In this entry we’ll take an in-depth look at the OSU offense and the Michigan defense. Let’s start with the Wolverine defense.

As stated in the previous entry comparing the Michigan offense to the OSU defense, it all starts upfront with the line. And what a line the Wolverines have this year. Lamarr Woodley and Alan Branch at end and tackle respectively are ably assisted by Rondell Biggs and Terrance Taylor at end and nose tackle respectively. Let’s skip the hyperbole and get right to the stats: 40 sacks, 77 tackles for loss, and holding opponents rushing attack to 30 yards per game (#1 ranking nationally.) Impressive, definitely the strength of an overall strong defense. If there is a weakness, it’s that there is not the rotation seen in other defensive lines and fatigue may play a factor later in the game as a result. This is clearly one of the best, if not the best, defensive line in the country.

The linebacker corp for Michigan is fast, physical, and smart. David Harris, Prescott Burgess (projected to return from an injury,) and Shawn Crable are a formidable trio in run support, blitzing the passer, and are adequate in pass defense. No doubt where this unit has shined the brightest though is in run defense, no one really has been able to run on them (Minnesota put up the season high to date, 115 yards in a 28-14 loss to Michigan.) The linebackers have also played a leading role in holding opponents 3rd down conversion percentage to 25% on the season, good for the #1 ranking in this category in the country. Clearly, Michigan is fielding a talented linebacker squad. Overall, the front 7 is among the strongest in the nation.

The secondary brings alot of experience to bear with cornerback Leon Hall leading the charge. Morgan Trent is the other starting corner who is joined on the field by free safety Brandent Engelmon and strong safety Jamar Adams. Here are the results this unit has produced season to date: 202 yards per game, 11 interceptions, #11 ranked in passing defense efficiency. As has been true with OSU’s defense, this is all the more impressive as Michigan has often been so far ahead teams are passing constantly. However, if there is a relative weakness to this defense, the secondary is it. Ball State (#14 rated passing offense in the country) managed to consistently beat Michigan’s secondary.

Overall, the Wolverine defense is ranked 5th in the country in scoring defense allowing 12 points per game. The high point total surrendered was 26 to Ball State late in the season. Overall, the defense is giving up 231 yards per game. This is a fast, physical, smart, and effective defense. Coordinator Ron English gets huge credit here as these are many of the same players on last year’s 7-5 team.

Shifting our focus to the Ohio State offense, again, it starts in the trenches with the big guys. The heart and soul of the Buckeye line is center Doug Datish (6’5″ 295 lbs SR) with support from tackles Alex Boone (returning from injury) complemented by Kirk Barton and guards Steve Rehring and T.J. Downing. As with the defensive line, OSU substitutes freely (and often the entire first unit for the second unit) meaning Jim Cordle, Tim Schaeffer, Ben Person, Jon Skinner, and Tyler Whaley will play and have an impact. The Buckeye rushing attack is putting up 180 yards per game and the line has only given up 13 sacks season to date. These statistics show a capable line producing well in run and pass situations.

With the strength in the Buckeye passing game, the run sometimes seems to be an afterthought. It’s not, Antonio Pittman (1,032 yards, 12 TDs) carrys the load in this phase for the Bucks aided by Maurice Wells and Chris “Beanie” Wells. The fullbacks are Stan White and Dionte Johnson (former Buckeye linebacker Pepper Johnson’s son) making holes for this stable of backs. Overall, the rushing attack has put up 2,125 yards and contributed 22 TDs on the season. If there is one concern about this unit, it’s ball security. Beanie Wells has put the ball on the ground 4 times this season with each fumble costing the Bucks a scoring opportunity.

The passing game is led by Heisman Trophy candidate, senior quarterback Troy Smith. Smith is 24-2 as a starter and isn’t just a quarterback slinging it from the pocket, he can hurt you with his feet as well. Smith’s targets in order of production are, Ted Ginn Jr, Anthony Gonzales (Gonzo,) Brian Robiskie, Brian Hartline, Rory Nichol, Roy Hall, and Ray Small. Overall, this unit has produced 2,440 yards passing, 27 TDs, and given up 4 interceptions. This offense is diverse, it does it all – power, option, spread, stretch, screens, reverses, ends around, option pass, play action, etc. You name the play, it’s been shown this year by the offense.

Overall, OSU’s offensive production has been 4,414 yards and 53 TDs or 401 yards per game and 36 points per game. This is a complex, diverse, and capable offense. Aside from one half in the Illinois game when the coaches went conservative and the Penn State game played in the wind and rain on a muddy field, nothing has even slowed this offense. It was expected losing 9 starters on defense that OSU would be involved in track meets where the Bucks would have to outscore opponents in shootouts, that hasn’t been the case with an average 28 point differential in wins.


The key matchups in these phases of the game are the Michigan front 7 vs. the OSU offensive line & RB/FBs. This is the best defensive line the Bucks have seen since Texas. If the Michigan front 7 overpowers the Bucks, it’s going to be a long day for them. Except, this has to happen without losing contain on Troy Smith who can just as easily kill you with his feet as his arm. The more pressure you see, the less the differential between the Buckeye receivers and Michigan secondary can be exploited. If Smith gets on average 3-4 seconds to make his decision and pass, it will be a very long day for Michigan ala last year’s Fiesta Bowl against Notre Dame.

This is strength vs. strength in the Michigan defense vs. the Ohio State offense. It’s unreasonable to expect that OSU won’t get points against this defense, but I don’t think they’ll meet their average score of 36 points per contest. Nor do I expect Michigan will hold the Bucks to their 12 points yielded on average. It’s going to be a battle. Watch the trenches, look for penetration. By the middle of the second quarter we should have a good idea how those battles are going and what impact they’ll have on the game.

4 days to OSU/Michigan
Ohio State’s 2006 record: 11-0 Next up: Michigan 11/18
Tune: What I Got by Sublime
Technorati Tags: Ohio State | Michigan | Football | Mike Harding Blog

In this entry we’ll take an in-depth look at the Michigan offense and the OSU defense. Let’s start with the Michigan attack.

Great offensive play starts with the big eaters on the line, two tackles, two guards, a center, and 0-2 tight ends/fullbacks/h-backs. Michigan has a good group anchored by all-world tackle Jake Long (6’7″ 317lb JR.) The other starters are Ruben Riley (T), guards Adam Kraus and Alex Mitchell, and capable center Mark Bihl. The quality of any offensive line is measured by the output of the running game and how many quarterback sacks are allowed. The running game is just fine thank you very much with the Wolverines averaging 194.5 yards per game and the Maize and Blue have only given up 14 sacks on the year, or 1.2 per game. Those statistics speak well of this line, they block well for the run and protect their passer.

The running game is anchored by Mike Hart (1,373 yard, 11 TDs) supported by capable backups Kevin Grady, Brandon Minor, and Jerome Jackson. The fullbacks are Obi Oluigbo and Will Paul. The running game has been the focus of the offense through the last part of the season due to injuries in the receiving corp making their production all the more impressive as opponents knew Michigan would line up in the I formation and attempt to run it down their throats. To Michigan’s credit, they have been able to execute that game plan week in and week out.

The passing game is led by Chad Henne (1,932 yards, 18 TDs, 7 Int,) a third year starter for the Wolverines. Henne is an efficient, drop back quarterback with a strong arm. He’s not terribly mobile and relies on the offensive line for protection. Henne’s targets include Mario Manningham (recently returned from a knee injury, not yet 100% fit – season stats 538 yards, 9 TDs,) Steve Breaston (537 yards, 1 TD,) Adrian Arrington (420 yards, 6 TDs,) and tight end Carson Butler (142 yards, 1 TD.) There is no doubt about it, the passing game suffered while Manningham was out injured. But, Steve Breaston had the game of his life vs. Indiana on Saturday and seemed to get around the dropsies he’s experienced throughout his career. Manningham caught one pass Saturday, but still doesn’t look in his early season form. Arrington continues to develop and impress displaying another solid effort Saturday. TE Butler makes tough catches over the middle and I’ve seen him pick up several key first downs in addition to being an excellent blocker.

Overall offensive production for Michigan this season has been impressive: 4,102 yards and 40 touchdowns, or 373 yards per game and 29 points per game. This isn’t a gimmick offense, no spread, no option, not alot of misdirection. It’s a simple, physical, and brutally effective straight forward attack. Given that the Michigan’s defense has been very strong this year, the offense has simply needed to be efficient and minimize turnovers, exactly what has happened to date.

Now let’s turn our gaze to the OSU defense; defensive success starts up front with the big eaters too. The two returning defensive starters for the Bucks were Quinn Pitcock (6’3″ 295lbs SR) and David Patterson each playing defensive tackle. The ends are Jay Richardson and Vernon Gholston. These players have motors that simply don’t stop and part of that is due to liberal substitution, the second team line is nearly the same quality as the starters including Lawrence Wilson and Alex Barrow at end and Joel Penton and Todd Denlinger at tackle. The quality of a defensive line can be gauged by looking at sacks, tackles for loss, and the efficacy of the opponent’s running game. For the season, the Buckeye defense has accumulated 33 sacks, 68 tackles for loss, and allows 90 yards per game rushing. These statistics indicate that while the Bucks don’t get the publicity of the Michigan or Texas defensive line, they are every bit as productive in results.

After losing the 3 starting linebackers to the NFL last year, one would expect a sharp drop off in production for the new starters this year. That simply hasn’t been the case, led by sophomore middle linebacker James Laurinitis, this has been a stellar unit. There are 5 other LBs who play in a platoon arrangement with substitutions being made on the basis of down and distance. JUCO transfer Larry Grant is the 2nd string MLB, Curtis Terry and John Kerr/Ross Homan are the strong-side ‘backers and Marcus Freeman and Curtis Terry are the weak-side ‘backers. The quality of the linbacking corp can be gauged by opponent’s rushing production (in support of the defensive line) and opponent’s third down conversion percentage. As indicated above, the Bucks are giving up around 90 yards a game rushing and opponent’s third down conversion percentage is 30.6% on the season. In addition, the OSU LB’s have picked off 9 passes this year. Results to date suggest the presence of a strong and active linebacker unit.

The secondary is a very similar story to the linebackers, all 4 starters departed mostly to the NFL. Again, one would expect a sharp decline in efficiency and production. However, the back 4 (and often the back 5 as OSU plays alot of nickle coverage) has been productive. Sophomore cornerback Malcolm Jenkins leads this unit with fantastic support from Antonio Smith, Jamario O’Neal, and Brandon Mitchell (with Donald Washington often in as the nickle back.) The measure of any secondary is in the success of opposition’s passing game in yards per game, interceptions, and passing defense efficiency. This secondary has been efficient allowing 171 yards per game, snagging 12 (21 total including LBs) interceptions, and the #6 rated passing efficiency defense in the country on the season. This statistical summary is even more impressive when one considers that virtually every OSU opponent has abandoned the run by the second half and is forced to chuck the ball to try to get back into the game.

Overall, the Buckeye defense is ranked 1st in the country where it matters most, scoring defense allowing just under 8 points per game to opponents. The high point total allowed was early in the season at Iowa when the D gave up 17. Overall, the defense is giving up around 261 yards per game. This is fast unit that is often overlooked due to the star power on the offensive side of the ball.

The key matchup between these two units is the Michigan offensive line vs. the OSU defensive line. If the Bucks can consistently apply pressure to QB Henne with a 4 man rush, it’s going to be a long day for the Wolverines. On the other hand, if the Michigan offensive line can help establish the run and give Henne time to throw, it’s going to be a long day for the Bucks. Hart vs. the linebackers will also be interesting to see, Hart has gotten his 100 yards in virtually every game, I think he’s got a good chance to get them in this game too. The OSU secondary vs. the Michigan receivers will also be a great matchup. If Manningham was 100%, it would be even more interesting. However, I think because Breaston historically has the dropsies and Manningham seems to be without cutting ability, the defensive backfield has a substantial advantage in the matchup.

Michigan brings a good and consistent offensive unit into the game. OSU brings a borderline great defense into the game. Success in the matchup between these two units will go the way of the team that consistently wins the battles in the trenches. Given the depth, speed, and production of the Buckeye defensive line, it might prove to be a long day for the boys in blue.

5 days to OSU/Michigan
Ohio State’s 2006 record: 11-0 Next up: Michigan 11/18
Tune: Stormy Monday Blues by T-Bone Walker
Technorati Tags: Ohio State | Michigan | Football | Mike Harding Blog

Due to the fact that both teams are 11-0, both have been dominant in their wins (last week aside,) and what’s at stake (winner goes to National Championship game, loser to, gasp, the Rose Bowl,) this game is going to get more hype than any of us care to hear about. I for one, am intending to refrain from the hype and simply explore the relative strengths and weaknesses of each team through a series of posts this week.

The bottom line is, that both Ohio State and Michigan have had great seasons and both clubs are playing football at a very high level. But forget about that, forget about the records, forget about the stats, forget about what’s on the line, first and foremost this is a rivalry game. Each team plays through their season to get to this point and to have a chance to compete in, and hopefully, win this game. It’s circled on the schedule each year and serves as a rallying point. The outcome of this game will largely be determined by the mental makeup of the competitors. The team that plays calmly and confidently will win. The team that gets rattled and tight will lose. Guaranteed.

Here’s a preview of what to expect this week:

• Michigan Offense vs. Ohio State Defense
• Ohio State Offense vs. Michigan Defense
• Special Teams primer
• What to Watch: Strategy and Tactics
• The Intangibles
• Predicted Outcome with Probability

I hope you’ll enjoy reading these as much as I will enjoy writing them. Go Bucks!

6 days to OSU/Michigan
Ohio State’s 2006 record: 11-0 Next up: Michigan 11/18
Tune: Crash into Me by Dave Matthews Band
Technorati Tags: Ohio State | Michigan | Football | Mike Harding Blog

As indicated in my preview of this game, I didn’t think this one would be close. Alas, it was not. Northwestern was game and showed some heart, particularly executing the short passing game well. However, the Wildcats couldn’t overcome 5 turnovers or the focus the Bucks brought to bear. This game was over with 3:09 left in the first quarter. There was some question as to what the tight game against Illinois last week meant. I say it was a welcome wakeup call.

Quick hits for this week:

• Last week’s game clearly got the OSU’s attention
• The defense was a little sloppy on screen and swing plays
• Turnovers, 1 int for Troy Smith and 1 fumble for Antonio Pittman – these turnovers need to stop
• 2 missed PATs – that’s 4 missed PATs on the year
• Defensive adjustments in the second half were very effective, shutting out the Wildcats and holding them to 63 total yards in the second half
• Beanie Wells needs to touch the ball more, 11-99 yards and a TD
• Troy Smith improved his stats in his quest for the Heisman

We can now talk about Michigan…..who looked very good in a 34-3 win over Indiana on the road. More on that later. Go Bucks!

7 days to OSU/Michigan
Ohio State’s 2006 record: 11-0 Next up: Michigan 11/18
Tune: All I Wanna Do by Sheryl Crow
Technorati Tags: Ohio State | Northwestern | Football | Mike Harding Blog

The picture above is of a hurricane like storm spotted on Saturn by the Cassini spacecraft. It’s about 8,000km (5,000 miles) in diameter with estimated wind speeds of 550km/hour (350 mph.) Perhaps the hurricane center should give it a name…

7 days to OSU/Michigan
Ohio State’s 2006 record: 10-0 Next up: at Northwestern 11/11
Tune: Hurricane by Lisa Loeb
Technorati Tags: Saturn | Storm | Cassini | Mike Harding Blog