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It was a roller coaster ride in the second half, and every Buckeye fan got to experience the full range of emotions. Iowa quickly came back ruining the celebration of Buckeye Nation, and would force overtime. The game was conservative and outright frustrating at times, but Devin Barclay's 39 yard field goal gave the Buckeyes a 27-24 victory. Rose Bowl here we come...

Early Look at Buckeye Nike Pro-Combat Jerseys 11/13/2009

Source: http://friendsoftheprogram.net/2009/11/10/nike-pro-combat-the-complete-collection-with-slogans/

UPDATE: Here is the official look at the Buckeyes new uniforms http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?ATCLID=204832958&SPSID=87743&SPID=10408&DB_OEM_ID=17300&PALBID=358230

Know the Opposition: Iowa 11/13/2009

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Dave and Drew Thurman (11:56 am)

Mascot: Hawkeyes
Coach: Kirk Ferentz (11th year at Iowa, 79-54 overall, 1-5 vs. OSU)
2008 Record: 9-4 (Defeated South Carolina in Outback Bowl , 31-10)
2009 Record: 9-1
Base Offense: "I" Formation
Base Defense: 4-3
Letterman: Returning - 49; Lost - 22
Returning Starters: Offense - 6, Defense - 8, Specialists - 2
Returning Stars: LB Pat Angerer, S Tyler Sash

Notable Alumni:

- Tom Arnold, actor from Roseanne
- Tom Brokaw, TV anchor and author
- Bret Bielema, football coach, Wisconsin
- Dallas Clark, tight end, Indianapolis Colts
- George Gallup, founder of the Gallup poll
- Don Nelson, NBA player and coach
- Ashton Kutcher, actor

Cheerleading Scouting Report:

Iowa Overview:

As much as the Buckeyes have felt snakebitten by injuries this season, the Hawkeyes have even more reason to complain. Before the season even started, their starting running back Jewel Hampton was lost for the season. Iowa moved on without him though, and found a star in redshirt freshman Adam Robinson. They would also lose him for the season after being injured against Michigan State. Then Ricky Stanzi went down in the first half against Northwestern last week, and all those injuries finally caught up with the Hawkeyes as they lost 17-10 to Northwestern. Their dreams of going to a National Championship were crushed after a 9-0 start.

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Senior Tribute: Hats Off to a Hardworking Group 11/11/2009

Seniors on Picture Day (courtesy of the Ozone)

Dave Thurman (5:00 PM)

Saturday's game is another big one, as Iowa comes to town, with the winner heading to the Rose Bowl. It is also Senior Day at Ohio Stadium, as Buckeye fans bid farewell to a group of nineteen players. It may not be the most talented class to ever don the Scarlet and Gray (Beanie, Hartline and Washington would have healped), but it is a group that has persevered through some personal trials and showed a lot of heart.

Before we look at the players individualy, let's take a moment and exmaine them by groups. On offense there are 8 seniors, but amazingly five of them came to Columbus as walk-ons. It is one of the weakest offensive groups I can remember, and no doubt that is one reason this team has struggled to move the chains consistently. On the other side of the ball there are 9 players preparing for their final home game and it is a strong group, which again helps explain the success of the defensive troops this season. Finally there are 2 specialists who are seniors, and they have done a solid job this season as well (combined with Small's returns they helped special teams be well above average).

Briefly let's take a look at all 19 seniors, and consider their impact over the past 4-5 years:

Offense:

-Dan Potokar - A speedy walk-on receiver who was diagnosed with cancer during his career but has battled with the will of a champion.

-Ryan Shuck - Another walk-on receiver who earned a scholarship this year, and was able to play a little on special teams. No doubt he'll always reember recovering a fumble against Minnesota.

-Joe Gantz - A running back who walked on, earned a scholarship his senior year and actually got to carry the ball 4 times.

-Marcus Williams - A very talented walk-on who earned a scholarship and was a special team's stud the past couple of years until sidelined by an injury. His long run in the spring game will always be a highlight in my mind.

-Ray Small - Has there ever been a player in the doghouse as often as Ray? Touted as another Ted Ginn, he never lived up to the hype, but did flash moments of brilliance in his career, and will be remembered fondly for his game changing punt returns against Penn State this season.

Drink in the Revenge One More Time 11/09/2009

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Enjoy one more look back at Heyward dominating, Pryor growing up, and the Penn State fans going silent!

Source: MlbIndian http://www.youtube.com/user/MlbIndian

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Penn State Game Thoughts: The Morning After 11/08/2009

Now this picture of Pryor deserves a t-shirt! (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drew Thurman (11:09 am)

Halfway through the third quarter, as the Buckeyes narrowly held onto a 10-7 lead, I had a bad feeling this was going to turn out like the last three big games the Buckeyes have battled in. It looked like Tressel was again going to place all the pressure on his defense, and I was starting to have flashbacks of the late game scores from Penn State, Texas, and USC. Then Tressel, who had called a very solid first half, opened things up in a way I haven't seen since No. 10 was taking reps under center. A 62 yard bomb to Posey and a 47 yard drive capped off by a Saine touchdown reception later, the Buckeyes proved to be much more of a contender than anyone (including Buckeye fans) thought they could be in 2009. Here is what stuck out...

Pryor is growing up before our eyes. A few weeks ago everyone had written Pryor and the Buckeyes off after the Purdue loss, and many wondered if Pryor was ever going to play to his potential. It was a dark time not only for fans, but for Pryor as well. That loss seemed to have helped Pryor finally put the pieces together though, and he has responded well ever since. Especially yesterday on a huge national stage, and in his home state in front of 110,000 angry "country folk." Pryor's stats were solid (8-17 125 yards, 2 TD; 50 yards rushing, 1 TD), but they were not mind blowing. But what was so impressive was how calm Pryor played all afternoon. He played his smartest game yet, and didn't force anything. A few weeks ago I would have never thought this performance was possible, but give credit to the staff and Pryor himself for never allowing the criticism to win over.

Oh and by the way, try to name someone that deserves Offensive MVP of the Big Ten more than Pryor. Clark doesn't after his performance yesterday, Eric Decker is hurt, so that leaves...Pryor? Craziness! Pryor looked like the biggest disappointment of the league a few weeks back, but I think last night pushed him back to being the premiere player in the league. Weird year in the Big Ten all around, and this just solidifies it!

Penn State Recap: A "Happy" Return for Pryor 11/07/2009

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Dave Thurman (10:02 pm)

Okay I admit it - I was a doubter. When pressed this past week, I chose State Penn by 3. My thinking was that the PSU combination of home field advantage and a tough "D" would be too much for Ohio State to overcome. I had visions of Pryor running for his life, a scene Buckeye fans have become all too familiar with this season. Boy was I wrong!

So what was most surprising in this game? You pick: 1) The O-line winning the battle in the trenches while not even surrendering one sack; 2) Pryor ending the game (in a hostile environment) with 0 turnovers; or 3) Tressel opening up the playbook to include bubble screen/laterals, a receiver reverse, a couple throws to the fullback, and a bomb on first down!

I'm sure a whole lot will be written about this game, because it was a BIG win but I'm going to keep my recap pretty short. I think most games come down to three things (in the following order):

1. The battle in the trenches
2. The turnover margin
3. Special teams

Ohio State won all three. It was the best game the Buck o-line has played all year. And the d-line continued their dominating play which has been in evidence most of the season. While Penn State took pretty good care of the ball, the Bucks did win the turnover battle. And, led by Ray Small's dynamic punt returns, the Scarlet and Gray handily won the special teams
scuffle.

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Pryor, Heyward Break Happy Valley Hearts 11/07/2009

No turnovers....check.

Good play calling...check.

Cam Heyward killing all moving blue jerseys...check.

All that helped the Buckeyes dominate in Happy Valley, 24-7. Not only did Ohio State's defense prove itself as the real deal (unlike Penn State), but Pryor FINALLY had his coming out party! Oh revenge is so sweet for Pryor and all of Buckeye Nation!

Know the Opposition: Penn State 11/06/2009

Dave and Drew Thurman (12:40 pm)

Mascot: Nittany Lions
Stadium: Beaver Stadium (107,282)
Head Coach: Joe Paterno (44th year at PSU, 391-128-3; vs OSU 8-12)
2008 Record: 11-2 (Lost to USC in Rose Bowl 38-24)
2009 Record: 8-1
Base Offense: Ace (3 Wide Receivers)
Base Defense: 4-3
Letterman: Returning - 37; Lost - 20
Returning Starters: Offense - 5, Defense - 4, Specialists - 1
Returning Stars: QB Daryll Clark; RB Evan Royster; LB Sean Lee

Notable Alumni:

-Lisa Salters, ESPN reporter
-Adam McKay, Screenwriter and director of Anchorman and Talladega Nights
-Herman Fisher, Co-founder of Fisher-Price toy company
-John Cappalletti, Heisman Trophy winning RB
-Mike Scioscia, MLB catcher and manager
-Franco Harris, NFL Hall of Fame running back
-Joseph Heller, Author of Catch-22

Cheerleading Scouting Report:

Penn State Overview:

Saturday's game between the Nittany Lions and the Buckeyes was hyped as the game that would decide the Big Ten Champion before the season started. While this game will not necessarily decide that because Iowa is in the mix, it still has massive Big Ten implications. One would expect that this game is going to feature two of the nation's top defenses, and should be low scoring in nature. With that said, both teams do have talent on the offensive side of the ball, especially Penn State, who is very underrated as an offensive unit. They have played a pretty easy schedule thus far, but are still averaging 429 yards a game and 30 points a game. So yes, Penn State can put up points!