And the parade rolls on....

Original Artwork Courtesy: R.R.R. 2009.

By: Clinton Reed Jr.  | Buckeyes Gameday Correspondent

You can not lose today.

With the sun positioned directly over head on a Saturday afternoon in West Lafayette Indiana, and standing a listed six feet six inches tall, Terrelle Pryor will be preparing to lead the Buckeyes into yet another civil war within the Big Ten. Yet as he runs onto the battle field of Ross Ade Stadium amidst the blurred chorus of the Purdue faithful, what will be going through the mind of the Sophomore quarterback? Sure it may seem and somewhat feel the same as any game of football ever played, but none before Saturday’s meeting with Purdue has ever had so much riding on the shoulders of Terrelle Pryor.

Let’s be honest. The true Sophomore has always been successful at every level of play thus far, and everytime that level of success has been achieved very quickly. Yet what he is currently experiencing is a theory that has existed since existence itself. When you change the level of play… the level of play changes. He is no longer the superior athlete on the field, and therefore must adjust in order to bring success to The Ohio State.

Where there’s Scarlet…. There’s Gray…..

The positive side of Saturday morning will be that as Pryor sits in the locker room envisioning what will need to take place in order for the Buckeyes to be successful in their pursuit of victory, he will not be alone. Somewhere in that same room will hang the jerseys of all those set to do battle that afternoon. Gibson, Coleman, Chekwa, Heyward, Posey, ect. will all have their own individual place of focus in that very same room where they too must sit and focus on what will need to be accomplished in order to be successful against Purdue.

With their only victory coming against Toledo, it has been a rather tough season for the old gold and black. They have played many teams tough, yet have not been able to win any of the close games. Fact is, they have allowed on avgerage of 31 points per game, and have yet to face a defense the caliber of which they shall be lining up against on Saturday. 

The Buckeyes’ defensive unit has been absolutely outstanding thus far. The return of Kurt Coleman proved to be huge as he took his interception all the way to the house  aganst Wisconsin last Saturday in Columbus. Their identity as a team is  finally begining to show itself. They are a tough gritty group, that if coupled with the right offense, can bring home a national title.

The truth is….

The statistical breakdown for this upcoming meeting in Indiana is simple. 1. The only thing that the Buckeyes need to have happen in this game in order for it to be considered a success is to win. It is just that simple. If they are to be what they consider themselves to be, a national title contender, then they have to be able to defeat the teams that they should. Of course in the interest of political correctness it’s not to say that Purdue is not a quality university, the engineering department is one of the finest in the nation. Yet when it comes to man vs. man on a field used exclusively for playing football…. they’re simply not on the same level.

WEEK SEVEN PREDICTIONS:

The Ohio State:  27             Purdue: 10

Defense: Purdue has yet to see anything close to the defense of The Ohio State. The Buckeyes are too fast… it will seem like they are everywhere. Only way Purdue can score is if the Ohio State offense turns it over.

Offense: Terrelle Pryor will realize that it is not physical talent that will carry him to the next level…. it is the knowledge of how to accomplish. He will continue to grow, and therefore will continue to succeed.

BY CLINTON REED JR  | BUCKEYES GAMEDAY CORRESPONDENT

For The Ohio State Buckeyes the first three games of the 2009 season have spoke volumes about what this 2009 team is capable of…. both good and bad.

At times looking like the proud champion college football franchise that they believe themselves capable of being. Yet at others seeming like this year has makings to give the “you can’t win the big one” people the right to be able to say just that.

Again.

One can still recall the “what may have been” as far as National titles are concerned in recent memory. Two chances.. two big plays to start the game.. two huge losses.

Next the challenge to USC on the road early in the year of 2008, at Southern Cal. Embarrassing. Only to fumble away the Big Ten Conference and bid to the Rose Bowl to Penn State, and still find a way to end the season on a ‘Varsity Blues’ esque final drive for the ages vs. Texas in the desert of Arizona.

So do the Buckeyes have something to prove? Absolutely. To the nation, to the “experts”, to the fans, and most importantly to themselves.

So in this, the 300th game coaching for Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel, the Buckeyes hope to come out victorious to open Big Ten play. “Whether you’re happy with what’s going on so far this year,or you’re not so happy, a new world begins with the Big Ten.” said Coach Tressel in his press conference on Thurday when talking about the upcoming meeting with Illinois.

He is absolutely right. Every one who is apart of “The Buckeye Nation” considers there to be three distinctly different sections to each season: Non-conference games, The Big Ten, and… Michigan. So section one: 2-1. A closer than it should have been against Navy. Then Hollywood Matt scripts his way down the field in a game that Ohio State let slip away. Next was the away game in Cleveland…. vs. Toledo and 38 to 0 later it was the way the team should look in the eyes of many.

So far… so so.

Section two starts Saturday with the Big Ten opener in the Horseshoe against Illinois.

Isiah “Juice” Williams makes his return to Columbus on Saturday as the quarterback of the Illini, and the last time he was there he accounted for 212 total yards including 4 touchdowns through the air and 72 yards on the ground, leading the Illini to a 28-21 win in the Horseshoe. Last season the Bucks recieved some peace of mind going to Illinois and winning 30-20. Yet this year seems to be a different story. This season Williams has thrown for just 89.5 yards per game with 0 (zero) touchdowns.

Of course the fact remains that Ohio State’s defense has traditionally struggled with mobile men in the pocket. Its a fact. Yet it is also a fact that they were able to withstand the complexity of the triple option offense executed by a triple option team. They also yielded zero points to a Toledo team that many thought should score just that on an “Ohio State Defense”. So what’s one more challenge?

The Buckeyes have enough talent/speed on defense to be able to contain Juice Williams. Yet as they know all too well, talent/speed does not always
equal performance. Defensive MVP thus far: Kurt Colman. With 20 tackles 2 forced fumbles and an interception he has been the anchor of the Buckeyes
defensive unit so far this year. He’ll have to be at his best from the Strong Safety position on Saturday, but he will not be able to do it all on his own. The Buckeyes are going to need leaders to emerge on defense this season.

But what does this all mean really?

Simply put: Buckeye Defense = National Title hopes. It was true in 2002. It is true today.

As for Saturday look for the Ohio State defensive line to really step up and contain Williams with their push up front. If they can control the line of
scrimmage they control the game. Especially from the defensive side of the ball. Thaddeus Gibson and Cameron Heyward are going to have to control the
outside of the line of scrimmage forcing Williams to the middle where the defensive help is.

As for the offense. Terrelle Pryor’s performance thus far (aside from asking to go for it on a 4th and 2 when you should kick the FG and win the game)
has been very successful. On one hand he has shown at times exactly why he was so highly recruited coming out of highschool. He is amazing. But on the
other hand you have a look, at times, at what might be. Poor mechanics, poor decisions, just not playing football. He needs to slow down and just be what
he is… the best.

WEEK FOUR PREVIEW AND PREDICTION:
Ohio State-24 Illinois-13

Defense: Like former president George W. Bush once said “…..uhhh.. well.. you just ain’t gonna fool me twice.”  and that beautiful logic still applies
today as Illinois might score one touchdown against the Ohio State defense. But not two. Ohio State’s defense is much faster than many give it credit
for. Illinois: 13pts.

Offense: Instead of writing Mika and Vick under his eyes Terrelle Pryor writes yes and sir and opperates the offense exactly the way he should
as per head coach Jim Tressel. Once the whole team is on the same page they are hard to beat no matter what “forcier” you may believe in. They should
figure that out this week against The Fighting Illini. Daniel Heron makes it 8 games in a row with a TD. Ohio State: 24 pts.

OHIO STATE VS. USC

SERIES HISTORY

• 1937 at USC 13, Ohio State 12
• 1938 USC 14, at Ohio State 7
• 1941 Ohio State 33, at USC 0
• 1942 at Ohio State 28, USC 12
• 1946 Ohio State 21, at USC 0
• 1947 USC 32, at Ohio State 0
• 1948 at Ohio State 20, USC 0
• 1949 Ohio State 13, at USC 13
• 1954 Ohio State 20, USC 7*
• 1959 at USC 17, Ohio State 0
• 1960 at Ohio State 20, USC 0
• 1963 at USC 32, Ohio State 3
• 1964 at Ohio State 17, USC 0
• 1968 Ohio State 27, USC 16*
• 1972 USC 42, Ohio State 17*
• 1973 Ohio State 42, USC 21*
• 1974 USC 18, Ohio State 17*
• 1979 USC 17, Ohio State 16*
• 1984 USC 20, Ohio State 17*
• 1989 at USC 42, Ohio State 3
• 1990 USC 35, at Ohio State 26
• 2008 at USC 35, Ohio State 3

*Rose Bowl

Source: OhioStateBuckeyes.com

ALL-TIME APPEARANCES AT

#1 IN THE AP POLL

(All 987 AP Polls released including Preseason Polls

from 1936 thru 2008 season end)

SCHOOL    |  TIMES  |   LAST TIME
1.  Oklahoma 98 December 7, 2008
2.  Notre Dame 95 November 16, 1993
3.  Ohio State 93 December 2, 2007
3.  USC 90 September 21, 2008
5.  Nebraska 70 October 23, 2000
6.  Miami (FL) 68 December 9, 2002
7.  Florida State 59 January 5, 2000
8.  Texas 45 October 26, 2008
9. Alabama 36 November 30, 2008
10. Michigan 34 January 3, 1998
11. Michigan State 29 October 11, 1966
12. Army 27 October 21, 1958
12. Florida 27 January 8, 2009
14. Penn State 21 October 13, 1997
17. Minnesota 18 November 29, 1960
21. Iowa 11 October 29, 1985

PARKING INFO FOR USC AT OHIO STATE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009

KICKOFF AT 8 PM

Official Release from OHIO STATE TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING

State Route 315 Construction Impacts 2009 Football Traffic !!!

Tune your Radio to 1650 AM for more information!

Construction occurring along State Route 315, between I-670 and North Broadway, will significantly impact traffic during the 2009 Football Season. During this time, motorists should anticipate significant inbound and outbound traffic delays and are encouraged to plan accordingly to reduce frustration. At least two hours prior to game time, some streets on and around campus become one-way, going toward the Stadium. Upon completion of the game, traffic patterns will be reversed, going away from the Stadium. Please note that due to the construction, it may be necessary to change inbound and outbound traffic patterns from game to game. Please anticipate changes in these traffic patterns, understanding that patterns will be different from years past, and follow the directions of the traffic officers that will be available to direct you around any construction detours. Vehicles parked closest to the stadium will likely take the longest to exit. In general, fans planning to travel south after the game should plan to park in lots south of Ohio Stadium; fans wanting to travel north should park in lots north of Ohio Stadium. For additional information regarding the State Route 315 construction, please visit the Ohio Department of Transportation’s web site at http://www.dot.state.oh.us/projects/315/Pages/default.aspx.

How is University parking affected on game days?
Virtually every parking lot is used for football parking on game days. Please see the map for parking lots and garages reserved for season permit parking, OSU parking permits only, and day-of-game parking ($10.00 per vehicle.) Any purchased current annual OSU parking permit will be honored in day-of-game lots (except the Camper/RV parking lots) at NO CHARGE. Please note: Valuecards, temporary single or multi-day permits are not valid for football parking.

Parking lots tend to fill early on game days. If you are going to the game, you should plan on arriving several hours prior to kickoff.

Where can I park if I need to come to work on OSU game days?
You can park free of charge in any day-of-game lot by displaying a purchased valid OSU parking permit. It is advisable to arrive on campus for work at least one hour prior to your scheduled start time to ensure you have time to park and walk to your building. If at all possible, please avoid driving through campus on game days.

If you work in the Medical Center area:
Approach campus from the south, utilizing 12th Ave., 3rd Ave., Neil Ave., King Ave.

If you work on Central Campus:
Approach campus from the east, utilizing High Street, Woodruff Ave., or 12th Ave.

Where Is disability parking located?
There are over 800 spaces located in the North St. John Arena Lots, located off of Lane Avenue, just east of the Olentangy River. To access these spaces, enter campus from High Street and proceed west on Woodruff Avenue. There are another 800+ spaces located in the Neil Avenue garage, just south of the Stadium and RPAC facility. To access these spaces, enter campus from the south along Neil Avenue.

For access to both locations, prominently display a valid disability permit and follow the officer’s directions. All spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis and require that the registered owner of the state placard (along with the current registration for the state disability placard) or OSU disability permit be present in the car. A $10.00 parking fee or valid OSU parking permit is required to park. Shuttles will provide continuous adapted transportation service to the east side of the Stadium beginning six hours before kickoff continuing through one hour following the game from both locations.

Parking Alternatives On Home Football Saturdays

Several alternatives are available to help Buckeye fans avoid campus traffic on home football Saturdays. These options are as follows:

Park in the City Center Parking Garage (Rich and High Street), and ride a shuttle to The Ohio State University campus on all home football Saturdays during the 2009 football season. Garage parking is $5 per vehicle to park and $5 per person to ride the shuttle that will transport Buckeye fans between the City Center Parking Garage and University Hall, located just east of Ohio Stadium. For more information, visit http://www.downtowncolumbus.com/getting-around-osu-park-ride.

For those fans parking on West Campus, a free shuttle will provide continuous service beginning six hours before kickoff continuing through one hour after the game. Shuttles pick up and drop off fans at Mount Hall on West Campus and the Sisson Hall footbridge located just west of Drake Union and Ohio Stadium.

Park at the Ohio Expo Center and ride the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) shuttle to campus. Parking at the Ohio Expo Center is $5 car and the roundtrip bus fare to and from Ohio Stadium is $4 per adult (children up to 12 years of age ride free – limit three children per family). For more information, visit http://www.cota.com/current_promotions-2009OSU_service.asp.

Park at the OSU Airport (Don Scott Field, 2160 West Case Rd.) and Ride a Shuttle to Campus.
The OSU Airport will have two university buses leaving the airport at 6:30 p.m. and dropping passengers off at the stadium near the RPAC for the OSU vs. USC football game on 9/12/09 (there is one bus available for all other home football games). The buses will depart from the same location 30 minutes after the game ends. Tickets are $12 per person round trip, or $8 one way. Airport parking is free. Tickets can be purchased at the Customer Service Desk before the buses leave, or they can be reserved ahead of time by calling (614) 292-5580.

The Pedal Instead Bicycle Valet Program provides service during the Ohio State home football games. The bike corral (where bicycles are stored during the game) is located on the east end of the Woody Hayes Bridge on the south side of Woody Hayes Drive. Please visit http://pedalinstead.org/ for more information.

RV Parking
All RV parking on The Ohio State University campus will be pre-sold passes only for the 2009 season. There is no day-of-game parking available. Spaces are all pre-assigned, and the designated spaces are held for the permit holder until 90 minutes prior to kick off. RV parking lots open at 5:00am on the day of each home football game. RV/campers with permits who arrive before the lots open or RV/campers without a campus parking permit may park at the Ohio State Fairgrounds on a first-come, first-served basis. COTA shuttles are available to provide transportation to the campus before, during and after the football game. Please see RV Parking for more information.

Courtesy: OhioStateBuckeyes.com

The Ohio State-Navy football game on Saturday, September 5, 2009, at Ohio Stadium will kick off at noon Eastern, the Big Ten Conference has announced.

ESPN will televise that season opener, marking the first time since 1931 that a service academy team has played in the Horseshoe.

Ohio State defeated Navy in that 1931 contest 20-0. The last meeting between the schools came in the 1981 Liberty Bowl, with the Buckeyes posting a 31-28 win. Ohio State leads the all-time series with Navy 3-0.

The Ohio State-Toledo football game on Saturday, September 19, 2009, at Cleveland Browns Stadium will kick off at noon Eastern, Toledo officials announced today. ESPN-Plus will televise that contest on a regional basis; it will also be available on ESPN GamePlan.

As was previously announced, the Ohio State-Southern California game at Ohio Stadium September 12 will kick off at 8 pm Eastern. That game will be a prime-time telecast on ESPN/ABC.