MMQB: Who Do You Want to Win the Big Ten East?

Though still among the Big Ten’s best, Ohio State – and Buckeye Nation – feels the frustration of trying to replicate last season’s offense that averaged 44.8 points and 511 yards. It won’t be an easy assignment.

Elliott also had more postgame comments not as widely distributed, some he made via Twitter.

“Zeke has always been a very emotional competitor”, Meyer said. Will that same team show up in East Lansing on Saturday?

“I couldn’t disagree with his comments”, Meyer added. “We’re just not operating at maximum capacity”, he said.

By the way, when I say Peppers is getting involved in the run game, I’m no longer just talking about a special package; he’s coming in as a regular tailback from time to time. “My dad knew Coach Schembechler well and was around him so I guess I have a great appreciation for that aspect of it but pretty much anyone that plays in this rivalry knows what it is about and they know it is a tough, hard-hitting game and that is what it is”.

This will be the first game in which Urban Meyer and Jim Harbaugh will face off in what many would consider the most intriguing meeting between the two teams since 2006. Even Meyer admitted this; Meyer said specifically that the play-calling was “very conservative”.

But I wonder if part of the underlying problem is not just that Ohio State played too conservatively, given the ideal storm unfolding around them. That certainly hurts the Buckeyes’ chances at a Big Ten title and should knock them from playoff contention.

On Sunday afternoon, there were plenty of Ohio State fans still wearing their Buckeyes hats and shirts in BC Roosters, watching NFL football. I hope everyone can understand how strongly I love this team … but I do not regret anything I said … “And I remember us missing a wide left (field goal attempt) right at the end as the clock ticked zero”. “We gotta get better”.

I’d say Big Ten in general, but we all obviously want Iowa to win the Championship game.

Elliott, a junior running back, came into the game with a streak of 15 consecutive games of more than 100 yards rushing, but finished Saturday with 33 yards on 12 carries. There’s a game next week – against MI. The Michigan State Spartans look to stay undefeated against Boston College and the Iowa Hawkeyes also try to keep their record unblemished against Dayton. This will be the case again this year despite Ohio State losing to Michigan State on Saturday.

Sophomore quarterback J.T. Barrett, who broke his ankle in this game a year ago, commands an offense that still ranks No. 1 in the Big Ten in scoring (34.3 points) and second in total offense (417 yards per game), but 11th in passing (187 yards). “They have excellent players, theyre well-coached. Will this be the week that the coaching staff integrates the fifth-year senior into the game plan – and possibly allows him to play some quarterback again and throw a pass or two? However, following the loss to the Spartans, the Buckeyes need to win their annual rivalry game with MI and get outside help to keep alive their postseason dreams.