Ohio State vs Indiana - what are you looking for?

[amazinblue]

The Buckeyes will host the Hoosiers this Saturday. And, with the news that TP has a thigh bruise and that Tyler Moeller will be out for the game - what do you think will happen? What will you look forward to seeing?

It will be interesting to see if Chappell and his receiving corps will have success against the pressure OSU will probably bring and how successful the Buckeye secondary will be containing, or shutting down, IU's passing attack.

If, and it is an if, TP sees limited action and experiences reduced mobility because of his thigh injury, I wonder what the OSU offense will be able to do against IU's relatively porous defense.

[Swoosh]

OSU will put pressure on the QB from Inidana. My guess is after the game he will be able to tell you the type and smell of the turf. He will also know how far his facemask sinks into the turf after Hayward pounds on him for 4 qrts.

[1OSUNUT]

Im looking for the running game to get amped up and the offensive line to impose their will - like many predictedthey would. We need to keep the Indiana offense watching as much as possible to give our depleted DB's a bit of a break. I think Chappell has yet to playa team that harassed him and him him all day - that is a must. Normally when the Bucks are getting pressure - positive things happen in the way of turnovers. I think you will see TP throw more and run a whole lot less - unless weather dictates otherwise. I expect a comfortable win 10+ or more - but not a complete blow out. I know Tressel will be looking to strike early and often in a attempt to get some players some rest.

[Panzer]

What running game? You don't have a running game with out Pryor, or are you referring to those two overrated running backs that you have in Herron and Saine.

[Blue In Ohio]

I predict if Bauman starts the Bucks lose the game.

[1OSUNUT]

TP is going to play - don't you worry. I think Bauserman will be OK if he is given more reps during the week. The Buckeyes ran the ball against Miami - they just have not had to play at a high level the last few weeks. Herron and Saine are both good runners and so are Hall and Berry - the Bucks will be just fine.

Im a bit concerned about our secondary that is breaking in players that are in as replacements - but they should be OK. The key will be to have the defensive linemen and linebackers pressure Indy - and they will. Im guessing something like 28 - 13 or 35 - 17.

[amazinblue]

Im guessing something like 28 - 13 or 35 - 17.

Nut,

If the line stays at 20 or more, the Bucks won't cover, and - I do believe that the Hoosiers will hang more than 17 on the Buckeyes.

[1OSUNUT]

The Bucks are much different team at home. I agree in the Tressel era 20 points is large - but I still say the Hoosiers score 17 or less.

[Blue In Ohio]

I just don't see much offense generated by the qb if pryor does go down. I'm suprised OSU does not have a better back up situation than that. The backup is like the new version of herbstreit out there. Hearing how the OSU secondary is a young one it will be interesting to see what they do to stop Indiana. If they do stop them than we know for sure that our defense is just that bad.

[amazinblue]

...Hearing how the OSU secondary is a young one it will be interesting to see what they do to stop Indiana. If they do stop them than we know for sure that our defense is just that bad.

It does seem that OSU's secondary is young - however, there's a lot more depth on the OSU roster throughout the D than Michigan has. My guess is that Chappell will throw for a fair amount of yardage (300+) - the question is - can IU get the ball into the end zone. I'm guessing that IU will move the ball, but - they'll have trouble scoring TD's. I would predict that IU will have trouble in the red zone - so, you'll see a number of field goals ending possessions, where - against Michigan, those were touchdowns.

[Wolvrin704]

I predict Chappell will be eating a lot of OSU turf Saturday.

[amazinblue]

I predict Chappell will be eating a lot of OSU turf Saturday.

704,

I'm not so sure about that - Chappell eating turf. IU will set up a lot of short routes and Chappell's got a quick release. Will the Bucks record a sack or two - they most likely will; however, IU will connect on a lot of passes as well.

[Don Unverferth]

The Buckeyes will host the Hoosiers this Saturday. And, with the news that TP has a thigh bruise and that Tyler Moeller will be out for the game - what do you think will happen? What will you look forward to seeing?

It will be interesting to see if Chappell and his receiving corps will have success against the pressure OSU will probably bring and how successful the Buckeye secondary will be containing, or shutting down, IU's passing attack.

If, and it is an if, TP sees limited action and experiences reduced mobility because of his thigh injury, I wonder what the OSU offense will be able to do against IU's relatively porous defense.

There's no doubt that TP can play through the quad strain. He played 1/2 the season last year dinged up. The issue is his long term health and what's best for the team. I'd rather have him healthier for Wisconsin and have a better chance of finishing out the season strong. If we can't beat Indiana without him, we don't deserve a Big Ten or a National Championship. Sit him, get him healthy, win in the short run with 'Tresselball' and blow the doors off the rest of the season when he comes back.

This is a perfect matchup for OSU in several key areas. First, Indiana's offense is one-dimensional. This allows the Silver Bullets to pin their ears back and go after Chappell. Second, the IU offensive line is not very good. Even without blitzing, I expect that our front four will get significant pressure. Rolle could have a big game. My main concern is that IU will throw a lot of short timing routes to beat the pressure, keeping the chains moving. Doss is an excellent receiver and runs good routes, so life is going to be tough on our corners. IU also liked that five wide set a lot against UM, and I expect that we'll see more of it.

On D, even if Pryor is a no go, or if Tressel decides to stay on the ground, I just don't see IU slowing down our running game. If there were a time when we could get multiple backs going, change of pace, carries for Hall, etc. this would be the game. With 40+ carries and presumably none/few going to Pryor, Hall might have a chance to make some noise. That's the "worse case". Best case, Pryor is healthy and back in form and able to make his throws, in which case, this game gets ugly for IU's defense. They do not cover well, don't tackle well, don't get much pressure and didn't appear to be particularly fast against UM. Even with a repeat of the "off day" against Illinois, I don't see IU holding last week's Buckeyes under 30. I also don't think we'll see last week's Buckeyes.

[Wolvrin704]

704,

I'm not so sure about that - Chappell eating turf. IU will set up a lot of short routes and Chappell's got a quick release. Will the Bucks record a sack or two - they most likely will; however, IU will connect on a lot of passes as well.

That would be my hope but seeing how UM's 3 man rush was getting through the IU line late in the game I would think OSU's 4 man rush would probably do even better.

[amazinblue]

My main concern is that IU will throw a lot of short timing routes to beat the pressure, keeping the chains moving. Doss is an excellent receiver and runs good routes, so life is going to be tough on our corners. IU also liked that five wide set a lot against UM, and I expect that we'll see more of it...

Don,

What you've noted is exactly what I think that IU will do. The key is - will they be successful? OSU's front four will get to Chappell - but, will they get to him "fast enough". It seems to be an interesting game to watch.

[1OSUNUT]

That would be my hope but seeing how UM's 3 man rush was getting through the IU line late in the game I would think OSU's 4 man rush would probably do even better.

No slam on Michigan - they don't have a Heyward, Simon or Williams on their line. I expect the Bucks to bring the house untill Indiana attempts to run. Buckeye fans have seen one dementional teams come into The Shoe and leave with their tail between their legs. We will see.

[amazinblue]

No slam on Michigan - they don't have a Heyward, Simon or Williams on their line. I expect the Bucks to bring the house untill Indiana attempts to run. .. We will see.

Nut,

Indiana won't be able to run on OSU's D. And, if OSU brings the house with four and five receiver sets - you'll see Chappell go to the the hot route from the three side or the isolation route (if you notice - IU set a 3 receiver set to one side and a single receiver on the other). There's no doubt IU has a strength on O - and, that strength is its passing attack with an experienced QB and some experienced receivers. I don't expect IU to light it up like they did against Michigan - but, I do believe they'll find some success.

If OSU brings the house - and Chappell hits Doss - it will be a very interesting matchup in the secondary - and, the potential for some big plays will be there.

[1OSUNUT]

I agree. What I mean is sending all the linemen and mixing up what linebacker or linebackers rush. I agree with the above poster that the Bucks might be able to get pretty good pressure on him with just our down linemen. There are some interesting match ups - I just don't think Indiana has the depth or quality to match Ohio State for 4 quarters. Hanging around or keeping it close is a far cry from winning.

[Maizer Beam]

There's no doubt that TP can play through the quad strain. He played 1/2 the season last year dinged up. The issue is his long term health and what's best for the team. I'd rather have him healthier for Wisconsin and have a better chance of finishing out the season strong. If we can't beat Indiana without him, we don't deserve a Big Ten or a National Championship. Sit him, get him healthy, win in the short run with 'Tresselball' and blow the doors off the rest of the season when he comes back..

Did you happen to watch Bauserman’s brief appearance against Illinois? If he starts and plays the entire game, OSU may very well lose. You have not depth at QB – I honestly don’t know how that happens to a program like OSU.

Tressel would probably rather have someone push Pryor around in a wheel chair throwing passes than start that disaster you have as a backup.

[1OSUNUT]

Sort of how a big school like Michigan cannot ever find a FG kicker - huh ?

TP took all the snaps in practice so far this week and is said to be doing everything he did prior to the injury. Tressel is expecting TP to be at or near 100% come Saturday.They keep calling it a thigh injury - not a quad. I expect him to run a lot less and pick on the Indiana secondary.

[Uncle Rico]

I think that I would rather see Kenny-G at quarterback than Bausserman.

[amazinblue]

Mr. Rittenberg's perspective from ESPN: http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/17314/video-buckeyes-secondary-will-be-tested

[amazinblue]

Sort of how a big school like Michigan cannot ever find a FG kicker - huh ?

TP took all the snaps in practice so far this week and is said to be doing everything he did prior to the injury. Tressel is expecting TP to be at or near 100% come Saturday.They keep calling it a thigh injury - not a quad. I expect him to run a lot less and pick on the Indiana secondary.

Nut,

Michigan's had some decent kickers over the years - IMO, we don't have a solid field goal or place kicker (KO) right now. Hagerup seems to be settling down - he hit some solid punts against IU. My fingers are crossed that the kicking game will not cost Michigan a game this season - but, time will tell.

I hope you're right and that we'll see more of Pryor's arm this week. It will be interesting to see his success against the Hoosier secondary.

[Maizer Beam]

Sort of how a big school like Michigan cannot ever find a FG kicker - huh ?

TP took all the snaps in practice so far this week and is said to be doing everything he did prior to the injury. Tressel is expecting TP to be at or near 100% come Saturday.They keep calling it a thigh injury - not a quad. I expect him to run a lot less and pick on the Indiana secondary.

If you had your choice, would you rather have depth at QB or FGK?

An immobile Pryor has to scare the hell out of OSU fans and inspire hope in Bloomington.

[Wolvrin704]

Poor kicking depth may cost you a close game, but poor QB depth will cost you games.

[1OSUNUT]

Word is that TP is already running in practice a bit and that Tressel expects him to be at or near 100% on Saturday. With that being said I expect TP to do as little moving around as possible. The Buckeyes have a good enough line to keep the Hoosiers off him - and allow him to throw. Expect a heavy dose of Herron, Saine, Hall and Berry - the game might not be exciting to watch but I expect a comfortable win.

[Wolvrin704]

Word is that TP is already running in practice a bit and that Tressel expects him to be at or near 100% on Saturday. With that being said I expect TP to do as little moving around as possible. The Buckeyes have a good enough line to keep the Hoosiers off him - and allow him to throw. Expect a heavy dose of Herron, Saine, Hall and Berry - the game might not be exciting to watch but I expect a comfortable win.

They should be able to run on IU. But your defense better show up, after all its the reason the Buckeyes have been succesful, not your offense.

[amazinblue]

This was in SI's "Truth & Rumors" section:

"
Ohio State has some experience with Terrelle Pryor, who has a quad strain, being slowed by a leg injury. "We kind of went through that last year," [Jim] Tressel said. "Those last three games, we didn't have the mobility at that position. But we always say that that position first and foremost has to make good decisions, which he won't be hampered at, at all, and he's got to keep us from having turnovers. ... Now, maybe some of those big plays won't be done as much with the feet, but we can still do them with the arm. So we'll go in with the whole gamut like we always do."

The News-Herald"

The link is for the comments is: http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/233290-ground-game-limited-pryor-may-have-to-air-it-out?eref=fromSI

[Maizer Beam]

…the game might not be exciting to watch...

Are they ever?

[1OSUNUT]

Let's see. The Indiana QB throws for 480 yards on Michigan and is sitting at 49 yards and two picks half way through the third quarter - and the score is 38-0. TP is 24/30 for 335 and 3 td's - I guess your right he cannot pass.

[GoBlue21]

Let's see. The Indiana QB throws for 480 yards on Michigan and is sitting at 49 yards and two picks half way through the third quarter - and the score is 38-0. TP is 24/30 for 335 and 3 td's - I guess your right he cannot pass.

tUOS defense is better than Michigan's...PERIOD! Not even close!!!

Also, Indiana's defense is HORRIBLE so it's no surprise what TP is doing. Denard SHREDDED their defense on the ground and in the air and he OVERTHREW a few more TD passes...

[1OSUNUT]

Yet their pass defense is ranked higher then Michigan's - how bad is that. TP only played less then half of the third quarter. What kind of numbers would he hang if he played 4 quarters.

The Buckeye second and third teamers are better then the Michigan starters. In fact things got so bad for Indiana that they pulled the QB after he could not get a few inches on a third down. Do you realize that Ohio State held him to 400 yards less passing yards. Today showed you how well coached and how talented some of the young no name players truely are. JT has these kids ready to play in a spur of the moment. I thought the freshman fill ins did a excellent job. They performed light years better in their first action then the Michigan defenders did - and many of them played last year.

Maybe Illinois is not as bad as many of you guys thought. They are beating PSU's ass in Happy Valley.

[Maizer Beam]

tUOS defense is better than Michigan's...PERIOD! Not even close!!!

Also, Indiana's defense is HORRIBLE so it's no surprise what TP is doing. Denard SHREDDED their defense on the ground and in the air and he OVERTHREW a few more TD passes...

Chappell looked like the beating he took from UM last week took its toll on him emotionally and physically

[1OSUNUT]

REALLY ? Yeah that beating he took throwing for 480 yards. He is not that good - your defense is just that bad. What do you expect - he was playing a team that might be #1 in the nation come Monday.

[Maizer Beam]

REALLY ? Yeah that beating he took throwing for 480 yards. He is not that good - your defense is just that bad. What do you expect - he was playing a team that might be #1 in the nation come Monday.

Go find tape of the Indiana-UM game and watch how many times Chappell got turfed - it will lend to a more intelligent opinion (if you care about such things)

[1OSUNUT]

Maybe he was exhausted or dehydrated from throwing for that many yards. I don't think anybody feels the after effect in a negative way from playing the Michigan defense. They are currently the laughing stock of college football.