Ahh yes, writing a recap after going 1-4 the previous week. Good times.. Ill face the music each time though, its how you react after getting punched in the nose.

Those who followed the system hang in there. After 8 years of doing this one thing becomes more clear every season... there is always room for improvement. Other moral victories aside, losing and learning absolutely must go hand in hand. The system was 6-0 all time week 0 heading into this year, regression to the mean was bound to happen, kinda like death taxes and michigan cheating as their only way to beat Ohio State. Enough of that. It wasn't a great way to start, but we managed our bankroll properly and are ready to get it back (and more) this week. Full slate of games and the rust knocked off, and we get to watch our Buckeyes which is the best part of it all. The system owes us a bounce back week, I'm confident it will deliver, so lets get it.

We enter CFB Week 1 down 4 units with some making up to do. There are definitely some takeaways from week 0 that will rollover into week 1 with the continuous improvement objective in mind. No overreactions, stay focused, and lets get ready to fire away. Ill have some reading material to share shortly to help those who do their own research and handicapping. Best of luck to all

LFG

Have tix, trying to make plans.

that nothing is better than beating that crew of arrogant assholes. I have been guilty of tracking this cheating scandal too closely. Taking too much hope in them getting hammered by the NCAA. I was elated watching them get beat by Texas. As much as I wish misery on that team from the NCAA nothing....NOTHING feels better than beating those lying, cheating, arrogant shitbags on the field. It's time for Day and this team to deliver the real punishment to them and their delusional fanbase. It's going to be a hell of a season.

Much better than last week.

• Will Howard was really good again tonight. The underthrown ball to Jeremiah might be my only complaint.
• Henderson and Judkins looked like two of the best backs in America. Judkins was so much better than last week. James Peoples continues to flash as well.
• The offensive line was damn good. Seth McLaughlin is the best of the bunch right now. No concerns here (which feels great to say).
• I don't know if Jeremiah Smith is an alien or a vampire or a werewolf. It's one of those rare situations where someone was being super-hyped yet it was still not enough hype. He's not human.
• The wide receiver/tight end blocking was really good other than the Gee Scott hold that cost Judkins the long touchdown.
• I thought Chip Kelly did a lot of cool stuff today (the four tight-end package comes to mind). I was a little surprised to see him whip some of that out against a team like WMU, but I'm not complaining.
• I want to see more Julian Sayin. It was cool to see Air Noland congratulating him on the sideline after the TD pass.

• Cody Simon's presence was felt early and often (that includes one unfortunate whiff).
• Caleb Downs is awesome. Still can't believe he's at Ohio State.
• The entire defensive line was great, but Kayden McDonald may have stood out more than anyone.
• I love Jordan Hancock but didn't love the one tackle where he ducked his head down. That was some dangerous stuff. Fortunately he was fine afterward.
• Arvell Reese is everywhere. He stands out every time he is on the field. His ability to read and react is really really good for a second-year player. He's a much better linebacker than CJ Hicks and should continue to see the field more and more.
• I am still in favor of finding ways to use Hicks as a blitzer (not sure if we saw any of that today or not).
• Nice to see Aaron Scott, Jaylen McClain, and Eddrick Houston making some plays.

• Random note: I find Jake Butt to be extremely good as a commentator.

In another thread a while ago I said something to the effect that I hate games on NBC. It was in some thread about Bucks game being on their network. I always hated the ND announcers and the video feed years back.

But watching games yesterday on NBC & Peacock definitely changed my mind. Video was top notch especially on Peacock. Love Andrew Siciliano doing Big Ten GOTW on Peacock. NBC announcers still blow tho.

Anyway I realize Im just an old man shouting at clouds, literally and figuratively. Just wanted to come correct is all.

I used to have so much respect for Klatt but now, no way. Listening to this dude ramble about “oh man Michigan what has happened? They’re still really good but wow, what’s going on here?” BRO…. You know what’s going on here. Just be honest and question it.

So I could be wrong here but has this show been a complete Michigan suckfest? Do they do this with every place the visit?

Even though its just on in the background Im still about to puke.

In Escanaba, MI! GO BUCKEYES!!!!!!!! O-H!

Friday, September 6


Saturday, September 7

Had the worst rushing success rate defense in the country last week among FBS programs, per collegefootballdata.com. Should be a "get-right game" for Ohio State's rushing attack, if you're thinking that's needed.

Ohio State was 31st in the country in offensive rushing success rate, if you're into that nerd shit.

We'll start with the concerning parts.

• Justin Frye and the Ohio State offensive line simply have to get better. I know Akron has a good defensive front (in MAC terms) and Donovan Jackson wasn't playing, but there's really no excuse for that level of play. The first half was particularly bad and fortunately things improved as the game progressed. I'd probably give them a D.
• I was surprised by some of the missed tackles from Caleb Downs. I don't think he was bad by any means. He just missed some that I expected him to make.
• The late-first half backwards toss to Henderson was a really dumb play by Howard. That could have been disastrous.
• Quinshon Judkins missed some open lanes. I know the offensive line wasn't helping him much, but there were definitely a few plays there where he seemed to miss a hole. 13 for 55 against Akron is a tough look for him and the line.
• I am sold on CJ Hicks as a blitzer. I am not sold on CJ Hicks as a linebacker.

Other than that.....

• I thought Will Howard was really good. I posted in in the game thread, but there were just so many plays that would have ended in a sack or throwaway in 2023. His ability to shake off defenders is something we haven't seen in a while at quarterback.
• TreVeyon Henderson looked explosive and was clearly the better back today. He also had a few really nice blitz pickups.
• If Miami offers Jeremiah Smith $5 million in January, Ohio State needs to offer him $10. It's not even fair how good he is. Glad to see him bounce back after a horrendous opening drive.
• I'm all aboard the James Peoples express.
• I didn't see much at all from the tight ends, but it did look like Jelani Thurman was a capable blocker when I was watching.
• I'm glad they let Brown throw it around a bit later in the game. Nothing annoys me more than them going into the fetal position after getting up by 20+.

• The defense was really good. The Burke pick was excellent.
• JT and Jack played well from I could see. JT did miss a tackle or two that could've been big losses though.
• Really enjoyed that dime look they had when JT and Downs combined for the sack.
• Loved seeing Kanu and Curry team up to force that fumble that led to the Ransom score.
• I didn't watch the linebackers a ton and will try to do that more when I rewatch. My initial thought is that I would rank them 1. Styles, 2. Reese, 3. Hicks. Obviously Simon being out changes things up a lot as far as who's lining up where.
• Props to Ben Finley for hanging in there as long as he did. That dude was getting annihilated.
• I love Brandon Inniss as a punt returner. Just let him do that all season. No need to put Emeka back there imo.

GRADES:

Quarterback: B+
Running backs: C
Wideouts: A-
Tight ends: C+ (I guess?)
Offensive line: D

Defensive line: A
Linebackers: B+
Defensive backs: A
Special Teams: B+

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Update: They apparently retire all Heisman winners

(Delete thread)

Between reading the boards, checking out tweets, and listening to the analysis from the DtE staff...I keep asking myself how did we get here?

How are we to the point where 52-6 opening week wins are picked apart and we keep hearing, "Ohio State HAS to be better?" Why are we acting like they laid an egg? When did watching Ohio State become such a miserable experience where nothing short of perfection is enjoyed or appreciated?

Just a reminder - Michigan opened last season winning 30-3 against East Carolina, 35-7 to UNLV, and 31-6 to Bowling Green.

Can we just enjoy wins and trust the process? I'm so exhausted by the lack of joy around this program...from this site to the fanbase...

Taking questions — send in your best recruiting question. I’ll answer one for a column later on Wednesday.

Inspried by @dogisred 's top 10 movie list let's do Top 10 TV Shows. Mine are as follows:

- The Wire
- The Sopranos
- The Leftovers
- Friday Night Lights
- Parks and Recs
- Band of Brothers
- Watchmen
- Seinfeld
- Breaking Bad
- Community

Rutgers isn’t looking too hot early