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Great analysis as usual @ELA !

This is difficult to articulate without sounding like I am rationalizing Ohio State's defensive struggles (I don't mean to do that at all) but Ohio State's defense is just strange this year.  They are terrible at giving up big plays but when they aren't giving up big plays they are one of the best (possibly the best) defenses in the league.  The problem, of course, is that big plays are obviously an important part of the game so that is a little bit like saying "Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"  

The point I am trying to make here is that while Ohio State's defense has been very vulnerable to the big play, nobody has done well against them outside of those big plays so if Northwestern can't hit big plays then they are toast.  If Northwestern only converts 1/3 of their third downs and doesn't get a LOT of yardage in big chunks on big plays they'll have a VERY long evening of thee-and-outs and 15-25 yard drives.  

Wasn't it on a play where OSU could have taken a knee?

IF Knox was not injured on that play, I believe Urban was going to score again, not on some trick running/pass play, but a straight up run it down your throat just to prove a point to Jimmy Football.  Don't like the sportsmanship of that attitude, but a part of me would have really enjoyed hearing the crying from Ann Arbor.

Which tOSU Buckeye Team will me see Saturday Night in Indy?  That is the biggest game planning question on the table.  IF the team from Columbus last week shows up, I don't care how quick Clayton gets the ball out, NW will have a long a day.  Not saying the offense will stalled out, because Michigan still pounded out 400 yards, and not a much of it was in garbage time. 

If the Buckeye defense lets NW hit the under routes, like Michigan was doing and for some reason did not keep attacking, then it could be a Maryland Recap only in Purple.  Outside of Knox, it looks like tOSU is still very healthy and that depth could be an issue for NW.  They do not want to get into a slug fest with Ohio State, instead I expect to see a Purdue type game plan used.  Hopefully the Buckeye staff has revisited Fright Nite in West Lafayette film and are prepared. 

We beat Michigan.  We won the East (even though one Harbaugh wants a participation ribbon, or should I say banner).  Focus on the B10 CCG and bring that hardware back to the Woody Hayes Center.  IF playing in the ROSE BOWL is the final prize, I am ok with the chance to win the roses.  I still do not see this team as ready to step up to the Final Table.  I think they could beat Notre Dame, but not sure Clemson and Alabama would be good games.  Not because they are not talented enough to compete, just do not think the leadership in the locker room and on the field would be there after a few weeks of down time.

That was the unanimous take among the Michigan fans I was watching with.

In my section of the stands we all wanted the team to score and go for two to make it an even 70, you know why?
BECAUSE WE COULDN'T GO FOR THREE!

Which tOSU Buckeye Team will me see Saturday Night in Indy?  That is the biggest game planning question on the table.  IF the team from Columbus last week shows up, I don't care how quick Clayton gets the ball out, NW will have a long a day.  Not saying the offense will stalled out, because Michigan still pounded out 400 yards, and not a much of it was in garbage time.  

If the Buckeye defense lets NW hit the under routes, like Michigan was doing and for some reason did not keep attacking, then it could be a Maryland Recap only in Purple.  Outside of Knox, it looks like tOSU is still very healthy and that depth could be an issue for NW.  They do not want to get into a slug fest with Ohio State, instead I expect to see a Purdue type game plan used.  Hopefully the Buckeye staff has revisited Fright Nite in West Lafayette film and are prepared.  

We beat Michigan.  We won the East (even though one Harbaugh wants a participation ribbon, or should I say banner).  Focus on the B10 CCG and bring that hardware back to the Woody Hayes Center.  IF playing in the ROSE BOWL is the final prize, I am ok with the chance to win the roses.  I still do not see this team as ready to step up to the Final Table.  I think they could beat Notre Dame, but not sure Clemson and Alabama would be good games.  Not because they are not talented enough to compete, just do not think the leadership in the locker room and on the field would be there after a few weeks of down time.

Northwestern is the opposite of Purdue. Their defense is excellent- and thrives on discipline in the gaps and keeping everything in front of them make the other guy go the long hard way and make mistakes. 
On offense- keep the ball, slow the pace- run the clock, try to make a few key 1st downs or big plays at critical times.  
They will limit OSUs possessions and their explosive plays. 
I expect a 34-27 type game.  

Northwestern is the opposite of Purdue. Their defense is excellent- and thrives on discipline in the gaps and keeping everything in front of them make the other guy go the long hard way and make mistakes.
On offense- keep the ball, slow the pace- run the clock, try to make a few key 1st downs or big plays at critical times.  
They will limit OSUs possessions and their explosive plays.
I expect a 34-27 type game.  

Not sure they will try to go that route, they have had several weeks of film time and I would not be surprised if they try and move the ball fast and use the same type of style Purdue and Maryland had success with against the Buckeyes.  They do not have the match ups to go toe to toe and try to play a clock game.  I don't expect to see the same NW team that hung with Michigan.  Defensive side, all depends upon the Buckeye play calling.  Do they close it up and go stupid like the middle part of the season or do they stay on the attack and sling the ball around while putting some worthwhile power run plays, that will be a key factor.  I would like to see Dobbins run the ball a lot more than Weber, but Urban seems to be faithful to Weber.  34-27 would not surprise me, but neither would a 62-27 game. 

Hopefully Randy Walker will let Marcel watch it with him. 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAIIMOkEkcs