Last year, Ohio State struggled to put Penn State away. OSU was the home team and found itself losing 3-0 at halftime. Late into the fourth quarter, OSU held a one-score lead (14-6).
This year, OSU traveled into Happy Valley to face a Penn State team that has been dominate at home. In the five home games leading up the OSU game, PSU had coasted to victories in all five. Two of the blowouts were against quality Big Ten opponents (Iowa 27-7 and Wisconsin (38-7). Again prior to the OSU game, PSU had outscored its opponents at home 200 to 48.
Game time arrived this Saturday and OSU fans were worried after PSU scored on its first possession. On that drive, the Nittany Lions didn’t have any trouble moving down the field. Running back Rodney Kinlaw scored on a 12-yard run.
During Penn State’s first two possessions, Buckeye fans saw their defense allow gaping holes in the running game for the first time this season.
After seeing those gaping holes, I have to admit I got worried.
However, the Buckeyes’ offense allowed me to relax.
After PSU took a 7-3 lead on Kinlaw’s touchdown run, OSU quarterback Todd Boeckman threw a perfect deep ball to receiver Ray Small. The play went for 60 yards and set up a 9-yard touchdown pass from Boeckman to receiver Brian Robiskie.
On the ensuing possession, PSU drove it down to the OSU 38-yard line. A Vernon Gholston sack on third down forced the Nittany Lions to punt.
Pinned back inside their own 10, the Buckeyes drove 91 yards on 15 plays in route to another touchdown. At the end of the drive, OSU faced a third-and-four when the team was called for holding. That set up a tough third-and-14 from the PSU 16-yard line. Boeckman tossed a screen to receiver Brian Hartline, who with offensive tackle Alex Boone leading the way took it in for the touchdown.
At that point, I got the feeling this game was over. OSU cruised the rest of the way to a 37-17 victory over PSU.
Boeckman finished with 253 yards and three touchdowns. He completed 19 of 26 and was intercepted once.
Chris Wells pounded out 133 yards on 25 carries. Maurice Wells added 55 yards on 13 carries.
On defense, linebacker James Laurinaitis struggled. He missed tackles and PSU set up its blocking schemes to take him out of the game.
With PSU concentrating on Laurinaitis, fellow linebacker Marcus Freeman stepped up his play. Freeman finished with 14 total tackles (10 solo and two for loss) and forced a fumble.
OSU had won the time of possession battle - 37:52-to-22:08.
Three (LB Dan Connor, LB Sean Lee, CB Lydell Sargeant) different Nittany Lions finished with over 10 tackles. Conner had 18 and had an interception.
The Buckeyes looked impressive Saturday night, but are they better than the ‘06 team?
There are three more games left, including home games with Wisconsin and Illinois. Then that road game at Michigan to end the season.
Note:
The Wisconsin at Ohio State game will be at noon on the Big Ten Network. Personally, I thought it should be on ABC at 3:30 p.m.
Coming soon: I will preview the Buckeyes basketball season
Wish I could tell that this will be the last time you hear, see or read this statement, but I have to write it - ‘The last time the Buckeyes lost to a Big Ten opponent was in 2005 against Penn State.’
Get ready to hear that over and over again all day and all night on Saturday. And if Buckeyes happen to lose, get prepared to hear that statement on Sportscenter for at least a week.
But for now, let’s squash it - It isn’t 2005 - both of these teams are different. Penn State is worse and Ohio State is unproven.
One thing that is certain - both these teams are very similar. Especially when you compare statistics -
OSU averages 423.6 yards (225.1 passing and 198.5 rushing) per game while Penn State averages 419.5 (233.3 passing and 186.3 rushing).
Ohio State averages 34.3 points per game and Penn State scores 33.1.
Both teams have two receivers that have just over 30 catches each, running backs Rodney Kinlaw and Chris Wells have identical numbers and both teams have starting quarterbacks with seven interceptions each.
Penn State has a freshman tailback [Evan Royster] that is on the rise and so does OSU [Brandon Saine].
PSU has a great linebacker [Dan Conner] and Ohio State could have the best [James Laurinaitis].
Both teams have great pass rushers and top-ten defenses.
However, the teams do not share the same record.
OSU is 8-0 and PSU is 6-2, but to the Nittany Lions credit the team has been dominating at home.
On the road, PSU is 1-2 with loses coming at Michigan and Illinois (two teams that OSU has not played). In those three games, PSU has been outscored 72 to 65.
In Happy Valley, PSU has outscored its opponents by the score of 200 to 48. In those five games, Penn State coasted to victories - the notables being wins over Iowa (27-7) and Wisconsin (38-7).
That being said, a Buckeyes win at Penn State won’t come easy.
If the Buckeyes win, then there will be three other Big Ten “playoff” games to go before another chance for a national title.
Prediction
Ohio State 21, Penn State 10
Both defenses will make plays, but I believe that OSU has the better one.
The Buckeyes almost blew a comfortable lead against Michigan State this past Saturday.
However, the focus of that win isn’t how OSU held on, but on who the Buckeyes have to beat next.
Ohio State has won 18 straight games against Big Ten opponents. Its last loss coming in 2005 (Oct. 8th) to Penn State. In that game, the Buckeyes lost by a score of 17-10.
One could expect a similar score this upcoming weekend, as the Buckeyes and the Nittany Lions have top-ranked defenses. Ohio State (No. 1) has allowed only 7.9 points per game while Penn State (tied for fourth) has only allowed 15 per game.
While the national media will be focusing on this Saturday night’s football game, the Buckeyes almost didn’t hold up their part of the bargain.
Halfway through the third quarter, quarterback Todd Boeckman tossed a 50-yard touchdown to Brian Robiskie, making the score 24-0.
The Buckeyes, with the game in hand, almost blew their favorable lead.
With 3:52 left in the third quarter, MSU’s Otis Wiley (above - right) picked off a Boeckman pass and raced it 54 yards for a touchdown.
Then after one play and two consecutive penalties, Boeckman fumbled. Spartan Sir Darean Adams picked it up and scored on a 25-yard fumble return, making the score 24-14 with 2:56 left in the third quarter.
Then on the Buckeyes’ next offensive play, running back Chris Wells fumbled. The ball bounced off multiple Spartan defenders until Chris Wells fell on the ball at the Buckeyes’ 14-yard line. If the Spartans’ would have just have fallen on the ball, MSU could have made the score 21-24 with a touchdown.
Michigan State got a 43-yard field goal from Brett Swenson with 3:42 left in the fourth quarter. The Buckeyes were able to run out the clock and hold onto a 24-17 victory.
A banged up Chris Wells had his best performance of his career. He finished with 221 yards on 31 carries and scored a touchdown.
The Buckeyes are hoping that the Rutgers’ upset of No. 2 South Florida, will be only major news this weekend, as they hope to continue to coast through their schedule.
Speaking of upsets, many OSU fans remember the game against Michigan State in 1998. That is when the top-ranked Buckeyes lost 28-24, even though they were favored to beat the Spartans by 26 1/2 points.
I remember that game, remember exactly where I was and how disappointed I was when I found out the Buckeyes were allowing Michigan State back in the game.
For some odd reason, I was at the tennis center waiting for my friend to finish up so we could watch some college football. I didn’t bother to watch the Buckeyes, they weren’t supposed to have any trouble with Michigan State. However, I overheard some of the people at the tennis club talking about the game - so I found a television and watched it - up until that point I had never cussed so much in a public place.
Ohio State drove to the Michigan State 15 in the closing minutes, when Joe Germaine’s pass was intercepted by Renaldo Hill at the goal-line. I can still see the pass, which was terrible, and wide receiver Dee Miller appeared to be wide open.
This weekend, because of prior commitments, I will be in place again that will hinder my ability to see the game. Again, I will be expecting a win. However, if you are a Buckeye fan don’t expect win. Remember ‘98 - while I be trying to think of ‘06, when the Buckeyes rolled 38-7.
The Ohio State Buckeyes begin their first week as the No. 1 team in the nation. ‘Talking Head’ shows like Around the Horn and PTI have already started the debate - does OSU deserves that honor?
Buckeye fans could argue all day that their team deserves to be the No. 1 team in the country, while deep down they have to feel fortunate that all the teams with stronger schedules have lost a game.
No. 4 LSU lost to No. 7 Kentucky, No. 7 Kentucky lost to No. 6 South Carolina, No. 6 South Carolina lost to LSU and so did No. 11 Virginia Tech. No. 5 Oklahoma lost to Colorado. No. 10 Oregon lost to No. 12 California. No. 12 California lost to Oregon State. No. 9 WVU lost to No. 2 South Florida.
That leaves us with five undefeated teams in the top-25 of the BCS standings. No. 1 OSU, No. 2 South Florida, No. 3 Boston College, No. 13 Kansas and No. 18 Hawaii.
Of those five undefeated teams, I would say that only Hawaii has had easier schedule than the No. 1 Bucks. You could argue that the Kansas has had an easier ride than the Bucks, but I’ll give the Jayhawks the nod over the Bucks with their road win over Kansas State.
The Buckeyes toughest games were road contests against Washington (2-4) and Purdue (5-2, but 1-2 in Big Ten). The road win against Purdue looked good at the time, but you have to question it after the Boilermakers’ 21-48 loss to Michigan this weekend.
The combined record through OSU’s first seven games (excluding YSU, which isn’t in the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision) is 18-23. It is safe to say, the Buckeyes have coasted to the No. 1 ranking in the nation.
However, that coast is about to get a lot rougher, as OSU enters into the heart of its Big Ten schedule. The remaining games include Michigan State, Wisconsin and Illinois at home. With games against Penn State and Michigan on the road. Those five teams have a combined record of 25-10.
This week, Michigan State is up. The Spartans haven’t beaten anyone good, but have a 5-2 record. They lost to Wisconsin by only 3 (34-37).
Michigan State started the season on a four-game winning streak. Its loss to Wisconsin ended that and the Spartans were still considered a dangerous team in the Big Ten. Then MSU lost to Northwestern, 41-48, and lost its respect.
The Buckeyes have to be looking ahead to the that four-game stretch, will MSU make OSU fall in its trap.
Probably not, but as long as the Bucks win out, then you can’t argue anymore - they will be in the BCS title game and they’ll deserve it.
Rankings in this article were taken from the BCS standings.
After leading the Bowl Championship standings all of 2006, the Buckeyes lead the first BCS rankings of 2007. The rankings were released on Sunday. South Florida was No. 2.
The top teams in the final standings, which is released December 2nd, should play in the BCS national championship game in New Orleans on January 7th.
However, being the top-two teams doesn’t necessarily mean an automatic berth in the title game. For example, last year Florida was ranked second, but the BCS committee could have overruled the rankings and placed the third-ranked Michigan team in the BCS title game.
Ohio State coasted to a 7-0 record this season with what, some SEC fans could argue, is a cupcake schedule. Not one of the Buckeyes’ wins came against a single currently BCS-ranked opponent. Currently, Michigan (No. 25) is the only Big Ten in the top-25 of the BCS standings.
While LSU (6-1, No. 4 in the BCS) has beaten Virginia Tech (BCS No. 11), South Carolina (BCS No. 6) and Florida (No. 15). The Tigers might still deserve to be the No. 1 team, but because of their loss this Saturday to Kentucky (BCS No. 7) poll voters made them No. 5 in the Harris and coaches’ polls.
OSU was voted No. 1 in each of those polls, which make up two of three components the BCS uses in its standing formula.
The other component is a compilation of six computer rankings. The South Florida Bulls (6-0) were ranked No. 1 by the computers and No. 3 by the Harris and coaches’ polls. Boston College (7-0) is No. 2 in the two polls, but No. 7 by the computers. LSU is ranked No. 2 by the computers. OSU is tied for fifth with Arizona State (7-0), which is ranked No. 8 overall in the BCS. The computer ranks (No. 6 in BCS) South Carolina (6-1, No. 6 in the BCS) third and Kentucky (6-1, No. 7 in BCS) fourth.
South Florida’s big wins came at Auburn (No. 17 in BCS) and versus West Virginia (No. 9 in BCS). The Bulls remaining schedule includes road games at Rutgers, UCONN, Syracuse and Pittsburgh. Home games will be against Cincinnati (No. 23 in BCS) and Louisville.
If the Buckeyes and Bulls win out, that should be the match up for the title game. However, like always, people will argue about the scheduling.
Previously, the problem with the BCS was that the computer had to much control. Now it seems like has little effect on the standings, which could become the next issue.
One thing is for certain - there will always be a problem - that is until there is a playoff.
Ohio State shouldn’t have problem stuffing the Golden Flashes’ rushing attack. However, Kent State has the next great mini-back in Eugene Jarvis.
Two weeks ago, Jarvis (right) ran for 230 yards on 30 carries and scored two touchdowns against the Ohio Bobcats. Through six games, Jarvis has rushed for 851 yards on 144 carries and has eight rushing touchdowns. He also has 15 catches for 201 yards and has two receiving touchdowns.
I have seen the five-foot-five sophomore Jarvis play and I can say that he struggles in short-yardage situations. But he sure can slice through defenders once he gets to the open field.
Junior quarterback Julian Edelman is second on the team in rushing with 358 yards. Kent State has struggled in the passing game this year. Edelman has completed 86 of 166 (51.8%) for 1,141 yards and has a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 6-to-8. I expect a couple of more turnovers from Edelman.
This game sounds way too easy, so the Buckeyes might come out slow. However, I think this OSU team will take care of business this Saturday. First, the Buckeyes will shut down Jarvis. I bet Jarvis will flash a couple of solid runs in the first half, but overall will be held to around 50 yards. Edelman will have to throw and will turn the ball over. Hopefully, the Buckeyes can get their backups in early in the second half.
With all that said, anyone can lose on any given Saturday. That is definitely the theme this year. In this game, I just don’t see the chance for a possible upset. The spread has the Buckeyes winning by 31. When the Buckeyes score 30 or more, their record is 38-0 since 2001. Compare that to Kent State when it scores less than 30, its record is 8-40. It’s hard to imagine that the Golden Flashes will score over 30 against the Buckeyes’ defense. Especially when you consider that OSU has allowed only 43 combined points in six games (the high being - 14 @ Washington).
I don’t expect for sophomore running back Chris Wells (left) to play much. Everyone in Columbus is worried about his ankle. Maurice Wells and Brandon Saine should be able to handle the load.
Last week, I thought Ray Small would finally have a breakout game. He did have his best career game, with six catches for 70 yards and a touchdown. This week, I expect a punt return for a touchdown from Small.
Also, I expect junior quarterback Todd Boeckman to find his favorite target, junior wide receiver Brian Robiskie, for a touchdown. Sophomore wide receiver Brian Hartline is getting more looks and could have a big game.
Overall, the offense should have great game. Maybe sophomore quarterback Rob Schoenhoft will get some quality reps by the third quarter.
Kent State is 3-3 with wins coming against Iowa State, Delaware State and Ohio. Its loses were to Kentucky, Akron and Miami (Ohio).
Ohio State will be going for its 25th straight regular season win and the Buckeyes should get it.
Another week without Ohio State cracking my list of top-ten games.
Here is my helpful guide to Week Seven in the college football world.
It was recommended that I make picks with spreads - so i did.
While we are talking about spreads, let me tell you my top five spreads for this week: I like the road teams this week.
Missouri +12 @ Oklahoma
South Carolina -7 @ North Carolina
Wisconsin +6.5 @ Penn State
Tennesse -7 @ Mississippi State
Louisville +10.5 @ Cincinnati
1) #11 Missouri at #6 Oklahoma (6:30 p.m.- FSN) While people complain that Oklahoma should be ranked better than South Florida and Boston College, Missouri is quietly undefeated. The Tigers are coming off a 41-6 win over then-ranked No. 25 Nebraska. With a win over Oklahoma, Missouri should leap into the top-five of the polls. The Tigers defense is supposed to be a weakness according to some sources, I really don’t know who will win this game.
Pick: 35-31, Oklahoma wins, but Missouri (+12) 2) #1 LSU at #17 Kentucky (3:30 p.m. – CBS) Last week, Kentucky moved all the way down to No. 8 in the polls after wins against rival Louisville and at Arkansas. However, the Wildcats lost to South Carolina, 23-38. The Gamecocks have the nation’s best pass defense, which plays against UK’s strength. LSU will have a tough battle on its hands.
Pick: 45-42, Kentucky wins- (+9.5) 3) Louisville at #15 Cincinnati (7:00 p.m. - ESPNU The Bearcats have become ESPN’s little sweetheart appearing on its college football shows all week. Sure the crowd for UC will pumped up for this one, but there are a lot of loyal Louisville fans in the area. UC students might have waited in line for tickets this week, but Queen City UL fans got their tickets when the schedule was released. I like UL in the upset.
Pick: 42-28, Louisville wins (+10.5) 4) Washington at #14 Arizona State (10:26 p.m. - FSN) Washington is a young team on the rise. Arizona State barely held on last week against lowly Washington State. The Sun Devils have to play No. 2 California and then at No. 9 Oregon. They could be looking ahead, but I see Arizona State winning big at home after two weeks on the road.
Pick: 45-21, Arizona State wins (-12) 5) Oregon State at #2 California (7:07 p.m.) Somehow the Beavers have the top-rated run defense in the nation. CAL has a great RB in Justin Forsett. Oregon State could force CAL to pass, which I think the Golden Bears’ passing game is extremely overrated. Personally, I like their running game, which opens it up for the big play. I think this game could be close, but I just don’t think it’s CAL’s time to lose.
Pick: 31-24, California wins, but OSU (+14) 6) #19 Wisconsin at Penn State (3:30 p.m. - ABC) No one honestly knows who will win this game. Penn State is already 1-2 in the Big Ten with loses to Michigan and Illinois. Wisconsin lost to Illinois last week and dropped from No. 5 to No. 19 in the polls. I have to go with Wisconsin in a boring Big Ten game.
Pick: 10-7, Wisconsin wins (+6.5) 7) UCF at #5 South Florida (noon - ESPNU) UCF is a dangerous team, it almost beat Texas (32-35). Intrastate games are always scary for the heavy favorite. However, UCF is 0-17 all-time against ranked opponents. I expect USF to take care of business, but wouldn’t be surprised to see the upset either.
Pick: 28-13, South Florida wins (-11.5) 8) Purdue at Michigan (noon - BTN) I love this game. Again, who knows how good any Big Ten team is? Both teams have the talent to be good. I can see the winner of this game finishing in the top of the Big Ten, while the loser will finish somewhere in the middle. Good game to find out who is for real and who isn’t.
Pick: 35-32, Purdue wins (+5.5) 9) #4 Boston College at Notre Dame (3:30 p.m. - NBC) The whole nation is waiting for BC to lose, but I don’t see them losing. At least not this week. It took one 20-6 win for Notre Dame to get a national buzz for an upset. BC could be looking ahead, it has No. 12 VTECH on the road followed by No. 21 FSU at home the next two weeks. I expect BC to coast against the Irish.
Pick: 28-7, Boston College wins (-14) 10) Connecticut at Virginia (3:30 p.m. - ESPNU) All this talk about Stanford and USC, has everyone forgetting about the undefeated and yet unranked UCONN. They haven’t played anyone good, but if they would beat Virginia (5-1) then we should have another ranked undefeated team. Last year, UCONN finished 4-8 so they have improved. However, lasting the whole season undefeated will be impossible. It will still have to play No. 5 USF, Rutgers, @ No. 15 Cincinnati and @ No. 8 WVU. I know nothing about UCONN and Virginia has a bunch of talent. However, I have to pick UCONN for fun.
Pick: 45-44, UCONN wins (+3)
BIG TEN PICKS
BUCKEYE LANE’S 2007 BIG TEN RECORD: 39-13 (straight up picks - no spreads)
Kent State at #3 Ohio State (noon - BTN) OSU shouldn’t have a problem with Kent State (more to come on this game before kickoff)
Pick: 42-10, Ohio State wins (-31) Purdue at Michigan (noon - BTN) see above #18 Illinois at Iowa (noon - ESPN2) Which Iowa team is going to show up. I think we know what Illinois team will show.
Pick: 28-17, Illinois wins (-5) Minnesota at Northwestern (12:07) I think it’s about time Minnesota gets a Big Ten win.
Pick: 35-28, Minnesota wins (+7) #19 Wisconsin at Penn State (3:30 - ABC) (see above) Indiana at Michigan State (7:00 - BTN) Another year, and another terrible season for MSU after a good start.
Pick: 42-28, Indiana wins (+4)
I’m always quick to call myself out when I’m wrong and now is one of those times. In Buckeye Lane’s preview, I wrote, “I believe the Buckeyes defense is great, but I still think it is overrated due to the lack of competition.”
Technically that statement was correct. However, the defense stepped up against a very good offensive Purdue team and has the Associated Press stating, “Ohio State’s defense shoved the Buckeyes into the national championship picture on Saturday night.”
Earlier in the week, I predicted that Ohio State would shut down Purdue’s running game and I was actually right about that. The Boilermakers rushed for only four yards the entire game.
When I was watching the game, I kept thinking about how great of a job junior quarterback Todd Boeckman was doing. It made me want to do a blog about how perfect he is playing this season. At the same time, my superstitions wouldn’t allow me to do it. What if Boeckman started to make mistakes in the way of turnovers? Would it be my fault?
Just the thought was damaging enough, as Boeckman went on to throw three second half interceptions. However, as an nonobjective Buckeye blogger, I wasn’t disappointed with any of Boeckman’s INTs. All three were on long passes that pinned Purdue deep in its own territory. All three also had Boeckman going for the kill, as the Buckeyes held a solid lead. With OSU’s defense Boeckman has the opportunity to take risks down the field as long as his team has the lead. Personally, I have no problem with him taking those risks.
The play of wide receiver Ray Small was also encouraging. Small, who began this season with high expectations, caught six passes for 70 yards and had a touchdown.
Freshman cornerback Chimdi Chekwa played extremely well. He finished with 10 tackles.
The Buckeyes out gained Purdue 381-272 in total offense.
The win and USC’s loss to Stanford has the Buckeye sitting pretty at No. 3 in the polls. The dominating defense convinced a couple of voters that Ohio State should be the top-ranked team, as there were two Ohio State votes for the No. 1 slot in the USA Today Poll.
Ohio State shouldn’t have a problem with Kent State this weekend. Hopefully the Buckeyes will still be ready. However, No. 1 LSU has to play a tough Kentucky (No. 17) on the road. No. 2 California will play Oregon State at home.
After last weekend, when many of the top teams in college football lost, everyone is expecting more upsets to come this Saturday.
One of the games mentioned is the Ohio State at Purdue game, which will be broadcasted on ABC at 8:00 p.m.
If history means anything, the Buckeyes have always played the Boilermakers close.
The two teams haven’t played since 2004, but Ohio State is only 3-2 against Purdue since that “Holy Toledo” (see post below for clip). Two of those victories were by a combined seven points. Both of Purdue’s wins came at home and it will have that advantage again this Saturday night.
Like in 2000, Purdue is led by their quarterback, back then it was Drew Brees and now it’s junior Curtis Painter (left). Through five games, Painter has completed 136 of 203 passes for 1,542 yards and has a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 18-to-3.
Painter’s favorite two targets are senior wide receiver Dorien Bryant and senior tight end Dustin Keller. Bryant has been a consistent performer his whole career at Purdue and has 40 catches for 450 yards and four touchdowns so far this season. Keller, who’s from Lafayette, is a fan favorite and has 20 catches for 319 yards and five touchdowns this season. Junior wide receiver Greg Orton, who went to Wayne High School in Dayton, Ohio, is dangerous. Last year, Orton had 58 catches for 790 yards and five touchdowns. This year his numbers are down, but he could have an extra bit of motivation since he will be playing against Ohio State.
Purdue also features a dangerous running back in junior Kory Sheets. Sheets has rushed for over 100 yards in the last three games. On the season, Sheets has 515 yards on 89 carries (5.8 yards per carry) and has five rushing touchdowns. Sheets also has 15 catches for 97 yards and a receiving touchdown.
As you can tell, the Boilermakers boast a very powerful offense that ranks seventh in the NCAA in points scored (45.4 points per game). In comparison, Ohio State is 25th in the nation with its 35.8 points per game.
It is a classic matchup of great offense versus great defense. While Purdue has scored 227 points this year, Ohio State has only allowed 36. Both teams have played five games.
No. 23 Purdue cracked the top 25 for the first time this year after its 33-19 win over Notre Dame. No. 4 Ohio State jumped all the way into the top five after then-ranked teams No. 3 Oklahoma, No. 4 Florida, No. 5 West Virginia and No. 7 Texas all lost. If Purdue would be able to pull off the upset this weekend, you would have to expect that the Boilermakers would leap into the top ten.
The Buckeyes have looked impressive this season.
Fifth-year junior quarterback Todd Boeckman has played above expectations and has showed a knack for throwing a pretty home run ball. On the year, Boeckman has thrown 12 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
His favorite target wide receiver Brian Robiskie has been fantastic. Robiskie’s strength has been adjusting to the ball in the air and making great catches. He has 530 yards and six touchdowns on only 25 catches (averaging 21.2 yards per catch). He looks ready for the NFL.
Prior to the season, sophomore running back Chris Wells (right) hadn’t rushed for over 100 yards in a game. It wasn’t that fans were expecting him not to run all over defenses this year, everyone can see the talent, but fans were worried after his lackluster performance (16 carries for 46 yards, 2.9 yards per carry, one touchdown) against Youngstown State in the opener. However, Wells has been great since, rushing for over a 100 yards in each of the last four games. Purdue fans are worried on how its defense will fare against Ohio State’s power back.
Also, Buckeye fans are expecting wide receiver Ray Small to have breakout game any day now.
I believe the Buckeyes defense is great, but I still think it is overrated due to the lack of competition. Overall, it is very solid, but James Laurinaitis might be the most overrated linebacker since Andy Katzenmoyer. Funny that Laurinaitis used to wear a Katzenmoyer jersey while growing up in Minnesota. In all fairness, Katzenmoyer was injured early in his NFL career, but you don’t have your best collegiate season as a freshman. Don’t get me wrong Laurinaitis is one of the Big Ten’s best linebackers, but has a great supporting cast that doesn’t receive enough credit. For example, Laurinaitis leads the team in tackles with 43, but only 20 of them are solo tackles.
So, let me mention LB Marcus Freeman, S Anderson Russell and DE Vernon Gholston, who all are having good years as expected. Also, players that playing great that are somewhat mild surprises are DB Kurt Coleman, LB Larry Grant, LB Austin Spitler, DB Chimdi Chekwa and DT Cameron Heyward.
I expect DE Robert Rose to have a breakout game soon.
Boilermaker fans believe that their defense is better than last year’s. Many sources will list senior CB Terrell Vinson as one of the top players on Purdue’s defense. Some of the Purdue fans say to lookout for senior safety Torri Williams, who has been injured the last two seasons. Off the Tracks (Purdue blog) describes Williams as a “difference maker.”
Another player to watch is linebacker Anthony Heygood, who leads Purdue with six tackles for loss. Last year, Heygood moved from the running back position to add some speed to the linebacking core.
Also, the coaches are high on senior defensive end Cliff Avril, who leads the team with three sacks. According to the Sporting News, Purdue’s defensive coordinator Brock Spack, “thinks Cliff Avril is Purdue’s next great end.”
- Prediction -
I think both teams have a good amount of talent on both sides of the ball. However, I have to lean on the Buckeyes’ defense over the Purdue offense. That doesn’t mean Purdue cannot win this game.
Like I said before, if history means anything then this game will be close.
However, the Buckeyes’ offense allowed me to relax.
Wish I could tell that this will be the last time you hear, see or read this statement, but I have to write it - ‘The last time the Buckeyes lost to a Big Ten opponent was in 2005 against Penn State.’
However, the teams do not share the same record.
However, the focus of that win isn’t how OSU held on, but on who the Buckeyes have to beat next.
Speaking of upsets, many OSU fans remember the game against Michigan State in 1998. That is when the top-ranked Buckeyes lost 28-24, even though they were favored to beat the Spartans by 26 1/2 points.
Buckeye fans could argue all day that their team deserves to be the No. 1 team in the country, while deep down they have to feel fortunate that all the teams with stronger schedules have lost a game. 
Michigan State started the season on a four-game winning streak. Its loss to Wisconsin ended that and the Spartans were still considered a dangerous team in the Big Ten. Then MSU lost to Northwestern, 41-48, and lost its respect.
After leading the Bowl Championship standings all of 2006, the Buckeyes lead the first BCS rankings of 2007. The rankings were released on Sunday. South Florida was No. 2. 
The other component is a compilation of six computer rankings. The South Florida Bulls (6-0) were ranked No. 1 by the computers and No. 3 by the Harris and coaches’ polls. Boston College (7-0) is No. 2 in the two polls, but No. 7 by the computers. LSU is ranked No. 2 by the computers. OSU is tied for fifth with Arizona State (7-0), which is ranked No. 8 overall in the BCS. The computer ranks (No. 6 in BCS) South Carolina (6-1, No. 6 in the BCS) third and Kentucky (6-1, No. 7 in BCS) fourth.
Two weeks ago, Jarvis (right) ran for 230 yards on 30 carries and scored two touchdowns against the Ohio Bobcats. Through six games, Jarvis has rushed for 851 yards on 144 carries and has eight rushing touchdowns. He also has 15 catches for 201 yards and has two receiving touchdowns.
I don’t expect for sophomore running back Chris Wells (left) to play much. Everyone in Columbus is worried about his ankle. Maurice Wells and Brandon Saine should be able to handle the load.
Here is my helpful guide to Week Seven in the college football world.
BIG TEN PICKS
I’m always quick to call myself out when I’m wrong and now is one of those times. In 
The play of wide receiver Ray Small was also encouraging. Small, who began this season with high expectations, caught six passes for 70 yards and had a touchdown. 
After last weekend, when many of the top teams in college football lost, everyone is expecting more upsets to come this Saturday.
Like in 2000, Purdue is led by their quarterback, back then it was Drew Brees and now it’s junior Curtis Painter (left). Through five games, Painter has completed 136 of 203 passes for 1,542 yards and has a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 18-to-3.
Prior to the season, sophomore running back Chris Wells (right) hadn’t rushed for over 100 yards in a game. It wasn’t that fans were expecting him not to run all over defenses this year, everyone can see the talent, but fans were worried after his lackluster performance (16 carries for 46 yards, 2.9 yards per carry, one touchdown) against Youngstown State in the opener. However, Wells has been great since, rushing for over a 100 yards in each of the last four games. Purdue fans are worried on how its defense will fare against Ohio State’s power back.