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Game Thread Ohio State vs Northwestern, 10/29/16, 3:30pm ET ESPN/WatchESPN

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What you need to know about Northwestern before Ohio State plays them

Last year, the Wildcats were more lucky than good. What about this season?

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The Ohio State football season will be here before you know it, and even if you’ve only been paying semi-close attention this offseason, you’re probably aware of the major storylines with the program. This is going to be an exceptionally young, but talented and athletic team. There’s a lack of proven production at wideout, running back, and defensive back. They return the best QB in the conference, and should at least compete for a Big Ten title.

But you may not know a lot about the specific teams on Ohio State’s schedule. We’ll get into a lot more detail before the actual games, but you may want a primer so you can sound smart at the bar, or at the barbecue, or in the grocery store checkout line.

So take a look at Ohio State’s opponents this year. Next up, a battle with the Northwestern Wildcats.

What was the deal with Northwestern last year?


BODY CLOCKS BODY BLOCK BODY CLOCKKKKKKKKKKSSSSS

The most interesting thing that happened to Northwestern was their devious invention of body clocks, the justification used to explain why Stanford could have played so poorly in Northwestern’s unlikely Week 1 upset. Northwestern spent the rest of the season winning close games against mostly uninspired opposition, and then getting blasted by the quality teams on their schedule. When the dust settled, Northwestern had an impressive looking 10-3 record, even though they didn’t even crack the top 50 of the S&P+. Mentioning this is a good way of making Northwestern fans mad on the internet.

How’s Northwestern going to look on offense?
Probably at least a little better than they looked last year, but that is hardly high praise. The Wildcats finished a horrible 113th in offensive S&P+ last season, thanks to inexperience at skill positions, bad quarterback play, and a revolving door of offensive linemen.


If you’re an optimistic sort, you’d note that almost everybody of consequence is back. Clayton Thorson, a former blue-chip recruit, is back for his sophomore season at quarterback. Justin Jackson, another blue-chipper, is back at running back, and should be one of the very best in the conference. Six linemen with starting experience are coming back. There are some pieces there.

But Thorson was also awful last season, and even if he takes a big step up, that might just be a step towards being average. The pass-catching options are thin, and depth all along the offense isn’t great. If Northwestern is unlucky with the injury bug again, this unit could struggle mightily. And even if they stay healthy, it’s hard to see this being a legitimately good group, outside of Jackson’s heroics. If anything happens to him ... woof.
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Entire article: http://www.landgrantholyland.com/2016/8/30/12693090/ohio-state-football-northwestern-2016-preview
 
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I think this game is going to mean a lot to the program. Do the guys regroup and come out playing with their hair on fire or do things get ugly and fall apart?

I expect that the team will be ready to go and leave it all on the field this Saturday. I think we'll see more hunger and passion to move toward achieving the goals still in sight.

I agree with those who wouldn't want to be in NW's shoes this weekend. I don't care if they're "hot" right now or not, I think they will get a big gut check and the nation will see why Meyer is one of the greatest motivators and coaches in college football.
 
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Telekinesis said:
I think this game is going to mean a lot to the program. Do the guys regroup and come out playing with their hair on fire or do things get ugly and fall apart?

I expect that the team will be ready to go and leave it all on the field this Saturday. I think we'll see more hunger and passion to move toward achieving the goals still in sight.

I agree with those who wouldn't want to be in NW's shoes this weekend. I don't care if they're "hot" right now or not, I think they will get a big gut check and the nation will see why Meyer is one of the greatest motivators and coaches in college football.
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I think you pretty much nailed it.

I want to think that they will respond the way they did last year after a loss, but that was a veteran team that played mediocre for most of the year who then elevated their game after a loss. This is a young team that masked its deficiencies with very good play early on, started showing some signs of trouble while still winning, and then it caught up with them in the 4th qtr last Saturday. Not sure it's a given that these two teams will respond the same way, but Urban is the common denominator with both teams.
 
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OregonBuckeye said:
I only have one wish for this game: no mike patrick and ed cunningham. That is a punishment no decent fan deserves
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I'm running out of people who don't annoy the shit out of me. These 2 guys aren't at the top of my hate list, but they're not that good either. Over/under on the number of times Cunningham talks about targeting is set at 2.5.
 
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BuckeyeNation27 said:
I'm running out of people who don't annoy the [Mark May] out of me. These 2 guys aren't at the top of my hate list, but they're not that good either. Over/under on the number of times Cunningham talks about targeting is set at 2.5.
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Serious question: who is at the top of your hate list and what did they do to you personally?

Mike Patrick is the senile, drunk version of a senile, drunk Verne Lundquist.

Ed Cunningham is the evil version of a drunk Gary Danielson. Here's a game: Drink every time Ed has this exchange with himself: "You know what I think they are doing here?" "Yup." He also seems to forget he's a bottom rate color commentator and not a coach. Isn't a coach, not a coach, will never be one. It's like giving your annoying uncle a regional broadcast. "What I would have done".
 
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BuckeyeNation27 said:
I'm running out of people who don't annoy the [Mark May] out of me. These 2 guys aren't at the top of my hate list, but they're not that good either. Over/under on the number of times Cunningham talks about targeting is set at 2.5.
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They are for me, particularly Ed.

Over/under on the number of times Ed thinks a team should go for it on 4th down is set at 12.5
 
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Poe McKnoe said:
Serious question: who is at the top of your hate list and what did they do to you personally?

Mike Patrick is the senile, drunk version of a senile, drunk Verne Lundquist.

Ed Cunningham is the evil version of a drunk Gary Danielson. Here's a game: Drink every time Ed has this exchange with himself: "You know what I think they are doing here?" "Yup." He also seems to forget he's a bottom rate color commentator and not a coach. Isn't a coach, not a coach, will never be one. It's like giving your annoying uncle a regional broadcast. "What I would have done".
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Spot on. What makes it worse is Ed is an utter moron yet as obnoxious as they come. He thinks obvious catches are drops, wants to overrule every call a ref makes, and has no understanding of strategy whatsoever. I hate that guy as a color analyst. I sincerely mean that. If I could throat punch him without repercussions, I would do so with the swiftness of Bruce Lee.
 
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