Oregon v Ohio State

[Eric]

So far I've doubted Cardale Jones' QB savvy. I didn't think he could handle being the starter against Wisconsin and--BAM! 59-0 win. Okay, pretty good, but how about Nick Saban? I'm sure Saban will throw some stuff at Jones that he just flat-out won't be prepared for and--BAM! Ohio State wins with Jones only making one critical mistake. The rest of his game was smart, conservative, and he played within his ability. He may be a 3rd-string QB, but he is a good QB.

One thing Ohio State might have in this game instead of in the Alabama game is the "bombs away" style of playcalling. Ohio State loves to take shots downfield. Oregon has a good secondary, but I think without Ekpre-Olomu, they can be had. Ohio State has some great receivers, maybe Meyer will open it up a little bit more. FSU didn't have much of a problem running the ball against Oregon either, so Elliot might be in for a field day. But Oregon always tightened the screws in the red zone, something they've been pretty good at doing all year.

I think this will be one of the higher-scoring championship games in recent memory, but college football has a way of screwing with people's expectations, especially in critical matchups. Sometimes guys just choke on either side of the ball and it's something completely opposite of what you'd expect. Even so, in this regard, the playoff system might weed some of that stuff out. If a team like Oklahoma from 2004 is unprepared or reeling heading into a semifinal game, they're going to get roasted and the more prepared team will have at least displayed enough poise in crunch time to the point where they will show up for the championship game. I don't think we'll have many blowouts in the new system because the semifinals are more likely to produce teams that are both good and hot heading into the title game.

[Spence]

Ohio State's receivers have been lights out in the post season. I still look for Elliott to be the difference on weather we win or lose. That and trying to keep !Mariota in the pocket.

[donovan]

One question about Oregon is Arizona basically didn't show up and quit mid third quarter. FSU was in the game at half-time. I thought Oregon's lead was not enough to sustain a win. What happened that FSU quit. People that watched the game that are not real football enthusiasts said, that team has just given up. What is that all about. And does it have a bearing. I certainly don't think OSU will quit, but those games were interesting.

You'll see different differences in both teams this game. These are two well coached ball clubs.

[Spence]

I don't like that some national guys are picking Ohio State in the game.

[donovan]

I don't like that some national guys are picking Ohio State in the game.

If you pick Oregon...okay...you run with the favorites and nobody remembers.

Pick OSU and if you are right, you are a guru.

and as always....odds have nothing to do with who anyone thinks will win, but a lure to balance the bets on both sides of the ledger. (I know, we have had this discussion and my opinion is just that...happens to be corrrect)

[Spence]

I always pick Ohio State. That doesn't make me a guru, just a homer. I can assure you that I didn't think they would beat Alabama. I actually don't think they will beat Oregon either, I keep waiting on the other shoe to drop. You can't win a national championship with a 3rd string QB.

[Vileborg]

Third string QBs don't get you into the National Title Game. The reality is that he's the starter and a darn good one who has a shot.

I don't want to be in Meyer's shoes next year.

QB1: you went undefeated for almost two years.
QB2: you went 10-1 and got us in position for the playoffs
QB3: you went 3-0 including a CCG and National Title

And the starter is gonna be... Oh, I'm having a mental breakdown again.

[Spence]

Third string QBs don't get you into the National Title Game. The reality is that he's the starter and a darn good one who has a shot.

I don't want to be in Meyer's shoes next year.

QB1: you went undefeated for almost two years.
QB2: you went 10-1 and got us in position for the playoffs
QB3: you went 3-0 including a CCG and National Title

And the starter is gonna be... Oh, I'm having a mental breakdown again.

There may be some hurt feelings, but it is not a bad problem to have. They also have two qbs coming in. If Braxton's shoulder is good, if he has full range of motion, he will have the edge at starting. If the shoulder is bad, look for Braxton to be the H-back. Even if Ohio State beats Oregon I look for Barrett to be the starter if miller isn't the starter. I do look for Jones to have a role as a quarterback, if he stays. It will be more than just being a backup. He has an NFL arm; I'm not sure how strong his wonderlick will be and it is evident that he doesn't have full command of the offense. No matter what happens Jones has sealed his position in Buckeye lore. He will be OK no matter what as long as he keeps his nose clean.

[donovan]

Darren Carrington, Oregon wide receiver, was just suspended for failing a drug test. He is not travelling to the game.

[Spence]

I'm getting kind of sick of all the analysis. I'm ready for the game already. I don't know what the analysis is around the country, but it is crushing here. It is everywhere you turn. I have heard Tom Luginbill pick both Ohio State and Oregon twice a piece on four different occasions.

I'm pretty happy we won the Sugar bowl. I wasn't sure the Buckeye Oline was as good as they looked at the end of the season. During the Penn State game they were terrible. The noise that night was unbelievable, but the line was swiss cheese. Now that the Sugar is over I am satisfied that Ohio State is a pretty good team. I don't have any expectations for the title game. I think to have Cardale Jones continue to play at the level he has played at and actually play better in this game is asking a lot. Probably too much.

People keep saying this game is about the offenses. I disagree, I think it is about the defenses. I think the defense that allows the fewest yards on 1st down will win. It probably isn't quite that simple, but that is the stat to watch. Ohio State, of course, must stop the run and keep Mariota in the pocket. He will get loose sometimes, but they must limit those times. Oregon has to stop Elliott and to a lesser degree Marshall. Jones will get some yards but having him run a lot means the Oregon defense is being successful. I'm hoping for a good game. I'll take a win if is comes, I can't say that I am expecting it. I think Oregon has proved to be more physical than most of us thought.

[donovan]

I'm with you on the coverage...but that is what you get when the vested interest is ABC and ESPN and other Disney owned channels, they will promote their money maker.

The analysis has be beat to death. The interior lines will make the difference, the team that win that battle wins. Those that see Oregon play every week believe that Mariota is good, but the strength is in the condition of the players and their defense. They can be all over an opponent like a hobo on a ham sandwich. But the same is true for Ohio State. Both teams got there for a reason. Let the game begin.

[donovan]

I'm with you on the coverage...but that is what you get when the vested interest is ABC and ESPN and other Disney owned channels, they will promote their money maker.

The analysis has been beat to death. The interior lines will make the difference, the team that win that battle wins. Those that see Oregon play every week believe that Mariota is good, but the strength is in the condition of the players and their defense. They can be all over an opponent like a hobo on a ham sandwich. But the same is true for Ohio State. Both teams got there for a reason. Let the game begin.

[Spence]

I'm with you on the coverage...but that is what you get when the vested interest is ABC and ESPN and other Disney owned channels, they will promote their money maker.

The analysis has been beat to death. The interior lines will make the difference, the team that win that battle wins. Those that see Oregon play every week believe that Mariota is good, but the strength is in the condition of the players and their defense. They can be all over an opponent like a hobo on a ham sandwich. But the same is true for Ohio State. Both teams got there for a reason. Let the game begin.

I'm ready too. I am interested to see how the Buckeye D holds up against an elite offense. We haven't played one yet. We also haven't played an elite QB and have had trouble with big backs.

[donovan]

So last night on the news, I think it was the 6:00 local news, the announcer...they are all yippe and high (When it comes to the U of O high means exactly that) that ticket prices for the game have dropped and there are some good bargains and if that was keeping you from going now is the time to jump on it...and they gave some place to do that. The bargain, they have dropped to $1000 for somewhere binoculars are required. I am not sure what this generation considers a bargain...and I admit to paying way too much for way too many tickets in the past.

Last years NC average was something around $844 FSU v Auburn and down this year by 7%. Advertising price for 30 seconds is 1 million bucks.

I feel like Rip Van Winkle...

[Spence]

Face Value for the game was $500.00. Someone getting their tickets straight up with air fare, lodging, and food would be in close to $10,000 to go to both games for 2 people. I am a Buckeye fan, but I don't have 10K to throw around on a couple football games. These playoffs are going to effectively keep the average fan from attending the games. You have a week+ with the bowl game and a couple days with the championship. It isn't something normal people are going to be able to do.