Game Thread Game Two: Texas 25, Ohio State 22 (final)

[Thump]

i'd hit it... IDB... mostly 'cause she's a scUMmer... just another way to fuck m*ch*g*n...

Dude,

I wouldn't even fuck her with tibor's dick!!!

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

rivals.com (free)

9/9/05

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=2>College football giants meet for first time <HR width="100%" noShade SIZE=1></TD></TR><TR><TD>Andrew Skwara
Rivals.com College Football Staff Writer </TD><TD noWrap align=right> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The first real big game of the college football season should come with its own disclaimer: No hype machine needed. The opponents and the setting take care of all of that.

<!--Start Image--><SCRIPT language=Javascript>document.write(insertImage('/IMAGES/Player/photo/SANTONIOHOLMES2200.JPG', '', 1, 266, 200, 1, 'Ohio State\'s dangerous receiver Santonio Holmes will be matched up against a first-year starting cornerback.', '', 1126205339000, '', 1144, 'Align=Left'));</SCRIPT><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=208 align=left border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=202>

</TD><TD width=6 rowSpan=4>

</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>Associated Press</TD></TR><TR><TD height=3>

</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle>Ohio State's dangerous receiver Santonio Holmes will be matched up against a first-year starting cornerback.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- End Image-->Much of the offseason talk among fans centered around the tremendously anticipated showdown between No. 2 Texas and No. 4 Ohio State on Saturday night in Columbus. The matchup even overshadowed many of the intriguing games of week 1.

It is easy to understand. The tradition-rich schools, which each rank among the NCAA's top five winningest programs, have never faced one another and it would be extremely tough to find a more exciting time for them to collide. Both are national title contenders, and each features a Heisman candidate and a hefty collection of other stars. Add an 8 p.m kickoff on national television in front of more than 100,000 fans and there was never any other option for Rivals.com's Game of the Week.

The biggest storyline surrounding the game has remained the same for months: Who will start at quarterback for the Buckeyes? That question began when junior Troy Smith, who started the final five games of the 2004 regular season, was given a two-game suspension in December for accepting money from a booster, forcing him to miss OSU's trip to the Alamo Bowl and its season opener last week.

OSU coach Jim Tressel hasn't named a starter yet, but said Smith and junior Justin Zwick will play. Smith is far more athletic and the offense performed much better with him under center last season, but Zwick took the bulk of first-team reps in the preseason and looked solid in the Buckeye's 34- 14 win over Miami (Ohio), completing 17 of 23 passes for 155 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception.

Whoever starts will be responsible for getting the ball to receivers Ted Ginn Jr., and Santonio Holmes, a pair of dynamic playmakers. Ginn might be the nation's most dangerous player. He scored eight touchdowns on just 59 touches last season, returning four punts for scores.

<!--Start Image--><SCRIPT language=Javascript>document.write(insertImage('/IMAGES/Player/photo/VINCEYOUNG5200.JPG', '', 1, 266, 200, 1, 'Texas quarterback Vince Young has already destroyed one Big Ten defense, rushing for 192 yards against Michigan in the Rose Bowl last season.', '', 1126204057000, '', 1014, 'Align=Right'));</SCRIPT><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=208 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=6 rowSpan=4>

</TD><TD width=202>

</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>Associated Press</TD></TR><TR><TD height=3>

</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle>Texas quarterback Vince Young has already destroyed one Big Ten defense, rushing for 192 yards against Michigan in the Rose Bowl last season.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- End Image-->The Texas offense is centered heavily around star quarterback Vince Young, who is a bigger running threat than most running backs. Young put on a show in the Longhorns' 38-37 win over Michigan in the Rose Bowl last season, rushing for four touchdowns and 192 yards. Still, questions remain about his ability to throw the ball and complete passes under pressure.

The offensive stars garner a lot of publicity, but both team's main strength is actually their defense. Ohio State features one of the nation's top linebacking corps with Bobby Carpenter, A.J. Hawk and Anthony Schlegel. Texas, led by tackle Rodrique Wright, has its deepest and most talented defense since Mack Brown took the program over in 1998.

Offensive edge: Ohio State may have more playmakers, but they don't have one of college football's best players under center. Young is capable of making big plays and taking over games single handedly – even when defenses stack the box against the Longhorns. That comes from running behind one of the nation's top offensive lines, led by dominating tackles Justin Blalock and Jonathan Scott. No one can replacing Cedric Benson, but a trio of talented and versatile backs – Jamaal Charles, Selvin Young and Ramonce Taylor – give offensive coordinator Greg Davis some more weapons to work with.

Defensive edge: Tough call here, but Texas has the better overall defense. The Longhorns just don't appear to have a weakness anywhere on this side of the ball. Wright and Larry Dibbles make up the best inside duo on any D-line. Aaron Harris, who played in the shadow of Derrick Johnson, might be one of the nation's most underrated linebackers. The secondary has three new starters, but safety Cedric Griffin and cornerback Aaron Ross have played a large number of snaps. Three-year starting safety Michael Huff is capable of emerging as a major star.

<!--Start Image--><SCRIPT language=Javascript>document.write(insertImage('/IMAGES/Player/photo/TEDGINN1200.JPG', '', 1, 266, 200, 1, 'Ohio State\'s Ted Ginn Jr. returned four punts for touchdowns last season.', '', 1126205404000, '', 1144, 'Align=Left'));</SCRIPT><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=208 align=left border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=202>

</TD><TD width=6 rowSpan=4>

</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>Associated Press</TD></TR><TR><TD height=3>

</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle>Ohio State's Ted Ginn Jr. returned four punts for touchdowns last season.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- End Image-->Special teams edge: Ginn gives the Buckeyes the clear advantage here. One or two big punt returns from the explosive sophomore could prove to be the difference. Will Mack Brown kick to him? Any answer will help the Buckeyes' field position. Ohio State doesn't have 2004 Lou Groza award winner Mike Nugent anymore, so the kicking games look about even.

Coaching edge: This is a no brainer too. Mack Brown has never won a big game in the regular season. Tressel has managed to win a bunch in four years at OSU, beating Michigan three times and topping Miami as a heavy underdog for the 2002 national title. The former Division I-AA coach seems to have a feel for when to call trick plays or take a gamble. Brown is not an expert when it comes to X's and O's and often tends to put together a more conservative game plan for matchups on this large a stage (see Oklahoma the last five years).

Texas player to watch for: The battle between the Texas O-line and the Ohio State D-line will decide the game. The Longhorns must get Vince Young some running room outside the tackles to sustain long drives and that responsibility falls largely on Blalock. The 6-foot-4, 330-pound junior has the body of a tackle but can move like a guard. He will be matched up in a lot of one-on-one situations with Ohio State defensive ends David Patterson and Mike Kudla and has the size advantage to dominate either one.

Ohio State player to watch for: Hawk and Carpenter get most of the attention in OSU's stellar linebacking corps, but Schlegel would be the star on many other defenses. The 6-foot-1, 250-pound senior middle linebacker is a throwback type of player, relentless in pursuit and extremely tough. The Buckeyes' defensive game plan will be designed to funnel plays in his direction, and he must make tackles when given the chance.

X-Factor: Young needs a sidekick, and the versatile Taylor (5-11, 195) could be the right candidate. Speedy and athletic, the sophomore will line up at receiver and running back and likely return some kicks. If he gets enough touches, look for at least two or three long gains.

Ohio State will win if: the defense can force Young to pass the ball … Smith and Zwick must connect with Ginn and Holmes on a couple of deep throws too.

Texas will win if: Young runs for more than 100 yards … and they don't kick to Ginn.

What happened last time these teams met?: They have never played one another.

Noteworthy: Texas is 60-0 when outrushing its opponent under Mack Brown … Young needs one more rushing touchdown to break the school record for most by a quarterback … This is the second of four consecutive home games for Ohio State … Ohio State will be retiring legendary coach Woody Hayes "number" at halftime.

Prediction: Ohio State 20, Texas 14

 

[buckeyefool]

Jay Crawford just interviewed Gene Smith, and I must say it is really nice to have someone do an interview with someone from OSU and not have a negative slant on it. They actually have some of the band playing and Brutus

 

[BuckeyePride]

I must say... gene smith gave proper credits to the greatest AD (Andy Gieger). I was happy to hear that specially about the coaches that were hired by Mr. Gieger.

 

[rocketman]

I would not be in the least bit surprised if there are a lot more Texas fans in the Shoe than, say Michigan fans when they come to town for The Game. Texas fans are just as passionate about football as we are, and just like Ohio State, they have an absurd amount of fans all over the country that are willing to travel to see the Longhorns play. If you think about it, the parallels between our two schools are pretty eerie.

To sum up, Ohio State fans, please treat our friends from Texas with respect. I don't want to be treated like shit when I go to Austin next year.

 

[Zurp]

Nobody's voted for Boeckman yet, so I'll pick him. Todd's played very well in the opener, hit Ginn for a TD, and has never thrown an INT even though he's been in college for 3 years.

I was in college for 5 1/2 years and I didn't throw an interception.

 

[sandgk]

Front page of abc.com does not show HD for Texas vs OSU this morning.

 

[Golferdow01]

I'd like to see us go out in the first half like Ok. St. did against them last year...the difference is that we wouldn't blow that big of a lead

 

[Golferdow01]

A+ to you for being smart enough to realize that the last sentence was made in jest.


Lighten up, Golferdow01.

Check the wink emoticon in my post, i'll post another one in case you have trouble finding it BB

 

[BuckeyeNation27]

What the hell is wrong with you homos? I know the show is gay so i DONT WATCH IT. i haven't checked it out ot see if its gay, or if that chick is fat, or if skip nutless is talking bad about us, or if woody is acting crazy.....ITS GAY!!!!!!!

Why is there a 4 page discussion on this? There should have been the first post, and then 4 pages of "What are you talking about, I don't watch gay shows."

 

[High Lonesome]

All I remember from the Rose Bowl was "Give 'em Hell...Give 'em Hell...Make them eat shit"

Those are actually alternate lyrics to Texas Fight, our fight song, They are used by students and replace "Go Horns Go"

 

[jho46]

. . . Ohio State can go back to ball-control, eating the clock. . .

I agree on the clock eating. That will be HUGE to keep VY off the field.

I think the first 30 minutes will decide the game.

However, first possession of the thrid quarter - Always a very important drive in the game. In the second half, anything can happen, we either want to drive and score if it is our ball, or post a defensive stand with 3 and out!

 

[bchorn]

Give it a rest crybaby. The majority of the board has been very cordial to the UT fans who aren't trolls (like yourself). I haven't seen many 2-3 touchdown thumping predictions.....but maybe you are here more than i am

Scurry on back to hornfans if this is how you are going to act. It's very Aggy.

Sorry, didn't want to seem like a troll/crybaby. Just a month of frustration from seeing a lack of familiarity with one's opponent coming out.

 

[alexhortdog95]

Nothing to worry about

Mack Brown has only beaten a ranked opponent like twice in his coaching career.

 

[Thump]

What the hell is wrong with you homos? I know the show is gay so i DONT WATCH IT. i haven't checked it out ot see if its gay, or if that chick is fat, or if skip nutless is talking bad about us, or if woody is acting crazy.....ITS GAY!!!!!!!

Why is there a 4 page discussion on this? There should have been the first post, and then 4 pages of "What are you talking about, I don't watch gay shows."

Thank you for your input Mr. DiHard.