okay, no offense to Indiana & Illinois, I discard those two.
So, then it's down to Purdue, @ PSU, @ Wisconsin, and Michigan.
I actually think it will be the Purdue or PSU game. For whatever reason, Danny Hope & his awesome 'stache have played well against OSU in recent years. Maybe we just tend to overlook Purdue for whatever reason. The other game is at PSU --- this will be like their bowl game this year. PSU has a solid D, but I don't see them keeping up with us offensively. I think OSU is 3 TDs better than Purdue and PSU each, but I just have a feeling one of these games will be close.
Wisconsin could be a little bit of a trap, but they just don't put any real fear in too many opponents, their offense is not too threatening, predicated by their shaky QB situation.
The Michigan game? Yes, they're probably the best of the remaining teams on our schedule, but I feel like Meyer himself has been so ultra-focused on this game, (ala Tressel in '01), and his team will be so focused...it will be a similar result to what we saw in the Shoe vs. Nebraska, sans the first quarter. OSU wins by double digits.
Barring any major injuries, I think OSU goes 12 & 0. The "toughest" game remaining being vs. Purdue or @ PSU, potentially, (in the context of the remaining schedule)...but still think we win comfortably.
UM in my opinion...as much as I hate to say it, their spread against our D is a matchup in their favor I think.
After that, T2 between Wisky and PSU...
Champions Bleed Scarlet & Gray
Besides the school up north, I think PSU will be our toughest. It's at Penn State, right? They will be very hyped for it, and they are playing good ball right now.
@ Wisky. @ PSU. The road games, except this weeked @ IU kinda worry me.
I'm not really that worried about the home games.
Just had this conversation with my dad and brother... consensus seems to be Wisky. I dont think PSU can make as many 4th downs as they'll need to win against our D, and ttun still only has Denard. The same Denard that OSU has bottled up before and shall do again.
As for Purdue; God I hope not. Not again.
For me, Purdue! They are always a trap game before OSU plays the big 3! Always underestimated. I think OSU is primed to beat the big 3 but can never overlook Purdue who isn't a horrible team this year.
Meatchicken, Meatchicken, Meatchicken. @PSU will be a tough one as well but I am already beginning to lose sleep over images of scmenard running wild on our D. Amazing to me we still cant wrap up and tackle.
I think Illinois will be tougher then expected. The players could be looking towards a bye week and remember Tim Beckman had a pretty successful offense at Toledo that probably should of beat us last year. He will feel that he could have success against us again and pound that mentality into their players heads.
@Wisky will be tough. Madison is always a tough place to play. The fact that it will not be a night game will help us out a bit.
Denard could run rampant all over our linebackers. That game worries me too. Something tells me that Urban will have the troops prepared for battle that day though. Michigan coming into our house for Urban's first game against them and letting them win will simply be unacceptable.
It's PSU. Pretty stout on D (especially at night at home) and surprisingly effective on O too. Their atrocious Special Teams are our biggest advantage. I like Bucks by double digits in all other games.
Did you guys see what scum did do purdue saturday? Also, look at our last home game vs purdue after a loss in west laf. Revenge factor makes me not worry as much about purdue. I'm trying to find a team i think can stop our run game if our o-line stays healthy, and i dont see one. I guess i will say toughest game left is scum just because they still have the offense to hurt us if we turn it over.
the kids are playing their tail off, and the coaches are screwing it up! - JLS
I agree with SJ - Illinois has always been as trouble game for The Buckeyes... They seem to have their best game against us.
Prior to this past Saturday's game, I would have said Nebraska, but we handled them just fine. Now... If I have to pick one, it would be Penn State. I think they are an angry football team.
But, let's face it, as Buckeyes fans, we're going to worry each week no matter who we are playing. We're a superstitious bunch, and we know that fan confidence can lead to a loss. Because what we do on Saturdays directly affects how our team plays... <Thinks of a fun forum post>
It's PSU to me. Beaver Stadium will be on fire, this will be their bowl game. They hate Urban for taking their recruits this cycle. Their defense is solid, and Moxie McGloin has been prolific thus far in O'Brien's offense. We catch Purdue at home, and they are a different team against OSU in the Shoe. Illinois is experiencing a drop off in talent. Wisky has been anemic on offense and they don't concern me, even if it is at Camp Randall. Michigan will be a tough out but I like our chance at Home.
I guess I need to start paying attention to PSU... to be honest, hadn't given them a second thought.
But I would go with Michigan... their defensive play has improved over the last couple of games... and unless our defense does the same, which it will have plenty of time to do, the Michigan offense could be tough to handle... I think both teams will come into that game undefeated in the Big 10.
IMO it's either PSU or Michigan. PSU because of the atmospehere not the team but if Urban has the guys ready to play it should be in our favor easily. PSU relies a lot on their run game to get things going and I think OSU will turn in another performance like they had against Sparty. scUM game will be the toughest. We might be undefeated at that point and scUM will come in with a chip on their shoulders and possibly a B1G title game shot on the line.
tSUN may be the best team on the remaining schedule, but @ PSU is the toughest game remaining. Like Matt just said, this would be the game they are pointing to as their "bowl game"with a 6:00 p.m. start, and a "white out" the crowd should be electric, especially if PSU keeps winning.
PSU - Easy.
Let me set the picture. PSU at night, grass, cold and probably raining or snowing because it always seems to in the "Beav". McGloin playing well (yes I said it), a good D, sloppy field, rowdy crowd etc.
Have you guys watched Wiscy this year? They are just plain bad. Purdue is at home, we kill them at home, they give us problems there.
UM - I really just don't think they are that good. Almost feels (for better or worse) like the last few Tressel years where you knew we were going to win, the only question was by how much.
Man I just don't see it. I watched that PSU team and they are 'clunky' on offense. They just really, really look slow. Plus they have nothing kicking the ball and attempting multiple 4th downs against OSU is a really bad idea-one, they'll stop more than they allow which leads to 2) a short field for Miller and Co. Defense is solid, sure, but they will be in for a world of hurt if they give Miller anything less than 80 yards to go.
Wisconsin worries me only because of the atmosphere, but if I'm picking 'hardest' game, its Michigan. When he wasn't throwing to OSU, Martinez had some success against the defense and Robinson is a much better Taylor Martinez than Taylor Martinez is.
All told, its sort of eerie how alike TMagic and Nards are. Smallish players, incredibly fast, piss poor passing mechanics and all around schizophrenic players. One day you don't want to see them, the next day you can't wait to play them.
OSU will score on anyone, Michigan is the only team that can go shot for shot with OSU.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
Lest we forget some of the non-conference schedule performances, I think this team is capable of losing to anyone left on the schedule (well, maybe not Indiana). We are clearly a better team than anyone we will play, but with the ongoing defensive issues (MSU game notwithstanding), and periods of incomprehensible offensive incompetence, I don't think any of the road games are a lock. Having said that, UM at home is my biggest concern, followed by @PSU and @ Wisconsin.
I am going Penn State as well..I think the team is playing with a chip on their shoulders and I think McGloin has some moxie. I remember the 2010 game when he had a huge first half at the shoe and almost pulled off the upset before disintegrating in the 2nd half..definitely one to watch out for
This is also my first 11W post...big shout out from Northeast WI to buckeye nation
@Penn St. and @Wisconsin. Atmosphere and the chance to bust our bubble cause concern for me.
Unless the offense is working, this team is going to struggle. The defense is nursing more injuries each week, and the back 7 are pretty soft. They came up with some big turnovers against Nebraska, but statistically the secondary is getting shelacked, both in coverage and in run support.
The only reason I bring it up is not to be a negative nancy, but to illustrate that there are still teams left on the schedule that can gash the Ohio State defense similarly to what pretty much every team on our schedule has done. Michigan took Purdue to the woodshed on Saturday, but that doesn't mean that Purdue won't light us up. Wisconsin has struggled, but we don't play them for a month-and-a-half. And Penn State seems to be figuring things out.
So, I can't say we're going to go 12-0 yet. We have navigated what we thought were the toughest opponents on the schedule to begin the year. But there are so many traps left that Admiral Akbar would be squishing in his pants.
Its obviously the Game the most will be on the line. That said traveling to Camp Randal and Happy Valley can be tough. Im glad we are playing Purdue in Columbus.
The same way Urban circled the Nebraska game on his schedule, every other B1G coach has done it for Ohio State. We are still the leaders of the conference so we will get everyones best week in and week out. Would love to see this team stay on the gas pedal and avoid a let down, which happened to often under Tressel.
Bucksfan,
You can say this about any team:
>> Unless the offense is working, this team is going to struggle. The defense is nursing more injuries each week
This is like one of those stats where they say UFM is 100 and 2 after leading at half. Really? So the team that is probably better and also now has a cushion usually wins? You don't say.
Sorry the 2nd part isn't directed at you, just at the media. They do this all the time.
CC, My post was an attempt to illustrate that the defense is still a liability. They're ranked 96th in the country against the pass in yards, 60th in total defense.
http://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fbs/current/team/1041/p2
Pretty much inarguable: The offense needs to outscore its opponents. Those kinds of teams almost always lose a game to a high-flying passing attack. Unless the defensive back-7 can improve (not exactly likely because of injuries to the LBs), and the offense can find a little more consistency, we'll just have to see. We're sort of in uncharted territory with such a pourous defense. I don't know of an Ohio State team that got gashed like this one does. It worries me, but then again I always worry.
It is true that the Zooker seemed to have his Illinois squads ready for OSU in most years
"You win with people." - Woody Hayes
^This.
Penn State has looked better in recent weeks, but against bad competition. Northwestern was their best opponent to date, but that may not say as much as we thought it would. I'm a little bit more sold, but not much. Someone is going to step up and crash their momentum. It may be us that does it, but I think it'll happen before we get our hands on them.
Purdue only plays us well at Purdue. They can't win in Columbus. They barely even come close when they come here. 49-0 last time, and I expect similar results again this year. I don't remember the last time they've won in the 'Shoe.
Wisconsin is not that good, but good enough to make for an interesting game in Madison. We should win but it'll be interesting at least for 2 or 3 quarters.
TSUN is going to be the toughest. They have an offense similar to Nebraska, and I'd say their defense is somewhat better than Nebraska's. Plus, it's just the rivalry. They'll want to show us that we're not back as much as we wanted to show them that they aren't back last year.
Class of 2010.
1. Michigan- They lost to Bama and ND. Its not like they're terrible.
2. PSU- They've really seemed to turn it around after their first 2 games. Plus its a night game @ home.
3. Purdue- They have definately been improving over the past few years.
4. Wisconsin- Turns out Oregon State wasnt that bad.
5. Indiana- They're not good but we can't sleepwalk. Possible letdown game.
6. Illinois- They just cant get it together.
its michigan for me bcuz anyone who has a spread offense is going to put up at least 30... somethings gotta give with this defense, they make big plays, but ive never seen an osu defense as bad or more prone to giving up big plays....
mark may wins douchebag of the year... again
I'm gonna say PSU b/c it's on the road. ttun is a close #2, but there defense is pretty bad, Denard can't throw and I feel the defense will improve by then.
M*chigan, as it should be.
"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx
Our most difficult remaining opponent will be the one that it has always been, every week this season: the one awaiting us on Saturday.
@Hodge - My sentiments exactly. (BTW - Did you see my "Just for Hodge" topic?)
@CCOLLINS0325 - Haha yeah, just caught it actually; much appreciate the shout out! If only my October wasn't so crazy, I'd definitely be hitting that up!
I'm going to go out on a limb and say Penn State, we are their post season game and i'm sure they've been praticing for Xbrax all year.
Bucksfan: you make a reasonable point about the defense, which has been porous up to this point.
However, I expect the defense to get better. The LBs are dinged up, but Simon and Bennett are getting healthy, and Barnett should be back before long. Also, 1-2 of the talented frosh LBs should begin to halfway grasp the defense by mid-October.
Against Nebraska, it was boom & bust, but they showed flashes of potential, and that's the best offense they'll face until Michigan. The next best offense they'll face before Michigan's might be Indy's, but the Buckeyes should be able to outrush the Hoosiers by 150 yards or more, which will more than compensate for Indy's good quick passing game.
The toughest remaining opponent is probably Michigan, which is a little better than I expected (damn you, Greg Mattison!).
The closest game, though, I still think will be at Wisc.
Urban: "The next one."
“Any time you give a man something he doesn't earn, you cheapen him. Our kids earn what they get, and that includes respect.” - Woody
Michigan by far. They ruined many good years for us in the 90's when we were better, the rivalry is always a factor. Seeing as how they've already lost 2, I think The Game is all they have left to avenge their broken dreams. Purdue doesn't worry me as much, that game is at home for us this year. They may cause problems for us historically but I think our current coaching staff will make sure that doesn't continue. Penn State gets to play at home against us, but they've been beat by Ohio at home already, & even Northwestern gave them some problems early. Wisconsin will really like to surprise us this year, the only question is wheter or not a poor Wisconsin team that already lost to the Nebraska team we trampled can actually take us this year. No worrys in my book, just be ready for Michigan.
It's 5 o'clock somewhere, & Michigan still sucks
Everyone thought the stadium was electric for Nebraska, wait for ttun. That place will be deafening. The entire structure will be vibrating it will be so loud.
I dunno about toughest but Indiana has trap game written all over it. Need to stay focused.
I know there's a game saturday, and my ass will be there.
Michigan has lost to Bama and a seemingly legit Notre Dame team. They still have my top spot.
In order
Michigan/ Penn State, Wisconson, Purdue, Indiana, Illinois
Good points, Fido. I tend to forget that our team will probably get better as the season goes on, too.
Every team on the schedule plays directly to our strenghts..except ttun. Our defense has shown they can stop teams when they line it up and try to run at us. Penn st. and Wisky will both try to do that. There isnt a team left that has anything for Braxton plain and simple. The one thing that worries me is Denard. Like its been said on here he can make a joke out of our LB's. Defensively they wont have anything for Braxton/hyde/hall/smith/philly/the o-line. But denard could really expose us in space. Overall i think theyll get it done and go 12-0, but this team is nowhere near good enough to overlook ANYONE left on the schedule and get a win.
Well i like college and i like football...and im gunna keep doin em both cause they make me feel good!!!
I'm going to say Michigan, they always plays us tough. Penn Sate, Wisconsin, and Purdue don't have the defenses to stop us if Miller stays healthy.
DEB II
PSU.
We won't look past Michigan, obviously, and this team will be jacked even beyond "The Game" level due to post-season ban. Wisky is bad and Ball looks like a shell of himself (has anyone gone back to see that game-ending fumble against Nebraska? It's questionable whether he even wanted the ball; almost fishy). Agree with Purdue at W. Laffayette/at Shoe differential. Illniois is bad. Indiana is bad.
Penn State has always given us problems, even in our dominating years. They're physical, disciplined, and, I think, got an upgrade in coaching this year. They're not explosive at all, though, which is why we win by 10-14 points. Still think O'Brien is doing a great job of maintaining a brand name when it all could have gone to shit. Is Wisky a night game, too? Love the night games, even on the road. Great for recruiting.
TTUN - Yes, the stadium and players are going to be jacked for "the bowl game" but they are the team that is closest to tOSU athletically.
PSU/Wisky - One is going to show it is a contender and the other a pretender. Both environments will be tough to play in though.
Purdue - They don't scare me since it's a home game. If it was in W Lafayette aka Hell IT WOULD BE AT THE TOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Illinois - Would worry me if they were better.
TTUN, that's the toughest one left. Wisconsin stinks and I just am not all that impressed by Penn State. The beat an ok Northwestern team, but I'm guessing a few teams in the B1G will beat that same Northwestern team.
I'm hoping in the coaching staff's mind, 'the next game' is the toughest game... Every week the team needs to be up and motivated to absolutely destroy their opponent with the mercy a lion shows a gazelle... The game I always fear is 'The Game' because in a rivalry as full of hate as this one, anything can happen, but 'There are no pacts between lions and men'... And Urban is the lion...
I have been saying it all season and I will stick by my feeling that Michigan will put up at least 35 points against this defense. Especially if Sabino is not back and healthy. Brewster summed it up best IMHO, no other team on the schedule besides Michigan will be able to score with the Bucks.
vacuuming sucks
I didn't read all the replies, but did anyone mention the bye week and where that plays in the schedule? Anyone want to reevaluate their Wisky prediction?
The toughest and most important game on our schedule every year is against TTUN.
I think a lot of posts on here are delusional if you think anyone other than scUM is our toughest game remaining. First, they got beat pretty good by Bama who is most likely heads and shoulders above anyone in the country. Then they lost by six points to ND with six turnovers. Last, they just destroyed Purdue at their place and held a team averaging 51 points per game to 13. I am somewhat concerned about that game. I would have to be very pursuaded by some of my fellow Buckeye fans that scUM will be an easy win or that another team scares you more.
Delusional is a strong word. I personally think it's Penn State. Does that make me delusional? No. Because I have my reasons.
1. Braxton is the biggest part of our offense, and let's be clear about something: a lot of these 20+ yard gains are all the result of Braxton being able to make some unbelievable cuts while running. Historically speaking, Happy Valley is wet and cold, and Beaver Stadium has natural grass (conjures up images of Troy Smith trying to juke Paul Pozlusny and having his feet slide out from under him). The spread aspect will thus be neutralized by the conditions. Braxton will have to beat them with his arm as well as between the tackles, and PSU still has an excellent front seven.
2. Happy Valley at night. New offense, young players. Arguably the loudest crowd in the country when they want to be (and they will be for this game). Chalk up a few false starts.
3. The secondary is the weakest part of our defense. Penn State's passing attack is their strength (who would have ever thought that?). Furthermore, our secondary and linebackers can be very undisciplined and are often found out of position. BOB seems to be a master at exploiting those types of things thus far.
4. Penn State will be extra extra extra uber double jacked up for that game if they beat Iowa and come into the 27th with a 5 game winning streak and 3-0 conference record.
Michigan will be a tough game because I think Hoke "gets" the rivalry and his players have the same mentality and will no doubt play us tough, but I just think going on matchups and the fact that it's in the Shoe makes it a little easier. There's so much working against us with Penn State, including the risk that our guys may take them too lightly.
Lougroza,
I was at NB and I've been to several UM games at the shoe. The NB game will have been louder for the following reasons:
1) Night games have more kids/drunks who are louder
2) Late November = Cold = Gloves = no clapping (I've been to UM games which were so cold we tailgated in the car and others that were in the low 60's. If it's 35 out the games just don't have the same pop because people are focused on staying warm.
Without a doubt... MICHIGAN
Yes, my feeling about Purdue was right...but to all those saying "the next game" - you are right so far, too
"You win with people." - Woody Hayes
Well I hope it was just the Purdue game, ecause my heart cant take too many more like that
I'm going with PSU and here are my reasons:
Braxton was definitely hurt and I know we have Guiton but you always want your starter to be 100% if possible.
PSU are playing like wild men with their hair on fire since the first 2 losses.
They are also really gelling together with an us against the world attitude which makes them dangerous.
We are playing them at their house.
The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender. - Woody Hayes
agree CPLUNK --- I'm about 30 & was thinking about potential heart issues with these games! I can only imagine how Urban feels --- worried about him, but think trust be okay ....
SEABASS - you're right --- PSU will be a tough game. I'm interested in what the opening line will be, with Braxton's injury factored in --- I think it will be about a -3 spread, around there, maybe -3 1/2-4
"You win with people." - Woody Hayes
At this point I think Michigan has to be our toughest remaining game, even if it is home. Their offense will pose a problem, and they seem to be improving significantly on defense.
All of them...but in order of most difficult
1. tTUN
2. Wisky
3. PSU
4. Illinois
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987