To begin, full disclosure:
I'm not even a Buckeye fan. I just really really like your community, the information and the average intellgence of the people around here.
Now that that's out of the way, I would like to know:
What is your realistic prediction of how well the Buckeyes will bounce back from a 6-7 season, and why do you think they will do so well or poorly?
9-3 maybe 8-4. There are more holes to fill than most fans are willing to admit, and even great coaches can't fix that in one year.
10-2. The Big Ten absolutely sucks.
Miami (OH) W
UCF W
California W
at MSU L
Nebraska W
at Indiana W
Purdue W
at PSU L
Illinois W
at Wisconsin W
The Game W
The ceiling is probably 1-2 losses on the year. But that's probably the most realistic best case scenario(team comes together, no major injuries, young guns on both sides grow up fast, etc) Realistically we're probably looking at 3-4 losses out of Cal, @MSU, Nebraska, @PSU, @Wiscy, & UM. I'd say the majority would come earlier in the season, but then I look at the last two away games and worry.
It's too early to call, but I'd say we lose to MSU & Wiscy and maybe drop a third game somewhere along the way. Too many new starters, too few experienced/good OL, and new offensive plays. A couple of key injuries and things could go get dicey.
My guess...........9-3
vs. Miami (Oh) W
vs. Central Florida W
vs. California W
vs. UAB W
at Michigan State W
vs. Nebraska L
at Indiana W
vs. Purdue W
at Penn State L
vs. Illinois W
at Wisconsin L
THE BEST GAME IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL W
I agree with Ksparkle except I would say that beating MSU might be a bit of a stretch. So that puts my guess at 8-4. It's 2013 that we could be undefeated.
Yes there are two Buckeyes in Ann arbor on this site!
btw, what team do you root for?
I think a 9-3 or 10-2 season is expected, but I wouldn't be shocked with a 11-1 season, and I think that, if everything clicks, we could definitely have an undefeated season. We're definitely the most talented team in the B1G, and have the best head coach (and arguably the best coaching staff, although they haven't done it together yet), so if they adjust to the new system, watch out.
I wouldn't cheer for Michigan if they were playing the Taliban.
Everyone in the B10 has question marks. There is no team on our schedule that has more talent, better coaching, or more experience. I concede a loss to no team, but simple growing pains ought to find us a loss or two along the way.
Quite honestly I don't really care about our record that much next year. I realized there is a chance we might go through growing pains while we install a new offense. As long as we show progess throughout the season and get ready for the THE GAME. That's what next year is going to be remembered by.
So I hope we topple a potential top5 Michigan team that defeated Alabama (a tsun win over a #1 SEC team is good for us & the B10..[unlikely though]) & we celebrate like we did in 2006!!!
There is no way OSU loses to MSU this year. MSU has been riding a streak of luck over the past few years and they will return to being the mediocre team they always used to be. Living in Michigan, I can honestly say I hate MSU fans 10 times more than Mich fans. It's cute when they try to pretend that they are actually relevant.
"Love my State, hate the football"
I agree. I hate MSU fans too because they are always complaining about how they don't get the recognition they deserve or how they should have gone to a better bowl game than Tsun etc. But, all the reports I am hearing(being from Michigan too) is that MSU's defense will be lights out this year.
Yes there are two Buckeyes in Ann arbor on this site!
Honestly we have a one game season next year, in my mind. Michigan. We can't win the Big Ten, it doesn't matter what bowl game we would qualify for because we can't go to one; so no other games matter. But if I had to predict a record today I'd say 9-3.
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
@AnnArborBuckeye- Im hearing a top 10 D too..but I'll assume it doesn't pan out that way and that the ofense could possibly be embarassing (like OSU's last year).
"Love my State, hate the football"
yeah they have to replace almost every key position on their offense. LIke Jake said..as long as we beat Tsun we are all good.
Yes there are two Buckeyes in Ann arbor on this site!
i think we'll lose 3 of the following 4 games:
MSU
Nebraska
Penn State
Wisconsin
I think we can pull off at least one win in these three games, and i think we beat michigan (urban has them way too motivated for this game, and it will also be late in the season, so the offense should be clicking more).
I think part of the reason for our fanbase's unabashed enthusiasm is that despite a historically bad season last year, we were in contention in nearly all of our losses. We were outplayed by miami. we lost to msu by 3 (although it felt like much more), we beat nebraska if braxton stays healthy, we were about 6 inches from beating purdue, and we were about 3 feet from beating the sugar bowl champion wolverweenies. I honestly think that if we had an experienced head coach, at least half of those games are victories, which is about what should be expected in a rebuilding year with a freshman qb.
MSU's defense is not going to be lights out. Yes, they return almost everyone. They also gave up 42 in the CCG, and gave up 24 or more 6 times. Their stats were padded by playing some atrocious offenses early on.
My enthusiasm remains high and my expextations were already realistic. I expect to see a team that competes at a very high level until the end. No quit, always attacking.
I know people will say I'm crazy, but I don't see a team on our schedule with our talent level, or coaching level. There's of course the possibility that we just perform badly at some point this year, but if we just execute relatively consistently we should be 12-0.
All I am saying is we beat PSU. A lot of people have us losing to PSU, I just don't see it. I am going 2 losses. I think the O-line is going to gel much faster than what people are saying. IMO of course
I think 10-2 is a realistic expectation. No team in the B1G is as talented as this squad top to bottom. I know the record didn't show it last year, but the cupboard is not bare at tOSU. They were in every game last year and with the right coaching and some semblance of an offensive game plan, the situation would have been better last year. I don't expect a miracle from UFM, but I believe this team will be very hard to beat with the right coaching. I'm looking forward to the game against Biff Bielema as I have to hear from delusional cheese weasels that they were a couple of plays from playing in the national title game.
I don't want to pinpoint a specific loss, as @AHH SATURDAY said, but with this schedule, I have to think we're winning the following games:
Miami (Oh), Central Florida, California, UAB, Indiana, Purdue, Illinois
Out of the remaining games, I think we should be 3-2 or 2-3 against:
Michigan State, Nebraska, Penn State, Wisconsin, TSUN
I guess that puts me at either 9-3 or 10-2, simply because the B1G does not look impressive going into this season.
Many of the B1G teams lost some key players and/or coaches, so I think 10-2 is actually very realistic, and I wouldn't be shocked if we ended up with a better record. Of course, that will largely depend on how quickly our Offense can gel, but we do have the Miami (Oh) game to get things rolling, so I am optimistic.
I agree with @woodyglasses:
MSU will have a formiddable defense, it will not be lights out. All they did last year was beat on very bad offensive teams. ( Even Michigan was not good offensively at the time we played MSU , compared to the end of the year) I know they lost Jerrel Worthy, I think they lose some in the secondary as well.
you people have no faith
leadership and coaches perfect season coming up this year.
"Give me Liberty, or Give me Death!"
Look at the BIG BRAIN on Brett! :)
Well done sir.
I personally was very optimistic before the start of the season, expecting something like 10-2 or 11-1. What I absolutely didn't suspect was the the D would be so shaky in the first half of the season. If I had known that, I probably would have predicted 9-3 at best.
Which makes 12-0 all the more incredible.
+ 1 for pulp fiction reference
(wasnt it Brad?)
Fitzbuck
Toledo - Ohio's right armpit
"A troll by any other name is still a troll".
Yes it was.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110912/?ref_=sr_1
It was, in fact, Brett.
The title of the character was Brett, but listen to this and tell me he doesn't say Brad (1:22 mark)
Looking at it as unbiased as possible (which is hard for me).... I honestly see 11-1. I think OSU will have the best d in the conference and also hands down the best coaching staff. Braxton is a big time player and with bollman gone the offense has to at least get better by 7ish points a game. After what Bielema tried to do there is NO way Urban lets us lose to Wiscy, in fact I think we win that game by at least 2 tds. I dont see how we lose to PSU or Nebraska. I cant predict where the loss will come, but 12-0 seems tough for the first yr with so many new schemes.
mark may wins douchebag of the year... again
I say a realistic expectation is 9-3 but optimistically think 10-2 or 11-1 is possible. My reason is simple, most of the games Ohio State lost were very close. Usually, the loss came because the offense was totally inept. The Defense was poor too. I also think teams on the schedule will take a step back. Michigan State lost a lot of key players on both sides of the ball. Cousins wasn't a great QB, but the guy was good and experienced. A very good leader. They lost their best receiver too. Their D will be good but not as good.
Wisconsin lost a lot. Nebraska is probably going to be about the same. I really think Michigan could be about the same on the field but lose more games this year, and that game is at home this year. I also think with the crying the coaches did in the media about Urban's recruiting, Urban is going to pull out all the stops to hammer Wisky and MSU.
So, the games I worry most about are Cal and Penn State. Cal is early in the season and will be the first team with good athletes Ohio State will see. Ohio State is going to be very green in a new system too. I think this one is going to be extremely tough. I also think @Penn State is going to be a tough one. They'll be a solid team, it's on the road, and they may have a chip on their shoulder as well, since many great recruits came to Ohio State that were once committed to PSU.
I'm also accounting for one of those WTF games where Purdue or Illinois pull of an upset. If Cal isn't as decent as I think, and Ohio State isn't as green as I think, they can pull that win off. I also think they could avoid one of those WTF games too. So like I said, 9-3 is where I'm setting my expectation and maybe they can pull off 11-1. I look at how bad last year was, and really regular season they lost 6 games, and only a small improvement on both sides of the ball will be enough to add 3 wins.
Again, BTALBERT proves that he's the man--completely agree.
I think we beat Nebraska, we put them in a huge hole last year in their house and with our current coaching I don't see them rolling us again, also we have a backup that doesn't suck.
MSU should be good again defensivly, i wouldnt say their stats were padded last year, I just think they were over aggressive at times, however huge questions on offense but Dantonio will get them figured out as he always does.
The toss up game for me is Penn State, you can never forget that Happy Valley has a natural turf field and that is a huge difference, any athelete will agree, and they feel motivated to prove the country and the B1G that they are still one of the flagship college programs.
We will beat Wisconsin, Urban hates Bret Bielima with an obvious passion and our team should be well gelled by then, however Bielima knows he's going back to obscurity and will be aggressive, we win but not by an insurmountable margin.
We will beat Michigan, we have nothing to lose and everything to prove, they have nothing to prove and everything to lose. We're in the Shoe and it is our Buckeye Bowl.
I can see us going 12-0. I can see us going 9-3 but without a snap in the 2012 season its impossible to predict what any team on our schedule is capable of, after the first/second week it should be pretty apparent though as teams will find their identities.
~michaec5
10-2 or 11-1. I'm not sold on anyone being a real threat in the B1G. Michigan may be the best team, but we're not going to lose that game in our home stadium for our bowl game. I look at road games against MSU, PSU, and Wisconsin, and think a loss may come in one of those three games. Wisconsin's the only one that kind of scares me, because no win in Madison is ever easy. PSU doesn't impress me, and MSU isn't going to be quite what they were this year. I think any Sparty fan who underappreciated Kirk Cousins will miss him this season. Some other posters here are higher on MSU than I am, so who knows...that could be one of the games that could go either way.
It depends on what Nebraska has this year as well. I think Nebraska has been one of the most overrated teams in CFB over the last 2 or 3 years. Sadly, the only time that Nebraska has lived up to their hype was when they made that comeback on us last year. They'll have to beat us from the start this year, not take advantage of some lucky plays, an injury to Braxton, and second half Bauserbombs. Maybe they'll finally put it together this year.
Our non-conference schedule is weak. I don't see us going anything less than 4-0 through those games.
Bottom line - I see us losing 1 or 2 out of the following games - @ MSU, @ Wisc, vs. Nebraska. And I suppose UM could be thrown in there, though I really don't see that one happening given the scenario.
Class of 2010.
MSU might not be the best team on the schedule, but they will be our toughest game. Don't overlook the fact that this will be the first away game under Urban. New coach, new ways, and it'll take some getting used to. Our weakness early is likely to be figuring out our O. Their strength will be D.
My guess...........12-0. Honestly. look at each game.
vs. Miami (Oh) W
vs. Central Florida W
vs. California W
vs. UAB W
at Michigan State W (lose 99% of offense)
vs. Nebraska W (at home, taylor martinez is trash, braxton or kenny g entire game)
at Indiana W
vs. Purdue W
at Penn State W (new offense with half the talent osu has on the offensive side of the ball, and thats saying something)
vs. Illinois W
at Wisconsin W (Bielma is a chump, no QB)
THE BEST GAME IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL W (Defense doesnt let shoelace eat his soup, everett has our corners picking off those jump balls he throws up all day long, in the horseshoe)
the reason we win all of our games is because we have an absolute shit show of a schedule. i understand there are growing pains and UFM went 9-3 his first year, but 9-3 in the SEC is pretty legit. he has the best staff in the country and he will make sure the growing pains happen in the spring and summer and we will be good to go next fall. the BIG is going to be embarrassed next bowl season AGAIN. the only teams that will do good is OSU and TSUN. i see a 11-0 OSU and a 11-1 TSUN meeting in the horseshoe. will be epic.
muck fichigan
And another genius. :)
Good show.
Some people on this board have no concept of how difficult an undefeated season is. OSU has had ONE since 1973, and that is with some very, very good teams along the way. A new coach with a sophomore QB is not going to go undefeated.
Honestly, I see 12-0, as well.
Our non conference schedule is easy to navigate, largely because they are all at home. Cal is decent, but they were very average last year and from what I can see only brought in 1 player in their recruting class (Bryce Treggs) who is ready to play.
at Michigan State - They have more holes on offense than we do, losing Cousins, Baker, Nichol, Cunningham and Martin. The 2 defenses are both strong so I wouldn't be shocked if it was something like a 17-10 final, but we will win this one.
vs. Nebraska - Had Miller stayed healthy last year, we'd have blown them out at night in Lincoln. Barring another injury to Braxton and given their defensive losses, I do not see them coming in to the Shoe and winning.
at Indiana - Win
vs. Purdue - Win
at Penn State - We have a new head coach and a true soph QB. They have a new head coach and no QB, and their coach is not in the same league as UFM. Still and Green were big reasons they won last year and they're gone. Their offense is possibly the worst in the conference.
vs. Illinois - Win. But not a blowout. They are still a decent team and I like Beckman.
at Wisconsin - Losing Wilson, Toon, several OLmen and having an average defense isn't going to help them rebound from losing to us last year. Danny O'Brien is nowhere near as talented or prepared as Wilson was last year. I think this will be a great game, though.
THE BEST GAME IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL - We should have won last year. They lost a lot on the defensive line, and I truly think they were overrated last year. Lastly, I think you'll see an atmosphere at the Shoe like none other we've seen outside of maybe the 06 Game. This will be our bowl game, and given the trash talk thrown around by scUM players this offseason, we will be out for blood in this game.
People are really underestimating the impact that having Meyer will have on this team. We are going from an ultra conservative rookie head coach to having arguably the top college coach in the last decade. We had no team identity, no fire, and no direction. Even given all our hurdles, we only really got blown out once, and that was in the 3rd game of the season with Bauserman at the helm. Miller showed a lot of improvement over the course of the last year and now has an entire offseason to get better. Stoneburner and Hall have already been lauded by UFM, and we also still have Devin Smith, Corey Brown, and the rest of our RBs, not to mention the talent we brought in at the skill positions in the 2012 class. We don't have any elite teams on our schedule, and in every matchup we have we are going to be the more talented team. It's entirely realistic we can go 12-0. Will we? We'll see. But I'd favor us in every matchup we have.
Excellent call, SOX.
Brilliant!!!
There isn't a single Big Ten team that even remotely scares me, but I imagine we're still going to lose 1 or 2 stupid games. It's nearly impossible to go through such a transition offensively and be perfect right out of the gate. If I had to guess, I'd say anywhere between 9-3 and 11-1, although I really wouldn't be surpsied if we go 12-0.
Seriously though, the Big Ten looks really REALLY weak this year.
I can not in my right mind, pick this team to go undefeated. Especially, when I look back and see that the team that won the Sugar Bowl, which was a loaded team lost 1 game. Their schedule was arguably, much harder than the schedule this years team has.
If they go undefeated I'll gladly eat crow, but I just don't see it. As it's been said before, it's EXTREMELY difficult to accomplish and much better teams, with experience leadership and a well established game plan have not been able to go undefeated.
If this team wins 10 games, and I think they have a shot, we should all be VERY VERY happy. That would be a tremendous season.
I think alot of you are underestimating how difficult it is to adapt to a new offensive system. Also, some of you are really drinking the kool-aid. There is no way you guys go 12-0 and I am not sure how some are claiming to have the best staff in college football.
I think you go 8-4 at best 9-3. Also, your reasoning that Michigan is automatically a win does not make sense. Last I checked, that last game of the season means alot up here too. Denard is a Senior as well. So, for the same reason you say that it is your bowl game I will counter it by saying this is Denards last game against the buckeyes. But that will not get us the win either. Anyone that has ever played the game will tell you the emotions last 5 minutes, then it is about who executes better.
BTW 9-3 would be a great season.
I'll behave, as not to cause an uproar...I just find it interesting that several of you said Michigan will be the best team in the B1G, but none of you offer up even a remote posibility that Michigan beats OSU. Micaec5 said that Michigan has nothing to prove and everything to lose...We haven't won in Ohio Stadium since 2000 and no one has forgotten losing 7 in a row to you guys. Not to mention, history tells us that OSU will only get better as Urban gets his guys on the field, so this might be the most winnable game in Columbus that we see over the next decade; "OSU's bowl game or not." I'm not guaranteeing a Michigan victory or anything, but I think they have at least a 50% chance.
Losses: @MSU, @WISC, ILL, UofM --> 8-4
Here's a scenario for all of you: What if everything goes wrong for Michigan and we lose to Bama, ND, MSU, and Nebraska, and come in at 7-4 with nothing to play for but pride. Do we see less intensity from OSU than if Michigan comes in at 10-1 and a shot at playing for the B1G Championship?
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
^ LOL
Lol at the fact that UM was field goal against Sparty away from your scenario almost playing out. Well, minus the 4 loss OSU part
Sorry Urban, Woody is still my favorite
There are a lot of people smoking that blind optimism crack in here. 12-0? You know how hard that is? Let's suppose we have a 85% chance of winning every game (0.85^12) the chance of us going undefeated is 14%. 14 freaking percent. Get real guys. It's extremely difficult.
Let's be more exact & let's suppose we are favored in every game but to various degrees. My estimated probability of winning is as follows
s. Miami (Oh) 97%
vs. Central Florida 94%
vs. California 85%
vs. UAB 95%
at Michigan State 65%
vs. Nebraska 65%
at Indiana 92%
vs. Purdue 85%
at Penn State 60%
vs. Illinois 75%
at Wisconsin 57%
THE BEST GAME IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL 65%
Given more cautious winning probabilities we have a 4% chance of going undefeated. 65% chance of winning is pretty significant us winning roughly 2 out of 3 times.
Do you prefer salt or mustard with your crow?
I'm just happy to be here
@Hail - UM will get our best either way. Nobody gives UM a shot because they are our most hated rival, & this is a Buckeye site. We wouldn't say we think they had a shot at beating us any year. Same as you thinking you'll win this year. You can rationalize it with logic, but really, you're just a fan of your school.
The world is full of kings & queens who'll blind your eyes & steal your dreams - it's heaven & hell - Ronnie James Dio.
There are 7 losable games on this schedule: Cal is a wild card, because they can get off to a super-hot start just in time to get really overrated and lose four of their last five games. That leaves MSU (which I think you'll lose), Nebraska (which I think you'll win), Penn State (which I think you'll lose), Illinois (which I think you'll win), Wisconsin (which I think you'll lose), and Michigan (which, obviously I hope you'll lose...). That puts my estimate for OSU at 8-4, worst-case 7-5, best-case 9-3.
If you go 9-3, your losses will most likely be to MSU, Wisconsin, and PSU (road games). 8-4, your 4th will be to Michigan (though because of the size of the game, it's possible it could creep into the top 3 most likely losses just because anyone can win). 7-5 would include all those things plus a loss to Cal.
9-3 solidly. 10-2 very realistic. 8 home games is impossible to overlook.
vacuuming sucks
@BTALBERT already mentioned this, but the real losable games here are MSU, Wisky, Penn State, and Michigan. Nebraska's a wild card, but I honestly think we'll be favored--probably by 3.5 or so. We'll lose some, we'll win some. I'm feeling 9-3 to 10-2.
Realistically, Wisky doesn't have Wilson any more, and Danny O'Brien isn't as good. They'll be worse than last year, but Camp Radall's always a bitch--and seems to be OSU's kryptonite of late. MSU's D will be stout, but they won't be scoring much, either. Plus, East Lansing is a Hell of a lot less intimidating than Madison. Penn State will probably be improving on offense with O'Brian's system settling in when we play them, so this should be a pretty even match-up (one of my most anticipated games of the year for OSU)--plus Happy Valley is where momentum goes to die. Michigan will be our toughest opponent, bar none. I think we'll have more riding on this game than UM will (just like they did last year), which I hope--when coupled with home field advantage--will be enough to stem the tide. @HAIL is right, though; this will probably be the Wolverine's best chance at beating us in Columbus for a while. I'd say our chances in The Game are probably 45-50%. Thank God we get them at home (our pennance for playing UW, PSU, and MSU away).
KSparkle: a week or so ago, I guesstimated the probabilities for each game, too (like you do above). Your guesses, which add up to 9.4 wins are a little rosier than mine, which added up to around 9.0 if I remember correctly.
OhioBred: you were doing okay until you suggested that Ohio State's best-case scenario was 9-3. If Ohio State's best-case scenario is 9-3, then the worst-case would probably be more in the neighborhood of 6-6 or 5-7 (given some of random quirks of the game, e.g., injuries or bad bounces, the unpredictability of how each oppoent will play on that Saturday, and because close games can often go either way). Whereas it's ambitious for you to suggest that it's very likely Ohio State will win between 7 and 9 games, no more no less. Or maybe you really mean better-case and worse-case scenarios?
But if you really mean to suggest that there's no way Ohio State will win more than 9 games, I'll give you my Muck Fichigan prediction: Michigan will win between 7 and 7 games next year.
@Fido
I do think OSU will win no more than 9 games. I've been wrong before, and I'll admit my mistake if I am this time. I think a new coaching staff no matter how good takes an adjustment period, and I think your O-line is gonna have some issues with the new system. I did my best to provide an objective POV on this one - and I think my short track record here will bear me out on my respect for the Buckeyes, but I just flat-out think you're going to lose at least three of the games I mentioned.
Sadly, I do see where you're coming from with the UM prediction - losing to MSU, ND, Alabama, NEB, and OSU is definitely a possibility - one that I'm not thrilled about. That, to me, is a worst-case. As for best-case, I don't think Michigan wins all of those games. It would take a gargantuan feat of magical lucky bounces for that to happen, and I think hopes of that happening will end in Dallas. I think ND (beacuse lolND), MSU (at home) and Nebraska are the most-winnable of those 5, followed closely by OSU. My guess for best-case is 10-2, which I doubt will happen. Realistically, I'm thinking 8-4/9-3.
It's about time for you to admit that mistake
Sorry Urban, Woody is still my favorite
Fair enough. I was mistaken in my prediction. My bad.
Haha no worries, just having a little fun
Sorry Urban, Woody is still my favorite
@ Michiganbred,
How did michigan do last year in Hoke's first year? Do you think he inherited more talent on that squad than Urban is getting? Do you think Hoke is a better coach than the guy who's already won two NCs? 9-3 is a realistic expectation for this team, but it is not the ceiling. I've predicted 10-2 (Urban's record his first year at Utah, UTAH!), and I'm sticking to it.
What happened to blind and uninformed optimism 12-0!! no doubt. By the way this guy is quite the anomaly. Not many outside of our buckeye family like us haha
"I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault."
--Jack Tatum
Why are people projecting us to lose to Penn St.? There is literally nothing they will have an advantage at except that it's at Penn St. Their QBs are absolutely dreadful and they're bringing in a guy who's never been a head coach. How are they going to win?
Same issues with MSU. In what ways would they be favored? QB? No. Defense? Push. WRs? No. Coaching? Push, if not no. They have literally got one proven weapon on offense, and that's LeVeon Bell, and we completely shut him down last year.
Nebraska? Come on.
Honestly, TTUN is the only team I am legitimately nervous about losing to, and it's not that much.
Michiganbred: okay, I was kinda playing, but seriously, I have Michigan winning +/-7.6 games next year. That's based on the sum of my guesstimated probabilities of them winning each of the 12 games. Based on that guess, I'd see them winning between 6 and 9 regular season games, but they do have a good chance of wining more than 7 games when you factor in bowl game.
I do not seem them winning 10 or 11 regular season games. They lose almost automatically to Bama. They'll be road dogs at ND. They haven't beaten MSU in 4 years, and they play a decent Nebraska team on the road, and at Ohio State.
In addition, it's no lock they win at Purdue or beat Northwestern; although they'll be better than those two teams, they figure to win both of those two games about 50 percent of the time.
But it's just my wild predictions, so no worries.
Im sticking with 11-1. Furthermore ill make a bet with anyone who wants to take the under of 9
mark may wins douchebag of the year... again
I miss football...
Rational: My thought is, no matter how hard it is to adapt to a new offensive system, the offense can't be worse than it was last year, even a slight improvement brings a couple more wins than last year. Really, did you watch how bad the Ohio State offense was last year?
That's why I think Ohio State will lose to Cal. It's early, they are talented, I can see it happening. As for the Michigan game, I just think there's no way they'll beat Ohio State and there are several reasons, many being intangibles of course.
Simon, Stoneburner and Co, in my opinion, and granted I know those Michigan seniors went t hrough a lot of bad times, have gone through more of a roller coaster. They have tasted the success of winning a Rosebowl, getting the SEC monkey off their back, and pounded Michigan 2 times. They have also experienced the darkest times at Ohio State. The beloved coach was forced out under controversy, they lost so many key parts to suspension, then they find out they can't play for a title(realistic thought or not) their senior year. That's not even mentioning the horrible season last year. I won't say worst season ever, but they certainly had the most losses in 100 years or so.
So, I just absolutely can't imagine these seniors, as strong of leaders as they've been going out that way. Not their senior day, not their last "The Game" Not their "bowl game" This one absolutely means more to Ohio State's seniors, it'll be the last game they put on the Scarlet and Gray. Michigan has another game and possibly the very n ext week.
Also, Urban Meyer is MONEY in rivalry and big games. Coaches can say they t ake them one game at a time, but something tells me if he hasn't started already, he will be planning for that game long in advance. That game, is the most important game next season. He's got a lot riding on it. With time to plan and knowing the importance of the game, I don't see him failing. The only game I've seen him lose that was a rivalry game or "big game" was the SEC title game to Bama.
I coulds see the Buckeyes losing no more than 3 games and I think they could realistically go undefeated. I think MSU, Wisc, and UM will be the biggest challenges. I think this years schedule is a bit easier than last year with a few of the typically better teams having down seasons. Our defense is gonna be pretty solid but I am afraid to admit that the offense will be a work in progress. I think Urban will use this "non-eligible" season as a chance to play alot of guys and figure out the best fit. I am pretty excited for the 2013-2014 season and we should have alot of key players in place including Braxton, solid O-line and what seems to be a promising and mega talented D-line.
Threads like this would be more fun if people would provide reasons other than "I just can't imagine these seniors going out that way."
Woody - Look at my posts.
Thanks for digging this up, it's really interesting to read a year later!
Solid bump lol
Some people were almost dead on. Thankfully most were WAY off.
"Sherman ran an option play right through the south" - Greatest.Civil.War.Analogy.Ever
The *ichigan posters were hilarious to go back and read. They got owned Big Time! I think there was a lot of hoping on there part that the Buckeye Machine wouldn't be resurrected so quickly. Sucks to be them. Never underestimate UFM!
Its good to be the king
I'm impressed with some of the bold 12-0 predictions a year ago. After such a bad season in 2011 I certainly didn't expect it. Anyhow, props to those who predicted a perfect season.
This is awesome. Some of you guys really nailed it.
I laugh at the M fans also, but really, reading them a year ago there's not a whole lot I'd argue with, even if I did feel 11-1 looked pretty good.
But I was in the camp of 12-0 is pretty darn unlikely. It's a strange quality about championship teams, though. They bend those probabilities way out of whack, by pure force of will I think.
Me being all cautious and shit. I knew they COULD go 12-0...almost all of the 2011 losses were close (all with Braxton at QB were), and there was no one game that I could peg as a definite loss. It is hard to pull off undefeated, so I figured there'd be a game or two where things wouldn't work out. But they did, every single week, some way.
Class of 2010.
This is what concerns me. Not a lot of people expected a 12-0 season last year. I was in the "we should win at least 10" camp. However, I feel as if my expectations for next season are undefeated or bust. We really shouldn't lose any game next year. The most difficult game will be in Ann Arbor IMHO. So losing a game next year will be a big disappointment!! Damn you Urban Meyer!!! lol
Yep, we're in the same boat as last year. Last year it was - geez, it's so hard to go undefeated, but they could easily be favored in every game!
This year, it's "geez, we have maybe an easier schedule than last year (PSU and Wisky at home), and we're going to be more experienced and Braxton's gonna be better, and we got some new studs in the 2013 class - even offensive weapons. But WOW is it unlikey to go undefeated two years in a row!"
Seriously, at this point I put scUM as the only real scare game - and that's just because it's The Game, not because of scUM per se. They'll likely improve, though they lost a LOT of seniors and Devin Gardner is, IMO, unproven. Aside from The Game, who would you pick us to lose to, if you had to (i.e. due to the strong probability we won't go undefeated)?
I think most people though 12-0 was a possibility, but a long shot. I would be lying if I said I KNEW they wouldn't lose.
I thought they would lose two games..
I didn't put my prediction on here but did post elsewhere, I said 10-2. I thought Wisky would catch us sleeping and a typical upset (I really was scared of Purdue like always, wow was I close). I just couldn't see the team being as bad as the previous year and 9-3 just didn't make sense. 12-0 I thought would be too tough. But I was closer to that then the glass is half empty crowd. I knew there was talent on this team and that Urban would bring it out of them.
I do think 14-0 is very attainable this year. A trip up game is still very likely but I don't see a team that can seriously contend with what we believe is a superior team across the board. This year I will stick my neck out. Urban has proven his 2nd years have been special.
Temper your enthusiasm? Curb reference?
I wasn't bold enough to flat out PREDICT 12-0, but I definitely posted comments that said it was very, very possible. But I figured 2 losses was likely. Glad my gut instinct proved wrong!