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Game Thread THE GAME: Ohio State 14, TSUN 3 (final)

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BB73;873463; said:
cfn.TSUN.preview

cfn.TSUN.offense

cfn.TSUN.defense

cfn.TSUN.depthchart
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Unless TSUN can overcome significant losses on Defense this next year may provide a relatively simple plan to overcome their ballyhooed offensive output.

First - let us remember that The Game which counts is late in the season.

Let us remember that their depth on Defense is generously stated as questionable. Moreover, their Offense depends on a weapon in Hart that has always exhibited some durability issues.

And, it is important to remember that the Defense for the Buckeyes will be very solid.

That leads up to the following simple scenario:

  • On Offense - run the ball at Michigan, set up the Buckeye passing game with the ground gainers.
  • Leaning on the ground game for the Buckeyes will also eat clock. The 45 points per game Fiutak suggests as an exercise in repetition by TSUN should be impossible for them to achieve against a more seasoned and veteran Buckeye D. Having a shortened clock will limit their chances at big scoring drives.
  • On Defense we have good to excellent pass coverage - unlike may other opponents TSUN will face. Even if they do get their ground game going my money is on the Bucks stifling their rushing gains enough so it is 3rd and medium, perhaps 3rd and long.
  • On Defense to accomplish the run stuffing we need excellent play out of our Linebackers and the Defensive line. By the end of the season I think we can depend on the Buckeye D getting that done. This will also shorten the clock.
  • Lastly, by the end of the season, those depth questions at TSUN may come home to roost, particularly on Defense.
Looking a little far out on this for sure, but I am inclined to believe that the Buckeyes can beat TSUN with a combination of their own Defensive strategy (vintage 2006-7) and by adopting their opponent's proposed Offensive strategy (vintage 2007-08).
 
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sandgk;874886; said:
Unless TSUN can overcome significant losses on Defense this next year may provide a relatively simple plan to overcome their ballyhooed offensive output.

First - let us remember that The Game which counts is late in the season.

Let us remember that their depth on Defense is generously stated as questionable. Moreover, their Offense depends on a weapon in Hart that has always exhibited some durability issues.

And, it is important to remember that the Defense for the Buckeyes will be very solid.

That leads up to the following simple scenario:
  • On Offense - run the ball at Michigan, set up the Buckeye passing game with the ground gainers.
  • Leaning on the ground game for the Buckeyes will also eat clock. The 45 points per game Fiutak suggests as an exercise in repetition by TSUN should be impossible for them to achieve against a more seasoned and veteran Buckeye D. Having a shortened clock will limit their chances at big scoring drives.
  • On Defense we have good to excellent pass coverage - unlike may other opponents TSUN will face. Even if they do get their ground game going my money is on the Bucks stifling their rushing gains enough so it is 3rd and medium, perhaps 3rd and long.
  • On Defense to accomplish the run stuffing we need excellent play out of our Linebackers and the Defensive line. By the end of the season I think we can depend on the Buckeye D getting that done. This will also shorten the clock.
  • Lastly, by the end of the season, those depth questions at TSUN may come home to roost, particularly on Defense.
Looking a little far out on this for sure, but I am inclined to believe that the Buckeyes can beat TSUN with a combination of their own Defensive strategy (vintage 2006-7) and by adopting their opponent's proposed Offensive strategy (vintage 2007-08).
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Good points from sandgk. Something else to look for in The Game is who has the better return game. Both teams are replacing guys who were difference makers. It will be interesting to see who emerges for each team. If the above scenario takes place, special teams will be critical (field position, unexpected big play, crucial turnover). By November 17, we may be talking about how special team play, and the "new faces", will impact the game.
 
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sandgk;874886; said:
Lastly, by the end of the season, those depth questions at TSUN may come home to roost, particularly on Defense.
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Something else that factors into TSUN's depth concern is this year's schedule. The opportunity for some "wear and tear" to take it's toll on TSUN is far greater than it has been in several years.

In 2003, their two weeks before The Game were a bye week and then at NW'ern.

In 2004, their two weeks before The Game were a bye week and then NW'ern at home.

In 2005, their three weeks before The Game were at NW'ern, a bye week, and then Indiana at home.

In 2006, their three weeks before The Game were NW'ern at home, Ball State at home, and then at Indiana.

This year, in the two weeks before The Game they play at MSU and at Wisconsin. I don't see much opportunity for them to rest somebody (like a dinged up Mike Hart or Mario Manningham) in November this year.
 
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Under the lights? Remember when last years game didn't start until 3/4?

Noise from Ann Arbor is that Michigan respects tradition and that this game will be played on time.

Noise from this end is that Michigan will do whatever the TV contract calls for. Indiana - Purdue, Illinois - Northwestern will be vying for TV exposure for their 'The Game' and the Big 10 Network will be looking for maximum exposure.

All that aside, with the exception of QB, I think OSU enters the game with a good deal more experience and by the last game we should have a QB who knows how the game is played at the top. VI for LLoyd.
 
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"Nov. 17 vs. Ohio State. Playing the Buckeyes to a nearly dead-even draw last year..."

This really gets my goat. Take away the fumbles and interception (the only forced error) and the Buckeye's completely dominated the game... Michigan's last score came against a prevent defense, determined to trade off yardage for time. Much the same holds true for the 05 game too.
 
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BuckeyeNation27;876093; said:
A Reasonably Anticipatory Assessment of: Michigan from the guys at SMQ.
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A good read, with some great Snow Bowl footage included. I've created a BP-wiki 'Snow Bowl' entry which includes that video.
 
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