Speculation about what the OSU coaches would really say about this year's team.

Here's the link: <a href='http://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/content/sports/osu/daily/0829osufb.html' target='_blank'>Analysis: "Honest" truth about the Buckeyes</a>

This quote pretty much sums it up:

[QUOTE]"Well, people think it could get ugly on offense — and they're probably right. But when teams go against our defense, they're gonna be wishing for ugly."

Easier said than done of course, but an early lead for the Bearcats seems even more important for this game than most (Guidugli's comeback proclivity notwithstanding). Forcing OSU to pass to catch up should give Enzor, Frazier and Co the opportunity to tee off against a dicey O-line with inexerienced QB and WRs. Cats have a real chance here, imo.

Since its the 1st game for both teams, I think almost anything could happen. As a Bearcat football fan, I definitely don't feel this is a sacrificial lamb game for the Buckeyes.

With Miami, Oh. at Michigan and UC at OSU, the Big 10 could sustain a major black eye in week #1 of the season. Both underdogs are dangerous. I really wish these 2 games weren't being played at the same time.

I definately think we have a shot because its going to be the first game of the year. Remember last year when our first 2 games were our best. This was because the injuries werent there and we were healthy.

Obviously, that assessment is "tongue and cheek". . .

OSU's offensive line was VERY large the last two seasons and very immobile. It's pretty commonplace to convert DT to OT because defensive linemen typically are more mobile. We have walk-ons playing in front of scholarship players because OSU has the luxury of attracting athletes even without a scholarship and if they pan out and EARN a starting position, they typically earn a scholarship too. If you ask me THAT is how recruiting should be.

Offensively, OSU's identity will probably be different than what we saw last year. There will be more short and intermediate passing. Krenzel was a great leader at QB for OSU, but he was a below average passer. Zwick will get the start and he is very much in the Krenzel mold as far as body type. Like Krenzel, he can run the ball when needed. Unlike in the DDN assessment, the OSU QB hasn't been a stone footed pocket passer for about 5-6 years now. Krenzel led all rushers in the 2003 National Championship Fiesta Bowl. The other QB who will see time is Troy Smith. He has a rocket for an arm and is pretty speedy on foot. If the game is close I doubt we'll see him. Tressel usually stays with his starter.

The OSU defense is pretty amazing. They play fast and hard and the talent is still there. The DL is young at 3 of 4 places, but OSU rotates linemen so much that nobody there is green. I think the LBs are some of the best in the country. They don't get that much recognition because only 1 is a returning starter, but don't let that fool you. In the defensive secondary, EJ Underwood is a new starter, but the UC game won't be his first start. The other corner Fox, is a team captain and mister dependable. One safety is the nickel back from last year and the other is a returning starter who is known for his hitting.

In 2002 the OSU/UC game was close. OSU's Clarett fumbled quite a bit and that hurt us. We were a very ground game/Clarett oriented offense. We still are, but instead of a true freshman handling the ball on every other play, it will be a senior captain in Lydell Ross. So if we limit turnovers, I don't think our defense will let you breathe. For whatever reason, our defense plays VERY well at home, better than on the road. Historically, OSU doesn't lose to instate teams, they don't lose season openers and they haven't lost at home since then conference champion Illinois beat us in 2001.

Good Luck!!

MrBuckeye, if you're still around, where are the best tailgating areas?

I'm not the best person to ask. When I was in school, I was in the marching band and I wasn't a part of the tailgate scene. Also, since leaving school (in 2000) some things have changed, either do to construction or parking policy changes in the lots closest to the stadium.

This is what I do know. . . .most of the area around the intersection of Lane Ave and Olentangy River Road is full of tailgaters. If you are tailgating or parking any closer to that, its typically a situation where you know somebody or you have a special parking permit.

Lane Ave (or Championship Lane as it is now called on some street signs) is where the party is at. That's what the Buckeye Nation calls "Hiney Gate". Beer, food, souvenirs, live entertainment. There is a Holiday Inn there, that is right across from St John arena (the old basketball arena) on Lane Ave. So if you see those landmarks, you're in the right spot.

MrBuckeye Wrote:In 2002 the OSU/UC game was close. OSU's Clarett fumbled quite a bit and that hurt us. We were a very ground game/Clarett oriented offense. We still are, but instead of a true freshman handling the ball on every other play, it will be a senior captain in Lydell Ross.
Good Luck!!

Is my memory failing? I didn't think Clarett played in that game 2 years ago.

He didn't, he ended up being pulled at the last minute because of his shoulder. They had said up to that point he was going to play, but I don't think it was ever the plan to actually put him in the game though.

You're right.

I checked the box score. He had surgery on his knees after the previous weeks game.

I was thinking of the Northwestern game in that same season (2002), where Clarett had a fumble problem and was benched.

It was the first of many Clarett-less games that OSU's offense struggled through in 2002.

I stand corrected.

Here's a link: <a href='http://ohiostatebuckeyes.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/092102aaa.html' target='_blank'>http://ohiostatebuckeyes.collegesports.com.../092102aaa.html</a>

You killed us offensively, but we punted much better, did a little better in the return game and just barely shut you out in the 4th quarter :eek:

Thats right... he had the shoulder problems at the end of the season...

Had it not been for a missed extra point in the 1st quarter UC could have kicked a field go at the end of the game and sent the game to a playoff.

Thanks for the post MrBuckeye.

Anyplace you can park is tailgate area at OSU.

The UC site is at "Cattitude in Columbus"

<a href='http://www.alumni.uc.edu/Events/eventsdetail.cfm?Events__EventCode=618' target='_blank'>http://www.alumni.uc.edu/Events/eventsdeta...__EventCode=618</a>

It was Maurice Hall that was fumble happy that game, Clarett didn't play. As with all of our games in 2002, when Clarett didn't play, out offense was nearly nonexistant.