Enemy Blogger Interview: Wisconsin

It's Wisconsin Week

As the Buckeyes prepare to host the Badgers this Saturday at 8 PM EST, Buckeye Nation knows this is a must-win game if Ohio State even wants a shot at staying in the race for the Big Ten Conference Championship game. Wisconsin is coming off it's first loss, and now travel to the 'Shoe. John Veldhuis of Bucky's 5th Quarter was nice enough to join us in answering our questions that we had about Wisconsin, and the game the 'Shoe.

1. Wisconsin has just suffered their first loss of the season after traveling to Michigan State. They still have good odds heading into this game to win the Leader's Division, since MSU falls under the Legends. What did that loss mean to the Badgers, and what does this upcoming game mean to them?

Well, the loss means that Russell Wilson is human after all. He didn't have a bad day, but the bad parts came at exactly the wrong times. In addition, it means that some of the season's high expectations came crashing down along with that tipped ball, into the hands of Keith Nichol. Preseason, I expected the Badgers to be right where they are now - 6-1 with a loss to Michigan State. After the first few games I believed (and I think a lot of other people did too) that this team was able to do something more than a Big Ten Championship. That's why it hurts now. This game is important because they still have 4 of their 5 next games against division opponents, and they'll have to beat a still talented Ohio State team on the road.

2. Ohio State traveled to Camp Randall last year ranked #1 in the country, and took their only fall the whole year. Are Wisconsin fans feeling some confidence heading into the rowdy 'Shoe?

I think they are, but it's more because of Ohio State's no-good very-bad offseason. Before the Time of Troubles started, this looked like a very tough game for the Badgers, and it still is, to an extent. Ohio State's offense doesn't strike fear into anyone right now, and I think the Wisconsin defense is coming in a little underrated after the loss to MSU, so I think they have a right to be confident for now. Ohio State will get back to their normal state sooner rather than later, so the Badgers need to take advantage while they have time. 

3. Who are the #1 play makers on offense, not counting Russell Wilson and Montee Ball?

Well, in addition to Ball, there's Nick Toon - he's the Badgers' No.1 receiver. He's had a good year so far, mostly because of his strong connection with Wilson. Toon's success has helped Jared Abbrederis, a sure-handed walk on who defenders can't forget about. If Toon is put on an island, Abbrederis usually finds ways to get open against the #2 corner. Finally, there's Jacob Pedersen. He's the Badgers' next "Big Thing" at tight end, and with all of the Badgers' other weapons drawing attention, defenses tend to forget about him. He's second in receiving touchdowns this year, so when defenses forget about him, they usually pay for it. 

Enemy Blogger Interview: Nebraska

The Enemy Blogger Interview is back this week, after not being able to reach a willing MSU blog. Perhaps, in the end it's better we didn't. This week, as the Buckeyes travel to Lincoln to face off against the Huskers, the guys from Corn Nation were nice enough to answer our questions, and in return we have done so for them. So, on to the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Give us a little bit of background on your website, Corn Nation.

Jon Johnston: Corn Nation appeared on the Internet in 2006 after all of the good names for Nebraska sites were taken. The following Q&A is actually answered by different authors from our site, each of which is a sentient being, this being contrary to the popular opinion that I suffer from a multiple-personality disorder.

1. Both teams are coming off disappointing losses, to Wisconsin and Michigan State. How do the Cornhuskers come into this game at home vs. the Ohio State Buckeyes, who aren't what they were in years past?

Ricky Smith: That’s the million dollar question in Husker Nation. My hunch is they won’t pout and they’ll move on. They have to. Hopefully, coming back home will help them. That is, of course, they play well. If things get rocky and the fans start booing, all bets are off. It could go downhill quickly. I get the impression that this is an emotionally fragile team right now.

Aaron: This feels a lot like the Texas game from last year. Big time opponent coming into Lincoln with their backs against the wall. We wasted that opportunity. I think Nebraska gets back to the basics against Ohio State and plays fairly conservative. The coaches have taken a lot of heat this week for throwing the ball as much as they did against Wisconsin.

Mike: What a lot of Husker fans lost sight of was that Nebraska was actually playing pretty well the first 20 minutes against Wisconsin.  Then the turnovers began and the defense disappeared. I think the Huskers bounce back and try to pound away at Ohio State.

Jon Johnston: The team has taken a lot of crap this week - how the rest of the season plays out depends on how they respond in this game. I would think that we’d come out and see right away what our offensive line can do with a power running game against Ohio State. See how strong we are, see how the Buckeyes respond. Hate to say it, but given the Buckeye’s offensive woes, we shouldn’t have to score a ton of points to win this game.

2. Who are the #1 play makers on offense (not counting Taylor Martinez) and defense for Nebraska?

RS: It starts and ends with Rex Burkhead with offense. The sooner Tim Beck (OC) realizes this, the better off the offense will be. This year is all about time of possession and ball control.  As for defense, Lavonte David’s (LB) play is critical. He seems to be the only one with any type of presence out on the field.

Aaron: Ameer Abdullah leads the nation in yards per kick off (35.13ypk). Nebraska had great field position quite often during the Wisconsin game but couldn’t capitalize on it. The defense seems to really be lacking play makers right now, but the focus is always on Jared Crick, David and Alfonzo Dennard. On offense, true freshman Jamal Turner leads the team in receiving.

Mike: Look for tight end Kyler Reed and freshman receiver Kenny Bell as well in the passing game for the Huskers. On defense, keep an eye out for safety Daimion Stafford, who’s a big hitter.

Jon: The #1 playmaker on the defense will be the cornerback that finally earns a stable starting position alongside Dennard. Seriously - the defensive secondary has been horrid this year, and we’re not sure if it’s because of a change in the secondary coaching or because the players are inexperienced. If that gets fixed, Nebraska’s defense will be on the mend.

Enemy Blogger Interview: Colorado

The first interview following a loss. Fortunately for the Buckeyes, they have the luxury of returning to the friendly (well, maybe not now) confines of the 'Shoe. This week OSU faces off against a newly aligned Pac-12 team in Colorado. Bob Bell of Ralphie Report joins us this week to answer our questions.

1. The Colorado Buffaloes have left the Big 12 recently and joined the Pac 12. So far since then, you guys are 1-2 in the 2011 season. What's the general feeling right now among Colorado fans with the program and it's move to the Pac 12?

Ultimately, the Buffs have had a chance to win the two games they lost, especially California who beat the Buffs 52-7 last season. So that is an improvement. I think offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has done a solid job calling plays in his first stint at running an offense. The thing we at the Ralphie Report are judging this year on, is game over game improvement which we have seen. Some of the things that are still frustrating fans after these past three games, are the mental mistakes and penalties. Colorado continues to be one of the highest penalized teams in the nation, something that carried over from the Dan Hawkins era apparently.

The Buffs are lacking in depth and overall talent which is something Embree will have to improve on over time. If Embree can get that talent, I think this coaching staff has the ability to be a good one.

So far, we like the Pac-12 a ton. The road trips will certainly be better and the University of Colorado is much more like Pac-12 schools than Big 12 programs (academic reputation, quality of life, alumni base, etc.) Throw in the fact that the Big 12 is days/weeks away from not existing, CU fans are excited we got out when we did. As fans, although it will be a tough year, we will get to see first hand Oregon, USC, and Arizona at home which is a heck of a lot better than last year's home slate that included Iowa State, Kansas State, Baylor...you get the picture.

2. Who are the #1 play-makers on offense and defense? 


On defense it would Columbus, Ohio native LB Doug Rippy. He has been far and away, Colorado's best defensive player this season. He is second  on the team in tackles with 26, averaging 8.7 a game and two total sacks. Rippy has been all over the field and has made a big impact in his first year as a full time starter.

On offense, WR Paul Richardson is Colorado's best playmaker. Like we said above, he set a Colorado record with 284 yards against Cal. He has four touchdowns and is ranked 11th in receiving yards per game with 120. The true sophomore emerged late last season to be a big time threat and he continues to show that ability in 2011.

RB Rodney Stewart is also an offensive threat for the Buffs. He is only 5'8", but one of the strongest players on the team and is unbelievably shifty. It is scary to think where this offense would have been without Stewart the past few years. He moved into fourth place on CU's all-time rushing yards list, closing the Colorado State game with 2,967 career rushing yards. He is within striking distance of being the top Colorado running back ever in terms of rushing yards.

Enemy Blogger Interview: Miami

This week, we have Canes Pundit joining us, and we are very thankful again for someone taking the time to answer our questions. With that, let's jump right in.

1. Miami is returning some suspended players, including recently named starter for this game, Jacory Harris. What kind of impact will they have on this game?

I think Jacory will provide the game management that was lacking in the Maryland game. With that, however, comes his tendency to turn the ball over. LB Sean Spence, - Miami's best defender - returns, as does our two top returning sack leaders. It should clearly benefit a defense that gave up a lot of yards to Maryland.

2. Who are the playmakers on offense and defense?

The top playmaker on offense is RB Lamar Miller. He is 215 lbs, and runs a 4.3 40. He should be a nationally known name by year's end. On defense, it is aforementioned Sean Spence, an outside linebacker that is slated to go in the first two rounds of next year's NFL draft.

3. Both Ohio State and Miami had horrid offseasons, and many think Miami should end up with getting the "Death Penalty". What are your thoughts on the situation?

I doubt they get the death penalty, thought I do anticipate the loss of scholarships and a bowl ban. It's a shame because most of the infractions involve coaches and players that are no longer here. The current players' infractions form 2008, though minimal, were valid and required punishment. I just feel that if you're going to scrutinize to this level, then every school must be held culpable for their actions - as every school has a student athlete that has received a free meal or $100 in benefits at some point.

Enemy Blogger Interview: Toledo

Matt Sussman from Hustle Belt has joined us once again as the Buckeyes prepare to face on a much tougher opponent than Akron was. That team, the Toledo Rockets, have a solid veteran class, and have high hopes of making this a competitive game. Let's get on to the interview!

1. What kind of offense should we expect from the Rockets?

It's basically a spread offense, but there are several personnel that get involved. They were the only team in the MAC with four people having 100+ plays from scrimmage. To boot, they return those four players and are mixing in others. It's a very balanced spread that can put up points quickly.

2. Who's Toledo's best playmaker on both sides of the ball?

Obviously Eric Page on the offense (and special teams, for that matter). He's a dynamic receiver who can also spearhead the Wildcat formation and has been known to toss a couple of TD passes. For the defense, there's not one player that truly stands out from the rest, but I'll pick defensive end T.J. Fatinikun who led the Rockets last year in TFL (13.0), five of them for sacks.

3. As the Toledo defense, who scares you the most at QB? Bauserman or Miller?

Neither, but both. I haven't seen (a lot) of Miller play, but understand he's a dual-threat QB, while Bauserman seems to be more of a passer. I'd say that Toledo is able to game plan for one or the other, but to plan for both will be more work for the Rocket's defense, which has already had to overcome depth issues in their back seven.

Enemy Blogger Interview: Akron

Middle of the pack since 1946

Matt Sussman from Hustle Belt has been a very busy man among the Internets, what with several Ohio State blogs asking for their questions to be answered, and after all of that, he was still kind enough to answer ours. So, with that, let's jump right in!

1. It appears that Akron has lost some of their key starters on the offensive side of the ball, and although they went 1-11 last season, that's still veteran leadership they are missing. How will the Zips replace them?

Well, head coach Rob Ianello made his reputation as a master recruiter at Notre Dame, so he's going to do it the old fashioned MAC way: Locate people who fell through the cracks, both as high school seniors and JUCO transfers. He knew in his first year what he was going to lose in terms of seniors and I'd like to say he prepared exceptionally well to fill out a competitive two-deep. So, he may have lost seniors he didn't recruit, but in Year Two, he gets to plug in some of his new guys and redshirts to see what they can do in his new pro-style system and 4-3 defense.