Dave Thurman (2:57 pm)

There are few places in the country, if any, where fans are as interested and involved, to say nothing of being filled with high expectations, as at Ohio State.

I have watched with fascination the past month as Kentucky has hired Jim Calipari to lead their roundball program.  Fans in Lexington have been ecstatic, and are already talking of a National Championship in 2010.  This is a team that missed the NCAA tourney this year, by the way.  My hat is off to them for their love of the "Big Blue" and they have every reason to celebrate the hiring of a true Cadillac coach, but isn't it a little unrealistic to talk of a championship in his first season?  Not if you're devoted to the Wildcats!

At Ohio State the fan expectations for the football team are as high, if not higher.  There is a sense that the Scarlet and Gray should win it all every year.  Now don't get me wrong.  Rabid fans with high expectations are a wonderful thing.  They generate excitement that only helps the players and coaches on the field.

Think about it.  Who else in the country can touch the Buckeye fan base?  I remember a time when Notre Dame could.  But a series of weak coaching hires has left the Irish disgruntled.  They still back their team with plenty of zeal, but it's not the same.  They don't expect to contend for the title, and they are now settling for mere winning seasons that end with bowl bids.

Down south at places like Gainesville and Tuscaloosa the fans are pretty crazy, and expect to see a winning product on the field.  Oklahoma, Texas, and Penn State are a few other teams that come to mind.  I don't list USC even though they may have been the winningest team of the 21st century, because they don't have the same kind of fans.  The Hollywood "Wine and Cheese" crowd will hop off the bandwagon as soon as they go through a slump.  But as John Cooper found out, at OSU the fans still come out in tough times they just get angry and turn up the heat!

Honestly I would put Ohio State in class by themselves when it comes to fan support and expectations.  The crowd at this year's Spring Game, in excess of 95,700, is just one indication.  The number of blogs and websites devoted to OSU football is another.   When it comes to all things pigskin, nobody touches the love, insanity and high hopes of Buckeye Nation!

So are the expectations too high?  Honestly, sometimes the answer is yes! Now, back in 2006, with fifth-year senior Troy Smith at the controls, there was every reason to expect a national championship. Anything less was a failure, in my opinion, and that's why the loss to Florida hurt so badly. But it is unrealistic to think that a team can win the title every year.  There is too much parity in college football.  Players depart and leave gaping holes. Injuries occur, and change the whole outlook.  A great program can compete for the title every year.  In other words, they can be in the hunt.  That's a fair expectation for Buckeye fans.  Anything more goes from sensible to impractical or downright naive.

So what about the 2009 edition of the Scarlet and Gray?  Should we expect them to play in the championship game January 7, 2010, in Pasadena?  My short answer is "No."  Sure it could happen if everything falls into place, but this is an awfully young team.  It's more realistic to expect a Big Ten title (which won't be easy) and a seventh straight victory over the guys with the ugly helmets come November.  However, the following year, with a mature Terrelle Pryor and plenty of experienced depth, it will be realistic to expect a title. 

Being part of the tradition of Ohio State football is exciting.  Where else can you travel to places like Champaign, Evanston, and Bloomington, and feel like you are cheering for the home team, even though they are wearing white?  Where else can you spot someone in Seattle or Boston wearing Scarlet and Gray and yell out "O-H" confident you will hear "I-O" in return? And where else can you surf the internet to find dozens of websites devoted to your favorite school, each with lots of insight and information?

It is not a stretch to say that Buckeye fans cheer for the best supported team in the land.  That's awesome!  Let's embrace our tradition, cheering and even complaining with unapologetic fervor, but let's not be so unrealistic as to miss the fun of watching a young team grow up and have great successes on the field.  Success isn't measured the same way each year.  Some teams should be expected to win it all.  Others may not hold the crystal football at the end, but can still be embraced as successful.  And at Ohio State, we'll be there to watch it all unfold, and cheer like crazy, even when we're disappointed! 

Dave Thurman (6:57 pm)

Like every other Buckeye fan I have been pouring over spring practice reports, excitedly reading about the progress young players are making, and enjoying the battles being waged for open spots. There seems to be lots of good news filtering out of these practice sessions, and I see some encouraging signs. However, one thing worries me a great deal, and that is the linebacker position.

This probably surprises you, because the linebacker position has been well stocked in recent years, and we all know that Ohio State, not State Penn is the real "linebacker U." But I am a little concerned by the potential of seeing Austin Spitler and Ross Homan on the field together. Don't get me wrong, I think both of them are good, hard-nosed Big Ten linebackers, who can fill the hole and stuff the run. But they aren't the fastest players in recent memory, and I think having both on the field together could spell disaster against speedy teams. 

Now in the opener, when Navy comes to town, it should be no problem. Against the Midshipmen you need tough, disciplined linebackers committed to stopping the run. But the following week, the Trojans of USC make their way to Columbus, and we all know they bring speed, speed, and more speed. It is my opinion that faster linebackers such as Etienne Sabino (pictured) and Brian Rolle, along with guys who can play a hybrid position (safety/linebacker) like Jermale Hines and Tyler Moeller, are the keys to playing with top level teams that spread the ball around. There is always a place for a physical, old-fashioned linebacker when you play the traditional Big Ten teams, but the truth is Ohio State won't beat the big boys unless they can cover from sideline to sideline. That is why I don't see Spitler and Homan on the field together when the Bucks face a spread or a team with an arsenal of speedy skill-position players.

Times are changing in college football, even in the normally conservative Big 10, and like it or not, Woody-ball won't work anymore. That's not to say that Coach Hayes wouldn't have evolved with the times, it just means that what worked in 1970 isn't necessarily successful in 2009. Discipline and physical play are still essential, but speed has changed the game. That's why linebackers like Vernon Gholston and Thaddeus Gibson who can bulk up a little are being converted and are turning into beasts coming off the edge. And that's why so many teams are taking physical safeties and turning them into linebackers.

They say that speed kills, but in reality lack of speed will quickly bring the demise of a football team. So here's hoping the Bucks are ready to put on their track shoes this year, even at linebacker!  

Dave Thurman (5:12 pm)

I confess that I am not a natural optimist.  I have a good friend (who was a very successful basketball coach) and his motto has always been, "There's no such thing as a disappointed pessimist."  I tend to live by that philosophy myself, a fact I'm not proud of.

However, I am trying to be optimistic about the 2009 edition of the Buckeye football team.   There is a lot of fresh talent and it's always fun to watch young guys develop.  If a few defensive players rise to the challenge, it could be an excellent season, with the chance to be a truly special team in 2010.  If Pryor continues to move forward the sky is the limit for him and his teammates. 

But there is one thing that keeps me from being completely positive and confident about the future.  More precisely it is one person...and his name is Jim Bollman. 

Now, I'm sure he is a really nice guy and it seems the players like him, but the truth is, our line has been "offensive" in recent years, and I'm being kind.  We know that Bollman isn't a great motivational guy, as evidenced last season by Tressel having to spend time with the o-line trying to light a fire under their tails.  I would also suggest that Bollman isn't a great teacher or tactician, based simply on results.  So count me as one who isn't impressed.

And, now, we get reports that he is tinkering with the line, having guys play multiple positions this spring.  That might sound like a good thing, realizing that injuries are a reality.  However, my take is that when guys aren't playing one position well, you shouldn't move them around like a yo-yo and try to teach them 3 positions.  Until they can get an "A" at one spot, why confuse them with more information? 

Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of moving Cordle to tackle and Browning to guard.  Anyone with an elementary knowledge of football could see that Browning was out of position last year.  I'm not opposed to some changing of positions, but I'm not a fan of moving guys around all spring in hopes that they can master every spot on the line.  Hearing that Brewster is repping some at guard, for instance, bothers me.  Center is a bear of a position and he has the potential to be a great one, but not if he's spending time moving all around playing guard and tackle, too.

One of the interesting quotes from JT's pre-spring press conference was, "If it ain't broke, break it," based off of a book by Robert Kreigal.  I love that premise.  Don't wait until something isn't working to make a change.  Be ahead of the curve, and make a change before it's needed.  I like that kind of visionary thinking.  My problem with the statement is that the past couple of years the o-line has been broken, and it still hasn't been fixed, in my opinion.  Until it is, Tressel can talk all day about throwing to the tight-end or using the pistol formation, but it won't matter.  What is damaged must be repaired, and when it is, then the coaches can be imaginative and innovative.   

As for me, I would have kindly sent Bollman packing last year, which I think was overdue.  However, Tressel is nothing if not loyal and maybe his patience will be rewarded.  Maybe Bollman will surprise us all this year and have a strong o-line, but I'm not holding my breathe.  Either way, I can't lose, because there's no such thing as a disappointed pessimist!

Dave Thurman (10:12 am)

Everyone knows that the state of Ohio produces amazing football talent, and the Buckeyes usually get the lion's share of the great ones.  From Archie to Beanie, its like a conveyor belt that keeps spitting out amazing players: Art Schlichter, Troy Smith, Cris Carter, Orlando Pace, Dan Wilkinson, A.J. Hawk, Andy Katzenmoyer, Mike Doss and Antoine Winfield to name just a few.

But what about the topnotch talent the Bucks have harvested from out of state?  Who are the best players to come from beyond the sacred borderlines of Ohio?  And (dare we ask) what about the great Ohio high school talent that headed to other schools? Which players got branded as traitors for spurning the Bucks?  Let's examine those questions in two parts, beginning with the out of staters who were wise enough to leave home and don the Scarlet and Gray.

Rather than try and come up with an exhaustive list I'll give you my choice for best player to come to OSU by state (limited to the past three decades):

FL: Chris Gamble (No state has been kinder to the Bucks, especially in regard to speed. Honorable mention to Santonio Holmes and Michael Jenkins)

PA: Eddie George (Lots of good ones from our neighbors to the east, but none as great as the sweet strider from Phily.  Here's hoping Pryor gives him a run for his money)

MI: Pepper Johnson (Nothing sweeter than stealing one from up north, and I'll take Pepper by a nose over Vern Gholston, though Krenzel will always have a special place in my heart)

IL: Mike Tomczak, just slightly over Eric Kumerow

NY: Will Smith

TX: David Boston (How'd Coop ever talk him into coming?)

CA: Michael Wiley (Speaking of Cooper, he used to get a bunch of guys from the left coast.  Honorable mention: Nail Diggs)

AZ: Joe Germaine

NJ: Malcom Jenkins (For years it was Alonzo Spellman, but Jenkins passed him in my book, not to mention that MJ's actually sane!)

GA: Rory Graves (Got to go back a ways fort this one, but Cam Heyward has two years to catch or surpass him)

LA: Jonathan Wells

MD: Shawn Springs

WV: Darrion Scott

KY: Jeff Ellis, barely over "The Strangler" Robert Reynolds 

MN: James Laurinaitis

MO: Reggie "Did I Skip Class" Germany

MD: Stan White Jr.

IN: Donald Washington

CO: Chris Sanders

KS: Jamie Summer

SC: Derek Ross

Hope you enjoy the list.  Who'd I miss?  Send me a note and let me know.

Next up, "Installment two - The good guys who crossed the border into enemy territory."

Dave Thurman (5:48 pm)

One of the big news items this winter (and let's face it it this is a down time for Buckeye football news) is the move of Jake Stoneburner to tight end, which had been rumored for quite some time, but was only recently substantiated.  Naturally there are divergent opinions on this subject, with some fans quite angry, hoping that Stoneburner would become a big downfield target, blending a rare package of size and speed.  And, many felt he would be a great option in the corner of the end zone, being employed kind of like Terrelle Pryor was in the Fiesta Bowl against Texas. 

Well I, for one, am quite excited by the possibilities of this change of position, and feel it might well signal the beginning of a new era in which Tressel begins to use the tight end as a viable offensive weapon, and not just a glorified tackle. 

Just how little has the tight end been used in our recent offensive scheme?  Is it just our imagination or have we truly failed to utilize this position adequately?  Well, take a look at the past three years and judge for yourselves:

2008 - All of 11 catches by the tight end (6 to Nichol; 5 to Ballard)! Brandon Smith did catch 8 balls but those were all out of the backfield as a fullback.

2007 - A whopping total of 32 catches (16 to Nichol; 13 to Ballard; and    
3 to Smith) which actually gave us momentary hope for the future!

2006 - 15 catches by our tight ends (13 to Nichol; 2 to Ballard)

To put that in perspective, consider that Travis Beckum of Wisconsin caught 75 balls by himself in 2007 (his last healthy season as he missed much of 2008 due to injury).

Obviously we have not maximized this position and it hasn't all been due to a lack of talent.  Ballard, in particular, has wonderful hands and should have been used more, but will never be considered a speed-merchant.  Jake Stoneburner, on the other hand, has excellent speed, and would likely be the fastest tight end in OSU history.  Putting a big time athlete like him at tight end would certainly seem to be for the purpose of adding another weapon to the OSU arsenal.  That gets my blood pumping in eager anticipation.

Truth is, I have nightmares in which I see Kellen Winslow Jr. cutting across the middle for another big gain during the 2003 National Championship Game.  His size and speed made him a terrible mismatch when lined up against any linebacker, even the speedy Cie Grant.  USC used Fred Davis the same way during his senior season, and the aforementioned Travis Beckum tormented the Big Ten with over 130 catches during his sophomore and junior seasons.

That's why I like this move.  We need to get Jake on the field and there is a glut of talent at wideout.  On the other hand, tight end has only one experienced returner and we need to start utilizing this position, realizing that linebackers aren't usually equipped to be great pass defenders. 

So, here's hoping 2009 will be remembered as the year we rediscovered the tight end!

Dave Thurman (11:27 am)

The recent arrest of Alex Boone flew under the radar since it was during the week of National Signing Day, but coupled with his early alcohol-related trouble it presents a pattern that helps explain his inconsistent play the past four years. Needless to say he could have been a great one, and has cost himself a whole lot of money.

Honestly I have never been so glad to see a group of offensive linemen leave as I am this year, since this was an underachieving bunch that kept the Buckeyes from winning a national title, in my opinion. When the head coach has to begin to work with a senior-laden group to teach technique and try and get them fired up you know there are big problems.

As a kid I could remember my mother reading me the story entitled The Little Engine That Could. Well, this was a big line that couldn't: 

- Boone could't stay focused and sober
- Rehering couldn't stay away from the buffet
- Person couldn't remember the snap count
- And, Skinner and Mitchum couldn't stay healthy

Many reams of paper have been used to try to explain why Ohio State couldn't win the big game the last three years. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the truth is that the offensive line let the team down over and over again.

I, for one, am glad to see these guys go, and a new crop make its way onto the scene. I am excited about guys like Marcus Hall, Jack Mewhort, Corey Linsley, and Sam Longo. Of course I am not completely sold on Jim Bollman, but I doubt he's going anywhere.

Here's hoping when 2013 rolls around that we aren't saying the same things about this line that we have concerning the class of '09!

David Thurman (4:46 pm)

Is it too early begin thinking about the 2009 Buckeye football team, just a week removed from "The Game"? Of course not! At least if you are an obsessed Ohio State fan like me - and you are probably are if you're reading this column! So let's take a look at a projected roster and a way-too-early prediction on next season's record:

QB: Terrelle Pryor starts and with a month of bowl game practices and a full spring to work on mechanics, he might become a true superstar. Behind him as a talented but unproven commodity in Joe Bauserman.

HB: Dan Herron looks ready to be a big time player, and with Jaamal Berry and Carlos Hyde on the way, this may be tailback by committee. There's no Beanie (who will definitely go pro) but this group might cause big problems for defensive coordinators.

FB: Lots of youngsters like Martin, Boren, and Homan will throw their names into the hat, and Brandon Saine may play some at fullback as well, providing a pass threat out of the backfield. Truth is, though, I see a lot of ace formation in 2008.

WR: Brian Hartline (complaining aside) is an excellent big play receiver who can catch the tough passes, too, and hopefully he will return for his senior year. Dan Sazenbacher is quickly becoming a fan favorite with his hands of glue and his willingness to take the big hit. Beyond those two, Ray Small might finally shine if he can get his act together off the field, and DeVier Posey got some helpful experience this year and has the tools to be special. Plus, don't discount Lamaar "Flash" Thomas, Jake Stoneburner or the four incoming freshmen. Once again, this is a good if not great group.  

TE: I love Jake Ballard and like most Buckeye fans think he has been under utilized. However behind him there is no experience and either Nic DiLillo, who redshirted this season, or incoming freshman Reid Fragel, will have to step up quickly, at least to block!

OL: Possibly the biggest question for 2009 is can a line that loses three senior starters get better? I think the answer may be yes. Obviously Alex Boone will be missed, though he never maximized his immense talent. I'm not sure that Steve Rehring or Ben Person will be, since they often whiffed on blocks and had trouble remembering the snap count. Here's who I am betting on when we open up next year against Navy: J.B. Shugarts (LT); Jim Cordle (LG); Mike Brewster (C); Justin Boren (RG); Bryant Browning (RT). Personally, I would prefer Browning at guard, and if Mike Adams comes on, that might happen. Beyond on those six, only Conner Smith has much experience, and if Marcus Hall commits, he might see some immediate playing time. In my opinion, the line will be about equal to this year, unless a new coach is hired to teach better fundamentals and put a fire under the big guys.

Overall I think the offense scores more points due to the progression of Pryor, and the fact that the play calling almost has to get more creative without Beanie.

DL: The weakest link in 2008, the line did get better as the year went on, and I look for more improvement in 2009. At end, Gibson is ready to become dominant, and Nathan Williams might be special, too, if he can gain a little bit more strength to go along with his quickness and tenacity. Lawerence Wilson will probably return, and he is solid, and Solomon Thomas is making strides. The player that really causes me consternation is Rob Rose who I thought would be a superstar. He's not, and probably never will be, but the light may go on for him in his senior season. This could be a really good group. At tackle, we still need some big, mean run-stoppers but have a good group returning in Cameron Heyward (could 2009 be his year?), Dexter Larimore and Todd Denlinger. I am also excited to see Garrett Goebel get his first snaps next year. Of course I am not discounting the possibility of Melvin Fellows or Johnny Simon making a big splash. Regardless, the line will be improved from this year's version and that is a good thing.

LB: Saying goodbye to James Laurinaitis and buddy Marcus Freeman is tough, becuase they made a lot of tackles in their career, and provided plenty of highlights. But the cupboard is not bare. Ross Homan was finally healthy in '08, played well, and could move to the middle. Austin Spitler has waited his chance, and is a good run stuffer, but may lack the speed to play every down. Of course some Florida seed is waiting in the wings, in the person of Etienne Sabino and Brian Rolle. Both are hard hitters, and I project Sabino as a sure starter and future star. Beyond those four, are two guys who can play outside linebacker or nickel back in Tyler Moeller and Jermale Hines. I love Hines, who is listed as a safety, and was also impressed in Moeller in the last two games of the season. Of course, all of these guys know there will be a fight with potential superstars Dorian Bell and Storm Klein among four incoming linebackers in the class of '09. Plus, don't forget Andrew Sweat, who was too good to redshirt this season, as the real Linebacker U keeps churning them out! Personally, I think this group will give up a few more big plays than the past couple of years due to inexperience, but may be better in coverage and against the spread, due to increased speed. I hope Heacock doesn't put Homan and Spitler on the field together, however, or the speed factor goes out the window. My early prediction is Sabino, Homan, and Moeller in the opener.

DB: There is a lot to like about this group, but the loss of Malcolm Jenkins is a tough pill to swallow. He ranks up there with Shawn Springs and Antwon Winfield in my book, and will be missed. The starters seems obvious; rapidly improving Chimdi Chekwa and Donald Washington at cornerback, and ready-for-prime-timer Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russell at safety. Washington worries me a little since he seemed to digress after his off the field problems which sent him to the doghouse, but he has plenty of talent and experience (supposedly he he is contemplating going pro which would be a big mistake). Losing '07 recruits Eugene Clifford and James Scott thins the ranks at corner, where healthy Andre Amos would help, but some believe he may leave school. At nickel, the aforementioned Hines us a hitting machine, and I love his nasty attitude. Further depth will come from Aaron Gant, and there is plenty of room for redshirts like Travis Howard and Orhian Johnson to get into the rotation, but they may be quickly passed by the boatload of talent Tressel has recruited this year. A guy like C.J. Barnett may see the field immediately due to lack of numbers here. On paper this is the strength of the '09 defense if everyone returns, and should make passing a dangerous proposition for the opposition.

So, the defense should be about equal to this year's squad if some leaders emerge from the senior class to fill the shoes of Jenkins and Laurinaitis.

What about special teams? A Tressel led team never considers this an afterthought, and with departure of Trapasso and Pretorius some might be concerned, but not me. I think Pettrey is a superior kick to Pretorius right now, and feel confident that either Jon Thoma or Ben Buchanan can be a solid punter. Long-snapper Jake McQuaide did a nice job this year and he has two years of eligibilty left.

As for returns, I think we may have two special players in Ray Small and Lamaar Thomas, and once again, if Small doesn't get in his own way, he might put some real fear into opposing punters in '09.

Well, that's a look position by position but what about the final record? My way-to-early prediction is 11-1 in the regular season with a loss coming to USC (home) or Penn State (away). We could easily lose another one as upsets happen with young teams, but I am optimistic - at least for now, with months to go before I start worrying!

What do you think? Let us know, as we all gaze into the looking glass wearing out Scarlet and Gray colored glasses!

Dave Thurman (1:15 pm)

What a strange year 2008 has been for the Buckeye faithful. As I look back over this past season, there are a number of things that rate as strange, shocking or absurd:

1) 10-2 with a historic, one sided victory over Michigan still being considered disappointing due to preseason rankings and expectations.

2) True-freshman Terrelle Pryor totally unseating 6th-year senior and returning all-Big Ten quarterback Todd Boeckman...and, receiving snaps from another true freshman, Mike Brewster.

3) Three games without a single offensive touchdown!

4) Struggling to score at home against weak teams such as Purdue and Ohio, but putting up over 40 on the road against decent teams like Michigan State and Northwestern.

5) Statistical oddities like: 272 yards of total offense against Ohio, 49 yards passing against Illinois; 10th in Big Ten in passing yards; 24 total sacks on the entire year (with only one coming from Lawerence Wilson, the tabbed replacement for Vern Gholston); and, 65 total rushing yards from Brandon Saine, considered a budding superstar at tailback.

6) Although a vertern unit averaged only 340 yards per game on offense (about 60 per game less than the '06 and '07 teams did during the regular season), suprisingly they committed less turnovers (only 13) and had less penalty yards (41.7 per game) than the pervious two squads. Go figure!

As Johnny Carson used to say, "That's weird, wacky stuff."

So, how can we summarize 2008, and what does it tell us about the future?

First of all, it ended up being a decent season when it could have been an unmitigated disaster. We saw a senior laden Michigan team basically tank it last year, at least until their bowl game when they won one for departing coach Lloyd Carr. After the USC humiliation, with media and fans totally down on the Buckeyes, and some players disgruntled with the quaterback change, this team could have lost 4-5 games. The win at Wisconsin was huge, and while the season was disappoiting in lieu of the lofty expectations, 10-2 with revenge against Illinois, and a fifth straight victory over "that school up north" can't be considered a terrible season. A share of the Big Ten title means four in a row, and that is not to be taken lightly.

While I believe we should have defeated Penn State, it may be a blessing in disguise that we didn't, because I don't think this team is ready to play a top 5 squad in a bowl game. What Buckeye Nation didn't need was another one-sided loss in a big BCS bowl game.

So, while the 2008 will not go down as one of Tressel's best, it proved again that good defense and special teams allow a team to stay in most every game and keep upsets at a minimum.

As far as the future: Although the bowl game may have some impact on 2009, I think we can get a pretty good idea about next season from looking back on the past 12 games. Actually next season should be very interesting as there will be a lot of young talent on the field. It may be one of the fastest Buckeye squads ever, and if a few key vacancies are filled, it could be an excellent team. However, a great deal rests on who calls next year's plays and whether or not Bollman is demoted or asked to leave altogether.

Later this week I'll take a look at a projected roster and a way-too-early prediction on next season's record. Before then, enjoy some turkey and mashed potatoes, lift up a word of thanks, and be glad you aren't a Michigan or Notre Dame fan!

Dave Thurman (2:23 pm)

The national media isn't too hyped about the OSU-Michigan game this year, and there will not be the kind of nationwide coverage or exposure we are used to, but there is still plenty of great reasons to tune in and be pumped about this contest. Since Ohio State is going for an unprecedented fifth straight win against "that school up north," I have chosen my Top 5 reasons to get excited about the 2008 edition of "the Game."

1) It is the greatest rivalry in sports: It doesn't matter where "The Game" is played, what time kick-off is scheduled, or how good the teams are perceived to be, the fact is when these two teams go at it you are watching the most storied rivalry in all of sports. But don't just take my word for it. In balloting conducted by ESPN.com, the annual Ohio State-Michigan football game was named as the greatest sports rivalry of the 20th century. That's right, better than Yankees-Red Sox, North Carolina-Duke, or Cowboys-Redskins. Count on hard hits, memorable plays, and all out effort when these two lace up the cleats!

2) Upsets happen!: I shutter as I write this since the Bucks will be huge favorites this year, but there have been some memorable upsets, just as you would expect in this kind of rivalry. Here's three that stick out in my mind:

- 1969: Michigan 24, Ohio State 12 - A year after winning the national title and riding a 22 game win streak the Buckeyes were confident and nobody gave Michigan much of a chance. However Bo got the best of his mentor this day which still ranks as one of the greatest upsets in Big Ten history.

- 1987: Ohio State 23, Michigan 20 - a 5-4-1 Buckeye squad came limping into Ann Arbor after three straight losses that cost Earl Bruce his job, but sent the head coach out with a suprise win.

- 2001: Ohio State 26, Michigan 20 - Jim Tressel's first team was given little chance of beating the 11th ranked Wolverines on their home turf, but just as JT has promised 310 days before in Value City Arena, the Scarlet and Gray made their fans proud with a big upset victory.

Anyways, realizing that the underdog often plays pver their heads in this rivalry, it is worth tuning in. 

3) A chance to see if we can stop the spread - even a bad spread!: I have yet to see Ohio State look good against the spread offense. In fact I was in Champaign on Saturday, and watched the Illini chew up huge chunks of turf, moving the ball easily most of the day. Thanks to turnovers and a blocked punt, the Bucks controlled the game, but once again, looked very shaky against the spread. Michigan doesn't have the athletes to run this offense well, but you still have to be a little nervous considering Heacock's track record against the spread.

4) A Big Ten title on the line: Lest we forget, this game gives the Bucks a chance to claim four straight Big 10 titles (two shared and two outright). That's nothing to sneeze at, and if you know anything about Ohio State football tradition, winning the Big Ten is always priority number one. That was true of Woody and Earl, and it's now true of Tressel. The ball has to bounce right to win a national championship, but a Big Ten title can be earned on the field, and that is what the Buckeyes are playing for this Saturday.

5) The chance to see Rodriguez get it handed to him: Be honest, you'd love to see "Dick Rod" humbled in his first appearance in this storied rivalry. Other than "Chuck Wagon" Charlie Weis, I can think of no coach I'd rather see on the opposite sideline at the end of a one-sided Buckeye victory. Considering Tressel's penchant for keeping blowouts from getting out of hand, and the fact that rivalry games are usually hard fought, I doubt this will be a lopsided contest, but we can wish, and tune in with the fervor of a small child on Christmas morning.

Anyways I can't wait for kickoff this Saturday at noon and whether the nation is watching or not, it's still "The Game," and there's nothing that compares with it anywhere else in the world!

Dave Thurman (9:03 am)

Many Buckeye fans are searching for answers as to why the ’08 team has struggled at times and not been nearly as successful as anticipated. After all there was a boatload of returning starters including lots of seniors from a team that was in the National Championship Game two seasons in a row.

Obviously this is a complex issue, but if you want a simple answer I’ve got one for you.  Take a look at some recent near misses in recruiting, particularly from the class of ’07. If you remember (and I wish I could forget) the early days of January, 2007, proved to be a black period that followed a whole lot of sunshine. The ’06 season featured a wire to wire #1 ranking, a Heisman trophy for Troy Smith, and the front cover of every sports journal and magazine published. Then came January, featuring an embarrassing loss to Florida on the national stage, followed by a couple of weeks when all the recruiting news was bad. Looking back on those near misses it appears that if OSU signed the players they thought were in the bag, then the weaknesses on this year’s team might be erased.

Let me show you what I mean.

Defensive Line:  Without doubt this has been the area in which the Buckeyes have fielded the least talent this year. But look at the prospects from the ’07 class:

-  Joseph Barksdale (pictured above) – Supposedly a silent verbal out of Detroit, he was coveted as a defensive tackle, but pulled a stunner on the Bucks by choosing LSU. He has since been converted to the offensive line and starts for the Tigers, but I have no doubt he would be plugging the middle for the Bucks. A five star recruit according to Scout he goes 6’5” 315, and would look great in Scarlet and Gray.

- Josh Brent – Ranked just slightly below Barksdale, OSU thought they had a decent shot at this big guy who signed with Illinois. Brent now starts at defensive tackle for the Illini, and has done a pretty good job of stopping the run and getting into the backfield.

- Antonio Jeremiah – A big and highly rated d-lineman from Columbus (now at 318 lbs.), he signed with the Spartans of Michigan State due to qualifying issues, and is playing some but not starting.

-  Devon Still – An end coming out of high school, he has since bulked up to 300 lbs. and moved inside, but is not getting any game action at Penn State. 

- Ben Martin – Considered a sure thing to don the Scarlet and Gray this five star end from Cincinnati shocked the recruiting world by signing with Tennessee. Currently he is listed as second team and though he logs a lot of minutes, Martin is yet to have the impact most predicted.

Note: The Bucks did sign Cameron Heyward who has been a fine player, as well as undersized Solomon Thomas who is trying to bulk up in order to play.  Overall, though, OSU has suffered from a lack of “big-uglies” in the middle.  Check out those excellent SEC teams and you’ll see huge, powerful tackles stuffing the run and freeing up the linebackers to make plays. I wish the Bucks had a few guys with nicknames like Hoss, Bubba, and Butterbean!

Offensive Line: Talent may not be the problem here but consistency and production has been. So who did OSU miss out on?

- Anthony Davis – This five star stud was another dreaded “silent verbal,” but at the last minute decided on staying close to home and signing with Rutgers. He has been a starter pretty much from day one, and was a Freshman All-American last year.

- Kristopher O’Dowd and Nick Claytor – I throw these two together because I don’t how much chance the Bucks had but they did recruit both heavily.  O’Dowd signed with USC and starts at center for the powerful Trojan line, while Claytor opted for Georgia Tech, and now starts at tackle.

Note: The one lineman OSU did sign in this class was Evan Blankenship who may never see any game action!

Receiver: One more position at which the Buckeyes have underachieved this year. So who did they miss out on?

- Deonte Thompson – From the same school that produced Santonio Holmes and Albert Dukes, OSU had high hopes of grabbing this 5-star recruit. So far he has been okay, but not exactly lit up the scoreboard for the home state Gators with whom he signed.

- Ronald Johnson – This stud out of Michigan chose USC and is a big time player for the Trojans with 6 touchdowns thus far in ’08.

- J.R. Hemingway – A big, physical receiver, he opted for Michigan, where he is seeing limited playing time.

-  Leonard Hankerson – Another talented receiver from Florida he stayed in state at Miami, and is having marginal success thus far.

- Kyle Jefferson – Considered a little too thin, this Glenville grad has started for Wisconsin from the get-go but put up better numbers as a true freshman than he has this year as a sophomore.

Note: The Bucks signed Dane Sanzenbacher who has been a solid possession receiver and Taurian Washington, a spring hero, who has yet to catch a pass in a game this year. Also, worth noting, is the fact that OSU was in on a great pass-catching tight-end from Pennsylvania by the name of Rob Gronkowski, who chose Arizona at the last minute, where he has been a stud (13 TD’s in less than two years). Of course, he probably wouldn’t have had 13 catches at OSU since we rarely throw to the tight end.

I could go on and mention defensive backs like Eric Berry (Tennessee), Dionte Allen (FSU) and Major Wright (Florida), but OSU got good players at corner and safety, although Eugene Clifford and James Scott have since been kicked off the team.

The Bottom Line:  Obviously there were lots of near misses in the class of ’07 and Ohio State had to settle too often for second tier replacements, which has hurt the quality and depth of this year’s team. But when you boil it all down there were three players that the coaching staff felt sure were in the bag, and I ask you to imagine this year’s team with (drum roll please): Anthony Davis at right tackle instead of Bryant Browning; Joseph Barksdale plugging up the middle of the d-line; and, Ben Martin helping Thad Gibson put pressure on the quarterback.  Indeed, a few key misses have had an incredibly negative effect.