minutes. Unfortunate, but certainly understandable.
Rounding Out Injury Notes
Adams and Shugarts are probable, but will see limited time. The big question is Pryor. Pryor has been favoring his ankle ever since taking a hit in the second quarter of the New Mexico State game. He admits he’s in pain and that it lingers every time he makes a cut on it. However, per Gordon, he insists on practicing, and playing, as he normally would. Should the next two games work out in the Buckeyes’ favor, I guess we’ll see the benefit of the extended weeks off before the bowl game (in this case: Rose Bowl).
Cam Heyward Coming Back?
On the heels of a dominating performance against Penn State, the thought of Cam Heyward going pro after this, his junior, season appeared. Heyward gave positive assurances that he’s coming back for his senior season.
“I’ve already thought that I’m coming back for next year,” Heyward said. “I want to help this team as much as I can because they’ve given so much to me.
“I think you can’t even think about (a possible jump to the NFL) during the season. You’ve got so much football to look forward to.”
But if the survey of NFL administrators, which all juniors are allowed to seek, comes back and says he would likely be a high first-round pick in the 2010 draft, would that change his mind?
“Umm, no,” Heyward said. “There’s a lot of guys on this team I love and I want to send them out right. And I can’t even think about that right now because I’ve got to send these seniors out right first.”
Nice. Niiiiice. This would be enjoyable for me, but not so enjoyable for anyone else in the Big Ten.
Of course, we’ll see what happens after the season…
Pryor’s Feeling More Comfortable at QB
Premium stuff at Bucknuts, but it’s essentially fluff on Terrelle delving into the specifics of where he feels he’s improved. We’ve seen a better Terrelle the past few games, but I take nothing for granted with our team. Iowa’s defense will be a challenge.
Plays Us Off, Bobby Olive…
Okay, You Too Jeff Graham…
Hopefully it won’t take last second heroics to beat this Iowa team. GO BUCKS!! I’ll be there at the ‘Shoe cheering you on to Pasadena! O-H!!!
I think Vegas is over-reacting to the Penn State win with 16.5 pt spread. It’ll be a tough defensive game. The winner may only have 14 or 17 points. Expect Iowa’s QB to be better prepared this week, and let’s hope they didn’t watch the Purdue game. Still, Iowa is playing crippled on offense, but not on defense. Special teams, turnovers, and untimely penalties still the key here. I’m expecting classic Tresselball to serve-up another victory.
I-O!
While I agree that the Vegas pointspread is making this out to be a lay-up that it’s def. not, I dont see where that Iowa D is any better than State Penn, and they didn’t exactly stop our rushing game. I expect much of the same from last week. A fresh back always in the game, zone-read will be replaced by the I-form on account of Pryor’s bum ankle, which isn’t such a big deal seeing as how young Boren is coming along and blocking. Did you see how he straight laid out Sean Lee, who many consider a top 3 LB in the country, before he caught that first down pass from Pryor? We will see a few more of the HB swing/WR bubble-screen for quick hitters as our coaching staff finally figured out they exist. Mix in the occasional P.A. pass and this could get out of hound. I also predict 2-3 turnovers, with one going for six.
THE Ohio State Buckeyes – 27
Children of the Corn – 7
once again thanks for the page good reading and vids. got a question to put out to the masses. family member of mione got two tickets me and him are going saturday so its all good…. looking for some ideas on a decent place to eat before the game. cant do much after the victory with his wife wanting to kill me if he doesnt make it back in one peice… thanks all and go bucks
I was hoping you would put on the 1986 OSU-Iowa game! That was a great win for us at the time!
Vico, nice write-up and videos. Of course, any article on Iowa wouldn’t be complete without the “show me the money, ho” photo to lead off the article. Heh.
I think game starts out pretty close in a low-scoring afair. The Iowa “D” will play an inspired game, since they are all that Iowa has at this point, plus they are pretty good. Heacock will bring full fury of OSU defense against Iowa, and pretty well shut them down, despite some Iowa trickeration, maybe a couple plays from the WildMcNutt formation, etc.
With Pryor evidently less than 100% for this game as well, he’ll play a more controlled game, the RB’s will figure significantly, and OSU comes out of this game with a 2-3 score victory margin. I do love the smell of roses in the morning.