Recap: Ohio State 7, Michigan State 10

If he isn't the answer, who is?

With the way the offense had played the past 2-3 games, I can't say I'm surprised that we only scored 1 touchdown in garbage time. Michigan State's defense is ranked #1 in the country in total defense (172 YPG), and passing defense (101 YPG). They backed up that lofty ranking, and added more stats into their rushing defense. Jordan Hall and Carlos Hyde a few big runs, and really couldn't seem to find a rhythm. I can't blame them: MSU knew what we were running, and so did everyone else in the 'Shoe yesterday. Michigan State (4-1, 1-0) didn't even have possession of the ball for this game, and even then the defense did it's job. The Buckeyes (3-2, 0-1), had true freshman Braxton Miller in at the helm again, but even #5 couldn't make any good plays that day.

Joe Bauserman led Ohio State to it's only score, that came with only 20 or so seconds left, and the onside kick was recoverable, but ended in the hands of Michigan State. The loss at home ended a 16 game winning streak in the 'Shoe. Fickell said after the game that he might just open up the quarterback job to the four contenders, including Kenny Guiton and Taylor Graham, who had fought for the job during spring and fall practices. At the same time, he said Miller would remain the starter for now. Bauserman came in late in the game, to many Buckeye's despair. Joe went 7/14, for 87 yards and a touchdown throw to Evan Spencer. Miller on the other hand went 5/10 for 56 yards with an interception. I was outraged with putting in Bauserman and then throwing on first and second down, like we should have been doing all game long with Miller in the game.

To put the blame on Miller is a bit childish in my opinion. The one interception he threw, Devin Smith had it in his hands, only to have it be ripped away by the defender, so that one isn't on Braxton. Other than that, his offensive line blocked way better for Bauserman than they did for Miller. Perhaps that's just my Braxton Kool-Aid glasses, but it sure seemed like Bauserman had more time to throw in the pocket late in the game. Dan Conroy wrapped the game up with a 50 yard FG, from the bend, don't break, defense. That gave the Spartans the 10-0 lead, with only a few minutes left in the game.

Recap: Ohio State 6, Miami 24

Hall tried to give the Buckeyes life

After an ugly win over a Toledo team that Boise State handled easily, Buckeye Nation was concerned over the quarterback controversy, where Joe Bauserman was solid in that he didn't turn the ball over, but couldn't throw an accurate deep ball to save his life. So, when Braxton Miller went in last night, and did well in the running game, he also fumbled and had an interception (It was a tipped ball, to be fair). A lot of frustration came in the game last night, due to the total of 35 yards passing, and just horrid play calling from Bollman. It's interesting that everyone was upset with Tressel's play calling when he was here (myself included), but with the real offensive coordinator calling the plays, we see that Tressel was actually a genius. Perhaps that's a bit exaggerated, but there is no doubt in my mind that Tressel is a better play caller then most think.

Lamar Miller was man among boys out there in Coral Gables, as he rushed for 184 yards on 26 carries. Jordan Hall and Carlos Hyde did their part in trying to get the Buckeye offense rolling, combining for 141 yards on 26 carries. Had Hall not gone down on one of his punt returns with serious cramping, and if our passing game had at least 100 yards, this might be a very different game. Jacory Harris threw two first-quarter touchdown passes to Allen Hurns, helping the Hurricanes top the #19 Ohio State Buckeyes, who are in danger of being knocked out of the Top 25 for the first time since November 28th, 2004. 

Recap: Ohio State 42, Akron 0

Stoneburner is a main target in '11

You may have forgotten by now, but Travis Howard and Jordan Hall, 2 of OSU's starters at corner and running back were out yesterday due to the 1 game suspension that was announced earlier last week. Luke Fickell's Buckeyes did a great job in making the fans forget all about that with a 42-0 shutout over the Akron Zips. Fickell is the 14th coach in Ohio State history to post a shutout in his coaching debut. The last person to do it was none other than Woody Hayes.

Coming into the game, the quarterback situation was a main talking point among OSU fans, as to who would be the starter. Once the depth chart came out showing Bauserman as 1A and Miller at 1B, we knew right away that the QB battle would continue into the first couple of games. Joe Bauserman, the redshirt senior, went 12/16, for 163 yards and 3 TDs, along with 1 rushing touchdowns. All 3 passing touchdowns came into the hands of Jake Stoneburner, who saw limited action along with other OSU TE's under Tressel. Heralded freshman Braxton Miller played the entire 2nd half of the game, sans the first drive. During that time, Miller went 8/12, for 130 yards and a touchdown score that was thrown to fellow freshman Devin Smith.

On the rushing side of the ball, Ohio State switched back and forth between freshman Rod Smith and sophomore Carlos Hyde, until finally sticking with Hyde until about mid way through the 3rd quarter. Hyde ran for 93 yards on 19 attempts with a long of 24. Smith lost a fumble, but also had 74 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown score that came late in the 4th quarter.

Among the receivers, the ball was spread around through 11 different players, including the tight ends and fullback Zach Boren. Ohio State is looking for two starting receivers, and they are making use of the young players to see what kind of depth they have at that position.

Akron's offense was limited to only 90 yards of total offense, as the defense was outstanding all day long for the Buckeyes. The amount of depth we have at every position is pretty good, and this unit will really be a key factor in games like Wisconsin, Nebraska, MSU, etc. Andrew Sweat led the defense, but the defensive line was key in making not only pressuring the QB, but also forcing him to make bad throws, and batting down other passing attempts.