Army Game Day Preview

OK fans, this is normally where we preview the upcoming game and highlight the match-ups for Saturday's game. I don't always follow the rules, I follow my heart, and well, this week's behavior from most of our fan base deserves something a little different. So get your fingers off your keyboard and listen up.

I'm so nauseated and disgusted by the behavior of some fans, recruits, and past players that I cannot fathom the complete meltdown that has occurred in #BuckeyeNation. We just lost to the No. 5 team in the country, not a sub bowl team like Appalachian State, sorry not sorry scUM. Do I like losing, ABSOLUTELY NOT!! Does it happen, YES!!! It is how you learn and react to a loss that shows your character and integrity. And most fans, you earned a big fat F in that test.

This Saturday's game against Army will showcase a hungry, angry team that deserves your unending support and love, these are your BUCKEYES!! Kevin Wilson has taken the blame for his play calling thus far in the season, and to his defense, he's still learning this team too. This will be corrected and will leave fans ooohing and ahhhing at the offensive firepower by the end of the season. As fans, we must be patient, and understand that growing pains do happen, even to OUR team.

I'm a proud, loyal Buckeye fan and I sure hope our fans get their heads back on straight and focus on the end goal, which is still so very much in play. This team plays their hearts out for us and deserve our support, even when the final whistle blows and the end result isn't what we want. We still need to applaud these guys and pick them up when they are down. GO BUCKS ALWAYS!!!!

**Oh, and sorry in advance Army, this team is hungry and you happened to pick the wrong week to end up on the schedule!! #GoBucks

TWSS: #AskBSU; Army

What is the most disappointing part about the haters in #BuckeyeNation and what would you say/do to them if they weren’t hiding behind a social media account?

Diana -  I am COMPLETELY disgusted by the haters. I'm not the type of person who will hold my tongue to someone's face. I would not hesitate to tell them to go hop on another bandwagon. We don't need the haters and “fans” who trash talk our players, coaches, and those families. I saw someone on the comments of an article on Facebook go as far as wishing that J.T. Barrett would have had the flag planted in his leg so he would play anymore. Absolutely uncalled for. Those “fans” should be ashamed of themselves.

Mel - it's actually very sad and pathetic. The tweets I have seen to players, coaches and Urban Meyer's wife, Shelley, are totally uncalled for. When it comes down to its just a football game. RELAX, the Buckeyes will be fine. Suck it Haters!! Jump off the bandwagon

Lindsay - I'm completely nauseated and disheartened by the behavior of so called fans, former players, and recruits. This is not what we stand for and not who we are #BuckeyeNation. Get your s#$% together and support this team 100 percent of the time or find another team!!!! We lost to the No. 5 team not Appalachian State for goodness sakes, walk away from the ledge and get your fingers off your keyboard!!!

Jane - It has been disheartening. Was I disappointed, yes. Frustrated, yes. Would I talk trash about 18-22 year-old kids, never. So called adults having temper tantrums over a football game! Do you know how LUCKY we (YOU) are to root for a team that has losses in the SINGLE DIGITS over the past six years and have only had to “endure” ONE LOSS to our greatest rival in not even recent history????? Chill! Grow up!!! And, if you can't stop acting like a toddler...find another team. Don't tarnish what is the unparalleled greatness of academics, sports  and tradition that is THE Ohio State University.

How much faith do you have in the stance Urban Meyer is taking on J.T. Barrett?

Diana - Urban Meyer is THE GOAT. I'm 100 percent confident in his choices. His record clearly shows that. He will make the best choices for HIS team. Anyone who thinks otherwise can… :)

Mel - I have 100 percent faith in Urban. He's one of the best college football coaches. I mean, he knows better than all of us. So take a seat arm-chair coaches and let Urban work his magic.

Lindsay - Urban Meyer is one of the top coaches in the country, will go down in history as one of the best, and I support him 150 percent. He has always made the best decisions to put his team in the best position to win. He has no qualms about starting true freshmen, that shows you that he puts the best players on the field no matter what. As we say in BSU #TrustUrban

Jane - Urban is the coach. Urban’s record and character speaks for itself. When those that have more than complained have his experience or his record….then we can talk. 100 percent.

How will the Buckeye offense respond to the adversity it's faced this week?

Diana - I personally think there will be some adjustments and we will see more dynamic play calling.  I'm ready to watch some pissed off Buckeyes.

Mel - They’re gonna come out ready and pissed...especially after Baker Mayfield disrespected The Shoe. Its gonna be a whole different team.

Lindsay - This team will be mad and hungry!!! I cannot wait to see them make some big strides on the offensive side of the ball. I think Kevin Wilson is seeing what mistakes he's made and what he needs to do to remedy that. This team will be ready to play.

Jane - I'm sure lessons have been learned and will continue to be. I'm anxious to see a crisper team and the development of different play calling.

What needs to happen with the back seven, if anything, and who has shown up for you so far?

Diana - Honestly, the back seven hasn't lived up to my expectations thus far. Through two games no one has really stood out to me. Ask me again later in the season.

Mel - I agree with the BSU ladies

Lindsay - I agree with D, let's address this question in a few weeks. I feel we need to see more and then we can discuss.

Jane - I was expecting to see a dynamic and accurate group and hoping to see a couple standouts, it hasn't yet happened. In reality, they are a young squad and I think we will start to see standouts as the weeks progress.

What would you ask of the coaching staff that hasn't already been asked?

Diana - I'm not a coach, so I'm not going to ask them to do anything. I'm going to continue support them! #TrustUrban

Mel - Just keep doing your thing. #TrustUrban

Lindsay - Not a darn thing!!! I'm a fan and a loyal supporter, it's not my job to ask them questions, it's my job to support them 150 percent!!! I trust the army that Urban has assembled. I cannot wait to see this shift this season and watch the haters in our fan base scramble to make excuses for their behavior this week. We have everything still in play...just wait for it ✌

Jane - #BSU #TrustUrban. No questions asked. He has earned his place at the helm of the Buckeye football team.

Back Away From The Ledge #BuckeyeNation

 Well, Saturday night did not go the way Buckeyes wanted, but much to many crazy opinions out there, all is so far from lost.  This is not the BCS system of the past fans, this is the CFB playoff system, and the season is just getting started. The B1G is one of the best conferences in CFB this season, and winning the conference will go an awful long way to making it into the playoffs.

  It was a complete dumpster fire on social media during and after the game. It's an embarrassment to the fans who support and love this team win or lose. Buckeye Nation is better than that behavior, you cannot ever talk about another fan base if that is how you react to a loss. It is important that the players, coaches, and recruits see that we embrace them when things don't go perfect. One thing I've always loved about being a Buckeye fan is the undying support we have for each other, something that other fan bases cannot say.

  Urban Meyer is one of the top two CFB coaches for a reason, he is very good at what he does and his record speaks for itself. The legend that we have leading this squad, along with a stellar supporting cast he has assembled, will right this ship. Looking at the season, the best time to lose, if you're going to lose, is early!! Do you recall our last CFB National Championship? If so, do you remember when we lost? That's right, game 2 home opener against VT at night.

  These next two weeks will be big in making adjustments on both sides of the ball so we can fully utilize all the weapons on this team. I have total faith in Urban and the coaches to put us in position to turn this season into a very memorable, exciting one for the players and fans. This season is so far from a lost season, hang in there and step away from the ledge...we're going to be just fine #BuckeyeNation.

**Bonus**
Everyone participated in #TheWave to the children's hospital at the end of the first quarter so there is hope for humanity. GO BUCKS!!

REVIEW - TWSS Fans Interact: Game-Day Preview; Oklahoma

#2 Ohio State (1-1,1-0) #5 Oklahoma (2-0,0-0)

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

TV: ESPN - Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Maria Taylor

Radio: 97.1 WBNS The Fan - Paul Keels, Jim Lachey, Matt Andrews

7:30 p.m.

Ohio State lost the first match-up in 1977 on a last second field goal but has won the last two headed into Saturday night. \ Both teams winning percentages are eerily similar: OSU 128 seasons 887-323-53 (.724) Oklahoma 123 seasons 874-321-53 (.721)

Headline - Boomer Sooner in The Shoe

What will the atmosphere be like for this long awaited match-up?

Ryan - I'm hopeful the atmosphere will be raucous and loud. I want fans screaming. I want people who are there to wake up Sunday morning unable to talk from screaming so hard. I want Baker Mayfield to be unable to think straight. Mostly, I want the crowd to be loud to drown out the noise of “Boomer Sooner.".

Annie - First home game of the season, night game….would be fun to register on the seismometer like we did last fall during the MeatChicken game. Loud and electric...OSU fans ALWAYS deliver!

Rebut - The Shoe was ridiculous as usual and the fans stayed engaged as long as they had a reason to. There were times during the game that I could not speak loud enough for someone standing next to me. Once it appeared the game was in hand late in the fourth and the fans started to file out the exits.

Ohio State D versus Oklahoma O

What do you think of these units head to head and who has the advantage?

Ryan - Their O line is experienced and arguably the best in the nation. Our D line has depth. That depth had the capability to wear an O line out. I want to believe our depth and speed will ultimately wear them out and allow the speed to get the Baker Mayfield and disrupt his game. He's dangerous out of the pocket when the play breaks down, so our corners and LBs need to be watchful, as well.

Annie - Oklahoma has a huge beef with us, especially after our “basic D” came into their house last year and embarrassed the heck out of them. Our D is young, and with youth sometimes comes inexperience. Simply put, we can’t let Oklahoma convert on as many third down plays as we did in the Indiana game. With that being said, our staff/boys made huge adjustments at halftime against Indiana and the results were favorable. We need our boys to have a solid first and second half of play. On paper, Oklahoma has the advantage, but our boys will find a way to get the job done.

Rebut - Ryan and Annie were spot on for their assessments here . . , but the things they said that cannot happen did. Baker Mayfield won the game out of the pocket, on the run and on third downs. True to the battle in the trenches the Oklahoma offensive line stayed strong and gave Mayfield more opportunities than not. At the end of the day, the more experienced team won this battle.

Ohio State O Versus Oklahoma D

Same question as above but with a twist, who has the advantage here and also who is more likely to struggle due to inexperience?

Ryan - Eventually our O line gelled and powered through the defense of Indiana. They need to come out with that power from the start. Open big gaps for “J.K. Weber" to run through. I'd like to see the crossing patterns continue and Parris Campbell to break off a long play or two against their defense. I'd give the advantage right now to Oklahoma here because I still have concerns about the passing game.

Annie - Ohio State’s weakness on O is our wide receivers, if they come up big, we’ll be in good shape. Also, if J.T. can be consistent, (much like he was in second half against Indiana) I look for us to put up 30+ points.

Rebut - This is a tough one to swallow for most Buckeye fans due to the fact that Kevin Wilson and Ryan Day were suppose to fix everything. Two things are clear after this top five match-up. The Buckeyes are still very young at the skill positions and if J.T. cannot get the ball away quickly and his progression breaks down? The Buckeyes are in trouble!

Oklahoma took away the crossing routes with a stout D and the gaps that were there for Weber weren't for Dobbins. The disappointing thing here is Weber was giving the team momentum and did not return until later in the game after leading the Buckeyes down the field.

The second thing that is clear about this Buckeye offense' identity is it is a run first offense and if they have to get out of that, they are in trouble.



Last Time They Met - Special Teams

Who stole the show last season and will there be a repeat performance at home in the Shoe? If not, who will be this game's star?

Ryan - Noah Brown stole the show last year. He, obviously, will not be there in this game, so I'm counting on the three-time captain Joseph Thomas to become the star we know he is.

Annie - Who stole the show for me last year ...the refs when Joe Mixon dropped the ball before entering the endzone on his 97 yard kickoff return….we got robbed!!! I would love to see a huge kickoff return by our special teams unit to shove it in the Sooners faces….I’ll take a big hit for a turnover too!


Rebut - Nobody for the Buckeyes really stole the show on Saturday night but every time Parris Campbell had a return on a kick-off, he shined.Parris probably needs punt returns added to his play selcetion.

Of course the actually rebut here is Baker Mayfield, he took care of business Saturday night and then some. May have set the tone for a Heisman run the rest of the season.

Special teams can win ball games nowadays, which team has the upperhand here and why?

Ryan - Our punter was pretty wonderful against Indiana. Of course, you hope to never see the punter, but he was great. Parris Campbell returning can be deadly and break the game wide open. Fingers crossed he returns a kick for a touchdown.

Annie - I’ll go with the Bucks…more experience…I don't know darn thing about special teams to be honest.

Rebut - Parris tried to keep the Buckeyes in good field position after an Oklahoma score and Drue Chrisman was deadly with his leg flipping the field every-time he was needed.

OSU was big underdog last year and went in kicked the Sooners in the Boomer. While not as heavy of a favorite, how does OSU prevent that from happening this time?

Ryan - They need to set the tone early. Establish the running game and allow J.T. to play-action pass off of that. There will be huge holes in the middle of the defense, so play action to a crossing route in the middle can help. I don't need to see long, deep passes. Just long enough to get first downs.

Annie - Defense wins games and ultimately….championships!

Rebut - Neither of these happened in this epic match-up. The Buckeyes were basically(sorry) dominated in just about every fashion of the game. By the time the running game could get going, the Buckeyes needed to throw the ball and that became disastrous.

Final Thoughts - Offensive firepower versus defensive will

It’s arguably the best offensive line in the nation (Oklahoma) vs. the best defensive line (Ohio State), what is the best match-up between these lines (player vs. player) and who will impose their will overall and why?

Ryan - Nick Bosa played the most snaps of anyone on the DL against Indiana, I believe. I'd like to see him matched up with the tackle and see his speed get to the QB. He was so close to getting multiple sacks a few times last week, this week I'd like to see it happen.

Annie - I look for Nick Bosa to come up huge..I’m still waiting for him to have his “wow” game…praying tonight is it! Another final thought….how did this adorable lil Buckeye “rose” end up answering with this group of yahoos?!?!?!  HAAHAHA….KIDDING….LOVE YA, BOYS!

Rebut - Sam Hubbard was a monster in this game and was the glue that kept the defense in it until the wheels started to come off in the second half. Youth in the back 6/7 is problematic when you are playing against a talented offense. They will grow up quickly due to this loss.

At the end of the day, the offensive line for Oklahoma withstood the rotation and skill of the Buckeyes even though they got to Mayfield seven times Saturday night. Jerome Baker put the hit of a lifetime on Mayfield and he still came back!

BUCKEYE BQ ( FROM BEHIND ENEMY LINES): Chipotle Marinated Steak Tacos

Time for another edition of BUCKEYE BQ FORM BEHIND ENEMY LINES,

With the First Home game of the Season let's start off the Tailgate or watch party the right way.
with a simple & easy recipe for the grill those of you who follow me on Twitter have seen this before,
Chipotle Marinated Steak  Tacos.

Marinade:

4 Tablespoons Fresh orange juice
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, minced
1 tablespoon adobo sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 garlic clove, grated
3/4 teaspoon Sea-Salt  ( or Kosher Salt)
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2lbs flank steak or Chuck steak  ( thicker cut recommend Julianne cut)

combine OJ, lime juice, adobo sauce, honey, grated garlic &  3/4 teaspoon Sea-Salt
& cumin in a Large zip lock bag keep 3/4 cup of reserve for basting. add steak & marinade for at least 30 minutes if you have time I usually let it sit in the fridge for 3 days trust me it's worth it.

Set grill to 350 to get the perfect grill marks you want set the steak at 2 o'clock the rotate after 4 minutes and set the steak at 10 o'clock. wait 4 minutes flip & do same process as first grill marks
make sure your center burner is off because after the marks are set you want to cook the steak on indirect heat until done . internal temp for rare should be 145 for medium 160 well done 170.

Then on a flat top or a pan you want to toast the tortilla's on both sides.



                                     

Remove from grill slice to desired thickness (I recommend against the grain slice) & add your own selected toppings for this I like the use of baby spinach as opposed to lettuce
and the process should look like this when finished

 

Try it Saturday & enjoy while The Buckeyes Stampede the Sooners with your favorite beverage of choice while I come up with something else next week. we might even step away form the grill breakout the crockpot & leave you with the thought of Beer Braised Short Rib Poutine. something tells me Chris Hunt & Tom Adelsberg just had Heart attacks after reading that.


As Always GO Bucks OH-

TWSS: Ask The #BSU; Oklahoma

C 🅾️RY‏ @CoryBBPC - How will OSU attempt to stop the OU pass attack?

Diana - My answers are a little short and sweet this week as my husband and I are preparing for Hurricane Irma here in South Florida. I answered a few, but my mind is everywhere so I can't concentrate on what I want to write. I'll be on my game next round!!

Silver Bullets and some PICKS!

Mel - With the Bucks “Basic Defense”

Lindsay - During game one we saw a secondary which was definitely vulnerable until the second-half adjustments were made. I'm hoping we play zone coverage and not man-to-man during the game. Our D thrives in zone and allows our dangerous defenders to get themselves in position for plays and picks...I mean, it's just BASIC!! :)

Shannon - Better communication from the young secondary. Hopefully if they are playing man coverage for the corners they have been practicing the bump and run. A lot of people are upset with the secondary from the Indiana game, but if you go back and look you will see Indiana made a lot of amazing plays. Baker Mayfield was darn near accurate against UTEP, but he had lots of time to throw. The best defensive line in the nation vs. the best offensive line will be playing a big part in the success or failures of any passing attack for the Buckeyes.

D & J's M ❤M‏ @LuckeyAnnie -  Seeing that @CollegeGameDay will be in C-bus this weekend, I'd like to know your BEST #GameDay sign vs #Oklahoma! #GoBucks

Diana - #BasicSooners.

Mel - I would have nothing but a picture of Baker Mayfield's mugshot on my sign. LOL

Jane - #StoopifiedSooners

Lindsay - Where's the backup QB’s prediction #AskingForAFriend

Shannon - My favorite Christmas present is Harbaugh tears

Buckeye SloopCast‏ @SloopCast -  Oklahoma played a cupcake week1, #OhioState played a good conference opponent. What are the pros/cons?

Jane - Though playing a cupcake team may seem like the best way to start the season, I’m all about going for it ... shoot me out of the cannon and let’s see what ya’ got. The Buckeyes faced a talented Indiana team that came out firing on all cylinders and had the Buckeyes on their heels for most of the first half, on both sides of the ball. Offensively, our wide receivers were being smothered and our defense couldn’t get their footing as QB Richard Lagow was throwing the football like he was releasing a hot missile, fast and accurate. Halftime proved to be productive with adjustments  and the Buckeyes started putting some drives together. By the fourth quarter they were well on their way to a victory. Give me a night conference game as an opener to show that you can work the kinks out and not have a false sense of security.

Lindsay - I'm happy that we played a tougher opponent in game one. Playing a B1G team allowed our new offensive coordinators to get their feet wet and shake off a few jitters. We played a hungry Indiana team which didn't let us quit, we had to stay on our toes throughout a good three quarters. We faced some early adversity and were able to make the adjustments needed to put us in a position to run away with the game in the 4ourth. I'm glad both sides of the ball were put in difficult situations, it allowed our coaches to coach and our captains to lead. Playing a cupcake game one would not give this young team the extra confidence needed with a big game in week two. Sure, a cupcake game gives you flashy numbers, but I'll take the flashy numbers we gutted out in a conference game.

Shannon - Ohio State has to have the better pro in this scenario. Young secondary tested so now they know what they need to clean up. Right side of the line getting game time together, the coaching staff seeing J.T. is not a pocket passer. The electric energy especially from a night game is something the Buckeyes are already familiar with in week two. For Ohio State, it was given the perfect setup for the matchup this weekend with a divisional game like Indiana.

The cons would have been if OSU lost.

Chris Hunt‏ @wvabuckeye - Of all of the great match-ps across the lines between the Ohio State D and Oklahoma O, which head-to-head are you looking forward to the most?

Mel - Bosa, Lewis and Hubbard against that “Basic” Mayfield.

Jane - Sam Hubbard. Looking forward to seeing him rush Mayfield. He has the size, athleticism and strength. I’m ready to see his speed off the line take Baker down.
 

Lindsay - I'm looking forward to watching Nick Bosa, our sweet Baby Bosa, get after Baker Mayfield. I know Nick is hungry after being held back a little bit last year due to his previous injury, he's ready to explode onto the scene and make some big sacks for this talented D!

Shannon - I am going to go with the five-man front to see if it confuses Oklahoma at all. There is more than just a head-to-head battle I want to see. Knowing that Oklahoma cannot double team this defensive line will be showcasing pure strength vs. strength. Oklahoma doesn’t look like it has a rushing game like last season without Perine or Mixon. This means the defensive line will be able to pin their ears back more and rush Mayfield. Bigger question will be who will be the spy if they use one to keep him contained.

PREDICTION

Diana -  A damn W since I likely won't be able to watch!! #HurricaneIrma

Mel - Now now ... we all know how I feel about predictions lol.

Jane - Good guys by seven. #Melwillbedoinglaundry

Lindsay - I hate predictions, but I will tell you ... it will be a W for the good guys! GO BUCKS!

Shannon - I will have to stay consistent as to what I said on the Silver Bullets Podcast 34-17.

TWSS #BSUBooWatch : Johnnie Dixon

This week's #BSU Boo Watch is none other than Johnnie Dixon! After having his first few years riddled with injuries, this will be the season he bursts onto the scene in this potent offense and becomes a major target for J.T. Barrett. His TD in week one showed Buckeye fans what we've all been wanting to see .. .a HEALTHY Johnnie Dixon.

Dixon was a heralded recruit out of South Florida and attended Dwyer HS. He won a state championship his senior year and looked to build on that success at OSU, until the injury bug bit him. He is now healthy and ready to show the world what he can do ... buckle up fans, he's going to have a special season.

Joe Thomas Barrett ... King Boo

Each week the sassy ladies of BSU are going to highlight a player of the week, hence, the birth of BSU Boo Watch! A fun, interactive feature each week that will drum up excitement, as if we needed anymore. 

Loved so much by us, he IS our logo

For week one there was no better choice than Joe Thomas Barrett, King Boo himself!
Lindsay: J.T. started off the game with the typical naysayers throwing shade, by the end, they saw the leader and spark we all know he is. 
In the first half, it seemed like the receivers were having a difficult time getting open and running the correct routes. You can hate on J.T., but make sure it's because of errant throws, not a receiver not making a play! Offensive Coordinator Kevin Wilson admitted that the first half was on him, he didn't put our offense in the right position to make plays, hence, second-half adjustments. 
The second half had a calm, composed J.T. making a gorgeous, long, downfield pass that was perfectly placed, but unfortunately, Parris Campbell could not secure it. This pass made all the haters who said he can't make downfield plays open their eyes and see the QB that Ryan Day, Wilson, and Urban Meyer see. They know why he is the No. 1 guy. The proficient pass game of the second half opened up the run game for our little star boo in the making, J.K. Dobbins, and for J.T. to make plays with his feet. 
By the end of the game we saw our leader settle in and use all of his weapons, which will all be important next Saturday night when we defeat Oklahoma! GO BUCKS.

Mel: Basically all I have to say to the J.T. haters is suck it! Keep doing what you're doing J.T.! Go Buckeyes!

Diana: There is a reason J.T. is OSU' first three-time captain. As I have mentioned before, he is cool and calm. The Indiana game started of slow and it had me on edge a little. I told myself that there would adjustments for second half and would ya look at that ... there were! It's always fun to listen to the haters when he's not doing well and then listen to them worship him when he is. I can't wait to see him light up Oklahoma again! The joke is on you haters! Go Bucks! 

Jane: Joe Thomas, first three-time captain in the history of Ohio State football. Leader of leaders and breaker of every quarterback record that was set before him. That is our #KingBoo. All of Buckeye Nation expected our boys, led by J.T., to hit the field and score on every drive. After all, all we had heard was Wilson was going to run a fast-paced, high-powered offense and Day had worked with J.T. What we saw was an offense, and offensive coordinator, trying to find their way. Wide receivers not getting open and not much in the way of utilizing our tight ends, and J.T. always takes the hits, verbal that is, from some not-so-patient fans. The work of our running back Dobbins is a story for another day.
Of note, J.T. is leading a pack of young man which was experiencing not only a first college game, but a conference game on the road, at night! They young guys all needed a little time to get their footing, and work out the nerves to start doing what they have trained to do.
The second half was proof of J.T.’s steadfastness, calm, epic ability to lead, and his solid talent as a quarterback. He threw for a little over 300 yards, rushed for 61 and had four touchdowns, with most of this work coming in the second half. I don’t believe there is a college team that would not want J..T as its quarterback and leader. And, I for one, am thrilled that he is representing the best damn college in the land, The Ohio State University!