I assume I am like many of you who woke up yesterday with that Saturday morning feeling. It is more than half-way through August which means football is so close that I had an itch on the back of my mind all day long! It got me to thinking about the season opener and what to "realistically" expect. (While I would love Basil to come in and kick a 53 yarder as time expires to put the ribbon on a 73-0 blowout, that may be a little far-fetched!)
Anyway, here is my realistic prediction/expectations:
tOSU 31 Miami (OH) 13
I'm assuming the Buckeyes score 17 or so in the first half because they have at least one turnover. I would love none and a well-oiled offense out there, but I just don't see it happening. Whether a missed handoff on a read play, or a poorly placed ball on a throw, I see them giving it away once. I think they give up 7-10 in the first half. I think the defense will be very aggresive, and hopefully cause some turnovers, but I also see them getting burned on a play or two while learning some minor variations in what they have done in the secondary and with linebackers from previous years.
In the second half, I expect them to score about the same, 14 or so, but maybe Kenny G. gets in the game a little more and they have the same turnover situation as the first-half. I think the second unit defense will play a lot (possibly in both the first and second halves), but I think they fly around to the ball and keep Miami out of the endzone, unless one of the young corners truly gets burned for something over-the-top. By then, the first and second team d-line will hopefully set the tone on the game and changed Miami into not dropping back to throw for fear of sacks/turnovers.
Miller throws for about 175, runs for about 50 and accounts for 2 tds. Hyde and Smith/Dunn combined carry for around 100 each and another score, and Kenny G. throws around 100 and a td. That would put us close to 500 yards which I think would match our total from last season ;-) (Sorry, I had to throw it in there!)
So, what are your expectations or predictions for game 1?
38-10
Sorry Urban, Woody is still my favorite
I have a hard time imagining that Miami crosses the 50 yard line in the first half. I expect a pretty dominating performance from the Buckeyes' D-line. They aren't going to give way.
100-0. The first of many triple digit victories this year.
45-6
62 - 0
Or
52 - 3
"We have always had the best damn band in the land, now we have the best damn team in the land"- Jim Tressel 1-03-03
The only way Miami scores a TD is in garbage time.
48-0
"You win with people." - Woody Hayes
I haven't handicapped Miami (OH) at all, but like Bucksfan, I see the Buckeyes D being pretty dominant.
When the other team is getting lots of 3-and-outs, getting sacked, turning the ball over, and generally playing in frantic-mode, that gives the offense short fields and an opportunity to relax. For that reason, I see the Buckeyes offense having a big "coming out" party, too.
Maybe something like 41-6 (unless I find out before 9/1 that Miami is looking better than I think going into this year).
Going into week 2, it will then be vital for the offense not to buy too much into their successes against a Miami (OH), but I'm sure Urbz will keep them down to earth.
45-6
The world is full of kings & queens who'll blind your eyes & steal your dreams - it's heaven & hell - Ronnie James Dio.
I think it'll be VERY hard for them to score, but I wouldn't be shocked if they put up one touchdown or a field goal. Dominant defense + somewhat functional offense = blowout over Miami.
52-7
I wouldn't cheer for Michigan if they were playing the Taliban.
For realistic expectations look at Meyers first game at Florida vs Wyoming.
Result: W 32-14
Some Quotes from recap:
"In case you're wondering what the offense should look like, that wasn't it," Meyer said
The offense did sputter at times. Leak was sacked four times and there were two errant snaps for losses. But the unit made several big plays
52-0 buckeyes roll
48-3, Cardale sees action in the 4th
45-10.
45-6
38 - 0
"Do not pray for an easy life. Rather, pray for the the strength to endure a difficult one" - Bruce Lee
After all the turmoil and disappointment of last season, after all the build up and excitement since Urban's arrival, I think this team is ready to play some football. I expect the Buckeyes to play with their hair on fire and roll over a hapless opponent.
^^ala last year's Akron game? Bauserbomb was ready to the tune of 45-0. Jk, this team is ready to play some football, like last years, but the momentum and mindset couldn't more polar. After watching the all access shows, I wonder what Meyer would have said about bauser? Not functional? He had to be laughing in the booth at times.
drubbing: 45-0
WB
2006
34 - 7 souther Mississippi
2007
49 - 3 western Kentucky
2008
56 - 10 Hawaii
2009
62 - 3 Charleston southern
2010
34 - 12 Miami Ohio
"We have always had the best damn band in the land, now we have the best damn team in the land"- Jim Tressel 1-03-03
48-6
re·al·is·tic/ˌrēəˈlistik/Adjective: Having or showing a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved or expected.
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
^I think you meant to post that to Bob Asmussen's facebook page, but you put it here instead.
I know it will not be close, and for that I am greatfull! A new era has begun, so lets pour on the hurt and embarrasment for those who have been anxiously awaiting the time when we put "conservative" play to rest and pound the ball down your throat untill that clock stops ticking in the fourth quarter..after this I am actually gonna go sit infront of the tv and just wait untill the game starts because im that excited about it..GO BUCKS!!!!
It's appropriate there, too. I wish I got paid to write about my "gut feelings." I mean, fans have gut feelings about their team every year, but if you've got a vote, you should really shed the delusional thinking.
I absolutely hate the politics behind the preseason polls, anyway. It doesn't really help to add a playoff if you're still going to put the same 15 teams in the top 10 every preseason just because they're perrenial powers. Sometimes they get it right, but there's no reason they can't wait until week 8 or so to start the polls.
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
Miami (OH) returns it's starting QB, RB, and WR, and slings the ball about 40 times per game with about 65% accuracy. I'd have to think at some point they capitalize on a lapse in coverage or a short field and score. (This is assuming that John Simon does not snap the starting QB in half with his bare hands moments into the game)
On the other side of the ball, I think Herman and Meyer will want to use every minute on the field to prepare the offense for B1G play, so I'd expect them to stay aggressive for most, if not all, of the game.
48-10
tOSU 27-Miami 9
"Paralyze resistance with persistence." -Woody Hayes
defense holds miami scoreless for the 1st half, and miami gets a couple 2nd half scores after the game has been decided. offense rolls, there is talent that wasnt coached properly last year that is getting coached this year. hall being out is no big deal and urban is more aggressive than tressel.
miami 10
OSU 51
Miami-27, Ohio State 22. Fans go absolutely berserk and begin wondering why we ever fired John Cooper in the first place....
No seriously though. 38-7 Good guys. I think its an 'ugly' game by Meyer standards but one we as fans never doubt the outcome for. With that said, OSU fans will still panic it was only 38.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
37-3. A few drives stall out towards the red zone, and Miami misses at least one field goal. Braxton completes ~60% of his passes, and runs for 125 yards.
Miami's garbage, and this game is going to show the players their potential under Meyer.
BREWSTERSMILLIONS is about right, I think any score under 40 will send Buckeye nation into panic mode, I'd like to see 45-0 considering how strong our D line is and how much they should dominate, but realistically, 35-10... underwhelming beat-down.
We'll turn the ball over a couple of times and give them a short field, I think they'll score double digits.
45-17
When told OSU set school record for 50+ games this year, UFM said "That's good. We're gonna break that next year."
__-0. Fill in the blank with whatever you want. I just want to see the defense absolutely victimize miami and set the tone for the rest of the year.
I know there's a game saturday, and my ass will be there.
24-14. Miami can play some O and scores once early once late when it doesn't matter. Buckeye offense struggles a bit in its first game with the new system. Urban and staff not happy, mass panic and hysteria everywhere.
First game with a new offensive system and playing against a team that really can sling the pass around when on offense. Nobody should panic if it isn't a thing of beauty.
The offense will have the foot on the gas from the opening kick. Meyer will want to use this to a) see which of his players step up come game time and b) which pieces of the office need work (lots of passing in this game, methinks). The D will be fine. I don't think Miami scores more than 10-14. Kenny G gets heavy second half time and Hyde breaks 100 easily.
Final: 45-10
I think some people are guarding themselves against disappointment in this thread while others are either just joking or a little drunk on the Kool-Aid. To the former I'd say that Miami is not a good football team and they will be beaten soundly. To the latter i'd say that soundly means a 3-4 TD margin of victory, something like 34-10 sounds about right to me.
Now, if you want to worry about a game, watch out for UCF the following week, they've got a tough veteran D that will be playing with something of their own to prove while our young team might just be a little too happy with themselves after what should be a week one cake walk.
I think the Buckeyes will go to halftime with a 27-3 lead. You'll see some good things with the offense mixed in with a few growing pains, and the defense will be stout. Miami's FG will come from an OSU turnover. Second half - Buckeyes cruise home, play some backups late, give up a garbage-time TD.
OSU 41, Miami 10
Class of 2010.