Top-Ranked Buckeyes Too Much For BG October 7, 2006 Source: Bucknuts - "Top-ranked Ohio State jumped out of Big Ten play for the final time in the 2006 regular season on Saturday. The Buckeyes, behind two touchdown runs from Antonio Pittman, cruised to a 35-7 win over visiting Bowling Green..."
Long TD pass caps so-so day for Buckeyes October 8, 2006 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Bowling Green was already beaten. Trailing Ohio State by 21 points in the fourth quarter yesterday, the Falcons did not seem capable of mounting a comeback. But the Buckeyes had been a little blah, just a bit underwhelming for their taste. They mostly had nibbled around the edges of the Falcons defense without taking a big bite..."
Bowling Green Falls at No. 1 Ohio State October 7, 2006 Source: Official BGSU Site - "The Buckeyes (6-0) toyed with the Falcons (3-3), tacking on two touchdowns in the final quarter to turn a surprisingly close 21-7 game into a rout. Ohio State stretched the nation's longest winning streak to 13 in a row..."
Buckeyes Remain Unbeaten Against Falcons October 8, 2006 Source: The Ozone - "OSU quarterback Troy Smith completed 17 of his 20 attempts and threw for three touchdowns with no interceptions as No. 1 Ohio State (6-0) had little trouble dispatching visiting Bowling Green (3-3) 35-7 before 105,057 sun-drenched spectators on an unusually balmy October day. Smith was surgical with his passing. His three incompletions on the day included two dropped balls and a completion that was ruled out of the back of endzone..."
Linemen exit after sustaining injuries October 8, 2006 Source: Columbus Dispatchs - "Right tackle Kirk Barton, who apparently had sprained his left foot in practice last week, tweaked it again early in the first quarter and left for the day. Later in the half, defensive tackle David Patterson had to leave after twisting his left knee..."
Well and good October 8, 2006 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "The Buckeyes manage to avoid serious harm in a routine victory over Bowling Green..."
Bum-bum rhythm at OSU hard to beat October 8, 2006 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "The star and the understudy have the same nickname for each other. Hint: It's not nearly as flattering as Ohio State's place in the polls. 'Ted said, 'You told us you were going to score this week, bum,' 'Ray Small said Saturday. 'Bum' is what we call each other...'"
Small victory for Buckeyes October 8, 2006 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "Top-ranked Ohio State's 35-7 victory over Bowling Green on Saturday provided a glimpse of the future, an early peek at a passing of the torch..."
Each step has a purpose for OSU October 8, 2006 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "With eye on title, Buckeyes have no room for letdown...Ohio Stadium was rockin' with 105,057 fans on Saturday, only about 104,835 adorned in red. They came to see a football game. They came to see Ohio State crush Bowling Green, the 35-point underdog, appropriately attired in the same colors worn by the Browns..."
Buckeyes win again, but mistakes glare vs. Bowling Green October 8, 2006 Source: The Morning Journal - "After spending the week admitting it's difficult to focus on a team like Bowling Green in the middle of the Big Ten season, the Buckeyes went out yesterday and played like it was difficult to focus on a team like Bowing Green in the middle of the Big Ten season..."
BY THE NUMBERS October 8, 2006 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer
5,481 Career total offense, in yards, for Ohio state quarterback Troy Smith. He ranks eighth in school history. (Archie Griffin is seventh at 5,589.) 119 Consecutive games in which the Buckeyes have scored at least one TD. 57-8-1 Ohio State's record when ranked No. 1. 13 Consecutive games in which Ohio State scored 24-plus points. Buckeyes have scored 35-plus four times this season. 8:39 Time elapsed, in 15 plays, on Bowling Green's TD drive in the third quarter. 8 Consecutive passes Smith completed to open game against Bolwing Green. Smith finished 17-20. The .850 completion rate ranks third in school history. 1 Hand required by Bowling Green's Corey Partridge to make touchdown reception in third quarter. .905 Smith's winning percentage as a starting quarterback. The 19-2 mark includes 9-1 against ranked teams.
The-Ozone Note and Quotebook October 6, 2006 Source: The Ozone - "Football: It's the end of the week and football Saturday is almost here. Check out the-Ozone Note and Quotebook for the latest on the OSU injury situation, personnel moves, and other insights into OSU football this week..."
Buckeyes lean to left on the run October 4, 2006 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "What's more than 13 feet long, weighs more than 650 pounds and can't stop laughing? The left side of the Ohio State offensive line when things get rolling..."
Buckeyes Shuffle Defensive Backs to Replace Russell October 3, 2006 Source: The Ozone - "OSU Head Coach Jim Tressel reported that the OSU defensive coaching staff has undertaken some player shuffling after starting safety Anderson Russell was lost for the season with a knee injury last weekend at Iowa..."
Big-play ways boost Buckeye defense October 3, 2006 Source:
CentralOhio.com - "OSU leads Big Ten in sacks, nation in turnover margin...Ohio
State's defensive highlights from Saturday's 38-17 romp against Iowa were buried on the back
page of the postgame press release. That's ironic, because the defense has been a front-page
story all season..."
Swagger advocate October 3, 2006 Source: Columbus
Dispatch - "Smith tells teammates to believe, be focused...'If there was a guy in
the locker room who said that we weren’t the No. 1 team in the nation, he'd have a problem
with me,' Smith said. 'Of course, you have to have that kind of attitude and that kind of
swag.'..."
Russell
Begins Long Rehab From ACL Injury October 2, 2006 Source:
Bucknuts - "Redshirt freshman safety Anderson Russell suffered a season-ending
injury to his right knee in Saturday's win at Iowa. Bucknuts.com's Charles Babb spoke with
Russell's mother, Karen, on Monday and she discussed the nature of the injury and her son's
rehab process..."
Young Buckeyes are like old hands October 2, 2006 Source:
Columbus Dispatch - "Underclassmen continue to make big contributions. Out of 22
starters Saturday, seven were freshmen or sophomores, and another 11 underclassmen played
key reserve roles..."
O'Neal leaps at second chance October 2, 2006
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "In the days before Ohio State started preseason
camp in August, sophomore safety Jamario O'Neal made his personal expectations clear. 'As
far as me being a starter, not to sound cocky, but I feel like it's expected of me,' O'Neal
said then. 'Most guys are like, You're going to start at Ohio State? To me, that's what I
should be doing...'".."
O’Neal fills need at free safety smoothly October 3, 2006
Source: Columbus Dispatch - "'I had to get the jitters out and everything like
that,' O’Neal said. 'But as the game continued, I started getting more confidence and
getting more relaxed and just making plays, doing the things I know I can
do.'..."
Next for OSU: The sleepy sextet October 2, 2006
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Lining up for the Buckeyes are Bowling Green,
Michigan State, Indiana, Minnesota, Illinois and Northwestern, six teams with a combined
record of 14-16. Five of those wins have come against winless schools, two others against
Division I-AA teams. Michigan State had a solid win at Pitt, and then Illinois beat Michigan
State, which only proved that the Spartans' win over Pitt must have been a fluke..."
Maintaining focus might be next challenge for Ohio State October 1, 2006 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "No. 13 Iowa? Pfft. The real test
for top-ranked Ohio State begins today. For the next six weeks, the Buckeyes’ toughest
opponent might be themselves. Whether they admit it, the Buckeyes will have to constantly
gird themselves against looking ahead to Michigan..."
No. 1 Ohio State Routs Iowa and Converts
a Skeptic October 1, 2006 Source: New York Times - "And after the
top-ranked Buckeyes rolled to a 38-17 victory at No. 13 Iowa on Saturday night, any
lingering doubt in the college football world about the validity of the Buckeyes’ top
ranking should disappear. Three weeks after defeating then-No. 2 Texas, Ohio State again
played a top team in a hostile stadium at night and methodically took it apart..."
Buckeyes' win solidifies spot at the top October 1, 2006 Source:
ESPN.com - "Top-ranked Ohio State did more than pound No. 13 Iowa 38-17 on
Saturday. It proved that right now, nobody's better, writes Ivan Maisel..."
Fifth down and seven weeks to go for Ohio State. October 1, 2006
Source: CBSSportsline.com - "The fifth, knocked back by the giddy Buckeyes on
Saturday at Iowa, marked the number of wins in their spotless September. They can now put
their feet up, crack open a schedule and drink in the mediocrity until Nov. 18..."
Ohio
State, Michigan on crash course for BCS title shot September 30, 2006 Source:
SportingNews.com - "Where were you in 1973? No. 1 Ohio State and No. 4 Michigan?
They were playing an epic game. Maybe you remember it. Both programs entered the contest
with 10-0 records, and I'm sure the tundra in Ann Arbor was frozen on that November day. It
had to be..."
Ohio State sophomore Malcolm Jenkins turns the corner September 30, 2006 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Malcolm Jenkins has played
well as Ohio State's No. 1 cover cornerback this season. What matters more is that, on the
field, he acts like he's playing even better than he is..."
Wrestling with success September 28, 2006 Source:
SI.com - "Normal for James Laurinaitis is having his dad dress up in face paint,
tights and spiked shoulder pads. It's also hearing people such as The Undertaker, Kurt Angle
and Smash of Demolition tell him they saw him play on national
television..."
The Bull And The Ballerina September 30, 2006 Source:
Columbus Dispatch - "Given Iowa’s perennially strong offensive line, Ohio State
defensive coordinator Jim Heacock says, "Every time you play (the Hawkeyes), you know it’s
going to be a bloodbath down the middle..."
Game Data: Bowling Green at Ohio State October 4, 2006 Source: Bucknuts - "Here is a look at the Game Data page for Saturday's game between Bowling Green and top-ranked Ohio State at Ohio Stadium (3:30 p.m., ESPN-Plus regional syndication). We have the pertinent information, the television clearances, depth charts and a prediction on this game..."
Tressel Talks Falcons & More October 4, 2006 Source: NBC4i.com - Video of Coach Tressel discussing BGSU and much more.
Last Time Out: Ohio State vs. Bowling Green October 3, 2006 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "The last time Ohio State faced Bowling Green, on Sept. 20, 2003, safety Will Allen and quarterback Scott McMullen prevented the fifth-ranked Buckeyes from joining the list of Top 25 teams vanquished by Mid-American Conference teams across the country that day..."
No. 1 Buckeyes Return Home to Host Bowling Green October 2, 2006 Source: OSU Official Site - "Top-ranked Ohio State closes out the non-conference portion of its schedule Saturday by hosting Mid-American Conference foe Bowling Green. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:40 p.m. EDT in Ohio Stadium where a capacity crowd of more than 105,000 will be on hand for just the fourth meeting ever between the teams. ESPN Plus will televise the game in the Big Ten area and WBNS Radio will broadcast it to its 73-affiliate stations around the state of Ohio..."
Ohio State vs. Bowling Green Preview October 5, 2006 Source: The Ozone - "Over the past few years, the Falcons were known for throwing the ball all over the place. But now, due as much to lack of receivers as to lack of an experienced quarterback, they are a running team. They are averaging 208.2 yards rushing per game, which is good enough for 12th in the nation..."
BGSU trying to stay positive against OSU October 3, 2006 Source: Toledo Blade - ""Gregg Brandon is trying to be as positive about this as possible...But Brandon, BGSU's coach, prefers to look at Saturday as an opportunity. It's the first time in school history the Falcons will play the No. 1 team..."
BG coach true believer in Buckeye greatness October 3, 2006 Source: Dayton Daily News - "Bowling Green had a sobering task in 2003 when it last faced Ohio State, a football team coming off a national title with most of its starters back. But while the challenge figured to be less daunting this season - after all, the Buckeyes were replacing 12 regulars - fourth-year coach Gregg Brandon didn't get his hopes up..."
Bowling Green doesn’t look like 2003 bunch October 3, 2006 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The last time Bowling Green played in Ohio Stadium, Ohio State needed an interception in the final minute to come away with a 24-17 victory..."
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK October 3, 2006 OSU Head Coach Jim Tressel discussed the players of the week at his weekly press luncheon today. They were as follows:
Offensive Player of the Week - Anthony Gonzalez
Defensive Player of the Week - Brandon Mitchell
Special Teams Player of the Week - Aaron Pettry
Attack Force Player of the Week - James Laurinaitis
Offensive Lineman of the Week - T. J. Downing, whom Tressel said played his best game this year against Iowa.
Jack Tatum Hit of the Week - Vacant
Scout Team Offensive Player of the Week - Ray Small
Scout Team Defensive Player of the Week - Tyler Moeller
Scout Team Special Teams Player of the Week - Marcus Williams
Buckeyes remain unbeaten September 30, 2006 Source: Bucknuts - "Quarterback Troy Smith threw for four touchdowns as top-ranked Ohio State cruised to a 38-17 win at No. 13 Iowa in what was billed as one of the biggest games ever at historic Kinnick Stadium. The Buckeyes grabbed a 21-10 halftime lead and never looked back in thwarting Iowa's Gold-Out..."
Buckeyes bolster their No. 1 image October 1, 2006 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Even though it was Ohio State that dressed in pink locker rooms, it was Iowa that left Kinnick Stadium last night red with embarrassment..."
Heisman display: Smith tosses 4 TDs as No. 1 Ohio State rocks Iowa October 1, 2006 Source: ESPN - "Troy Smith believes to be the best you have to believe you're the best. The way Ohio State has manhandled the competition so far, there's every reason for the Buckeyes to think they're unbeatable..."
STAR BUCKS: Ohio State wins showdown October 1, 2006 Source: FoxSports.com - "The toughest part of Ohio State's schedule is behind the Buckeyes. And Troy Smith and Co. handled it with ease. Smith threw for 186 yards and four touchdowns and No. 1 Ohio State picked up its second road win over a ranked opponent by manhandling No. 13 Iowa 38-17..."
Buckeyes turn trip to Iowa into another effortless win October 1, 2006 Source: SI.com - "So much for a test. No. 1 Ohio State made it look effortless, says SI.com's Stewart Mandel, as it beat No. 13 Iowa 38-17 to clear its last real hurdle before a showdown with Michigan, writes Stewart Mandel..."
Mandel also writes, in another column (Five Things We Learned This Weekend): "That Ohio State’s best receiver is Anthony Gonzalez. That may sound ridiculous considering Ted Ginn Jr. is a likely first-round draft choice, but in both of the Buckeyes’ biggest games, at Texas and Iowa, Gonzalez has made the back-breaking catches. He’s fast enough to catch the deep ball but also uses his size and shiftiness to get open across the middle. Plus he sleeps in that tent, which is pretty damn cool."
IOWA A BUCK SHORT October 1, 2006 Source: Iowa City Press - "So much buildup. So much attention. So much Ohio State..."
OSU exploits Iowa LBs October 1, 2006 Source: Iowa City Press - "Trying to cover Anthony Gonzalez and Ted Ginn Jr. is about like trying to skin a live rabbit after giving it a 10-yard head start. The task is even tougher for linebackers..."
Lights out for Hawkeyes in prime-time October 1, 2006 Source: Cedar Rapids Gazette - "For all the festivities and fun in the September sun Saturday outside Kinnick Stadium, reality grew as dark as the fourth-quarter sky last night. Reality No. 1: Ohio State is an excellent football team deserving of its No. 1 ranking and the praise that comes with that. Reality No. 2: Iowa is one of the other college football teams in the Big Ten and the nation, another victim of the Buckeyes, another team that will play in a bowl game that isn't connected to the national championship..."
An eye for a Buckeye October 1, 2006 Source: The Morning Journal - "The road to Glendale and a Jan. 8 date in the national championship game got much clearer last night after the Buckeyes' 38-17 win over Iowa, officially completing a 5-0 September when Ohio State won on the road in Austin and Iowa City at night..."
OSU Pounds Iowa September 30, 2006 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Consider any demons remaining in this series exorcised.The Buckeyes’ might have felt their No. 1 ranking was more of a bulls-eye than anything else as they traveled to Iowa City to take on the Hawkeyes and their fired-up fans..."
Buckeyes go Gonzo in Iowa October 1, 2006 Source: CentralOhio.com - "September ended the way it began for top-ranked Ohio State -- with a bang..."
Gonzalez can’t say enough about blocking October 1, 2006 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Anthony Gonzalez said he could not wait to watch a replay of his 30-yard touchdown catch-and-run against Iowa. But not for the reason you might think..."
Way too good October 1, 2006 Source: Cleveland Plain dealer - "As Ohio State receiver Anthony Gonzalez was running circles around his defense Saturday night, maybe Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz was thinking about what he'd said earlier in the week. Asked directly about the possibility of covering the speedy Gonzalez with a linebacker, Ferentz said, "We have a certain way that we play, and that's something we believe in..."
No. 1 Ohio State gets the job done at Iowa October 1, 2006 Source: BuckeyeGrove.com - "The toughest part of Ohio State's schedule is behind the Buckeyes. And Troy Smith and Co. handled it with ease..."
Pittman in triple digits again October 1, 2006 Source: Cleveland Plain dealer - "Antonio Pittman topped the 100-yard mark for the third straight game and the fourth time in five games this season, gaining 117 yards in Ohio State's 38-17 win over Iowa on Saturday night..."
Ohio State completes its September stampede with rout in Iowa October 1, 2006 Source: CBSSportsline.com - "The Buckeyes erased Iowa. So what stands between them and their clash with Michigan? Six weeks of weak opponents, that's what. Ohio State ought to go directly to Nov. 18 before somebody gets injured, Dennis Dodd says..."
October 1, 2006: Reports are that Anderson Russell, who had to be helped off the field and was replaced by Jamario O’Neal, has been lost for the year due to a knee injury. More updates as they become available. Update October 2, 2006: Russell's season ending injury confirmed in the Columbus Dispatch.
Transcript From The October 3rd Football Press Luncheon October 3, 2006 Source: Official OSU Site - "You were all out there in Iowa City and it was a battle. It was a great environment. I'm sure the whole country got to see another Big Ten spectacle with the crowd and enthusiasm and a tough hard hitting football game. I was really pleased with the way that our guys prepared and our scout teams did a great job of getting us ready. Our coaches did a great job with their planning..."
Press Luncheon, Teleconference Wrap-Up October 4, 2006 Source: Bucknuts - "OSU head coach Jim Tressel kicked off his weekly Tuesday meetings with the media by joining the Big Ten coaches teleconference. This week, the coach discussed a wide variety of topics..."
Player Quotes October 3, 2006 Source: Official OSU Site - "Brandon Mitchell: 'It is all about preparation. I study a lot more film and have a lot more communication within the defense. The coaches have a lot more confidence in me. When I wake up in the morning I think about Bowling Green's spread offense. It is all about preparation...'"
More on Mitchell: Mitchell has earned respect of his teammates October 6, 2006 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Brandon Mitchell’s life seems to be a constant whirl of past, present and future. Currently, he’s the playmaking strong safety for top-ranked Ohio State. He’s also a player who three years ago seemed to have a starting job and then lost it, but who continued to pay his dues, bide his time and finally beat back all comers for the right to call the position his own for his senior season..."
Below are stats for 'Opponent Penalties' from the official Big Ten Site through five games (all the stats are available from the link above in 'football news'). Notice whose opponents are the least penalized?
Buckeyes' Smith shows his feisty side September 25, 2006 Source:Buckeye Buzz - "...'A lot of times you get reporters and journalists criticizing the things that we do on the field, and I guarantee you, if they had on cleats and shoulder pads and a helmet, they couldn't do a lot of the stuff that we do...'"
Turf Replacement at Ohio Stadium - Photo Gallery September 26, 2006 Source: The Ozone: "As you probably already know, the turf is being replaced in Ohio Stadium this week. We spent some time over their today observing the process. Check out Jim Davidson's photos from the day."
Mr. Bucknuts' Bucket Of Bullets October 1, 2006 Source: Bucknuts - "Mr. Bucknuts takes on the media that predicted a close Iowa game, pats himself on the back for trumpeting a blowout, tells you who all the new recruits this year will be, and takes underhanded shots at Herbstreit, Lee Corso, Gordon Gee and - yes - Charlie Weis; all in his rambling weekly "Bucket of Bullets..."
Stewart Mandel's Power Rankings September 26, 2006 Source: SI.com - "The Iowa Hawkeyes come in at No. 12 in this week's Power Rankings -- but they may be No. 1 in importance when it comes to determining this year's national championship matchup..."
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK September 26, 2006 OSU Head Coach Jim Tressel announced the players of the week for the Iowa game at his weekly press luncheon today. They were as follows:
Offensive Player of the Week - Brian Robiske
(He graded out to a game-high 92% against PSU)
Defensive Player of the Week - Antonio Smith
Offensive Lineman of the Week - Alex Boone
(He graded out to 89%, highest of any offensive lineman.)
Attack Force Player of the Week - Vernon Gholston
Special Teams Player of the Week - Anderson Russell
Scout Team Offensive Player of the Week - Albert Dukes
Scout Team Defensive Player of the Week - Juan Garnier
Scout Team Special Teams Player of the Week - Brandon Underwood.
A total of nine players on defense graded out to a winning performance against Penn State, but just five on offense.
September 27, 2006 Source: chicagotribune.com - "In December 2004, Joe (James' Dad) received a call from Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis. He wanted to visit. He said, Mr. Laurinaitis, I'm 10 miles away from your house, Joe recalled. I said: Sorry, coach, James just committed to Ohio State. Weiss said: You're kidding me."
The picture to the left is...Joe Laurinaitis, known as 'the Animal.' part of the WWF's Road Warriors aka Legion of Doom."
OSU super fan of the week: From SI.com, "this Buckeye fan channeled the spirit of the Road Warrior Animal, aka Joseph Lauranaitis, father of OSU star linebacker James Lauranaitis."
Battle Of Unbeatens On Tap This Week In Iowa City September 25, 2006 Source: OSU Official Site - "Top-ranked Ohio State travels to Iowa City this week to take on the unbeaten Iowa Hawkeyes in a prime time showdown in Kinnick Stadium. A capacity crowd of 70,585 is expected to be on hand for the sixty-first meeting between the two Big Ten rivals. Saturday's kickoff is scheduled for shortly after 8 p.m. EDT on ABC..."
Game Data: Ohio State at Iowa September 26, 2006 Source: Bucknuts - "We take a look at the pertinent information for each school, the television coverage information, the depth charts and provide a pick for Saturday's Big Ten showdown between No. 1 Ohio State and No. 13 Iowa (8 p.m., ABC). The Hawkeyes are led by senior quarterback Drew Tate. Click this free link for more..."
The-Ozone Note and Quotebook September 29, 2006 Source: USA Today - Pink Shmink: Iowa's Niles Kinnick stadium is newly remodeled, but one thing that didn't change in the renovation is Iowa's infamous pink locker room for the visiting team. That locker room was painted pink while Hayden Fry was the Iowa head coach when Fry was convinced by a psychological study that the pink color would make opposing players more passive for the game. Iowa's visiting locker room has been upgraded, but the pink color has remained including pink urinals for visiting players....
Gritty Iowa braces for Ohio State September 29, 2006 Source: The Ozone - "Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz acknowledges being a bit of a skeptic when he heard that Ohio State was being picked No. 1 nationally in preseason polls and prognostications. Then he started watching films of the Buckeyes..."
Tressel, Ferentz Discuss Prime Time Showdown September 26, 2006 Source: Bucknuts - "Another week, another big game for the Buckeyes. This weekend's night game between Ohio State and Iowa has been circled on many calendars for months now, and some are calling it the biggest game in the history of Iowa's Kinnick Stadium. The head coaches of the two teams met with the media this afternoon to discuss this weekend's game..."
An Experienced Test For The Defense September 26, 2006 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "They are riding high at 4-0, but the Buckeyes face their third tough test of the month of September this weekend when they head to the road to play Iowa. Get the latest from head coach Jim Tressel's mouth..."
OSU eyes trip to Iowa September 25, 2006 Source: Canton Repository - "...The last time the Buckeyes went to Iowa, they returned with the worst loss anyone on this team has witnessed. The Hawkeyes beat Ohio State, 33-7, in 2004..."
Ferentz expects 'six-ring' spectacle at Kinnick September 26, 2006 Source: Iowa City Pressnbsp;- "Kirk Herbstreit says Kinnick Stadium will be 'a zoo.' Kirk Ferentz expects to see 'a six-ring circus'..."
Buckeyes no longer afraid of the dark September 26, 2006 Source: CentralOhio.com - "They've already shown this season they can win at night on the road in an electrically charged environment. Now, the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes have to try to do it again..."
Can UI seize the moment? September 25, 2006 Source: Iowa City Press - "How can a team that failed to dominate lowly Illinois this past Saturday compete with the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes next Saturday?..."
GameDay inflates hype Iowa-Ohio State showdown September 25, 2006 Source: DesMoines Register - "The Saturday showdown between No. 13 Iowa and No. 1 Ohio State may draw more television viewers than any other football game in Kinnick Stadium's 77-year history..."
Flashback: Ohio State's Last Time Out With Iowa September 26, 2006 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "The last time Ohio State faced Iowa, the Buckeyes used a time-honored method to salve a year-old wound. After stumbling inconsistently through the first part of the season with a new spread offense, Ohio State came out against Iowa Sept. 24, 2005 in an I-formation and simply bowled over the youthful Hawkeye front..."
Reverse puts OSU in drive September 24, 2006 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "In terms of importance, sophomore cornerback Malcolm Jenkins made the biggest of Ohio State's big plays Saturday with his interception and 61-yard return for the game-clinching touchdown in a 28-6 win over Penn State..."
Source: The Ozone - These photos tell the story. Penn State was clearly holding on almost every play. However, the zebras didn't throw the flag. Why? It was a mystery to me during the game and after seeing these photos it still is, and even more so.
Could she influence you to become a Hawkeye fan? Click HERE to view it full size and to see OSU's own #1 Fan!
Captain's Corner: Buckeyes Make The Plays September 25, 2006 Source: Bucknuts - "It sounds cliche, but in a close game like the one between Ohio State and Penn State, the difference can simply be whichever team makes the plays that needed to be made. Such was the case on Saturday, says Jerry Rudzinski in this week's Captain's Corner..."
Mr. Bucknuts' Bucket Of Bullets September 24, 2006 Source:Bucknuts - "Mr. Bucknuts goes out of his way to not sound disappointed by the big win over Penn State. He partially succeeds. He then goes out of his way to take his weekly swipe at Charlie Weis, plus he discusses the "greatest OSU quarterback ever" and closes with a thought on Maurice Clarett - all in this week’s Bucket of Bullets..."
Pittman is one Buckeye who, in my opinion (and many others, including Troy's), doesn't get the credit he richly deserves...
Pittman well-suited for OSU September 17, 2006 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "Former Akron Buchtel standout making a name for himself as Buckeyes tailback..."
Pittman anonymity has run its course September 26, 2006 Source: Morning Journal - "There comes a time when those who are anonymous get so much attention for being anonymous that they are no longer anonymous..."
Clifford is OSU Bound September 21, 2006 Source: Bucknuts: "The No. 1 prospect in the state of Ohio, Eugene Clifford, formally announced his commitment to Ohio State..."
Go to our archive (July) to read more...
Escaping the pack September 21, 2006 Source: Sporting News "In this week's cover story, Matt Hayes says there's no doubt who college football's top dog is: Ohio State. Ted Ginn and the Buckeyes have left the rest of the pack behind..."
Any more doubts on OSU defense? September 17, 2006 Source: Canton Repository "At the start of the season, no one would have thought this. No one would have dared mention it. Maybe the strength of Ohio State’s football team is its defense..."
Less oxygen, more catches for Buckeyes' 'Bubble Boy' September 15, 2006 Source: Mansfield News Journal "If you think Ohio State's Anthony Gonzalez was breathing some rarefied air last Saturday night in Austin...you should be around him the rest of the time..."
Meet the man who keeps the top-ranked team in tip-top shape September 15, 2006 Source: Mansfield News Journal "If the Ohio State Buckeyes be-lieved their thrashing of Texas bought them extra time between squat sets this week, they underestimated Eric Lichter -- or "Hannibal the Cannibal," one of the nicer things they call him behind his back..."
On so many levels, OSU quarterback oozes cool September 15, 2006 Source: Columbus Dispatch "Jim Tressel doesn’t hesitate when asked what he looks for first in a quarterback. "Is he tough?" the Ohio State football coach asks..."
July, 2006: Vernon Gholston may not be a household name for Buckeyes fans, but we think he will be. The redshirt sophomore 6-4 260 defensive end wants to make a statement this season after sitting out last season because of injury. The injury allowed him to work out more and he's gotten bigger and stronger. He looks healthy and ready to contribute in a big way in 2006. Remember the name!
Update August 12, 2006:"'If you had to say which one catches your eye from a year ago, to me the one that has shown a lot is Vernon Gholstin, Quinn Pitcock told me that if Vernon can keep playing the way he's been playing we've got a chance, and I agree with him,' said Tressel."
