M-Borg vs. THE Flavortown U Thread, Orig. by Buckeye Paul, absconded w/by talent.

[iam416]

If M were as talented as that Florida team, I'd have grave concerns. Hell, if M were as talented 2006 Florida's 2nd or 3rd teams, I'd at least have some concerns. As it is, I'm not concerned.

[Optimus Prime]

With encore performances as the DC of the NFL Ravens, the # 2 & # 9 rated defenses in the League lend strong credence that it's actually more the Maestro and not so much the pupil. Mattison’s nonsense approach so far in Ann Arbor, I’ve got very teachable athletes on defense…it’s coming.

As for OSU, I think we've see the illegal, even immoral high-water-mark under disgraced Tressel, interim Fickell is under tremendous pressure, good luck, he will need it.

[iam416]

Wow. After the last 3 years I would have thought you might be a bit more cautious with "SCHEME UBER ALLES" nonsense and perhaps pay a bit more attention to, well, actual talent on the field.

Oh well.

[Jeff Buchanan]

osu's problems are going to come on offense. There may be several, close, 13-10 games that osu is going to lose until Bauserman gets his legs .... and maybe not even then.

Saying that does not mean I think osu is going to implode on Saturdays. They'll play well but only if fickell makes the transition. If doubt starts to creep in among staff and players, I don't think he has tressel's knack for holding things together. I also see some maneuvering going on among coaches. Does fickell have the skills to kill that kind of stuff.

Radioactive c-bus? you could be right, talent. Only a small nuclear blast and fairly clean at that. But I'm not ready to call the all clear until after the NCAA makes it's announcements in October.

[Optimus Prime]

Of course those Uber "OSU College Stars" like free agent Troy Smith, and convicted felon Mo Clarett and soon to be TE Pryor that have gone on to become NFL stalwarts, right....I've put my confidence in Mattison, but thanks.

[Jeff Buchanan]

Based on the recent revelations about the DL, the talent level on defense would seem to be at an all time low.

Mattison and Hoke may be good but they are not magicians.

[iam416]

Buchanan:

I think it's safe to say that any team with the current QB situation Ohio State has isn't going to be world beaters. Ohio State has had to deal with new QBs before. Craig Krenzel in 2002. Justin Zwick in 2004. Todd Boeckman in 2007. Krenzel benefited from an ultra-talented defense and some good skill players. Boeckman benefited from a solid defense and really easy schedule, especially out the gate (he was able to get his sea legs, so to speak, but 20-2 to open against Akron was horrid). And Zwick didn't have it. They eventually sorted out that situation and limped home to an embarrasingly bad 8-4 record that could have been much worse had they not destroyed Michigan and won their bowl game.

I'm fairly confident that we're not going to see a 2002 reprise. I think what we'll see will be a combo of 2004/2007. I think OSU benefits from a easy opening schedule, IF Miami suspends players (and I can't see how they can't). At the same time, Bauserman isn't the answer -- even more clearly than Zwick. So, I think we'll see a transition to Miller. Could it lead to another mortifying 8-4 season? Yeah, that's a possibility. I've made my peace with that. They'll be back in 2012 and loaded. But, yes, a meager and pitiful 8 regular season wins is possible.

So, do you think M will finally get to 8 regular wins this season after a 3-year hiatus? Heh.

[lineygoblue]

So, do you think M will finally get to 8 regular wins this season after a 3-year hiatus? Heh.

Well, we will know after Game 6.

Even though five of those games are within the newly bricked walls of the Big House, there are still mine fields in all but the Eastern game. So, the team could come out anywhere from 6-0 if they play insanely good, or they could be 1-5 if Brady Hoke and Greg Mattison are complete duds. My guess is after Game 6, they should be no worse than 4-2.

If Brady Hoke loses to Eastern, he should be fired immediately, .. btw ..

That leaves the tougher part of the schedule remaining, with road games at MSU, Illinois and Iowa, and home contests with Purdue, Nebraska and OLieO.

If Hoke and Mattison are not complete duds, I think they'll win two of the three between Iowa, MSU and Illinois. I think they can win two of the three between Purdue, Nebraska and OLieO.

So, that would get them to 8-4.

But, anywhere from 7-5 to 5-7 is a possibility too. A lot depends on the improvement of the defense and injuries.

I'll probably start a "predictions" thread next week so everyone can go on the record.

[hack]

If Hoke can't be 2 wins better than RR with basically the same roster and a year's worth of seasoning and Mattison, then he's a dud. It's gotta be a nine-win season, IMO.

[Hannibal]

I could see OSU going 8-4, now that they have to start a new QB, and nobody with any talent has experience.

[Optimus Prime]

For all those who wanted to participate in the CFB Picks Pool, you should have received an e-mail today on joining, the rules, etc.

Logged-in, no pick sheet, kinda all by myself...are you trying to tell me something?

[Jeff Buchanan]

8-4 it is then for osu.

Really don't give a shit as long as one of those 4 losses is to M.

We will never hear the end of it from our fucktard osu fans if Hoke and company lay an egg on 11/26.

"Soul-crushing" will not begin to describe my angst if Hoke can't deliver a W.

[hack]

What Jeff said (very well).

[Hannibal]

We're still underdogs in The Game for at least two more years, probably more. Unless Fickell turns out to be a Bobby Williams.

[iam416]

if Hoke and company lay an egg on 11/26.

I like the mentality, Buchanan. I'm not sure it's consistent with reality, but I like the optimism.

Hanni:

Good god, man. Don't even think such a horrible thing.