Need the d-line to step up the pressure, and a RB to step up! Braxton can't keep running the ball 25 times a game.

We have a lot of work to do, and it's a good thing we're playing a weak Cal team...this should give us a chance to work on things, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

OSU by 24

It is crazy to think that California is going to have no trouble beating Ohio State. This is not a guaranteed victory for California and they will need to take this game seriously.

California will have to avoid looking past this game and focusing on USC the week after.

I know that Jeff Tedford is 6-0 against Big10 teams since he came to Cal, but that does not mean that this is an automatic W, and California’s players cannot just assume that they will win every game against B1G opponents.

A lot of California fans thought this would be a tougher non-conference test when it was originally scheduled, so it is probably a little disappointing for them that Ohio State is now a mediocre team coming off of a losing season.

And although California has more former players in the NFL, one needs to remember that Ohio State has also produced a lot of pro talent.

Besides, Ohio State might still be looking to avenge their 28-0 loss to California in the 1921 Rose Bowl.

And I hope that California fans do not look down on Ohio State. Yes, California is one of the most highly regarded universities in the world, whereas hardly anyone outside of the U.S. has even heard of Ohio State. But I am sure that the fanbase in Berkeley does not think of this week’s opponent as just another state school from the Midwest. Ohio State is a very good university. I am sure that the California players will respect Ohio State just as much as any other opponent on their schedule.

And this may surprise people, but California’s athletic program was actually ranked just below Ohio State’s, by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics:
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/nacda/sports/directorscup/auto_pdf/2010-11/misc_non_event/finald12011.pdf
(Note that this ranking does not include California’s national titles in men’s crew and men’s rugby)

I do not expect this game to be over before halftime. Ohio State should be able to keep it close early on before eventually wearing down.

And I do not expect California to run up the score because these teams play again next year in Berkeley.

Yes this is a copypasta troll

^^^
I see what you did there!

What do you guys think about the current -17 spread? I think the Buckeyes win, but my gut feeling is they don't cover the spread. They haven't been getting pressure, and that doesn't sound good when going against a 1st rd WR. They'll be using their 3rd/4th/FB for carries. Meyer said he wants to take downfield shots, but Miller hasn't really hit one on the run thus far.

^^^I think they cover rather easily--jmo

I keep going back and forth. Cal has been very sloppy, and their defense hasn't shown up. I think OSU has to pass well to cover the spread, but I'm 50/50 as to whether Braxton can hit stuff down the field often enough.

^^I agree on your last sentence, for sure

Cal is horrible and OSU isn't. 17 sounds about right.

They should have medics standing by on the Bucks sideline in case the Pac12 continues the B1G beatdown. Somebody could have a heart attack or spasms or something.

Speedofsand;1267905 wrote:They should have medics standing by on the Bucks sideline in case the Pac12 continues the B1G beatdown. Somebody could have a heart attack or spasms or something.

ZING!!!!!!!!!!! Take you a while to think up that one?

Speedofsand;1267905 wrote:They should have medics standing by on the Bucks sideline in case the Pac12 continues the B1G beatdown. Somebody could have a heart attack or spasms or something.

Smh. I have a friend here who's a huge Florida fan. He keeps getting on me for osu's non conference schedule. Forgetting that they play Bgsu, Louisiana something, and Jacksonville state. Gtfo!!

Midstate01;1268149 wrote:Smh. I have a friend here who's a huge Florida fan. He keeps getting on me for osu's non conference schedule. Forgetting that they play Bgsu, Louisiana something, and Jacksonville state. Gtfo!!

Is there a reason you left off they also play @ #5 Florida state or does that not count?

Rotinaj;1268188 wrote:Is there a reason you left off they also play @ #5 Florida state or does that not count?

I actually thought I put it on there.

It kind of doesn't count though, in the sense that it's an automatic game they play every year.

SMH. I was not knocking anybody's OOC schedule. LMAO @ you saying #5 F$U doesn't count. Florida has 4 top 10 teams on their schedule already. If they are lucky enough to get to Atlanta, it'll be 5. Yeah I doubt it'll happen, but how many top 10 teams are on OSU's schedule? Florida's A.D. refuses to listen to fans about scheduling FCS teams, we have bitched plenty about it. Its the only thing I don't like about him. We're hoping for the NCAA playoff to force a change so we only get FBS games. Gator ticket prices doubled in the last 15 years, because of 3 National Championships.

This thread is about OSU vs Cal, keep it on topic.

Go Bucks yourself

Cal's QB is pretty garbage. As long as Keenan Allen is kept somewhat in check (easier said than done) I just don't think they'll be able to score enough to make this a real game.

OSU 45-17.

About the only thing I can say with confidence is that Coach Meyer will not button up the offense with a big lead.

OSU 45 Cal 14, Cal looks very average (or below) in all phases of the game. Average QB, average RB, below average defense. Hopefully the Buckeyes defense will start playing as advertised in the preseason this week. Urban still brags on John Simon and I haven't seen him or Hankins (3 assisted tackles in 2 games total) do a damn thing. Simon has looked very slow getting off blocks as have about all the Buckeye D-linemen with the possible exception of Washington and Spence. Dunn and Smith should be able to contribute as much as Hyde has. I hope to see an offense that's more than just Miller running the ball (looks a lot like Michigan's offense) Even with all the complaining I'm doing, I still think OSU will get things straightened out and win 10-12 games this year.

Speedofsand;1268355 wrote:Go Bucks yourself

Do you stay up late at night thinking of classics like this?!?!

In any event, OSU wins 38-10. They will make an effort to not let Braxton run as much, but he'll take off on his own and run for another 130.

I'd like to see a few things this Saturday.

Maybe a vertical passing attack?
More Spence and Washington earlier if the starters can't get pressure.
Jordan Hall as the motion man?
Dunn gets 10-15 carries
John Simon getting his name called a few times.

Automatik;1269089 wrote: John Simon getting his name called a few times.

THIS!!!