Dave Thurman (5:02 pm) @DThurman7

All good things must come to an end.  I'm not much of a philosopher but I have found those words to be true.  And so it is that The Silver Bullet bows out after a wonderful five year journey.

In January, 2008, Drew came up with the idea that we begin a Father-Son Ohio State blog, centered mostly on football.  The Buckeyes had just lost to LSU in the national championship game, and Drew and I were both frustrated with some of the things being written by the national media, to say nothing of silly comments made by a few Buckeye fans via social media.  Drew thought that an OSU blog would be fun, would allow us to vent a little, and be a great way for father and son to share together.  At the time he was in Cincinnati finishing his schooling.  Neither of us had any clue that he would wind up in Arizona for three years, causing us to be separated by 2000 miles.  During that time, working on the blog allowed us to stay closely in touch as we talked pretty much every day by phone.  It also helped Drew stay connected to his Midwest roots and his love for Ohio State.  When he got married nearly two years ago, Drew's wife found out what my lovely spouse already knew: as long as father and son discussed the Buckeyes and had an avenue to share their passionate thoughts, she didn't have to deal with all the ranting.  In that regard, our wives may not be too happy that we are now signing off!

Along the way our meager efforts were met with positivity from Buckeye nation, and we went from a handful of readers to a few hundred a day, all the way to several thousand hits a day.  At one point 
Drew was interviewed by a Columbus TV station doing a special on Buckeye blogs, and later Jason Priestas was kind enough to ask us to write an article for the Buckeye Battle Cry 2010 preview printed by Maple Street Press.  We've even gotten press access, and Drew was able to interview a number of recruits this last January at the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.

Then there were all the new friends we have made along the way.  The guys at Eleven Warriors took us under their wing early in the process with some kind words, and later we got to join the Buckeye Blogger Network which was a blast.  We loved the Live Blogs for football and basketball games, and had fun bantering with guys like Eric, MaliBuckeye and Vico.  Even though we won't be operating TSB any more, we'll still check out the other blogs and jump in to the live chats quite often.  Ohio State sports journalism (even at our smaller level) is a family, and we have really enjoyed the connections we have made.

We also really enjoyed adding some writers to our blog, and getting acquainted with some great people.  Michael Chung wrote for TSB for quite awhile, and then got the opportunity to move to the big time, now serving as a regular contributor on The Ozone.  Ken Kohl was a guy we noticed dropping comments regularly, and when we asked him to write he was eager, and brought his sarcasm and humor to our blog, along with a passion to increase cancer research so we can wipe out that dreaded disease.  Later, a young man named Zach Clark showed incredible talent for writing, and he will continue to use his abilities at another blog.  Thanks to others like Andrew, Eric and Corey for their fine contributions, as well.  We appreciate all of these guys, and it has been an honor to get to know them better through this process.

Although neither Drew nor I claim to be experts and didn't have a lot of insider connections, we hope that the last five years has provided something unique for the great sports fans of the Ohio State University.  Certainly the father-son angle with our regular Family Feud segments added something a little different, and we sure enjoyed it even if nobody else did!  Like I said, it was incredibly fun for us, and even though Drew now calls his beautiful wife his best friend (replacing me for some reason) we are still very close and that is a true blessing.

So why are we closing shop in the midst of our best year yet?  The truth is we both feel that it has taken an incredible amount of time that we want to devote to our jobs, our families, and our friends.  However, writing is in our blood.  My father was a published author with a Master's Degree in journalism from the University of Illinois.  My mom worked as an editor at a publishing company for over 25 years.  Both Drew and I had thoughts of pursuing a degree in sports journalism before accepting a "call" into ministry.  And as much as we love Buckeye sports, that is our greatest passion.  So we hope to launch a new blog called Generations, that will allow us to share our experiences in ministry.  It won't take as much time because we will not update it every day, and it will spill out of the overflow of what we do every day as we serve God and people.  

Generations is an apt name because my father was a preacher and missionary, and my wife's grandfather was also a minister.  So as we bid farewell to one venture we begin another one.

As we sign off for the final time, we do so with tremendous appreciation that so many have checked in and read our rantings the past five years.  We were pleasantly surprised at the response and thank you for allowing us this opportunity.  Don't be surprised if you see us pop up on another blog at some point in the future as guest contributors.  But above all know that we will continue to be passionate about Ohio State sports donning our scarlet and gray every Saturday in the fall.  

Go Bucks!

Dave Thurman (5:54 pm) @DThurman7

"The Game" rarely lacks drama although RichRod tried his best to spoil it when he brought some pathetic teams into the greatest rivalry in college sports.  But that is past history, and the first edition of the Urban Legend vs. Hoke the Joke promised to be a terrific game.  In spite of some big plays and a close final score it wasn't terrific, as neither team played crisp football.  But it certainly didn't lack for drama, as Ohio State went for a perfect season and Meyer aimed for his first victory against that team from up north.

So what stood out on a cold early afternoon in Columbus?

A Fired Up Coach and an Amped Up Team

Urban was not lacking in passion, as evidenced the day before when he shed a few tears while closing with his memorable quote, "Let's beat the s#&* out of Michigan."  While I love his emotion and the fact that Meyer "gets" this rivalry, he may have been a little too amped up.  Emotion is a funny thing, because too little of it will kill a team, but too much can cause a squad to make mistakes.  I thought some of the early penalties and missed assignments indicated a team that was sky high and playing with almost too much passion.  Still, I will take that over the opposite, any day of the week.

Some Ultra Cool Uniforms

In past years the Nike Combat Uniforms have brought mixed reviews, but what wasn't to like about this year's version?  The helmets featured a wide stripe and large, green Buckeye leaves that had a retro feel about them.  I also loved the colors and the large numbers, and felt that these uniforms were enough like what the team normally wears that it was still recognizably Ohio State on the field.  In fact I wouldn't mind seeing these unis used again in the future.

The Return of the Silver Bullets

The first half defense looked much like what we have seen over most of 2012: missed tackles, big plays surrendered, and silly penalties.  But Fickell must have made some halftime adjustments (Heacock would have been proud) and lit a fire under these guys, because they played their best half of the season after intermission.  The D simply shut down the run, led by Johnathan Hankins and Zach Boren up the middle.  Forced to pass, Gardener had to run for his life as the Bullets dialed up some pressure.  I can't remember one time that the Wolverines made it past midfield in the second half.

Mixed Reviews for the Offense

Braxton Miller was pretty impressive throwing the ball versus the number one passing defense in the nation, hitting 14-18 for 189 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions.  Meanwhile, the offensive line opened some nice holes for Carlos Hyde who rushed 26 times for 146 yards and a TD. That combination should have led to at least 35 points, but OSU shot themselves in the foot with some penalties and poor execution in the red zone.  

Two things need to be added in regard to the offense: 1) Miller, once again, did most of his damage with his arm, not his legs.  After the injury in the Purdue game he seemed a little more tentative when running the ball, and defenses also loaded the box, forcing him to beat them with his arm.  The good news is that Miller showed he can be dangerous passing the ball, something that will be very important the next couple of years; 2) Tom Herman did a less than stellar job with play calling in the red zone.  I was really frustrated when he didn't just run Hyde when the team faced a 2nd and goal inside the four.  That series wound up with no points at all, and could have been the difference in the game had UM managed a late touchdown drive.  Thankfully the Buckeyes ween't bit in the butt by their squandered opportunities.  

A Coach with more Toughness than Brains

I'm talking about you Brady Hoke.  On a cold, windy day in Columbus, with spitting snow, the Hokester wore short sleeves and looked unfazed by the bitter temperature.  Hey, I salute his toughness, but maybe the cold wound up freezing his brain.  In the second half Michigan seemed to play right into OSU's strength while taking the ball out of the hands of Denard Robinson.  While outside runs and screen passes seemed to cause problems, the Wolverines ran the ball up the middle, right into the teeth of the Buckeye defense.  On a key 3rd and 1 in the 4th quarter, Michigan chose to run Vincent Smith, all 170 pounds of him, between the tackles.  Loss of 2 yards!  Thank you Wolverines!  Of course I know that Hoke doesn't call the plays, but then again, what head coach stands on the sidelines without a headset?  Hey, Brady, next time you might wear a coat and a headset!

A Game Ball for a Banged Up Warrior and a Big Cheer for Tress

I confess that my heart was broken when news came out that John Simon wouldn't play due to an injury to his knee sustained in the Wisconsin game.  Not only is he a great player and the emotional leader of this year's defense, but #54 embodies what it means to be a Buckeye.  His loss was felt on the field, but fittingly, they gutted out a tough win and then handed the game ball to the senior defensive end.  

Also of note was the standing ovation for the 2002 team, recognized after the first quarter for their National Championship won a decade ago.  Thankfully Coach Jim Tressel came to join the festivities, and as the players hoisted him onto their shoulders, the crowd erupted.  I loved it.  A good man who wound up 9-1 against Michigan was there to usher in the Urban era, and we can only hope that Meyer can forge a similar record in "The Game."

Drew Thurman (8:21 am) @osusilverbullet

12-0.

On the last weekend in November, under snow flurries and gray skies, the Buckeyes completed the sixth perfect season in the school's history (previous: 1916, 1944, 1954, 1968, 2002). While the result meant a spotless record for the 2012 season, the game definitely was marred with blemishes.

If you were like me, you cringed a lot throughout the game. Penalties, turnovers and poor execution plagued the Buckeyes in Urban Meyer's first Michigan-Ohio State game, and one had to wonder if it some point the culmination of so many missed opportunities would come back to spoil the afternoon.

I mean let's be honest, there seemed to be plenty of frustrating moments. There was Philly Brown's muffed punt. There was the roughing the kicker penalty. There was Denard Robinson's 67 yard touchdown scamper. There was the sack and missed field goal after getting to Michigan's 4 yard line. There was Braxton's fumble deep inside Michigan's territory. That's just the tip of the iceberg too. It was a would have, could have kind of game, and teams just don't win those. At some point all those shortcomings are supposed to come back to haunt you.

Unbelievably they didn't.

You see despite not executing the game plan to perfection, this team gutted out another win 26-21. It may not have been as pretty as we would have hoped for, but somehow, someway Urban Meyer and company added another "W" in the win column.

Ironically, it fit this team perfectly. This 2012 squad has been flawed all season. Not in just one area of the game either, as at some point each facet of the game has let the Buckeyes down. There have been moments were the offense has stalled. The defense has given up an unbelievable amount of yards and has looked down right horrendous at times. And well, the special teams has made mistakes in about every way possible this season. Throw in the injuries, the penalty yards, the sacks,  and the big plays, and you've got a very questionable product.

Yet, despite all the flaws, they stand perfect. 

They've won six games by seven points or less, been in two overtimes and even fought back with the back-up quarterback in the game. There have been multiple games where it wasn't clear exactly how they got the win, including the last two, but when the dust settled this team was singing Carmen Ohio with smiles on their faces.

So how have they done it? Well, it been about one thing - heart.

Years from now when fans walk by the display commemorating the 2012 team's perfect season in the WHAC, I can almost guarantee that no one will talk about them as an offensive juggernaut or a defensive powerhouse. Actually, I can 100% guarantee no one will be talking about the latter. Instead, what they will be remembered for is their resiliency and heart. In the face of NCAA sanctions and coming off a 6-7 season, this year's squad gritted their teeth and won 12 straight times behind the resolve of a senior class and a head coach who refused to quit. It wasn't pretty, it wasn't flashy, but it was full of heart.

Saturday was the one more showing of that heart. In an ugly game that will greatly underwhelm the national media, the Buckeyes completed a feat that has become a rarity in the modern age of football - perfection. They are flawed and yet so perfect at the same time.

While now many will play the "what if" game and talk about Gene Smith's mistakes or how this team could fare in the national championship, I am just fine with this being the last performances for this team. In another perfectly flawed outing, the seniors, who have seen so many highs and lows, go out as winners knowing they brought back pride to the program. Urban Meyer ends the season claiming his first victory in the rivalry, and can smile knowing he fulfilled his promise "to make the great state of Ohio proud." Also, and most importantly, Buckeye Nation knows this team did things the right way, thanks to a great group of kids.

In the end, while there may not be a crystal football or even a B1G Championship to add to the accomplishments of this year's team, perfection has been achieved. Blemishes, weaknesses and all, it was a beautiful sight.

The young Buckeyes broke loose the day after Thanksgiving, giving their best performance of the season against the Missouri-Kansas City Kangaroos. For the first time all season, Thad Matta's squad looked like a top five team, cruising past UMKC 91-45.

Deshaun Thomas led the team again, compiling 21 points and eight rebounds. Lenzelle Smith Jr. added 13 points thanks to a 3-5 performance behind the arc, while Sam Thompson had 11 points. The Buckeyes as a whole shot over 60% from the floor and 56% from three.

The biggest story had to be the bench, though. Shannon Scott (10 points, 10 assists) played critical minutes and electrified the crowd, pushing the tempo and running the floor. LaQuinton Ross also had 11 points and 5 rebounds in 22 minutes of action. Even Trey McDonald and freshman Amedeo Della Valle looked good when they saw the floor.

Next, the Buckeyes head to Cameron Indoor Stadium to take on Duke on Wednesday.

You can find more coverage from the post-game press conference (via OhioStateBuckeyes.com) after the break...

Dave Thurman (9:11 am) @Dthurman7

Important Data:

Mascot: Wolverines
Stadium: Michigan Stadium (109,901)
2011 Record: 11-2
2012 Record: 8-3
Head Coach: Brady Hoke  (2nd year at Michigan, 19-5; 66-55 overall)
Letterman Returning: (50; lost - 24)
Returning Starters: Offense -  6; Defense - 7; Specialists - 2
Base Defense: 4-3
Base Offense: Ace (3 Wide Receivers)

Notable Alumni: 

Gerald Ford, 38th President of the United States
Charlie Gehringer, Baseball Hall of Famer
Tony Fadell, Inventor of the iPod
Lucy Liu, Actress
Tom Brady, NFL quarterback (two time Super Bowl MVP)
Desmond Howard, Heisman Trophy Winner; sporstcaster
James Earl Jones, Actor
William Mayo, Cofounder of the Mayo Clinic

Cheerleader Scouting Report:

#12 Quarterback, Devin Gardner

Gardner was a wide receiver for most of the season, and was pretty good (16, 266, 4), but after Robinson was injured and Russell Bellomy was clearly in over his head, Devin came to the rescue and played so well that he should start at quarterback Saturday.  He is hitting 65.7% of his passes, with 7 TD's and 3 INT's.  Gardener is a threat to run and has rushed for 6 TD's.

#16 Quarterback/Running Back, Denard Robinson

"Shoelace" has had trouble staying healthy but is an amazing runner, going over 1000 yards rushing for the third straight season, totaling 1044 yards so far at 7.3 ypc.  Passing has never been his strong suit, and this year he has as many interceptions (9) as touchdowns.  Look for him to line up in the backfield with Gardener a good deal of the time on Saturday.  

#10 Wide Receiver, Jeremy Gallon

The diminutive (5'8") Gallon doesn't get talked about as much as Roy Roundtree but has better numbers this year, with 34 catches, 617 yards and 2 TD's.  The fleet footed receiver is also the Wolverine's main punt returner, and has rushed 11 times for 67 yards, so the coaching staff looks for multiple ways to get him the ball.

#47 Linebacker, Jake Ryan

One wonders if Ryan is trying to look like Clay Matthews, and while his game isn't at that level he is pretty good, leading Michigan with 75 tackles, with 13 for loss including 3.5 sacks.  Jake has also broken up 3 passes and forced 3 fumbles, and will be a key to slowing down Carlos Hyde and Braxton Miller in the running game.   

#11 Safety, Jordan Kovacs

A fifth-year senior from Curtice, Ohio, Kovacs has played a lot of minutes in his UM career, having started over 40 games.  In 2010 he led Michigan with 110 tackles, and though his role has changed he is still active, and has totaled 59 stops so far this year with 5 for loss, 2 sacks and an interception.  He is better defensing the run than the pass, something OSU may try to take advantage of.  

Head Coach, Brady Hoke

Yes, he does look like Fred Flintstone and it is enjoyable to make fun of the big guy, but he has done a very good job of digging Michigan out of the hole RichRod dug for them.  A former UM assistant coach, Hoke was the head man at Ball State and San Diego before coming to Ann Arbor a year ago, leading them to 11 wins and a Sugar Bowl victory in his initial season.  

Michigan Overview:

A year after ending a seven year drought, the Wolverines come to Columbus for their first shot at Urban Meyer.  While they have not been overwhelming this is a good team with a pretty explosive offense and a defense coached by Greg Mattison, who is one of the best.  A few weeks ago I felt pretty good about this game because Denard Robinson is fairly one dimensional, but Michigan comes to Columbus with Devin Gardener under center (at least part of the time), and not only is he a better passer, but the Wolverines will have both players on the field together much of the time.  That could be very tough to defend.  

Michigan's offense had been a little unpredictable, averaging 395 ypg and 30.8 ppg, but much of that has come against weaker competition.  They only scored 14 against Alabama, 6 versus Notre Dame, 12 in a win against Michigan State and 9 versus Nebraska.  While that provides reason for optimism, I do believe they are better with Gardener and Robinson on the field together, and we all know that Ohio State has struggled to tackle in space and defend spread offenses.  

As mentioned Gardener is a good passer and pretty decent runner while Robinson is a great runner with top-end speed, while a mediocre passer.  Ohio State is having to prepare for both of them, and that is a challenging proposition.  

Running back is unsettled because of the season ending injury to tailback Fitzgerald Touissant, who rushed for 1000 yards last year, but was somewhat less successful this go round (514 yards, 5 TD's).  His backups are Thomas Rawls and Vincent Smith, and both are serviceable with Rawls having rushed for 240 yards this year.  However, look for Robinson to line up at running back some of the time.  

At receiver the Wolverines feature the aforementioned Jeremy Gallon, Ohio native Roy Roundtree (25, 461, 2), and junior Drew Dilio (16, 303, 1).  Tight end Devin Funchess is also a threat in the passing game with 14 catches, 230 yards and 5 touchdowns, and will have to be watched in the red zone.

Michigan's offensive line is big, as Hoke has returned to more of a power running game after RichRod tried to make the Wolverines a sleek spread offense.  The best of the bunch is probably right guard Patrick Omameh.  Overall they have paved the way for 195 yards rushing per game at 5 yards per carry, and have only surrendered 11 sacks.

Defense was nonexistent under Rodriquez but has been solid under the new regime.  Opponents are managing 303.5 ypg and 18.1 points per contest in 2012.  The d-line is anchored by senior tackle William Campbell who has 34 tackles and a sack, and end Craig Roh who has 32 tackles and 4 sacks.  Also starting are nose tackle Quinton Washington and end Frank Clark, who has 7 tackles for loss.

At linebacker Michigan is very strong with Jake Ryan on one side, and Desmond Morgan (67 tackles) on the other. In the middle is fifth year senior Kenny Demens who has 72 tackles including 6 for loss. Cincinnati native Joe Bolden comes off the bench as a freshmen and is going to be a good one. 

The Wolverines' secondary is a bit underrated in my opinion.   Strong safety Jordan Kovacs seems like he has been playing for 6 seasons, and is joined by free safety Thomas Gibson who has 67 tackles and 2 picks.  The corners are manned by veteran J.T Floyd (43 tackles) and youngster Raymon Taylor (37 tackles and 2 interceptions with one taken to the house).  

This is a sound defense that will mount a good challenge to the Buckeyes, but has not produced tons of pressure, and has given up over 150 yards a game on the ground, so OSU should be able to have some success so long as they open up their playbook.

Michigan's special teams are solid.  Kicker Brenden Gibbons is 14-16 on field goals with a long of 52 and punter Will Hagerup averages 44.7 per punt.  Tiny Denis Norfleet returns kicks and averages 23.3 per return, and Jeremy Gallon averages 6.1 per punt return.  Ohio State has been a little inconsistent on special teams, but needs to bring their A game if they are going to win this portion of the contest, which often is the difference in the end.

Game Outlook:

Nobody is ever sure how things will play out in a rivalry game and this one is no different.  Michigan enters with some momentum, having found a quarterback who can pass effectively, and will probably empty their playbook this week.  Meanwhile, Ohio State is 11-0, and can send out its seniors with a perfect final season as they enjoy Senior Day.  Surely Urban Meyer will also show some creativity, a week after the team featured a vanilla offense versus Wisconsin.  Hopefully Braxton Miller will look sharper throwing the ball, because it is going to take some points to win this game.

Look for Michigan to have both quarterbacks on the field together, using Gardener's arm and Robinson's legs.  They will try and get the ball outside and force the Buckeyes to tackle in space.  There is no doubt that the Silver Bullets have regained some confidence the past three weeks, and will need to build on that momentum.  Look for them to continue to blitz more and seek to make some big plays.  They may surrender a few long plays to the Wolverines in the process, but hopefully can disrupt their offense with pressure.  In the end, though, it probably comes down to how well the back seven is able to tackle some fast Wolverine players.

On offense, Ohio State will continue to feature the zone read, but may seek to give the ball to Carlos Hyde a little more than last week.  He seems to have improved as the year has gone on, and could be the difference this week.  Miller will need to make better decisions than he did a week ago, and will also need to dial up a couple big pass plays.  I think Devin Smith and Philly Brown can get open deep if Miller has time and is patient.  The team that gets better quarterback play will probably come out on top.  Hopefully Miller has a little more magic left in what has been a season of big plays.

Father vs. Son Prediction Battle:

Dave: Ohio State 31, Michigan 27
Drew: Ohio State 34, Michigan 28

This is easily the most important game of the year for Buckeye Nation, so we thought we would add a little fun to the mix here at The Silver Bullet. 

We are offering a black and white script Ohio t-shirt and the script Ohio hoodie (white script on gray zip-up hoodie) - retail value of $81 for the person that comes the closest to predicting the final score of the big game Saturday. 

The contest is sponsored by the good folks over at Garage Cotton.  If you are unfamiliar, Garage Cotton is a midwest-focused clothing company that makes quite possibly the softest hoodies and tee shirts on the planet.  The company is run by some diehard Buckeye fans and you should definitely check out them out if you haven't (via Facebook or Twitter).  

On top of all of that they've thrown in an added bonus! To help our readers out with their holiday shopping, they are offering free shipping through the end of the year when you enter the code SILVERBULLET at checkout. A big thank you to Garage Cotton for all of this. 

Okay here are the rules:

• Must be 18 years or older to enter. 
• Email must be included when you submit your score (Submit your score by filling out the comment section on THIS blog post). 
• Only one comment/entry per person. Duplicate scores do not count, so do not predict a score someone else already has entered. 
• Deadline for this contest is kickoff of the game on Saturday.