Game Thread Fiesta Bowl 2016 - tOSU vs Notre Dame, Friday 1/1 @ 1pET, ESPN

[1926Buckeyes]

It's going to be a tough game no matter what, but both starting DTs is definitely a concern. Everything else is gossip and noise and hard to gauge the impact. Carter saying those things isn't very comforting, but how close is he to the program?

Can't imagine Elliott, Thomas, Decker, Bosa and co. not playing their asses off in this last game. Also, I think Barrett will be very focused for this game. Doesn't mean it's a win or anything, but I'd be surprised if there was a total lack of focus going into this game.

 

[Drubuck]

I'm about as worried about this game as I was for the Michigan game. Which is not at all.

 

[ScriptOhio]

'THEY KNOW WHAT'S AT STAKE': OHIO STATE KEYING ON INEXPERIENCE AT DEFENSIVE TACKLE AGAINST NOTRE DAME

Joey Bosa summed up Ohio State's predicament at defensive tackle — down two senior starters Adolphus Washington and Tommy Schutt — perfectly as the Buckeyes prep for Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl.

"With Tommy and Adolphus out, it’s been rough and I’ve been in that rotation, too, so it’s been a challenge with all the reps we’ve been getting," Bosa said Monday.

Bosa, the junior and two-time All-American defensive end, spent a considerable amount of time in 2015 inside on Ohio State's defensive line as part of its 'rushmen' package that usually showed its face on third down or passing situations. He's a dominant force wherever he lines up, but is best suited at end.

He might move to the interior for his team's New Year's Day matchup with the Fighting Irish with Washington and Schutt out, but knows the burden to fill their shoes falls upon inexperienced players like Donovan Munger, Michael Hill and others.

"They know what’s at stake and they know what they’ve gotta do so I think they’re doing a great job stepping up," Bosa said. "They’re getting so many reps in practice so they’re used to a good rotation going on."

Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...g-on-inexperience-at-defensive-tackle-against

 

[ScriptOhio]

TO BEAT NOTRE DAME, OHIO STATE KNOWS STOPPING STAR RECEIVER AND 'HOME RUN HITTER' WILL FULLER IS ESSENTIAL

If this were baseball, Notre Dame's Will Fuller would bat cleanup.

"He’s a great player, phenomenal player. Definitely their go-to guy, their home run hitter," Ohio State safety Vonn Bell said Monday at Fiesta Bowl media kickoff. "We’ve got some answers for that. Our corners have to be on high alert, our whole back end has to be on high alert, wherever he’s at."

The No. 7 Buckeyes take on the No. 8 Fighting Irish New Year's Day at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the final matchup for both teams in the 2015 season. For Fuller, Ohio State's defensive backs—led by Bell, an All-American—present a challenge unlike any other he's face this season.

"They're actually a lot different. They press a lot," Fuller said Monday. "They got some tall guys and bigger guys that play well. It's going to be a fun game."

Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...star-receiver-and-home-run-hitter-will-fuller

 

[ScriptOhio]

BATTLE BETWEEN OHIO STATE'S JOEY BOSA, NOTRE DAME'S RONNIE STANLEY 'MIGHT BE BEST MATCHUP TO WATCH ALL OF BOWL SEASON'

Do a quick search of 2016 NFL mock drafts and you will find a common trend: Ohio State’s Joey Bosa and Notre Dame’s Ronnie Stanley each seem like locks to be top-10 selections.

The Buckeyes’ star defensive end against the Fighting Irish’s All-American left tackle is a dream matchup for NFL scouts and it is one that will take place New Year’s Day when Ohio State takes on Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl.

“One team’s best player against the other team’s best player; that’s exactly what you want to see,” CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler told Eleven Warriors. “Both of these guys are going to be starting in the league next year.”

Bosa, the Buckeyes’ terrorizing defensive end, has not had the statistical output he did last season as a sophomore as he has been the recipient of consistent double- and, and times, triple-teams which has diminished his production a bit. Bosa has 16 tackles for loss and five sacks this season.

Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...dames-ronnie-stanley-might-be-best-matchup-to

 

[OSUK]

Having lived there for almost a decade before coming back to Ohio this year, I would think you'll not regret your trip either way. Beautiful area this time of year and should have fun. Buckeyes crushing ND is just the cherry on top!

I have been out there to visit my sister. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think it looks like the moon with a few palm trees and patches of grass. I was there in May and it was 118 degrees. I couldn't stand to be in the sun for 5 sec.

On the other hand, the Mexican food was incredible, and I got to see the Grand Canyon, the meteor crater, and the painted dessert - everyone should see those. Amazing.

My sister was planning on running us all over the state for 4 days. We told her that we watch football this time of the year, and that's all we want to do. I did tell her to make us a reservation Sat or Sun at the best Mex eatery she knows. Otherwise, we are going to gorge ourselves on football.

But you couldn't pay me to live out there. Too hot, too brown, too much city. But to each his own.

 

[Jake]

Am I the only one who finds football players essentially wearing basketball shorts annoying? For starters, it looks stupid. It makes me hope they get a helmet right on the knee cap, although these days that's probably some sort of penalty. If not, it will be the first time someone like this clown gets his exposed knee demolished.

 

[jlb1705]

Am I the only one who finds football players essentially wearing basketball shorts annoying? For starters, it looks stupid. It makes me hope they get a helmet right on the knee cap, although these days that's probably some sort of penalty. If not, it will be the first time someone like this clown gets his exposed knee demolished.

You're probably the only one checking out their legs.

 

[MaxBuck]

You're probably the only one checking out their legs.

NTTAWWT

 

[bukIpower]

Haven't said much on this match up... but the more I think on it the more I don't like this match up. Team that has a mobile QB, veteran oline, a good 2 back rotation that runs hard, and have someone out wide akin to Devin Smith. IMO we were going to have our hands full with them at full strength and now not having our top 2 defensive tackles really puts the doubt in there for me at least. We haven't been great at stopping the straight away power game and that's what they'll do.

To beat them I think we will have to be masterful at TOP. Churn out yards and keep the sticks moving is the key to the game and we will need JT to make some crucial 3rd down throws as well. I think we will be ok going against their defense but it all hinges on can we shut down their run game.

Not saying we will lose whatsoever but this isn't a favorable situation for our defense. That said I wouldn't be shocked to see us put forth a great effort on defense. Their's too much experience and leadership to get embarrassed. So I can see us having a very difficult time but I can also see us having a good game. IMO I'm just more inclined to think we will have a hard time with their offense.

Still have osu 38-34

 

[Bestbuck36]

I had the game a 34-13 Buckeye win. After looking at the focus and stuff around the team I still say we win but will be more 27-17, so a bit closer. They won't stop JT whatsoever. Depends on if Bosa wants to completely annhilate them on defense or not that they score the 17 or late fg to get to 13.

 

[BUCKYLE]

Am I the only one who finds football players essentially wearing basketball shorts annoying? For starters, it looks stupid. It makes me hope they get a helmet right on the knee cap, although these days that's probably some sort of penalty. If not, it will be the first time someone like this clown gets his exposed knee demolished.

They're fucking pointless. Knee pads don't really protect anything and they slow you down.
A helmet directly to the knee will blow your shit up regardless.

No one in the pic is wearing knee pads btw.

 

[Tanner]

Lot of talk about us missing 2 defensive tackles, but does Notre Dame really have the personnel to just pound the ball up the middle and try to expose us in that area? Their center and guards and CJ Prosise are just going to pound us? Not sure I see that happening.

No offense to Tommy Schutt but I don't think the drop off to Hill or Sprinkle or Munger is that great. Losing Washington obviously hurts, but moving Bosa inside can more or less replace his production at tackle, and then we get more athletic on the D-Line when you have Hubbard and Lewis playing more, which might help against a team that likes to run on the perimeter and run the quarterback.

Notre Dame also doesn't have a receiving threat at tight end, so I'm sure Raekwon will play close to the line of scrimmage to help run support.

In short, status: not worried.

 

[ScriptOhio]

NOTRE DAME'S BRIAN KELLY ANNOUNCES TWO STARTING DEFENDERS WILL MISS THE FIESTA BOWL

Notre Dame was already slated to enter its Fiesta Bowl matchup against Ohio State without its top cornerback, senior KeiVarae Russell.

The Irish secondary lost two more starters on Tuesday.

Junior cornerback Devin Butler was expected to fill Russell's shoes, but will be unable after suffering a fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his left foot at Monday's practice, Brian Kelly announced Tuesday. Sophomore Nick Watkins will start in his place.

Starting junior safety Max Redfield, a former five star recruit whom 11W film analyst Kyle Jonescalled "above average" in coverage, will also miss the Fiesta Bowl after violating team rules.

Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/colle...-starting-defenders-will-miss-the-fiesta-bowl

 

[UpNorth_Buckeye]

NOTRE DAME'S BRIAN KELLY ANNOUNCES TWO STARTING DEFENDERS WILL MISS THE FIESTA BOWL

Notre Dame was already slated to enter its Fiesta Bowl matchup against Ohio State without its top cornerback, senior KeiVarae Russell.

The Irish secondary lost two more starters on Tuesday.

Junior cornerback Devin Butler was expected to fill Russell's shoes, but will be unable after suffering a fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his left foot at Monday's practice, Brian Kelly announced Tuesday. Sophomore Nick Watkins will start in his place.

Starting junior safety Max Redfield, a former five star recruit whom 11W film analyst Kyle Jonescalled "above average" in coverage, will also miss the Fiesta Bowl after violating team rules.

Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/colle...-starting-defenders-will-miss-the-fiesta-bowl

That's fortunate. Now we'll pass the ball 8 times instead of 6.