Bill Lucas
Assistant Coach
Weather forecast is improving. Mid 50s now and afternoon rain. Perhaps it will hold off until the evening. Less wind as well in the forecast.
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- Thread starter MD Buckeye
- Start date
Unless Michigan State's been holding something in reserve, expect Ohio State to roll
By Bill Connelly @SBN_BillC on Nov 19, 2015, 9:55a
The No. 9 Spartans have very rarely looked like a top-10 team this year. This Saturday, even looking the part might not be good enough.
After a 10-week preseason, Ohio State's 2015 begins on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC).
Sometimes, amid all the unanimous predictions that become painfully wrong in a heartbeat, the preseason narrative gets it right. Our general thought about the defending champion was that, while there were some first-world problems -- complacency, too many good quarterbacks, the offensive coordinator being so good that he got a head coaching position, etc. -- the schedule would allow Ohio State to ease itself into 2015.
The Buckeyes were nearly too eased. Despite a schedule that has included only one top-40 team (according to S&P+), Ohio State had seven-point close calls against Northern Illinois and Indiana. But the defense has surged (last four games: 8.5 points per game allowed), and with J.T. Barrett behind center, the offense has been as efficient as any.
There aren't as many big pass plays as last year (miss you, Devin Smith), but Ohio State's third in the Playoff rankings and third in S&P+, a smidge behind where expected, but a warm and cozy 10-0.
And now, in theory, the real work begins. Michigan State visits Columbus at 9-1 and ninth in the CFP rankings. Despite a fluky loss to Nebraska (which countered a fluky win at Michigan), the Spartans have all of their goals on the table. Beat Ohio State, and the Spartans would be two wins from a potential Playoff bid.
Cont'd ...
By Bill Connelly @SBN_BillC on Nov 19, 2015, 9:55a
The No. 9 Spartans have very rarely looked like a top-10 team this year. This Saturday, even looking the part might not be good enough.
After a 10-week preseason, Ohio State's 2015 begins on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC).
Sometimes, amid all the unanimous predictions that become painfully wrong in a heartbeat, the preseason narrative gets it right. Our general thought about the defending champion was that, while there were some first-world problems -- complacency, too many good quarterbacks, the offensive coordinator being so good that he got a head coaching position, etc. -- the schedule would allow Ohio State to ease itself into 2015.
The Buckeyes were nearly too eased. Despite a schedule that has included only one top-40 team (according to S&P+), Ohio State had seven-point close calls against Northern Illinois and Indiana. But the defense has surged (last four games: 8.5 points per game allowed), and with J.T. Barrett behind center, the offense has been as efficient as any.
There aren't as many big pass plays as last year (miss you, Devin Smith), but Ohio State's third in the Playoff rankings and third in S&P+, a smidge behind where expected, but a warm and cozy 10-0.
And now, in theory, the real work begins. Michigan State visits Columbus at 9-1 and ninth in the CFP rankings. Despite a fluky loss to Nebraska (which countered a fluky win at Michigan), the Spartans have all of their goals on the table. Beat Ohio State, and the Spartans would be two wins from a potential Playoff bid.
Cont'd ...
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OSUK
Sometimes lucid, mostly confused
So Sparty's line is "nothing to see here." I'm not so sure, but if there is something there, it hasn't prevented them from winning a ton of games since he has been the starter.
I've been perusing picks for this game. Outside of Spartydom, literally no one is picking MSU. I think everyone suspects that Cook's shoulder is sore, and without him being outstanding, Sparty becomes Illinois+ - out-manned, no chance to win, but willing to put up a good fight.
I get a kick out of people who are calling for MSU to score in the 30's. I can't see that. Mid 20's maybe. At best. Their game needs to be holding OSU in the low 20's. Good luck with that. Well, actually, not really.
Pass yards can be a junk stat. You can pass for 400 yards, but it means little if you are down 2 scores most of a game, and you are throwing it every down against a defense that is trying to keep everything in front of them to protect their lead. Cook's 300 last year was in that category. I've seen games where 150 yards passing, combined with huge team rushing numbers represented outstanding QB play. Cook is their hope, but even if he throws for 300, it might only be because he is playing catch-up. However, I have seen some games where Cook was throwing ridiculous balls and completing everything. If he can get in that zone, that concerns me.
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mattynokes
Hall of Fame
Just what the fuck does this have to do with the game?
So, we don't want to beat their brains in?
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Conklin's backup, Dennis Finley, is out for the year with a broken leg. Everybody else that had previously been injured on the OL is back though. I believe they had the same five starters for the Nebraska game two weeks ago as they had in Week 1. Don't know if anything changed coming off the Maryland game last week.
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
ON THE RECRUITING FRONT: MEYER VS. DANTONIO
When it comes to recruiting and the development of talent, the Spartans of old were known more so for the latter. Their signing day hauls typically weren't flashy like the Ohio States and Alabamas of the world, but Mark Dantonio and his staff—including current Pitt Panther head coach Pat Narduzzi—had a knack for getting the most out of their players; often turning unheralded recruits like Darqueze Dennard and Le'Veon Bell into superstars.
Today, the Michigan State staff is still known for their player development, but their success on the recruiting front has been on the up and up. Dantonio and Co. are still focusing on the Midwest, but lately they've been having a bit more success going up against schools like Notre Dame, Michigan, and even Ohio State.
Since Urban Meyer's arrival in Columbus, the Buckeyes and Spartans have battled it out for a number of prospects. Today we look at some of the more prominent moments of the Meyer/Dantonio saga. A saga that started with some animosity over an in-state flip.
Interesting insight from recruits/players: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-.../63381/the-recruiting-front-meyer-vs-dantonio
When it comes to recruiting and the development of talent, the Spartans of old were known more so for the latter. Their signing day hauls typically weren't flashy like the Ohio States and Alabamas of the world, but Mark Dantonio and his staff—including current Pitt Panther head coach Pat Narduzzi—had a knack for getting the most out of their players; often turning unheralded recruits like Darqueze Dennard and Le'Veon Bell into superstars.
Today, the Michigan State staff is still known for their player development, but their success on the recruiting front has been on the up and up. Dantonio and Co. are still focusing on the Midwest, but lately they've been having a bit more success going up against schools like Notre Dame, Michigan, and even Ohio State.
Since Urban Meyer's arrival in Columbus, the Buckeyes and Spartans have battled it out for a number of prospects. Today we look at some of the more prominent moments of the Meyer/Dantonio saga. A saga that started with some animosity over an in-state flip.
Interesting insight from recruits/players: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-.../63381/the-recruiting-front-meyer-vs-dantonio
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
FILM STUDY: SHUTTING DOWN CONNOR COOK AND HIS GO-TO RECEIVER, AARON BURBRIDGE
Head coach Mark Dantonio’s Michigan State Spartans enter Ohio Stadium this Saturday in control of their postseason destiny, with visions of a Big Ten East title and possible inclusion in the College Football Playoffs. But after starting the season with eight straight wins and rising as high as No. 7 in the College Football Playoff rankings, the Spartans stubbed their toe in a 39-38 loss to a then 3-6 Nebraska squad two weeks ago. Despite the loss, Michigan State again finds itself in a meaningful November match-up with the second-ranked Buckeyes.
While the matchup may not yet be a true rivalry, the schools have split the last four meetings, and are unquestionably the top two programs in the Big Ten East. In last season's offensive-fueled 49-37 victory in East Lansing, the Buckeyes avenged a 2013 Big Ten Championship game loss to the Spartans in which running back Jeremy Langford gashed the Buckeye run defense to the tune of 137 yards and three touchdowns, while quarterback Connor Cook quietly threw for 358 yards and two scores. With both teams averaging over 32 points-per-game this season, do not expect field goals to get it done this Saturday.
The Michigan State offense continues to run its signature pro-style, gap-run scheme, although the squad clearly misses the consistency Langford (currently starting for the Chicago Bears) brought to the run game. The Spartans have relied on a running back by committee approach, with three backs receiving at least 75 carries through 10 games. Freshmen Madre London and LJ Scott have provided a bulk of the offense’s running yards (the two have combined for 924 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns), although both have seen late-season reductions in playing time due to injuries and ball security concerns. The unit currently averages a pedestrian 3.9 yards-per-carry, the lowest of Dantonio’s tenure at MSU.
The Spartan offensive line, considered a strength coming into the season, has not performed up to expectations either. The unit has started five different combinations due to injuries, and has not protected Cook well as of late. After taking two hard hits in a 24-7 win over Maryland last weekend, Cook left the game in the first quarter to have his shoulder examined. He returned during the second quarter, only to be pulled again due to ineffective play. While Dantonio labeled Cook’s pulling as “precautionary”, his arm should remain a going concern as Cook will likely be called on to make vertical throws this Saturday.
Leading an offense plagued by an inconsistent running game and struggles on the offensive line, the dynamic duo of quarterback Connor Cook and wide receiver Aaron Burbridge must both have statement games against a tough Ohio State pass defense this Saturday if the Spartans want to upset the defending national champions.
Cook, a three-year starter, holds the keys to a Michigan State victory this Saturday. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior currently leads the Big Ten in touchdown passes (21) and ranks second in passing efficiency (143). He is considered a lock for selection in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft by most draft pundits, and has the opportunity to finish out his senior season in style with a win over Ohio State, a Big Ten Championship, and possible postseason play.
As a run-heavy team, play-action passing concepts form an important component of the Spartan’s offensive scheme. Effective play action concepts should be built off and compliment a team’s base run game. In last year’s meeting Michigan State ran a variety of plays including Power,Counter, and Inside Trap to great success, tallying up 178 yards and three touchdowns.
Power:
Counter:
Inside Trap:
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...tting-down-conner-cook-and-his-go-to-receiver
Head coach Mark Dantonio’s Michigan State Spartans enter Ohio Stadium this Saturday in control of their postseason destiny, with visions of a Big Ten East title and possible inclusion in the College Football Playoffs. But after starting the season with eight straight wins and rising as high as No. 7 in the College Football Playoff rankings, the Spartans stubbed their toe in a 39-38 loss to a then 3-6 Nebraska squad two weeks ago. Despite the loss, Michigan State again finds itself in a meaningful November match-up with the second-ranked Buckeyes.
While the matchup may not yet be a true rivalry, the schools have split the last four meetings, and are unquestionably the top two programs in the Big Ten East. In last season's offensive-fueled 49-37 victory in East Lansing, the Buckeyes avenged a 2013 Big Ten Championship game loss to the Spartans in which running back Jeremy Langford gashed the Buckeye run defense to the tune of 137 yards and three touchdowns, while quarterback Connor Cook quietly threw for 358 yards and two scores. With both teams averaging over 32 points-per-game this season, do not expect field goals to get it done this Saturday.
The Michigan State offense continues to run its signature pro-style, gap-run scheme, although the squad clearly misses the consistency Langford (currently starting for the Chicago Bears) brought to the run game. The Spartans have relied on a running back by committee approach, with three backs receiving at least 75 carries through 10 games. Freshmen Madre London and LJ Scott have provided a bulk of the offense’s running yards (the two have combined for 924 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns), although both have seen late-season reductions in playing time due to injuries and ball security concerns. The unit currently averages a pedestrian 3.9 yards-per-carry, the lowest of Dantonio’s tenure at MSU.
The Spartan offensive line, considered a strength coming into the season, has not performed up to expectations either. The unit has started five different combinations due to injuries, and has not protected Cook well as of late. After taking two hard hits in a 24-7 win over Maryland last weekend, Cook left the game in the first quarter to have his shoulder examined. He returned during the second quarter, only to be pulled again due to ineffective play. While Dantonio labeled Cook’s pulling as “precautionary”, his arm should remain a going concern as Cook will likely be called on to make vertical throws this Saturday.
Leading an offense plagued by an inconsistent running game and struggles on the offensive line, the dynamic duo of quarterback Connor Cook and wide receiver Aaron Burbridge must both have statement games against a tough Ohio State pass defense this Saturday if the Spartans want to upset the defending national champions.
Cook, a three-year starter, holds the keys to a Michigan State victory this Saturday. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior currently leads the Big Ten in touchdown passes (21) and ranks second in passing efficiency (143). He is considered a lock for selection in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft by most draft pundits, and has the opportunity to finish out his senior season in style with a win over Ohio State, a Big Ten Championship, and possible postseason play.
As a run-heavy team, play-action passing concepts form an important component of the Spartan’s offensive scheme. Effective play action concepts should be built off and compliment a team’s base run game. In last year’s meeting Michigan State ran a variety of plays including Power,Counter, and Inside Trap to great success, tallying up 178 yards and three touchdowns.
Power:
Counter:
Inside Trap:
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...tting-down-conner-cook-and-his-go-to-receiver
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scarletngray
Gold Pants
Keys to the game:
Tackle on first contact
Win turnover battle
Play penalty free ball
Stop the run
Win field position battle
Tackle on first contact
Win turnover battle
Play penalty free ball
Stop the run
Win field position battle
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
MICHIGAN STATE–OHIO STATE TRAILER: PREPARE FOR SPARTY'S RECKONING
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...o-state-trailer-prepare-for-spartys-reckoning
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...o-state-trailer-prepare-for-spartys-reckoning
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http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111915aad.html
Football Fans Warned to Beware of Counterfeit Tickets
Valid methods available to secure legitimate tickets
Nov. 19, 2015
COLUMBUS, Ohio - With tickets in high demand for the sold-out game vs. Michigan State Saturday, the Ohio State Department of Athletics would like to remind fans to purchase tickets only from authorized sources: The Ohio State Athletics Ticket Office, Ticketmaster, or the Ohio State TicketExchange.
Fans looking to purchase tickets for Michigan State or other sold-out Ohio State events are urged to purchase from the Ohio State TicketExchange, the Official Ticket Exchange site of Ohio State Athletics, and the ONLY resale site where tickets are 100% Ticketmaster Verified and guaranteed to get you into the game. The site is available atOhioStateBuckeyes.com/ticketexchange. Tickets purchased from unauthorized websites or other sources could be counterfeit, stolen or otherwise void, and as such will not allow the ticket holder admission into the event.
Football Fans Warned to Beware of Counterfeit Tickets
Valid methods available to secure legitimate tickets
Nov. 19, 2015
COLUMBUS, Ohio - With tickets in high demand for the sold-out game vs. Michigan State Saturday, the Ohio State Department of Athletics would like to remind fans to purchase tickets only from authorized sources: The Ohio State Athletics Ticket Office, Ticketmaster, or the Ohio State TicketExchange.
Fans looking to purchase tickets for Michigan State or other sold-out Ohio State events are urged to purchase from the Ohio State TicketExchange, the Official Ticket Exchange site of Ohio State Athletics, and the ONLY resale site where tickets are 100% Ticketmaster Verified and guaranteed to get you into the game. The site is available atOhioStateBuckeyes.com/ticketexchange. Tickets purchased from unauthorized websites or other sources could be counterfeit, stolen or otherwise void, and as such will not allow the ticket holder admission into the event.
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Zone 6 Versus The No Fly Zone Could Determine Outcome on Saturday
The Buckeyes went into East Lansing last season and put up 568 yards of total offense against a Michigan State defense that was one of the best in the nation. That included 300 yards through the air against a secondary that billed itself as "The No Fly Zone".
It was the game that really showcased what the Ohio State offense could do when it was firing as it was designed to fire. The Buckeyes had the Spartan defense guessing throughout the game, and rarely did they guess right.
This year the OSU offense hasn't been able to match that kind of explosion in a consistent manner, which is why it is so important for the Buckeye skill players to step up in this game and do the same kind of things that they did last year.
Less than an hour after last week's win over Illinois, the Buckeyes were already being asked about the upcoming game against Michigan State, and they were clearly ready to get started on preparation for the Spartans.
When asked how important it was for the receivers to push forward and rise up against Michigan State like they did a year ago, junior receiver Michael Thomas — who was standing near the same spot on the Memorial Stadium turf where he had scored just a few hours earlier — didn't hesitate to provide an answer.
"Really, really important," he said. "But I feel that our group – Zone 6 – the receivers, and including the tight ends and the running backs, the whole offense, the skill players, we like those types of situations. We like those types of environments when we have to get the offense to go, or when it’s us that has to make a play to help this team."
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/Foot...-Fly-Zone-Could-Determine-Outcome-on-Saturday
The Buckeyes went into East Lansing last season and put up 568 yards of total offense against a Michigan State defense that was one of the best in the nation. That included 300 yards through the air against a secondary that billed itself as "The No Fly Zone".
It was the game that really showcased what the Ohio State offense could do when it was firing as it was designed to fire. The Buckeyes had the Spartan defense guessing throughout the game, and rarely did they guess right.
This year the OSU offense hasn't been able to match that kind of explosion in a consistent manner, which is why it is so important for the Buckeye skill players to step up in this game and do the same kind of things that they did last year.
Less than an hour after last week's win over Illinois, the Buckeyes were already being asked about the upcoming game against Michigan State, and they were clearly ready to get started on preparation for the Spartans.
When asked how important it was for the receivers to push forward and rise up against Michigan State like they did a year ago, junior receiver Michael Thomas — who was standing near the same spot on the Memorial Stadium turf where he had scored just a few hours earlier — didn't hesitate to provide an answer.
"Really, really important," he said. "But I feel that our group – Zone 6 – the receivers, and including the tight ends and the running backs, the whole offense, the skill players, we like those types of situations. We like those types of environments when we have to get the offense to go, or when it’s us that has to make a play to help this team."
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/Foot...-Fly-Zone-Could-Determine-Outcome-on-Saturday
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Playmaker Aaron Burbridge Will be a Handful for the Buckeyes
It’s third down with four yards to go. Where does your team turn?
As Ohio State, you’re likely turning to running back Ezekiel Elliott to make a play. The junior is as reliable as they come in the country and head coach Urban Meyer and his staff trusts him to get the job done.
If you’re Michigan State, the ball needs to get in the hands of Aaron Burbridge.
“I think that their offense is like most good offenses,” Buckeye co-defensive coordinator Chris Ash said of the Spartans. “If they’re in a funk, they rely on one of their best players to make a play and they’re no different than what we are.
“It’s no different for Michigan State. They have good players on the offense and if it may not be going the way they scripted it, they’re going to rely on somebody to make a big play and he happens to be a guy they go to a lot.”
Outside of East Lansing, not many people knew about Burbridge heading into the season. The senior had a total of 80 receptions for 916 yards and three touchdowns over the previous three years.
According to MSU head coach Mark Dantonio, Burbridge has been a factor in their offense for years, even if the nation didn’t take notice.
“I think the biggest thing is really opportunity because Aaron Burbridge has always been an outstanding wide receivers here,” he said on Tuesday’s Big Ten Teleconference. “He started for us as a true freshman in various games. He’s always been a playmaker for us. He was hurt a little bit his second year, bounced back.”
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/Foot...-Burbridge-Will-be-a-Handful-for-the-Buckeyes
It’s third down with four yards to go. Where does your team turn?
As Ohio State, you’re likely turning to running back Ezekiel Elliott to make a play. The junior is as reliable as they come in the country and head coach Urban Meyer and his staff trusts him to get the job done.
If you’re Michigan State, the ball needs to get in the hands of Aaron Burbridge.
“I think that their offense is like most good offenses,” Buckeye co-defensive coordinator Chris Ash said of the Spartans. “If they’re in a funk, they rely on one of their best players to make a play and they’re no different than what we are.
“It’s no different for Michigan State. They have good players on the offense and if it may not be going the way they scripted it, they’re going to rely on somebody to make a big play and he happens to be a guy they go to a lot.”
Outside of East Lansing, not many people knew about Burbridge heading into the season. The senior had a total of 80 receptions for 916 yards and three touchdowns over the previous three years.
According to MSU head coach Mark Dantonio, Burbridge has been a factor in their offense for years, even if the nation didn’t take notice.
“I think the biggest thing is really opportunity because Aaron Burbridge has always been an outstanding wide receivers here,” he said on Tuesday’s Big Ten Teleconference. “He started for us as a true freshman in various games. He’s always been a playmaker for us. He was hurt a little bit his second year, bounced back.”
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/Foot...-Burbridge-Will-be-a-Handful-for-the-Buckeyes
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