Game Thread Game One: #1 Ohio State 35, Northern Illinois 12 (9/2/06)

[G-FORCE]

Wolfe couldn't even make it through last season without missing three games because of injury. If he can't make it through a full MAC season healthy, what would make me think that he could make it through the Big Ten healthy.

Honestly this is a valid point. The only question about Wolfe is his health. He runs much bigger then his size, and his speed is inquestionable. However he played through a dislocated shoulder last year, and missed 3 games with a bum knee. Without a doubt health is his question mark.

The good news is he'll be healthy for you guys.

 

[RhodeIslandBuck]

Personally I'd rather talk about the game in general instead of getting into a pissing match about which team has the better running back.

Fact is, Wolfe is great running back and plays great in the MAC but, Wolfe could never be a factor in the Big Ten because the B10 is much more physical and that wouldn't bode well for Wolfe. For a game prediction I say OSU-45, NIU-14, NIU scores a late touchdown against the defensive subs.

 

[Steve19]

Do you realize he played that game on a bad knee and had 29 carries for 177 yards (6.1 YPC), 6 catches for 43 yards, and had 2 touchdowns.

So 35 touches, 220 yards (6.3 YPT) and 2 TDs (both rushing) on a bad knee doesn't impress you?

Could you be anymore ignorant and arrogant?

I agree with txbuckeye. What is your reaction to some objective information about the teams Wolfe faced in comparison to the team's Pittman faced and their comparative performance.

I don't see much evidence that Wolfe is the better back, do you?

 

[G-FORCE]

I agree with txbuckeye. What is your reaction to some objective information about the teams Wolfe faced in comparison to the team's Pittman faced and their comparative performance.

I don't see much evidence that Wolfe is the better back, do you?

It would be impossible to prove it because one plays in the Big 10 and one plays in the MAC. Both put up good numbers (Wolfe puts up better ones), but because Pittman plays in the B10 some will automatically think he is better.

Look at my last 2 posts before this one, I answer alot of questions.

 

[Steve19]

Do you realize he played that game on a bad knee and had 29 carries for 177 yards (6.1 YPC), 6 catches for 43 yards, and had 2 touchdowns.

So 35 touches, 220 yards (6.3 YPT) and 2 TDs (both rushing) on a bad knee doesn't impress you?

Against a team that gave up 130 yards and 3.5 per carry on average, I think it is.

I also think the injury issue is impressive. He may have problems in this regard?

 

[SanAntonioBuck]

However don't underrate NIU's passing game. We have a Top 5 QB (passing rating and efficency wise) returning and he may not even be out starter.

Phil Horvath did led the nation in passing accuracy in 2005. An eye opening 70%.

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

Tressel and Heacock will make NIU beat us through the air. They realize that Wolfe is the main cog in the machine and will bring the tire irons to it. Horvath may have been #6 in the country in passing efficiency, but how did he fare against bigger defenses?

Michigan: 17-25-1 (68%), 200 yards, 0 TD (#42 pass defense)
Northwestern: 24-36-1 (67%), 283 yards, 1 TD (#101 pass defense)

Not bad numbers, but it still wasn't against decent pass defenses. I can guarantee you he won't throw 20-30-1 for 242 yards (average of the UM/NW games) against us, even with us cheating up to stuff Wolfe.

 

[RhodeIslandBuck]

I think Horvath will be a great way to test out young secondary for the first time.

 

[G-FORCE]

Tressel and Heacock will make NIU beat us through the air. They realize that Wolfe is the main cog in the machine and will bring the tire irons to it. Horvath may have been #6 in the country in passing efficiency, but how did he fare against bigger defenses?

Michigan: 17-25-1 (68%), 200 yards, 0 TD (#42 pass defense)
Northwestern: 24-36-1 (67%), 283 yards, 1 TD (#101 pass defense)

Not bad numbers, but it still wasn't against decent pass defenses. I can guarantee you he won't throw 20-30-1 for 242 yards (average of the UM/NW games) against us, even with us cheating up to stuff Wolfe.

Yeah he had a few games that really inflated his passing stats. Akron (the 1st game) and Miami (Oh) he was unstoppable. He doesn't have a very strong arm, and if he is indeed the starter, I am sure you guys will try to explote that.

I have also heard/read that we may use both Nicholson and Horvath. I am not a big fan of alternating QBs, but they have vastly different styles. Horvath is more of a "west coast" throw underneath and complete alot of passes, and Nicholson has the big arm. If we do use both, it will be interesting to see.

 

[txbuckeye1983]

What about NIU's defense? Is there any way they can keep OSU's offense from doing whatever they want, whenever they want?

 

[G-FORCE]

What about NIU's defense? Is there any way they can keep OSU's offense from doing whatever they want, whenever they want?

It was extremely young and inconsistent last year. It has alot of talent, but it is still a young defense. The starting secondary is slow. Without a doubt the linebackers are the best group. The DL struggles to get pressure on the QB at times. Most of the starters are back, so it should be improved.

You guys are going to score alot. Porbably somewhere in the mid to upper 30's. However it wouldn't surprise me if we hel you somewhat in check, and you onlu got 24 on the board. It all depends what defense shows up.

 

[scooter1369]

It was extremely young and inconsistent last year. It has alot of talent, but it is still a young defense. The starting secondary is slow. Without a doubt the linebackers are the best group. The DL struggles to get pressure on the QB at times. Most of the starters are back, so it should be improved.

You guys are going to score alot. Porbably somewhere in the mid to upper 30's. However it wouldn't surprise me if we hel you somewhat in check, and you onlu got 24 on the board. It all depends what defense shows up.

One of these four lines is out of place.

 

[SanAntonioBuck]

Pittman will have a big game! Maybe over 200 yards rushing. NIU LB's won't get off their blocks & you said the secondary is slow? Good luck with the Ohio State receivers, it's going to be a long long day! Doug Free better play both ways!

 

[txbuckeye1983]

Did you not see what happened to NDs slow secondary? And I can guarantee there was more talent and speed in their secondary than NIU's. NIU's defense is going to get lit up like a damn Christmas tree. We know, you know, and we know you know

 

[AirForceBuck]

It was extremely young and inconsistent last year. It has alot of talent, but it is still a young defense. The starting secondary is slow. Without a doubt the linebackers are the best group. The DL struggles to get pressure on the QB at times. Most of the starters are back, so it should be improved.

You guys are going to score alot. Porbably somewhere in the mid to upper 30's. However it wouldn't surprise me if we hel you somewhat in check, and you onlu got 24 on the board. It all depends what defense shows up.

Our secondary is slow? LMAO. You do know comming into college Jamo (TG's brother and will be the starting FS) ran a 4.4, and was a part of the 4x400 state championship squad. Also, Jenkins is more of a shut down corner but he runs a legit 4.43. He was a track standout athlete 2 years ago after winning the New Jersey state 400 meter dash and placing 3rd in the 200 meter dash as a high school junior. Our Nickel Back (Brandon Mitchell) also was a track star in high school after placing 1st in the Georgia state 400 meter dash as well as being a member of the state championship 4x400 as both a junior and senior. Since then these players have been working out on their speed with a former olympian, Butch Reynolds....But hey if those 3 examples dont impress you, and you still want to underestimate our secondary - go right ahead. lol. :)