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Why because they may actually return to the upper tier? We are already there so there is zero reason to avoid them.

OK, so they lost to MSU... in overtime. The Buckeyes didn't exactly beat the snot out of the Spartans. In the meantime they beat Michigan, clobbered Purdue, outplayed USC until the very final second, and beat Tennessee. I think the Buckeyes can beat them, but I wouldn't look for an ass stomping. This team, unlike Va Tech, is for real.
 
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Assuming that Texas and USC win out and face off in the Rose Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl would have first selection of an "at large" team, as they are entitled to the Big 12 champion, who in this case would be the Rose Bowl. If tOSU and ND win out I think there is a strong possibility they would face one another in the Fiesta. Tempe has a huge stadium and putting two of the most storied programs in college history in it would be a great way to sell tickets (which really, when you get right down to it, is all the "bowl committees" are concerned about). Sadly the Sugar Bowl is a pretty unrealistic destination for this matchup, which is unfortunate because if you're a Buckeye fan and you haven't been to Buckhead (an area of Atlanta)...well- you really need to go.

as for the game itself, I think it would be a well played, well coached match up of two talented teams, with a close final score.
 
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1 maybe 2 at the most. Almost the entire offense is back as well as most of the defense...
NDChief - those top 5 games are brutal, simply brutal.

Straight out the gate Ga Tech - not going to be a roll over and play dead opponent.

As good as Penn State was this year their key personnel loss will be Michael Robinson. All other components will be in place though - particularly their Defense which is good, very, very good. JoePa made his early living putting his corners on an Island which could take away a lot of the Irish pass attack. Also their ability to stop the running game is well documented. (So don't tell me about budding Freshmen to be like Aldridge :biggrin:).

TTUN brings back the Henne & Hart show - true they likely will have lackluster Llloyd in tow and noone yet knows how good that defense will be - but really not an easy gig. Possibly next year a he who has the ball last game.

The Spartans beat you this year in your house - On their turf I'd guess your best chance is that Stanton elects to leave early for the Pros - another shoot-out.

Purdue may be your easiest Big10 gig of these four. Though I would find it difficult to believe that a Tiller squad comes in and nose-dives two years in a row. Perhaps your best and worst chance is if Tiller goes West and declares himself done and dusted.

You could easily end up with 3 losses in your first five games, the schedule is indeed that brutal.

Stanford should roll over and play dead, the academies are your best punching bags, but UCLA may bring a surprise - and we all know that USC will not be easy for the Irish on its own turf.

4 losses are definitely possible next year for your squad.

As for the argument that almost all your defense will be back -- what!?! That's a negative in my book -- I would keep your Z-man a really good tough player, both on D and on Special Teams, but man they need help against the run, they desperately need help against the pass. The primary good note about most of the Defense being back is that some new and, perhaps better players will be going toe to toe with your opposition.
 
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cincibuck said:
OK, so they lost to MSU... in overtime. The Buckeyes didn't exactly beat the snot out of the Spartans. In the meantime they beat Michigan, clobbered Purdue, outplayed USC until the very final second, and beat Tennessee. I think the Buckeyes can beat them, but I wouldn't look for an ass stomping. This team, unlike Va Tech, is for real.
Yeah. "For real" teams normally are ranked in the 90s in defense :roll2:
 
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