Abenaki
Ohio against the world.
I've seen Al around when I've lurked other boards and he seems to be a well known whackjob. Either he's committed to pulling some epic trolling or the mental health care system of New Jersey is seriously lacking.
Post #24112
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Rutgers 52 Ohio State 34Reply
This Ohio State game reminds of the 2nd half of 2008 game when we played #17 Pittsburgh. At the time, Pittsburgh had a tough defense and the running back Lesean McCoy. We knew Lesean would get his yards, and we knew it would be tough to run on Pittsburghs defense. So what do we do? We went over the Top. Mike Teel threw six TD passes, three to Kenny Britt and two to Tim Brown. This was the game where Mike Teel caught fire and Rutgers won out.
I see similar potential for Rutgers quarterback and receivers. Gary Nova is playing the best ball of his career, and has shown tremendous improvement reading blitzes and delivering the ball to the man covered receiver. Time and time again, Nova delivered accurately, despite intense pressure. Michigans Blake Countess is still trying to catch Andrew Turzilli. Ohio States DBs are similarly a step slow. That's why they gave up three long TD bombs, of 60, 83, and 78 yards, from Gunner Kiel to Chris Moore. That's why I feel confident that Gary Nova is going to obliterate the Ohio State secondary. How exactly are they going to cover Carroo, who is better than the Bengals #1 receiver this past weekend Sanu? Ohio States LBers are also a step slow, which is why they allowed 200 more rushing yards to Navy than Rutgers defense.
Of course, there's a reason why OSU has been destroying their most recent opponents and that's because their defensive line has been terrific. #97 Joey Bosa is playing like an all American and single handidly disrupted Marylands offense. Gary Nova needs to know where #97 is on every play. Some of our linemen might need help with either the tight end or running back. We must do whatever it takes to disallow #97 from disrupting the continuity of our offense. Tackle Michael Bennet has also been especially terrific, which is why OSU has been able to pressure opposing qbs with their front four alone. The effectiveness of OSUs front four has enabled them to mask obvious deficiencies in their back seven.
That said Rutgers top flight OL, which has allowed 50% fewer sacks than Ohio States, despite playing tougher competition thus far, is up to the task of stifling Ohio States DL. They gave Nova sufficient time to make big plays against PSUs and Michigans tremendous DLs. While OSUs is better, the difference in aptitude. Pretty soon Keith Lumpkin is going to be ready to block JJ Watt . Joey Bosa ain't such a big deal.
And it doesn't compare to Rutgers DL, which I think is the best in the country. People are entitled to their opinions, but they cant make up their own facts. And the fact is Rutgers defense has 2x (twice) as many sacks as OSUs defense. Despite playing better competition.
Which brings to OSUs quarterback. Yes, he's been terrific, since the VT game. But that's because he hasn't faced pressure like he faced against VT, when we he went 9-29. Rutgers pass rush is more effective, evidenced by our higher number of sacks, so I have every expectation that we will be able to limit his productivity. We've historically eaten qbs like him for dinner. I think he's a better BJ Daniels.
Ultimately, this is how I see position comparisons:
Position - Advantage
QB- Rutgers
RB- OSU
OL- Rutgers
TE- Rutgers
WR- Rutgers
DL- Rutgers
LB- Rutgers
DB- Rutgers
This is a championship caliber Rutgers team which is going to play like champions Saturday.
So I'll say
Rutgers 52
OSU 34
Heck, WE should be an 18 point favorite.
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