Recap: Ohio State vs. Georgia Tech

The Buckeyes got it done 75-66. Evan Turner played pretty well, with 24 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists The Bucks were slow out of the gate as they often are, but so was Georgia Tech. Both combined for a crazy amount of turnovers in the first half alone. With Georgia Tech taking a 14-6 lead, and double teaming the Villian every time he touched the ball, with his childhood friend Iman Shumpert and Glen Rice Jr. Favors and Lawal got into foul trouble early and the Buckeyes were in attack mode from then on, being led by Turner.

  In the second half the Bucks bust it open with Diebler getting hot and Lighty playing out of his mind once again. This was a big game for the Buckeyes and I like their chances against the Vols next week. With everything happening, I could see myself putting money on an all Big Ten Regional Final. Jon Diebler, who became hot from beyond the arc about half way through the game, added 20 points and David Lighty had 18 for the Buckeyes. Evan Turner led his team in all statistical groups, really willing this team to victory. It made it even sweeter when the Buckeye team came together to follow suit behind Turner, and rally for the win. This just goes to show that the Buckeyes can compete with the big boys, and with mammoth power Kansas already taken care of, things are looking up for the Bucks. With No. 1 Kansas, No. 3 Georgetown, and No. 4 Maryland all eliminated, Ohio State has its best chance of returning to the Final Four since Greg Oden and Mike Conley Jr. took the Buckeyes there in 2007. Ohio State faces sixth-seeded Tennessee on Friday night in St. Louis in a Midwest Regional semifinal, which should be a great game. It's going to be tough, as Tennessee plays very consistent ball, and they know that past Ohio State, the road is much smoother.

The battle for the Sweet 16.

Preview: Ohio State vs. Georgia Tech

Editor's note: This post was actually written by Chris, but he is working from his blackberry.

Buckeyes vs Yellow Jackets 2:20 eastern time tip. Buckeyes come in at 28-7, Yellow Jackets come in at 23-12. Ohio State will be looking to get to the Sweet 16 for first time since 07. Today's match up is no given as Georgia Tech is very capable of beating Ohio State. Much like Ohio State G-Tech has a abundance of tall wing players 6'5" and up led by Iman Shumpert, who is he?, he's a point guard and has an NBA future. Where the Yellow Jackets make their living is inside, with 6'10" NBA ready Derrick Favors controlling the paint. Folks, if you haven't seen this kid play, picture a young Kevin Garnett. Same skill set and very athletic will pose problems for Bucks. The Jackets also start 6'9" Ganai Lawal who also is a very athletic, inside player. This team may be the most talented team no one knows about. They start 1 sophomore and 4 freshman but they have grown up as of late winning 5 of their last 6. 

Very, intimidating..???

Georgia Tech plays their best against top competition and coach Paul Hewitt is no stranger to success as he has had deep NCAA tourney runs before, including a title game appearance in 05. Turner needs to be a star today, and step up and if OSU takes care of the basketball they should win as G-Tech likes to turn the opponents over. Also OSU will be better suited to zone today as G-Tech is not a good three point shooting team. The key is this; OSU and G-Tech are alike with G-Tech having a much better post presence and OSU having a more better advantage from the 3 point range. OSU also has experience and talent. G-Tech has talent that is now evolving. Both teams have good, young coaches. Both teams play great defense, what gives. Will Turner carry the Bucks to the Sweet 16 or will Favors be too much for Lauderdale and Madsen?, and lead his team to the next game . This will be Ohio State's toughest match up to date in my book. I believe the winner of this game will represent the Midwest in the Final Four. My prediction Ohio State 87-71 Bucks win in an impressive showing of power and finesse. Don't forget to join us for the Live Blog at 2:15!

Recap: Ohio State vs. UCSB March Madness Tournament

 If you were expecting a huge performance by Evan Turner, to maybe seal up the Player of the Year trophy, you would have been wrong, along with just about everyone else in the College Basketball world. The Gauchos came out with a plan, and that was to stop and shut down Evan Turner. It worked, but it also back fired, because Ohio State's Jon Diebler, William Buford, and David Lighty, with a little bit of Lauderdale sprinkled in, totally dominated the Santa Barbara squad. With this performance, the Buckeyes were totally fine without their star on the court. Evan Turner was frustrated, there's no doubt about that. He was happy with the win, but he only finished with nine points on 2-of-13 shooting from the field. He did have 10 rebounds, though, that helped his teammates out in the long run.

Despite being called out sick with the flu, Diebler had the most impressive performance thus far this year, adding 23 points. He was so hot from the three area, that the Buckeyes went straight to him for three straight shots, all resulting in a total of a 9 point stretch. Speaking of domination, Dallas Lauderdale came out to prove he was still the go-to big man for the Buckeyes, and he had eight rebounds and 12 blocks, becoming the third player since 1997 to reach those levels in a tournament game (Cole Aldrich 2009, Kelvin Cato in 1997). Along with that, William Buford became hot in certain times in the game, which ended with 16 points. In all, if the Buckeyes continue to play like this throughout the tournament, with the addition of good play by Turner, (don't worry, he will) Then they are a legitimate title contender. Of course, it was UCSB, but we will really get to see how good these Buckeyes are when they face Georgia Tech on Sunday at 2:20 PM EST.

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  The Buckeyes jumped out to a 17-point halftime lead and cruised to a 17-point win, despite Evan Turner going 2 for 14 from the floor. Turner finished with nine points.

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   Jon Diebler tied a season-high with seven 3-pointers and finished with a season-high 23 points.

Evan Turner, happy with his first ever NCAA win.

Big Ten starting to make some moves.

It has been reported throughout the day that the current Big 12 school, Texas, is currently having "preliminary exchanges" with the Big Ten and it's need for expansion. Most Buckeye fans, including other Big Ten schools, like this idea, or so we think. Personally, I would love the idea, because it seems every so often, Texas and Ohio State duke it out for the top spot. So this automatically makes the conference THAT much tougher on us, and we can continue to do better in bowl games. In this case, it would not only help the Big Ten, but also help Texas. The past year has led to a nice little downfall for Big 12 fans, and this would seem like a good time to get out. Unlike last time, this story HAS a source, and may in fact, become true.

Final Bowl Week

The final destination

Well folks, we've reached it. It is the last week of predictions. We started here way back in October, and have done fairly well until the bowl games. Now that they have come to pass, our bowl game record stands at 28-21. The end is now here, with the national championship holding all the glory for either Texas or Alabama. Before we get to that though, there is still a tale of two cinderellas, a rushing attack vs. a run defense, and a small bowl game. Let's get started.

Today

Fiesta Bowl: Boise State vs. TCU – 8:00 p.m. (FOX)

Otherwise known as the cop-out bowl by the BCS. I am a supporter of the playoff system, and honestly, this really is a cop-out. Now, that being said, it will still be a fun game to watch. Heisman canididate Kellen Moore threw for over 3,000 yards this season, and expect him to put a run in the Heisman next year. Meanwhile, TCU comes in bringing in a top 5 offense and defense, and I have to say, they look like they could have beaten anyone this season, and I believe they should have had a shot at the MNC. TCU proves a point, 35-21.

Tommorow

Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. Iowa – 8:00 p.m. (FOX)

With Iowa's run defense vs. Georgia Tech's flexbone package coupled with QB Josh Nesbitt, makes for a long, long, long game. Iowa likes to run the ball usually, but with Shonn Greene taking the NFL, they have thrown for quite a bit this year. Their only losses came due to the fact that their QB Ricki Stanzi went down in the Northwestern game, and that Ohio State was, well, Ohio State. This game will be dragged along, but look for the Big Ten to go 4-3 in bowl games this year as Iowa wins a close one, 24-20

Wednesday

GMAC Bowl: Central Michigan vs. Troy – 7:00 p.m. (ESPN)

Even with the fact that Central Michigan's head coach Butch Davis is packing his bags to head to Cincy, Dan LeFevour will lead his high powered offensive unit to victory as the Troy Trojans fail to stop them when it matters most. 31-14

Thursday

Citi BCS National Championship Game - No. 1 Alabama vs No. 2 Texas - 8:00 p.m. - ABC

The BCS National Championship game features to high powered offenses led by their quarterbacks Colt Mccoy, and Greg McElroy. On defense, Mount Cody represents the Crimson Tide. Jordan Shipley looks to help Colt with the load of taking down the Bama defense. Of course, you can't forget Heisman winner Mark Ingram either. Although Suh should have won it, Mark Ingram put up great numbers as a sophmore, and now will try and accomplish what Tebow could not. It all starts here for him, and for a Heisman running for others. Although I'm going aganist the Heisman curse, (hey, Matt Leinart did it..) Inside The Shoe gives you the Alabama Crimson Tide as your 2010 BCS National Champions. Even though we have no control over what happens. Good luck to both teams.

Bowl Week 3 (part 2)

I won´t really give an introduction, other then after part 1, Inside The Shoe is now 21-13.

Today

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl - Air Force vs Houston - 12:00 PM EST - ESPN

In a re-match of last year´s bowl game, Houston´s best passing attack in the nation, will take on Air Force´s best passing defense in the nation. Houston will be led by quarterback Case Keenum, who was in the top 10 Heisman voting. Houston´s ability to run up the score has helped them, and their offense get even better. Meanwhile, Air Force has the 4th ranked rushing attack, while Houston is terrible at defending the run. With that being said, Houston will be to much for Air Force, 31-20.

Brut Sun Bowl - No. 21 Stanford vs Oklahoma - 2:00 PM ET - CBS

If your a Sooner fan, your probably feeling a bit down, not being ranked, not in a BCS bowl, and playing in El Paso. If your a Cardinal fan, you are ranked, you have one of the best backs in the nation, and your playing a former Big 12 powerhouse. Nevertheless, look for this to be a good game as Toby Gerhart and Sam Bradford lead their offenses. I see Stanford winnnig a competieve game, 28-17.

Texas Bowl - Missouri vs Navy - 3:30 PM ET - ESPN

Buckeye fans got a nice look at the triple option aganist Navy, as Navy came very close at the end to upsetting the Buckeyes. We know that Missouri is in the process of rebuilding, and that Navy fights for a whole 60 minutes, without rest, as the Buckeyes learned. So in this situation, I really like Ricky Dobbs and that crazy option attack, as Navy gets the win, closing a fantastic season, 24-10.

Insight Bowl - Iowa State vs Minnesota - 6:00 PM ET - NFL Network

After a little persuasion, and some outcrys by their fans, Iowa State fought their way into the Insight Bowl to take on the Golden Gophers. Minnesota brings in a mixed attack, with wideout Eric Decker being out to injury. Adam Weber has had a mixed season, along with the offense, as they can score points, but not many. The key is stopping ISU´s rushing attack, which Minnesota is actually good at doing. I see the Big Ten going to 2-0 after this one, 17-10

Chick-fil-A Bowl - No. 11 Virginia Tech at Tennessee - 7:30 PM ET - ESPN

With the losses to Georgia Tech, and Alabama, Va Tech will look for it´s first win in Atlanta this year, and they have to do it aganist Lane Kiffin´s Volls. Tyrod Taylor leads the attack, and I have to say, Tennessee won´t be able to stop him, or running back Ryan Williams. Virgina Tech wins a close one, 24-17

New Year´s Day

Outback Bowl - Auburn vs Northwestern - 11:00 AM ET - ESPN

Even after dropping it´s last 5 of 6 games, hopes are high at Auburn, the reason being they almost upset Alabama. Northwestern, on the other hand, has won four of it´s last 5 games, and they look to continue winning. With an SEC vs. Big Ten game, expect a bit of mouthing off to each other, but look Northwestern to pull the upset and unbelivably, the Big Ten going 3-0, 35-31.

Konica Minolta Gator Bowl - No. 16 West Virginia at Florida State - 1:00 PM ET - CBS

In Bobby Bowden´s last game as a head coach, a lot will be said about his storied career. He faces his old WVU team, and looks to go out with a bang. I hate to say they will have a tough time stopping the 3rd ranked rushing attack. WVU gets the win, 38-24.

Capital One Bowl - No. 12 LSU vs No. 13 Penn State - 1:00 PM ET - ABC

LSU wanting another 10 win season under Les Miles, looking to take care of a PSU team that lost to the Buckeyes, 24-7. Oh, I didn´t have to add that, did I? PSU´s Darryl Clark will want to go out with a win aganist an SEC opponet, but will just fall short, 24-21.

Rose Bowl

Inside The Shoe will cover this game the day of it.

Allstate Sugar Bowl - No. 3 Cincinnati at No. 5 Florida - 8:30 PM ET - FOX

A game in which both head coaches are new, due to the old ones having health problems, and getting a new job at Notre Dame. Cincy comes in looking for it´s first BCS bowl win, while Florida, looking to send Tebow on a rainbow to the NFL, where he will be, umm, no one really knows. Florida has an outstanding defense, while Cincy has a high powered offense. Florida will take this because Cincy has no defense, and Florida has one of the best. 42-21.

Part 3 will come the day after the Sugar Bowl, keep it here folks! Enjoy your New Year.

BCS Bowl Breakdown by Inside The Shoe.

Rose Bowl Presented by Citi - No. 7 Oregon vs No. 8 Ohio State

This is one of the BCS Bowl match-ups that almost everyone is looking forward to. It is sort of intresting in the plot. Here we have Oregon, looking to prove that the Pac-10 is not a one man team, and is trying to earn national respect. Ohio State, on the other hand, is trying to convince the nation that they still belong in that national spotlight. Oregon has a small defense, but will be facing a talented, big, but a very inconsistent offense, headed by sophomore Terrelle Pryor. On the offensive side of the ball, Oregon has one of the top 10 rushing games and faces the 5th ranked rushing defense in the Buckeyes. All very intresting. With all of this going on, Oregon is a 3 point favorite.

Allstate Sugar Bowl - No. 3 Cincinnati vs No. 5 Florida

In what many people view as a pretty big mismatch, the Big East champions look to take down the defending national champions. Florida comes in looking very strong on D, and a little blustered on offense. Alabama pounded them to the point it seemed like they didn't really want to seem to play anymore. On the other side, Cincy comes off a huge win over Big East rival, Pitt. After a long TD special, the Bearcats won by an extra point, showing they once again, have almost no defense. Giving Illinois 36 points is quite an amazing feat.

Tostitos Feista Bowl - No. 4 TCU vs No. 6 Boise State

I have to say, I am one of many that agree that the BCS voted for a cop-out. Instead of trying to prove a point that these confrences deserve BCS bids, and that they should have national respect, they will just be beating each other up in the face. The big key to this game is TCU's amazing defense aganist the best scoring offense, Boise State, in the NCAA. I would look out though, TCU has a pretty darn good offense.

FedEx Orange Bowl - No. 9 Georgia Tech vs No. 10 Iowa

Iowa got the 2nd BCS bowl for the Big Ten and Georgia Tech is feeling confident as they just won a close game aganist Spiller and the Tigers. GT's bread and butter is the triple option, though unfortunatly for them, Iowa's inside linmen are built for stopping the run. Just ask Ohio State. Right? Right?

CITI BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME - No. 1 Alabama vs No. 2 Texas

People are already wanting to give the crystal, when Texas had to use every second they had to beat the good defense of Nebraska. After Alabama crushed the defending national and SEC champs, who would argue? I think it was read into to much about the Big 12 champ game, but I would defintaly say it's never to early to start watching film.

National CFB Games This Weekend.

It's time again for the weekly games to come. This is really the last regular season week, and to look back on it, this has been the fastest year of college football of my life.We the Buckeyes have had our ups, (Penn St. Iowa) and our downs (USC, Purdue). Overall though, most Buckeye fans realized that we would be headed to the Rose Bowl, due to losing to Penn St. and USC, just like last year. Well, USC came and went, but we lost to Purdue, but won out. So really, expectations were met this year. Now for the rest of the BCS, it really counts tonight and this weekend. After last week, we at Inside The Shoe are now 10-4. So! Let's get to it.

National Games

Today – #14 Oregon State at #7 Oregon – 9:00 p.m. (ESPN)

This match-up will deciede who Ohio State faces in the Rose Bowl. Oregon comes in off a double overtime win @ Arizona, with QB Jermiah Massoli, and running back(s) LeMichal James and LeGarette Blount(?). Oregon State will look to win the Civil war, although most Buckeye fans agree Oregon would be the "sexier" opponet. I think that Oregon faces trouble ahead, but will eventually come up victorious 37-21.

Saturday - #5 Cincinnati at #13 Pittsburgh – 12:00 p.m. (ABC)

After last week's debacle aganist WVU, I lost a lot of faith in Pitt. They don't seem to be very consistent, and Brian Kelly and Co. won't have any of it as UC will take this one, and try to head to the BCS, 28-13

SEC Championship Game: #1 Florida vs. #2 Alabama – 4:00 p.m. (CBS)

This one is being dubbed as the defacto BCS Championsip game. That's terrible. I honestly believe that Florida is overrated, and Alabama is a national title contender this year. As long as the Defense holds up for Bama, then they will win this thing fairly easily, 24-10.

ACC Championship Game: #10 Georgia Tech vs. #25 Clemson – 8:00 p.m. (ESPN)

Georgia Tech's triple option is one of the best I have seen in a long time, but i have to go with Clemson and my man, C.J. Spiller, 17-6.

Big XII Championship Game: #3 Texas vs. #23 Nebraska – 8:00 p.m. (ABC)

All i have to really say about this game is, Welcome to the NC since 2005 Texas, 35-14.