§ We’ll say it one more time: The Buffs need to come out of the gates playing well, without the mistakes that have plagued them early in all three games; they need to play smart, in control and focused. The line cannot commit penalties (or anyone else for that matter), Tyler cannot overthrow wide open receivers who have to catch the damn ball, and the D cannot afford to give up any big plays early to the TFr. dual-threat QB. OSU has also started slowly and gotten into an early hole the last two games. All of their many fan and media sites are saying the exact same thing about them. Whoever does get off to the fast start and can make the big play early will definitely have the upper hand. This would be even better from the Buffs’ perspective as they have had better 2nd halves in each game.
§ One inspiration to the team presented itself Thursday after practice when the newly restored “Bricks” were unveiled, with excellent timing as the team got to see them before leaving for Columbus, where they hope to earn another. Most of the bricks are gold with black lettering, and include wins going back even before the McCartney era. The only exception is the newest CSU brick, which is black with gold lettering, standing out in the middle of the wall, symbolizing the beginning of the new era, the restoration of the bricks, and a reference point for this team and its futures, as one more brick stands out in the middle reading: “Who’s Next?” Here’s BG Brooks’ article on the bricks, including a cool video: http://www.cubuffs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=3843&SPID=255&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=205276307&DB_OEM_ID=600
§ OSU coach Luke Fickell said there is no set plan for his QBs, only that TFr. Braxton Miller will start, and senior Joe Bauserman could play. This feels a little nonchalant, as if they are not too worried about CU, its defense or the game. “It’s a ‘give him a shot,’” Fickell said of Miller. Against Miami they seemed very reluctant to let Miller throw, between his and his receivers’ inexperience, and especially after his interception. Everyone on D needs to wrap up on their tackles, but also go for the ball, especially with Miller, who carries the ball a little loosely. Greg Brown should have a few key blitzes up his sleeve to create some pressure early.
§ I also like the trend of CU improving each game, while the Buckeyes best game was their first and their last game vs. Miami was definitely their weakest performance. For the Buffs and their fans, this is an important game for the program, a big game for the team, another stepping stone towards their season goals. For Buckeyes, this game is more like the last tune-up before their tough opening Big 10 schedule. I hope the Buckeyes are feeling a little cocky, looking past a little, and that we can give them a rude awakening.
§ Rodney Stewart has been awesome gaining solid yards rushing and adding a ton more receiving, mostly on screens and swing passes. OSU’s defense has had problems tackling this year and has been susceptible to the screen pass, which bodes well for Stewart, as well as P-Rich. Speedy is also an excellent blocker now as a senior and, along with the whole team, has no fumbles! The strangest thing is that he has not yet scored a TD?! That needs to end today if the Buffs have a chance to win.
§ Ohio State’s strength has always been their lines, running game and rush defense and this year is no different. They have to establish the run with Carlos Hyde and Jordan Hall, and will want to keep it going all game to protect their young QB. On D they will also start with focusing on Rodney, both rushing and catching those shorts passes and taking off. I think our advantage is that we have P-Rich and an established passing game where we need to make some plays to tip the scales.
§ While CU is one of the most penalized teams in the country, Ohio St. is one of the least. However, one Buckeye blogger said on a podcast that #76 Sr. RT JB Shugarts is good for a guaranteed false start each game.
§ Arthur Jaffee, senior DB and Special Teams stalwart, is doubtful with a lingering knee injury from the Cal game. DE/LB David Goldberg is questionable, but I have read that he will play; C Daniel Munyer was also listed as questionable but is listed this morning in the Camera as the starter at center, with Bakhtiari at LT and Tau at RT.
§ Some Buffalo Statistics:
- Tyler Hansen is 3rd in the Pac-12, and 17th in the nation, in total offense, at 309.67 per game.
-Paul Richardson is 3rd in the league, and 11th in the nation, in receiving yards, with 120.0 yds/game.
- Frosh punter Darragh O’Neill is 2nd in the Pac-12, 11th in the nation with a 45.87 yds/kick.
- Rodney Stewart is 2nd in the league, and 17th in the nation, in all-purpose yards, at 169.67 yards per game. He is also 4th on the CU all-time rushing list, with 2,967 yards, less than 100 yards behind Bobby Purify (3,016 yards, 2000-04) and Rashaan Salaam (3,057 yards, 1992-94), then sights set on his OC and position coach.
- Tyler Hansen is 3rd in the Pac-12, and 17th in the nation, in total offense, at 309.67 per game.
-Paul Richardson is 3rd in the league, and 11th in the nation, in receiving yards, with 120.0 yds/game.
- Frosh punter Darragh O’Neill is 2nd in the Pac-12, 11th in the nation with a 45.87 yds/kick.
- Rodney Stewart is 2nd in the league, and 17th in the nation, in all-purpose yards, at 169.67 yards per game. He is also 4th on the CU all-time rushing list, with 2,967 yards, less than 100 yards behind Bobby Purify (3,016 yards, 2000-04) and Rashaan Salaam (3,057 yards, 1992-94), then sights set on his OC and position coach.
§ One OSU blogger’s bold prediction: “Colorado not bringing Ralphie on the trip will make me angrier than anything else that happens on the field.” Let’s hope our Buffies give him a lot more to be pissed off about.
§ Surprisingly, as of Friday, there were tickets still available for the game.
§ The Columbus Dipspatch’s online sports page (on almost any page you go to) has a count-up box of “Days since Michigan’s last victory over Ohio State in football” and today it reads: 2863. Ouch for Michigan fans!
§ RR’s Keys to the game: http://www.ralphiereport.com/2011/9/24/2445762/game-colorado-buffaloes-vs-ohio-state-buckeyes-st-osu-vs-cu-buffs
§ RR’s Reference Tool Box (all their material leading up to this game, including links at the bottom for 4 OSU sites with lots more articles and material to pass your morning away):
§ AllBuffs uncensored OSU preview: http://www.allbuffs.com/content.php/1046-A-really-******-preview-of-the-Colorado-at-Ohio-State-game
§ Nice article on P-Rich from the Pac-12 site http://www.pac-12.org/Colorado/Tabid/958/Article/137095/Richardson-Turning-Into-A-Star.aspx
§ FYI- Scottie McKnight was signed to the NY Jets practice squad!
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