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MIAMI vs. OHIO STATE
Ohio State vs Miami 2010 Highlight Video Source: lexco44
2010 Ohio State Vs Miami 2010 Football Highlights Source: MlbIndian
Instant analysis: Ohio State-Miami September 11, 2010 Source: ESPN - "...How the game was won: Ohio State rode an extremely opportunistic defense and an offense that avoided major mistakes to pull away from Miami after falling behind 10-3. The Buckeyes picked off Jacory Harris four times and converted for 20 points. Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor didn't have his best game throwing the ball, but he ran the ball extremely tough and made enough big throws. Aside from two major special teams gaffes, Ohio State played a solid game overall. The defense allowed yards but made play after play in its own end of the field.
Turning point: ...After reaching the Ohio State 9-yard line, Harris threw a pass right to Ohio State defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, who rumbled 80 yards the other way. Pryor scored moments later and Ohio State led 33-17 instead of possibly being up by just two points.
What it means: Ohio State remains very much a part of the national title discussion and doesn't face a ranked opponent until Oct. 16, when it visits Wisconsin...
Player of the game: Buckeyes senior cornerback Chimdi Chekwa recorded two interceptions...
Stat of the game: Miami's first two touchdowns came on an 88-yard Lamar Miller kickoff return and a 79-yard Travis Benjamin punt return. It marked the first time in team history that Ohio State has allowed a punt return touchdown and a kickoff return touchdown in the same game...."
Five Things: Miami September 13, 2010 Source: Eleven Warriors - "Saturday's tilt with Miami in the Horseshoe brought about the result many of us were hoping for, even if the script didn't exactly follow what we had anticipated. In the end, you can't help but be satisfied with a solid win over a very a talented Hurricane squad. If you're keeping score at home, Ohio State now has wins over four top 15 teams -- with just one of the games being what you'd consider close -- in their last six outings.
Bend, Don't Break, Then Counterpunch: The prevent zone the team went with in the second half was frustrating from the perspective of the fan, but Jim Tressel was playing with Jim Tressel's money and it's his prerogative to bet however he sees fit...The highlight, of course, was the rumbling, stumbling -- wait, he actually showed some moves for a big guy -- 80 yard interception return by Cameron Heyward at the start of the third quarter. Trailing 26-17, Miami marched 70 yards on the opening series of the second half before running into a 3rd-and-goal from the OSU nine yard line....Chekwa's two second quarter interceptions (just six minutes apart), were equally huge and for one game, at least, he appears to have inherited Kurt Coleman's ball magnetism powers...
Is "Not So Special Teams" Too Easy?: If this team doesn't address their kick coverage issues soon, it will come back to haunt the Buckeyes. They will be in a dogfight with Wisconsin or Iowa, or some other team playing OSU closer than expected and they will be handing out field position like it's free. The coverage problems first popped up against Iowa last season, and then continued in the Rose Bowl against Oregon. Saturday, Miami had the burners to make the Buckeyes pay. I realize OSU doesn't have a dedicated special teams coach and that's probably not an option with Tressel insisting several coaches contribute, but perhaps he might consider putting more starters in to cover in big games. While some starters do play on the units (Rolle and Homan to name two), we're also getting a heavy dose of second and third-teamers, and even walk-ons (Ebner). There's an injury risk there, sure, but it might be a tradeoff worth making.
Despite Red Zone Blues, Offense Had Its Moments: Much like concerns with the coverage game, the lack of finishing move fatalities in the red zone is a cause for concern...settling for five field goals inside the Cane's 15 -- four inside the 10 -- is a tough pill to swallow. Pryor just missed on a couple of plays, one being to Stoneburner on 3rd-and-goal from the four with just over a minute to play in the first half, and the other being a slant to Philly Brown later on that might have converted, so it's not completely broken, but you have to wonder if a guy like Tyrone Williams can help out here. It looks like the staff wants to redshirt him, but if these problems persist, don't be surprised to see his name called..."
CFN Analysis: Ohio State Picks Off Miami September 11, 2010 Source: CollegeFootballNews.com - "Pete Fiutak: For everyone who keeps trying to wish and hope Miami to become good again by simply saying Miami is good again, there’s one major element missing from the juggernauts of the past. Toughness... Ohio State did what it had to do taking advantage of Jacory Harris interception after Jacory Harris interception to get ahead and stay there, and it showed that it belongs in the top two, but it’s a disappointment to see that Miami wasn’t ready for primetime even with all of its great players and prospects...
Richard Cirminiello:...Miami wasn’t supposed to win in Columbus, but it certainly could have had it not been for turnovers. The Hurricanes moved the ball relatively well and got two enormous special teams returns for touchdowns from Lamar Miller and Travis Benjamin. On any other weekend, those are the ingredients of an upset win. On this Saturday, though, Harris was picked off four times and his counterpart on the other side, Terrelle Pryor, didn’t turn the ball over once. In an otherwise complex game, it’s really as simple as that comparison...
Matt Zemek: ...The game-changing interceptions Harris did throw? He was responsible for those. Had it not been for Miami’s kick-returning prowess, this game would have been a runaway by halftime. Yet, when gifted with a paltry nine-point deficit at halftime, Harris couldn’t pick himself off the deck and play one solid half of football. He was Ohio State’s best friend on a day when Terrelle Pryor remained inconsistent and showed little indication of becoming a Heisman-worthy one-man juggernaut...
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Jim Tressel Speaks to the Media Postgame MiamiSource: OSU Official Site
Players Speak to the Media Postgame MiamiSource: OSU Official Site
Source: Columbus Dispatch
VOTE: Columbus Dispatch Online Poll: What grade do you give the Ohio State football team in its victory over Miami?: (Current results) 1% A+ , 22% A, 67% B, 10% C
10 Things We Learned from Beating The "U" September 12, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "1. Pryor has that eye of the tiger look about him....He wasn’t at his best Saturday, or anywhere near the level he played at in Pasadena, but Pryor was not going to let his team lose. He made one of the best passes of his OSU career on the 62-yard bomb to DeVier Posey and ran the ball with purpose and determination. He made a few questionable throws in the first half and had a few balls hit the Turf well short of their target, but he has yet to turn the ball over in his 80 plays this season. He has a long way to go yet this year, and a lot could change, but at the moment he seems to have that look about him.
2. Something is seriously wrong with Ohio State’s coverage schemes. It’s time to stop blaming the players and starting looking at what they are being coached to do...If those guys aren’t good enough to make plays, then this team has bigger issues to worry about. But the fact is, they are good enough. All of them have been special teams standouts in their careers, which means something is wrong with the scheme...
3. Setting the record for most field goals is not always a good thing. Give credit to kicker Devin Barclay, one special teamer who actually did his job Saturday. The senior tied a school record with five field goals...Ohio State fans would have much rather had five touchdowns instead of field goals, especially considering all five makes came from inside the 30 yard line. That means OSU’s red zone offense simply wasn’t getting the job done against Miami’s defense...
4. Buckeyes not afraid to go with the hot hand. After game one against Marshall, some were ready to hype tailback Brandon Saine as a potential Heisman Candidate. That candidacy lasted all of one week...as they relied on Boom Herron to do most of the running. Herron wasn’t spectacular either, but he did go for 66 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. He also had a 47-yard reception on a shovel pass from Pryor.
5. Saine really does have great hands....Despite the fact he wasn’t running the ball well, Saine made a fabulous catch over the top of linebacker Sean Spence for an 18-yard touchdown. It was a clutch play at a critical point in the game, and the catch was so good that the referees felt the need to review it. It held up and the Buckeyes tied the game at 10 on their way to a 17-0 run.
6. Hall and Berry are game-changers...Both a punt returner and kick returner, Hall had four returns Saturday for 81 yards, including a 47-yard return that he almost took to the house. Berry had two returns for 87 yards, including a 45-yarder that might have gone the distance if he wasn’t tripped up by teammate Nate Oliver. Although neither back found the end zone against Miami, both showed the speed and moves to be dynamic return men.
7. Corner is a feast or famine position. It’s amazing how good a player like Chimdi Chekwa can look one minute and how bad he can look the very next. Only at cornerback could a guy who made two interceptions look as bad as Chekwa did on a couple of coverage mishaps. He had a pass break-up in the end zone, but once again he wouldn’t know that if the ball hadn’t hit him in the back...
8. Tyler Moeller seems to be everywhere...He didn’t have a two-interception game like Chekwa or a blocked field goal like Devon Torrence, or even a sack like Dexter Larimore or John Simon. But it’s hard to watch a play and not see No. 26 around the ball...
9. There’s some serious talent on the defense, and not just on the field...The truth is, however, there might be more talent on the sideline. The defense wasn’t lights out Saturday (they allowed 352 yards of offense) but once again Jim Heacock and his staff dialed up a great game plan...it’s getting to the point where the names change but not the production of the defense. For that, credit goes to Heacock, Luke Fickell, Taver Johnson and Paul Haynes. They prepare their players as well as any defensive coaching staff in the country.
10. Much smaller rotation on this year’s defense. The Hurricanes held the ball for nearly 12 minutes in the third quarter as they finally started to move the ball on Ohio State’s defense. From the stands, it might have looked like Randy Shannon simply made the right adjustments, but it’s more than possible that OSU’s defense was just tired..."
It was over when...: Cameron Heyward returned an interception 80 yards, setting up a Buckeyes touchdown.
Gameball goes to...: Terrelle Pryor, who passed for 233 yards, rushed for 113 yards and scored twice.
What went right?: The defensive pressure. Harris had some success passing, but he never looked comfortable, as four interceptions attest. He once threw to a receiver who clearly was blocking; Chimdi Chekwa easily grabbed one of his two picks on the way to being named the national defensive player of the week. And Harris never saw 6-foot-5, 285-pound Cameron Heyward, who dropped off into coverage then turned in the play of the game, an 80-yard interception return.
Back to the drawing board: Call this double emphasis, but it's kick coverage again, because Tressel is the first to say such intermittent ineptness can't be tolerated. Even in the Rose Bowl, kick returns were Oregon's main weapon. Marshall had a big kickoff return. And against Miami, the two returns made a close game out of what otherwise would have been a blowout.
One-liner: Miami could not complain about phantom pass interference calls this time, because clearly Ohio State interfered with Jacory Harris passes all game long.
The view: How the team sees it: So much for Miami's paying us back. At Ohio State, we believe in paying it forward. How the pollsters will see it: A big, if bizarre, win. How Buckeye Nation will see it: Please, Miami, no more crying over late flags.
Translating Tress: What he said: "Part of passing is deciding when not to pass." What he meant: "Not passing is the part of passing I have decided I like the best."
What's hot?: Terrelle Pryor's Heisman Trophy campaign. Including the Rose Bowl win over Oregon, he's thrown for at least 200 yards in each of his past three games. He was the first to admit he missed some plays Saturday against Miami's frenetic defense. He was erratic with his passing (12 of 27). But he augmented that with a game-high 113 yards rushing. In the head-to-head duel with Miami's Jacory Harris, Pryor was the one left standing.
What's not hot?: Duh. And what's maddening for the Buckeyes about Miami's kickoff return and punt return for touchdowns was they went right up the gut. On paper, it's a simple fix: Coverage men need to fight to stay in their lanes, and on the punt, at least, don't overrun the ball. It's likely the message will be delivered more emphatically on the practice field this week.
Brian Rolle On the meaning of this win...: "It means something extra. They are a great team and the win gives us a great boost. We'll take away the win and grow and learn from it and move on to next week."
Randy Shannon On quarterback Jacory Harris' interceptions...: "On two of them I know the receiver ran the wrong route. But still if they run the wrong route, throw it out of bounds. He did some things today that weren't usually Jacory - when the pocket broke down he'd start to run instead of trying to force a throw."
Randy Shannon Reaction to Terrelle Pryor's performance...: "He's a great player and people expect good performances from great players. He did what he needed to do and they came away with the victory. After the game, I told him to keep it going and stay undefeated. He's a great quarterback. I'm sure he's going to lead his team to where they want to be."
Catch that?: Daniel Herron reasserted himself as the co-chairman of the running back committee along with Brandon Saine. Herron is running with more purpose, and though Pryor turned out to be the primary ground threat against Miami, Herron's occasional rips kept the Miami defense honest.
Numbers for dummies 1: 15: Minutes that Heyward needed to recover from his interception return, according to Tress.
Numbers for dummies 2: 2: Columbus police officers who high-fived each other after Heyward's return.
They said it: As heard on TV: Brad Nessler and Todd Blackledge gave ESPN a professional 1-2 punch, which doesn't make for easy Scarlet & Gray Matter mockery. Blackledge brought interesting inside information, as when he reported that Miami practiced its special teams at full speed this week. The one complaint: Why does every announcer feel the need to compare every college quarterback with Tim Tebow? Enough already.
As heard from stadium police officer: "No speeding ticket there," as 288-pound lineman Cameron Heyward lumbered 80 yards on an interception return.
As heard from C deck: "Everybody on their feet for a standing ovation," after OSU's kickoff team "held" Miami to a 12-yard return to open the second half.
Dinged up: Safety C.J. Barnett. He was having a coming-out party in his second collegiate start before he went out with a knee sprain. Whether he'll need surgery will be determined this week, but he's expected to be out indefinitely. Orhian Johnson, who lost a competition for the starting job to Barnett in the preseason, is the likely replacement in the starting lineup.
Just wondering: The Buckeyes have a specific coach for quarterbacks, safeties and running backs, but not for special teams? Odd, considering Jim Tressel puts so much emphasis on special teams play. Tress prefers to have all coaches help out on ST's but perhaps the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing?
Pregame buzz: Besides wondering if LeBron would show (He didn't), there was a question of whether Miami would show up with enough attitude -- because of the 2003 national championship game loss -- to intimidate the Buckeyes into making mental mistakes. Answer: The Hurricanes, with blown receiver routes and dropped passes, lost their focus even more than Ohio State. Apparently carrying a chip on your shoulder for eight years is too big of a burden for The U.
Stat of the game... 1991... : Miami hasn't defeated an AP top-2 team since Nov. 16, 1991. (Sources: ESPN//Columbus Dispatch)
Quarterback Terrelle Pryor talks about using the '09 Purdue game as inspiration, Cie Grant as the honorary captain, what a big non-conference win means for the team and a lot more!
Pryor Reflects On Big Win September 11, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "...In the past, Pryor has struggled to keep his emotions in check before big games, but the junior quarterback says that’s no longer the case now that he is in his third year under center for the Buckeyes. "Today was the most calm that I ever was," Pryor said after the big win over the Hurricanes. "I was sitting there making jokes in front of (Jim) Tressel and (Nic Siciliano) and talking to all the fans on the team walk-over. I was just so comfortable."
Even Pryor’s teammates said they could sense a different level of calmness about him on the field and in the huddle this season, possibly stemming from his successful performance against Oregon in the Rose Bowl. "He seemed calm and cool and that’s part of being a relaxed, poised quarterback," Pryor’s top wideout and close friend DeVier Posey said. "Concentration and consistency, and I feel like he had those two elements."..."
Ohio State right tackle J.B. Shugarts: B+
It was a worry entering the preseason for Jim Tressel, so he must have loved it when OSU freshman Dorian Bell knocked the ball loose on the opening kickoff, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Nate Oliver.
OSU return man Jaamal Berry: B The redshirt freshman running back answered Miami's 88-yard kickoff return in the first quarter, which gave the Hurricanes a 7-3 lead, with a 42-yard return of his own. And he looked like he might break that before he cut inside and went down, maybe tripped up by blocker Nate Oliver...
Ohio State coverage units: F It was shocking to see a Jim Tressel team give up both an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Lamar Miller in the first quarter, putting Miami up 7-3, and a 79-yard punt return for a touchdown by Travis Benjamin in the second quarter to cut Ohio State's lead to 20-17. Eventually, the Buckeyes resorted to short pooch kicks that landed around the 25-yardline, a tough pill to swallow but a way to at least eliminate the possibility of a return for another score. The coverage units were a problem coming in, and they're a bigger problem now. "You don't give up two long returns like that and usually survive," Tressel said..."
The Bottom Line September 12, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...Offense (3 leaves): That 414 number under total yards looks handsome, but a couple of other stats (Terrelle Pryor's 44.4 completion percentage and Brandon Saine's 0.6-yard average) take a little shine off the bottom line. The most important number, though, was the smallest. As in zero turnovers committed. Huge.
Defense (4 leaves):The sight of Cameron Heyward lugging a ball for 80 yards will be a lasting -- and long-lasting -- memory, but his pick and the three others swung the outcome of the game, directly leading to 20 OSU points. The 'Canes collected some yards in the second half, but the 'D' hung tough when it had to.
Special teams (2 leaves): One for you, Devin Barclay, for five FGs that you know coulda shoulda been six. And one for you to share, Jaamal Berry and Jordan Hall, for your gutsy returns. Devon Torrence, good job blocking a field goal. As for the rest of you: See you on failblog.org. Really, should Ohio State be a pooch-kick team? Awful
Coaching (3 leaves): There are, what, a couple of dozen men on the payroll with whistles and/or power to direct players or some aspect of quality control. So who's in charge of the specialists? Other than that, it's all copasetic. Tress could be accused of playing the clock a little early, but at least he had a lead to play with.
Opponent (3 leaves): Jacory Harris sure can make some nice throws -- as well as some miserable jobs. Receiver Travis Benjamin did him no favors on two of the picks. The 'Canes are a BCS bowl contender...
Officiating (3 leaves): Two replay reviews -- Saine's TD catch and a key third-down spot challenged by Miami -- and both were correctly upheld. Fans howled for holding on Heyward once and didn't get it, so they howled later when Nathan Williams was choked and got it. Chekwa's face-guarding: legal in college..."
With the Hurricanes threatening to score in the 3rd quarter, Cameron Heyward picks off a Jacory Harris pass at the Buckeyes 5 yard line and returned it 80 yards to the Miami 15.
He had every intention of taking it to the house. Unfortunately, reality caught up with Cameron Heyward. The 6-foot-5, 288-pound defensive end...expected to be a first-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft, has a new-found respect for running backs. "I was thinking, ‘I'd better hold on to this ball or I'd get chewed out,' " he said. "I started getting cramps toward the end. I'm fine now...You don't realize how long the field is until you start running..." (Source: The News Herald)
Heyward's rumble an instant classic September 12, 2010 Source: Lancaster Eagle Gazette - "With momentum slipping away from his football team, Jim Tressel finally admitted to looking back at the 2002 national championship game...It was the third quarter of Saturday's colossal matchup in the 'Shoe, and Ohio State's coach saw his life -- or was that another Miami kick returner? -- flash before his eyes. OSU defensive end Cameron Heyward had just picked off a pass at the 'Canes 5-yard line and was high-tailing it back the other way with the ball. OK, lumbering might be a more accurate description. "I kept thinking that someone was going to catch up to him and strip the ball a la (Maurice) Clarett and Sean Taylor because (Heyward) was swinging it out there," Tressel said. "Oh, man, I was petrified."..."
No. 2/2 Buckeyes Down No. 12/12 Miami, 36-24 September 11, 2010 Source: OSU Official Site - "Now the fans will have something else to talk about. Saturday in front of 105,545 fans in Ohio Stadium, No. 2 Ohio State rolled to a 36-24 win over No. 12 Miami. Ohio State is 2-0 on the young season. Miami drops to 1-1.
There was no controversial call to be rehashed … no late-game heroics needed … no what-if plays. On an overcast Columbus afternoon with some spotty rain showers, Ohio State rebounded from an early 10-3 deficit and received a terrific defensive effort that was most opportunistic with four interceptions that led to 16 points.
"Today we saw two teams that played awfully hard against one another," Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel said. "It was a battle with good speed, hitting and intensity going on. When you create four takeaways you’re going to have a chance, and when you have zero giveaways, you’re going to have a real good chance.
"It’s going to be fun to watch both these teams’ rest of the season play. We are going to go back to work tomorrow and study what we have to do better and get after it."
Offensively, the Buckeyes got 233 passing yards and 113 rushing yards from Terrelle Pryor and a school-record tying five field goals from kicker Devin Barclay. Touchdowns were scored by Brandon Saine (18-yard pass from Pryor), Dan "Boom" Herron (4-yard run) and Pryor (13-yard run). DeVier Posey caught four passes for 105 yards.
Barclay’s fifth field goal of the game tied him in the record books with Josh Huston (2005 vs. Texas), Mike Nugent (2004 vs. N.C. State) and Bob Atha (1981 vs. Indiana), and extended the lead to 36-17. In the game, Devon Torrence had a career-high tying eight tackles, a pass break-up and a blocked field goal attempt on Miami’s second possession of the second half to lead the Buckeye defense. Chimdi Chekwa had two interceptions, two pass break-ups and six tackles. Ross Homan had a team-high 10 tackles and defensive linemen Cameron Heyward and Nathan Williams each recorded interceptions.
Heyward’s interception and 80-yard return was huge. It came on Miami’s first possession of the second half and the Hurricanes were driving, having reached the Ohio State 9. He dropped back into coverage over the middle, made the pick and followed his blockers all the way to the Miami 15. Pryor scored two plays later to give the Buckeyes a 33-17 lead and the ’Canes were unable to recover.
On the drive following Pryor’s score, Miami drove down to the Buckeyes’ 22-yard line, but could not convert on third-and-long. The next play, Torrence blocked the 39-yard field goal attempt by senior placekicker Matt Bosher with five minutes remaining to go in the third.
Herron caught a 47-yard pass from Pryor on the second play following the blocked field goal. The long play would then set up a 24-yard field goal from Barclay at 1:29 to put his name in the record books. The Hurricanes would make the score 36-24 after a 9-yard touchdown catch by junior tight end Chase Ford to begin the final quarter, but it was the last time they would see the endzone as the Buckeye defense stood strong in the final minutes.
Ohio State led 26-17 at halftime, converting three first-half interceptions into nine points and that helped offset two Miami return touchdowns.
Pryor threw for 178 first-half yards and one score and the Buckeyes outgained the Hurricanes, 260 yards to 106 yards.
Ohio State recorded the first big play of the game and it was made by its defense. C.J. Barnett broke up a third down Jacory Harris pass and the deflected ball was grabbed by Williams and returned 33 yards to the UM 10. Barclay’s 24-yard field goal gave the home team a 3-0 lead 9 minutes into the first quarter.
Miami responded with its own big play. Lamar Miller returned the ensuing kickoff 88 yards to give the Hurricanes a 7-3 lead. One series later Miami drove into Ohio State territory before Bosher connected on a 51-yard field goal to extend the ’Canes’ lead to 10-3.
Pryor hit Posey with a 62-yard pass play on the Buckeyes’ next play from scrimmage, giving the team a first down at the UM 18. The very next play Pryor rifled a bullet to Saine in the right corner of the end zone for a touchdown and a 10-all tie after Barclay’s extra point.
Ohio State regained the lead on its next possession; a 41-yard field goal by Barclay capped a 10-play, 36-yard drive.
Chekwa, one of nine Buckeyes, including three starters, from the state of Florida, intercepted Harris on the next play from scrimmage and returned the ball a short distance to the Miami 19. Two plays later Herron scored from the 4 to give Ohio State a 20-10 lead off 17-consecutive points.
That run ended with just over 3 minutes to go in the half as lightning struck again against the Ohio State special teams. This time, Travis Benjamin returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown – the third return score against Ohio State this year – that cut the lead to 20-17.
Barclay’s third field goal of the half – a 21-yarder – pushed the lead to 23-17 at the half. Chekwa’s second interception and 15-yard return on the ’Canes’ next play set Ohio State up with a first down on the UM 27 with 49 seconds left in the half..."
BERRY'S BIG RETURNS: Two former All-Dade players suited up for the Buckeyes on Saturday. But it was redshirt freshman running back Jaamal Berry, a former first-team All-Dade running back at Miami Palmetto, who had the biggest day. Berry had two long kickoff returns against the Canes. He returned the first one 42 yards to the Buckeyes' 49-yard line after the Canes took a 7-3 lead in the first half. Had Berry not tripped over himself trying to cut back up field, he might have returned it for a touchdown. The second return, a 45-yarder to the Buckeyes' 47-yard line, came in the fourth quarter after UM scored to make it 36-24.
"It felt real good,'' Berry said. "I haven't been out there in a while. I had a nagging injury last year, but it feels great to be on the field again. I have vision. I'm fast and I'm quick so I can put that all together and utilize my talent on the field.'' Source: Miami Herald
Terrelle Pryor key to Ohio State title hunt September 11, 2010 Source: ESPN - "Terrelle Pryor's talent sparks expectation. His performances ignite arguments. But if his steady progress continues, don't be surprised if Ohio State is in Glendale, Ariz., on Jan. 10, writes ESPN.com's Pat Forde...
Terrelle Pryor is not the most talked-about quarterback in college football. He's not even the most talked-about quarterback in the Big Ten Conference, not after Michigan's Denard Robinson went Vince Young Plus Tax on Notre Dame Saturday.
But Pryor reigns as the most argued-about quarterback in America. That much is inarguable.
Here's my take on Terrelle: He was plenty good enough Saturday. And in the course of 25 career starts, he's gotten better. Significantly better. Steady progress defies the sweeping judgments we tend to want to make after every game, or sometimes after every throw. Steady progress is kind of boring. But steady progress is working for Pryor and his team.
"He's made great steps every year," said Buckeyes receiver Dane Sanzenbacher. "Freshman year, he was thrown into the spotlight and handled it well. Sophomore year, he was more comfortable and did even more. Through two games this year, he's gotten better. It's been step after step."..."
Ohio State building takeaway tradition September 11, 2010 Source: ESPN - "...Ohio State's defense continued its opportunistic play with four interceptions against Jacory Harris...The takeaway parade helped No. 2 Ohio State to a 36-24 victory over the 12th-ranked Hurricanes, keeping the march to the national title game very much alive. The four-pack of picks led to 20 Ohio State points, as the Buckeyes improved to plus-7 in turnover margin for the season, a number that might lead the nation after Week 2. "The coaches do a good job of telling us that when the ball is in the air," linebacker Brian Rolle said, "it's just as much ours as it is theirs."..."
Big Ten helmet stickers: Week 2 September 11, 2010 Source: ESPN - "...Ohio State CB Chimdi Chekwa: Jacory Harris will have nightmares about Chekwa after the senior cornerback recorded two interceptions in Saturday's 36-24 victory at Ohio Stadium. Chekwa, who had only one pick all of last season, added six tackles, including one for loss..."
Grading the Hurricanes vs. Ohio State September 12, 2010 Source: Palm Beach Post - "...OFFENSE:...D; DEFENSE:...C minus; SPECIAL TEAMS...B; COACHING...C..."
Once again, Canes collapse at the most crucial moments September 12, 2010 Source: Miami Herald - " It's infuriating, is what it is. To have the opportunities but constantly watch them slip away. To see the potential but not reach it. To watch a team implode more often than it executes in crucial spots. To know something is missing, but never being able to truly put your finger on what it is. To fix one leak but find another. It's all infuriating, and it happens a bit too often when the Hurricanes play high-quality opponents. It certainly happened Saturday against No. 2 Ohio State...
What you watched was a team that seemed to get trounced by a more complete, more together, more experienced Ohio State team, and the only reason the score was as close as 36-24 was because of two spectacular returns. The Hurricanes scored one offensive touchdown while the Buckeyes had three touchdown drives that required only two plays. But if you listen to Shannon speak, you could easily be convinced that the score could've been a lot closer. Or that the Hurricanes should've even won the game.
..."
Miami Hurricanes head home bruised and battered September 12, 2010 Source: Miami Herald - "The Hurricanes are going home from the Horseshoe with more than just broken hearts. Two veteran defensive linemen who are in the Canes' rotation went home on crutches. Junior defensive end Marcus Robinson, who has had four sacks in each of the past two seasons, had to be helped off the field late in the fourth quarter. After the game, teammates carried Robinson to the locker room. His right ankle was wrapped in ice. Sophomore defensive end Curtis Porter injured his right knee with 2:33 to play in the second quarter and was carted off the field..."
Brutus! Brutus! Brutus! Text: "Brutus" to 69866 & help him make it to 2010 Capital One Mascot Challenge finals.
MIAMI vs. OHIO STATE
Which quarterback -- Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor (left) or Miami's Jacory Harris -- will deliver a signature victory?
No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. No. 12 Miami Hurricanes: What to watch September 11, 2010 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "OSU's defensive backs when the ball is in the air: There's a spot on the field where Miami's offense may have edge today -- about 100 inches above the turf at Ohio Stadium...The Buckeyes can't afford to be looking up and watching Hankerson come down with too many catches.
OSU quarterback Terrelle Pryor's first series: How will Miami defend him? Pressure him extra? Spy him with a linebacker? Will Pryor be calm and collected or hyped-up?...Pryor said earlier this week he might go back and rewatch Ohio State's loss to Purdue last year as motivation, "just to notice that feeling of losing," Pryor said. "I don't want to feel that." How ready will he be, and how ready are the Hurricanes for him?
OSU's offensive line on field goals and extra points: OSU coach Jim Tressel said that when Marshall's Johnny Jones blocked a field-goal attempt last week..."We just didn't block the guy," Tressel said. "We let him come through and get his hand up." So there's no adjustment to the blocking scheme, according to Tressel. Just in case, watch the first few OSU kicks a little more closely than usual.
Former OSU recruit Seantrel Henderson:...The freshman is now the third-string right tackle, wearing No. 77, but he received a decent number of snaps last week while the No. 2 tackle, Jermaine Johnson, was out with an injury...
The hang time on Miami's punts: Tressel said Matt Bosher, who is both the Hurricanes' kicker and punter, has extraordinary hang time on his punts, in the range of 4.8 seconds..." With such a good defense, if Ohio State's offense can score three touchdowns, Buckeyes have great chance to defeat the Miami Hurricanes September 11, 2010 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Against No. 12 Miami today at Ohio Stadium, the defense for No. 2 Ohio State will be dealing with a Hurricanes offense that should be balanced nearly 50-50 between pass and run, employing a fullback and not spreading it out on all downs...Ignore the names. Ignore the positions. Last season was the year when the OSU defense publicly adapted a no-name persona. What Ohio State has the chance to do today is remind fans that in this era of OSU success, the defense has been the constant...:
Five Key Factors September 10, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "DEFEND VERTICALLY: ...The Hurricanes bring a conventional, balanced offense that will test the secondary. The questions about how well the Buckeyes will do in pass coverage - particularly at safety - are still valid...
PRESSURE 'J12': Jacory Harris ("J12") is no Terrelle Pryor. Harris sometimes scrambles to avoid pressure, but he does not gain big chunks of yards on the ground, preferring to buy time to wing it downfield. Like most quarterbacks, when under duress he will make mistakes... Miami is replacing three starters off last year's offensive line, so opportunity could be there. The return of defensive end Nathan Williams (knee sprain) should help OSU.
PRYOR ON EDGE: Ohio State handled Marshall without much rushing help from Pryor...The Buckeyes probably won't have that luxury this week. Pryor is most dangerous on rollouts, where he has a run-pass option, or on read-option plays, which OSU also did not do last week...Pryor should not be reluctant to take off running...
USE TIME WISELY: The most recent blueprint for beating Miami comes from Wisconsin in last year's Champs Sports Bowl. The Badgers used a solid running game and accurate, controlled passing to amass more than 39 minutes of possession time. The Hurricanes like to strike quickly...This is not an argument for a conservative Ohio State offense...
FEEL SPECIAL: There are legitimate special-teams concerns for Ohio State after last week. The Buckeyes gave up a blocked field goal, an extra-point attempt was partially blocked, and Marshall had a 63-yard kickoff return. The Hurricanes are solid all around in this area, with a stellar punter-kicker (Matt Bosher) and good return men. A repeat of last week's special teams performance could be damaging for the Buckeyes..."
Ohio State vs. Miami: Key matchups September 10, 2010 Source: The NewsHerald - "1. QB Terrelle Pryor vs. Miami's linebackers...The showdown between Pryor and the 'Canes' linebackers is huge whether he is trying to evade them on the run or outmaneuver them in the passing game...
2. Michael Adams and J.B. Shugarts vs. DE Allen Bailey: The 6-foot-4, 285-pound Bailey was a first team All-ACC performer last year with 34 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks while bouncing between defensive end and defensive tackle. ...
3. OSU's cornerbacks vs. Miami's receivers: Starters Chimdi Chekwa and Devon Torrence are going to have their hands full with Miami's Leonard Hankerson (45 catches, 801 yards, six TDs last year), Travis Benjamin (29, 501, 4) and LaRon Byrd (33, 460, 1)...
4. OSU's defensive line vs. Miami QB Jacory Harris: If Harris has time to stand back in the pocket all day and pick apart the pass protection, the Buckeyes are in trouble. OSU's front four of Cameron Heyward, Solomon Thomas, Dexter Larimore and John Simon did not get a sack last week against Marshall..."
Coach Tressel Thursday Update Sept 9, 2010 Source: OSU Official Site
5 Things to Watch for When the Buckeyes Take on Miami September 9, 2010 Source: SB Nation - "...1. Safety Play. Because of Marshall's inability to block the Buckeye defensive line, the new starters at safety were not tested vertically in the opening game of the season. Senior Jermale Hines has played plenty at the "Star" position, which holds responsibilities similar to a nickelback in Ohio State's defense, but he has not had many game reps as a true safety. Sophomore C.J. Barnett has not seen many game reps, period...
2. Miami's offensive gameplan. Against Florida A & M, Miami debuted a new no-huddle offense that was not seen last season. Is it gamesmanship, as I believe, or is it the base offense that Miami offensive coordinator Mark Whipple is implementing this season?...Do they force the Buckeyes into an up-tempo game?
3. Miami's retooled offensive line versus the experienced Buckeye defensive line. Even today, it is not clear what combination Miami will use on the offensive line on Saturday...shifting their starting guards last season to both tackle positions, while introducing relatively inexperienced players to the interior...it's a move that worked well in the season opener, albeit against an FCS team.
4. Early Emotions. This Miami team has had this game on their minds for a long time, and it will be interesting to see how they handle those emotions in an atmosphere like the Horseshoe....On the other sideline, how will the Buckeyes handle the atmosphere? As the team more experienced in big games, it would appear that this would be old hat for the Buckeyes...
5. Schematically, keep an eye on how the Buckeyes defend the Miami offense. It can be difficult to see what a team is doing on television, but try to keep an eye on where the safeties are playing, when you can. If the Buckeyes are predominantly keeping two safeties in the deep middle of the field, it most likely means they are unthreatened by the Miami running game and can afford to keep their safeties deep to protect against the vertical passing game. If the Buckeyes can get away with stopping the Miami rushing attack without committing the safeties to run support, it will be a good sign for Buckeye fans..."
Miami Hurricanes Vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Key Matchups September 9, 2010 Source: Bleacher Report - "No one has forgotten the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, especially Canes fans. The defending National Champion Miami Hurricanes were huge favorites over the Ohio State Buckeyes. Most of the country expected the Canes to take care of business and win their sixth National Title...
In a weekend that is filled with marque games:... the game everyone is talking about is the #2 Buckeyes vs. the #12 Canes. Let's take a look at the matchups: Quarterbacks...Running Back...Wide Receiver & Tight End...Offensive Line...Defensive Line...Linebacker...Secondary...Special Teams...Coach..."
Hurricanes vs. Buckeyes: It all comes down the quarterbacks September 9, 2010 Source: Sporting News - "...As in most games pairing ranked teams, quarterback play figures to help determine Saturday's winner. But the position will attract extra attention in this one because of the evolution both players have made, and the potential they possess to lead their teams to championships.
Pryor and Harris entered college in 2008 as two of the most touted young quarterbacks in the country. National recruiting site Rivals.com rated Pryor as the nation's top recruit; Harris was labeled the seventh-best pro-style quarterback. And although both have excelled at times, highlighted by Pryor's 2010 Rose Bowl victory against Oregon, both have struggled in important spots.
In a teleconference Wednesday evening, Pryor said his rough games helped him relate to Harris' struggles down the stretch last season. We talked about forcing some throws," he said. "Maybe we tried to do too many things ourselves and not let our play go out and decide the game." These are better times, though. Both quarterbacks shined in their team's easy-win openers, and similar performances will be needed to bring another victory. Saturday's outcome will steer public perception into October. The winning team's quarterback will rank as a Heisman Trophy favorite, and his squad will be discussed as a sure-fire national title contender..."
Pryor feels good on eve of the big game Source: BuckeyeGrove.com
Defense wants to turn up pressure
September 9, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Miami quarterback Harris was sacked 35 times last season... Those "32" decals Ohio State players are wearing this season aren't just for show. They mean something to the Buckeyes. The decals honor former OSU and NFL standout defensive back Jack Tatum, who died of a heart attack July27. A legendary hard hitter, "The Assassin" used to address the Buckeyes before every Michigan game.
"He always said, 'Hit them in the mouth,'" defensive tackle Dexter Larimore said. "That was kind of his deal." That's the goal for the defense Saturday when No.2 Ohio State plays No.12 University of Miami in Ohio Stadium. Larimore said they hope to deliver Tatum's message in person to the Hurricanes, and in particular to quarterback Jacory Harris. "If you can hit them in the mouth defensively, it's going to be a rough day for them," Larimore said. "I don't know too many athletes that like to get hit in the mouth."...
Where Marshall employed a spread offense and a quick-passing scheme, Miami is expected to come in with a more conventional, balanced approach. "They're tough. They're fast. They don't do a million different things," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. "The good teams usually don't. They play good, hard, fundamental football."...No secondary, though, can hold up forever if the quarterback has time. And that's why Ohio State hopes it can get to Harris..."
"It's kind of scary but I think me and Bolls are thinking alike right now."
- C Mike Brewster has been tutored by OL coach Jim Bollman for the last three years and now catches himself mirroring the same thoughts as his mentor.
WR DeVier Posey & LB RossHoman Preview Saturday's Game with No. 12 Hurricanes
Offensive Line and Linebackers Key vs Miami September 8, 2010 Source: Eleven Warriors - "When thinking back to the Miami run that began in the mid-1980s and flourished through the early part of this decade, defense was the foundation of success. Drill down even further and one would find the defensive line as the engine of the machine that demoralized teams and wrecked the gameplans of opposing offenses, no matter how well conceived.
In recent years, pressure and production from the line been a critical missing element. Last season saw the Hurricanes notch only 24 sacks with a meager nine of those coming in the last six games. To rectify the problem, coach Randy Shannon hired Rick Petri from Kentucky where he had spent the last five years. It was a homecoming of sorts as Petri guided the Canes defensive line during some of the most prolific years and was responsible for the development of great players like Warren Sapp and Kenard Lang. And, so far, it seems like old times for the coach. In their first game against Florida A&M, Miami racked up 8 sacks with a shade under four of them coming from defensive end, Olivier Vernon.
The reason, according to Vernon: Coach Petri...
When watching video of Miami both this year and last, I see a team who will use speed and power to get pressure but also confusion. The confusion part comes by way of running twists, where a lineman will rotate behind and around one of this teammates and work through a different gap than the one he lined over. The technique isn’t new but it sometimes can be particularly difficult for the offensive line to handle because, even if the line cognitively recongnizes what’s happening, they may get caught up in the wash of players, allowing a defender to rush free.
There are four clips that illustrate this technique all with varying degrees of success. Two of the clips come from Miami’s game against Wake Forest last year while the other two are from this past weekend’s games..."
ESPN Showdown in The Shoe: Todd McShay and Trevor Matich talk about the matchup between Jacory Harris and Terrelle Pryor
Once Again, Pressure Will Be Key When Bucks Face Canes September 8, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "In January 2003 pressure on the quarterback went a long way toward determining the outcome of the game. Brandon Castel says that is likely to be the case in 2010 as well...As Ken Dorsey dropped back to pass on the final play of the 2003 BCS National Championship game, Cie Grant torpedoed on a blitz off the right side...
Eight years later, the Buckeyes have a similar plan in mind for stopping current Miami quarterback Jacory Harris. "If you don't get after him, he's gonna sit back there and just pick you apart," OSU defensive tackle Dexter Larimore said. "If you watch the Florida A&M game, he was back there just unbelievably on the mark, hitting all of those wide receivers. So if we're not getting after him, it's going to be a long day for our secondary." Harris, a junior out of Miami, completed 12 of his 15 pass attempts in the opener (all in the first half) for 210 yards and three touchdowns. He threw 24 touchdowns as a sophomore last season, but also led the ACC with 17 interceptions..."
C Mike Brewster on upcoming game with Miami Saturday Source: OSU Official Site
Ohio State Buckeyes' Mike Brewster confident offensive line can handle Miami's defensive line September 8, 2010 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "...Mike made a good call. That's Ohio State junior center Mike Brewster, and he made a lot of good calls. In fact, after playing about 45 snaps in the Buckeyes' opener, Brewster said line coach Jim Bollman disagreed with only one decision he made on blocking assignments, a duty that falls to the OSU center, and even Brewster realized that mistake as soon as it happened.
For the first time in his career, Brewster was graded with a "winning performance" by his coaches, who examine every detail in their postgame evaluations. It's not a level that's easy to reach -- quarterback Terrelle Pryor is still searching for the first "winning performance" of his career. It's Brewster's self-assuredness and consistency in the middle of the line, and his faith in the four linemen joining him, that will be tested against Miami's quick and dangerous defensive line on Saturday when the No. 2 Buckeyes host No. 12 Miami...The most important matchup Saturday may be between Ohio State's offensive line and Miami's defensive line. Here are the players involved:.."
DB Chimdi Chekwa on upcoming game with Miami Saturday Source: OSU Official Site
Michael Brewster and Chimdi Chekwa were asked about trash-talking Miami players, the '03 championship game, the importance of this week's game for both teams and more.
Tressel on Miami: 'The challenge is great' September 7, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "..."I know our folks are looking forward to this opportunity just like you are," OSU football coach Jim Tressel said today at his weekly media. But he wasn't talking about the rematch aspects of the game. When asked for memories of that momentous night in Tempe, Ariz., where the Buckeyes -- buoyed by a controversial penalty in overtime -- pulled the surprise, Tressel danced through most of his answers while advancing back to the game at hand. As far as he was concerned what happened almost eight years ago has little to do with what might happen Saturday.
"The challenge is great," Tressel said. "Miami is an excellent football team." At least that part is similar. After the gradual denoument following the loss to OSU, which eventually cost then-Miami coach Larry Coker his job at the end of the 2006 season, the Hurricanes have rebuilt under the guidance of coach Randy Shannon.
Whether they are all the way back remains to be seen (they blasted outmanned Florida A&M 45-0 on Thursday night at the same time OSU was doing the same to Marshall 45-7). Saturday's game will be more of an indicator. But Tressel said that watching tape of the current 'Canes is more relevant to him than reminiscing about a past victory. "They're tough, they're fast, they don't do a million different things," Tressel said. "The good teams usually don't."..."
Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor talks about facing Miami and Jacory Harris this week.
Miami is a 'home' game for some Buckeyes September 6, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Brian Rolle hadn't been with the Buckeyes for long when he looked at Ohio State's upcoming schedules. His heart jumped. In his senior season, the linebacker from Immokalee, Fla., saw, he would get to face his hometown team.
"I was like, 'We play Miami?'?" Rolle said. "It was amazing that it was my favorite school growing up — I didn't get a scholarship offer (from the Hurricanes) and I ended up at Ohio State and we eventually play them. "So it's extra special for me to be playing them. I look forward to it."
Rolle is one of nine Buckeyes from Florida, and one of six from south Florida. He's the only south Florida native expected to start for OSU when it faces Miami on Saturday — the others are backups: running backs Jaamal Berry and Carlos Hyde, cornerback Travis Howard, receiver James Louis and linebacker Etienne Sabino...
Rolle is not afraid to admit that he still likes the Hurricanes. "I grew up in Fort Myers, I was born in Miami," he said. "That’s never going to leave me, but I’m a Buckeye now, and I don’t like them (this) week. They’re the competition."
..."
Jacory Harris Vs. Terrelle Pryor: Who is the Better Quarterback? September 6, 2010 Source: Bleacher Report - "...Let’s break down both quarterbacks and let the fans of each debate state the reasons why their guy is superior, or why they are even. This game is going to come down to which guy can control the other team's defense, so it is probably the single biggest factor in determining the outcome of the game.
Terrelle Pryor is the fastest player on the Ohio State football team, and he is not a bad weapon to have running your offense. Pryor runs a 4.33 40-yard dash and is 6’6", 240 lbs. He is a formidable opponent to deal with. Looking through all of Pryor’s game stats over the last two seasons, what stands out the most is his completion percentage in 2009. It ranged from a low of 38.5 percent to a high of 82.4 percent, with many games hovering in the 40 to 50 percent area. That is a large range that shows why people knock Pryor, but at the same time why they see potential for him to do big things.
Pryor is safe with the ball, does not turn it over much, and was very efficient managing the offense last season. Pryor’s biggest asset is his ability to run with the football...
Jacory Harris is listed at 200 lbs., but he is probably closer to 190 pounds when he steps on a scale. He is not physically imposing like his counterpart on Saturday, and this leads some to question his durability as a player. Looking at Harris’ statistics from 2009, his completion percentage ranged from 36 to 80 percent with an average sitting in the 50 to 60 percent range.
The eye popping stat with Harris is his 17 interceptions. He led the nation in that category, but Harris had four 300-yard passing games while Pryor had none. Harris does not run with the ball, nor does he have any inclination to run with it...Harris is a passer, and will string out a play to the last minute in an attempt to make that last-minute throw downfield.
Based on the statistics you could say Harris is a better quarterback, but..."
Tressel said the only player in jeopardy of missing Saturday's game is backup center Corey Linsley, who suffered an ankle injury last week.
Williams cleared: There was some doubt whether Ohio State defensive end Nathan Williams - out because of a knee injury suffered early in preseason camp - would gain clearance to play against Miami. "He's good to go," defensive backs coach Paul Haynes said. Source: Columbus Dispatch
Healthy Buckeyes Preparing For Miami September 7, 2010 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "With preparations having started for a highly anticipated showdown between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 13 Miami, Jim Tressel told local reporters one of his key starters on defense is expected to be ready to play. Read on to find out what else the head coach of the Buckeyes had to say in his weekly press luncheon...
..."
FIRST AND 10 • Saturday is the first meeting between the Buckeyes and the Hurricanes since the 2003 Fiesta Bowl • The Buckeyes will play at Miami next season, Sept. 17, 2011 • OSU has now won 32 consecutive home openers, the longest active streak among FBS teams • Coach Tressel is 26-2 at home against non-conference teams and 36-13 against teams ranked in the AP Top 25 • Ohio State has had 56 consecutive crowds of more than 100,000 at Ohio Stadium
Did You Know? • The 529 yards of total offense against Marshall were the most in a season opener under Jim Tressel and the most in an opener since Sept. 5, 1998, in a 34-17 win at West Virginia. The 529 also were the most yards in a home opener since totaling 632 against Rice on Sept. 7, 1996.
Ground Superiority Over the last six games dating to last season, the Buckeyes have outgained the opposition on the ground by +1,138 yards (1,568 to 430) -- an average of +189.6 yards per game. Ohio State has averaged 261.3 yards per game during that span to opponent’s 71.7 and have totaled 13 rushing touchdowns to the opposition’s one.
About The ‘Canes Quarterback Jacory Harris completed 12-of-15 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns, hitting receiver Leonard Hankerson six times for 115 yards and two scores. On the ground, running back Lamar Miller carried 11 times for 66 yards and one touchdown.
Defensively, the ‘Canes defense recorded 8.0 sacks, 3.5 of those by Olivier Vernon for a total of 36 yards. Collectively, Miami gave up just 110 yards of total offense in the shutout win.
Series History Ohio State and Miami have met three times previously, with the Buckeyes holding a 2-1 edge. Ohio State was a 10-0 winner in the 1977 season opener at Ohio Stadium, while the Hurricanes captured a 23-12 contest in the 1999 Kickoff Classic played at the Meadowlands. Ohio State won the most recent meeting 31-24, a double-overtime victory in the 2002 national championship game in Arizona.
br> Honorary Captain Cie Grant
National Anthem Rascal Flats" will be performing the National Anthem during pregame festivities on Saturday
Last Time Out: Miami (Fla.) september 7, 2010 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Miami (Fla.) comes to Ohio Stadium this weekend looking for revenge for its BCS National Championship Game loss to Ohio State at the end of the 2002 season. Take a look back at the classic Fiesta Bowl matchup between the Buckeyes and Hurricanes in this edition of "Last Time Out..."
Game Data: Miami at OSU september 7, 2010 Source:Bucknuts.com - "We have the pertinent info, depth charts and predictions as No. 2 OSU hosts No. 12 Miami Saturday (3:40 p.m., ESPN)...I’ve got it: Ohio State 27-14..."
See the T-shirt that is becoming a popular item around the University of Miami.
Gameday+ September 10, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "BuckeyeXtra.com delivers all you need to know about the Buckeyes upcoming game. Click here for everything from the top story, play of the week: Cover Story: Pryor: Playing with
A PURPOSE, Play of the Week: Z SLOT GO ROUTE, Game Predictions, staff picks, Ohio State spotlight: DeVier Posey and more..."
Game of the Week: Hurricanes battle Buckeyes at the 'Shoe September 10, 2010 Source: Sports Illustrated - "...Three And Out
1. Which quarterback will step up? 2. Miami needs to establish the run...Cameron Heyward and his fellow Ohio State defensive linemen will suffocate Jacory Harris if Miami fails to establish the run...3. Don't discount the revenge factor. Randy Shannon doesn't want to talk about that fateful night, when the 2002 national title was in Miami's grasp for about two seconds before Terry Porter's flag extended the game eventually won by Ohio State. And that's fine. But Miami fans have been talking about it ever since this game was announced...For Entertainment Purposes Only
Ohio State enters the game as a 9.5-point favorite. Miami is 4-1-1 the last two seasons against the spread as an underdog. Ohio State is 6-0 vs. the number in its last six games coming off a 30-plus-point victory...The Pick: Miami makes some big plays in the first half, but Pryor and the Ohio State defense wear down the Hurricanes in the second half. Ohio State 31, Miami 17...(plus videos)..."
Preview: #10 Miami at #2 Ohio State September 10, 2010 Source: Eleven Warriors - "...a 45-0 opening night thrashing of FAMU. It was the first time Miami had scored 35 in the first half since 2002 and the strikes came with a quickness. Scoring touchdowns on their first four offensive possessions, including three series that clocked in at under two minutes...QB Harris is the engine that keeps things purring for Miami...He's not much of a threat with his legs in the pocket, but if he comes out and turns 10 of his first 12 completions into first downs like he did against FAMU, it's going to be a long afternoon...The Buckeyes will go up against several great defensive fronts this season, but Miami might have the most talented group across the board...After feasting on the depleted Marshall secondary last weekend, the Ohio State passing game will have to step up against a couple of veteran Miami cornerbacks. Senior DeMarcus Van Dyke (#8) has 11 career starts under his belt, while junior Brandon Harris (#1) returns as an All-ACC First Team selection looking to capture the Thorpe Award. Sophomore Brandon McGee (#21) earned his first career start last week against FAMU with the Canes opening with their nickel package...I do like the fact that the team didn't engage in any trash-talking with the Canes in the run-up to the game, instead choosing to stick quotes out of Coral Gables up on the bulletin board. Brewster's quote about doing the talking between the white lines shows a level of maturity you like to see in a team like this..."
Preview: No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 12 Miami September 10, 2010 Source: Associated Press - "...KEY MATCHUP: Ohio State DE Cameron Heyward vs. Miami's offensive line. Hurricanes QB Jacory Harris has occasionally saved up his worst games for the biggest dates on the schedule. If Heyward has a field day against the 'Canes front wall, it will be hard for Harris to buy enough time to stretch the defense deep...PLAYERS TO WATCH: Miami: The Buckeyes have had problems with speed off the edge when playing high-profile games against athletic teams such as Florida and LSU. Miami DEs Allen Bailey and Olivier Vernon will try to get in QB Terrelle Pryor's head...PLAYERS TO WATCH: Miami: The Buckeyes have had problems with speed off the edge when playing high-profile games against athletic teams such as Florida and LSU. Miami DEs Allen Bailey and Olivier Vernon will try to get in QB Terrelle Pryor's head..."
2010 Miami Hurricanes Game Preview September 9, 2010 Source: Buckeye Planet - "...2010 Miami Hurricanes Offensive Preview...Overall Analysis: Many Hurricane fans think this could be the year to make noise on the national stage once again, and they could be right. Harris has another season under his belt, they have a senior at TB, and Hankerson is an outstanding WR. On the other hand, the offensive line is shifted about such that several players are getting used to new positions, they lost a lot of talent at the TE position, and the Hurricanes haven't really shown the ability to run the ball all that well consistently...2010 Miami Hurricanes Defensive Preview...The D-line will be the strength of Miami's stop troops and will be led by Allen Bailey. Big, strong and explosive off the edge, Bailey should see time on the field on Sundays next year. He made a team high 11 TFLs last season with 7 sacks. In the opener, Bailey recorded a solo tackle. On his opposite side will be true sophomore Olivier Vernon. During his freshman season, Vernon played in 11 games, including starts against Virginia Tech and in the Champs Sports Bowl against Wisconsin. He ended up third among all linemen in tackles and looks to build on this strong freshman campaign in 2010. In week one he led all tacklers with 7, 3.5 of which were behind the LOS and all of which were sacks. Inside, the beef is provided by Fortson. Forston suffered an injury in 2009 and played in just 3 games earning a medical hardship season. He hopes to re-establish himself in 2010 after having had a very good freshman season two years ago when he made 25 tackles with 3 sacks...2010 Miami Hurricanes Special Teams Preview...Predictions
Ohio State vs. Miami Preview September 9, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "Tony Gerdeman's preview of the Marshall game ...When Miami Has The Ball...Knowing that the effectiveness of their affectiveness is key, the Ohio State defense will come into this game intent on making Harris think a split-second longer than normal, and perhaps in that time they can either get to him or pin down where he's going with the ball...The Hurricanes will use a running back by committee approach, much like Ohio State will. If they can find a hot hand, they will stick with it and ride it as far as it will go...
When Ohio State Has The Ball...Miami's linebackers and safeties do have coverage issues, so any time Saine can get matched up with them out wide, he will be able to run by them...Miami plays an aggressive man-to-man defense with their cornerbacks, which may play into the hands of the two Buckeye receivers because they are both terrific route runners and technicians at the receiving craft. If Pryor is given time to throw, they should combine for 12-15 receptions. Keep an eye on cornerback Brandon Harris, however, who was second in the nation last season with 15 passes defensed..."
BSB Preview: The Miami Game September 10, 2010 Source: Buckeye Sports - "Ohio State's 2010 season has reached a crucial moment in only its second game. The second-ranked Buckeyes welcome No. 12 Miami into Ohio Stadium on Saturday afternoon for one of the premier nonconference showdowns of the entire year. Find out more on the Hurricanes, including depth charts, stats, notes and more, in BSB's preview...Miami Players To Watch...WR Leonard Hankerson: The Fort Lauderdale (Fla) St. Thomas Aquinas product considered Ohio State out of high school, and the Buckeyes probably wish he had come north. The 6-3, 205-pounder has excellent size and body control, traits that helped him lead the team in all three major receiving categories a year ago and score two touchdowns in the team opener. He has a catch of 20 or more yards in 13 of the last 14 games...The weakness on the Hurricanes offense could be the line, which allowed 2.69 sacks per game in 2009 to place 100th in the NCAA...Defensive Personnel Report...Miami, which shut out Florida A&M 45-0 in the opener to earn its first shutout since 2006, boasts one of the deepest defensive lines in the nation, a unit noted college football expert Phil Steele ranked fourth in the country in the preseason, and the line racked up all eight sacks the Hurricanes had against the Rattlers. "I’ve watched tons of film on them," OSU tight end Jake Stoneburner said of the Miami D-line. "They’re super athletic, super quick. They have a lot of talent, a lot of depth..."
Preview: Ohio State vs. Miami September 8, 2010 Source: The Buckeye Battle Cry - "...Both teams are led by experienced and talented quarterbacks, and are loaded at the skill positions. This game, like most, will boil down to a battle in the trenches...
Ohio State’s Offense vs. Miami’s Defense...Ohio State’s Defense vs. Miami’s Offense...Special Teams...
Conclusion: ...If Miami is forced to load the box to stop the run, Pryor and the receivers are more than capable of making them pay on the perimeter. If things go as planned, this Ohio State team is too talented to be stopped on offense and too disciplined and experienced to give up much on defense. Establish the run on offense (or spread them out with quick passes on the perimeter, depending on what they give you), pressure the QB on defense, and happy times in the ‘Shoe will follow.
"
Dispatch sports writers Tim May and Ken Gordon preview Ohio State's upcoming game against Miami.
Miami (1-0) at Ohio State (1-0) September 8, 2010 Source: College Football News - "...Why Miami Might Win: Terrelle, get ready to get hit. Pryor is fantastic on the move and he has quickly become a better decision maker. He’s doing a better job of keeping his eyes down the field to find his targets rather than look short before taking off. This week, he’ll have to make his adjustments and his reads well before the snap against a defensive front that should be in the backfield all game long. OSU has a good offensive line, but not an elite one, and Miami should come up with a handful of sacks. The Buckeye line is wee bit better than Florida A&M’s, but it could have a nightmare of a time with the pressure applied from a defensive front that came up with eight sacks and 14 tackles for loss last week. If Marshall could get three sacks last week, the Miami could come up with six unless the Buckeyes go ultra-conservative.
Why Ohio State Might Win: Miami might run for under 50 yards. The O line is Miami’s biggest issue with a hodge-podge mix of players that form a decent, but underwhelming front five. Pass protection is going to be a problem, and getting physical in any way against Cameron Heyward and the Buckeye defensive front is going to be a big issue. If Jacory Harris and the Miami passing game isn’t clicking early, it’s going to be a long afternoon, and if the turnover problems of the past rise up, it’s going to be a long, long, afternoon. Even though the OSU offense might not have been as conservative as it was in the past, this is still a Tressel coached team and it’s still going to be stingy with the ball. Miami needs to be +2 in turnover margin to win, and it’s going to have a hard time doing that.
What To Watch Out For: Ohio State was up 35-7 against ...CFN Prediction: Ohio State 27 … Miami 20 … ... "
Ohio State-Miami: Week 2 Preview, History Lesson, and Prediction September 7, 2010 Source: Block-O-Nation - "...Miami is fast, but so is Ohio State. Miami has recruited well, but Ohio State has recruited better. Miami has a very good quarterback, but so does Ohio State and theirs can also hurt you running the ball. Miami may just have the best group of receivers in the nation, but Ohio State's group isn't far behind, just younger and less experienced. Miami has one of the best defensive fronts you will find, but Ohio State's might just be the best in the country. Miami has a pretty good offensive line, but the Ohio State o-line is one of the top five lines in the nation. Miami has one of the better secondaries in the country. Ohio State's secondary has a couple of new faces, but could still be one of the best when it's all said and done. Miami finally has a good coach in Randy Shannon who has their program heading in the right direction. Ohio State has Jim Tressel, the best coach in the Big 10, who also happens to be one of the best six or seven coaches in all of college football.
It could be close, and a back-and-forth shootout, but this Buckeye squad will be fired up, and so will 105,000+ Buckeye fans. They will be too much for the Hurricanes in the second half and should win by at least two scores..."
How we beat Miami September 9, 2010 Source: Duane Long Report - "...I think the Buckeyes are clearly the better team. Miami has speed? So does Ohio State. They found that out the last time we ran into them. They were shocked to find out that we could run with them. They are in for a rude awakening. But I don't think that is where we win the game. I think we overpower this Miami team. I think we run right at them with fresh back after fresh back, with no dropoff in talent. I do not think we run them out of the stadium but I see a clear win for the Buckeyes. I do think it gets ugly before it is a close game. Something that was pointed out to me is that Miami was the number five defense in the ACC last year. That is not a feather in the cap. Seven starters return from that unit...
That brings me to my concerns. Not getting pressure exposes a secondary that I am not sure of. I like our starting corners. I see the old Jermale Hines at strong safety. I have some concerns about C.J. Barnett and have yet to see Ohrian Johnson be the player that so many others think he is. I am concerned about Miami going over the top if we do not get pressure on Harris. My other concern is protecting Pryor. We will see our tackles tested. I thought Mike Adams had his best game as a Buckeye last Saturday. He had a couple of bad plays but it was not so long ago that it was harder to find his good plays than singling out his bad ones. These Miami ends will test he and J.B. Shugarts. If we protect the quarterback it is going to be a long day for Miami...Buckeyes cruise, 27-13..."
2010 College Football Ohio State vs. Marshall Preview September 7, 2010 Source: CBSSports.com - "...Miami fans certainly remember Rolle's name. His cousin, current New York Giant Antrel Rolle, was a standout cornerback for the Hurricanes in that national title game seven years ago. Perhaps as soon as April, Pryor could join Rolle as one of the 80 first-round NFL draft picks to play at Miami or Ohio State since 1985. The junior built upon his excellent Rose Bowl effort by going 17 of 25 for 247 yards against the Thundering Herd.
"Every game is about maturity," Pryor said. "It's 12 weeks in a (season). Let's see what happens next. I'm excited to play Miami." Harris, who led the ACC with 3,352 yards passing in 2009 but also tossed a conference-high 17 interceptions, didn't have any in his opener. He threw three incompletions in 15 attempts, passing for 210 yards before sitting out the second half..."
Miami-Ohio St. Preview
September 7, 2010 Source: NBCSports.com - "...Harris, who led the ACC with 3,352 yards passing in 2009 but also tossed a conference-high 17 interceptions, didn't have any in his opener. He threw three incompletions in 15 attempts, passing for 210 yards before sitting out the second half...Miami hopes to exploit the Buckeyes' veteran offensive line Saturday. The Hurricanes had only 24 sacks in 2009 - their lowest total in two decades - but recorded eight against Florida A&M, a career-high 3 1/2 coming from sophomore defensive end Olivier Vernon..."
Hurricanes on Ohio State game 9-7-2010 Source: Miami Herald
UM cornerback Brandon Harris
UM DT Marcus Fortson
UM safety Vaughn Telemaque
UM linebacker Colin McCarthy
'Canes rule out four injured players for season September 9, 2010 Source: Miami Herald - "Defensive tackle Jeremy Lewis and three other Miami players were ruled out for the season because of injuries on Thursday. Lewis hurt his lower right leg early in No. 12 Miami's season-opening 45-0 win over Florida A&M last week. The Hurricanes have also listed fullback John Calhoun, running back Darion Hall and linebacker Travis Williams as out for the year because of undisclosed surgeries. Defensive lineman Luther Robinson and linebacker Kevin Nelson are listed as out for Saturday's game against No. 2 Ohio State. Running back Graig Cooper is listed as doubtful, although it's a virtual certainty he will also miss this weekend's matchup against the Buckeyes..."
Harris and Pryor embracing chance to match skills September 9, 2010 Source: Miami Herald - "
Jacory Harris and Terrelle Pryor were introduced a couple years ago by a mutual friend on a phone call, the two quarterbacks quickly becoming confidants. Their favorite discussion topic? "Anything but football," Harris said.
"We talked earlier this week," Pryor said. "We just said, 'Stay injury-free, have a good game and let's make this game go down in history.' We don't have too many words for each other. We're just trying to come out and get a win for our team." Comparisons of the two starting quarterbacks are inevitable this week, considering they've been getting made for years anyway..."
Also videos: Players Press Conference, Coach Shannon and Jacory Harris
Jacory Harris talks Ohio State, Terrelle Pryor and listening to slow jams September 8, 2010 Source: Palm Beach Post - "...On if he looks at the game as a challenge between him and Pryor: "Not at all. It is a game between two teams and not individuals. We just want to go out and have a good showdown between the two teams and that is what we will settle from there."...
On thoughts of Ohio State’s defense: "They have a great and wonderful defense. They got some big guys up front and there is a lot of guys that have played on that team for three years. It is a mature group and they are going to come out prepared and focused and they are going to try and give it to us."...
On if he feels any similarities between this game and the Wisconsin game last year: "Not really because they are not as big as Wisconsin to me. They are also a different style than Wisconsin. I feel like they are a lot faster than Wisconsin and we just have to go out and make a lot of plays and make things happen."..."
Miami Hurricanes to get key defensive tackles back for Ohio State game September 7, 2010 Source: Palm Beach Post - "University of Miami defensive tackles Micanor Regis and Curtis Porter will be back for Saturday's game against No. 2 Ohio State. Regis, listed on UM's depth chart as a starter, and Porter, a key backup, missed the Hurricanes' 45-0 season-opening victory against Florida A&M because of undisclosed injuries. The return of Regis and Porter, a pair of 300-pound run stuffers, couldn't come at a better time. Ohio State ran for 280 yards in last Thursday's 45-7 win against Marshall in Columbus, Ohio.
The news on the injury front isn't all good for the Hurricanes. Coach Randy Shannon said tailback Graig Cooper "probably" won't play Saturday after injuring an ankle in the season opener. Cooper played against FAMU, running twice for 11 yards and catching two passes for 13 yards, in his first game since undergoing major knee surgery in January. The Hurricanes may also be without defensive tackle Jeremy Lewis, a junior from Palm Beach Lakes High. Shannon said Lewis was injured against FAMU as the result of a chop block..."
""The D-line is huge. They're the strength of our defense. We need them to put a lot of pressure on Pryor, but also keep that running game slowed down. We want to control the running game, and hopefully the D-line gets to chow a little bit. We have to stop the run. We have to stop the run." " - Miami cornerback Brandon Harris told reporters in Florida on Tuesday.
Miami Hurricanes want to turn up the pressure September 7, 2010 Source: Miami Herald - "To stop Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, Miami will have to rely on a pass rush led by defensive end Olivier Vernon...University of Miami sophomore defensive end Olivier Vernon doesn't need any tattoos or face paint to play the part of an intimidating quarterback hunter. At 6-4, 250 pounds with an explosive first step, Vernon proved that last Thursday night when he had a career-high 3 ½ sacks in the season opener against Florida A&M.
After tallying only 24 sacks in 2009 (the program's fewest in the past two decades), the Canes recorded a third of that total (eight) against the Rattlers in Rick Petri's first game as the team's new defensive line coach. The heavy pressure on the opposing quarterback helped lead to UM's first shutout in 46 games -- dating to a 35-0 blowout of FIU in 2006. Vernon, who made only his third career start, led the charge. In addition to his sacks and team-high seven tackles, he also pressured Rattlers quarterback Martin Ukpai into throwing a second-quarter interception, which safety Ray-Ray Armstrong returned 22 yards for a touchdown..."
Miami RB Cooper 'probably won't play' against Buckeyes September 7, 2010 Source: CollegefootballTalk.com - "...According to the Palm Beach Post, head coach Randy Shannon said Tuesday morning that Cooper "probably won't play" in the huge showdown with the Buckeyes Saturday afternoon. Cooper, who incurred such a significant injury to his knee in last December's Champs Sports Bowl that there was talk he'd miss the entire 2010 season, injured his ankle in the season-opening win over Florida A&M. Before getting hurt, Cooper rushed for 11 yards on two carries and caught two passes for 13 yards. Fortunately for the 'Canes, they are loaded with a capital "load" at the running back position, so Cooper's absence should have little impact on the highly-anticipated game..."
