Ohio St. ML

**regretz** · 01-01-10, 06:29 AM

Bucks ML

**KACK** · 01-01-10, 08:10 AM

no way.. Oregon easily...

**Busterflywheel** · 01-01-10, 08:59 AM

Ohio State offense vs. Oregon defense
• A rushing attack that significantly improved down the stretch is a big reason Ohio State played its way into a Rose Bowl bid. From what we can tell in studying tape on this group, there are two noticeable differences. First, the Buckeyes are allowing QB Terrelle Pryor to run the ball more, particularly in the zone-read option game. As far as we're concerned, Ohio State cannot let Pryor run the option enough versus Oregon. Pryor is the team's most dynamic weapon and he's clearly most comfortable when working the option game. Plus, No. 2 tends to draw extra attention as a runner, which opens up room for RBs Brandon Saine and Dan Herron to operate when Pryor opts to pitch. Secondly, the offensive line is healthy and has developed into a cohesive unit with much more confidence. The Buckeyes should be able to control the line of scrimmage on this side of the ball versus a vastly undersized Oregon defensive front seven. Only one of the Ducks' defensive linemen weighs more than 268 pounds and only one of their linebackers weighs more than 226 pounds. Quite simply, Ohio State's chances of upsetting the Ducks increase with every rushing attempt.

• When the Buckeyes do throw the ball, Oregon must find a way to limit WR DeVier Posey's big plays. Pryor will spread the ball around to all his different receivers but Posey is the true game-breaker of the group. He's at his best running vertical routes and the Buckeyes work to spring him open in the play-action passing series -- specifically out of the shotgun zone-read option package. Once they see Oregon start to cheat one or both of its safeties (T.J Ward and Javes Lewis) up closer to the line of scrimmage in run support, that's when they'll look to strike. If either Ward or Lewis takes a false step, it will create a one-on-one matchup on the perimeter for Posey, who is fast enough to get over the top of both Oregon starting cornerbacks -- Cliff Harris and Talmadge Jackson III.

• Ohio State's offense does not get much help from its return team and things are not expected to be any better in the Rose Bowl now that WR/RS Ray Small is out due to suspension. Small had a 96-yard kick return for a touchdown this season and he handled most of the team's punt returns. Look for Lamaar Thomas to handle the majority of returns for the Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl. Thomas averages just 20.9 yards per kick return this season. In fact, it's safe to say that Oregon has a decisive edge overall on special teams. The Ducks have been steadier in the punting game and are a bit more explosive on returns. Plus, if this game somehow comes down to a late field goal, you have to like the Ducks' chances. PK Morgan Flint has been cash for the Ducks this season, connecting on 15 of 17 field goal attempts. Flint hasn't missed since Oct. 10 -- and that was a season-long attempt of 51 yards versus UCLA. On the flip side, Ohio State is relying on inexperienced PK Devin Barclay, who has taken over for the injured Aaron Pettrey. Barclay enters the Rose Bowl having connected on only 4 of 7 field goal attempts.

Oregon offense vs. Ohio State defense
• Open-field tackling is critical versus Oregon's spread attack. It sounds simple, but if Ohio State doesn't break down and wrap up in space, it has little chance of winning the Rose Bowl. At the core of all of Oregon's misdirection, spread formations and play-action faking is the fundamental goal of generating one-on-one opportunities for its array of speedsters in as much space as possible -- particularly QB Jeremiah Masoli and RB LaMichael James. Inevitably, coach Chip Kelly will orchestrate a handful of those matchups in this contest. How Ohio State's linebackers and defensive backs perform as tacklers in those moments can mean the difference between a 5-yard gain and a 55-yard touchdown.

• Oregon WR Jeff Maehl is the Ducks' premier vertical threat and he is on a tear recently. In Oregon's last four outings, Maehl is averaging 95 receiving yards with five touchdowns. That's quite an upgrade from his production during the first eight games, when he averaged just 38.3 yards with one score. Maehl's late-season emergence adds to the dilemma Ohio State faces when trying to defend the Oregon spread. If the Buckeyes give Maehl the extra safety attention over the top that he deserves, it will generate extra room for athletic TE Ed Dickson to exploit as a pass catcher and, more importantly, it limits the ability to load the box to focus on slowing the Ducks' dynamic rushing attack. Defensive coordinator Jim Heacock will need to make some tough decisions on certain downs -- which will occasionally include leaving one of his starting cornerbacks (Devon Torrence and Chimdi Chekwa) on an island versus Maehl. When that's the case, Torrence and Chekwa need to get a shove in near the line of scrimmage to impede Maehl's route, and then they'll need to do an excellent job of reading Maehl's eyes, which will serve as the indicator for when the ball is coming. If the Buckeyes corners turn late or fail to time their jumps properly, Maehl should make them pay.

• Two things jump out when studying the Buckeyes' unheralded yet stout defense. The first is their versatility. There's no star power now that James Laurinaitis (Rams) and Malcolm Jenkins (Saints) are in the NFL, but this year's edition is deeper and more flexible in our opinion. Hybrid DE/OLB Thaddeus Gibson hasn't been a sack master this season, but his versatility plays a big role in this unit's unpredictable nature. Heacock can ask Gibson to handle the responsibilities of either a defensive end or outside linebacker on a given play and not think twice about putting Gibson in a vulnerable position. That will help to keep Masoli and Oregon's offensive line uncertain during presnap reads on passing downs. The second thing that jumps out on tape is that Heacock and staff have done an excellent job of teaching technique and instilling discipline. Ohio State is constantly rotating personnel and alignments up front, yet it almost always executes in the areas of twisting, stunting and blitzing. The secondary also does a good job of communicating in-zone coverage. The Ducks, despite owning a significant speed advantage on this side of the ball, will be forced to earn every yard they get against this flexible and disciplined Ohio State defense.

Scouts' Edge
Ohio State's defense will give the Ducks one of their toughest tests of the season. It might not have great unit-wide speed, but the versatility and discipline of Heacock's group will force Masoli and company to sustain longer drives than usual. Eventually, the Ducks' speed and array of weapons will prove to be overwhelming. The question is can Ohio State keep pace long enough to be in position to pull off the upset late in the fourth quarter? It's possible, but not likely. It would take a nearly flawless performance from Pryor for the Buckeyes to pull off the upset. While we expect the dynamic Buckeyes triggerman to provide some highlight-reel-type moments, we just don't think he's efficient enough as a passer -- or that the Buckeyes have enough weapons surrounding Pryor -- to keep pace for four quarters.

Prediction: Ducks 31, Buckeyes 20 ESPN INSIDER SCOUT

**BigdaddyQH** · 01-01-10, 09:14 AM

That is a rather accurate prediction. Oregon is a quick strike tye of offense, while Ohio State has to grind things out. Once again, Ohio State will find out that when they play a team with better overall speed, they are in trouble. Ohio States defense will wear down, just like they did against USC. I think Oregon takes control in the 4th quarter and wins.

**kiknit** · 01-01-10, 09:23 AM

Yeah...what ^^ said!

Originally posted by Busterflywheel

Ohio State offense vs. Oregon defense
First, the Buckeyes are allowing QB Terrelle Pryor to run the ball more, particularly in the zone-read option game.

Pryor is the textbook definition of inconsistent at 56%, 15TD/10INT...offset only by his 700+ rushing yards. Edge Oregon

Originally posted by Busterflywheel

Oregon offense vs. Ohio State defense
• Two things jump out when studying the Buckeyes' unheralded yet stout defense. The first is their versatility. There's no star power now that James Laurinaitis (Rams) and Malcolm Jenkins (Saints) are in the NFL, but this year's edition is deeper and more flexible in our opinion.

Ohio State's Defense - ranked in the Top 10 in 5 different categories - is strong but again inconsistent, giving up long, clock eating drives and 1st downs in too many 3rd and long situations. Edge Oregon

Oregon has averaged 42ppg in the last 9 games behind Masoli (59%, 15/5) who at times is just as inconsistent as Pryor. Heres a little something to chew on. In the last 21 years, Oregon has been to 17 bowl games - but no one pays attention to them because of the crazy wicked success of USC.

Oregon 38 - Ohio State 24

**Snowball** · 01-01-10, 11:27 AM

Ducks ... much higher skills.. imo..

**blackberry_juice** · 01-01-10, 08:19 PM

a nice winner!

now the much tougher cincy moneyline coming up tonight.

**pattymayo** · 01-01-10, 08:21 PM

sweet. $100 to win $170

**regretz** · 01-01-10, 09:00 PM