Growing up in rural Ohio I was a tomboy. I participated in every outdoor activity my older brother, Jason, allowed me to join. Fighting tooth and nail to prove myself worthy and become an asset in each after-school backyard game motivated me. I wanted to be a part of whatever he did and I wanted to play whatever game he was involved in.

 

Upon aging into adolescence, our parents put a major kink in my plans to follow my brother in athletic endeavors. Jason was active in the local pee-wee football program. I thought it only natural that I too would take the field padded up and representing the black and yellow Westside Chargers. Understandably I am a female and it was far from the norm in those days for parents to put their small daughter on the playing field with much larger boys.  To me the norm didn’t matter; I was athletic, competitive, knowledgeable and mentally tough. I belonged out there with my brother. Instead I had to take my abilities to the sideline in a pleated skirt!

 

The past weeks of the current college football season have confirmed that a team can be the most competitive, skilled and athletic but if they do not have the mental toughness they have nothing. At 7 years old I had the confidence and mental toughness to take on anyone. How can the Buckeyes regain that mindset and reestablish the unbeatable attitude they had prior to this season?

 

It has become apparent that The Ohio State Buckeyes football team has a mental block resulting from embarrassing defeats in consecutive national championship games. Self doubt is evident in the hesitation on nearly every play involving a team veteran. The uncertainty became more prevalent when 2007 team MVP Beanie Wells was taken out of play due to injury in the first game of the Buckeye’s 2008 season. Is it possible a single player can make that much of a difference to a team already lacking morale?

 

It seems that Coach Tressel acknowledged the veteran team members’ struggles and set up a rally of youngster’s during Troy last Saturday. True freshman Terrell Pryor replaced fifth-year senior Todd Boeckman (and became first true freshman to start at quarterback for the Buckeyes since 1978). In doing so, Tressel gifted the Buckeyes a mobile quarterback who hasn’t faced adversity in the pocket and proceeds without second guessing his decisions. He has proven he can transform a loss into a gain.

 

The Buckeyes also experimented up front with several new faces on the offensive line. Jim Cordle, who had started the last 16 games at center, moved to left guard to fill in for Steve Rehring who sat out due to injury. Another true freshman, Mike Brewster, then took Cordle’s spot. Brewster wasn’t the only youngster to step in up front. True freshman J.B. Shugarts and sophomore Andrew Miller also saw action.

 

These boys have not felt the national level agony of defeat that their elder team members have and may be able to boost team confidence with strong performance. Still, the team will continue to look to its leaders for motivation.

 

The Minnesota Golden Gophers will be walking into Ohio Stadium Saturday with the motivation of an undefeated record on the season after suffering an 1-11 record last season. All four victories are from non-conference play but all four still contribute to team confidence. Self assurance through victory is coupled with Minnesota quarterback Adam Weber throwing just one interception in 110 attempts to gain Big Ten respect, while freshman DeLeon Elkridge is on track in creating a much needed Gopher running game. Their outstanding performance(s) will accelerate the level of play against the Buckeyes. 

 

The Minnesota defense could be a major pitfall, ranking in the lower half of the conference in areas that matter most. The defense will be facing Pryor’s outstanding ability to move out of the pocket and free opportunity for run OR pass. Additionally the Gophers will have to contend with the return of Beanie Wells. It is official!

Let’s hope that Wells’ return will brighten the light in the stadium tunnel as the Buckeyes begin conference play on a mission to be the first team to win three straight outright Big Ten Conference titles. Wells is slated to start Saturday but will not be pushed to rush over the limitations of his injury. He will find relief in Pryor and Boom Herron who had 20 rushes for 94 yards a week ago.

 

The stellar receiving team of Brian Hartline and Brian Robiskie seems to have struggled with slippery fingers through this season. Ray Small has been instrumental in leading the receiving corp early on but has and will see limited play on receiving as well as punt returns due to disciplinary measures. 

 

There was motivation for improvement on the OSU defensive side of the ball as team captain James Laurinaitis took initiative in challenging his teammates. Via Laurinaitis’ pro-wrestling father, Joe, “(James) had a serious talk with his teammates this week about going into the Big Ten season with a mind-set that they would increase their intensity a notch. This team is just starting to find their identity,” Joe Laurinaitis said. “He’s doing the right thing. He’s trying to fire up his teammates. He’s trying to get them ready, because now it really matters.”

 

What matters is breaking down the mental barrier. The team is stocked with athletes, competitive nature, absolute knowledge of the game… and the fact that their parents allowed them to play at a young age in order to get to this level. Snap out of it boys, it is a new season and it is far from over! Let’s hope Wells is the missing link that connects the team back to the confident champions we know they have the potential to be.

 

Go Bucks!

 

BE

While I consider myself to be well educated, I have struggled to fully understand where the scientifically articulated data and logic of all those who despise The Ohio State Buckeyes derives from. I have since learned, through hours of research and education, that the information articulated as fact is NOT quantified science at all… it is theoretical science!

 

hy·poth·e·sis: 

a: an assumption or concession made for the sake of argument

b: an interpretation of a practical situation or condition taken as the ground for action

 

theory:

a: the analysis of information in relation to other information

b: abstract thought

 

College football fans as a whole have been entertained for months now on talk of the “Game of the Century”. There has been absolute analysis of “facts” from sports experts and sports bar-flies alike. A scientific application is in order to set the record straight. 

 

conspiracy theory: 

A theory that explains an event or set of circumstances as the result of a secret plot by usually powerful conspirators

 

How far will a team go to throw off a future opponent? Conspiracy theory on this topic suggests the hesitancy to use freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor has been strategic. The lack of playing time for Pryor could be a result of him still learning to read the defense or improperly articulating and administrating plays as he has only been practicing with the team since the beginning of August. OR is could be because Tressel does not want USC to have record of his skill on film. OR maybe they are planning to use him as a decoy and he will either step in as a back, a receiver or just Antwaan Randle El the Trojans.

 

Pryor will be used as needed. QB Todd Boeckman has struggled, arguably, since the Illinois game. Boeckman and wideouts Brian Hartline and Brian Robiskie admitted their timing was off last week against Ohio University. If Boeckman starts off on the wrong cleat than The Vest will have to use alternative resources. A solid passing performance is imperative for a Buckeye victory as the verbally bashed running game took another hit, figuratively.

 

Theory: Beanie Wells is faking injury to throw off the opposition.

(unfortunate)Fact: Wells will not play on Saturday night.

 

Beanie Wells’ toe injury and subsequent alleged recovery were said to be part of a plot to throw off the No. 1 ranked Trojans. Having your best player fake an injury is really a bit far fetched. There are, however, a lot more questions about the offense than you’d expect from a team that returned nine offensive starters.

 

This leads to my next theoretical evaluation.

 

decision theory: 

a branch of statistical theory concerned with quantifying the process of making choices between alternatives

 

Who will take the field in place of Beanie Wells?  Wells averaged 124 yards on 21 carries last season. Without him last week against Ohio, Boom Herron (12 carries, 50 yards), Maurice Wells (9 for 48) and Brandon Saine (5 for 15) combined for 113 yards on 26 carries. Saine needs to and will play more against the Trojans. He was limited during the preseason and had only five carries against OU, but the sophomore brings speed and versatility to the offense. Look for Herron to get the first shot at moving the ball, but know that Saine will play a much greater role. Buckeye faithful can only hope that Mo Wells is left to keep his non-related counterpart company on he sidelines. His lack of knowledge in the theory of relativity was evident as he was stopped hard on every straight up the middle running attempt in last week’s game.

 

A hypothesis could be made in support of decision theory to utilize Pryor if he shows up for the challenge. A mobile quarterback has been behind six of Carroll’s 14 defeats — Kansas State’s Ell Roberson (twice), Notre Dame’s Carlyle Holiday, Texas’ Vince Young, UCLA’s Pat Cowan, and Oregon’s Dennis Dixon. USC hasn’t seen much of Pryor, and his size and speed are tough to plan for.

 

The deciding factor of the game could lie in the hands of the Buckeyes defensive. Ohio State must attack on D and not lay back in the zone coverage. If USC has one glaring weakness it is the O-line. While the Trojan O line didn’t allow a sack against Virginia two weeks ago, the group consists of first timers and have never played in any game like this before. QB Mark Sanchez can pick apart opposing defenses in many ways, but running the ball is rarely his method of choice. He has only 23 career rushing yards on 19 carries, an average of 1.2 yards per rush.

 

Additionally Ohio State’s secondary is experienced and full of talent. The Malcolm Jenkins led unit - which also gets back veterans Donald Washington and Jamario O’Neal, who were suspended for the first two games - will challenge USC’s long list of wideouts. Vidal Hazelton is nursing an ankle injury so the Buckeyes will set their sights stopping on Damian Williams, Ronald Johnson and Patrick Turner from sustaining their momentum gained in week one.

 

Theory: The Big Ten is slow and OSU cannot contend on a national level due to lack of speed.

Fact: Ohio State has won 88 percent of its games, more than any other team from a “Big Six” conference.

 

Theory: “Luckeyes”.

Fact: Not scientifically possible.

 

Let’s look at some numbers. The following is a comparison of the two coaches since accepting their respective jobs:

	USC	Ohio State
Overall record	77-14	78-16
Conference record	49-11	45-11
Conference titles	6	4
Bowl record	5-2	4-4
Heisman winners	3	1
National titles	2	1
AP top-5 finishes	6	5
First-round picks	11	11

 

Theory: Pete Carroll sits next to a heavenly power.

Fact: That heavenly power will be STANDING on the opposite sideline.

 

Theory: Coach Tressel is an idiot.

Fact: Only an idiot would present this as fact.

 

catastrophe theory: 

mathematical theory and conjecture that uses topology to explain events (as an earthquake or a stock market crash or the collapse of an empire) characterized by major abrupt changes. A systematic classification of sudden changes from one stable condition to another

 

USC has won 10 of its past 11 games following a bye week.

 

They have bragging rights to 38 of the last 39 victories when playing in Coliseum.

 

The Trojans were 2-4 last season covering the spread as a home favorite.

 

This is the first game between the teams since 1990.

 

USC has an 11-9-1 record in the series.

 

Trojans have won the last five match-ups since Ohio State prevailed 42-21 in the Rose Bowl following the 1973 season.

 

Theory: 2006 Florida 41- OSU 14/ 2007 LSU 38- OSU 24…

Fact: O.K. well you got me there.

 

 

BE Theory:

The no-one-believed-in-us motivational mantra is a proven winner in sports.

“It’s extremely important because nobody believes in us except ourselves,” Buckeyes defensive end Lawrence Wilson said. “Nobody outside our locker room thinks we have a chance, so it’s definitely big for us to show what we have.”

 

Fact: 41-point underdog and catch Carroll’s guys in a stupor (aka, Stanford).

 

Fact: The past five match-ups of top five teams have all been won by the lower-ranked team? The past three times a top-five match-up has featured a double-digit line, the underdog has won each time.

 

Fact: “And with the pressure from Cie Grant, the Buckeyes have won the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (National Championship)!!!!”

 

 

Here is actual science for you…

 

What goes up (in the polls) must come down.

 

Go Bucks!

BE

 

 

With all of the talk about week 3 play, everyone seems to be overlooking the fact that there is still a game this weekend. Everyone except for the team who is continually mentally conditioned by Coach Tressel to take it one game at a time.

 

King Vest gave each senior a symbolic bag of marbles in an effort to emphasis the importance of each individual week. 12 marbles in each bag, 11 either scarlet or gray and one that is blue.

 

For you laymen out there that don’t understand the pride, passion and tradition that The Ohio State University embodies; Tressel preaches the importance of never looking ahead, instead they are playing for all the marbles (literally and figuratively). Each senior hands over one of the gifted respective marbles before the start of the game and each is reminded that they are one game closer to the conclusion of their Ohio State career(s). Each game needs to be played with the same amount of heart and effort.

 

With that said, Bring on the Bobcats!

 

Ohio University will take a short trip up State Route 33 to Columbus for the sixth time. OSU leads the series 5-0. A win on Saturday will mark the school’s 800th all-time victory. Additionally, with a win over Ohio University, the Buckeyes can boast 29 in-state victories… a streak dating back to 1921.

 

The Bobcats opened their season with a 21-20 loss at Wyoming last Saturday. OU is predicted to finish sixth out of seven teams in the MAC East. There is encouragement for the step-sister of a state university as the passing game showed strength in the loss at Wyoming. Junior Taylor Price set the school’s single-game receptions record with 14 catches for 139 yards.

 

It will be important for the Buckeyes to remain focused on the task at hand as there are several factors leaning towards an upset if they take their eyes of the prize at any point in the game. Ohio State is considered to be a five touchdown favorite but they are going up against local men who could very well play the game of their lives once they step on the field of the Ohio Graceland. 61 players on the Bobcat roster are from Ohio. It is probably safe to say that the majority of those 61 players grew up as Buckeye faithful and have dreamed of someday playing in the Horseshoe. 61 Ohioans are also playing in front of friends and family on the big stage. Adrenaline and a little luck could take them a long way.

 

Secondly, the Buckeyes take the field sans last year’s team MVP Chris “Beanie” Wells. Wells injured the area near the pad below his right big toe at some point during Saturday’s 43-0 win over Youngstown State. He later tried to plant his foot on a potential scoring play and then fell back in pain, fumbling away the football.

 

While Coach Tressel is confident in Wells’ speedy recovery he is not permitting the Heisman candidate to take the field this Saturday. Reason being Wells did not participate in a single practice this week which opens him up to further injuring his foot. It goes without saying that Wells should take advantage of the extra healing time. Knowing Wells is capable of playing will boost team morale and allowing others to fill the role will only strengthen the team depth at the running back position. Those waiting in the wings are more than capable of stepping up to the challenge.

 

Maurice Wells, (5-foot-10, 196, senior) will start in place of Beanie. Mo had been considered a contender for the starting position in seasons past but lost the battle to Beanie as his hands just could not hold on to the ball. This is prime opportunity to prove himself as well as show his fellow Buckeyes he can get the job done. Mo has just 242 career yards rushing.

 

Brandon Saine, (6-foot-1, 217, sophomore) entered last season like a bat out of hell rushing for 267 yards and scoring three touchdowns… only to disappear from play and later admit an injury held him from participating the entire season. It is a fresh start and he can be a huge asset to the running game. He runs a 4.35 40-yard dash and was a high school state champion in the 100 and 400.

 

Dan “Boom” Herron, (5-10, 193, freshman) redshirted last year but has climbed the depth chart this spring and summer. He was actually listed as the number 2 back against Youngstown State last week as a reward for his stand out performance in practice. Boom is considered fast AND physical.

 

Trust in Tressel to keep the Buckeyes focused. Look for another week of second and third stringers getting field time. While the attention is not focused on week 3 the possibility of providing limited scouting footage is sure to be in the cards. It has been said that there are plays the Bucks work on in every practice but will not attempt in a timed event until week 3. There is also rumor of some trickery with top recruit Terrell Pryor that will remain idle this weekend.

 

Buckeye faithful; kick back and allow this one last week to breathe as the Saturday oxygen levels are going to seem a bit more limited with each coming week. Remember though, take it one marble at a time.  

 

BE