Eleven Warriors

God bless Youtube and modern day technological advancements.

My personal favorite Ohio State-Michigan of all time. Gives me chills (and maybe tears every once in a while, shhhh) everytime.

My favorite Ohio State-Michigan game of all time, in its entirety. The game truly was a tribute to Bo (who had just passed), Woody, and every person to ever participate. The post game scene was something unreal and something I don't think I'll ever see anything like ever again.

The HBO special on the rivalry in its entirety, from where the first clip originates from.

From the 2009 GAME, Ohio State fans take over the Big House. Awesome.

Another one of my personal favorites. A parody of the "Pure Michigan" commercials. Classic.

The M Club banner incident!

The Catch! From 2005. Gonzo!

This doesn't directly correlate to the rivalry, but I consider this one of the best days in college football history ;)

Chad Henne, 0-4 in The Game.

The national championship-clinching interception against Michigan in 2002. Another unbelievable scene. Say what you will about Brent Musberger, but to me he will always be the guy who dropped the "Let's party, Columbus!" line.

One of my favorite Ohio State victories over Michigan. From 2004. This game asserted Tressel's dominance over Michigan and Carr, as we were the underdogs against a hyped Michigan team.

HATE. Post your favorite clips/images for HATE week.

Just a rugged looking kid out of Toledo, Ohio, William Buford made his commitment to play basketball for The Ohio State University as a part of the class of 2008. In an era of "one-and-dones" and early departures to the NBA, William Buford stood out as a special kind of player and person.

Its been quite a run with Willie B. After a stellar freshman season in 2008, Buckeye fans began to look forward to him and Evan Turner running the show for the next couple of years. He went on to be a perrenial starter for the rest of his career, on teams that had stars such as Evan Turner, David Lighty, Jon Diebler, and Jared Sullinger. In fact, he was more than just a starter, he was a signifact contributer on every team he played for, averaging 14+ points per game every season after his freshman year (and about 11 points per game his freshman year.) William went on to become the fourth best scorer in Ohio State history, something I think many of our fans don't appreciate enough.

A different kind of perspective on Buford began to emerge, though, after last year's Sweet 16 loss to Kentucky. Fans singled out his 2-16 performance as the reason such a talented bunch of Buckeyes were going home so early in the year. This perspective carried over to this season, as Buford (unfairly) became the scapegoat for all of this year's team's problems. People called him out for not being the senior leader he should be, despite not even knowing the truth about what was going on behind the scenes. His great career was overshadowed this year by a bunch of keyboards, and what a shame that is. As this season comes to end, I am forced to turn in my "ultimate defender of Willie Buford" card, but we had a good run, Willie. In poetic fashion, Willie Buford is perhaps the only player not being blamed for the loss to Kansas, which eliminated the Buckeyes from the NCAA tournament just as the loss to Kentucky did last year. I thank William for his incredible run as a Buckeye and for all of his amazing contributions to this program. I hope Willie is glad that he came to Ohio State and stayed he for four years, but I could never blame him if he's not based on the way he's been treated by our "fans."

He's had itches, he's kept the ladies, he's stolen Spartan souls, and he's been a leader, among many other things. Thanks for the memories, Willie B., and keep on ballin'.

Let me start this off by saying how excited I am about Urban Meyer and the new coaching staff. They should do tremendous things for years to come at Ohio State. However, over the past couple months I've become increasingly annoyed at my Buckeye brethren (don't mistake me for saying I still don't love everybody on here and all Buckeye fans around the globe) and the majority of them who think Urban can do no wrong. Seemingly all of the sudden we forgot our former opinion of him (he was a snake to most of us.) Now yes, that has a lot to do with sour grapes after the 2007 BCS National Championship Game, but some of our criticisms were very fair. Let's not forget that this is the guy who retired twice before turning 50 citing health reasons and wanting to be with his family, only to return to coaching a year later. But now since we were the program he chose to return to, he can do no wrong and EVERY action he takes is an act of God. It is ridiculous and unreasonable. After the bowl ban was released, I openly questioned Urban's promise to recruits that there would be no more punishment and expressed relief that nobody decommitted. At the same time I stated that this was an oppurtunity for Urban to stick through a rough patch like he has never done before and prove he's not fragile like some have suggested based on his "retirements" (which both convienantly came after his two worst years as head coach anywhere.) When I said those things, I was not trying to say I dislike of Meyer. I was mearly trying to take an unbiased look at things. I was shocked at the response I got from a couple of users here. I was called a lunatic and called out by those I thought were very level headed about things. Now this Dominic Clarke incident comes to light and we won't even listen to the kid because he is just some "stupid kid ranting" about "URBAN MEYER GOD OMFG #$)%#$ URBGASM." I'm not saying Meyer did Clarke wrong, but I am saying that its ridiculous that we are dismissing Clarke's thoughts immediately because we are blinded by our love for Urban.

We need to get over this "Urban can do no wrong" phase as a fanbase. If we do not we will turn into the defenders of guys like Saban and Les Miles, who see clear misdeeds happening inside their program yet take them as deeds of God because they love their coach (and winning) so much. Tressel wasn't perfect. A lot of us thought he was. Yes, he is a great man, but he ended up having his flaws. Urban will have his flaws as well. I think it would be amazing if we could recognize those flaws (I recognize them as the flaws of college football, not exclusively Meyer) yet still embrace the amazing head coach we have in Urban Meyer. I hope I am not the only one who thinks Urban is imperfect. All of this is just my two cents.

GO BUCKS!

I am trying to think about next year now. Even though I am still gloomy over the state of our football program and our early exit in the tourney, our immediate future (at least in basketball) is indeed bright.

I am 100% confident that Jared Sullinger returns next year, however, I think Buford bolts for the NBA.

We are lucky to have a guy like Aaron Craft, who I believe is a four year player who will develop into one of the best players in the country by his junior and season seasons. Another guy, Deshaun Thomas, will benefit most from this upcoming off season in my opinion. I think his first full off season will turn him into a more complete offensive threat. Thomas is another guy who I believe will stay at least until his junior year.

Then we have a trio of players: Jordan Sibert, Lenzelle Smith Jr., and J.D. Weatherspoon who will be sophomores next year looking to contribute more than they did this year. I think at least one or two of these guys (Sibert for sure) will be a significant contributor off of the bench. And who knows, maybe Sibert starts at shooting guard next year if Buford leaves.

I also can't forget the underrated recruiting class that Thad has put together. Shannon Scott (PG), Amir Williams (C), Sam Thompson (SF), and LaQuinton Ross (SF) are all four star players according to ESPN. A three star, Trey McDonald (C) rounds out the class. Although I think McDonald and Thompson will have to wait a year or two for their turn, I think Scott, Williams, and Ross could all contribute. Especially Scott and Williams.

Here's my opinion on next years depth chart to finish off this comment.

Starters:

Aaron Craft (Point Guard)

Jordan Sibert (Shooting Guard)

Deshaun Thomas (Small Forward)

Jared Sullinger (Power Forward)

Amir Williams (Center)

Bench (6th, 7th, 8th players):

Shannon Scott (Point guard)

LaQuinton Ross (Small Forward)

Lenzelle Smith, Jr. (Shooting Guard)

Bench (Bench Warmers):

J.D. Weatherspoon (Small Forward)

Sam Thompson (Small Forward)

Trey McDonald (Center)

Any walk on's

This is in response to some grumblings of our inevitable trip to the Capital One Bowl or worse.

(All of these are presuming Ohio State can win out and does not make it back to the BCS National Championship Game)

Here's how I look at it:

Scenario #1                                                                                                           

Sparty: Loses one or more games

Wisconsin: Wins out

Ohio State's bowl bid: BCS at-large or Rose Bowl

Scenario #2                                                                                                           

Sparty: Wins out

Wisconsin: Loses one or more games

Ohio State's bowl bid: BCS at-large

Scenario #3                                                                                                           

Sparty: Loses one game

Wisconsin: Loses one or more games

Ohio State's bowl bid: BCS at-large or Rose Bowl (not sure on tie-breaker rules)

Scenario #4                                                                                                           

Sparty: Loses two or more games

Wisconsin: Loses one or more games

Ohio State's bowl bid: Rose Bowl

Scenario #5                                                                                                           

Sparty: Wins out

Wisconsin: Wins out

Ohio State's bowl bid: Capital One Bowl

I like our chances at a BCS bowl. In my opinion, all five of these scenarios are equally likely and possible.

Change is something that Buckeye fans don't want. They hate it in their football team's uniform, they hate it on their football team's yearly schedule, and they don't know what to do with it this year with the way this offense is working.

Defense has been the strong suit of evey Jim Tressel coached Ohio State football team. That remains the same this year. The running game has been the strength of every Jim Tressel coached Ohio State football team, even in 2006 with the great Troy Smith I would argue. This is the change that is irking us this year. Passing is the strength of this offense for the first time in a long while.

As much as we have complained about Jim Tressel's continual conservative bubble around his offenses, this is what we are all subconsciously comfortable with. It's worked every year, and has given this program unbelievable success.

So much so that now that we don't have the running game necessarily as a strength, we start searching aimlessly for the problem and solution. We start worrying of a spoiled season ahead based off the running backs and offensive line's play. We're not comfortable with this passing strength idea.

I'm here to throw out the idea that we may not have a problem here. As impossible as it seems with Jim Tressel teams, we may be searching too much for something here. Its clear that the offensive line's strength is pass blocking, and its also clear that Terrelle Pryor is more than capable of slinging his way to victory.

In my opinion, our best chance at winning this year is with usual Ohio State defense and passing effectivley. However, we all know that we need somewhat of a running game. How do we get this? Easy answer, and that's Terrelle Pryor. In what way does he get this? Breaking runs off of broken pass plays, and those come from attempting to passing the ball. I think that we're all convinced that Pryor can't be our best runner if we want to win a national title, but I beg to differ. He can't do it all, but this is where Boom Herron comes into play. Herron has been effective enough to be that guy who steps in when Pryor needs him to.

Now do the running backs and run blocking need to improve? Absolutely, but I'm here to just maybe throw out the idea that its not a gaping hole in this team, or a "problem" per say.

When reading pre-game jib-jab from Oregon fans in the weeks before the 2010 Rose Bowl, I started to copy and paste the bold (most of the time arrogant) statements I heard just for fun to look back at after the game.

Well, I didn't expect to do so for the Miami game, but a few fans just blew me away and forced me to.

I don't add any names to the quotes, as that would be a little over the top, but you'll recognize the first one from Miami RB Damien Berry. Enjoy;

"When we win. I don't want to say if because it's not an if."

“No doubt about it! The D-Line for the Canes will be wreaking havoc on Pryor and the RB’s all afternoon. Speed the bucknuts haven’t ever seen. It’s going to be fun to watch.”

“Or how about DE Allen Bailey that runs a 4.5 at 290 lbs? Are you serious? Pryor will be running for his freaking life on Saturday. LOL”

“Enjoy your #2 ranking buddy, because after Sept. 11th it'll back to another fall and spring of your "comparative" research for next season!”

“the 'canes WILL beat your perenially overranked, over hyped, joked of a program form the fifties,”

“Try reading real articles about OSU and Miami practices and maybe you will start smelling the sweet aroma of a Miami win.  The Miami press is a pro press and they don't pull punches like the the toy newspaper, columbus dispach, in the toy captial columbus and even then they don't paint a pretty picture.”

“Shock and awe on 9/11! No undefeated season for OSU. OSU fans, wait and see and watch and learn.”

“WTF? This team (Ohio State) is just not deep this year at any position.”

“Nothing better than the whole Game Day crew to pick against you! And of course we can count on Holtz to dump on us as well. With those 4 in agreement against us, a win over OSU is lock.”

“9/11, another very bad day for Big Ten. But after 9/11, its back to the MAC to run up the scores and make those stats look good.”

“Miami 21 to 24 - OSU 13 to 17. Take it to the bank.”

“In summary another set of reasons why Maimi will prevail on 9/11...USC redeux.”

“I have been consistent and have predicted a 4 to 7 point win by Miami...it will happen.”

“Bring your crying towels, you will need them.”

“Every day OSU gets a little weaker and the U gets stronger.”

“Official Prediction: Miami 27, Ohio State 13”

“we don’t see how Ohio State comes within 7-10 points of Miami in a 60 minute game, no matter where it’s held.”

“The bottom line is, save for a bunch of UM turnovers (a la the 2003 Fiesta Bowl), on paper this game shouldn’t be that close.”

“When predicting outcomes, we don’t wear orange and green goggles.  That being said, we don’t see how Ohio State can match Miami’s speed and athleticism.”

“Apparently, they’re getting caught up in the universal #2 ranking they’ve received in the polls, or the Vegas odds which have them – not Alabama – as the betting favorites to win a national title this year.  Settle down my pasty white friends.  Your team is good.  But it is not THIS good.”

“I hear about this stable of Buckeye running backs and receivers, but have a hard time thinking that it compares to Miami’s.  I don’t see anyone on the Ohio State roster that runs like Damien Berry”

“I’ve not only put money on this game, but I’m thinking of cashing out my kid’s 529 College Savings Plan to take Miami and the points.”

“I will gladly accept bets with Miami getting 10 f’n points.  Cuz Miami is going to win this game outright.  And you know what, I don’t think it’s going to be that close.  Forget getting 10 points, I’ll give points.  That’s right.  I’ve set aside $100 for my favorite Buckeye fans.  And, I will give you 6 points.  Miami -6.  That’s 16 off the spread, for you math challenged Buckeye fans out there.”

“Those fat mouth breathers from the north are blinded by their scarlet and grey goggles.”

“Miami takes this one in an ugly beat down where OSU looks like a beaten team with no answers, much like we often see when Tresselteams get beat. It will be a full house at kick off, it will look like select-a-seat day by the third quarter. Miami 37-Ohio State 6”

“Everyone reppin Ohio ST needs to take both of their hands, put it around your necks, and choke yourselves! UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!”

Why the hell is College Gameday going to Tuscaloosa?

Seriously, Penn State is going to get whomped in all 3 quarters by 'Bama's first team. And then get whomped in the 4th by Bama's 2nd and 3rd team.

What a waste of mascot head picking, when you could have at least been at competitive games like Oklahoma vs. FSU or Miami vs. Ohio State.

Plus, you know the crew is going to be at at least 9-10 'Bama games this year regardless if they went for the Penn State game or not.

It just pisses me off. I'm also half pissed at Gene Smith. We probably would get gameday if he hadn't scheduled Marshall on Thursday and made it a night game. That way we could actually spend our exciting night game money on our premier opponent and get all of the hype that surrounds a big game like Miami (such as; night time, gameday bus, Herbsreit kids, Lee putting on Brutus' head, Musbeurger's hyperbole).

It just takes a little away from the season for me personally not to have that premier home night game. Sure, we had the Thursday night vs. Marshall game, but that was terrible. That was such a sour experience for me to watch Ohio State on a week night. And I know we get Wisconsin at night and that will be a really fun game, but its still not the 'Shoe.

/End Mini-rant