KENT STATE vs. OHIO STATE
No. 3 Ohio State Defeats Kent State, 48-3
October 13, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Ohio State didn’t bully Kent State around like it has every other team in Ohio Stadium this season, but one would not know it by the score: a 48-3 Buckeye win sparked by two return touchdowns, 263 passing yards and a defense that still has not surrendered a touchdown in Ohio Stadium this year..."
Scoring Summary, Team Statistics, Individual Statistics, Drive Chart, Defensive Statistics, Play-by-Play
| Team Statistics | | | Kent State | Ohio State | | First Downs | 15 | 22 | | Rushing | 12 | 8 | | Passing | 3 | 14 | | Penalty | 0 | 0 | | 3rd-Down efficiency | 4-14-29% | 5-10-50% | | 4th-Down efficiency | 1-1-100% | 0-0--% | | Total net yards | 223 | 401 | | Total plays | 63 | 61 | | Average gain | 3.5 | 6.6 | | Net yards rushing | 161 | 138 | | Rushes | 48 | 36 | | Average per rush | 3.4 | 3.8 | | Net yards passing | 62 | 263 | | Completed-attempted | 6-15 | 20-25 | | Yards per pass | 4.1 | 10.5 | | Sacked-yards lost | 5--23 | 2--14 | | Had intercepted | 1 | 0 | | Return Yardage | 105 | 208 | | Punts-returns | 1-1 | 4-101 | | Kickoffs-returns | 5-104 | 2-37 | | Interceptions-returns | 0-0 | 1-70 | | Penalties-yards | 1-10 | 2-20 | | Fumbles-lost | 1-1 | 0-0 | | Time of Possession | 30:20 | 29:40 | |
 | Postgame Transcript From Ohio State vs. Kent State - Coach Tressell & Players
October 13, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Well, we're happy to I guess have this delay in the Big Ten schedule with a nonconference game turning into a win. We had an opportunity to get a lot of guys some playing time..."
Bucknuts TV: Tressel Postgame Comments
October 13, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "OSU head coach Jim Tressel discussed several topics in today's postgame press conference after OSU's 48-3 win, including the injury situation of key players. We have video of the conference here..." |
Russell, Laurinaitis injuries sting OSU
October 13, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Maybe it was a pushover game, but Ohio State was still hurting yesterday after it blasted Kent State. All-America linebacker James Laurinaitis sat out the second half, and safety Anderson Russell might miss a game or two..."
The-Ozone Note and Quotebook
October 14, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "Injury Update, Big Plays, Taking What They Give You, Out to Win, and Run vs. Pass Mode; they're all covered in the-Ozone Note and Quotebook..."
Kent State running game proves OSU has work to do
October 13, 2007 Source: Dayton Daily News - "For the Buckeyes, giving up three points to Kent State is nothing. But 84 rushing yards by running back Eugene Jarvis was a lot more than the defensive unit had planned. Jarvis averaged 5.3 yards per carry and gave the defense fits, but only saw limited action after the second quarter...."
 | Hartline's record return ignites rout
October 14, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The sophomore returned a second-quarter punt 90 yards for a touchdown, the longest punt return in school history, to spark the Buckeyes' 48-3 victory. 'That's just crazy,' Hartline said. 'It's kind of like etched in stone now, right? Hopefully, it won't be the last record I get, but it's a huge honor.'..." |
Saine a top weapon for Ohio State
"Ohio State considered making Brandon Saine a receiver this season because of his dazzling speed. But the freshman running back is giving his coaches what they were seeking even without a position switch.
Saine had five receptions for 76 yards against Kent State, both game highs. He also led the Buckeyes in rushing with 69 yards on nine carries, all in the second half.
'I don't want to downplay my other receivers, but his hands are something else,' OSU junior quarterback Todd Boeckman said. 'We're really surprised by what he brings to the table with that. The other guys can catch the ball out of the backfield, but he has that extra something.'
Saine caught a 35-yard pass on the Buckeyes' second possession, the longest of his career. OSU lined up in a twin-tailback formation, and Boeckman hit Saine in stride on the left sideline.
The Piqua (OH) product had arthroscopic surgery Sept. 21 after injuring his left knee in the third quarter against Washington. He was eased back into action against Purdue and played extensively against Kent State.
'I'm feeling really good,' Saine said. 'All my medical problems are behind me. I can just focus on football.' (Source: Dayton Daily News) |
Buckeye Leaves
October 15, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "A second look at what's left from Saturday's game: Because Todd Boeckman played so well in the win over Kent State, this was worth investigating. Troy Smith's stats through seven games last year: 116 of 170 (68.2 percent) for 1,495 yards, 17 touchdowns and two interceptions. Todd Boeckman's stats through seven games this year: 105 of 160 (65.6 percent) for 1,353 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions..."
 | The Bottom Line
October 14, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Thus concludes the I-76 corridor portion of our program. And not a moment too soon. Word is, cable companies were inundated with calls from viewers asking them to remove the Big Ten Network. Leaves are awarded on a zero-to-five basis..."
Report Card
October 14, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Ohio State cornerback Donald Washington We've tried to tell you in bits and pieces how well Washington has been playing this year. The sophomore cornerback has been virtually mistake-free, but defensive coordinator Jim Heacock thinks it took Washington's 70-yard interception return for a touchdown to get the love he deserves..."
Head Of The Class
Report card: Ohio State vs. Kent State
October 14, 2007 Source: Mansfield News Journal - "OFFENSIVE LINE - Guard Steve Rehring thought it was wonderful that Saturday's game started at noon after back-to-back night games. He must have been ecstatic when his work day ended about 1:30 p.m. The second team started the second half and promptly drove to a score, which tells you all you need to know about the colossal mismatch up front..." |
 | Captain's Corner: Bucks Conquer Road Night Game Environment Again
October 14, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "So the Buckeyes are No. 1 and control their own destiny. But don't buy your plane reservations for New Orleans just yet. The season has a long way to go as the most challenging stretch of the year begins next week. 1998 OSU captain Jerry Rudzinski discusses that as well as the win over Kent State in this version of the Captain's Corner..." |
Buckeyes Blast Kent State 48-3
October 13, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "Ohio State got a school-record 90-yard punt return touchdown from Brian Hartline and a 70-yard interception return for a score from Donald Washington as they blasted Kent State 48-3 Saturday at Ohio Stadium. Click this free link for all the details. (Note: Story updated at 4:30 p.m. with more notes and quotes.)..."
OSU Rolls To Victory Over Instate Rivals
October 13, 2007 Source: BuckeyeGrove.com - "Ohio State flexed its muscles early and often against instate rival Kent State, scoring 28 second-quarter points to run away and hide with a 48-3 victory. The win included a school-record 90-yard punt return by Brian Hartline..."
How Ohio State's opponents fared
| DATE | OPPONENT | SITE | W-L | THIS WEEK'S RESULT |
| Sept. 1 | Youngstown State | home | 5-2 | beat Southern Utah 23-22 |
| Sept. 8 | Akron | home | 3-4 | lost to Temple 24-20 |
| Sept. 15 | Washington | away | 2-4 | lost to Arizona St. 44-20 |
| Sept. 22 | Northwestern | home | 4-3 | beat Minnesota 49-48 2OT |
| Sept. 29 | Minnesota | away | 1-6 | lost to Northwestern 49-48 2OT |
| Oct. 6 | Purdue | away | 5-2 | lost to Michigan 48-21 |
| Oct. 13 | Kent State | home | 3-4 | lost to Ohio State 48-3 |
| Oct. 20 | Michigan State | home | 5-2 | beat Indiana 52-27 |
| Oct. 27 | Penn State | away | 5-2 | beat Wisconsin 38-7 |
| Nov. 3 | Wisconsin | home | 5-2 | lost to Penn State 38-7 |
| Nov. 10 | Illinois | home | 5-2 | lost to Iowa 10-6 |
| Nov. 17 | TSUN | away | 5-2 | beat Purdue 48-21 |
Postgame Quotes Coach Martin & Players
October 13, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Head Coach Doug Martin On Ohio State:'No one is going to come in here and score 30 points on Ohio State. This is one of the best defenses I have ever seen. You have to grind with them and make it come down to the wire.'..."
Can road to national title game be this easy for Ohio State?
October 10, 2007 Source: Mansfield News Journal - "Broadcasters Brent Musberger and Kirk Herbstreit told viewers that a loss for No. 2 USC meant the Buckeyes essentially control their own destiny for second consecutive trip to the BCS National Championship Game in New Orleans. But with this group of Buckeyes, is it really possible?..."
 | Defense, Buckeyes continue to rise
October 8, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "If there were any concerns...Ohio State players certainly didn't act worried. As Jim Tressel addressed the media, loud shouts of "oh yeah" and whoops of glee emanating from the nearby locker room nearly drowned out his measured tones. The defense looked frighteningly dominant in shutting down a potent Boilermakers attack, who scored with only 10 seconds left against what offensive tackle Kirk Barton called "our AYOs" (all you others). Even with starting defensive linemen limited with injuries, the Buckeyes did not allow Purdue past the OSU 40-yard line until just over a minute remained..." |
| Ohio State has fielded some dominating defenses, including the 2007 group that has posted impressive numbers through six games. Here's a look at 10 of the best since 1970, factoring in the increase in passing through the years: | | YEAR | AVG POINTS | RUSH YARDS | PASS YARDS | TOTAL YARDS | | 1970 | 12.0 | 110.8 | 152.4 | 263.2 | | 1971 | 12.0 | 164.7 | 118.2 | 282.9 | | 1973 | 5.8 | 132.5 | 91.3 | 223.8 | | 1975 | 8.5 | 156.6 | 107.7 | 264.3 | | 1977 | 10.0 | 142.9 | 101.1 | 244.0 | | 1997 | 13.1 | 119.3 | 158.3 | 277.6 | | 1998 | 12.0 | 69.8 | 190.1 | 259.8 | | 2002 | 13.1 | 77.7 | 243.1 | 320.9 | | 2006 | 12.8 | 98.3 | 182.2 | 280.5 | | 2007* | 7.2 | 46.5 | 163.5 | 210.0 | | *-through six games |
OSU Defense Leaves Mark On Purdue, Doubters
October 8, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "Facing one of the best offenses in the nation and without the full services of a couple linemen because of injury, the Ohio State defense simply adapted and dominated Purdue in the Buckeyes' impressive 23-7 win. Afterward their was credit all around for the stop troops..."
Rob Oller commentary: It's way too early to anoint defense one of Ohio State's best ever Source: Columbus Dispatch
Purdue discovers Ohio State has speed to match power
"One of the most telling examples of Ohio State's speed came in the way the Buckeyes took away Purdue's short passing attack for most of their 23-7 win Saturday night at Ross-Ade Stadium. "We thought we would be able to throw the ball underneath a little bit," Purdue coach Joe Tiller said. "We didn't because their linebackers are darn fast. That really helped in their underneath coverage. "We also thought that we could throw some hitches, which we did throw some in the first half, but I thought we got a little out of our game plan." Purdue's Dustin Keller, who had a team-high 101 yards receiving, acknowledged the speed was a major factor. "When you watch film, you can tell, of course, that these guys are faster than other guys we've faced," Keller said. "When you get in the game, you realize the reality of it, how fast these guys are and how physical they really are." (Source: Indianapolis Star)
Five Things We Learned This Weekend
"2) That Ohio State has a national-championship defense. A year ago, the season-long No. 1 Buckeyes tried to win a national title -- and came within one game of doing it -- while contradicting the accepted adage that defense wins championships. OSU's inexperienced 2006 defense was good, not great, but its ultra-explosive offense was able to compensate in the event of a shootout like the 42-39 Michigan game -- that is, until it ran into Florida, which not only exploited its defense but neutralized the offense. A year later, no one would mistake the Buckeyes' Todd Boeckman-Brian Robiskie-Chris Wells offense for the Troy Smith-Ted Ginn-Anthony Gonzalez edition, but that might not matter, because their defense is playing at a whole other level. If any Big Ten offense could have exposed OSU's D, it would have been Purdue's senior-laden unit, which came in averaging nearly 500 yards a game. So what did the Buckeyes do? Shut out the Boilers for 59:50.
Improbable as it seemed a month ago, these Buckeyes are actually better suited for a title run than last year's more heavily hyped squad. Admittedly, part of that is due to the lack of a worthy adversary in their own conference. The Big Ten's only other ranked teams as of this week are Wisconsin and Illinois, both of which must come to Columbus and neither of which is strong enough on defense to beat the Buckeyes (to do so, you're going to have to shut down their offense, because they're almost certainly going to shut down yours). OSU's toughest remaining tests figure to come Oct. 27 at Penn State and Nov. 17 at Michigan. While the Nittany Lions' meek offense will be hard-pressed to score points against the Bucks, they will also present a far tougher defense than OSU has yet faced. As for the Michigan game, that one's not as much about the matchup as it is the ever-present wild-card factor that comes with that rivalry.
Because the Big Ten lacks a true litmus test, it's hard to say what would happen if OSU actually reached its second straight title game, but generally a great defense (the Bucks are currently No. 1 nationally in scoring defense, No. 2 in total defense) gives a team a chance against just about anybody. There's only one team in the country right now that would be a prohibitive favorite against them on a neutral field. Which brings us to ..." (Source: SI.com)
Inside the Beat: So how good are these Buckeyes?
October 8, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Coming out of the season's Turn Two (that's for Tim, our auto-racing guru), Ohio State is 6-0 and ranked third in the nation. The record is not a shock, given the mostly underwhelming opposition. But the Buckeyes have risen in the polls faster and higher than expected. Are they really the nation's third-best team, and what does the second half of the season hold in store? Dispatch reporters Tim May and Ken Gordon break it down..."
Call it the punterception
"It has been said that giving up an interception on a deep pass is the equivalent of a punt. Bruce Hooley of WBNS-AM has even given it name, the punterception..." |
No. 3 Ohio State Back Home for Kent State
October 8, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Third-ranked Ohio State (6-0/3-0 in the Big Ten) completes non-conference play for 2007, hosting Kent State (3-3/1-2 in the MAC) in a noon game Saturday, October 13, 2007, at Ohio Stadium (102,329) in Columbus..."
Press release in PDF
 |  | Jim Tressel Addresses Media Thursday
October 11, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "The Buckeyes begin the second half of the 2007 regular season vs. Kent State at noon Saturday in Ohio Stadium. Big Ten Network will televise the game live and WBNS 1460 AM and 97.1 FM will have the live radio call..." |
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 | Transcript From Coach Tressel Weekly Press Conference
October 9, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "How about that Tribe (Cleveland Indians)? All right. Well, it was the end of a two-game night road stand for us, we knew it was going to be a challenge going in and I thought our kids prepared extremely well for it..."
 | Bucknuts TV: Tressel Press Conference
October 9, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "OSU head coach Jim Tressel began his weekly Tuesday media sessions by opening the Big Ten coaches teleconference. There was a little talk of defense, a little talk of this week's game, but mostly the focus was on the national scene. Tressel also gave updates on several of the Buckeyes players at his press luncheon. We have a wrap-up and a video link..." |
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Beanie no worse for wear
"Coach Jim Tressel said Wells will be ready for a home game Saturday against Kent State, despite having to leave the Purdue game three times after tweaking his sensitive left ankle. Wells was displeased about not being allowed to return. "He was ready to go back in, but at the point in time, we didn't think it was necessary," Tressel said. "But he should be fine."
He also said freshman running back Brandon Saine, who made his first appearance after missing two games after arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, had no complications after getting six carries and likely will play more Saturday. Meanwhile, backup outside linebacker Ross Homan's unspecified injury could keep him out several more weeks, Tressel said." (Source: Columbus Dispatch)
Is Beanie Bashing Becoming Fashionable?
October 9, 2007 Source: Eleven Warriors - "There is...a similarity between the 2007 and 2002 seasons - much to the consternation of the Buckeye faithful. This year, like the magical run of Tressel’s 2nd season features a running back with oodles of talent, but a lingering injury..." |
 | Jim Tressel Press Luncheon - Interview Slideshow
October 10, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "In an effort to bring you news about the Buckeyes in new and interesting ways, we've put together a slideshow with audio from Jim Tressel's media lunchion. We've selected over five minutes of audio and some of our better photos from the day..." |
The Jim Tressel Note and Quotebook
October 11, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "We're glad so many of you are enjoying the slide shows produced by Jim Davidson this week. For those of you who cannot or prefer not to view the multi-media presentation, we've put together a Jim Tressel Note and Quotebook covering some of the same material, plus a few extra tidbits..."
On the injury front
"Tressel said defensive lineman Todd Denlinger should be back this week. Kicker Aaron Pettrey, who would be handling the kickoffs if he was healthy, won't return before November. That will leave backup kicker Andrew Good and punter A.J. Trapasso as the kickoff specialists, as we saw at Purdue for the first time. Linebacker Ross Homan, who hasn't played on defense for the last three games with a turf toe injury, won't play again this week and may miss several more games, according to Tressel." (Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer)
More: Personnel Update (Source: The Ozone) |
Expect to play, Tressel tells his starters
October 10, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...one coach plans to empty his bench to keep his players fresh and healthy for the second half of the conference race. The other coach has no plans to rest anyone, including the starting tailback who keeps limping off the field with a bad ankle. Care to guess which coach is which?..."
Tressel talks injuries, Kent State and more
October 9, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Injuries, players in question and preparations for Kent State littered the topics addressed as Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel spoke with the media for his weekly press conference. BuckeyeSports.com has all the latest..."
Ohio State Football Quotes, Oct. 9
October 9, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Buckeyes Brian Hartline and Chimdi Chekwa speak to the media Tuesday after Jim Tressel's weekly press luncheon...."
Assistant Coaches Speak to Media Wednesday
October 10, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "On the 3-3-5 defensive set: 'We played it (3-3-5) for a few years just a little each game. Sometimes it is just to get a little more speed on the field and other times it is just to give new guys a chance to make plays.' Jim Heacock, defensive coordinator..."
 | Football: Tuesday Player Interviews
October 9, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - ""We have played well we are 6-0, but now we have to face the toughest six games of our schedule. It is not going to be easy." - Steve Rehring, junior offensive guard..." |
| Series Information | | The Buckeyes lead the short series with the Kent State Golden Flashes by a 1-0 advantage. The only previous meeting between the schools was a 51-17 Ohio State win on Sept. 7, 2002, in a game played at Ohio Stadium. Coach Jim Tressel had a 4-3 record against Kent State in his 15 seasons as head coach at Youngstown State. |
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Last Time Out...
October 9, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Ohio State finishes its non-conference slate with a game vs. Kent State at Ohio Stadium. It is only the second all-time meeting between the two schools. Check out how the Buckeyes did against the Golden Flashes in their previous meeting in this edition of "Last Time Out..."
Football Flashback: Kent State, 2002
October 10, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Buckeyes Jump On Kent State Early, Win 51-17..."
Schedule & Results To Date Ohio State 5-0
Youngstown St. W: 38-6
Akron W: 20-2
Washington W: 14
Northwestern W: 58-7
Minnesota W: 30-7
Purdue W: 23-7 | | Kent State 3-3
Iowa St. W: 23-14
Kentucky L: 20-56
Delaware St. W: 38-7
Akron L: 20-27
Ohio W: 33-25
Miami (Ohio) L: 13-20 |
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| Tale of the Tape |
| OSU | Offense | Kent State |
| 33.7 | Pts/gm | 24.5 |
| 416.2 | Total yds/gm | 420.7 |
| 203.5 | Rush yds/gm | 230.5 |
| 43.5 | Carries/gm | 48.3 |
| 4.7 | Yds/carry | 4.8 |
| 212.7 | Pass yds/gm | 190.2 |
| 27.7 | Pass att/gm | 27.8 |
| 12.2 | Yds/completion | 13.3 |
| OSU | Defense | Kent State |
| 7.2 | Pts/gm | 24.8 |
| 210.0 | Total yds/gm | 332.7 |
| 46.5 | Rush yds/gm | 143.8 |
| 27.6 | Carries/gm | 39.2 |
| 1.7 | Yds/carry | 3.7 |
| 163.5 | Pass yds/gm | 188.8 |
| 37.5 | Pass att/gm | 25.2 |
| 8.1 | Yds/completion | 13.0 |
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Kent State (3-3) at Ohio State (6-0)
(Source: CollegeFootballNews.com)
Why to watch: After putting on a clinic in the 23-7 win over Purdue, Ohio State is back in the national title picture. Now it has to go on a mega-PR campaign to convince the world that it deserves to be in the mix of the top teams, and that the 2007 BCS Championship game was a one-shot deal. After this week it's Michigan State, and then a nice finishing kick (at Penn State, Wisconsin, Illinois and at Michigan) that if navigated unscathed, should punch the ticket to New Orleans. But first, the Buckeyes have to get through the formality of Kent State, who's coming off a rough MAC start, losing two of the first three games in heartbreaking fashion. The offense is just good enough to make things interesting if everything breaks the right way, but the Buckeyes have gone 10-0 against MAC teams over the last ten years.
Why Kent State might win: The only shot the Golden lashes have of keeping this interesting is if OSU has mentally checked out after the huge win over Purdue, but they can play a little defense. No, they're not Ohio State, but they're the best in the MAC so far, leading the conference in run defense and is second in pass defense. The defensive front has held up extremely well so far, and if it can generate a little bit of a pass rush, the Buckeyes offense could struggle a bit. Unfortunately ...
Why Ohio State might win: KSU doesn't have a pass rush. The secondary doesn't give up too many yards, but it can be burned deep, and it doesn't come up with enough clutch plays. This is a limited Golden Flash offense that doesn't have any semblance of a passing game. With the way the Buckeyes corners are playing, the safeties can spend all their time keeping QB Julian Edelman and RB Eugene Jarvis from breaking out big runs on the outside.
Who to watch: As if OSU wasn't already loaded with secondary talent. CB Chimdi Chekwa showed up against Purdue with one of the best defensive performances of the Big Ten season with ten solo tackles and a broken up pass. He won't have to do too much against the KSU receivers, but he and the rest of the defensive backs will be in on a slew of assisted tackles against the Golden Flash running game.
What will happen: Kent State is a better team than the 1-2 conference record might indicate, but this is a bad matchup. Ohio State is a tough team for anyone to deal with, but Kent State simply doesn't have the offensive diversity to get the ball moving.
CFN Prediction: Ohio State 37 ... Kent State 3... Line: Ohio State -30.5
Must See Rating: (5 Hideki Matsui's "collection" - 1 The Heartbreak Kid) ... 1.5
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Preview: #3 OSU vs. Kent State
October 11, 2007 Source: Eleven Warriors - "The third ranked Buckeyes conclude their Three Little Siblings Tour with a home tilt against the Kent State Golden Flashes. I know this is getting milked pretty hard, but if you’re into the 2002 comparisons, the only other time the two programs have faced each other is that season, with the Buckeyes coming out on top 51-17..."
Scouting report: Kent State at Ohio State
October 11, 2007 Source: Warren Tribune-Chronicle - "Here is the scouting report for Ohio State's game with Kent State...Kent State sophomore Eugene Jarvis leads the MAC and is fifth in the nation in rushing with 851 yards (6.2 yards per carry) and has scored eight rushing touchdowns. Junior (QB) Julian Edelman was 19-of-22 for 260 yards against Miami of Ohio last week, but two of his incompletions were interceptions. Edelman is a talent. He can run and pass, but he is prone to turnovers. Containing Jarvis and Edelman will be the Buckeyes’ focus..."
The Essentials: Kent State
October 11, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Players to watch, themes to know - its the essential guide to Kent State, the most important notes about the Golden Flashes before Ohio State hosts the in-state squad Saturday in the Horseshoe..."
Game Data: Kent State at Ohio State
October 10, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "With our weekly Game Data feature, we take a look at the pertinent data, depth charts, more notables and have a prediction on Saturday's game between No. 3 Ohio State and Kent State at Ohio Stadium (noon, Big Ten Network). Click this free link for all the details..."
Crunching The Numbers: OSU-Kent State
October 9, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Kent State has already beaten a Bowl Championship Series team this season, but handling a ranked team has been another issue entirely. Find out about that and more in this week's edition of Crunching The Numbers..."
OHIO STATE DEPTH CHART
Kent State Official Site
Cumulative Season Statistics: Team, Individual, Defensive & Combined
Kent State Football Game Notes (vs. Ohio State) Source: Kent State Official Site (coming soon)
Flashes Prepare To Face Third-Ranked Ohio State
October 9, 2007 Source: Kent State Official Site - "We are not going to change our style of play, we are going to go out and run the same offense and defense that we have been running. We have to shorten this game, we can’t leave our defense on the field and it be a 40 minute possession advantage for Ohio State..."
Complete Press release in PDF
 | (Head Coach) Doug Martin's Weekly Press Conference
October 8, 2007 Source: Kent State Official Site - "We are not going to change our style of play, we are going to go out and run the same offense and defense that we have been running. We have to shorten this game, we can’t leave our defense on the field and it be a 40 minute possession advantage for Ohio State..."
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KentStateInsider.com Kent State Scout site
KentSportsReport.com Kent State Rivals site
 Columbus Weather Forecast
Happy Birthday, Script Ohio
October 10, 2007 Source: Eleven Warriors - "Break out the birthday candles and get your party hat on as Script Ohio turns 71 years young today. The first Script Ohio was performed back on October 10, 1936 with the Buckeyes hosting Pitt in the ‘Shoe and has since become one of the finest traditions in all of college football. So much so, that 'dotting the i' has become an honor of near biblical porportions if you reside in Buckeye Nation..."
Rebuilding? Not these Buckeyes
October 7, 2007 Source: SI.com - " Purdue's campus store sold some 4,000 glow-in-the-dark "Boiler Blackout" T-shirts in anticipation of Saturday night's clash with Ohio State. But under the lights of Ross-Ade Stadium, it was the scarlet and gray that dominated in front of the record 65,497 in attendance..."
The-Ozone Note and Quotebook
October 7, 2007 The Ozone - " Purdue's campus store sold some 4,000 glow-in-the-dark "Getting Their Kicks, Shutdown, Beanie's Wheels, Three-man Front, Russellitis, Bombs Away, Blackout Tainted and Bottling Up the Boilers; they're all covered in the-Ozone Note and Quotebook..."
 | Mr. Bucknuts' Bucket Of Bullets
October 7, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "Mr. Bucknuts comes back with an exhausting Bucket of Bullets that covers Saturday’s throttling back of the Boilers, a few smarmy remarks about Notre Dame’s huge upset win, a different perspective on the All Star game mess, an insight for bettors of college football, an odd view on who will be quarterbacking the Buckeyes, and his guess on how many Big Ten teams will go to bowls..." |
 |  | | Purdue running back Kory Sheets is tackled by Ohio State linebacker Marcus Freeman, left, and Ray Small, right, catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Purdue cornerback Jake Swank. |
Boeckman's 2 TD passes lead Ohio St. to 23-7 win over Purdue
October 6, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Purdue had averaged 45 points and 496 yards per game, but Ohio State held the Boilermakers to 272 total yards. Purdue ran for just 4 yards on 17 attempts, and Jared Armstrong tied a school record with 12 punts. Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter, who had averaged more than 300 passing yards in his first five games, finished with 268. Much of that was gained in the fourth quarter against Buckeye reserves..."
Box Score in PDF
| Bucknuts TV: Tressel Postgame
October 2, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "OSU head coach Jim Tressel met with the media for several minutes after the 23-7 win over Purdue to talk about his team's progress and performance, OSU's status in the national rankings, and many more topics. Check out Tressel's comments in this video..." |
Secondary locks up Purdue
October 7, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Cover and hit, then cover some more. That was the cry of the Ohio State defensive backfield going into the game last night against high-scoring Purdue. It was supposed to be the biggest test of the season for the defense, especially for a still-young secondary. But redshirt freshman cornerback Chimdi Chekwa, who played most of the game in the five-man defensive backfield, set the tone with sure tackling and a timely blitz or two. 'We came out here knowing it was going to be a tough game against an undefeated team in the Big Ten,' Chekwa said. 'And we came with the mind-set we were going to dominate on both offense and defense..."
| The Bottom Line
October 7, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Purdue has a decent Painter. Some people go for that kind of art, apparently. Others prefer sculpture, the kind in which the craftsman takes hammer to rock and makes a defensive masterpiece. Leaves are awarded on a zero-to-five basis..."
Report Card
October 7, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Ohio quarterback Todd Boeckman He had three interceptions in the first five games and three more Saturday night. Coach Jim Tressel said he didn't like Boeckman's feet on some of his throws in the third quarter..."
Head Of The Class |
Buckeye Defense Nearly Whitewashes Purdue Offense on Blackout Night
October 6, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "The Blackout at West Lafayette looked good in the stands, but the Purdue football team couldn't come close to matching it as the Buckeye defense smothered what was supposed to be the league's best offense. Check out the-Ozone game..."
Lights out
October 6, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The Ohio State defense served as a giant wet blanket tonight, completely smothering a fiery Purdue offense and quieting a black-clad crowd that came to party. After the Buckeyes finished off their 23-7 victory, the sellout Ross-Ade Stadium gathering may have filed out whining, 'Who invited these guys? They're no fun. They don't let us do anything.'...The Boilers had not been shut out in a quarter this season, let alone three straight quarters. Purdue did not get past the OSU 40-yard line until just 1:16 remained in the contest..."
Postgame Notes From No. 4 Ohio State vs. No. 23 Purdue
October 6, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Ohio State has won 24-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 25 of their last 26 games. The 24-game consecutive regular-season win streak is an Ohio State record. Jim Tressel’s record with the Buckeyes now is 68-14 and his career record is 203-71-2..."
(4) Ohio State 23, (23) Purdue 7
October 6, 2007 Source: ESPN.com - "Box Score, Play-by-Play, Drive Chart, Recap, Photos..."
| Team Statistics | Ohio State | Purdue | | First Downs | 20 | 15 | | Rushing | 10 | 1 | | Passing | 9 | 14 | | Penalty | 1 | 0 | | 3rd-Down efficiency | 5-14-36% | 6-20-30% | | 4th-Down efficiency | 0-1-0% | 1-2-50% | | Total net yards | 381 | 272 | | Total plays | 74 | 77 | | Average gain | 5.1 | 3.5 | | Net yards rushing | 181 | 4 | | Rushes | 45 | 17 | | Average per rush | 4.0 | .2 | | Net yards passing | 200 | 268 | | Completed-attempted-Int | 17-29-3 | 31-60-0 | | Yards per pass | 6.9 | 4.5 | | Sacks By: Number-Yards | 3-26 | 1-11 | | Had intercepted | 3 | 0 | | Red-Zone Scores-Chances | 2-2 | 1-1 | | Return Yardage | 59 | 54 | | Punts-returns | 8-59 | 1--3 | | Kickoffs-returns | 1-0 | 3-57 | | Interceptions-returns | 0-0 | 3-0 | | KICKOFFS-YARDS | 6-396 | 2-80 | | Average Yards Per Kickoff | 66.0 | 40.0 | | Net Yards Per Kickoff | 45.8 | 29.5 | | Touchbacks | 3 | 1 | | PUNTS-YARDS | 5-229 | 12-492 | | Avg Yds Per Punt | 45.8 | 41.0 | | Net Yds Per Punt | 42.6 | 35.3 | | Inside 20 | 1 | 2 | | 50+ Yards | 2 | 3 | | Penalties-yards | 5-40 | 3-25 | | Fumbles-lost | 0-0 | 1-1 | | Possession Time | 33:51 | 26:09 | | 1st Quarter | 7:56 | 7:04 | | 2nd Quarter | 9:38 | 5:22 | | 3rd Quarter | 9:04 | 5:56 | | 4th Quarter | 7:13 | 7:47 |
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 | Purdue's Dorien Bryant, who had been one of the nation's leaders in receptions,
had the worst game of his career with two catches for minus-four yards.
October 7, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "The career all-purpose yardage leader at Purdue amassed just 51 Saturday night. Senior receiver Dorien Bryant, who has 5,066 yards in his career, rarely found any open space against the nation's second-best defense. When it looked like he did, Ohio State players were quick to converge. They eliminated Bryant by being physical, Purdue coach Joe Tiller said. 'They were knocking him around physically,' he said after the game. 'It wasn't like we didn't try to throw the football to him. But certainly, the thing wasn't open and wasn't there like it was in the past.' Bryant was thrown to six times. Two passes were nearly intercepted, one was thrown too high and one was dropped; Bryant caught the other two, but lost a total of 4 yards. He ran the ball once, losing 2 yards. He was dragged down for a 4-yard loss on a punt return. He returned a kickoff 23 yards, but on his next return, Bryant fumbled, giving the ball back to Ohio State. He also had one for 17 midway through the third quarter..." |
| Captain's Corner: Bucks Conquer Road Night Game Environment Again
October 7, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "After struggling in road night games from 2003 to 2005, the Buckeyes won their fourth straight road night game Saturday night. 1998 OSU captain Jerry Rudzinski gives his thoughts on this big Buckeye win in his latest Captain's Corner..." |
Buckeyes Set To Move Up In Polls After Win
October 7, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Ohio State stayed unbeaten with a 23-7 victory over Purdue, stayed atop the Big Ten standings and positioned itself to move up in the national rankings, thanks to USC's upset loss to Stanford..."
Buckeyes Bury Boilermakers, 23-7
October 6, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "Purdue staged a "blackout" on Saturday night, but it didn't keep Ohio State's offense from lighting up the scoreboard early in the game. The No. 4 Buckeyes scored TDs on their first two possessions of the game and cruised to a 23-7 victory over the No. 23 Boilermakers in West Lafayette. OSU's defense was impressive all evening and only a TD with 10 seconds left prevented the shutout..."
How Ohio State's opponents fared
| DATE | OPPONENT | SITE | W-L | THIS WEEK'S RESULT |
| Sept. 1 | Youngstown State | home | 4-2 | lost to Southern Ill 24-17 |
| Sept. 8 | Akron | home | 3-3 | beat W. Michigan 39-38 |
| Sept. 15 | Washington | away | 2-3 | did not play |
| Sept. 22 | Northwestern | home | 3-3 | beat Michigan State 48-41 OT |
| Sept. 29 | Minnesota | away | 1-4 | lost to Indiana 40-20 |
| Oct. 6 | Purdue | away | 5-1 | lost to Ohio State 23-7 |
| Oct. 13 | Kent State | home | 3-3 | lost to Miami 20-13 |
| Oct. 20 | Michigan State | home | 4-2 | lost to Northwestern 48-41 OT |
| Oct. 27 | Penn State | away | 4-2 | beat Iowa 27-7 |
| Nov. 3 | Wisconsin | home | 5-1 | lost to Illinois 31-26 |
| Nov. 10 | Illinois | home | 5-1 | beat Wisconsin 31-26 |
| Nov. 17 | TSUN | away | 4-2 | beat Eastern Michigan 33-22 |
Purdue vs Ohio State -- Football Postgame Quotes
October 7, 2007 Source: Purdue Official Site - "Joe Tiller, 'I asked (Ohio State head coach Jim) Tressel before the game if this was the best defense he's ever had, and he said 'It might be.''...Dustin Keller, Tight End, ...on the high quality of Ohio State's defense - 'Each week we'll usually find something weak in the opponents' defense and just keep attacking and attacking. (Ohio State is) a really strong defense all across the board; there's no weakness there.'..."
Grading the Boilermakers
October 7, 2007 Source: BoilerStation.com - "F: Quarterback: Curtis Painter, Receivers, Offensive line, Defensive backs, Special Teams, Coaching...This one was lost in the first quarter, which means Purdue was not ready to play. That falls squarely on the shoulders of Joe Tiller and the coaching staff. And what's with the punt on fourth down with 10 minutes to go? Playing for field position down 23 points, I guess..."
Boilers' offense blacked out
October 7, 2007 Source: Indianapolis Star - "The Blackout turned into a wipeout...The showdown between two unbeaten, nationally ranked Big Ten teams drew 65,497 to Ross-Ade Stadium, the largest since stadium reconstruction in 2003. Purdue fans were encouraged to wear all black to create a "blackout," but the crowd included a large contingent of red-clad Buckeyes supporters who saw their team remain in contention to play for a national title..."
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