Game Thread THE GAME: #1 Ohio State 42, #2 Michigan 39 (11/18/06)

[jray160]

does it really get any bigger?

hear me out. (and in no particular order)

#1 it's 11-0 one vs two first time ever
#2 i believe the first quarterback to ever go 3-0
#3 first outright bigten title since 1984
#4 national championship birth
#5 troy's heisman candicacy (possibly)

tell me the bigger OSU vs fuck michigan game

 

[Kueller]

hear me out. (and in no particular order)

#1 it's 11-0 one vs two first time ever
#2 i believe the first quarterback to ever go 3-0
#3 first outright bigten title since 1984
#4 national championship birth
#5 troy's heisman candicacy (possibly)

tell me the bigger OSU vs fuck michigan game

#2 Tippy Dye went 3-0 against tsun.

 

[Buckeye86]

In case you all were wondering, Mirror Lake was fantastic tonight. I'm a freshman so I guess I don't have anything to compare it to, but tons of people, and everyone was going crazy. It seemed like the whole school was a little subdued this week, but everyone was going crazy tonight. Can't wait for the game!

My third year jumping in, I am in absolutely no condition to remember accurately but it seemed like there were WAY more people overall there this year than the past two years (especially last year since it was so cold then) but about the same amount of people actually in the water. Either way, Ohio State definitely has the best damn fans in the land, I can't wait to see some pictures/videos. And now I am going back to bed haha, I just got up to drink some water.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

He's big game's `X-factor'

Michigan receiver Manningham, an Ohioan, may play big role

By Marla Ridenour

Beacon Journal sportswriter

Julian H. Gonzalez/Detroit Free Press
Michigan's wide receiver Mario Manningham (86) is hugged by teammates Adrian Arrington (16) and Mark Bihl (54) after Manningham's fourth quarter touchdown reception as University of Michigan takes on Vanderbilt at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Saturday, September 2, 2006. Michigan won 27-7.

COLUMBUS - Ohio State defensive tackle David Patterson had to be checking out Buckeye recruits when he attended the North-South Ohio high school all-star game in 2005.
The player who left a big impression on him, however, was Mario Manningham.
``I didn't know anything about him, but after that game, I knew he was going to be a special player,'' Patterson said.
The Michigan-bound Parade All-American from Warren Harding was not the MVP that day, but he caught three passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns. A holding call negated another Manningham score that covered 58 yards.
Now a sophomore split end for the Wolverines, Manningham will try to make a similar impact Saturday as No. 2 Michigan visits No. 1 Ohio State.
In a Thursday radio interview on WKNR, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. called Manningham ``the X-factor'' in the showdown for a trip to the national championship.
Manningham has caught only two passes for 11 yards in the past two games after sitting out the previous three with a knee injury suffered against Michigan State. But ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit doesn't think Michigan coach Lloyd Carr was hiding Manningham.
``I honestly think it was more about getting him on the field to get his confidence back in his leg,'' Herbstreit said. ``Any time somebody has an injury like that during the year, I don't think it's all about how many catches he had, it's about getting out on the field and making cuts and getting your confidence back so when you get into this game, he knows what he can do. He knows his limitations if he has any.''
Wolverines senior quarterback Chad Henne said Monday that when he hit Manningham on two crossing routes last weekend at Indiana, the receiver looked to be back at full speed.
``Mario is definitely rehabbing a lot and getting stronger,'' Henne said. ``Just to get the ball in his hands and let him make plays is what we need to do with a player like him because he can make anything happen in just the snap of a finger.''
Manningham still leads the Wolverines in receiving yards (538), touchdowns (nine, tied for 11th in nation) and yards per catch (20.7) and stands third in receptions (26). He has recorded three 100-yard games, including a career-high 137 yards against Notre Dame.
Clocked in the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds, Manningham is the Wolverines' top home-run threat. All but one of his 15 career TDs have been more than 20 yards, and the exception was a game-winning 10-yarder as time expired last season against Penn State.
OSU has not been burned by the likes of Manningham this year. Opponents have scored only six receiving touchdowns in 11 games. The top producers yardage-wise have been two running backs, Garrett Wolfe of Northern Illinois (5-114-1) and Tyrell Sutton of Northwestern (7-75), and a tight end, Iowa's Scott Chandler (6-87). Wolfe recorded the longest reception of 65 yards in the opener.
OSU's 21 interceptions are tied for the national lead.
Even Ohio State's defensive backs admit they expected more of an aerial assault, especially since the Buckeyes replaced their entire secondary.
``We had some challenges, maybe not as many as you would expect,'' senior cornerback Antonio Smith said.
``We haven't really been tested deep as much as we thought we would,'' senior strong safety Brandon Mitchell said. ``The defensive line has done a good job of getting pressure on the quarterback. In order for a quarterback to throw the ball deep, those plays take time. When you don't have as much time, it's really difficult.''
Mitchell and Smith know that will change Saturday. Senior flanker Steve Breaston is also coming off his best game of the season with three catches for 103 yards and a 62-yard TD, his first of 2006.
Smith doesn't know if he or sophomore Malcolm Jenkins will be matched up against Manningham or whether the Buckeyes will play zone. Herbstreit figures that for the Wolverines to be successful, Henne will have to throw on first down.
Chances are the Buckeyes will be most conscious of No. 86 Manningham.
``He runs right by guys,'' Mitchell said. ``Obviously we have Teddy (Ginn), but I don't know how you simulate that in practice.''
Four get honors
OSU's Doug Datish, Anthony Gonzalez, James Laurinaitis and Stan White Jr. were named to the Academic All-District first team and are in the running for Academic All-America honors to be announced Nov. 30.
Joel Penton and Brian Robiskie made the second team.
Thirty-one Buckeyes have received the national honor, the last Craig Krenzel in 2003.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

A little levity goes a long way behind OSU closed doors

By Marla Ridenour

Beacon Journal sportswriter

COLUMBUS - When he's ringed by notebooks and television cameras, Quinn Pitcock isn't likely to offer a great quote or a witty sound bite.
One of his hometown papers has struggled for weeks to come up with a less-than-pedestrian story on the Lombardi Award finalist from Piqua.
But behind closed doors on Thursday nights when no coaches are in the team meeting room, the fifth-year senior defensive tackle lets loose and brings down the house.
That day when the week's practices are over, OSU captains Troy Smith, Doug Datish, David Patterson and Pitcock address the group. They talk about the team's goals, what's going on, how the week went and whether the effort was lacking.
Some weren't willing to divulge details.
``That's a pretty secretive thing,'' quarterback Smith said. ``It's very, very focused and intense on that day.''
Senior cornerback Antonio Smith said, ``The coaches aren't allowed in there and I can't let you guys in there, too.''
But over the last few weeks, some highlights have emerged going into Saturday's home showdown with Michigan. And they all involve Pitcock, who always speaks last.
``I probably wouldn't be able to say on camera some of the stuff he says,'' senior defensive end Jay Richardson said. ``Quinn's a character. He knows how to keep things light and not get too caught up in everything and get too serious, which is why I like him.''
Richardson's favorite moment came before the Illinois game when Pitcock dug out a hilarious picture of the Fighting Illini coach.
``He found an old picture of Ron Zook back in college and I think he had a 'fro or something and he was dancing at some party,'' Richardson said. ``He put it up on the overhead and everybody got a big laugh out of it.''
Senior strong safety Brandon Mitchell thought Pitcock was at his best before the Texas game.
``He had a picture of the longhorn and a Buckeye helmet smashing it in. I think he had a longhorn eating a buckeye and falling on the ground,'' Mitchell said. ``I don't know where he gets these pictures, I guess he does it with his Clipart or something. It's pretty amazing. It's always funny. Quinn kind of loosens us up.''
Patterson raved about a takeoff from an episode of The Simpsons where Bart goes to the gym and plays a dodge-ball game called bombardment.
``The whole week in the locker room, when guys were not looking, people picked stuff up and started throwing it at them like bombardment,'' Patterson said. ``Quinn got up there talking, I can't remember what he was saying. He had four or five balls in his hand and he started throwing them at people saying, 'Bombardment, bombardment.' Guys started getting into it.''
Pitcock said his best reviews came from Texas week.
``I think the problem was I came out fighting so hard with Northern Illinois and Texas that it's been a tough act to follow,'' Pitcock said. ``It can be anything -- jokes, Photoshop, a little acting here and there. It's just a one-man show.''
Pitcock does consider himself shy at times.
``But once you get to know me, I will open up,'' he said. ``It's just feeling comfortable with the people I'm with. I can open up and act outside the box, I guess you would say.''
On Monday, Pitcock wasn't sure of this week's theme. But he said he originally drew his inspiration from safety Donnie Nickey, a captain with Mike Doss on the 2002 national championship team.
``When I was a freshman, Donnie Nickey was that kind of guy and the antics were just kind of over the top like Jim Carrey,'' Pitcock said. ``From that, it stuck an image in my head. It got me ready for the game.''

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

The best games in football's best rivalry

Weather, punts, stars, coaches all play a part in Michigan-OSU series

By Rusty Miller

Associated Press

COLUMBUS - It's simply called ``The Game,'' perhaps the greatest rivalry in college football.
On Saturday, the Ohio State-Michigan game -- or theMichigan-Ohio State game, depending on your rooting interest -- means even more than usual.
It will be the first time in 103 meetings that the Big Ten powers are ranked 1-2 in the nation -- Ohio State is No. 1 and Michigan is No. 2. The winner not only captures the league title, but also locks up a spot in the Bowl Championship Series national title game on Jan. 8 at Glendale, Ariz.
Here are one man's opinions of the top half-dozen best previous games in the series:
1. Michigan 9, OSU 3 (1950):
The temperature hovered near 10 degrees and winds whipped the snow at 28 mph. Columbus was paralyzed on Nov. 25, by one of the worst snowstorms ever to hit the area. Yet Michigan and Ohio State played on. Several inches of snow obliterated the yard lines at Ohio Stadium. Long snappers said that when they looked back between their legs, they couldn't even see the punter. And punters played a huge role.
Michigan's Chuck Ortman punted 24 times for 723 yards. Ohio State's Vic Janowicz, who won the Heisman Trophy that year, had 685 yards on 21 punts. The teams frequently punted on first down, just to avoid a turnover. Ultimately, it was a turnover -- a blocked punt, of course -- that provided the difference.
On third-and-6 at the Ohio State 13, Buckeyes coach Wes Fesler instructed Janowicz to punt with Ohio State holding a 3-2 lead. Only 47 seconds remained in the half and it was likely that Ohio State could have run out the clock. But Michigan's Tony Momsen -- whose older brother Bob played for the Buckeyes -- blocked the kick and fell on it in the end zone, closing the scoring in a 9-3 Michigan win.
Michigan won the infamous ``Snow Bowl'' -- despite not having a first down and going 0-for-9 passing.
Fesler was fired, and a young coach from Miami of Ohio named Wayne Woodrow Hayes was eventually hired to take his place.
2. Michigan 24, OSU 12 (1969):
This was the first meeting between Michigan's Glenn ``Bo'' Schembechler, and his former boss and good friend, Hayes. A year after Hayes' Buckeyes cruised past the Wolverines 50-14 on their way to a national championship, Schembechler denied No. 1-ranked Ohio State a second consecutive title with a stunning 24-12 upset in Ann Arbor.
3. OSU 10, Michigan 10 (1973):
No. 4 Michigan had outscored its opponents 235-48. No. 1 Ohio State had a 297-27 scoring edge on its opponents. Both were 10-0. It figured they would play to a 10-10 tie.
After the game, the Big Ten athletic directors met to select the conference's representative to the Rose Bowl. Even though Michigan's Mike Lantry missed two field goals in the last 2 minutes and the Wolverines easily won the statistical battle, the ADs voted for Ohio State, driving Schembechler into a frenzy.
``I thought they might give Michigan the opportunity,'' says Ohio State tailback Archie Griffin, who would win the Heisman Trophy the next two seasons. ``I think they looked at the fact that Dennis Franklin, who was their quarterback, got injured and the fact that they didn't beat us at home.''
4. OSU 13, Michigan 3 (1919):
Forget polls and championships. If it weren't for this game, the rivalry might never have bloomed. Michigan was 13-0-2 in the first 15 meetings, winning by scores of 86-0, 34-0 and 40-0 -- and that was back when a touchdown was worth only four or five points. The Wolverines had outscored the Buckeyes 369-21 in the series.
Chic Harley, Ohio State's first football star, scored on a 42-yard run for the game's only touchdown, punted 10 times for a 40-yard average and intercepted four passes in a 13-3 Buckeyes triumph that jump-started the rivalry.
5. Michigan 13, OSU 9 (1996):
For the second year in a row, Ohio State was unbeaten and ranked No. 2. Michigan had three losses and was a heavy underdog at Ohio Stadium. The Wolverines' 13-9 shocker -- aided by a slippery field when the Buckeyes' All-American cornerback Shawn Springs slipped on Tai Streets' short catch that turned into a long touchdown -- dropped Ohio State just enough in the polls that even when the Buckeyes won the Rose Bowl, they ended up No. 2.
6. OSU 14, Michigan 9 (2002):
No. 2 Ohio State was unbeaten coming into the Nov. 23 contest at home against the 12th-ranked Wolverines.
Michigan led 9-7 through three quarters before Buckeyes freshman tailback Maurice Clarett -- playing in his only game against the Wolverines -- pulled in a 26-yard pass that helped set up Maurice Hall's 3-yard sweep around right end with 4:55 left to put the Buckeyes in front 14-9.
Quarterback John Navarre was hit by Darrion Scott and fumbled the ball away near the Ohio State 30 with 2:02 left. The Wolverines then forced a punt and got the ball back and moved to the Buckeyes' 24. On the final play, Navarre's pass was intercepted by Will Allen just short of the goal line, preserving the win.
The Buckeyes went on to upset top-ranked Miami 31-24 in double-overtime -- their seventh win by seven or fewer points in the season's 14 games -- to win their first national title since 1968.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

The Game: Parking information

For more information: Go to the university's traffic and parking Web site: www.tp.osu.edu/Events/football.shtml
Football lots: Open at 6 a.m. Saturday and are expected to fill early. When filled, vehicles will be directed to the Ohio Expo Center-State Fairgrounds (17th Avenue exit off Interstate 71) and downtown garages (both require buying a COTA bus ticket to campus). Another option is Nationwide Arena garages (requires COTA bus ticket). Fairgrounds parking is $10 and the round-trip bus ticket is $1 for adults, with children 12 and under free. That shuttle runs from three hours before kickoff and two hours after the game ends.
Shuttle service: From West Campus (315 to Lane Avenue, left on Kenny Road, right at the first light), running six hours before kickoff until one hour after the game. Pickup/dropoff is at Mount Hall on West Campus and at the Sisson Hall footbridge west of Drake Union and Ohio Stadium.
Ways to West Campus: Kenny can be accessed from the Henderson Road exit off 315. (Right on Henderson, left on Kenny). Or take the Broadway exit off 315 and go west to Kenny, then turn south. Another option off I-71 is the Broadway exit (west on Broadway, dead ends into Kenny, go left.) Fans also can approach from the south: Take I-71 South to I-670 West and exit at 315 North.
Possible ramp closures: When traffic volume gets too heavy, 315 ramps at Ackerman, Lane and Kinnear intermittently can be shut down. There is no schedule for these closures and the ramps eventually may reopen.
RV/motor coaches: The Buckeye Lots across from Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium will open at 7 a.m. today (cost $50). Only 100 day-of-game spots are available and they could be filled by 9 a.m. Due to a basketball game tonight at the Schottenstein Center, vehicles arriving between 5 to 11 p.m. will be directed to the 660 Ackerman Road lot until the basketball crowd has cleared. When the Buckeye Lots are filled, RVs will be directed to the Fairgrounds.
Season camper parking in the Grey Lots at the Schottenstein Center opens at 6 a.m. Saturday.
Friday basketball parking: Fans are encouraged to park on West Campus and use shuttles that will run from 5:30 p.m. until one hour after the game.
Street parking ban: From 6 p.m. today through 6 a.m. Sunday, street parking will be banned in some areas. Between High and Summit streets those affected are Chittenden, 11th Avenue, 12th Avenue and 13th Avenue. Between High Street and Indianaola, streets affected are Lane Avenue and Norwich.
Street reversals: At least two hours before kickoff, some streets become one way toward the stadium. Afterward, traffic patterns are reversed. Fans leaving can take the new 315 South ramp near the hospital and follow it to I-71 North.
Disability parking: North St. John Arena (Tuttle Place off Woody Hayes Drive). Access it via High Street to Woodruff Avenue to Tuttle Park Place. A shuttle will provide transportation to Gate 14 from six hours before kickoff through one hour after. Parkers must have a valid OSU disability permit and the owner must be present.
Garage closure: Ninth Avenue.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

Head-on Carr crash
Friday, November 17, 2006
By Todd Porter REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER

LLOYD CARR: Never mind the pressure​

On a hot summer afternoon in downtown Chicago, Lloyd Carr sat outside the Hyatt Regency and puffed a cigar. He looked more like a grandfather than major college football coach.
Carr talked more about his 10 grandchildren, about football at Massillon and McKinley high schools, about his friend John Maronto. In other words, he talked like a man who didn't have a care in the world.
Never mind the pressure he has been under since last November. Never mind the criticism he's had since losing a 9-point fourth-quarter lead to Ohio State at Michigan Stadium last year. Never mind his John Cooper-like start against Buckeye Coach Jim Tressel.
Perhaps Carr was at peace because he knew something no one else did. His Wolverines are pretty good this year.
But No. 2 in the country good? That will be solved Saturday when Michigan tries to ruin Ohio State's wire-to-wire run as the country's No. 1 team.
"I felt like we were going to have an outstanding team coming out of spring practice," Carr said. "We had a great spring. The No. 1 thing we needed to do was run the football. From a talent standpoint this defense, particularly the front seven, I thought could be outstanding. I'm not surprised, but I can't say I would've predicted we'd be undefeated."
It would do wonders for Carr's reputation among Michigan fans who wonder if Tressel, as an ESPN.com headline suggests, does have the keys to Michigan's Carr.
The coaches are more alike than either will admit. Both are laid back. Both recruit well. Both respect this rivalry so much so they often tell mutual recruits they should go to either Ohio State or Michigan to have a chance to play in what many consider the best rivalry in college football.
Their personalities, however, are different. Carr is more likely to have a beer in a bar and talk football. Tressel may have a half-glass of wine with a steak dinner.
"This is an intensely competitive environment ... sometimes you have closer friendships than others," Carr said.
Perhaps that's how it should be.
There is a coolness between the two. They're friendly, but not friends. Their positions at their respective schools don't allow that.
"We've only met a few times at games, and I've known him for years in the profession," said Tressel, who is 4-1 against the Wolverines. "I don't see any gamesmanship on his part. I would hope he doesn't see any on mine. We're both trying to run programs to be the best they can be, and he's done a pretty good job."
Tressel endeared himself to Ohio State fans the way Cooper couldn't. At a basketball game shortly after he was hired, Tressel guaranteed fans they would be proud of their football players on and off the field and "most especially in 310 days in Ann Arbor, Mich."
There was a bit of a delayed roar from the crowd. It was Tressel's way of acknowledging he understands how important it is to win this game.
That is about as far as Tressel will go when it comes to guarantees. You'll never hear him talk like Woody Hayes. The legendary OSU coach was asked about going for a 2-point conversion during a 50-14 rout of UM in 1968.
"Because I couldn't go for 3," Hayes said.
"The thing about Coach Tressel is he's the same guy he always is," fifth-year senior Doug Datish said. "That's a credit to him as a person, as a man. He never deviates from who he is. That's hard to do. He's one of the few people I've met in my life who doesn't deviate from who he is.
"I don't know if that takes any pressure off us. It gives us that sense to watch and learn the past four years. That's something I admire about him. He exudes confidence because there is that calm about him. It's something to marvel at."
There isn't animosity between the coaches. But Tressel probably stoked the relationship with his remarks - and follow through - in 2002. It didn't help that Michigan's team was subject to a security search in Columbus in 2004, either.
Tressel has insisted he had no part in that.
Regardless, Tressel has been unflappable, often joking with reporters. He deflected credit for the 4-1 record against Michigan.
"If anyone pretends to think they have the answer, they've got a problem," Tressel said.
Reach Repository sports writer Todd Porter at (330) 580-8340 or e-mail: [email protected]

MICHIGAN AT OHIO STATE
Pregame Saturday 3 p.m.
Kickoff 3:30 p.m.
TV: ABC Ohio Stadium, Columbus

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

Tressel wants loud crowd
Friday, November 17, 2006


COLUMBUS - When the largest crowd in Ohio Stadium history takes in the biggest game of the college football season, the Buckeyes are counting on a definite home-field advantage. The pregame atmosphere will be at a pinnacle as OSU seniors are, one-by-one, announced and cheered as they take the field.

One last time, Ohio State players will sing Carmen Ohio to fans. Well, maybe not.
"Hopefully we'll be in a situation where we might not be able to sing Carmen Ohio ... if you catch my drift," senior co-captain Quinn Pitcock said.
What the 6-foot-3, 295-pound defensive tackle is talking about is a mass of humanity on the field should the Buckeyes beat Michigan on Saturday. It is the first time the two teams have been Nos. 1 and 2 entering their clash.
Playing in Columbus has helped push the Buckeyes to a touchdown favorite.
"It's one of those things when it gets going, there's going to be chills going down your spine," Pitcock said of the atmosphere and partisan OSU crowd. "I love hearing the crowd get going. The best thing is before the first kickoff and there's the O-H-I-O going around the stadium. ... If all our students get together, they'll feed off each other."
Even Ohio State Head Coach Jim Tressel got in on egging the crowd. The Buckeyes would like to create an atmosphere that rivals what Penn State had last year when it beat the Buckeyes on a Saturday night in Happy Valley. OSU players said they couldn't hear during the game and felt the ground rumble.
"I hope the home-field advantage helps a great deal," Tressel said. "I hope our crowd is tremendously loud. I hope it provides the energy that can raise the level. In a game like this, you better play better than you are. If our crowd can raise us up playing better than we are, I think that's a great advantage, and we're looking forward to that."
Michigan leads the series, 27-21-2, at Ohio Stadium. Tressel has won in Columbus both times since taking over the Buckeye program.

HYPE TOO For more than a month, writers have been trying to get Tressel and OSU players to talk about this game. They never took the bait, other than admitting that, occassionally, they day-dreamed about it. Now that The Game is a day away, what were the players and coaches being asked? About a rematch. "This is Michigan week," senior center Doug Datish said. "I don't want to talk about bowl games. You guys have been trying to about this game for a while, so we might as well talk about it this week."
MANNINGHAM'S HEALTH It remains to be seen just how healthy Michigan big-play wide receiver Mario Manningham, a Warren Harding product, is. But OSU safety Brandon Mitchell expects to see him at his best. "He played a little bit in the Indiana game," Mitchell said. "He looked well. He ran well. It was one of the things I was looking at on the film. (Steve) Breaston got involved in that game. They have other deep-threat guys. We have to stay on top of them."
HEISMAN WHO With another dominating performance against Michigan, Buckeye QB Troy Smith could lock up the Heisman Trophy. Of course, if he doesn't play well, he could lose it. Either way, RB Antonio Pittman said, it's not been talked about in the locker room. "He acts like it's not even happening," Pittman said. "Like he's not even up for the Heisman. He's a regular person. He's been the same way since I've known him. When people talk about the Heisman, he doesn't even respond to it."
SIMULATIONS ESPN.com played The Game out using EA Sports' college football game. In the computer-simulated game, Ohio State won 28-10 and Smith threw for 273 yards and three TDs. The simulated game was 21-10 at halftime.
Reach Repository sports writer Todd Porter at (330) 580-8340 or e-mail: [email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

DDN

OSU's 10 best quarterbacks


By Dayton Daily News

Friday, November 17, 2006

Even before finishing his impressive career as Ohio State's starting quarterback, Troy Smith has vaulted himself into the discussion of the Buckeyes' top all-time QBs. We list our Top 10, but keep this in mind: If Smith guides OSU to a win against Michigan and a national championship, he'll no doubt be considered the best to ever play the position in scarlet and gray:
1. Art Schlichter, 1978-81

? First in career passing yards (7,547)
? 36-11-1 record as a starter
? Two-time All-Big Ten ('79 and '81)
The country boy from Miami Trace put up some big-time numbers during his four years as starter, the first under Woody Hayes and final three under Earle Bruce. His best year came as a sophomore, when he was an All-American as OSU went 11-1, losing only to No. 3 USC in the Rose Bowl.
But he's first for more than his numbers. Granted, several guys on this list could've put up the same numbers with the same opportunities. But he was a big-time leader and went 29-7 in his final three years, but 1-3 in bowl games.
2. Troy Smith, 2004-06
? Seventh in career passing yards (5,369)
? 24-2 as a starter
? 2-0 vs. Michigan
Perhaps no quarterback on this list advanced more in his career than Smith, who has gone from an also-ran in the recruiting race to superior thrower, runner and leader. He has willed OSU to two of its better wins against Michigan and a bowl stomping of Notre Dame.
3. Rex Kern, 1968-70
? 27-2 as a starter
? Three Big Ten championships
? One consensus national championship (1968), one National Football Federation national championship (1970).
In terms of leading teams to success, Kern might be at the top of this list. The '69 Buckeyes are thought of as perhaps one of the great teams in college football history, but they lost 24-12 to Michigan.
Kern is one of OSU's few All-Americans at quarterback, and he was 2-1 against Michigan with a 1-1 record in the Rose Bowl He ranks 12th in team history with 2,444 passing yards.
4. Bobby Hoying, 1993-95
? Second in career passing yards (7,232)
? 30-7-1 as a starter
? Third-round draft choice by Philadelphia
Perhaps more well-rounded than Schlichter, Hoying could be a bruising runner as well as an accurate passer, but the teams for which he played didn't fulfill the potential championship-wise.
Hoying was All-Big Ten in 1995 as a senior, and the Buckeyes shared just one Big Ten title in his time. He was 1-2 against Michigan and 1-2 in bowl games, which hurts his stock.
5. Cornelius Greene, 1973-75
? 31-3-1 as starter
? 2-0-1 vs. Michigan
? Two-time All-Big Ten
Greene remains the only player at OSU with a place on the career Top 20 lists in both passing (14th, 2,348 yards) and rushing (18th, 2,066 yards). He led three teams to Rose Bowls, but went just 1-2.
He was one of the first Buckeyes QBs to be equally as gifted running and throwing, and his record shows it.
Also: 6. Craig Krenzel, 2001-03; 7. Mike Tomczak, 1981-84; 8. Stanley Jackson, 1996-97; 9. Joe Germaine, 1996-98; 10. Frank Kremblas, 1957-58

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

DDN

Big names will be at 'The Big Game'


By Meredith Heagney
Associated Press

Thursday, November 16, 2006


COLUMBUS ? Not even rock stars can get tickets for Saturday's Michigan-Ohio State game.
The band Nickelback was looking for four tickets to the game, but there wasn't any more room and the group has no known connection to the university, Ohio State spokesman Steve Snapp said this week.
Members of country group Rascal Flatts, Yankees shortshop Derek Jeter and former Buckeyes Eddie George and Cris Carter are among those have reserved sideline passes, Snapp said.
Game tickets are so coveted that one Columbus ticket broker said they're fetching between $550 and $1,500 a ticket.
Two of the three members of Rascal Flatts grew up in Columbus. Their publicist said Wednesday that they haven't decided whether they can attend.
Jeter, who grew up in Kalamazoo, Mich., and got a baseball scholarship to Michigan, will be on the Wolverines' side of the field.
Jack Nicklaus, a former Ohio State golfer originally from suburban Upper Arlington, also will be at the game, said his spokesman, Scott Tolley. Nicklaus dotted the 'i' in the Ohio State marching band's signature maneuver, Script Ohio, during the Oct. 28 game against Minnesota.
Carter said he's coming to the game with his family. Not counting the games he played in, "I have never been to an Ohio State-Michigan game," Carter said.
The former Minnesota Vikings receiver, who now co-hosts "Inside the NFL" on HBO, will be in the Ohio State locker room before the game.
Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George will host a party at his Eddie George's Grille 27 near campus after the game. Other athletes and celebrities are scheduled to appear, said general manager Mike Duganier, who declined to give names.
Snapp said the university accommodates celebrities if they can but doesn't think they draw any more attention to the showdown in which the winner will play for the national championship.
"This game stands on its own," he said. "It doesn't need any help."

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

DDN

THE GAME: OSU-MICHIGAN
Big game? You bet


By Lucas Sullivan
Staff Writer

Friday, November 17, 2006


Robert Walker works more than 2,000 miles away from Columbus, but he knows what it will be like in Buckeyes country Saturday.
Walker, the director of the MGM Grand's Racing and Sports Book, gets a little taste of Ohio State every Saturday in Las Vegas.
"Ohio State travels well everywhere," Walker said. "We always have a big group of Ohio State fans here no matter what game it is. The Big Ten always travels well."
Walker said his casino has been preparing for the match-up of the top two college football teams in the country for weeks. It also helps that it is the fiercest rivalry in all of sports.
"We are treating this like it's the national championship game," Walker said. "It's the biggest game we've had all year. In my opinion, it is the national championship game."
It's the policy of most sports books not to release how much money is wagered on a game, but Walker said there will be more money thrown on Ohio State or Michigan this week than their previous 11 games combined.
"We expect a high volume of business this Saturday," Walker said. "This game is a little different than others. A lot of people will be rooting for a certain team, which means if they are a Michigan fan, they will take Michigan on the money line (which is bet on the underdog to win outright). Ohio State fans will probably bet the points."
Depending on where you look, Ohio State is anywhere from a 6.5- to 7.5-point favorite to beat the Wolverines. When Walker's sports book posted the odds two weeks ago, Ohio State was an 8.5-point favorite.
That means the line has moved down more than a point because more money was put on Michigan to lose by less than 8.5 points.
"I don't think it will be much lower than 7 points on our board," Walker said. "We aren't going to move the line arbitrarily. And no one is going to come in here with a suitcase with a $100,000 and bet it. There's going to be a lot of smaller plays of $50 or $100."
But if someone does walk in with that much dough, Walker said his group will be ready with accommodations.
"We have 10 to 12 boxes that we have given to those clients that are high rollers," he said. "They are fans, too. Trust me."

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

DDN

Big game showcase for future NFL stars

Possibly 7 first-round picks in next year's draft are part of the OSU-Michigan contest.


By Chick Ludwig
Staff Writer

Friday, November 17, 2006


Ohio Stadium is the battleground for No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Michigan on Saturday.
It's also a breeding ground for the NFL.
The Buckeyes (39) and Wolverines (36) will add to their list of current NFL players when the 2007 draft unfolds April 28-29.
At least 26 players in Saturday's game ? either drafted or signed as college free agents ? could land on NFL rosters when the pros head to training camp next summer.
Among them are four juniors ? Ohio State's duo of wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. and tailback Antonio Pittman, plus Michigan's duo of defensive tackle Alan Branch and tailback Michael Hart ? who are expected to declare for the draft after the clubs' bowl games.
Their intentions will change the draft's landscape because all four could get plucked in the first round.
"The guys that know they can be taken high leave. Wouldn't you?" NFL draft guru Jerry Jones said.
Showcase of stars
The Big Game between Ohio State and Michigan is more than a showdown of the nation's top college football teams. It's a showcase of future NFL stars.
Of the clubs' draft-eligible seniors, at least three are projected as first-round picks ? Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith and Michigan's one-two punch of cornerback Leon Hall and defensive end LaMarr Woodley, who will make the transition to outside linebacker in the NFL.
But the number of first-rounders will grow if four juniors ? Ohio State's duo of wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. and tailback Antonio Pittman, plus Michigan's duo of defensive tackle Alan Branch and tailback Michael Hart ? declare for the draft after the clubs' bowl games.
NFL draft expert Jerry Jones believes at least 14 players in Saturday's game will be selected in the 2007 draft, with another dozen signing as college free agents. That's 26 future pros, not counting the number of blossoming freshmen and sophomores eyeing the NFL.
"It's an astounding number," said Jones, who publishes The Drugstore List NFL draft guide in St. Simons Island, Ga. "The bottom line is, 'Gee, no wonder these teams are rated so high.' "
All eyes will be on Heisman Trophy-candidate Smith, whose numbers ? 170 of 256 passing (66.4 percent) for 2,191 yards, 26 TDs and four interceptions ? speak volumes about his production, maturity and consistency. Despite Smith's size (6-0, 218), he's showing off his accuracy and strong arm, two qualities the NFL scouts want to see.
Michigan junior quarterback Chad Henne "is very efficient," Jones said. "But he hasn't made the kind of monster steps that Smith has made. NFL scouts are going to yell about Smith's height, but he's got a heck of an arm."
A matchup to watch is Ginn, a potential top-five draft pick, against Hall, a top-10 pick.
"Hall is the best corner in the draft," Jones said. "He's got the size, the speed ? all the things you want. He will be given the assignment of guarding Ted Ginn Jr. Ginn is the guy the NFL scouts will be selling their soul for."
For fans watching the game from a pro scouting prospective, keep this in mind:
"Ohio State is a much younger team," Jones said. "Michigan has guys right off the top who are seniors. There's Hall, Woodley, (linebackers) David Harris and Prescott Burgess, (safety) Willis Barringer and (wide receiver) Steve Breaston. The list just goes on and on.
"For Ohio State, Smith has become a first-round player. (Defensive tackle) Quinn Pitcock has ratings all over the board, Doug Datish can play center or guard. Don't forget David Patterson, the other defensive tackle. The rest of the Ohio State team is young."
Football factories
Colleges with the most players on NFL teams (opening day rosters):
1. Miami 42
2. Florida State 41
3. Tennessee 40
4. Ohio State 39
5. Georgia 39
6. Michigan 36
2007 NFL Draft Projections
First round (7): OSU ? QB Troy Smith, WR Ted Ginn Jr., TB Antonio Pittman; Michigan ? CB Leon Hall, DE/OLB LaMarr Woodley, TB Michael Hart, DT Alan Branch.
Second round (3): OSU ? DT Quinn Pitcock. Michigan ? LB David Harrris, S Willis Barringer.
Third round (2): OSU ? G/C Doug Datish; Michigan ? LB Prescott Burgess.
Fourth-Seventh rounds (2): OSU ? DT David Patterson; Michigan ? WR/KR Steve Breaston.
College free agents (12): OSU ? QB Justin Zwick, G/T T.J. Downing, DE Jay Richardson, CB Antonio Smith, S Brandon Mitchell, FB/TE Stan White, DT Joel Penton, LS Drew Norman; Michigan ? TE Tyler Ecker, C Mark Bihl, G/T Reuben Riley, LS Turner Booth.
Source: The Drugstore List

Contact this writer at (937) 225-2253 or [email protected].

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

DDN

How our 'experts' see the game



Friday, November 17, 2006


Tom Archdeacon

Anthony Gonzalez's first-ever touchdown reception came against the Wolverines and last year his tough late-game catch set up the Buckeyes' winning score. He'll do it again Saturday.
Ohio State 21, Michigan 17
Doug Harris
Forget the business about Jim Tressel having Lloyd Carr's number. What Tressel has had the past two years is Troy Smith, who will be the best player on the Ohio Stadium turf again.
Ohio State 27, Michigan 17
Brian Kollars
Two great teams, loaded at every position, but I'm going with the law of averages, which says Michigan has to have more victories over OSU this decade than Britney Spears has husbands.
Michigan 25, Ohio State 22
Chick Ludwig
The teams are even in all phases except quarterback and coaching. OSU's Troy Smith is more athletic than UM's Chad Henne. I like Jim Tressel's cool over Lloyd Carr's arrogance.
Ohio State 24, Michigan 20
Hal McCoy
The Big Ten is so bad it is hard to judge how good the Buckeyes and Wolverines really are, but Ohio State is Group A, Michigan is Group B and the rest of the conference is Group Z.
Ohio State 35, Michigan 14
Kyle Nagel
For me, it's pretty simple. Ohio State has better players, and the Buckeyes won't have any problem executing inside Ohio Stadium. Plus, how could you lose when Rascal Flatts is on your side?
Ohio State 24, Michigan 14

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

DDN

Katz: No. 1 vs. No. 2 is great, but it has plenty of company


By Marc Katz
Dayton Daily News

Friday, November 17, 2006


OK, this looks like a great one coming up, No. 1 Ohio State versus No. 2 Michigan.
It looks that way, but how do you distinguish one great OSU-UM game from another?
Michigan can't. It lists every game since 1935 as "A Look at the Bigger 'Big Games.' " Most of them involved a Big Ten championship and Rose Bowl berth.
You want a big game? How about 1973, when Ohio State was 9-0 and Michigan was 10-0. That game in Ann Arbor ended in a 10-10 tie, and the Big Ten athletics directors voted OSU to the Rose Bowl while Michigan sat home, undefeated and unable to travel.
That's not going to happen Saturday. The loser expects at least a Rose Bowl bid. That's got to give former UM coach Bo Schembechler a belly laugh. He was 50-4-1 over a five-year period from 1970-74 and went to one bowl game during an era in which the Big Ten played only in the Rose Bowl.
The biggest games in this series haven't all been since ESPN signed on in 1979. Ohio State is entering the game undefeated for the 14th time. Michigan is undefeated for the ninth time. Both teams are in the top 10 for the 20th time.
While the 1973 game stands as possibly the biggest previous to this year's clash, there are plenty of other memorable meetings, including not a few that had nothing but pride on the line.
A sampling:
OSU 13, UM 3 Ann Arbor, Oct. 25, 1919. Without Chic Harley leading this first-time victory, there is no rivalry. Michigan went 13-0-2 against the Buckeyes before this game. In the 69 games counting this one and Earle Bruce's stunning 23-20 victory at Ann Arbor in 1987, the series was deadlocked at 33-33-3.
UM 40, OSU 0 Columbus, Nov. 23, 1940. Tom Harmon scored three touchdowns, passed for two and kicked four conversions. He ran 25 times for 139 yards, completed 11 of 22 passes for 151 yards, punted three times for a 50-yard average and returned three punts for 81 yards. He won the Heisman Trophy.
UM 9, OSU 3 Columbus, Nov. 25, 1950. Arguably, the most famous ? or infamous ? of all the games. Under deplorable Snow Bowl conditions, the game was played, with more punting than anything else, costing the Buckeyes the Rose Bowl bid and coach Wes Fesler his job.
OSU 14, UM 10 Ann Arbor, Nov. 30, 1963. One of the rare games in the series in which neither team was ranked, it still remains one of the most memorable for being delayed a week from the original Nov. 23 schedule ? the day after president John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
OSU 50, UM 14 Columbus, Nov. 23, 1968. The final springboard to an undefeated Rose Bowl appearance and undefeated national championship for the Buckeyes.
UM 24, OSU 12 Ann Arbor, Nov. 22, 1969. Arguably the biggest upset in the series as former Woody Hayes assistant Schembechler ruined OSU's perfect season and many believe OSU's best-ever team.
UM 10, OSU 7 Ann Arbor, Nov. 20, 1971. Memorable because Hayes became enraged over a bad call and threw the yard markers.
OSU 10, UM 10 Ann Arbor, Nov. 24, 1973. The one that will forever be embedded in Schembechler's craw. His quarterback, Dennis Franklin, broke a collarbone in the game, allowing the Big Ten ? and UM rival Michigan State ? to vote the Buckeyes to the Rose Bowl.
OSU 23, UM 20 Ann Arbor, Nov. 21, 1987. Unusual in that neither team was ranked, but Buckeyes gave a rousing "Earle" headband send-off salute to coach Earle Bruce, who was fired the week of the game.
UM 31, OSU 23 Ann Arbor, Nov. 25, 1995. The Buckeyes went to Ann Arbor undefeated and ranked No. 2, but underdog Michigan unleashed Tim Biakabutuka, who ran for an amazing 313 yards as the Wolverines upset OSU. The outcome ended Ohio State's national title hopes and sent Northwestern to the Rose Bowl.
OSU 14, UM 9 Columbus Nov. 23, 2002: OSU scored a late go-ahead touchdown and Wayne grad Will Allen intercepted a pass in the end zone in the final seconds to secure the Buckeyes' berth in the BCS championship game.
I covered 22 OSU-UM games, including Woody's last one in 1978, a 14-3 loss in Columbus, the third straight Michigan game in which the Buckeyes failed to score a touchdown.
Woody went into a tirade when asked about that, and less than 30 seconds later was out of the interview room, never to hold an official press conference again.
Oh, of those 22 games in which I sat in the press box, the higher-ranked team won only 11. And all 22 provided lasting memories.
No. 1 versus No. 2 might be memorable, but it will have to climb through a scrapbook of history to be considered the best.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or [email protected].