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| Winning, it's what we do. AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall |
The win kept Ohio State tied with Wisconsin and Michigan State atop the Big Ten standings heading into next week's showdown with rival Michigan in the Horseshoe. It also preserved the Buckeyes chances for at least a share of the Big Ten title for a record-tying sixth year in a row. Pryor overcame two interceptions to lead his team to victory, but it was Daniel "Boom" Herron that added the late touchdown to give the Buckeye's the lead for good.
The game wasn't totally over, as with less than 2 minutes left, Stanzi was back to pass on third down, and was under pressure right away. That's when Cameron Heyward made his move, getting his first sack in what seems like forever. After that, McNutt was two yards short on 4th down, and the game was over, as the Buckeyes continued their mastery of the Hawkeyes, winning for the 12th time in the past 13 games.
This team had to overcome a lot of adversity to get in a game winning situation, though. For example on the play before the 4th and 10 run by Pryor, on third down he had a wide open DeVier Posey. Naturally, he threw it up and everyone held their breath in Kinnick Stadium. We all saw the ball go into his hands, and suddenly drop through his chest, and the game seemed lost. The only comparison I could give to you is the 2005 Texas game when Hamby had a chance to seal a victory, and bobbled the ball. This matchup had long been circled as the biggest of the year in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes and Hawkeyes were picked 1-2 in the league's preseason poll, and Ohio State's 27-24 OT win in Columbus last year had many wondering what might happen when Iowa got Ohio State at home with a healthy Stanzi.
My thoughts on the game:
- The defense looked really strong to start out. We got a little sloppy in the secondary, but clamped down hard in the second half.
- Posey's catching ability is deteriorating very quickly over the course of the games. I'm not sure what's up with him, but I certainly hope he gets his act together before our bowl game.
- Michigan got stomped in Ann Arbor by Wisconsin, pretty much shunning all hope for the Buckeyes to get back to the Rose Bowl. I see this Buckeye team earning the at large bid for the Sugar Bowl or even the Orange Bowl.
- How about Sanzenbacher? This kid is outstanding, making insane catches on the side, and always being where Pryor needs him. He had 6 receptions for 102 yards, and he'll be playing in his last Michigan game, so you know he's going to bring it. Buckeye Nation is really going to miss this kid.
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| It's Michigan Week. There's no time for play. AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall |
