Friday Skull Session

By Chris Lauderback on October 5, 2012 at 6:00 am
107 Comments

Welp, I should probably apologize in advance for what might be a sloppy example of literary illiteracy but it isn't that often that Jason comes into town.

The potentially unfortunate outcome of such an event was the prequel of Drink Too, Brutus in addition to your morning skull session. 

Anyhoo, last week, like many of you, I felt the tilt against Sparty would be won by the squad that controlled the line of scrimmage. Turns out, that was on the money as the Buckeyes dominated up front and that was just enough to overcome three turnovers on the road. 

Tomorrow, it's a little more sexy as the winner will most likely be decided by who wins the battle of quarterbacks. 

Both are notorious for their ability to extend plays and chew up yards with their feet but they are also maturing as threats through the air. 

As Bennett notes, Taylor Martinez is completing a career high 68% of his throws while Braxton has shown increased pocket presence and an improved touch. 

Which QB has the better night will most likely decide who wins what should be what qualifies for a shootout when you're talking about B1G football. 

I like Ohio State's chances. 

I THINK I'LL TRY NEBRASKA. The 4-1 Cornhuskers sport the B1G's #1 Scoring, Total and Rush Offense and based on their style of attack alone, pose the greatest test yet for what is supposedly a rejuvenated Silver Bullet defense that put the clamps on a powerful but waaaayyyy traditional Michigan State attack. 

Dave Revsine takes a look at some numbers and one in particular should be a cause for pause for those all-in on the Buckeye defense: Nebraska has scored over 30 points in each of the first four games. It's the first time the program has accomplished that feat since the '95 national championship season. That squad, led by Tommie Frazier, is widely considered to be one of the best teams of all time and scored more than 35 points in every game. 

Not only is the Brasky offense potent but the athletic style in which it operates should be enough to give Buckeye fans heartburn as defending spread attacks and tackling in space have been areas of concern for Luke Fickell's defense. 

Interestingly, for all the talk about Nebraska's high-powered offense, the defense has also put up some decent numbers despite giving up 36 points to UCLA in week two. Through five games, the Huskers have recorded 43 TFL, 12 better than 2nd place Indiana, along with a ridiculous 19 sacks. 

Trying to slow the Nebraska's penetration will be an OSU offensive line that has spent the week basking in the glory of 204 rushing yards in East Lansing. No question improvement up front has been eye catching and based on the numbers, another solid week will be required if the Buckeyes plan to keep an undefeated season intact. 

BIRDS OF A FEATHER. Though the Cornhuskers are new to the B1G, both the OSU and Nebraska programs seem almost like brothers from another mother when you zoom in according to Big Red Today. 

Columnist Tom Shatel dug into the comparisons, including seeking the help of good friend and Michigan alum, Bill Gerber, who had this to say about the Ohio State fanbase:

“I will be completely unbiased. Ohio State fans are condescending. They are rude. It's not a collegial environment at Ohio State. It's more like an Oakland Raiders crowd.”

What Shatel correctly deducted from this soft quote is that while the Huskers are a new shiny toy and certainly have the chops to create a rivalry with the Buckeyes, their pedigree alone isn't enough to create a rivalry with Ohio State - but games like tomorrow night can assuredly lay the foundation.

As for similarities between the two legendary programs, here's a sampling:

  • Nebraska has 850 all time wins compared to 830 for Ohio State. Uh..History of Winning for $200, Alex. 
  • National titles: Ohio State 7, Nebraska 5. Ridic. 
  • Conference titles: Forty-three for the Huskers, 34 for Ohio State. 
  • Stiff Arms: OSU 7, Brasky 3. Ignore the footnote that Eddie has Frazier's. Popular ignorance might be popular but it's still ignorance. 
  • Draft picks: Ohio State with 404. Nebraska with 345. 

Pretty impressive stuff from two time tested powerhouses. Just typing those stats has me thirsting for kick-off. (I suppose my current cotton-mouth could also be a factor)

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BACKWARDS DOWN THE DEFENSIVE LINE. With the QB battle front and center, how well each team can protect their signal caller will definitively loom large over the outcome.

Ohio State has seen a resurgence up front as the offensive line has become a functional unit ranking 3rd in the B1G in rushing at 224 yards per game while showing an improved ability to pass block especially against a hyped Sparty defensive front last week. 

With a week of roses thrown their way, the offensive line faces another solid test this week taking on a front anchored by 6'6", 290 lbs. defensive tackle Baker Steinkuhler. According to the Lincoln Star Journal, the grinder and Husker legacy might have played his best game as a Hukser registering five tackles and two TFL in their 30-27 win over Wisconsin last Saturday night. 

It sounds like dude has a Simon vibe though his role is clearly more Hank-ish. Teammate Chase Rome offers:

“He’s like a lumberjack. He’s the toughest kid I know, hands down. He’s the same every day. And I literally have never heard him complain about anything. Nothing. Even when other people are like, ‘Ah, my legs are killing me,’ this and that. Baker just doesn’t.”

The Nebraska defense is currently ranked 1st in conference with the 19 sacks but just sixth in Total Defense at 341 yards per game. 

RUN LIKE A SPARTYLOPE. The BTN crew took on what should not be such a depressing topic as they discussed which conference RB is most worthy of being Le'Veon Bell's best man. 

In a league that used to churn out its fair share of running backs, things are a bit bleak this year as evidenced by their discussion

Seriously, the names most mentioned as the #2 RB Venric Mark and Mark Weisman. No, I didn't just make up those names to see if you're still paying attention. 

Mark (,Venric) is currently 4th in the league in rushing at 107 yards per game while Weisman in on his heels at 103. 

Or course, injuries have played a part in Rex Burkhead and Montee Ball lacking in the production department but I'm struggling to remember a time in which the B1G had so few proven running backs. 

Regardless of stats, I'd take Ball as the 2nd best RB and I assume most of you agree. Where does Hyde rank on your list? 

CAN I LINK WHILE I'M YOUNG? Missouri WR Dorial Green-Beckham will miss the Vandy game after getting busted for tree... Public Enemy and NWA head up the 2013 Rock and Roll HOF nominees list... BROKE: Epilogue... The Boise State equipment semi truck got medieval on a cow (Caution: Grody)... September's funniest sports photos... Hope to see you all tonight at Drink Too, Brutus

 

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