Eighth-Ranked Buckeyes Head to HHH Metrodome
September 24, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Ohio State (4-0/1-0) continues Big Ten play with a visit to Minnesota (1-3/0-1) for an 8 p.m. EDT game Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007, at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (64,172) in Minneapolis..."
Press release in PDF
 | Football: Jim Tressel Meets with Media Thursday
September 26, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Buckeyes' head coach looked ahead to the team's trip to Minnesota for Ohio State's first Big Ten road contest. Ohio State puts its 22-game regular-season win streak on the line vs. Minnesota. The Buckeyes are 10-0 all-time vs. the Golden Gophers in the Metrodome. Listen to Coach Tressel's comments..." |
Talkin' Tressel: Thursday Edition
September 27, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Jim Tressel's usual Thursday afternoon meeting with the media this week centered around Antonio Henton, the reserve quarterback who was arrested earlier this week. Find out the status of the redshirt freshman from Georgia, as well as status updates on Ross Homan, Jermale Hines, Dane Sanzenbacher and Chris Wells heading into Saturday's Big Ten road opener at Minnesota..."
 | Transcript From Coach Tressel Weekly Press Conference
September 25, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Without question, it's not as much fun coming in when we have to lead off with something that is not what we enjoy. I'm sure most of you got the release. We had a problem arise yesterday, and Antonio Henton has made an error, I haven't had a chance..." |
| Audio of Jim Tressel's Tuesday news conference
September 26, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel talks about the team's Big Ten opener with Northwestern, its upcoming game against Minnesota and the news of Antonio Henton's arrest. (34:04)..." |
| Jim Tressel conference call
September 26, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel addressed the media today in a Big Ten conference call. Tressel discussed the development of the offense, how the Antonio Henton arrest effects his team and more..." |
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 | Boeckman develops quarterback's resolve
September 27, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "At his weekly news conference Tuesday, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel praised the maturity of Boeckman, his 23-year-old quarterback, before pausing to quip, 'Of course, he's older than I am.'...In the preseason, Boeckman was understated, almost sheepish at times. But Tuesday, he was comfortable and confident, speaking of how much fun he is having and the improvement he has made. 'There's a few mistakes I'd like to have back," he said, "but overall, I think I've played good.'..."
It's early, but quarterback Todd Boeckman is performing at a record-breaking pace. Numbers within his reach, assuming the Buckeyes play 12 regular-season games and a bowl:
| Category | Boeckman's pace | OSU record |
| TD passes | 33 | 30, Troy Smith, 2006 |
| Comp. percentage | 66.3 | 65.3, Smith, 2006 |
| Pass efficiency | 171.91 | 163.4, Bob Hoying, 1995 | |
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Take a chance, Buckeyes dare you
September 27, 2007 Source: The Morning Journal - "Apparently opponents haven't updated the scouting report on Ohio State's offense. Through the first four games, defenses continue to expose themselves to the deep ball, and Todd Boeckman continues to hit it. Boeckman and Brian Robiskie have hooked up for six plays of at least 25 yards this year, including at least one in every game. The longest was the 68-yard touchdown pass at Washington, but there have been plenty of others -- receptions of 41 and 28 yards against Youngstown State, a 39-yard touchdown against Akron and touchdown catches of 42 and 28 yards against Northwestern..."
 | Mo Wells answers call for RB depth
September 27, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "With Brandon Saine sidelined for at least another week by arthroscopic knee surgery and Beanie Wells playing with a sore left ankle, Maurice Wells is prepared to take steps to avoid another Ohio State backfield injury - the pulled dreadlock..." |
 | Football: Tuesday Night Player Interviews
September 25, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Ohio State Post Practice Player Quotes: 'We're definitely looking forward to going out and trying to continue what we did last week against Northwestern. We have to have a good practice everyday this week to make that possible.' - Maurice Wells..."
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Tressel Discusses Henton, Injuries, Night Games, More
September 25, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "OSU head coach Jim Tressel had plenty to discuss during this week's Tuesday media sessions, ranging from the big win over Northwestern to the arrest of third-string quarterback Antonio Henton. Here is a wrap-up of Tressel's media luncheon, as well as his portion of the weekly Big Ten Teleconference..."
| Series Information - Tressel Vs. Minnesota |
| | Overall Ohio State leads, 39-7 | |
| Date | Location | Result |
| 11/3/2001 | at Minnesota | OSU, 31-28 |
| 11/2/2002 | at Ohio State | OSU, 34-3 |
| 10/29/2005 | at Minnesota | OSU, 45-31 |
| 10/28/2006 | at Ohio State | OSU, 44-0 |
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Last Time Out...
September 25, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Ohio State will travel to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome to take on struggling Minnesota Saturday night. Check out how the Buckeyes did against the Golden Gophers in their last meeting in this edition of "Last Time Out..."
Football Flashback: Buckeyes Tie NCAA Record in Comeback Win at Minnesota in 1989
September 26, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Even the Ohio State Buckeyes knew they had no business becoming only the second team ever to win after trailing by 31 points..."
OSU hasn’t faced a defensive challenge yet in 2007
September 27, 2007 Source: Canton Repository - "Schoolyard bullies against lesser opponents, Ohio State’s offense has yet to be tested against someone capable of fighting back. That might be the reason why Jim Tressel is restrained in his praise of the Buckeyes’ surprisingly prolific offense. On Saturday night at the Metrodome, OSU isn’t getting Washington, Northwestern or Akron’s little brother. Maybe their little sister..."
Buckeyes Not Overlooking Minnesota
September 26, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "On paper, it looks like one of the biggest mismatches of the season. The Ohio State offense, which has scored nearly 30 points per half in its last three halves, matches up Saturday with a Minnesota defense that leaves a lot to be desired. However, don't expect the Buckeyes to overlook the Golden Gophers heading into the matchup in Minneapolis..."
| Tale of the Tape |
| OSU | Offense | Minn |
| 37.2 | Pts/gm | 35.5 |
| 414.2 | Total yds/gm | 487.5 |
| 197.5 | Rush yds/gm | 229.8 |
| 42.3 | Carries/gm | 41.5 |
| 4.7 | Yds/carry | 5.5 |
| 216.8 | Pass yds/gm | 257.8 |
| 27.0 | Pass att/gm | 40.5 |
| 12.4 | Yds/completion | 10.9 |
| OSU | Defense | Minn |
| 7.2 | Pts/gm | 38.5 |
| 177.8 | Total yds/gm | 543.2 |
| 57.5 | Rush yds/gm | 135.5 |
| 30.0 | Carries/gm | 32.5 |
| 1.9 | Yds/carry | 4.2 |
| 120.2 | Pass yds/gm | 407.8 |
| 30.3 | Pass att/gm | 49.8 |
| 7.6 | Yds/completion | 13.0 |
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Ohio State (3-0) at Minnesota (1-2)
(Source: CollegeFootballNews.com)
Why to Watch: The first four games of the Tim Brewster era at Minnesota haven't exactly been stellar, but with one shocking upset win, that could all change. Ohio State has been more dominant than it's been given credit for on a national scale, beating up three weaklings and Washington with the nation's second best defense and an offense that's suddenly become explosive. The real first test comes next week at Purdue, but for now, just handling the explosive Gophers would be another good step. Minnesota's defense hasn't come remotely close to stopping anyone, ranking dead last in America despite only facing Bowling Green, Miami University, and Florida Atlantic before playing Purdue. With Indiana, Northwestern and North Dakota State up next, the chance is there to go on a big run if the nation's 15th ranked offense can pull this off.
Why Ohio State Might Win: It's this simple. Ohio State's offensive line is giving QB Todd Boeckman 19 days to throw. That time is allowing Brian Robiskie and the other receivers to do whatever they need to do to get open, and the offense is starting to explode because of it. Minnesota's pass defense is the worst in America, partly because there's absolutely no one on the defensive front who can get into the backfield. Any time the Buckeyes want to throw long, they'll be able to.
Why Minnesota Might Win: Minnesota seems to be able to adjust well in the second half. Part of the reason is because it gets down so quickly that it has to open things up a bit, part of the reason is because teams take their foot off the gas, and part of the reason is because this is a way young team that's still trying to figure out what it's doing. The offensive line is playing extremely well, and should be able to allow the skill players time to operate, and the backfield to run the ball. The goal will be pound away as much as possible and get the clock moving. This is a good, balanced offense, and as long as it doesn't start giving the ball away, hardly a given, it should do more damage against the Buckeye D than anyone else has been able to.
Who to Watch: Minnesota is playing around with its running back situation after top tailback Amir Pinnix has been having fumbling issues. The workhorse for the first two games, with 168 yards against Bowling Green and 126 against Miami University, he only got the ball 16 times against Florida Atlantic, and was pulled after running five times for 53 yards against Purdue because he put the ball on the turf. Duane Bennett ran for 81 yards and a score on only seven carries against Purdue, but most of the overall workload has fallen to QB Adam Weber. That has to change.
What Will Happen: Ohio State's offense won't do what it did against Northwestern, but it won't be far off. The defense will clamp down early on the Gophers and give up a few late points.
CFN Prediction: Ohio State 45 ... Minnesota 20 ... Line: Ohio State -23
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Scouting report: Ohio State at Minnesota
September 27, 2007 Source: Warren Tribune-Chronicle - "Here is the scouting report for the Buckeyes and Gophers..."
Five things to watch
 | Minnesota Preview
September 26, 2007 Source: CoachTressel.com - "Led by freshman quarterback Adam Weber, who has been said to be the nation’s top all-around freshman signal-caller, the Gopher’s have the ability to bring a strong offense game this week...'He reminds me of Jake Locker [Washington]' said Ohio State’s Kurt Coleman, 'He moves really well and is really physical.'..." |
Game Data: Ohio State at Minnesota
September 26, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "We have our weekly Game Data feature, where we provide pertinent information, the depth charts and a prediction on each week's Ohio State game. This week, the eighth-ranked Buckeyes travel to Minnesota for their final visit to the Metrodome (8 p.m., ESPN2)..."
Crunching The Numbers: OSU-Minnesota
September 26, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "We've got rankings, night game records, a touch of history or two and more in this week's installment of Crunching The Numbers..."
OHIO STATE DEPTH CHART
Minnesota Golden Gophers Official Site
Cumulative Season Statistics: Team, Individual, Defensive & Combined
Minnesota Set to Battle No. 8 Ohio State on ESPN2
September 25, 2007 Source: Minnesota Official Site - "Minnesota (1-3, 0-1) looks to get its season headed back in the right direction this week, when the Golden Gophers host No. 8/8 Ohio State (4-0, 1-0) Saturday at the Metrodome..."
Tim Brewster Press Conference Quotes
September 25, 2007 Source: Minnesota Official Site - "'We’ve got a tremendous challenge in front of us on Saturday night, but I look at it as a great opportunity. Nobody’s giving us a snowball’s chance to be in this game, and you know what? That’s great. We’re going to keep working this week; we’re going to prepare like crazy. Our football team is going to be a confident team when we step on the field on Saturday night, and we’re going to believe that we can win this game.'..."
Player Press Conference Quotes - Ohio State
September 25, 2007 Source: Minnesota Official Site - "Defensive lineman Eric Small On whether OSU’s balanced offensive attack helps the defensive game plan: 'I think so far we’ve been good against the run. People haven’t really been able to run against us and I think we should be able to do the same this against Ohio State. If they want to pass, they can try to pass; if they want to run, they can try to run.'..."
Young Gophers upbeat despite rocky beginning
September 27, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "His defense has given up more yards than any of the other 118 teams in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision. In four games, his team has turned over the ball 16 times -- four times as many as it has taken it away from opponents. It has lost on the road to an infant bowl subdivision program, Florida Atlantic, and at home to an opponent from the Mid-American Conference, Bowling Green. Its lone win required overtime against another MAC visitor, Miami University..."
Gophers lagging in QB sacks
September 27, 2007 Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune - "With only three sacks in four games, Minnesota's defensive line is not helping its young secondary...So far, the Gophers have collected only three sacks, the fewest in the Big Ten. Only four teams in Division I-A have managed fewer sacks. Moreover, no team nationally has faced more pass attempts than the Gophers at 199, meaning the Gophers have had more opportunities for sacks than anyone else..."
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Overheard: Tim Brewster, Minnesota football coach
September 26, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "'I'm not going to lie to you. I've kind of looked at Laurinaitis a little bit and had daydreams of him wearing maroon and gold. But he's not.' -- Tim Brewster, Minnesota football coach, on Ohio State linebacker and Hamel, Minn., native James Laurinaitis."
Laurinaitis says U's upturn came late
September 27, 2007 Source: TwinCities.com - "Ohio State junior linebacker James Laurinaitis doesn't want to think about what it would be like if he played for the University of Minnesota. Amid a memorable career in Columbus, Ohio, Laurinaitis can't speculate about what he would have done if he were a senior at Wayzata High School now instead of two years ago and being recruited by new Gophers coach Tim Brewster..." |
Hang on: Gophers getting hard lesson in danger of turnovers
September 26, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "No, the Gophers haven’t been asked to carry footballs with them to class this week. They’re not cuddling up next to the pigskins at night. But they’ve been sternly warned to start taking better care of the ball. 'If we just value the football and take care of the ball like we know we should, we know exactly where we could be at this point,' coach Tim Brewster said. 'We could very easily be a 4-0 football team. Obviously we’re not.' With 16 turnovers and only four forced by the defense through four games, Minnesota ranks last in giveaway-takeaway margin out of 119 teams in the NCAA’s top tier..."
GoldenSports.net Minnesota Scout site
GopherIllustrated.com Minnesota Rivals site
Minnesota: The Essentials
September 27, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Players to watch, themes to know - its the essential guide to Minnesota, the most important notes about the Golden Gophers before Ohio State's final trip ever to the Metrodome..."
 | #29 Amir Pinnix RB Newark, N.J.
CAREER NOTES: This season he has averaged 109.8 yards per game, rushing for 439 yards, and has averaged 5.7 yards per carry, while scoring 3 TDs. 2007 team captain - prior to this season, has appeared in 35 games and started the last 10 - has rushed 356 times for a total of 1,876 yards and 13 touchdowns in his career - leads all active players with 2,014 career all-purpose yards - 11th player in school history to run for 1,000 yards in a season - ranks 14th all-time in career rushing yardage entering the season with 1,876 yards - ranked fourth in the Big?Ten in rushing yards as a junior with 1,272 yards - owns six career 100-yard rushing games which ranks 13th all-time entering the 2007 season. |
 | #8 Adam Weber QB Shoreview, Minn.
CAREER NOTES: One of the nation’s top all-around freshman signal-callers...Weber is ranked 17th nationally, second in the Big Ten in total offense, is one of only three players in the country to rank in the top 100 in rushing and to have at least 11 touchdown passes. To top it off, Weber is just one of the two freshmen in the country to have already thrown for over 1,000 yards. |
 | #7 Eric Decker WR Cold Spring, Minn.
CAREER NOTES: Has caught 30 passes this season for 421 yards, averaging 105.2 yards per game - started three of 13 games as a redshirt freshman in 2006 - second-leading active receiver in career receiving yards and receptions. |
 | #1 Ernie Wheelwright WR Columbus, Ohio
CAREER NOTES: This season has 16 receptions for 205 yards and 5 TDs. Has started 32 of 37 career games played - prior to this season, has 93 receptions for 1,659 yards - ranks seventh in school history in career receiving yards - ranks tied for second on the school’s career touchdown receptions list with 17 - currently ranks third in school history for average yards per catch at 17.8 - ranks second among all active players with 1,662 career all-purpose yards - Minnesota career Bowl leader with 165 yards receiving and two receiving touchdowns. |
 Minneapolis Weather Forecast
Players of the Week (Northwestern):
Offensive Player of the Week: Todd Boeckman, QB.
Defensive Player of the Week: Vernon Gholston, DE.
Special Units Player of the Week: Brian Rolle, LB.
Scout Team Champions: Defense: Matt Daniels; Special Units: Joe Gantz; Offense: None
Attack Force Award: Marcus Freeman, LB.
Jim Parker Lineman Award: Alex Boone, OT.
Jack Tatum Hit of the Week Award: Jamario O'Neal.
Jumping On The Buckeye (Bandwagon)
September 23, 2007 Source: CollegeFootballNews.com - "It's taken a few weeks, but I'd like to officially get my ticket punched for the Buckeye bandwagon. With one-third of the season gone, Ohio State has improbably established itself as the Big Ten favorite, and a potentially a deep, deep sleeper to run the table and represent the league in New Orleans. It's not as if Jim Tressel hasn't taken a less-than-perfect team well beyond expectations in the past. Am I putting too much stock in recent wins over Washington and Northwestern? Possibly, but I don't think so. Beating the Huskies in Seattle created confidence for a young team that had just struggled with Akron. Crushing Northwestern on Saturday afternoon brought a little swagger, and sent a message to the rest of the league. A serious work-in-progress just a month ago, the Buckeyes are beginning to gel into a solid top 10 squad. Todd Boeckman has embraced the role of starting quarterback, throwing six touchdown passes to just one pick in the last two games, and finding a go-to guy in Brian Robiskie. The defense has allowed only two touchdowns all year, and ranks behind just LSU in total defense. And the special teams has been up to Tressel's high standards. Although Ohio State is not in the same league as this year's Big 4, USC, LSU, Oklahoma, and Florida, it is in the next tier of schools, which is still an achievement for this team. Get on board now before the Big Ten schedule really gets cranking. In a few weeks, there may be no empty seats remaining."
 | Freshman Brian Rolle an impact player for the Ohio State Buckeyes
September 23, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "The first time Brian Rolle made his presence known against Northwestern on Saturday came in the second quarter. Wildcats kick returner Sherrick McManis was innocently churning down the field trying to gather a few extra steps when Rolle corralled him and -- thwack -- knocked McManis flat on his back. Hard. The second time Rolle, a freshman linebacker, made an impact, he again was on special teams. He was paving the way for teammate Ray Small's punt return at the start of the second quarter when -- thud -- he sent Northwestern's David Oredugba to the ground with a block so hard that the NU cornerback writhed on the turf for several minutes before he was helped off. 'Probably the biggest hit of my life,' Rolle said afterward..." |
 | Emotional day for Denlinger
September 23, 2007 Source: Dayton Daily News - "As he came running out of the tunnel into the roar of more than 105,000 people Saturday, he wore his red Ohio State jersey, a silver helmet and a homemade wristband upon which he'd printed: 'Til the END.' As he tried explaining, Todd Denlinger's voice caught on his welling emotions: 'END - those are my grandfather's initials, too.'..." |
The-Ozone Note and Quotebook
September 23, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "OSU's first touchdown of the game against Northwestern, a 42 yard pass from Todd Boeckman to Brian Robiskie, came on a call that was part of the OSU game plan. The Buckeyes thought the Wildcats would bite on a play action fake, so ran a play action pass that resulted in a touchdown. The problem was that the Wildcats didn't really do what the Buckeyes expected on the play..."
 | Mr. Bucknuts' Bucket Of Bullets
September 23, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "Mr. Bucknuts’ take on the Northwestern annihilation; and then he takes on recruiting, the hapless Golden Gophers, why Todd Boeckman is better than Craig Krenzel, more burial hymns for Charlie Walrus, and some strangely interesting but uniquely unsatisfying statistics - all in a new Bucket of Bullets..." |
 | Bucknuts TV: Skull Session Video
September 23, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "We have a special video presentation from the Skull Session prior to Saturday's game against Northwestern. This seven-minute video includes the entrance by the OSU Marching Band, the entrance of Jim Tressel and the football team and much more...The Skull Session typically begins two hours prior to kickoff inside SJA. Fans typically arrive three hours before kickoff just to get a good seat. More than 11,000 were on hand for Saturday's pregame concert. Tressel and team co-captain James Laurinaitis briefly addressed the crowd. The clip also includes the band's warm-up for 'Fight The Team.'..." |
 | Henton will rejoin team next week, but only to practice
September 28, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "As he normally does with players in legal trouble, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel yesterday said quarterback Antonio Henton will be allowed to practice with the team while he waits for his case to be resolved...Tressel said Henton remains suspended from games but will practice with the scout team next week..."
Ohio State quarterback pleads not guilty to soliciting charge;
suspended from team indefinitely
September 25, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Court records show that he was arrested at N. High Street and 6th Avenue by an undercover policewoman at 8:27 p.m. yesterday. He agreed to pay $20 for intercourse, according to the police complaint. Henton pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge. Judge Amy Salerno set bail at $2,500..." Full text: Judge Salerno's remarks
Tressel, Buckeyes React To Henton
September 25, 2007 Source: BuckeyeGrove.com - "It was a mixture of shock and disbelief at Tuesday's weekly press luncheon as head coach Jim Tressel and some of his players weighed in on the arrest of backup quarterback Antonio Henton..."
Quote for Head Coach Jim Tressel: "It's a great disappointment for our Buckeye football family, and we are very concerned for Antonio. We want to help him utilize any available resources, including counseling, to deal with any problems and seek solutions. Antonio is keenly aware of the standard we have for ourselves, and that makes this even more disappointing.
"Antonio will not lose any academic privileges as an Ohio State student, but he will certainly be suspended indefinitely in terms of his athletic privileges. Specifically in the short term, he will not be traveling with us to Minnesota this weekend."
Source: OSU Official Site
Henton had $19 in his pocket when he was arrested
September 25, 2007 Source: Dayton Daily News - "Henton, 20, was arrested at 8:27 p.m. Monday on High Street near the OSU campus after offering an undercover Columbus police officer $20 for intercourse, according to a police complaint. An initial charge of soliciting for prostitution against Henton was dropped because the officer failed to sign the complaint. It was refiled Tuesday, and Henton posted bond of $274 and was released..."
Tressel, Buckeyes React To Henton
September 25, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "It was a mixture of shock and disbelief at Tuesday's weekly press luncheon as head coach Jim Tressel and some of his players weighed in on the arrest of backup quarterback Antonio Henton..." |
Buckeyes don't believe QB's arrest will be a distraction
September 25, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "Ohio State's players usually congregate on Tuesday mornings to begin talking about their next opponent and game, in this case the Big Ten contest at Minnesota on Saturday night. The discussion was different this time..."
Henton Arrested, Suspended From OSU Football Team
September 25, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "Just days after his most promising showing as a Buckeye, Ohio State reserve quarterback Antonio Henton was nabbed by Columbus police and charged with soliciting, a first-degree misdemeanor. Henton's immediate future with the team is in doubt as he faces a fateful day in court..."
OSU Football Player Arrested
September 25, 2007 Source: NewsRadio 610 WTVN - "Franklin County Jail Confirms Antonio Henton Is Behind Bars Until This Morning's Arraignment...Henton is a back-up quarterback. Court records show Henton was arrested Monday at North High Street and East 6th Avenue and charged with soliticing."
Antonio Henton Arrested
September 25, 2007 Source: Courtview 2000 - According to a number of sources, including the document link to Courtview 2000, Ohio State QB Antonio Henton has been cited by Columbus police and charged with, according to the document, 'Soliciting.' More news as it becomes available.
 | Ohio State's Anderson Russell (21) sacks Northwestern quarterback C.J. Bacher (18) and causes a fumble during the first quarter of a college football game Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State's Vernon Gholston recovered the ball and ran it in for touchdown in the play. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato) |
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No. 8 Ohio State Overwhelms Northwestern, 58-7
September 22, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Todd Boeckman connected with Brian Robiskie on three touchdown plays in the first 16 minutes of the game, the Ohio State defense was fierce and unrelenting and the end result was a dominant, 58-7 win over Northwestern in the 500th game in Ohio..."
PDF: Scoring Summary, Team Statistics, Individual Statistics, Defensive Statistics, Game Participation & Play-by-Play
Transcript From Ohio State Postgame Press Conference
September 22, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Well, we got off to a great start obviously, and we talked a little bit about the fact that the game takes a little bit of a change with that kickoff being moved back to the 30, and all of a sudden we had a nice return and we're out there in..."
Postgame Quotes From Ohio State vs. Northwestern
September 22, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "We wanted to establish ourselves on the first drive and set the tone early. That is exactly what we did and we are really happy that we could do that early..."
 | Touchdown is Gholston's first ever
September 23, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston did something yesterday he has never done before. He scored a touchdown. His 25-yard scoop-and-scoot with a fumble, caused by an Anderson Russell hit on Northwestern quarterback C.J. Bacher, was the last of the Buckeyes' four TDs in a first-quarter avalanche. But it was special for Gholston because it was his first TD -- and he didn't just mean in his college career. 'Ever,' he said with a smile..." |
Ohio St. cruises past Northwestern
September 22, 2007 Source: FoxSports.com - "It took 95 years for Ohio State to play 500 games at Ohio Stadium - and less than two quarters to put up 45 points against Northwestern. Todd Boeckman tossed three touchdown passes to Brian Robiskie in the first half to lead the eighth-ranked Buckeyes past the Wildcats 58-7 on Saturday..."
Game Trax: Northwestern vs. OSU
September 22, 2007 Source: FoxSports.com - "Game Trax | Box Score | Play by Play | Head-to-Head..."
| Students Help Buckeyes Trounce Wildcats
Source: The Palestra - "...the Ohio State student section was back in the Horseshoe for the first time this season....after the game (the players commented on) how much impact the students have..." |
Special Teams Hits Fired Up OSU
September 23, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Ohio State famously puts an emphasis on special teams, and it was obvious why Saturday afternoon against Northwestern. Not only did the special teams help give the Buckeyes great field position throughout the first half, but a number of big hits helped ignite the OSU defense to a dominating performance..."
OSU Sets Record with 58-7 Win
September 23, 2007 Source: CoachTressel.com - "OSU has now won 22-consecutive regular-season games. Overall, the Buckeyes have won 23 of their last 24 games. The 22-consecutive regular-season win streak is an Ohio State record. It snaps the 21-game win streak set by the Buckeyes from 1967-69. The victory also extends the Buckeyes Big Ten winning streak to 15 consecutive games..."
 | Captain's Corner: It Stars With Practice, Recruiting
September 23, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "The Buckeyes looked as dominant as they have in quite some time against hapless Northwestern on Saturday afternoon. But wins like that one are a long time in the making, says 1998 captain Jerry Rudzinski. Read his thoughts on this weekend's game in this version of the Captain's Corner..." |
Buckeyes' D sets emphatic tone
September 23, 2007 Source: Willoughby News-Herald - "Middle linebacker James Laurinaitis said one thing differentiates Ohio State's defense from many run-of-the-mill teams.
'We're not afraid to make a mistake,' he said. 'We're fast,' Laurinaitis said. 'We focus on running to the ball, swarming the ball. We know 10 other guys will be there to back you up. We're confident, but not cocky. We have to stay humble.'..."
| Team Statistics | | | Northwestern | Ohio State | | First Downs | 11 | 20 | | Rushing | 3 | 9 | | Passing | 7 | 9 | | Penalty | 1 | 2 | | 3rd-Down efficiency | 6-17-35% | 5-9-56% | | 4th-Down efficiency | 0-1-0% | 0-2-0% | | Total net yards | 120 | 396 | | Total plays | 66 | 62 | | Average gain | 1.8 | 6.4 | | Net yards rushing | 0 | 191 | | Rushes | 33 | 42 | | Average per rush | 0.0 | 4.5 | | Net yards passing | 120 | 205 | | Completed-attempted | 17-33 | 14-20 | | Yards per pass | 3.6 | 10.3 | | Sacked-yards lost | 5--41 | 1--8 | | Had intercepted | 2 | 1 | | Return Yardage | 232 | 135 | | Punts-returns | 0-0 | 5-49 | | Kickoffs-returns | 9-232 | 2-43 | | Interceptions-returns | 1-0 | 2-43 | | Penalties-yards | 8-76 | 6-50 | | Fumbles-lost | 2-1 | 3-1 | | Time of Possession | 32:50 | 27:10 | |
 | The Bottom Line
September 23, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Kids watching too much violence on television is such a problem these days. Thankfully, while OSU was dismantling Northwestern, the video store had a copy of Pulp Fiction for the young-uns' sensitive eyes. Leaves are awarded on a zero-to-five basis..."
OSU Report Card
September 23, 2007 Source: Mansfield News Journal - "GRADE: A RUNNING GAME..."
Northwestern Performance Evaluations
September 23, 2007 Source: Men of the Scarlet and Gray - "We’ve decided to do a quick 'perfomance evaluation' of the Buckeyes after each game here at MotSaG, but instead of handing out Buckeye Leaves, we’ll be doing it a little differently (like we always do). We’ll be giving out sweater vests. We don’t have any set categories, so these may or may not change from week to week..." |
Bucks look like champs to Fitzgerald
September 23, 2007 Source: Toldeo Blade - "...'Ohio State came out and looked like a championship team,' Fitzgerald said after watching the Buckeyes storm to a 45-0 halftime advantage...'(their) offense is always going to come after you with a balanced attack,' Fitzgerald said after the Buckeyes had 191 rushing yards and 205 passing yards..."
Buckeyes Crush Northwestern 58-7
September 22, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "Eighth-ranked Ohio State grabbed a 45-0 halftime lead and never looked back in posting a 58-7 decision over Northwestern in Saturday's Big Ten opener. QB Todd Boeckman threw for 179 yards and four touchdowns, including three to Brian Robiskie. (Updated with ESPN video recap)..."
Buckeyes Knock Out, Knock Around Wildcats
September 22, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "The-Ozone recap of the win over Northwestern...At halftime of Ohio State's 58-7 win over Northwestern thoughts started running through the brain like "What do you say about a game like this?"..."
Buckeyes Run Roughshod Over Northwestern
September 22, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Ohio State set a Jim Tressel-era record for points, Todd Boeckman threw four touchdown passes and Brian Robiskie had the most TD catches of any OSU receiver in 12 years as the Buckeyes blew out Northwestern, 58-7, in the Big Ten opener for both teams..."
How Ohio State's opponents fared
| DATE | OPPONENT | SITE | W-L | THIS WEEK'S RESULT |
| Sept. 1 | Youngstown State | home | 3-1 | beat Lock Haven 35-3 |
| Sept. 8 | Akron | home | 2-2 | beat to Kent State 27-20 |
| Sept. 15 | Washington | away | 2-2 | lost to UCLA 44-31 |
| Sept. 22 | Northwestern | home | 2-2 | lost to Ohio State 58-7 |
| Sept. 29 | Minnesota | away | 1-3 | lost to Purdue 45-31 |
| Oct. 6 | Purdue | away | 4-0 | beat Minnesota 45-31 |
| Oct. 13 | Kent State | home | 2-2 | lost to Akron 27-20 |
| Oct. 20 | Michigan State | home | 4-0 | beat Notre Dame 31-14 |
| Oct. 27 | Penn State | away | 3-1 | lost to Michigan 14-9 |
| Nov. 3 | Wisconsin | home | 4-0 | beat Iowa 17-13 |
| Nov. 10 | Illinois | home | 3-1 | beat Indiana 27-14 |
| Nov. 17 | Michigan | away | 2-2 | beat Penn State 14-9 |
What the Wildcats had to say
September 22, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Postgame comments from Coach Fitzerald and Eric Peterman and Adam Kadela..."
 (Graphic Source: OSU Official Site)
Coach Tressel Picks Up Win 200!
September 16, 2007 Source: CoachTressel.com - "Postgame notes: Coach Tressel’s record with the Buckeyes now is 65-14 and his career record is 200-71-2. Ohio State has won 21-consecutive regular-season games. The Buckeyes last lost a regular-season contest at Penn State, 17-10, Oct. 8, 2005. Overall, the Buckeyes have won 22 of their last 23 games..."
How valuable is Tressel? Ask Notre Dame or Minnesota
September 18, 2007 Source: Journal Register News - "...Most impressively is how the Buckeyes fare in their rebuilding years. Even in 2004, the worst season under Tressel, Ohio State beat Michigan, won five of its last six to close the season and blasted Oklahoma State in its bowl game to set up another impressive two-year run of dominance. Now faced with a similar rebuilding year, the Buckeyes are 3-0 and ranked eighth in the country...Now compare that to Notre Dame, which could easily start 0-8 before the schedule loosens in November. Or Michigan, where the 0-2 start made "Fire Lloyd" shirts more predominant than maize or blue..."
 | Ohio Stadium Celebrates its 500th Game Saturday vs. Northwestern
September 19, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Saturday, Ohio State opens the 2007 Big Ten season vs. Northwestern at 3:30 p.m. The game not only is significant because the Buckeyes kick off their defense of two-consecutive conference titles, but the contest Saturday also serves as the 500th game in Ohio Stadium history..." |
 | Family keeps defender in check
September 20, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "What did Julie Laurinaitis think of her son's game at Washington last week? The one in which James, an Ohio State linebacker, snagged two interceptions, a sack and eight tackles? 'She said, 'Great game, but the quarterback blew right by you on that one run,' ' James Laurinaitis said, laughing. 'She always knocks me back down to make sure I stay hungry.'..." |
Lessons learned as Big Ten play starts
September 20, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "The first three weeks didn’t go as expected for either Ohio State (a slow first 10 quarters and an impressive last two), or the league. With Jeff Sagarin’s computer ratings ranking the Big Ten fifth (behind the Pac-10, SEC, Big East and Big 12) and the Associated Press poll putting the Buckeyes at No. 8 - as the top Big Ten team - here’s what we’ve learned so far about OSU and its conference rivals..."
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