Eleven Warriors

This year's edition of the OSU football Buckeyes still have some valley's to cross in order to enjoy the glory of 12-0, but at 9-0 the odds are looking better.  I was pondering this week about another team in the not too distant past that had some commonalities with this Buckeye team. Consider the 1993 Auburn Tigers had: A new first year head coach (Terry Bowden), a post season ban, and reduction of scholarships due to the dreaded NCAA violations.  Bowden's team also bore the additional penalty of no televised games.  Somehow this team found the motivation and strength of will to run the table - and by beating their arch rival Alabama in Jordan-Hare Stadium on the final day of their season, put the finishing touches on an undefeated, 11-0 season.  I remember watching the highlights of that game afterwards. The passion and intensity with which the Auburn coaches and players celebrated after that huge victory is/was a good reminder that an undefeated season is very special, no matter what.

Auburn turned out to be the only undefeated football team in Division 1 football that year.  Their hated rival, Alabama, was sent to the SEC Championship Game as their replacement, where they lost to Florida (a team Auburn had beaten earlier in the season 38-35) 28-13.

The Tigers finished ranked fourth in the nation by the Associated Press but was named a co-National Champion by the National Championship Foundation.  Additionally they were named National Champions by several polls/organizations: Harry Frye, Nutshell Sports, Sparks Achievement, and David Wilson.

Obviously, it would be preferable to have a shot at playing in the NC game - but to say the Buckeyes have nothing to play for couldn't be further from the truth.  Go Bucks!

1.  Defense.  I was more impressed with the defense than I have been all year.  Holding the PSU offense to 16 points is probably better than most expected - and if you consider that the defense held the Purdue offense to 15 points last week - I'd like to think we're trending upward on that side of the ball. 

2.  Ryan Shazier.  Kids' on fire!  In back to back plays he records a sack, then a pick six.  Seems we heard his name called often during the game.  Still think he has the potential to be one of the greats at linebacker for OSU.

3.  Handling the pressure.  Thought this team responded well to the 12th man at Beaver Stadium.  The noise obviously was a factor for them early on, but as the Buckeyes dismantled PSU in machine-like fashion in the third quarter - they showed some mental toughness in a tough environment to play in.  This season is starting to remind me of 2002 a little - minus the fun post season aspirations unfortunately.

4.  Passing game.  Still a work in progress - but what a beautiful pass/catch from Miller to Stoneburner.  It appears to me at this point that Miller might be slightly more accurate in his passing when he is on the run.  Several times Miller had a clean pocket and feet set - then inexplicably over threw/threw behind some receivers - some who were wide open.  When Braxton runs however - is there a QB better in college football than him?

5. Rod Smith.  I know he only had four carries - but they netted something like 48 yards.  He reminds me of a young Eddie George when he runs.  I think this kid has a very bright future at OSU.