Ohio State at Penn State (10/27/07) by Brian Rosen and Dylan Horowitz

Final Thoughts

This was one of the best games played by the Buckeyes in a very long time. Not only did they execute on the field, but the Bucks used smart play-calling that even at times took risks, calculated risks, to win this football game 37-17.

Offense:
As the Buckeyes have done 7 of their last 8 opening drives to begin games, they have scored. Today was no different. Scoring to start the game, sets an amazing tone for the rest of the game and it is quite the momentum boost to drive and grab three points against the No. 4 defense in the country to begin the game. Mo Wells ran the ball effectively, Chris Wells grabbed another 100+ yard day, the run game was phenomenal and credit the offensive line today not only with the run game but also protecting Todd Boeckman against the Nits, who are #1 in sacks in the country. Boeckman fit the ball into spots I thought he couldn't. He threw some amazing passes tonight in big spots for the Buckeyes in his first real test on the road in the Big Ten. He ended 19-for-26 with 257 yards 3 TDs and 1 Int. He played calm collected football, and showed shades of great play that should have him in the thick of the Heisman discussion. The Buckeyes took great play-calling and execution to get the job done on offense.

Defense:
Seven minutes into the game, it was a scary sight for Buckeye fans. The PSU offense effortlessly drove down the field and scored on the Buckeyes and a glimmer of a perfect season was going away, but, the Buckeyes changed things around and fast. They were amazing in pass coverage and in the first half Marcus Freeman was a stalwart. The secondary's open field tackling ability saved the Buckeyes on a few occasions and the defensive line finally broke through and made some big plays but ultimately, OSU's ability to stop the PSU play-action was the reason they were so dominant against a team that averaged 33.1 points per game this season. Hats off to the Buckeyes in this dominant victory especially for the defense.

Special Teams
Ryan Pretorious, every week he amazes me with his kicking ability. In a hostile environment in swirling winds he hit a 50 yarder to begin the scoring for the Buckeyes in what was a huge kick, maybe the biggest in his career. He has been nothing short of amazing this season. AJ Trappasso would have been good tonight if he punted, phenomenal work by the Bucks controlling the clock and producing on third down. One bad thing however was the one lapse we seem to have every week in kick coverage that leads to a score, the Buckeyes need to correct this.

Overall, the #1 Ohio State Buckeyes dominated tonight 37-17 and deserve the respect of the country. They have 3 tough games remaining so they need to bring this kind of intensity to every game the rest of the season.

Final Thoughts coming soon

This was an absolute dominating victory for the Bucks and one big step in the right direction. After the final whistle, I will sum up my thoughts for the entire game.

Offensive Promise

The 2007 Buckeyes will be defined by there defense. Thats what happens when you lead the nation in scoring, total and pass efficiency defense. However, it is time to recognize how talented this offense really is. PSU led the nation in sacks and has only had one so far today. Moreover, they are not be hurried whatsoever. Great job by Boone and Barton especially on this particular evening. Then there is the receivers and running backs. Everybody from Ballard to Small contributed tonight. Even the tight ends played a huge role, led by 5 Nicol catches and a Ballard touchdown. Lastly you have the QB, Todd "I'm not Troy Smith but I'm undefeated nonetheless" Boeckman. Remember this date as Beck made only one really bad pass the whole evening. Over 250 yards passing and 3 TD's to 3 different targets. Unreal. O yea remember how I wrote this about the offense?

MALCOLM JENKINS JUST HAD AN INT RETURN FOR A TD. I LOVE THIS TEAM. I END MY EVENING BY RECOGNIZING ONE MORE PERSON. MY BOY AND OUR OUTSTANDING KICKER RYAN...........

PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRETORIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO BUCKS, ROSEN HAS NO MORE RUMBLINGS LEFT

Maurice Wells

While he often is overshadowed by the other Wells and the Freshman stud Brandon Saine, Maurice Wells has continued to produce in the backfield and as a returner. He seems to have settled into his role and although his stats might not jump off the game chart, he does the little things which championship ballclubs require. Hats off to #34 for a job Wells done!!!

Beautiful drive

The Buckeyes took all the fight out of the lions with a long drive that produced three points, add that to Morelli gifting OSU another 7 points and the #1 team in the country will remain that for another week.

Ohio State, "Your on the clock"

With the Buckeyes leading 24-10 heading into the fourth quarter, it is essential that Ohio State put together a scoring drive of over five minutes to take time off the clock and put Penn State three scores behind. Tressel and Bollman should continue to mix the run with the robust Chris Wells and the 10-yd passes to Robiskie and Hartline while holding onto the football and not forcing the issue. Penn State seems to be out of sync on offense and if Ohio State can add at least three more points, the Nittany Lions can head to the WWF to put themselves on the late December bowl game endangered species list...

This drive

Needs to be long and sustained...the Buckeyes would love to drain a good 7 minutes from the clock, no turnovers.

Just when you though...

You had PSU on the brink of losing, they break a very nice drive so far by the use of misdirection...credit the Buckeyes secondary for making a few very nice TD saving tackles throughout this game...

The Defining Play

It was 3rd down and 2 for OSU inside the red zone and JT used two tight ends, no wide receivers and two fullbacks. Clearly OSU was set to run as they also had Beanie Wells in the game. Naturally, OSU runs a play action pass and finds Jake Ballard for a touchdown. This team just flat out does what it wants in 2007. It's a beautiful thing. Assuming our defense doesn't quit this one is very much in the bag. I truly cannot believe how much I take Ohio State football for granted. They are the only sports team that always has a chance at winning the title. Every single season with this excellent recruiting and James Patrick Tressel is special.

LIFE IS GREAT DO NOT FORGET IT!

What a drive

This offense does not play outside of it self. Jim Tressel and the coaching staff at OSU know the strengths of this offense and they go exactly to them with smart play-calling. The offense has been executing and the defense has been stout...with 6:10 to go this is Buckeye football.

IF

The Buckeyes can grab 7 more points..theyll be in great shape, the defense is playing great football, especially in the secondary and give credit to Marcus Freeman, in 24 offensive plays for PSU in the first half he had 10 tackles and 2 for loss.

Thoughts from a strong first half....

Here are my initial thoughts after a very successful first half by the Ohio State Buckeyes who lead Penn State by a score of 17-7 in State College,PA.

Offense-
Todd Boeckman looks like a Walter Camp nominee- With the Buckeyes putting up 17 points on the scoreboard in 30 minutes of play, it is fair to say that Todd Boeckman has done an outstanding job of commanding the offense and leading the scarlet and gray down the field. He has thrown two touchdown passes and one interception.
O-Line- By far the best performance by the five quiet heroes up front all season. They have done a great job of pass and run blocking and have yet to allow a sack to the Nittany Lions defensive line.
Wide Receivers- The duel action of the Brian Brothers, Robiskie and Hartline, have had a tremendous performance with big touchdown grabs and big first down receptions. They have been able to find the seams and have hustled back on several occasions to help QB Todd Boeckman. As mentioned earlier, Ray Small has played like a giant.

Defense-
Front Four- After a rocky start, the defensive lineman have excelled at creating pressure and getting into the backfield. Vernon Gholston and Cameron Heyward have each recorded huge tackles for a loss and the running game had digressed as the game has progressed.
Linebackers- Marcus Freeman and Larry Grant have done a nice job of tackling in the middle of the field, as James Laurinaitis acts as the team's field leader moving players back and forth to create pressure.
Secondary- The cornerback and safety play has been superb. There were only a handful of times where a player has been overmatched by Penn State's receiving corps and none of those were for excessively large gains. The bumping on the line has slowed Butler and Wlliams's routes and the passing game has yet to hurt the Buckeyes after the first drive. In the second half I believe Ohio State will add an interception or two to their resume.

Special Teams-
K- Ryan Pretorious's 50-yard field goal to open up the scarlet and gray was far more significant than the three points on the scoreboard and he has continued to prove why he replaced Aaron Pettrey as the 2007 place-kicker. At 28 years old, the South African has made a name for himself in Columbus.
P- Nothing to report which says a lot about the Ohio State offense.
Returning- The returns have been fair thus far but more importantly, there has been no turnovers and that is the key. If Small or Wells get good blocking, a large return or two is expected in the second half.

Final Score Prediction- 33 to 17 Ohio State!!!

1st half thoughts

After a surprisingly offensive start for both teams, the game has settled down and the Buckeyes defense is beginning to settle in. They have adjusted very nicely, especially on their coverage against the the play-action pass. The offense, aside from 1 turnover, on what was a terribly thrown ball to a place Boeckman had no right to throw the ball into has played very well already eclipsing the amount of points and yards PSU allows per game. The Buckeyes on 3rd down has been the story, with smart passes to more or less wide open receivers and the play to Hartline for the score was a thing of beauty. Still a long way left to go in the game and the Lions will get the ball first in the second half, this thing could still go either way.

#4 Kurt Coleman

Often lost amongst the big names on the Buckeye defensive 11, Kurt Coleman has been nothing short of amazing this season. That tackle on 1 on 1 coverage on a big third down shows you how good he is. Great job by the defense picking Boeckman and the offense up...same thing goes for this drive, get some points.

The invisible man

Must be Dan Connor...of all the amazing passes Boeckman has thrown tonight, that one was absolutely awful. The intended receiver was double covered and Bockman gifted that pick.

Points now would be huge

The Bucks next drive could be huge, points on this drive could set the tone for the remainder of the game, if not...OSU would love to at least set up poor field position for PSU...that personal foul on Larry Grant wont help.

Offensive Line has been smashmouth....

The Buckeyes have moved the ball extremely well on their first three possessions and it is credit to the exceptional play of the offensive line. Boone, Rehring, Cordle, Person and Barton have held back the nation's leading sackaholics and have given the running and passing game time to exploit the Penn State secondary. Offensive coordinator and line coach Jim Bollman has done a fantastic job getting his team ready for the game and it shows with their 17 points in less than 25 minutes of play. If they continue to come out strong on the next few drives, the Nittany Lions defense will have increasing trouble stopping the talented receiving core of the scarlet and gray.

Ray Small plays big

After watching his 60-yd reception and his big third completion inside the Buckeyes 20 yard-line, it looks as though #4 is finally ready to live up to his "Teddy Ginn Jr." like potential. He has the speed, hands and tenacity to be a No.1 receiver and if he continues to separate himself from the secondary, he will average a touchdown a game for the rest of the season. It will be interesting to see how is return game progresses as he gains more experience.

Offense for OSU

Everything is working.
The run game looks fantastic. Mo Wells on draws and Beanie is continuing to run people over. Its been fantastic. Passing the ball, OSU's WRs have been wide open, very wide open and Todd Boeckman has had the time to find his receivers...that penalty was a godsent for OSU as they ran a BEAUTIFULLY run screen pass to the near side, and did what they had to do when they got that close. Finish the deal, and get 7.

Vernon Gholston

The man is a physical specimen, his off-season and between game work in the weight room is never unnoticed by the scarlet and gray faithful, he was held on the big play by Morelli but still chased him down and forced a fumble and also had a big sack...the man is a beast.

On the other hand, Boeckman and this OSU offense have been running concise and smart routes so far, mixing nicely with their deep balls.

Last time they trailed by a TD

@ Washington...the Buckeyes then built a 27-7 lead.

1st Quarter Observations

1. Rough start for OSU defensively. PSU needs to execute quickly to negate the Bucks pass rush and they did so flawlessly on the first drive. OSU's ends got off the line very well but Morelli's quick decisions coupled with there depth at receiver is concerning. I believe that was the first TD scored in the first quarter on OSU this season which signals some concern. Perhaps OSU just hasn't seen this much talent at WR. We shall see

2. OSU's O-line is clearly dominating PSU's front. Great start for Alex Boone on Maurice Evans, who leads the conference in sacks. With time Boeckman was able to do what he does best: throw the deep ball. Ray burned his man and Beck threw it perfectly.

3. The high scoring can be attributed to me. I told the lovely lady next to me that the only thing I was confident about was betting the under. The spread is 39 and we already have 17 points with 3 + quarters left. Glad I'm to broke to bet

4. Key play of quarter: PSU's ball on 3rd and 12 at OSU 40. Vernon Gholston gets off the line immediately and sacks Morelli for a 7-yard loss. Vernon has been close already on a few occasions this evening and seems poised to have a huge night

Dominating O-Lines, Slugfest

Combined these teams allow 7 and 15 points respectively on defense and already, we have 17 points in just more than 10 minutes of play...Really credit the offensive lines on both teams, on the last drive, Boeckman had all day to throw the ball 60 yards to Ray Small, who was hid deep in the depth chart. Look out, this might be a long night that might look a lot like the 42-39 score we saw last year against Michigan.

Deep Ball

Great protection, excellently thrown ball....finish the job.

OSU Defense Early

On their first drive of the game, Penn State drove 77 yards down the field and scored a 2-yd td to take a 7-3 lead. It does not bothers me about this early on is the fact that Ohio State seemed out of fuck the entire drive. They were late on tackles, missed open field coverage and did not do a good job of providing pressure. On drive two, look for Jim Heacock and Luke Fickell to switch up some formations to stop the Nittany Lions flow.

Way too easy

We have not seen a team dominate on one drive better than PSU did right there...big runs...amazing play-action, and dominating play upfront are the keys to the success of the Nits on that drive and they made it look effortless

Battle in the trenches...

Being won by ALOT by PSU early on with their O-Line absolutely dominating the Buckeye defensive line...this trend could ultimately be the dagger that kills the Bucks tonight.

Penn State Fans Underated

Wow. I never thought I would witness something greater then the Shoe. Hate for for saying it but there may be no more organized nor raucous environment in college football. The white out is unreal. The chants are in unison and deafening. Absolutely tremendous. The bucks still have the best damn band in the land and the greatest football stadium anywhere. Fans flock to cities near and far with a pride that is duplicated by few. Nevertheless, I am completely impressed with this fine fan base. It's to bad they don't have the team to match their amazing fan base. I still remain very confident in OSU's ability to win this contest. 23-14 OSU when it's all said and done. I'll check back in soon

Opening Drive

Big Play.
OSU got one over the middle to Robiske and he was WIDE open. Great job by the Bucks on the first drive showing they can move the ball from their own 20...Liked what I saw from the O-Line against a team in PSU that is #1 in the nation in sacks. That 3rd down play, where OSU had great protection was the difference from a potential TD and a wonderfully booted FG by Pretorious....Defense's time now

OSU vs. PSU

Dylan Horowirz

Keys to the game for Ohio State

Offense-
1. Establish the running attack with Chris Wells, who had 221 yards on 31 carries last week.
2. Take advantage of a slightly above average secondary, and look for Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline to take to the fly routes early and often.
3. Offensive line must stop an explosive front seven. Penn State has a DIA leading 35 sacks, led by DE Maurice Evans who has 10 1/2. The push and extra tine will be the reason OSU will win the football game this time around.

Defense-
1. Make tackles. With the explosive speed at RB and WR, any short can turn into a long one with one missed tackle,. This is especially important in the middle of the field.
2. Get to Anthony Morelli. With 3 INT last year in the 28-6L, two for touchdown, the Buckeyes have proven they can stop the passing attack.
3. Take the crowd out of the game with big stops and creating turnovers.

Opening Thoughts

Penn State defers the ball to the 2nd half so the Buckeyes will get the ball first...OSU has scored on 6 of their last 7 opening drives so we will learn a lot in the opening minutes as the Bucks take on the nation's #4 defense.

Welcome to State College

Unfortunately we will not be able to broadcast the game tonight but myself and Dylan Horowitz will be hopefully still entertaining the masses with this blog...we will be blogging throughout the game and would love for you to leave comments and questions on the posts and interact with us throughout this huge contest in the Big Ten....

The Fans, raucous, I used to listen to the Gameday crew say that the fans here were the best in the land and kinda shrug that off as untrue, but its true. The 'White Out' is phenomenal, but more than that, because everyone at OSU games wears some sort of red, is the way they tailgate, and downright disrespect the opponent not only with their level of noise but their insults. This place knows how to make a outsider feel uncomfortable and as a fan base that wants to win, thats exactly what you want them to do....This will be a test, we will know more tonight about our Ohio State Buckeyes than we have learned in eight games this season. PSU, the atmosphere and the fact that they have played our next three opponents will teach this team, the Buckeye fans, and the country a big lesson on whether or not we can have a clean slate throughout the end of the season, so join myself, Josh Ellis, and my fellow Ohiostatesports.net broadcasters Dylan Horowitz and Brian Rosen as we will blog this game for you...please leave some comments about the Blog or your feelings about the game, it will be greatly appreciated. The game kicks off at 8:12...Go Bucks.

Posted by Keepin' It Real at 7:37 PM 0 comments

Money Vs Heart: Game 1, It's On!!!!!

Wow it may be the early morning but it is officially game day. For the first time since September of 2001, I will wake up ready to watch my Cleveland Indians in a home playoff game. It was great to take the division again (now 7 titles out of the 13 years of the divisional format). We never appreciated the central but now we appreciate everything.

I truly sense that this season has the potential to be special. Certainly the potential to struggle or not quite make it exists as well. I think the key is that it must feel special. Comeback wins, stunning pitching, Kenny Lofton and post game pies? I think that qualifies as special.

I am not going to sit here and ramble because I have a video to watch before I sleep. It is a DVD highlight of 1997 Indians season (98 also but that’s not my focus here). This is my comparison team for our 07 Central Champs. If you have a moment, check out my article: 1997/2007, Is there divine intervention for Tribe? This summer article details all the comparisons between this campaign and the championship season of nineteen hundred and ninety nine. Now that Jim Leyland is out of the picture, we are one step closer to a remarkably coincidental finish to our season (only if we thrive).

Anyway, all the analysis is overblown at this point. I am not here to describe why in a baseball sense, the Indians will win this series. Do I truly believe the Indians are more talented? Nope. Do I believe the Indians are a better team? You bet. The tribe has young talent and solid veterans. A top-notch 1-2 punch in the rotation, two dominant setup men and a closer that generally comes through. They also have a sleeping giant or two (think Pronk, Kenny, Trot perhaps?

(Side letter to the object of my consternation this baseball season)

Dear Trot, sorry I hated on you this season, but I was right. I have always respected you tremendously and appreciate your role as a veteran presence. I believe you can come through this post season. Not saying you should start. Not saying you should play in game 1. But I do believe in you and i hope you have the ability to smack the Yanks, one last time.

When it’s all said and done the Indians will need to rely on there best starting pitcher twice. He will prevail. The Cy Young candidate has everything you could want in a pitcher. His repertoire features a high 90’s fastball and a nasty slurve followed by a timely changeup and a plus curveball. How scrumptious does that sound? Speaking of scrumptious, I end this passionate piece with a prediction on the 2007 American League Division Series. John Adams: DRUM ROLE PLEASE……………………..

IN THE END: TRIBE 3-2. BRING ON THE RED SOX OR ANGELS!

Second place is "first loser"

I figured it was about time for my first blog entry, and I found a fitting topic.
Ohio sports teams and figures just cannot seem to avoid second place since the beginning of the 2007 calendar.
Let's review:

Jan. 8: Gators beat Buckeyes for NCAA D I-A Football National Championship

Apr. 2: Gators beat Buckeyes for NCAA D I Basketball Championship

June 14: San Antonio Spurs defeat Cleveland Cavaliers for NBA Championship

July 29: San Jose SaberCats defeat Columbus Destroyers for AFL Championship

Aug 4: Delaware Cows lose in Lake Erie League championship

Aug 5: Tiger Woods defeats LeBron James for ESPN "Who's Now" Title

Okay, so maybe those last three are added tounge-in-cheek. But, outside of the Super Bowl, all of the major championships settled in this calendar year that people actually pay attention to have included an Ohio team losing.

I can't complain over reaching the championship round or game. Both Buckeye and Cavalier hoops made unexpected runs to the final stage. Their losses in the finals don't take away from the great seasons that they had.

Buckeye football's humiliating loss was a bit of a different story.

The problem is, the later in the season your team gets eliminated, the more painful the loss is. It's just a fact of life. So, Ohio sports fans have been legitimately stabbed in the heart three times.

We can only take so much. I would love to see the Cleveland Indians reach the World Series, but it will take an indefinite amount of years off of my life should they also fall victim to the second place curse.

At least I don't have to worry about the Browns going a long way only to break my heart.
They will take care of that by week 5.

Buckeye Tidbits ...

I'd like to apologize to all of my faithful readers out there for my lack of posting this past week as I was lucky enough to spend it vacationing in South Carolina. Anyways, even though I can take a break for a week, Buckeye football never stops. Here are some headlines/stories that have caught my attention:

2002 National Championship Solidified?

As Buckeye fans, we all remember the "controversial" call towards the end of that historical game that many opposing fans continue to mindlessly gripe about. Much to their displeasure, it seems that the referees agree with us! In fact, they are calling it one of the greatest calls of all time!

I have always just pointed to this if someone questioned the call:

Buckeyes and Wings?

While they are usually a good combination for us fans out there, it does not seem to be a good combination right now for one of the best restaurants out there.

Army Retreating

Looks like Army does not want to play with the big boys anymore. Honestly, I could not be happier about this. Let's let Notre Lame continue to beat up on the service academies and schedule a formidable opponent. This is by no means a knock on OSU scheduling; I just personally enjoy these out of conference home and home series with other BCS Conference opponents. Both of these games would have been a bore to watch anyways.

Buckeyes ready to start over ...

Good article here on the Bucks mentality going into the season. They are ready to put "that" game past them, and so are we! Here's to the '07 season!

Buckeyes and Wolverines continue to disagree ...

Looks like the Bucks and Wolverines will take their rivalry to another level, this time off the field. Michigan has signed with Adidas. OSU, of course, has a deal with Nike. Sigh -- looks like I will have to add Adidas to the list of products I boycott (Gator-ade being the only other current member).

Buckeye Fans Bill of Rights

I wasn't aware that there was a revolution going on but apparently there is. A must read for all Buckeye fans!

Get well coach Matta!

Thad Matta, one of the most exuberant coaches in college basketball, underwent another surgery on his back this past week. I don't know what Thad will do if he is not able to run/jump up and down the Buckeye bench this year. Get well coach!

1997/2007, Is there divine intervention for Tribe?

There are times when creativity and effort means little. This is one of those times for me. I have developed several coincidences between the 1997 and 2007 Cleveland Indians. Rather than making a poetic and passionately done opening, I'm just going to list them now. Don't sue me, I'm badly deprived of sleep.

1. Victor Martinez hits first Indians homer in an All-Star game since Sandy Alomar JR. in 1997 (also a catcher)

2. Jim Leyland managed both the All-Star team and the 1997 Marlins.

3. Kenny Lofton is now back in Cleveland. He was an Indian during each of there mid 90's/early 2000's playoff teams. Except 1997.

4. The Indians were not expected to win the World Series in 1997. Diddo for 2007. That team may seem better but the competetion was easier, Tribes a reliever away from having a better overall team then 97.

5. 1997 and 2007 both end in seven. I always save my best arguements for last.

There it is. May not seem special but I'm using it as some added hope. On a serious note: I am eager to see how the trading deadline unfolds. I wanted a hitter. Welcome back # 7. Another veteran reliever coupled with more solid Jake Westbrook outings means this team is solid in all areas. Four quality starters, an improved batting order in terms of depth and speed, solid bullpen. Expect a full report soon...

754 down, 1 to go

We are on the brink of history here people. Whether you agree with it or not, Barry Bonds will break the all-time home run record sooner rather than later. As a fellow sports fan, I urge all of you to watch as many of his upcoming at bats as you can because they could be some that you will remember for a long time.

B-squared sent one into the stands last night against the Marlins, bringing his total to 754.

Bill Cowher ===> Mike Tomlin

Steelers training camp opens today which means .... "The Mike Tomlin Era" has officially begun in the land of the Black and Gold. And I for one, AM HAPPY Bill Cowher has left the holy land.

Unlike most Steeler fans, I call it like it is. After capturing our fifth title in Super Bowl XL, anyone with a pulse could tell that Cowher's passion for the game was waning. And to be perfectly honest, it was understandable on my end because of what he had accomplished during his 15 seasons in Pittsburgh.

Now, I had missed only a handful of games since 1992 and to see Bill Cowher laughing/hugging/smiling before the game was just simply unnerving to me. What had happened to the Cowher that inadvertently spit on everyone? I missed the coach that grabbed his players by the collar and threw them around if they messed up. He even reduced some to tears (Kordell Stewart) because he was so passionate about his profession.

Now am I saying Cowher was not a great coach? HECK NO. But it was obvious that all parties involved needed a change.

Check out this article on Mike Tomlin. To me, he sounds like exactly the type of guy you want as your coach. We will find out soon enough.

Mike Vick: Part Deux

Michael Vick, the now former NFL poster-child, has been indicted on federal charges in regards to dog fighting. Personally, I am not one bit surprised. See my previous entry from over two weeks ago.

Even though you never enjoy watching someone's life spiral out of control like Michael Vick's is right now, it will be quite interesting to see how NFL Commish, Roger Goodell, is going to handle Vick's situation. Goodell has already shown us that you don't need to be convicted of anything in the public court of law to be suspended (ex. Pac-Man Jones). That is of course because in the NFL, Goodell is the judge and the jury as far as its players are concerned. Will he continue to follow the precedent he has set or does he start down the slippery slope of treating "star players" differently?

In my opinion (which is all that matters in this column), if the commissioner has any marbles (I personally do not doubt this) he will suspend Michael Vick for the entire season with pay. Thinks about it; by doing this, he will show every single team in the league that if you have a player that is going to blow-up the NFL's image and reputation, I'll blow-up your season. And not only is he never going to even sniff the field, you are still going to pay him every single cent of the ridiculous 100 million dollar contract you gave him. If that isn't a clear message to team's saying "Beware signing shady players", than I don't know what is.

Vick told the commissioner face-to-face at the NFL Draft in April that he had nothing to do with dog fighting and it was just some of his family members taking advantage of him. Looking back, maybe it wasn't the smartest thing Vick has ever done. Look for Goodell to come down, and come down hard on Michael Vick in the near future.

One last thing- if your the Falcons, do you really want to hear "Who Let the Dogs Out" 100 times every time you go on the road?

If you are interested, check out the entire 19 page Vick Indictment here. Pretty disgusting stuff.

2007 Buckeye Football: A Return to Smash mouth football

Column waiver: If July is to early in your life for Buckeye football talk, please consider this Little Big League quote: “It’s April and people are already talking about Gopher football.” To my knowledge, scarlet and gray enthusiasts tend to out duel fictional Minnesota football fans.

Now that I have successfully quoted a Rosen favorite, I am proud to refocus on the grandest show the Buckeye state offers each fall. While the dog days of another baseball summer consume my mind, I cannot wait any longer to weigh in on OSU football (beginning September 1st versus Youngstown State on www.ohiostatesports.com). Last year’s national championship runner-up unit is ancient history, and a new group roams Lord Tressel’s court. This team will have fewer national expectations, due to an inexperienced QB and key losses on offense. Enthusiastic Buckeye fans will think National Title, realists will think otherwise. For this sports traditionalist, I’m just thrilled to watch true Buckeye offensive football each Saturday.

The Troy Smith/Teddy Ginn/Anthony Gonzalez regime thrilled us all. Each week featured a bevy of dazzling plays: Troy scampering away from defenders in the open field, Teddy hauling in the deep ball, and Gonzo running a precise route to snare a key pass. This brand of football entertained us all and produced countless victories (look no further then Troy’s 25-3 career record). The 3-0 record against Michigan wasn’t too shabby either.

Memories aside, it’s time to return to the roots of Ohio State pigskin. It’s time for the two staples that have stood the test of time: Smashmouth and persistent running with a side of ball control. It’s been awhile hasn’t it? This concept suits Tressel’s conservative viewpoint and won him a national title in 02. It is also the only way an OSU team with an inexperienced QB can defeat a powerhouse Michigan team (the point to every season). Todd Boeckman isn’t superman, nor is he Troy Smith, nor is he Craig Krenzel. No use even analyzing OSU’s passing game, running will need to rule again in Columbus. Here’s where the next great power back is born.

“Beanie the Big Meanie,” as fellow Ohio.FM broadcaster Bryan DeArdo calls Chris Wells, will be a superstar. (Digression here): In Rocky III, Sly’s character asks Mickey how much Thunderlips (Hulk Hogans, fictional character in the movie) eats. His response, “About 202 pounds.” Any rocky buff would no that this was Rocky’s weight. Fine humor with an impeccable delivery by the late Burgess Meredith (digression over). I don’t have any inside info on Beanie’s diet, but expect him to munch on defenders every Saturday.

While his speed isn’t remarkable (clocked 4.5 out of high school), he has a fine burst and all the size and toughness of a typical OSU back. At 6-1, 230 pounds, Wells should have the ability to withstand the punishment of a significant workload all year. With two incoming freshman and Mo Wells as backups, Beanie will be crucial early on in the season. Beanie left, Beanie right and most especially, Beanie up the middle will be on the docket. It won’t be three yards and a cloud of dust and it won’t be Troy Smith’s highflying aerial show. More then likely it won’t be a return to the national title game either. It’s too early to tell on the latter, but rest assured that offensive familiarity will not breed contempt in 07. Start the countdown to September 1 with an eye on the past.