Preview: #12 Ohio State at Indiana
For the record, that’s not crimson
 #12 Ohio State 3-1, 1-0 Big Ten Roster | Schedule |
October 3, 2009 7:00 PM ET – Big Ten Network —— Memorial Stadium Bloomington, IN |
 Indiana 3-1, 0-1 Big Ten Roster | Schedule |
Coming off what could have been one of the biggest wins in school history, the Indiana Hoosiers will be looking to finish off an upset this week, as they take on the Buckeyes in a prime time kick-off this tomorrow night at the newly renovated Memorial Stadium.
Whether the refs were right or wrong in regards to a simultaneous possession call (they were definitely wrong), the Hoosiers did indeed lose last week’s game 36-33 to Michigan, dropping their first game of a season in which they have jumped out to a surprisingly good start. They face a good amount of historical adversity this week, though, as the Buckeyes have historically owned them, leading the series 65-12-5, including a 23-2-1 mark in Bloomington. To make things worse, the last time the Hoosiers defeated the Buckeyes was in 1988, with OSU taking the last 14 games between the two.
Ohio State couldn’t be hotter coming into the contest, shutting out Toledo and Illinois en route to a combined score of 68-0. Despite averaging 30+ per game in those victories, the Buckeye offense does continue to struggle though, and it will only be so long before the defense won’t be able to bail them out. Last week did bring some positives on an offensive note, and a spotty Indiana defense can be just the cure for the early season woes, especially the stunted development of Terrelle Pryor.
Opponent
Despite what some may call a “cupcake schedule”, Indiana has certainly impressed fans across the Big Ten early in the season. Bill Lynch’s team beat Eastern Kentucky, Western Michigan, and Akron to win it’s first three games before falling in the aforementioned heartbreaking loss to Rich Rodriguez and the Wolverines. There was a lot to take out of that game, as it seemed the Hoosiers were out of the game early after two consecutive Carlos Brown scores gave Michigan an early lead, but IU kept fighting back and showed the ability to do some damage on offense.
Leading the unit at quarterback is Ben Chappell. Chappell doesn’t have eye-popping numbers (944 yards, 3 TDs and 4 INT), but his veteran leadership and poise at the position is a must if Indiana wants to make a run at a bowl game this season. He never broke against Michigan despite some things not going his way and continued to find ways to keep the chains moving.
The running game is fueled by two solid players in senior Demetrius McCray and red-shirt freshman Darius Willis. The two have combined for 450 yards and four scores on the ground this year and Lynch keeps opposing defenses on their toes with his use of each of these players. The Crimson and Cream keep things spread out at the wide receiver position as well, with Damarlo Belcher (19-222-1), Tandon Doss (26-374), Mitchell Evans (10-116-1) and Terrance Turner (14-135) remaining well involved with the game plan.
The Hoosiers are most dangerous on offense because of their ability to spread things out and use gimmick plays to trick defenses. A number of times against Michigan they used both the pistol and wildcat formations, and also used receivers and backs to run reverses and other trickery. While Indiana certainly cannot play pound for pound with the Buckeyes’ defense, expect to see many of these ploys used again this week to try and confuse the OSU defenders.
Pryor could have his hands full with Kirlewand Middleton
The Indiana defense was supposed to be the strength of the team coming in, but has not performed up to expectations thus far. Jammie Kirlew is hands down the best player on the unit and has NFL potential, registering 18 tackles (8.5 for loss) and 2.5 sacks on the season. He is joined by fellow star end Greg Middleton (15 tackles, 3 sacks) and linebacker Matt Mayberry (26 tackles, 1.5 sacks) as the primary play makers of the Hoosier defense. Those three, as well as Ohio-native defensive tackles Adam Replogle and Larry Black Jr. will have to step up tremendously if they plan to contain Terrelle Pryor and the Ohio State ground attack on Saturday night.
An even tougher assignment may be in the hands of Bill Lynch’s secondary, as the Bucks could look to get the pass going after a heavy dose of the run last weekend. Ray Fisher of Cleveland Glenville has emerged as the unit’s best player and is a standout special teams player on kick and punt returns, having already returned one kick for a score this season. He will have his hands full though, as will fellow secondary players Austin Thomas, Nick Polk, and Richard Council, as the Buckeyes go five deep at receiver and two deep at tight end.
On Special Teams, the Hoosiers have their biggest weapon in Fisher, but their kicking game is pretty solid as well. Having to replace Austin Starr has not been easy, but kicker Nick Freeland has been more than serviceable for a red-shirt freshman. Freeland has converted 9-12 field goals this season, but two of those kicks have been blocked, usually a sign of poor blocking or a bad hold. On the punting side, Indiana sends out Chris Hagerup, the older brother of current Michigan commit Will Hagerup. The Hoosier Hagerup has punted 18 times this year for a 40.3 yard average including three kicks inside the 20-yard line. With the way the Buckeye defense has played, Hagerup should expect to be quite busy this week.
Buckeye Breakdown
The Buckeyes enter this game with many questions on defense answered and many questions on offense still lingering. Last week’s game is hard to judge in terms of the team’s development as the rain played a big factor in the play calling, but this is the week the Buckeye offense needs to break out and make a statement that they have found their identity and are ready to match the defense in pursuit of a fifth straight Big Ten title.
The good news from the whitewashing of Illinois was the rebirth of what looked like a rushing running attack. Boom and Zoom combined for 156 yards and two touchdowns and there were holes all afternoon. A potent running game will help take some of the pressure off of Pryor, but with Herron not being 100%, Saine and Hall will have to deliver. Pryor needs to continue to develop as a passer if this team wants to do any real damage against the Big Ten’s upper tier teams, but while that is going on, his production with his legs, coupled continued development in the running game should be enough to get by the Buckeyes’ next few opponents.
The line we’ve all been waiting for (cleveland.com)Part of the recent success of the Buckeye ground game can be attributed to the improved play of the offensive line. Mike Adams has ultimately moved into the starting left tackle spot and fellow “Block O” member JB Shugarts has stepped into the right tackle slot with Jim Cordle injured. These two moves, coupled with the depth Andy Miller and Andrew Moses have provided, have allowed the Buckeyes to keep their front five fresh and enable them to play with more athleticism. People questioned Adams’ ability to perform on the field, but it seems the only thing holding him back might be stuff away from the field.
There’s not much to say about the defense outside of warning opposing offenses to duck and it is expected they bring their all once again, even without Coleman, who will miss the game because of suspension. The Coleman loss hurts in that OSU loses arguably it’s best defender, but if the pass rush remains as strong as it has been the last few weeks then the secondary will have a much easier time doing their jobs. Anderson Russell will re-enter the starting line up in Coleman’s place and redshirt freshman Orhian Johnson will get nickel action and provide depth for Russell and Jermale Hines. All in all, if the Buckeyes continue to do what they have been doing since the USC game, they will have no problem with the Hoosiers and their unique offensive approach.
Despite rumors of a transfer, Laamar Thomas will once again be back returning kicks for the Buckeyes and he has certainly given the unit a boost this year, averaging 23.2 yards per return. It seems he is on the cusp of a break out return for a touchdown at any minute and this could be the game a la Teddy Ginn in 2005. Ray Small returns as the punt returner once again this week, despite muffing punts in the last two games. I feel a lot more comfortable with Dane Sanzenbacher or DeVier Posey back there to actually catch the ball, but neither have the same type of big return potential that Small does in the return game. If he fumbles another return soon, expect to see him turn over the duties to one of the previously mentioned players (most likely Sanzenbacher).
Prediction
Although Indiana played Michigan close last week, they still remain a bottom-feeder of the Big Ten. They bring an improved offense and some athletic defenders to the field in a night game, but it won’t be enough to pull the ultimate upset against the Buckeyes. Considering most of the crowd will be OSU fans who made the trek to Bloomington, expect the Bucks to find a comfort zone early and take control of the game from the get-go. Will this be another game of growth for Pryor? It may be, but even if it’s not, expect the Bucks to win easy.
Ohio State 33, Indiana 9
“The Indiana defense was supposed to be the strength of the team coming in, but has not performed up to expectations thus far”
Actually, everybody in Bloomington has been pretty happy with the defense so far. It’s way better than it was last year, when it proved it could not stop anybody from running on them. Also consider that Ray Fisher was our top receiver last year is playing defense for the first time since high school. They’ve done pretty well, all things considered. They’re no murderer’s row, but they’re better than last year and get better every game.
Nice write-up, I hope the Hoosiers keep it close (or do the unthinkable and win…but that’s mostly in my dreams).
Small needs to show us something this week. Otherwise it may be best to find another punt returner.
I can only recall him fielding one punt that was actually returnable the last couple games. All others should have been fair catches. He hasn’t really had the chance yet.
I’ve been waiting to see something out of him for 4 years.
That is a fairly short sided statement. He has produced as a returner except for this year. With his off the field problems and money time approaching, he is trying to make something out of every kick return. Acting as if he hasn’t earned the return duties is idiotic.
I’m just saying he hasn’t been worth all the BS that’s come with him. He’s not exactly Ginn Back there, and as a receiver he has been a huge flop. He’s returned what 1 for a touchdown? I know it’s not easy, but I’m sure there are other guys who would be just a s productive and not muff 2 punts in 4 games.
I think his attitude is his main problem. He thought he would waltz in do what Teddy did, but then he realized he’s not Teddy. I don’t feel he has worked hard enough to be the player he could be and this may be the last year of his football career.
He sure does drop a lot of balls. Given that in returning punts, chances to do something are often difficult to come by, catching the ball should be at the top of the job description for a punt returner.
Small should sit his ass on the bench. He is hardly worth the trouble to be quite honest–when was the last time he made a meaningful play in a meaningful game?? Start Flash ahead of him at PR and move on….
I don’t understand why everyone jumps Pryor because he isn’t a superstar yet, but the guy works his ass off all the time, but a guy like Small is you say one bad thing about half the people on this site jump your shit. Small has never been positive in terms of work ethic or production. Then You add all the junk from off the field and his dad running his mouth. Has he really done anything that has been worth all the trouble?
Pryor has done nothing but work his ass off, despite the pressure and dealing with a coaching change. Just because he didn’t play well against a couple of the best teams in the country(PSU, USC,Texas) everyone is in a panic. I still say he is the most talented QB to ever don the S&G, but everyone is comparing him to finished product Troy Smith, and not 15th game in career Troy Smith.
I totally agree about Pryor, that’s my point. Everyone jumps on him for not being where tey think he should be, but it’s like everyone gets pissed if you say something bad about Ray Small. I’m sorry but, unless he turns it around and soon they guy is definitely playing his last year of football. He’s never done anything in college to show he is good enough for the NFL.
UH……They shut out Illinois last week, not Purdue. HA!
First sentence of the third paragraph, we shut out Illinois, not Purdue.
Sucks for Flash, he’s only seen the field as a KR twice in the last two games because of the defensive shutouts. He should be out there more tomorrow, I think IU can and will score on us.
We’ll miss Kurt Coleman’s big play-ability. We may not have had these shutouts without him.
I’m not convinced they’ll score, I’m calling another shutout. I’m not all that sure Indiana’s offense is any better than Toledo’s. They haven’t faced a team with any defense yet, just like Toledo.
We need to keep talking to Louis….
We do not want to lose him come signing day, man he has to be that good for all these teams to keep fighting to get him… I say call him everyday, send coaching staff to visit him, and watch his football games.
It’s not who signs with you today, it’s who shows up in the end.
We need this commit!!!
Anyone agree????
For sure. This kid is obviously doing something to attract all of these top schools on top of his commitment to us. I just have this sinking feeling about the situation, especially when he said, “anything can happen” when asked about a de-commitment. We’re in the drivers seat with the verbal, we just have to continue to make sure he knows how bad we want him.
I agree 100% would not worry if he lived in Ohio…
But, all this take about repairing there realtionship, can’t be a good thing.
Kid has a fragile ego, we want him badly. I want him badly for this class.
He must know Ohio State is not taking his commitment for granted. But,
There is some depth issue there at FLORIDA you would think. Also, he did
see the USC game, who can give a similar stadium effect diff not the FLA
vs TENN that game sucked, slow clock running game in the morning.
Hey louis “Tebow isn’t going to be there next year” Brantley is though
“who” exactly!!!
I seriously doubt he’ll end up a Buckeye. He is talented I agree, but I am starting to like the kid’s who aren’t as highly touted and have more to prove, rather than the kid who everyone is willing to sell their first born child to get.
We’ve got a kid redshirting, James Jackson, who is explosive as anyone in the country. Louis is not as important as Hicks, Henderson, and Joyner.
Will agree… He isn’t ranked as high either???
So…???
Anyways, the point is a lot of people are trying to
make a push for this kid. We just have to peek
in there every now, and again say hello.
I still think he will be a buckeye as long as we stay
in contact with him. He was here for the USC game
he talked to the kids from florida.
But, we do have a lot of WR’s, but hey this kid
would be in there pushing for PT at the slot.
Tebow isn’t going to be there next year, but what they said during the UK game is teh backup is actually a better pure passer than Tebow. Anyway, no one expected him anyway then he just committed. If wants to go to Florida, even though they weren’t interested in him when they thought they would land another guy, let him go. I agree Hick, Henderson, and Joyner are much more important in the long run. I’d like to see them land Louis, but if not that’s ok too.
St. Ignatius and Massillon square off tomorrow, btw.
Living in NC these days, those are the kinds of games I miss down here. I’ve yet to be compelled to go to a HS game here, but I used to go to 1-2 year when I lived in Ohio.
Ignatius wins easy.
How about the Byrnes – Aquinas game tonight?
or the X/Elder game?
I can’t see St. X winning after that Highlands game last night. There have been better Highlands teams lose to some average St. X, Moeller, Elder teams.
Surprise, surprise, X won.
Indiana will be unable to run the ball against the Buckeyes, which means that Chappell will be a sitting duck. Indiana is 53rd in rush offense, but did that against a weak slate of run defenses. Meanwhile, Ohio State is 24th in rush defense, but they’ve played Navy (6th in rushing), U$C (16th), Toledo (57th), and ILL (35th). Indiana will be lucky to run for 50 yards.
I also see Ohio State having a major special teams advantage. Therefore, Indiana will get killed by field position.
The Buckeyes’ run game will sputter at times against a decent, fired-up Indiana defense, but Zoom and/or Hall will break out for several long gains and Pryor will have a field day passing (over 200 yards and 3 TDs).
Ohio State 41, Indiana 10.
I would agree with you here…
What will be interesting is to see if they stay with the zone reads?
We need to freeze the linebackers, get good protection on the d-ends.
This will be the key to Indiana’s Defense, they have two good d-ends.
Maybe not the quailty that USC had!
Lucky for us, we have pryor who breaks containment a lot. If he can
get the edge on some naked boots, he should have a field day.
I expect the passing game to really do wonders. Passing Def 86th!
That is horrible, should be similar to toledo. this is area pryor needs
work on, and i expect tressel to give him a lot of chances.
TE drags, Rb Wheels, screens, quick hitches, these types of things
could really do wonders for his confidence earlier. And with the WR’s
We have i like our chances one on one with there DB’s.
I will be there guessing tOSU 42-7
I think Indiana’s defense may be able to hold us to around 30. But I don’t see their offense doing much of anything–a team that only managed to put up 19 against E. Kentucky and 23 against W. Michigan won’t see double digits against this OSU defense.
OSU 31
IU 6
I’m calling 42-0, that was my pick last week, but the rain slowed the offense a bit. I feel confident in this score this week.
If youre going to the game, wear GRAY!!
Good Point
Going to the game wearing Gray Hoodie, and bringing White Jersey Just in case.
Supposed to be pretty packed in there… I just hope the Faithfull will show up.
I want to hear the O-H-I-O in there stadium… Should be a lot of FUN.
Question anyone know what a Bunch of Grey looks like from an aerial view?
About to find out !
I thought we were ranked 9th ???
We use the blogpoll ranking. Solidarity, baby!
Great article in the AJC – Atlanta paper about the football pipeline from Georgia going to the Big Ten. One kid that goes to Purdue says he likes it when it snows. LOL.
What happen to predict the score and total offense each week on 11W?
My pick
OSU 38
IU 10
IU total yards 280
We’ll have more contests coming. We try to reserve them for bigger games. Maybe Wisconsin will qualify.
Barry Alvarez makes Bret Bielema run wind sprints until his feet bleed every night bc of comments like this.
i guess the adjective “barefoot” should be in there…
don’t judge me.
Thanks Chris!
Partly Couldy
High 58
Low 44
Sunsets at 7:25pm
This is the greatest part it’s not supposed to rain…
Pretty much cloudy all day today, and tomorrow.
That is awesome because at 50 degrees in the rain, at night with the wind about 10mph bur…
Colorado really became a doormat team didn’t they?
This game tomorrow night is going to be a rout BTW, don’t be suprised to see another shutout. The realist in me says they will score once tho….
tOSU: 42
IU: 3
Cody Hawkins is easily the worst QB in D1 football.
And what’s up with Dan Hawkins’ Elvis haircut and “styling”?
I didn’t see this until just now but Gordon noted earlier that Saine will be the offensive captain tomorrow. Dude is having a good week!
Lets hope it only gets better
Thought about going to the game tomorrow, then next week too, but Found tickets to the Iowa game for under 100 a piece so Ill be making the trip for that one. Now I want them both to go undefeated until them.
That will be a good game to go to if both teams continue to win. I was thinking about finding tickets myself.
I live in Northern Kentucky, but found some on Craigs list Columbus. I got them for 80 Each. I figure they’re going to keep getting more expensive if they both keep winning.
anyone ever been to Bloomington???
Are there stands set up for a nice view of the field.
I am on the OSU side about 60 rows up!
Anyone, care to enlighten me on stadium, i was thinking there prob still be good seats, and the stadium isn’t that big so even if i was up should still see the game well????
We just offered Cullen Christian 6-0/180/4.68 Pittsburgh, PA
Rated 6th CB by Rivals, and 89th overall.
It pushed us into his top 5. Michigan seems to be the favorite untill we just offered! Christian has set an announcement date of November 24th.
Question: That means we have offered joyner, shaw, now cullen?
Anderson, Bryant, we have hagan!
hmmm… What you think this means?
I don’t think we get Joyner, he has been saying we are even with FSU and it’s hard to be the home team when you are even; I think we land Shaw as he is very high on us; I think Anderson will not make the grade and that the coaches recognize this by offering Cullen.
Nice to see Saine get the Captain nod. My Captain wish-list would have Pryor be offensive captain and lead the team into his home state and Happy Valley, and for Boren to be named offensive captain for The Game. That would be intense.
Ask, and ye shall receive, and so forth………
I want a shirt that says “and so forth”
With Tressel’s face on the front?
yes but not the photoshopped stripper Tress
How about the almost grimmacing in pain Tress when Boom scored against Nerdwestern?
That would be awesome
It would say “Dont run up the score” with his face on the front…
w/ “And so forth” on the back.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Re8NFIVGmU
3:48
YES!
I bet there’s a really good chance of both of those happening.
Saine repping captain status on his first start is an omen, good or bad?
NO BAD!!!!! This is a good, scratch that, GREAT sign! How fired up is he going to be? How fired up will this make Boom when he gets back in?
This will be the game where Saine cements his status as “the man”.
Im really getting excited about this team.
1. The “Brew Crew” is starting to take hold and showing flashes of living up to the hype.
2. The defense is flying around the field and looking alot like the ‘02 D.
3. The running game has gotten more and more impressive each week.
4. For the first time Tress is letting someone else call plays.
If Pryor continues to improve each week, this season could get alot more interesting.
I’m the same way, I was disappointed about the USC game, but if this team keeps progressing and winning, they are going to be tough to keep out of the big game that for some reason people don’t want to go to.
I think Saine showed a lot last week about how tough of a runner he can be and also how great he will be in the open field. If Boom could learn to pick his feet up a bit he’s going to be a good one too. I still like Saine better though. I think he may start to separate himself a bit in the next couple of games.
Saine single handedly carried his team to a state title. He has the “it” factor. Injuries have slowed him until now.
I’ve liked him all along. His Freshman year I said this guy can do it all. I think he is a great talent. I like Boom too, for sure, but I think Saine brings more to the table.
Saine is a very good receiver, that may not be much at OSU, but you can bet it will be worth some extra cash come draft day.
6′1 215, sprinter speed, can catch, only a junior.
Heisman darkhorse anyone?
next year of course.
Meh.
Boom lover.
No. But only one player wins the Heisman per year. I’ll take my odds. Besides, ESPN already has Tater Tot locked in for a run at the Heis his sophomore year.
Once Saine starts tearing off big runs and consistently picking up 6 per, I’ll buy in. Darren McFadden never won a Heisman.
heading to the game wearing gray and hoping that the vest calls me out of the stands to run the option. Is that too much to ask of the game experience?
gonna be a long day … I love/hate night games. nothing looks better than the Buckeye helmet glittering under the lights but I hate slogging through all the other ballgames waiting for THE ballgame.
and then by halftime our game is effectively over. don’t look for this to be close tonight. Ohio State 41 Indy 3
Buckeye Mark listen I know it will be difficult for us to overcome the depth you guys have on defense but remember the best three players on the field will be Hoosiers. I’m speaking about Willis, Chappell and Doss. We have some defensive players that have been around awhile too. The big question seems to me is what formula will Dr Tress be drinkin today cause the one that turns him into Dr Hyde is scary?
Not worried. Ohio State is not Michigan.
Hoosier, I appreciate your semi-subjective approach as it is definitely not your place to come on here and spew trash talk. However, I have to strongly disagree on your “best three players on the field” comment. Even more so if you meant when our defense is on the field. I am hard pressed to remember a player better than Thad Gibson in IU football recent history, much less on this team. Lets be honest, all three of the players you mention would struggle to find PT on this Buckeye team. Good luck on your journey back to reality.
Okay, that Thad Gibson got monster arms, I’ll give you that but on the offensive side i’ve yet to see anything to get worried about. We haven’t won a game in years but this might be our best chance tonight. We’ll need a little help from Dr. Tressel.
According to the Dispatch, Andy Miller is down with flu-like symptoms and did not make the trip. That means Adams will play most of the game at LT with Marcus Hall possibly burning his redshirt to get some 2nd team action. It could be an adventure on the blind side when Pryor goes back to pass.
Like sands in the hourglass, these are the days of our lives.
What can I say, opportunity knocks. I don’t like to hear hall may burn his RS, Id rather see him burn it for meaningful PT, rather than second team duty in the IU game.