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. 

Live Blog: #19 Ohio State vs. Miami

The game has finally arrived, and it's time to join the chat for the 2011 edition of Ohio State-Miami. Last season the Buckeyes came out on top, but down in Coral Gables, hopes are high for an upset of the Scarlet and Gray.

Join us at 7:15 PM EST for our Live Blog!

Preview: #19 Ohio State vs. Miami

Can Bauserman lead the Bucks?

The Ineligi-bowl is upon us. After an atrocious off-season for both Miami and Ohio State, both sides are looking to push that aside for the rest of the season, starting with this game. #19 Ohio State is coming off of an ugly 27-22 win over in-state opponent Toledo (who plays at Boise later today). Miami, meanwhile is returning 7 starters on both sides of the ball in the wake of their opening game loss to Maryland.

Last season, the talk of both towns was a rematch of the 2002 National championship game, in which Miami would exact it's revenge. Now, both are trying to get a win so they can move on and hopefully have a successful 2011 campaign. For Ohio State, Jordan Hall and Travis Howard return to the lineup, which should be a tremendous help. Joe Bauserman was again named the starter, but Braxton Miller is still listed as "OR" next to Bauserman. I wonder if Fickell is trying to save him as a secret weapon. There were rumors swirling that Miller was in the doghouse, injured, and didn't know enough of the playbook to play. The good thing is that this week he has done much better and he's now 100% healthy.

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.

OSU v Miami

Round 2

OSU vs Miami (Fl). This is a game that matches two of the great names in college football. A rematch of the classic 2002 National Championship game. A return game from last years early season Top 25 matchup in the ‘Shoe. Oh yeah it is also a matchup of two teams that have had extremely bad off-seasons. Putting all of that aside, this is also a matchup of two teams with plenty of talent. These are two teams that could and should compete for conference championships and big time bowl appearances (unless the NCAA nixes those ideas).

 This is a matchup of two teams with new coaches, the highly respected Al Golden (who brought Temple to respectability) at Miami and the lessor known, but not lessor respected, Ohio High School Legend and Ohio State great Luke Fickell with the Buckeyes.

Quarterback Conundrum

Yeah..

Well that wasn’t what we were looking for in the second game of the campaign! Toledo gave the Buckeyes everything they could handle in a 27-22 showdown at the show this past Saturday. Missed opportunities, untimely fumbles and a shaky defense were the culprits that almost finished the OSU season before it could even get to the Big Ten portion of the schedule. Joe Bauserman was the only quarterback that saw action which left many in buckeye nation a little perturbed. Why did Fickell choose to stay with the wily.. err... veteran.. err... old quarterback when he had the Ferrari parked on the sideline? Was it the right move? Could Braxton have done a better job at guiding the offense to a more desirable outcome?

I think it is painfully obvious that our new coach knows that his job is on the line after this season and he will do anything in his power to win games. Unfortunately, his job status may be getting the way of giving our new star quarterback valuable game reps.

3 Suspended Buckeyes Reinstated, Ready For Miami

Jordan Hall, Travis Howard and Corey "Pittsburgh" Brown are back in action starting against Miami, after being suspended for the first two games of the 2011 season for taking a total of 200 dollars each at a fundraiser event from a booster. With the return of starter's Hall and Howard, the Buckeyes will get more depth and speed to compete with the Hurricanes on Saturday. From the release:

"The reinstatement staff determined the nature and scope of the violations, particularly the provision of cash benefits a booster, merited a two game suspension. When a school discovers an NCAA rules violation has occurred, it must declare the student-athlete ineligible and may request the student-athlete's elighibility be resinstated. The NCAA staff reviews each student-athlete's reinstatement request indivdually based on it's own merits and set of specific facts."

ITS's BlogPoll Ballot: Week 3

Week 2 of college football has passed, and perhaps has led to more questions than answers in the big picture for the race towards the championship. Alabama had an impressive win over Penn State, Michigan turned some heads with a last second win vs. Notre Dame, and South Carolina got a big win on the road, as they looked impressive on both sides of the ball. With that, let's take a look at this week's ballot.

In Case You Missed It

Pryor will try to avenge the loss in prime time.

Due to my internet betraying me and Blogger going down a day after I got it back, here's a recap of the big story over the end of the week. Normal posting will now continue.

It was announced that Ohio State will have 2 games in prime time. Miami and Wisconsin are the games that are in prime time as of right now. Kickoff in Miami will be at 7:30 or 8 p.m. on Sept. 17. The game will be broadcast on either ABC or ESPN.

The teams played in Columbus last season, with the Buckeyes winning 36-24. The 2011 match-up will be Ohio State's first trip to play the Hurricanes in Miami. 

Meanwhile, the Badger game will be carried by ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 in Columbus. Pryor and co. will be in tow as they try and avenge their loss to Wisconsin way back in October.

This is the third prime time game for the Buckeyes, as it is added to the Ohio State-Nebraska game, which will be a dandy in Lincoln. The Tat Five and Tressel will be returning in that game, so you know the build up to that point will be incredibly large.

Recap: Ohio State 36, Miami 24

Pryor and the Buckeyes danced to victory.
(AP Photo Jay LaPrete)

Well that was fun. The Buckeye faithful started the party as soon as the game ended. A big Buckeye win will do wonders for the National Title hopes in Columbus. Ohio State has won eight straight games when ranked second in the AP poll, so I guess when we're good, we're good. One of the keys to our success yesterday in the 'Shoe was our defense. With JaFOURy Harris throwing 4 interceptions (one at a key point in the red zone) and the returns pretty good, the Buckeyes rolled on with great field position. 

Jim Tressel was excellent, with the right plays at the right time. Terrelle Pryor threw for 233 yards and a TD and ran for 113 yards and a TD as the Buckeyes improved to 27-2 at home under Jim Tressel against nonconference opponents. That's an impressive record at home. The only bad part of the game was the special teams and even then, Devin Barclay tied a school record for 5 made FG's in a game. He almost had 6, but punched it left.

All Talk No Action.....

Allow me to introduce...... JaFOURy H4rris

Live Blog: Ohio State vs. Miami

The trash talking for pre game is over. It's now time to put up or shut up.

Join us at 3:30 PM EST to get the show rolling.

A look back... and ahead

One of my first posts for ITS discussed my concerns with our current running backs (Saine and Herron) and not giving enough touches to the younger potential studs that OSU had waiting in the wings. Well, I’ll take my foot out of my mouth right now. Brandon Saine looked like the back that we all thought he could be last Thursday against the Thundering Herd. His breakaway speed and terrific downfield cuts in the game will give Big Ten defensive coordinators nightmares this season. Coming out of Piqua, he was heralded as a terrific speedster but many had worries about his injury laden past. Those fears seemed to come to fruition over the past few seasons with nagging injuries taking a chunk out of his playing time. He finally looked the part Thursday night, appeared to be healthy and proved to me that he deserves the number one slot at running back. Brandon, if you by some chance you happened to read that post from July, I apologize. I realize it was only Marshall but he looked like a different dude out there.

Representing: Miami

The Miami blogger from The 7th Floor was kind enough to share their knowledge about the Hurricanes, and they're chances in the game.

1. Right now, do you feel pretty good about where the Hurricanes are as a team?

Absolutely. I think this is the year things really come together for Miami: the team consists solely now of guys who have bought into Randy Shannon's version of the program, they learned a lot from folding down the stretch last year, there's finally depth -- gorgeous depth! -- and there's stability on the coaching staff. I think this is the year they win the ACC, and next there's no reason they shouldn't contend for a title. 

It's been a slow road back; I think few people realized exactly how bad things have gotten, and how much of a steaming turd Shannon inherited. 

And exactly how deadly is the Voltron he's assembling. 

2. Besides Jacory Harris, Who's the key guy, the player that they have to build around to win games?

Honestly, Jacory's the only one. Take away Leonard Hankerson, you can "make do" with Laron Byrd. Damien Berry goes down, there's Mike James and a streak where Lamar Miller used to be. Behind Travis Benjamin is Davon Johnson. You can still call it a young-ish team, but offensively, it feels like we're back to the days in which Willis McGahee was a third-stringer. There's so much depth on the offense -- everywhere, that is, but quarterback. 

For some reason, though, I'm not going to feel good about the game until Lamar Miller notches a touchdown return. 

3. What has to happen for Ohio State to beat Miami or vice versa? 

I think Miami has to be disciplined up front. Terrelle Pryor is not going to be able to scurry around behind the line of scrimmage, or he'll be eaten alive by Olivier Vernon or Allen Bailey. But if he gets chances up the middle -- if the defensive tackles don't do their thing -- it could make for an uncomfortable night. 

Miami's linebacker situation is...unsettling. Sean Spence is a beast, but every now and then, Colin McCarthy does something inexplicably terrifying. And they're the only dependable two. 

I'm not at all worried about TP throwing his way to a win.  Everything, either way, will depend on Miami's defense, because Jacory can score all night. 

I think Ohio State will need to shut down Leonard Hankerson. And he's got mouths to feed. 

4. Was it pass interference, and what are you're feelings on that game?

OBVIOUSLY. But that game is history, and even if Miami wins it doesn't erase it. To my mind, this isn't about revenge -- it's about this year, and this team, who have a chance not to leave anything in the hands of dickhead refs. Or anyone named Craig Krenzel. That's an elf's name. 

5. How will Miami do this season? (W/L, Bowl Game?)

9-2, BCS bowl. 

Who you got?: #2 Ohio State vs. #10 Miami

It's Miami week, and already we are to Tuesday! Here are the writers picks and why.

Ian: 28-17 Ohio State - The Bucks come out firing, then stutter in the second quarter. Pryor looks good. Harris rattled in the first, but calms down in the second. Defense wins the game in the second half.

SBB: 31-24 Ohio State - Is not as close as the score appears, as Miami gets a TD with about 2 minutes left in the game. Terrelle Pryor will step up in this game, but Jacory Harris will as well. The defensive line will be lead by Heyward, but Moeller will be the defensive star once more.

Brady: 31-21 Ohio State - The Buckeyes will have their hands full with Jacory Harris.   Hankerson and the other speedsters on the outside will be a challenge for the secondary but I expect the D to tighten up and shut down the Canes by the second half.  After all, they see a better version of Jacory everyday in practice.  On the offensive side, Saine and the other backs have to come out strong to ensure the success of the passing game.  This will be a huge early test but I believe the Bucks will be up for the challenge.

Danny: 24-10 Ohio State - Jacory Harris home stats last season: 65% completion percentage, 14 TD's 9 picks, and 11 sacks taken.  Away stats: 55% completion percentage with only 10 touchdowns, 8 picks, and 23 sacks taken.  Buckeyes defense and home crowd rattle Harris early and often en route to a 24-10 victory.

Miami Week

Alright Buckeye fans, it's time for the schedule for this week.

Monday: Today we will be covering any breaking news or keep you up to date on other various things.

Tuesday: Make Your Picks

Wednesday: Top 25

Thursday: Representing: Miami

Friday: Preview

Saturday: Live Blog

Sunday: Recap

Inside The Shoe is looking for a football writer as the season gets more in depth! If you're interested, please leave a comment or contact us at insidetheshoe2009@hotmail.com. Thanks!