Coach Tressel Answers Questions Thursday Afternoon November 1, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Head coach Jim Tressel met with the media at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center Thursday afternoon as No. 1 Ohio State continues to gear up for No. 19 Wisconsin this Saturday at Ohio Stadium..."
Badgers' 2004 victory dance inciting Buckeyes November 2, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "While the current OSU coach brushed off any cliched suggestion this week that the Badgers have his number, Tressel has been only too happy to motivate his players for Saturday's matchup...with the reminder that Wisconsin has won three straight games in Columbus and victoriously danced on the midfield block O in 2004. 'That's a bitter taste in everyone's mouth," said tight end Rory Nicol, one of 23 current Buckeyes who witnessed that dance. "I think it's disrespectful..."
INJURY UPDATES: "Ross Homan went a little bit this week," said Tressel, referring that he did practice some this week, but then added "I don't think he's ready," meaning he's out for the game against the Badgers. Backup safety and special teamer Aaron Grant is also out. Tressel said that "Rob Rose is probably a little bit limited like he was last week, and it's probably not the style of game that you wanted to be limited at that position." Andre Amos is back full go: "For that guy to come back off of a knee surgery so quick, usually you have a surgery like that it takes probably to the end of the season and if you're lucky by Bowl time for a guy to come back, and he came back Purdue week full practice," said OSU corner backs coach Taver Johnson. True freshman DB Eugene Clifford, from Cincinnati Colerain, who has missed time due to an previously undisclosed injury is ready to return this week.
Buckeyes hoping for a November to remember October 30, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "There are variations on the theme, but in regards to Big Ten football, it always comes back to this: The games they remember are the ones in November...Wisconsin (7-2, 3-2) is the only Big Ten team to hold a winning record (1-3) over Tressel, who is in his seventh season at OSU. But he said there is no secret to the Badgers' success in that regard. 'Good teams are a nemesis,' Tressel said. '"It's tough to beat good teams.'..."
Transcript From Coach Tressel Weekly Press Conference October 30, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "'Clay brought up the fact that I have my National Day of College Football pin on, and Saturday happens to be the National Day of College Football and recognized throughout the country at all levels and coaches all over the country will be wearing...'..."
Jim Tressel conference call October 30, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel addressed the media today in a Big Ten conference call. Hear what coach Tressel had to say about the win over Penn State, the upcoming game against Wisconsin and scheduling in the Big Ten..."
Bucknuts TV: Tressel Press Conference October 30, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "It's out of the frying pan and into the fire this week for OSU as they come off a big win at Penn State to begin a stretch against the rest of the Big Ten's top teams. Next up for top-ranked OSU is nemesis Wisconsin. OSU head coach Jim Tressel discussed the win over Penn State, what to expect from Wisconsin, the rise of OSU quarterback Todd Boeckman and more during his press luncheon and the Big Ten teleconference...includes video link of Jim Tressel's press conference (13 minutes; courtesy ScoutingOhio.com)..."
Player Luncheon Quotes October 30, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Buckeyes Rory Nicol and Marcus Freeman speak to the media following Jim Tressel's weekly press luncheon..."
Player Interview - Marcus Freeman October 30, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Defensive player of the week linebacker Marcus Freeman took some time to talk to OhioStateBuckeyes.com..."
Player Interview - Rory Nicol October 30, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Tight end Rory Nicol took some time to talk to OhioStateBuckeyes.com..."
Assistant Coaches Bollman, Johnson Speak with the Media Wednesday October 31, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Offensive coordinator Jim Bollman and cornerbacks coach Taver Johnson spoke to the media Wednesday to talk about the game against No. 21 Wisconsin Saturday..."
Bollman Named Coordinator of the Week by Master Coaches October 31, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Happy Valley belonged to top-ranked Ohio State, who cruised to a 37-17 victory over Penn State on Saturday night, thanks to the Buckeyes’ dominance on offense...For his team’s outstanding play, Coach Jim Bollman is awarded the “MCS Nike Game Ball” for the National Offensive Coordinator of the Week..."
Boeckman Continues to Spearhead Improvement of OSU Offense November 2, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "...Like frogs, first year starting quarterbacks are supposed to have their warts. They're not supposed to handle pressure, they're supposed to be turnover prone, they're supposed to be inaccurate with their passing, and they're supposed to make mistakes with their decision making. Either Boeckman didn't get the memo, or the princess kissed him and turned him into a prince long before the book was anywhere near the end. In his first season as a starter Boeckman is leading the Big Ten in passing efficiency and ranks third in the nation in that statistical category. He has thrown at least two touchdown passes in each game this season and executed the OSU passing game efficiently..."
PASSING
GP
Effic
Cmp-Att-Int
Pct
Yards
TD
Long
Avg/G
Boeckman, Todd
9
164.3
139-209-8
66.5
1799
21
68
199.9
Best Home Winning Percentage - Last Five Years (As of Oct. 29)
Rk.
School
W-L
Winning %
1.
Oklahoma
28-1
.966
2.
Boise State
28-1
.966
3.
Southern Cal
27-1
.964
4.
Ohio State
31-2
.939
Most Wins Last Five Years (As of Oct. 29)
Rk.
School
Wins
1.
Southern Cal
54
2.
Boise State
53
3.
Ohio State
51
REGULAR-SEASON WINS RECORD
Ohio State has won 27 consecutive regularseason games, dating back to a 17-10 loss at Penn State Oct. 8, 2005; the previous Buckeye record for consecutive regular-season wins was 21 games, set from 1967-69.
BIG TEN CONSECUTIVE WINS Ohio State has won 19 consecutive Big Ten conference games, dating back to a 17-10 loss at Penn State Oct. 8, 2005. That sets an all-time Ohio State record for consecutive conference wins; the previous OSU best was 17, set from 1954-56, 1967-69 and 1974-76. That also ties the Big Ten record for consecutive conference wins of 19.
THE SERIES
Ohio State leads, 35-12-2 The series between the Buckeyes and the Badgers,
which dates back to 1913, shows Ohio State with a 50-17-5 lead. In games played in Columbus, the Buckeyes lead 27-7-3. The series was last played in 2004, and the teams are deadlocked 5-5-1 over the last 11 meetings (back through 1980).
SERIES INFORMATION Overall ...................... Ohio State leads, 50-17-5
In Columbus ...............Ohio State leads, 27-7-3
In Madison .............. Ohio State leads, 23-10-2
Last Ohio State Win ................... 19-14 (2002)
Last Wisconsin Win .................... 24-13 (2004)
Biggest Margin of Victory for OSU .. 59-0 (1979)
Biggest Margin of Victory for UW . 42-17 (1999)
Longest OSU Winning Streak ... 21 (1960-1980)
Longest UW Winning Streak .......... 3 (1913-15)
Current Winning Streak ................ Wisconsin, 2
Matchup Edge
UW
Edge in:
OSU
Points/Game
Yards Gained
Yards Allowed
Time of Possession
Penalties
Punting
Fumbles
Last Time Out... October 30, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "The Wisconsin Badgers invade Ohio Stadium Saturday for a key Big Ten showdown. Check out how Ohio State did against the Badgers in its last meeting in this edition of "Last Time Out..."
Buckeyes Hope to Prevent Another Badger Dance Party October 31, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "OSU Head Coach Jim Tressel has done a lot of things in his tenure as the football coach at OSU, but one of the things he hasn't done is to beat Wisconsin in Ohio Stadium..."
Revenge factor difficult to deny October 31, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Tressel won't say it, but Buckeyes have Badgers in sights..."
Wisconsin has badgered Buckeyes in recent seasons November 1, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The Ohio State football team will return home this weekend to battle the always-tough Wisconsin Badgers, who have won their past three games at Ohio Stadium..."
Schedule & Results To Date
Ohio State 9-0 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 W: 48-3
Michigan St. W: 24-17
Penn St. W: 37-17
Wisconsin 7-2 Washington St. 42 21
UNLV W: 20-13
Citadel W: 45-31
Iowa W: 17-13
Michigan St. W: 37-34
Illinois L: 31-26
Penn St. L: 38-7
Northern Ill. W: 44-3
Indiana W: 33-3
Why to watch: Ohio State is starting to gain a few measures of respect as the nation's number one team after the dominant 37-17 win at Penn State, but the world wants to see more. Is the defense really as nasty as it's been against all the average teams it's gone against? Is QB Todd Boeckman really a fringe Heisman candidate after a strong first nine games? Is Wisconsin just going to be a speed bump on the way to Illinois and Michigan? The Penn State win was good, but getting a win this week might even be better, even though the Badgers were destroyed by the Nittany Lions a few weeks ago. Wisconsin is playing like the Wisconsin everyone had in the top ten at the beginning of the year, with two straight suffocating performances against Northern Illinois and Indiana to get within shouting distance of the Big Ten race again. Recent history is kind to UW, winning the last three games in Columbus, with the last loss coming in 1996. This will be when Bret Bielema's club shows that it's a true national player, or it'll be a fantastic entry for the OSU résumé.
Why Wisconsin might win: The Ohio State defense is getting the headlines, but the Badger D is playing almost as well lately, with far better play from the secondary and far better tackling overall. After the loss to Penn State, the defense appeared to take a different attitude, and it has paid off allowing just six points in the last two games. Yeah, NIU and Indiana aren't Ohio State and Michigan, but the high-powered Hoosier attack was kept under wraps, with Jack Ikegwuonu and the secondary shutting down IU star receiver James Hardy. There's a chance the Buckeye receivers could be erased from the game from the opening snap.
Why Ohio State might win: Ohio State's defense has proven it can handle all styles. It stopped Michigan State's running game, it stopped Purdue's passing attack, it kept Kent State QB Julian Edelman from running wild, and it stuffed Penn State's offense after a big early drive. Wisconsin needs to pound the ball and control the line to have any shot at winning, but the Buckeye defensive front should have few problems getting into the backfield and getting to QB Tyler Donovan. Wisconsin might become one-dimensional early on needing to pass and pass again against the nation's number one pass defense because ...
Who to watch: ... Heisman caliber RB P.J. Hill is questionable at best with a foot injury suffered in the Indiana win. To make matters worse, dynamic backup tailback Lance Smith isn't able to travel with the team as punishment for some off the field issues. That means the Badger offense will be on Donovan and, most likely, freshman Zach Brown. Brown got 14 carries for 40 yards and a touchdown last week, and if Hill isn't ready to roll, it'll be up to the speedster, and a slew of fullback options like Chris Pressley to give UW some semblance of a ground game. The key will be Donovan, who has thrown at least one interception in each of his last six games and only one touchdown pass in his last three. He's been good in big situations on the road before, and now he'll have to pull of the performance of his career.
What will happen: Wisconsin has the makeup and the history to come into Columbus relaxed, efficient, and shockingly good. Don't be stunned if the Badgers make this a battle, but the Buckeye defense will be too much for the banged up UW offense.
CFN Prediction: Ohio State 26 ... Wisconsin 13 ... Line: Ohio State -15.5
Additional Comments: The stats above cover all games.
When Big Ten games only are considered, the Buckeyes are first in the league in scoring at 34.4 points per game, the Badgers 8th at 24.0. The Buckeyes are allowing 11.0 points per game in league games (first), Wisconsin 23.8 (fifth).
In league games only, the Buckeyes are third in the conference in rushing at 210.2 yards per game, Wisconsin 5th at 174.6. In rushing defense the Buckeyes are allowing 49.4 yards per game in league play (first), Wisconsin 191.0 (eighth).
Preview: Wisconsin stands in the way of Buckeyes' 20th straight Big Ten win November 1, 2007 Source: ESPN.com - "For all but the past week of the season, the Buckeyes have been playing with a chip on their shoulders. But their newly gained respect could fuel the only thing capable of beating this team right now — itself. (The Badgers) won the last three matchups in Columbus and 4 of the last 6 overall...Tressel is a scratch-your-eyes-that-can’t-be-true 1-3 against Wisconsin, his worst record against any Big Ten team and if that wasn’t enough, Cris Carter’s brother plays for the Badgers..."
QB Boeckman clearly had big shoes to fill when the Buckeyes tabbed him to replace Troy Smith. Apparently those shoes fit him well. Instead of pressing in an effort to live up to the high standards Smith set, Boeckman has run the offense and played with the poise of a four-year starter. In other words, he's slowed the game down rather than speeding it up. Look for him to play a pivotal role this week in Ohio State's lopsided victory. With RB Wells consistently pounding the ball between the tackles, Wisconsin's safeties will creep up in an effort to shore up the run defense. In effect, this creates single-coverage on the outside and Boeckman will take advantage by striking deep when he sees it happening. A few big plays from the passing game should help the Buckeyes build a lead that forces the Badgers to abandon the run in an effort to come back. They will also help keep those safeties honest opening the door for Ohio State to protect that lead by sustaining time-consuming drives with its ground game.
Key individual matchup
Ohio State LOT Alex Boone vs. Wisconsin RDE Matt Shaughnessy...Shaughnessy has an explosive first step and plays with a non-stop motor but Boone is one of the best in the country. Boone is 66 pounds heavier than Shaughnessy and he moves well for his size. He should be able to get into position and engulf Shaughnessy when Ohio State runs behind him accordingly. Shaughnessy shouldn't make much noise rushing the passer either. Boone gets into his pass set quickly and has the long arms to ride Shaughnessy past the pocket. He also has enough lateral mobility to redirect if Shaughnessy tries to set him up to the outside before shooting back inside. However, it is worth noting that the 6-foot-6 Shaughnessy has broken up three passes this year. He will try to get his hands up if he isn't going to get to QB Boeckman so Boone must keep them down by either attacking low or delivering a violent punch to the chest when he sees Shaughnessy gathering to jump.
Preview: #1 OSU v. #24 Wisconsin November 1, 2007 Source: Eleven Warriors - "For all but the past week of the season, the Buckeyes have been playing with a chip on their shoulders. But their newly gained respect could fuel the only thing capable of beating this team right now — itself. (The Badgers) won the last three matchups in Columbus and 4 of the last 6 overall...Tressel is a scratch-your-eyes-that-can’t-be-true 1-3 against Wisconsin, his worst record against any Big Ten team and if that wasn’t enough, Cris Carter’s brother plays for the Badgers..."
Five Questions: Ohio State-Wisconsin November 1, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "The Badgers have a back who is ailing, but stopping their running game will be a priority for the Buckeyes anyway. We examine that, P.J. Hill's possible replacements, the task Wisconsin faces in stopping the Buckeyes' rolling offense and a trio of other topics in this week's Five Questions..."
The Essentials: Wisconsin November 1, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Players to watch, themes to know - its the essential guide to Wisconsin, the most important notes about the Badgers before Ohio State hosts its second to last game of the year in the Horseshoe..."
Game Data: Wisconsin at Ohio State November 1, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "As always, we provide the pertinent information, depth charts and a prediction on Saturday's Big Ten showdown between No. 1 Ohio State and Wisconsin...At one point this season, the Badgers were ranked as high as fifth in the AP poll ...before two straight losses knocked them out of the poll entirely..."
Scouting the Badgers November 2, 2007 Source: BuckeyeGrove.com - "The Wisconsin Badgers enters Saturday's game at Ohio Stadium with a record of 7-2 overall, 4-2 in Big Ten Conference play. While the sportswriters do not have the Badgers ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 college football poll Wisconsin does check in at No. 19 in the coaches' version..."
Breaking Down The Games: Wisconsin at Ohio State November 1, 2007 Source: ESPN.com - Jim Donnan wrote: "I was impressed by the way Ohio State attacked Penn State. The Buckeyes moved the ball so easily, and the offense was functioning on all cylinders, starting with their big, physical offensive line. We knew Ohio State's defense would be great, but now the offense is playing like a true championship contender. Wisconsin hasn't been consistent enough on offense or defense to really compete with Ohio State, particularly away from home. Todd Boeckman has done a great job of managing the game and has a number of weapons. The Badgers can also be dangerous on the offensive side of the ball, Ohio State is going to gang up on the run and lock down on everyone outside. Will Wisconsin's receivers get open? Playing at Ohio State might be insurmountable for the Badgers."
BILL WILLIS TO BE HONORED Ohio State football legend Bill Willis will have his number retired in ceremonies at the Ohio State- Wisconsin game Nov. 3 at Ohio Stadium. A Buckeye lineman from 1942- 44, Willis was a three-year starter playing both offense and defense. The Columbus native was a devastating blocker on offense and a punishing, relentless tackler on defense, despite his willowy 6-2, 215-pound frame. Willis earned All-America honors in 1943 and 1944 (Ohio State’s first-such African-American honoree), and was a key part of the Buckeyes’ 1942 national championship squad. Willis went on to a distinguished career with the Cleveland Browns (1946-53); he is considered to be the first African-American starter after the re-integration of professional football. Willis’ No. 99 jersey will be retired from service after the 2008 season.
On closer look, Bielema impressed by Buckeyes November 3, 2007 Source: Toldeo Blade - "Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema is not part of that chorus of voices who continually have questioned Ohio State's No. 1 ranking, and tried to chip away at that status. There are likely two very good reasons for this..."
Keys to the Game November 1, 2007 Source: BadgerNation.com - "Badgermaniac examines his "Keys to the Game" for the Wisconsin Badger contest at #1 Ohio State..."
Badgers' linemen anticipate turf war November 1, 2007 Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - "...when the University of Wisconsin junior right guard (Kraig Urbik) speaks authoritatively about an opponent, it is wise to listen. 'This is going to be a huge challenge,' Urbik said when asked about the prospect of facing Ohio State's front seven when the Badgers and top-ranked Buckeyes meet Saturday in Columbus. 'Not only are they fast but they are really tough. They are nasty.'..."
Bielema Addresses the Media October 29, 2007 Source: Wisconsin Official Site - "Head coach Bret Bielema addressed the media Monday afternoon discussing the Badgers’ 33-3 win over Indiana and the upcoming game at Ohio State among other topics..."
Badgers focused on executing October 30, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema did not come out and say that his Badgers might be overmatched when they visit Ohio State on Saturday, but he hinted there is a gap in the quality of athletes that populate each team's roster...No other team has had more success against Ohio State in the Jim Tressel era. Of course, past performance doesn't indicate future results. 'We didn't beat Indiana at Camp Randall on Saturday because the 12 previous times we've gone out there we've had success,' Bielema said. 'We beat Indiana because we went out and performed on Saturday.'..."
Ohio State scouting report October 30, 2007 Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - "OFFENSE: This unit can grind out long drives or strike with big plays and has been remarkably productive considering the off-season personnel losses..."
UW football: Badgers 'amped up' to face No. 1 Buckeyes October 29, 2007 Source: Madison Capital Times - "University of Wisconsin junior right guard Kraig Urbik sat in a chair in the McClain Center Sunday evening and delivered the line with a straight face. Addressing the topic of the Badgers' game at top-ranked Ohio State, Urbik said, 'To us, it's just the next game.' It appeared he believed in what he was saying. And Urbik made a good point when he went on to say that UW can't let the idea of playing the No. 1 team in the nation in one of the most famous venues in college football affect the way it prepares for Saturday's game. But this isn't 'just the next game' for the Badgers. As senior quarterback Tyler Donovan put it, it's the 'biggest game I'll probably ever play in.'..."
UW football: Business trip for Ohio natives October 30, 2007 Source: Wisconsin State Journal - "University of Wisconsin freshman wide receiver Kyle Jefferson was the first player in the post-game interview room on Saturday, and the first question he was asked was how he felt about going home for this week's game against Ohio State. 'Yeah, I look forward to going back home - over Thanksgiving break,' said Jefferson, who is from Cleveland. 'But this time, I've got a job to do.'..."
#39 P.J. Hill RB East Elmhurst NY Has gained 1090 yards in 212 carries, an average 5.0 yards per carry and 118.4 yards per game, and scored 12 TDs...2007 Doak Walker Award Candidate...Preseason Maxwell Award Watch List...preseason Walter Camp Award Watch List...ranked as the country’s eighth-best RB by Lindy’s and The Sporting News...2006: named National Freshman of the Year, freshman All-American and third-team All-American by Rivals.com...tabbed national freshman of the year by CBS Sportsline.com...also named first-team freshman All-American by Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and The Sporting News...honorable mention All-American by SI.com...consensus Big Ten Freshman of the Year...first-team All-Big Ten according...semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award as nation’s top running back...started all 13 games...finished seventh on all-time NCAA Division I freshman rushing list with 1,569 yards...led Big Ten and ranked No. 8 in the nation in rushing (120.7 ypg)...nation's leading freshman rusher...led Big Ten and ranked No. 19 nationally in all-purpose yardage (135.9 ypg)...tied for Big Ten lead and ranked tied for 25th in nation in scoring (7.4 ppg)...tied for 12th in nation with 16 total touchdowns...scored at least one touchdown in 10 of 13 games...just the fifth freshman in NCAA Division I history to rush for 1,000 yards in as few as seven games...
#9 Travis Beckum TE Milwaukee WI Has caught 53 passes for 625 yards, an average of 11.8 yards per reception and 69.4 yards per game... 2007 Honors: Preseason Maxwell Award Watch List...preseason Walter Camp Award Watch List...preseason John Mackey Award Watch List...preseason first-team All-America by Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook...preseason first-team All-America by Lindy’s...country’s top-ranked TE by Lindy’s...second-team All-America by The Sporting News and Athlon Sports...country’s second-ranked TE by The Sporting News...2006 semifinalist for the John Mackey Award (nation’s top tight end) ... named second-team All-American by Walter Camp and SI.com ... second-team All-Big Ten according to media and honorable mention All-Big Ten by coaches...played in all 13 games, including 10 starts ... led team with 61 receptions for 903 yards (both figures are school records for a tight end) ... finished No. 2 nationally among tight ends in receptions per game (4.69) and receiving yardage ... his 61 receptions were third-highest season total in school history ... his 903 receiving yards were fifth-most in a season in school history ... had three 100-yard receiving performances ... in conference games, he finished second in Big Ten with 75.1 receiving yards per game and third with 5.6 receptions per game
#12 Tyler Donovan QB Hartland WI Is 142-240-9, for 59.2%, for 1855 yards, a 206 yards per game average, and 12TDs in nine games this season...2006: Earned third letter ... appeared in seven games and completed 37 of 58 passes for 564 yards and four TDs...completion percentage was .638 and efficiency rating was 161.34... started last two regular-season games for injured starter John Stocco... completed 16 of 26 passes for 308 yards and two TDs in win over Buffalo on Nov. 18... his 62-yard pass completion to Travis Beckum vs. Bulls was UW's longest play from scrimmage in 2006..."
#2 Jonathan Casillas LB New Brunswick NJ Leads the team in tackles with 69 and has 3 tackles for a loss...Honors: Named to the 2007 Lott Trophy (defensive IMPACT player) watch list...preseason Chuck Bednarik Watch List...preseason Rotary Lombardi Watch List...2006: consensus honorable mention All-Big Ten selection...started all 13 games at will linebacker...team-high 12.5 TFLs for 38 yards...his 83 tackles were third on team (T21st in Big Ten with 6.4 tackles per game)...
#92 Matt Shaughnessy DL Norwich CT Has 10 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks this season, while registering 37 tackles...Honors: Preseason Ted Hendricks Watch List...preseason Rotary Lombardi Watch List...second-team All-America by Athlon Sports...ranked as the number eight DE in the country by Lindy’s...ranked as the country’s 10th-best DE by The Sporting News...2006: Earned second letter...consensus second-team All-Big Ten selection...started all 13 games at DE...team’s leadng tackler among defensive linemen with 35 stops...second on team with 8.0 TFLs...fourth on team with 34 yards in TFLs...tied for second on team with 4.0 QB sacks and was third on team with 28 yards in losses...
