Cameragate! Buckeyes Hand Harbaugh another loss 31-20

Photo Credit:Detroit News

The Ohio State Buckeyes battled back from a 14-0 deficit to outscore Michigan 31-6 the rest of the way to earn a 31-20 win in Ann Arbor.
J.K. Dobbins rushed for 101 yards and was one of three Buckeyes (J.T. Barrett and Mike Weber) to score touchdowns on the ground.
Dwayne Haskins came off the bench to complete six of seven passes including the play that might have saved the day-a 27 yard bullet to Austin Mack on a key third and long.
Ohio State finished the regular season at 10-2 and their 8-1 record wins the Big 10 Eastern Division outright.
The Buckeyes are on their way to Indianapolis next Saturday night to face the unbeaten Wisconsin Badgers for what might be for Ohio State and definitely would be for Wisconsin for a trip to the college playoffs...

Olentangy Offerings

1) The big issue in the postgame was the pregame injury to J.T. Barrett that drove him from the game in the third quarter.
It turns out the reason was that a cameraman had collided with Barrett on the field before the game and aggravated a meniscus injury.
Urban Meyer was beside himself about this and if this is true, I can understand why, but until I know more I'm not sure what actually happened.

2) Dwayne Haskins cemented himself as the quarterback for next season and if Joe Burrow, Tate Martell or anyone doesn't like that fact then they need to come to camp loaded for bear and ready to go.
The throw that Haskins made to Austin Mack was the type of throw that big-time passers make by putting the football right where only Mack can catch between two defenders and the type of throw that J.T. Barrett isn't capable of making consistently downfield.

3) That's not as much of a knock on Barrett as it is how high I am on Haskins-Ohio State hasn't had a quarterback like this in a long time and no, Cardale Jones does not count.
There may similarities in size and arm, but Haskins is, even more mobile than Jones.

4) Michigan's quarterback play let them down.
I was discussing the game as it was played with my buddy Ian McArdle and as the game progressed into the second half, we both felt O'Korn would make a mistake that would make a difference.
O'korn did with the interception to Jordan Fuller that was simply an awful throw far away from his receiver Zach Gentry.
Gentry was open-O'Korn just missed him.
Ohio State's quarterback depth saved this day.Michigan's lack of it (two injuries this season) doomed it for them.

5) J.T.Barrett did start slowly with the Buckeyes going three and out on their first three possessions before erasing the lead on the next two Ohio State turns with the football.
A Barrett scoring run from 26 yards was followed by the only passing touchdown of the day as Barrett hit Marcus Baugh for a 25-yard score.

6) A play that might be forgotten about, but swung the game was Denzel Ward's blocked extra point in the third quarter off the edge after Michigan's score to break a tie and move ahead 20-14.
That play loomed larger in the mind of all as the game progressed, first on the J.K. Dobbins score that gave OSU a one point lead rather than a tie and made Michigan play for a touchdown rather than a field goal after Sean Nuernburger drilled a field goal from 44 yards and a 24-20 lead.
Ward's block did all of that.

7) Sam Hubbard finished with two and a half sacks on the day and was the most consistent pass rusher against the Wolverines.
Hubbard participated in Senior Tackle before traveling to Ann Arbor, which makes it pretty clear that Hubbard, who is eligible for the NFL Draft, but not a senior, will be declaring for the draft.

8) The one play that Michigan wishes hadn't gotten away was Josh Metellus dropping a Barrett pass right in his hands in the second quarter.
The score was 14-0 at the time and the Buckeyes would take advantage of the gift with the Barrett touchdown run for the first OSU score of the day.

9) We (among so many others) say it all the time and yet things never change-Ohio State wins when the running game sets up the run/pass from the quarterback.
Ohio State ran J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber a combined seven carries in the first half and twenty in the second.
J.T. Barrett ran eleven times in the first half with Barrett and Dwayne Haskins ran a combined seven in the second half and that's not counting passes by Barrett in the opening half.

10) Lots of complaining about the alternate Nike uniforms.
I'm torn.
I liked them better than the uniforms worn against Penn State, but still not a stitch or line of red on them.
Editor's Note: The aforementioned Mr.McArdle sent me a picture of the jersey-there is some red on it-A small O around the V-Neck.
Hard to see that on television-but it is there!
They would have been great if they were the Oakland Raiders.
I like the black helmets with red buckeyes far better than the matte finish w/o buckeyes worn in last year's win, but still couldn't we wear these things against teams other than Michigan?
For all that I dislike about the Wolverines, it is that school up North that is sticking to tradition.

11) On to Indianapolis (and I will be there or in Detroit next Saturday for the MAC title game) and the undefeated Wisconsin Badgers.
The Badgers in many ways are the toughest conference for over the last twenty years.
Wisconsin has been far more consistent than the Michigan schools or Penn State over that period of time and this team is typical of those squads.
Big, physical and run oriented-this team is going to be a test for the often inconsistent Buckeyes.
I'll either be in Indianapolis or be watching from some place in Ohio on the way from Detroit after watching Toledo vs Akron.
Ohio State is playing with house money at this point, I'll take it..

I'm Sorry J.T.:Ohio State rallies to nip Penn State 39-38

Photo Credit:Cleveland Plain Dealer

I had plenty to say during much of this game and not all of it nice toward Ohio State senior quarterback J.T. Barrett.
I was doubtful that Barrett had the arm and skills to bring Ohio State from behind to stun the second-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions after trailing by double digits almost all game.

I was wrong as Barrett suddenly morphed into Tom Brady in the 4th quarter as my friend Ian McArdle said after the score that brought the game within five points and then gunned the game-winning score to tight end Marcus Baugh with 1;48 to go with Ohio State getting the 39-38 victory in Columbus.
Barrett threw for four touchdowns,328 yards through the air and 95 more on the ground.
K.J.Hill caught 12 passes for 102 yards and Johnnie Dixon grabbed two touchdown passes in the victory.
The Buckeyes improve to 7-1 (5-0 in the Big Ten) with the win and will travel to Iowa next Saturday controlling their destiny in the conference and the national playoffs.

Olentangy Offerings

1) Here's my Mea Culpa' to J.T. Barrett.
I've been often critical of his passing accuracy beyond 15 yards, his lack of getting the ball downfield and wondered if the Buckeyes could defeat good teams with Barrett at quarterback.
As late as during the first half of yesterday's game, I was still groaning about J.T, Barrett's shortcomings in frustration over the Ohio State deficit during what was an uphill battle against the Nittany Lions.
The victory in this game belongs to J.T.Barrett as he grabbed the game by the throat with three fourth-quarter passing scores, completing his final 13 passes and the two final scores with under five minutes remaining.
I didn't think J.T. Barrett capable of doing what he did yesterday and he deserves an apology when he proved me wrong- I was wrong and I've rarely been happier to be wrong...

2) I'm still just in shock that Barrett was able to pull this off.
I just didn't think he would be able to use his arm to carry Ohio State to a comeback win against a decent team, let alone one of the quality of Penn State.
With this game on national television (Fox) J.T. Barrett may have put himself into contention for the Heisman Trophy with a performance like this...

3) As I watched the game and discussed it as the game went with Ian McArdle, as I usually do, I am available on social media on Twitter and Facebook and friends emailing me.
What did I hear the most complaints about? Special Teams? Coaching? J.T. Barrett?
Nope-Gus Johnson.
It was like a downpour of rain on a windshield and you know what?
It was all from others about the performance of what I believe is the most annoying play by play man in the game, but not from me.
Did Gus improve in my eyes?
No.
I watched the game on mute.
It does take away a little from the atmosphere of the game, but I can judge the game as I see it-not as someone hyping a two-yard gain beyond belief.

4) Yes, I know Saquon Barkley is a tremendous back that will likely star on Sunday's starting next season, but take away the opening kick return for a touchdown (and you should as returning kicks is different than your game in the backfield) and the one score of 34 yards and you have Barkley finishing with eight yards on twenty carries.
Ohio State did a fine job not letting Barkley beat them-from the backfield at least.

5) And the book is out on Trace "Chuck and Duck" McSorely as well.
I was so frustrated during last season's game (and live at the Big 10 title game vs Wisconsin) watching McSorley just throw the ball up and pray.
However, I figured that after teams would have an off-season rather than less than a week to prep for this stuff that his effectiveness would drop and it did so.
McSorley did throw for two touchdowns (arguably one should have not have occurred), but under 200 yards on the day and looked confused on the final drive when he had to find his reads and not throw sideline passes and demand his receivers go get the ball.
Puzzle Solved!

6) Ohio State still has massive issues on special teams, but let's look at the good side first.
In Penn State's win last year, Penn State swung the game after blocking a Buckeye field goal attempt.
This year, Ohio State began its comeback when Denzel Ward raced in and rejected a punt by Penn State's Blake Gillikin.
You could feel the momentum switch right then and after the play, I felt like something special had a chance of happening, although to say I knew it would happen would be a stretch...

7) However, the opening kickoff return for a score by Saquon Barkley showed huge deficiencies continuing in the coverage units and when the Buckeyes tried to avoid Barkley after that they gave up another huge return that set up a score and almost gave Penn State more points in the first half when a kickoff that was attempted to be squibbed gave the Nittany Lions the ball around midfield, which leads us to Mr.J. Franklin shortly.
I still think Urban Meyer needs to hire a full-time special teams coach, but Meyer seems reluctant to try that.

8) James Franklin has been given kudos of late, but I didn't think he did a good job in this game.
Franklin had the ball near midfield after the kickoff I mentioned above and with a quarterback that does one thing well-throw it and hope. Franklin passed on the chance to move the ball late in the half.
Then the final drive and deep in their own territory if Penn State makes two first downs, they likely win the game.
Franklin called the same three run plays with Saquon Barkley that Ohio State stopped all day and the Buckeyes did so again setting up the Ohio State winning drive.
With three likely big money jobs in the SEC likely to be open soon (Florida, Tennessee and Texas A&M), James Franklin might be ready to take a look.
Penn State will lose Barkley and even though their recruiting classes have been strong in the last two years.Franklin might look at the Big 10 East and think this is as good as he'll have it.
At Florida or Tennessee, he might have it easier and Texas A&M isn't afraid to cut a check.
Don't send Franklin packing just yet, but don't rule it out either.

9) Breakout night for K.J. Hill with 12 catches and over 100 yards as a replacement for Parris Campbell, who was knocked out of the game as he fumbled early in the first quarter.
Campbell has had ball-handling issues all season, it may be tough for him to get back into the lineup with Hill playing so well.

10) And there were the officials, who seemed to miss Penn State's offensive line tackling Nick Bosa all night but blew two calls that could have cost Ohio State the game.
The first was the worse of the two as Damon Webb picked off a Trace McSorley pass in the end zone, but was called for a ridiculous pass interference call.
McSorley would shortly thereafter run for a score and seven points for Penn State that they shouldn't have had.
The other one was a pass that Penn State's DeAndre Thompkins appeared to have lost the ball in the end zone to Denzel Ward and on the field, the call was an interception for Ohio State.
The call was reversed, which was one of those that could have gone either way but appeared to me to one of those that normally goes the way it is originally called.
Even Penn State fans are admitting in social media that they received several close calls and they have no beef to be made.

Photo Caption:Cleveland Plain Dealer

11) Loved that the game-winning throw was caught by tight end Marcus Baugh.
Ohio State doesn't use the tight end as much as some teams do and they should do it more soon with four-star tight end Jeremy Ruckert on his way in next season.
Baugh can help open up over the middle and I wish he was more involved in the offense, but I'll take that score all day!

12) My favorite non-touchdown play of the day goes to Sam Hubbard on a play where Trace McSorley and Saquon Barkley either botched a handoff or was trying to cause some misdirection with the ball towards the Ohio State defense.
Hubbard didn't choose which to tackle between McSorley and Barkley, he simply said to hell with it and tackled them both at the same time!

13) The uniforms received mixed reviews over the course of the day.
I liked the helmet, which I'll buy a mini of to add to the collection, and I didn't mind the uniforms, although I wished the names and numbers would have some sort of outline to make them easier to read from a distance and on television.
However, I'm still not a fan of the alternate uniforms whether they are good (the black chrome ones used in 2015),the bad (the 1957 tributes worn vs Michigan that really didn't look like the 1957 ones or the blank black matte used vs the Wolverines last year) and the indifferent (the gray's used in this one).
Part of the Ohio State tradition is the uniforms and I hate seeing those messed with.
I can live with a small tweak like a full chrome helmet or a throwback look, but I'm not a huge fan of the gimmick uniforms.
I don't buy the "helps in recruiting" either, Alabama and yes, Penn State do just fine in recruiting and they don't do these at all.
Ohio State is one of the top few brands in the game, they have no need to be thirsty for attention like the Oregon's and Maryland's of the world...

14) Ohio State likely controls its own destiny for the National title tournament and definitely controls its own chance for the Big Ten East championship.
Win out over the final four games (at Iowa and at Michigan and getting Michigan State and Illinois in Columbus) and they will play Wisconsin in Indianapolis for the league title and a berth in the final four.
Go 3-1 and they'll be out of the national title chase, but as long as that loss isn't to Michigan State, they will still be on their way to Indianapolis and the currently undefeated Badgers.

Back later with the Browns in London and Anthony Joshua's tougher than expected fight vs Carlos Takam

Splat goes Rutgers-Buckeyes roll 56-0

On another trip to beautiful Piscataway, New Jersey, J.T. Barrett became the all-time leader in passing yardage in Ohio State history with a 275 yard, three touchdown evening and the Buckeyes could have named their score in a 56-0 steamrolling of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

Mike Weber scored three short-yardage touchdowns and Johnnie Dixon finished with over 100 yards receiving with two scores-one of them being a seventy-yard touchdown as the standouts in the victory.
Ohio State moved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the Big Ten and will play Maryland, a surprising winner at Minnesota Saturday and down to their third quarterback of the season in Columbus...

Olentangy Offerings

1) I noted last week that these blowout games are the hardest for me to get up for to do reviews.
I had such little expectations for this game-I went to bed for a nap before work, watched the second half at work and watched the first half later on the BTN network at work later that morning.
This was no different, I assure you...

2) Just another Rutgers blowout.
By the way, Rutgers was put on probation earlier this week and were relieved to not be placed on the non-bowl list, not that they have anything to worry about there.
I still say the decision to acquire Rutgers for the conference will turn out to be one that they regret.
Rutgers won't be competitive very often if at all, they have not delivered the New York market as every league that was rumored to expand considered them for that reason (most people figured out that they wouldn't) and they are a blight on the league.
The only thing is that the Big Ten network is in the NYC media market on their systems, so that's what they wanted, so I hope they are pleased with that as the league cuts checks to a university that contributes nothing to the league.

3) More Rutgers.
Coaches always say that there are no moral victories, but former Buckeye defensive coordinator and current Scarlet Knights big boss Chris Ash attempted to manufacture one as he pulled a "Steve Robinson" with seconds to go.
Ohio State leads 56-0 and Rutgers has moved the ball with a seven-minute drive against the backup and third-string defense, but it is now 4th and 4 at the Ohio State 14 and roughly forty seconds to go.
Now normally, teams will go for it in this situation because a touchdown late blah blah blah.
Ash sends their kicker on the field for a field goal attempt to avoid the shutout that even the seven remaining Rutgers fans at this point uncork a loud groan that you can hear on the broadcast.
Now, I don't care about the shutout of Rutgers, these things happen pretty frequently against teams of their caliber, but still when their fans sign-it's not good.
Andrew Harte then slams his kick off the upright from 32 yards away.
Steve Robinson never had moral victories either for the record.

4) Finally to Ohio State.
628 yards of offense.
Second year in a row with over 600 yards against Rutgers and fourth year in a row with 500 or more yards against the Scarlet Knights.
The ending chorus to "Where have all the flowers gone" ends with "When will they ever learn"?
Rutgers...SMH...

5) J.T. Barrett's night of passing saw him throw some long passes and even connected with them.
Barrett threw the ball downfield with a 70 yard pass to Johnnie Dixon and missed another long score with a nicely thrown ball that was called back for offensive pass interference.
I've been critical of Barrett for not being able to open up the offense downfield, which hurt the Buckeyes against good teams.
This is Rutgers, so not that big of a deal, but hopefully, things are looking up for the offense.

6) J.T. Barrett passed Art Schlichter to become the all-time leader in passing yardage at Ohio State.
Just goes to show how players that play and stick around for four years tend to roll up career numbers.
It's not difficult to figure out.

7) Buckeye receivers continue to try to break out.Binjimen Victor had a 46 yard catch and a leaping touchdown catch, Johnnie Dixon had a 70 yarder as noted and finished for over 100 yards and Terry McLaurin caught five passes and threw a vicious block that wiped out a Knight so well, he was called for roughness.
I know-it's Rutgers, but still some hopes that the wide receivers that came with so many questions might be on their way to straightening out...

8) Running game?
Ran over game is more like it as Mike Weber scored three times on ten carries as he's finally healthy, J.K.Dobbins ripped off a 34 yard run on one of his six carries and DeMario McCall galloped on a 48 yard touchdown run and went over 100 yards on the day.
Add in J.T. Barrett's 89 yards with a long of 37 and the running game was strong.
I know-it's Rutgers....

9) Demario McCall scored a touchdown in the passing game as Dwayne Haskins hit McCall with a nice touch for the score.
McCall showed quite a bit of speed and verve and even though the Buckeyes have two nice backs in J.K.Dobbins and Mike Weber, McCall looks like he just might be the best fit for the role Curtis Samuel filled last season.

10) It'll be interesting to see how things go against Maryland next week.
The Terrapins are down to their third-string QB but played well on the road in a mild upset over previously undefeated Minnesota.
Ohio State is in a run where the Buckeyes gradually increase their level of competition before meeting Penn State.
Rutgers, then Maryland who's a little better, Nebraska who has a better quarterback situation than Maryland and that's in Lincoln before Penn State.
The progression must continue to be ready for Penn State.

Braxton Miller to Receiver.OSU QB Derby Down to Two

The three way race for the Ohio State quarterback position was trimmed to two when Braxton Miller announced that he was going to play H-Back,Wide receiver along with returning some kicks for the 2015 season.

Miller said his torn labrum ( a muscle in his shoulder)had not returned to 100 percent and couldn't compete at a top level as a passer.
Whether or not that is true or not,I wouldn't know,but it does create a convenient excuse for Miller not to add to a clear quarterback controversy.
The decision also gives Urban Meyer so many more choices offensively as Miller adds to the playmakers and weapons,along with giving the Buckeyes options with Miller throwing the ball that must give opposing defensive coordinators nightmares.
Miller also adds to his NFL value by being able to prove that he can catch the football as his physical size and skills makes him a very viable wideout at the next level.
In addition with Miller playing multiple positions,Ohio State has a potential weapon that is second to few with the football in his hands.
Miller as a return man is interesting because of the presence of Jalen Marshall,but in certain scenarios,Ohio State could put both players back and refuse to allow teams to kick away from the gamebreaking potential in both players.

What Braxton Miller may have done most is take care of his future after football with this decision.
Braxton Miller is an Ohio native-He's from here,he lives here and he'll likely return here after any NFL career and in a state with a massive amount of alumni in business,Miller's decision to put the OSU program first on two different occasions (coming back for 2014 and this team first decision) will keep him as a beloved figure in Ohio State football history.
Miller will be remembered for such and he'll have no problems finding jobs,endorsements,speaking engagements etc for the rest of his post OSU days.

Now the battle is down to J.T,Barrett vs Cardale Jones and each have compelling arguments.
Barrett set many records and put the Buckeyes in a position to have a chance to reach the postseason.
Barrett also would be a multi-year quarterback and would allow the stability at the position to allow incoming players to develop slowly.
Jones won the three biggest games for the Buckeyes in the last 10 years,brought a national title to the program and might deserve a chance to be the man in his final year in Columbus.
I don't think that Urban Meyer can go wrong with either guy,but the main issue will be this-Can the Buckeyes avoid a divided locker room and they afford a quick hook or a quarterback shuffle?
Interesting things to think about....

Ohio State beats michigan,but breaks Barrett

The Ohio State burst through the gate in the fourth quarter with a big play on the offense and then one on the defense to pull away from the michigan Wolverines with a 42-28 win at the Horseshoe in Columbus.
Ezekiel Elliott's 44 yard run on fourth and one gave the Buckeyes a 14 point lead and Darron Lee added a 33 yard scoop and rumble to finish off the visitors late in the game.
Elliott finished with 121 yards rushing and two scores for Ohio State.
The big loss was to quarterback J.T. Barrett in the third quarter to a broken ankle to end the season for the Texan in what might prove to be the final crushing loss in a season marred by injury.
Ohio State finished the season at 11-1 and completed an undefeated season in the conference at 8-0.
The hobbled Buckeyes will meet Wisconsin next week in the Big 10 title game in Indianapolis...

Olentangy Offerings

1) J.T. Barrett out for the season and that is a huge loss.
Cardale Jones has ability and I'm not ready to concede an automatic loss to the Badgers or anyone else,but Jones is definitely an unknown.
Just keep in mind-J.T. Barrett was a question mark just a few months ago....

2) Has any team ever lost two Heisman Trophy candidates at any position let alone quarterback in one season?
I'm not saying it hasn't happened,but I can't recall it.

3) J.T Barrett had ran for two scores and thrown for another one before the ankle injury.
Barrett's three scores set a Big Ten record for touchdowns in a season at 45 breaking the record set by Drew Brees at Purdue.
Since this will be likely my last chance to discuss Barrett,I'd just say that Barrett has conducted himself with class on and off the field and no matter what happens with Braxton Miller,Barrett has shown himself to be a worthy Buckeye,

4) Huge play with fourth and one at their 44 leading by seven to go for it and then have Ezekiel Elliott run for the score.
With Cardale Jones at QB,the safe play might have been punt-Urban Meyer didn't go safe-he went for the throat...

5) Elliott ran 17 times for his yards against the Wolverines,but I'd bet that he will run at least 25 times vs Wisconsin.
Cardale Jones can run,but he is more a Terrelle Pryor runner than a Braxton Miller or J.T.Barrett,the Buckeyes just might become a power running team vs the Badgers.

6) Joey Bosa has been great all year,but he jumped offsides and cost OSU a turnover (they would score on the drive) and his ripping off a helmet of a michigan runner may have been funny,but it cost 15 yards and allowed a drive to continue.

7) Defense will need to step up next week after an iffy performance to a pretty bad offense.
A little under 400 yards isn't good enough against Wisconsin or a postseason opponent...

8) Devin Gardner may not be a very good quarterback (although he played well enough vs the Buckeyes),but he showed huge sportsmanship by coming out to talk to the injured J.T. Barrett.
Very nice.

9) Well,since this might be my last note to Brady Hoke,who looks to be out the door-I'll make it a good one.
From your crybaby attitude to your disrespect towards OSU and beyond-It's been nice beating you around the last few years.
Bye Brady!

10) Going to be tough against Wisconsin.
Those games are usually toe to toe combat anyway and with a team that struggles to stop the run against the best runner in the nation (Melvin Gordon),this was a pickem game,but without J.T. Barrett?
The Vegas line lists the Badgers a 4 point favorite.Sounds about right...

Ohio State freezes out Minnesota 31-24

J.T. Barrett threw three touchdowns and ran for another as the Ohio State Buckeyes survived snowy conditions to defeat the Minnesota Golden Gophers 31-24 at a cold Minneapolis.
Barrett's 86 yard TD run was the key chunk of his 189 yards on the ground and Barrett added another 200 through the air.
The now 9-1 (6-0 Big 10) Buckeyes will return to the Horseshoe for their final two games of the regular season-next week vs Indiana and the following Saturday vs that team up north.

Olentangy Offerings

1) J.T. Barrett is slowly winning me over as a Heisman candidate.
In a year without a candidate that stands out,Barrett is accumulating numbers that deserve at least an invite to the ceremony for the Heisman,

Barrett's 38 total of touchdowns are already more (with 2 games to go) than both of the last two winners (both also freshman QB's) Johnny Manziel and Jameis Winston did in their winning seasons...

2) The Barrett run was the longest TD run for a quarterback in Ohio State history and his 189 yards rushing was the most ever for a OSU quarterback.
For the first time,I'm starting to lend a little credence to the idea of Braxton Miller transferring someplace for next season.
I'm not sure that even Urban Meyer can pull off a system that is going to make two quarterbacks of this quality happy..

3) This game was not that close.
Two turnovers basically handed Minnesota field position for two touchdowns and even when the score was close,which during two different times-I never had that feeling that the game was slipping away,..

4) Jalen Marshall is going to be a big time playmaker,but he is going to have take better care of the ball.
Marshall was fast and loose with a fumble off a catch just before he scored and caused a touchback and later fumbled a punt that gave Minnesota a short drive for a TD.
This should come along,but needs to improve...

5) The cold and snow had its share in the game,but didn't seem to be overwhelming.
Ohio State did very well considering the conditions and the wind was strong,but only really played into the game once as the wind took a 52 yard attempt by Minnesota's Ryan Santoso and slammed the ball into a upright on a kick that looked like was going to be successful...

6) The run defense still concerns me as David Cobb rushed for 145 yards and three scores.
Cobb is a good back,but not the type of back that Ohio State is going to face in Indianapolis in Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon.
That needs to be shaped up and soon.

7) Another key play was early in the third quarter when a touchdown off an interception was called back for a pass interference.
The Minnesota receiver was falling down,but the defender did have a hand on him.
I thought the flag was light,but usually a grab and clutch means penalty,,

8) Cold? Yep. The 15 degrees at kickoff was the coldest for the Buckeyes since their 1964 game against michigan,
Even in the Big 10,if Minnesota can ever get their program to the top,that stadium is going to be quite an advantage.
Why the NFL Vikings didn't take that into account shows that dollars were more important to them than winning...

9) Joey Bosa bounced back from a tough day in East Lansing with seven tackles and a sack.
Bosa did have a knee brace,but it didn't seem to affect his any..

10) Ohio State entered the day 8th in the playoff ratings,
 The question becomes how much do they jump?
Minnesota sliding into the ratings last week at 25 will help a smidgen in the quality win category and the late night loss by number six Arizona State will guarantee one spot.
The key becomes how far does Mississippi State fall after their first loss and could 4th rated TCU slide after a close four point win over a three win Kansas team....