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 Topic: Last one of the year!
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| Last one of the year! |
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| Posted: 2008 January 05 at 6:14pm | IP Logged
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OSUMB.net Content Editor
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Joined: 2004 April 14
Location: United States
Posts: 451
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#1 OSU v #2 LSU
Superdome
New Orleans, Louisiana
Kickoff: 8pm
Very few Buckeye fans could have predicted or even dreamed of the success that Jim Tressel has brought to the program. With all the statistical jibber jabber being tossed around, by far the most impressive is the fact that this will be Tressel’s third national championship appearance in five years with the Buckeyes. It’s been a long time since any program has been that good over such a short period of time. With all of that said, outside Columbus, Ohio, few experts are giving Ohio State a chance against the vaunted LSU Tigers and their SEC speed. Many even lament the fact that the Buckeyes are even playing in the game. So what gives? Why is the media so down on the Bucks this season? Is it their weak schedule, a down Big Ten, perceived lack of speed, late season loss to an unranked team, the butt-whooping Florida laid on then last year? There’s plenty of mud to sling at the Bucks this season, honestly did any of you really think this was the year OSU would be back in the championship game, but that’s exactly what this team needs, disrespect. Disrespect from every angle and every direction. The Bucks aren’t the fat happy team they were last year when Florida handed them their jock straps. No, this is a pissed off Ohio State that’s ready to get dirty and nasty. Their reputations are on the line, their pride has been damaged and they want nothing more than to prove once and for all that Ohio State is no joke.
Unlike most of my colleagues, I will tell you with utter confidence that Ohio State will win or lose the game on Monday because of Todd Boekman. Many have said that if Beanie Wells has a great day that the Bucks can control the ball and grind out a win. While that’s a sound observation, if Boeckman has an off night LSU will simply load the box, stop the run and allow the secondary to play man to man. Tressel needs the pass to set up the run in this game. LSU head coach Les Miles like to blitz a lot, especially the safeties. To counter the constant blitzes, OSU must come up with an effective short yard passing game to soften or slow down the pressure. Middle screens, short out patterns, and quick slants will throw off the rhythm of the LSU defense allowing the offensive line to dig in and open up holes for Beanie Wells and Brandon Saine. I think LSU is too fast at linebacker to run a lot of outside running plays so you have to attack them up the gut with a powerful Beanie Wells running between the tackles. This defense has been scorched by both Kentucky and Arkansas with tough inside running and the Buckeyes have the horses to do so. It still starts with the pass. I’m not talking deep balls and fade routes. I’m talking about the simple frustrating short game that was so effective for Florida last year.
The Ohio State defense lines up very well with the tigers. LSU has an above average offensive line but they aren’t world beaters and they won’t keep Vernon Gholston and James Laurinaitis contained. Tailback Early Doucet has blazing speed and quarterbacks Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux seem to have the same contrasting styles as Chris Leak and Tim Teabow last year and they will score but this is the best defense the Tigers have seen all year. If they get too full of themselves the Buckeye defense will take charge and shut them down.
Both teams were pretty banged by the end of the season. Glen Dorsey nursed a knee strain for the last four games of the season, Beanie Wells suffered from ankle and wrist sprains, Brandon Saine sat out due to knee problems and Lawrence Wilson season ended with a broken leg the first game of the year. With the long layover, all but Wilson will be back to 100% for Mondays contest and both sides are ready to give the other their best shot. Athlete to athlete, Ohio State and LSU are evenly matched. The advantage goes to the Buckeyes because of Jim Tressel. Tressel is still bitter about being out coached last year by Urban Meyer and Tress wants to right the ship. Les Miles has been criticized this season for several questionable play calls at critical times and I expect his ego will get the better of him as he calls something like a run play on fourth and eight in the second quarter. Tressel is a superior coach and few will argue that point but this game being a virtual home game for the Tigers will certainly bend favor to LSU early in the game. The number one goal of this game is for Boekman to manage the game and not turn the ball over. Tressel will coach a fine game and the defense will play lights out but if Boeckman gets flustered, starts under throwing his receivers and turning the ball over, the Bucks will not prevail. It all rests on the arm of Boeckman. I know you can do it.
GOBUCKS! OSU 27 – LSU 19
Crazy stat of the game: Ohio State is coming into this game with an eight game losing streak versus the SEC. I personally witnessed three of them (Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama).. Stupid Citrus Bowl.
Why Ohio State will win:
Todd Boeckman must use his feet wisely and be just mobile enough to handle the constant blitzing that LSU will do.
Short passing game will set up the run.
Beanie Wells must punish the LSU defensive line.
OSU offensive line needs to play as nasty as I know they can.
No turnovers.
Tress shouldn’t be afraid to throw Antonio Henton in as a change of pace.
LSU isn’t used to a zone defense.
Why Ohio State will lose:
Poor decisions, under thrown balls and turnovers.
Not getting Beanie enough carries in the first half.
Getting fooled by the Les Miles “run, run, run, DEEP PASS, run, run, run” style of offense.
Two or more turnovers.
__________________
Quint
TBDBITL 92-96
S-Row Squad Leader
KKPsi Grey Baton Editor 94-96
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