Mike West

Ohio State is a very good football team. People are saying they played poorly and still nearly pulled out the W. The pundits don't want Oregon to be the feature team in the B1G. It's obvious. I will say this: I talked to FishDuck before the game. My observation was OBD was more physical against MSU ( I might have already mentioned this). MSU agreed. On both Lines of Scrimmage. Now, there are things I'd like to see cleaned up on defense. I've stated them several times, so I won't repeat them. But OBD can really slow down that powerful offense if they do those three simple things. Will they? I Doubt it. I still to believe the next one will still be a toss up though. OBD are that good.

Oklahoma Softball... talk about a ridiculous powerhouse!

The best way to measure the team is to look at the stats against Ohio State. Now think about what Georgia did to Texas in the first half of last week's game. Is our OL as good as the 22 and 23 versions? If they are, we're going to win the Natty. Because Lanning and Lupoi have decided to take away explosive passing schemes on a consistent basis. Georgia is the barometer. Their defense is the key. OBD ran fine against them. We didn't have the kind of WRs we needed, but the pass protection was fine. Now OBD have five WRs and 2 1/2 explosive TEs ( Mr half is very clutch at that). The stats that matter are the stats on Game Day. Sure there are trends to identify, but how many of us really believed Gabriel and the OL would kill it the entire game against the Buckeyes? I didn't, and I saw the WR/DB mismatches. I saw the physicality against MSU. It was better than what Ohio State did to the Spartans. This team has more firepower than last year's team. You can't stop the WRs or the TEs. And we haven't even seen Gary Bryant yet. It's on the OL. They look good enough to me. But they will still have to prove it. From the results I've seen so far, the pundits are sleeping on that OL. I'm not concerned about 4th and 1. I don't think we've seen the plays for 3rd and 1,2,3 or 4 yet. Watch Lanning's first game. That OL handled Georgia very well. It was the Receivers that were the problem. That isn't a problem anymore. We need to vet this year's OL technique. That, in my Mega Hack opinion, will be the difference.

Illinois is very solid. Not elite. They don't have enough team speed, and they're not as physical as OBD. That said, they have a QB that can hurt you if you don't pressure him. He's mobile enough to buy time, and scramble down-field. Their defense will be their problem. They can't handle an explosive offense. They will lose like Iowa lost to Ohio State. The point spread is on the number. OBD will cover if and only if we either completely shut them down, or decide to drop forty points on them. The first quarters are what we want to look at. Killer instinct, high execution, and completing assignments. Those are the tells within that time frame on whether the team is improving this week. Nothing against Illinois, but like Indiana, they just don't have the firepower to go the distance with an elite team like OBD. It's Oregon against Oregon Saturday.

I beg to differ. The final year of the conference that used to be excellent in football, was its best in a decade. In fact, while teams were beating each other up, none of them were like our two Natty contending OBD or Pete Carrol's super teams. The conference was mediocre on a talent level. They couldn't defeat blue bloods, or any other power, and nationally speaking, they were boring. Blue Blood, national contending football draws more eyeballs. That, and a great marketing department like Oregon has. That absolutely did not exist out West. To be the best you have to beat the best. Marketing, product, and reputation. Olympic Sports do not qualify. Look at the ratings for the teams formerly in the PAC12. Not impressive. Businessmen aren't in the charity business. That would be the Red Cross. And believe me, the PAC12 was a national disaster. That what happens when the Fuskies and USC sucks.

Yeah, I'll take $40M now and waaaaaaaay more than whatever the PAC12 would EVER get WITH USC. USC did us a favor. They saw the writing on the wall well ahead of all of us. We should get down on our knees and thank USC. Not a popular opinion, but C Suite Larry took his best shot (at Texas and Oklahoma), and it was curtains for West Coast football after that. Didn't help that the most brilliant College Presidents in the history of mankind promoted Olympic Sports like they paid the bills. I'm glad the PAC 12 is dead. Served those arrogant hoots the perfect dish of humiliation. Thank you USC. You saved OBD from football oblivion.

Ducks 41-17 2 TOs 3 Sacks 295 passing yards

Well, Let's see if I can be brief about this... 1. Ohio State, despite their struggles on defense, answered the bell every time we scored. They are damn near unstoppable, and they have some mismatches we cannot defend. 2. They will improve on defense. I've paid tons of attention to this 'immediate threat' of ours. While I was pretty sure OBD would explode on them, I wasn't sure they would do so an entire game. Now they know what they're looking at. They will adjust, and OBD better be ready. 3. We left a lot on the table. Probably another 14 points. They would have answered. Again, that offense is virtually unstoppable. 4. DL once again put the game on the line on 4th down-twice. He got away with it...this time. I like his aggression, and once again, Stein called the exact play to score a TD (but once again our QB misread the play). DL has to trust the defense more. They executed several times to give the offense its chance to seal the deal. 5. Lupoi stepped up on Saturday. I've said many a time that I do not like our defensive formation up front. Ohio State shredded it. But Lupoi baited Chip. He kept the front, but attacked the 'weakness'. I'm not expert (coach speak and strategy) enough to explain why, but he did it. Tons of commentators, and fans complained about Chip abandoning the running attack in the second half. It was a direct response to Lupoi's adjustments. Chip will have an answer in response. 6. While I do believe we are more physical than Ohio State, I do not believe that translates to much of an advantage. Their skill players are as good as ours, and Chip uses Will Howard's strengths very, very well. We will have much more to contend with the next time we play them. 7. The reasons above are why I believe the narrative from both the Buckeyes, their fans and the media responded the way they have. They didn't see what we left on the table, they saw how well Ohio State kept responding despite the way we played. We dictated the physical aspect of the game. They didn't blink one bit. 8. We will need Birch and Holden next time. Despite Ohio State's huge loss on the offensive line. 9. OBD will have to play a cleaner game than they played Saturday. We have to remember, that Pass Interference play did significantly alter the result of the game. We exploited it perfectly, but if that was simply a completion, we lose that game. Despite what many of us believe was a game in which we outplayed them. Can we beat them one or two more times? I saw tremendous growth from OBD last week. As long as that growth continues, they have a chance to not only take care of Ohio State, but Texas as well (or any other juggernaut that emerges over the next 6-9 weeks). Again, championships are won by the slightest of margins. Every play matters. Performing at your peak on every play matters. Mistakes, even the little ones, can be fatal. We got as much luck last Saturday as they did. Both teams made mistakes-and both fan bases were emphatic about it. Because everyone understands a mistake is more likely to lose a game than a great play will win it. Fingers crossed, because we are going to ride a serious roller coaster the next three months!

You said it better than I tried to explain that. I agree-his apology to the team is far more important. I'm sure they had his back, but man, talk about a mistake that could have had significant consequences. Traeshon Holden is a huge piece of the puzzle for this team. Not much difference than losing Birch on defense. That said, he does represent far more than himself. So I understand the range of emotions about the incident and how some feel he should be punished harshly. Back when we old geezers played, that may have been the end of his football career at the school, much less football period. I personally felt disgusted, yet very concerned for Holden. We expect so much from these kids, and too many of them never had the foundation to rise to the standards we hold dear in this country. That's no excuse, just the facts. That is one of the greatest aspects of what college sports ( and sports from an early age ) have done for way too many of these kids. They finally are channeled in an institution that hopefully matriculates them into society with better standards, and an impulse to rise to those standards. That's one of the important components of this issue-Holden is right where he needs to be to become a much better man. Who he is associating with inside and outside of the football program is going to materially affect his future. Fortunately, he is in good hands. Let's hope he grows substantially from this experience.

Like the one when he pushed his defender ten yards backwards and his legend grew exponentially (series clincher versus Utah)!!! Talk about lame. And I love MJ. Yet that was ridiculous.

I believe he should have apologized in a press conference that night. Seeing him personally speak would have demonstrated exactly who he is. I doubt he is as insincere as the Media driven letter appears ( nothing against him, but it looked like every other apology we've seen from politicians, actors, other athletes etc.). NBC caught his authentic reaction best. He obviously wasn't going to be a distraction from the game press conference, but a significant player like he is should have had his moment live and in person. CFB is damn near the NFL already. An NFL WR had to appear to explain his encounter with the Miami Police. This seems to me to be no different. He is a major cog for a major team. The University shouldn't shield him from the consequences of his actions. He was man enough to spit in someone's face. He should be man enough to explain his actions in front of the press. This is what the kids wanted. Money, fame accolades. Attention and praise. Well there's another side to the coin. Not to mention, he absolutely knows he impacted the team, and completely minimized his exposure on the big stage. He has to wait for the playoffs now to demonstrate his skills. And he already was killing it Saturday. No amount of suspension time can make up for that. Mike, can you say that in less than five thousand words lol

And the Sack/Fumble/TD... And the elbow on the ground, give them an extra thirty yards. If a team has ever been punished just existing, it's the team trying to join the Blueblood club. OBD.

You know, I'm surprised nobody brought up DL's decision to go for it on 4th and Goal instead of taking the points late, and two drives earlier that 4th and 1 at midfield ( I think) instead of punting. Is everyone getting used to DL's aggressive nature, or is it because he won last night? I for one don't trust our short range FG kicker. Though he was clutch when the chips were down. If given the chance earlier, that would have forced Ohio State to score a TD on their last drive had he converted. I thought the decisions were pretty risky. Though Ohio State was playing lights out all game. Any thoughts on that? Bueller? Bueller?

Yeah, I read a bunch of garbage last night. Will Howard is not an elite QB, Ryan Day can't win big games, etc. I had to tell a few of them they are spoiled brats and should thank their lucky stars they have both, and stop disrespecting teams that are as good as or better than them. This is the third of four years they lost by inches and the fan base acted like they lost by miles. I've been watching this since the summer. Ohio State fans are insufferable. It's almost disgusting. They're exactly what I hope we never become : entitled and spoiled brats with no class or humility.

Excellent article Jordan! Reminds me of the awesome Sports Illustrated articles of decades past . If this were a magazine, you could have written another 500-800 words just like that, and I swear, it would have flowed just as artistically. You asked why OBD won. So much to cover, but you got the main points. And you hinted ever so slightly of the main reason: the coaches crafted a game plan to deal with Ohio State's advantages, and adjusted better than I've seen in Lanning's short history. There's much to go into that, but I observed more poise from the team, more decisiveness and confidence against a team that matches up evenly with OBD, and the knack to turn momentum their way throughout the game. OBD were clutch last night. They didn't blink in the face of constant flux, and the coahing staff had an answer for everything the Buckeyes gave them. The staff accepted some physical and strategic disadvantages, and exploited mismatches they scouted out very well. The team was far more consistent than I expected, and they played like they wanted to win. Mistakes and all, they showed more grit last night than I've ever seen from Lanning's players ( even better than the Seattle game last year ). That was the best display of winning the mental battle I've seen since Chip's Natty team. They demonstrated next level effort mentally last night. Even if they had lost, this team, like Ohio State is showing, they are absolutely top three caliber. We will see if Texas is on that level next week. Make no mistake, this team showed last night they have the right stuff to win a Natty.

I thought Howard was more consistent than Gabriel. Dillon threw some absolutely beautiful passes tonight. If DG had just three more accurate throws and one proper read, we're talking another ten points on the board. DG faced more pressure over the duration of the game in my "super hack" opinion. Ohio State fans are going to blame Howard tonight. They couldn't be more (absolutely) wrong. Oklahoma and KSU sure made major mistakes going with potential instead of proven experience. Both teams would be undefeated this very moment, and KSU would be ahead by 14 as I write.

The little things...to be discussed after the game. Lessons. The things necessary to execute. No criticism of the players or coaches. This has been a good game. You should see what Ohio State's fan base is saying right now. They are incredulous at the moment. They actually can't believe OBD are this good.

But do I trust the FG kicker? Absolutely not

Yes, I would have punted the ball...,,🤣🤣🤣🤣

We match up physically with them. We have an advantage with the skill players on offense. This isn't about where the score is, it is about ability. Win or lose today, NOBODY is going to say Oregon is overrated. Nobody. Just like that nice touch pass to Tez Johnson. Just like the physicality shown running the ball. Stein deliberately ran the ball to kill the clock, showing HE KNOWS WE CAN POWER DOWN THE FIELD. The results won't matter today. It's about what we learn today that matters. The win would be nice. The lessons are more important.

Remember folks, we want to win. But you have to realize, no matter what, OBD have shown they are Natty contenders. The mistakes can be cleaned up. So far, OBD have outplayed tOSU. This is a game of a few key things. Self inflicted errors and definitely officiating have affected this game. The little things.... they really won't change the fact we are truly title worthy.

28-23 Ohio State 1 2 230 Though I believe OBD are talented enough to win this game, I don't believe the offense is running on all cylinders yet. I hope I'm wrong!

I wasn't surprised USC lost. It was a matchup problem for USC. Minnesota's loss to Iowa skewed expectations for the Gophers. They changed their philosophy on offense after that. They are far more balanced and they throw the ball much better than they did at the beginning of the season. That is USC's kryptonite - a balanced offense that can pass the ball. In addition, USC is not playing well on the road this year. They're in for a long season. The B1G only has 3 elite teams, but the middle of the pack can hurt you if you don't come ready to play. USC will not be excellent until they get an elite defense. That may not happen at all with Lincoln Riley.

Can't argue with last year's results. I didn't like the midterm results, but I expected the loss. I came away very impressed with that midterm. Told me all I needed to know about one Dan Lanning. The players have to execute their fundamental assignments first. To allow for them to execute overall. That's really all football is about. Coaches have different philosophies about what fundamental football is. I am more than satisfied with what DL considers fundamental football. I have not been satisfied with said execution of fundamental football from the players. Not that they're underperforming, they just don't lock down the simple things. That's why they lost last year. My opinion of course. And we know what I consider fundamental football. I've more than pointed it out. In my opinion, if the players do that, they'll go undefeated. They're definitely good enough if they take care of the little things.

Good observation. I'm wondering if DG is holding on to the ball too long because he's had the luxury to. Even against the two potato heads, he held the ball for long periods. I believe that's why his NFL eval was a surprise to him. You don't get that luxury against elite teams. I'll tell you this though. I've seen enough Oklahoma footage to grasp this guy is a gamer. He's pretty much the same QB. I'm not worried about this game. I'm concerned about what we learn from this game. What the team does with some of the fundamental things we're going to learn about the team against one of the best in the country. What kind of adjustments will be necessary whether OBD win or lose.