JTnewfan (Oct 20, 2008 11:59:16 AM)
Hi Steve. great game Saturday. What are our chances against Penn. State? they have an awesome offense and defense. what is your prediction of the score?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:00:23 PM)
Well, I think you're looking at a game in the 20s. I think each team's offense will gash the other at times. Penn State has so many proven play makers. Ohio State has a nice ground game. I think OSU has the slightest of edges defensively. Turnovers could play a big role and OSU has been money there of late ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:01:08 PM)
We taped our Bucknuts Radio Hour today and the 5 of us on the panel all picked Ohio State. The scores would surprise you because some picked it as a 10-point win. I was a bit more conservative at 24-20 OSU.

Malcolm (Oct 20, 2008 12:01:15 PM)
Adams and Shugarts...return any time soon?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:02:15 PM)
No, Coach Tressel said last Thursday that those two freshmen are out for the year. That is too bad. They each seemed like they could help OSU this year. Their depth on the OL is now perilously thin. They at least have 6 guys they know they can count on.

JTnewfan (Oct 20, 2008 12:02:26 PM)
I really worry when pryor hesitates and throws back across the field. He gets away with it, but in a big game it might mean the dif if it is intercepted.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:03:30 PM)
Yes, you make a good point. His ball seems to have a lot of air under it at times. So far, he's gotten away with it. But will he always? I like at 6-6 he should have great field vision. He's throwing for a high percentage so far and only has the 2 deep ball picks.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:03:43 PM)
Good to see so many of you in here! This is a big week ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:04:40 PM)
Jeff Rice the PSU beat writer from Centre Daily Times will host a Chat at 1 p.m. Wed.

buckeyejohhny (Oct 20, 2008 12:04:47 PM)
How can this Oline.....Look so bad....and yet play so well at times.... Kids uh?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:05:42 PM)
Well, I think it is injuries and inconsistency. I think opponents have schemed against OSU to make them look bad. OSU got good results by using MSU's aggression to overrun plays against them last week. That looked really good to me.

bucks&beer (Oct 20, 2008 12:05:55 PM)
,the MSU game was great for our mo, but did not get to work on the offense much. Those 45 pts are very deceiving. The pass to BH could have been an INT. Still very nervous about the "O" Are you happy with the O and how do we attack PSU. Thanks

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:07:44 PM)
I like the offense when they use all of the weapons, not necessarily all of the playbook. This is the second time in 4 weeks where they didn't need more than 50 passing yards to win a game (other was Minnesota). So to say "they didn't work on passing" is kind of a misnomer. They didn't NEED to throw the ball to win this game, so why should they? I don't think they will be able to consistently line up and beat people running the ball. But I like they can go out and get 200 rushing yards when they want. That is important ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:08:23 PM)
Pryor got positive yards (72) on the ground. That was huge. When he made that big run on the second play you knew it was probably going to be OK. He is just such a mismatch for a contain DE or OLB. ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:09:19 PM)
Would I like to see more of Robiskie and Hartline? Definitely. I loved the Brandon Smith involvement. Wow, what a wrinkle that was. That guy played his b***s off. Great block for Beanie and three huge catches. Keep it coming.

Malcolm (Oct 20, 2008 12:09:25 PM)
Will Hall be a signing day commit or sooner?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:10:10 PM)
I think it will be sooner. Maybe around an official visit weekend in early to mid-Dec. Hard to say. Depends how many trips he wants to make and how deep Glenville goes into the playoffs.

JTnewfan (Oct 20, 2008 12:10:16 PM)
I think I see more of a chemistry among the offensive linemen. I rewatched some of the game and noticed that they were making and holding blocks. I havent seen that much in the past

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:11:25 PM)
I agree. They are starting to jell and come together. I heard some opine that the best combo was Rehring at RG in place of Person. I don't know, but that could be the case. I liked what I saw this past week. They gave up 2 more sacks but at least 1 of those was on TP for holding it too long. They keep churning out the 200-yard rushing games and they will be hard to beat.

Riptide (Oct 20, 2008 12:11:38 PM)
I'm not typically a negative fan and the win on Sat. was awesome, BUT I'm a little surprised that no one has mentioned how often this year Anderson Russell has literally stumbled around in coverage. Is he having trouble with his footing or what?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:11:47 PM)
Good question, Rip ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:13:53 PM)
I think Russell is OK. I think their biggest issue is the constant shuttling of DBs. They play Hines in nickel in some situations and D-Washington in others. I just think there can be confusion who is playing what role at times. I have not noticed Russell making bad plays that much. I know the MSU backup QB was moving the Spartans up and down the field. I think once OSU was up 28-7, they only blitzed once or twice in the second half (one of those was the Jenkins play with the fumble). Maybe the pressure wasn't as good at times, so the coverage did not appear as good.

bucks&beer (Oct 20, 2008 12:14:16 PM)
Who will get the carries when Beanie needs a rest?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:15:14 PM)
That is a great question. They desperately need Boom Herron to get back in there this week. But how good will Boom be after 2 weeks out? Once again, they need 31-140-2 out of Beanie. Just put that line up every week and nobody touches them.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:15:27 PM)
I guess it would be Mo Wells and Brandon Saine.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:15:32 PM)
If Herron can't go.

dallastheologian (Oct 20, 2008 12:15:35 PM)
Any update on Checkwa?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:16:01 PM)
Tressel said Chekwa told him after the game he was fine. He may have just jammed his shoulder when he landed on it on that play in the end zone.

Gurndogg (Oct 20, 2008 12:16:09 PM)
Like what I saw out of Dl & OL last week it was alot better effort!

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:16:43 PM)
Agreed, both sides are starting to make some major strides. They beat up MSU on both sides of the ball. That is the standard they need to play up to every week.

fletch (Oct 20, 2008 12:16:53 PM)
Steve whats your gut feeling on Brown and Adams?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:17:49 PM)
I think Brown has more of a shot of ending up at OSU than Adams. I just think it's too far from home for Adams, although they still need impact DLs in the worst way. Brown liked his visit and seems to have a rapport with the QB. That is huge.

bucks&beer (Oct 20, 2008 12:17:55 PM)
we seemed to attack a little more defensively this week. Will we see it again or does psu's offense pose too many issues?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:19:00 PM)
Maybe not as much this week because PSU has a ton of weapons -- Royster at RB and Williams, Norwood and Butler at WR. Take one away and one of the others steps up. But I think they do need to get after Clark and hopefully pressure him into a mistake. He only has 2 picks all year and he is 2nd in the Big Ten in passing efficiency.

JTnewfan (Oct 20, 2008 12:19:08 PM)
I am still sad that Saine isnt really contributing. I dont know if he ever will. I think he could be more of a receiver than a back , but it might be too late for that

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:19:32 PM)
That has become a recurring theme. The weeks are just peeling by and he gets 2-3 touches a week and never seems to be a factor.

dallastheologian (Oct 20, 2008 12:20:53 PM)
Does PSU play towards OSU's strengths on D or more toward their weaknesses. They seem to have a fair amount of balance which scares me, but if our defense continues to shut opposing offenses down, I don't really see PSU moving the ball very well. Thoughts?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:21:58 PM)
Well, here's the thing: Who, honestly, has Penn State played? The teams have 2 common opponents, Wisconsin and Purdue. Their next best teams they have played are Oregon State (which beat USC, but lost to Utah) and Illinois. That's it. I think their numbers are inflated ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:22:12 PM)
Here is a stat that should scare the bejezus out of you, though ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:22:25 PM)
The last two weeks (Wisconsin and Michigan) ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:22:32 PM)
They have outscored their opponents ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:22:38 PM)
56-0 in the second half. Ouch.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:22:45 PM)
That's pretty good stuff.

byars (Oct 20, 2008 12:22:52 PM)
Is it a new thing to send Jenkins to the QB, or is it just newly successful?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:24:10 PM)
Tressel said that was basically a new wrinkle. They tried a blitz like that off the edge and Beanie picked it up and TP hit Hartline. OSU tried same thing, they chipped Gibson but let MJ go free and he got the ball out of there. MJ is a turnover machine, 3 in 3 weeks and 2 picks for TDs the last 2 years against his favorite opponent (drum roll please) ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:24:13 PM)
Penn State.

JTnewfan (Oct 20, 2008 12:24:43 PM)
One thing I noticed was a lot of good downfield blocking. Even Pryor took a shot at a player when beanie changed direction and ran. What offensively do you think needs to be worked on the most to get more bang for the buck?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:25:39 PM)
They will need to be able to throw the ball. They've run the ball so well they haven't had a lot of third-and-8s but they will have some of those soon enough (like in 5 days and 6-1/2 hours) so they really do need to build some consistency into the intermediate passing game.

bucks&beer (Oct 20, 2008 12:25:45 PM)
We seemed toget every break against MSU. Are you nervous that the ball may bounce differently against psu? or don't you think like that?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:27:15 PM)
John Cooper used to say you make your own breaks. The turnovers were forced by decent pressure up front and amazing individual plays -- Coleman recovers from slip to knock ball out, Coleman diving INT on sideline, Jenkins gets ball out on heavy blitz, Torrence hit and Hines recovery and to lesser extent Rolle INT (right to him ... ha ha). ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:27:42 PM)
Yes, the ball has been bouncing Ohio State's way, but some of that is influenced by how hard you hit and how well you're playing, too.

buckeyejohnny (Oct 20, 2008 12:27:57 PM)
Steve, great job with Bucknuts.com. You guys do a great job keeping us informed and it's worth every dime! Question about the BCS: Is it possible Ohio State can still get back into the mix and play for the title this year?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:28:57 PM)
Well, buckeyejohnny, first of all, thanks for the great comments. It is weeks like this that I know we all live for here at Bucknuts. Hopefully, we can paint an accurate picture of what we expect to see and more on that in a moment ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:30:20 PM)
Regarding the BCS, USA Today did vignettes on the top 6 schools in the standings today -- Texas, Alabama, Penn State, Oklahoma, USC and Oklahoma State ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:32:45 PM)
They made the point that only 1 team in 10 years of BCS came from outside the top 6 in the initial standings to play for the title. That was Florida State in 1998, which got in there after an early loss to N.C. State. Of course, the formula has been tweaked 3-4 times since then. I hear where you are coming from and it is obvious that when the dust clears, if OSU goes unbeaten, they should, at worst be in a final 4 or 5 with one Big 12 team (whoever emerges from the South), the SEC (Alabama or the Fla.-Ga. winner) and USC. That's four teams for two spots. Will depend on who gets knocked off, etc. If USC does not lose again, that could be hard on OSU ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:33:01 PM)
OSU is clearly fourth in that group if everybody wins out.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:33:16 PM)
And they shouldn't move ahead of USC unless USC loses again.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:34:02 PM)
OK, regarding this weekend, I think Penn State has some questions to answer about its opposition as well as its inability to win a Big Ten game at OSU.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:34:16 PM)
I will be listening for confidence in their voices that they think they can win in Cols.

DrinkBeersWin (Oct 20, 2008 12:34:26 PM)
Hey Steve, thanks for taking the time. The intensity level should be amazing Saturday Night. Do you think Tressel can be aggressive in the play calling? I know he wants to be mistake free against a team like penn state but I think the best way to beat them is to open up the playbook (don't need to save plays for michigan this year since they are terrible).

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:34:31 PM)
Hey, bud ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:34:46 PM)
Shouldn't your name be WinFirstThenDrinkBeers?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:34:49 PM)
Ha ha.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:36:07 PM)
I agree, this is the game of the year. We saw a new wrinkle with the trips bunch of WRs. I am anxious to see what they bring out this week. They need to empty the chambers this week.

byars (Oct 20, 2008 12:36:17 PM)
What has happened to Saine?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:36:54 PM)
One of two things: He is still hurt and/or he isn't getting it done in practice. It is possible he isn't right. Tressel even sounded disappointed last week that Saine hasn't made an impact.

ChitownScarlet (Oct 20, 2008 12:37:23 PM)
Steve, Your picks this year are imrpessive so far. How many points is a home "night game" at the Shoe worth? What is OSU's night game record at home?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:37:57 PM)
Thanks, I had another good week, something like 13-6 against the spread. I am now 32 games over .500 and almost certain of a winning season (famous last words, ha ha). ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:38:54 PM)
Ordinarily, home field advantage is supposed to be 3 points. My guess is home field for something like this should be worth 5-6 points. I doubt the oddsmakers have taken it into account. They have PSU minus-2. They are saying on a neutral field PSU would be a 5- or 6-point favorite.

Buckeye Warrior (Oct 20, 2008 12:39:15 PM)
The "experts" have Penn State as a favorite. Does that add fuel to the fire that our team is a 'dog at home?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:40:57 PM)
It is very unusual that Ohio State would be a home underdog. Last time might have been Texas in '05 or Michigan in '04, which I know was a 5-1/2 point fave at Ohio Stadium. I think they will be plenty amped. Each side has the obvious (first place in Big Ten), the not so obvious (PSU's record at OSU and OSU as a dog) reasons to want to win.

yoyoma (Oct 20, 2008 12:41:11 PM)
Where does M.Jenkins rank among OSU DB greats?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:42:54 PM)
He is definitely in the discussion. I think if he's not a first-team A-A, I want to see the guys who get it. He should be a top-10 or top-15 first round pick. I'd have to really take the time and look. He is in the pantheon of great OSU corners with Gamble, Winfield, Springs, etc. When you add in the safeties, that's a lot of other guys like Doss, Tatum (maybe played CB at OSU some), etc.

byars (Oct 20, 2008 12:43:08 PM)
Which school is that is linebacker U?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:44:31 PM)
Over the history of college FB, they say it's Penn State. Over the last 30 years, I think it is Ohio State -- Gradishar, Cousineau, Cobb, Marek, Spielman, Tovar, Katzenmoyer, Diggs, Wilhelm, Hawk, Carpenter, Laurinaitis, Freeman. Does PSU have a list like that dating to 1974 or so? No, I don't think so.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:44:38 PM)
Oh and Pepper Johnson, too.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:45:06 PM)
They've had Jack Ham, Shane Conlon, LaVar Arrington and ...

Dee-Liem (Oct 20, 2008 12:45:20 PM)
In Troy's first start against PSU he went 6-for-8 on passes. Would you expect coach Tressel to tailor a conservative gameplan for Pryor since this is such a big game (only throwing if needed)?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:46:07 PM)
That 2004 game was unusual. There were heavy winds at OSU that day and Penn State was TERRIBLE that year. Again, if you don't need to throw the ball to win the game, why bother. OSU snapped a 3-game losing streak with its 21-10 win over visiting PSU that day.

bobgobucks (Oct 20, 2008 12:46:43 PM)
what do you see as our defensive keys to the games against the nits?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:47:42 PM)
Probably the same as every week: Contain the run with Royster (third in Big Ten, 14th in nation at 111.6 ypg) and get pressure on Clark (second in Big Ten in passing efficiency). The DL needs to follow up the last 2-3 games and have its best game yet.

Gurndogg (Oct 20, 2008 12:48:08 PM)
Do you think OSU comes out passing against PSU knowing they are going to stack the box & make Pryor beat them throwing the ball not running it so OSU can open up the running game for Beanie & Pryor?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:48:36 PM)
That makes sense, maybe open with some play fake, bootleg and run/pass option. They need to get him off early like they did this past week with that big run.

Dee-Liem (Oct 20, 2008 12:49:36 PM)
PSU has a senior-laden receiving core. Would you expect the DB's to play more zone or man and since PSU is balanced, is nickel going to be played a lot?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:49:59 PM)
Zone probably, at least until OSU has the lead. They like playing with house money with their coverages and pressure.

Buckeye Warrior (Oct 20, 2008 12:50:17 PM)
Hello Steve! Thanks for the chat! I got called out last week in a chat by DanTheMan because I was not worried at all about MSU. I have that same feeling about Penn State. I do not think this game will be close. I looked at Penn State's schedule and they have played nobody. They are the last "BYU" left in the top 10.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:51:42 PM)
There are a lot of people sharing your opinion that this may not be as tough as it is cracked up to be. That would be great for OSU to win, move up and close out the Big Ten title with wins over NW and Illinois. But I just think Penn State has something special going on now. Maybe they aren't No. 3, but like OSU last year -- very similar first 8 games and similar opposition -- they deserve to be in the discussion.

DrinkBeersWin (Oct 20, 2008 12:51:56 PM)
The defense is back to what we all thought and hoped it would be at the start of the season. I seems like USC and Penn State run a similar offense. Are you confident we are now better suited to stop PSU and hold them in the teens?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:52:44 PM)
Oh, wow. I think PSU is good but I think Clark poses different threats than Sanchez. Not sure his supporting cast is as good as Sanchez's nor his line, but I think it's comparable ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:53:54 PM)
OSU handled MSU pretty easily last year and even easier this year. This is a Penn State team -- albeit led by Morelli at QB last year -- that OSU downed by 20 at their place last year. So I think you could say OSU has their number. But they play the games between the lines and OSU must continue its recent momentum to prove it ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:54:11 PM)
Like Rob Harley said with us on Channel 6 after the game, basically, one great game does not a full season make.

Buckeye Warrior (Oct 20, 2008 12:54:20 PM)
Beanie will have a huge game on saturday. If he does, on prime time, does that launch him back into the Heisman race?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:54:47 PM)
Yes, if he can get 150 and they can move back into the top 7 or 8 and beat an unbeaten Penn State, he would be back in the mix. ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:56:04 PM)
Speaking of which, Texas meets Okie State, so one of them will fall behind OSU with a win (you would think, although UT could only drop to 6 or so), Alabama is at Tennessee (should be no problem), USC is at Arizona (could be touchy), Oklahoma is at Kansas State (should be no problem) ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:57:06 PM)
Texas Tech is at Kansas (Bear needs to come up big), Florida hosts Kentucky (should be no problem), Georgia is at LSU (perfect scenario is Georgia loss here, beat Florida next week ... how cool would that be?).

MacAuley Says Buckeyes by 4 (Oct 20, 2008 12:57:23 PM)
Hi Steve - Thanks for taking the time for a chat today. How do you think the coaching staff graded the various units this week?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:58:17 PM)
That is a great question. Probably A for the first half and A- minus for the second. It was by far their best showing of the year.

Buckeye Warrior (Oct 20, 2008 12:58:31 PM)
Penn State hasn't played a defense like Ohio State's. Now that they look like the have a chip on their shoulder, Penn State won't have so much success.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:59:04 PM)
Good observation. OSU has allowed just one touchdown in the last two games. If they can get 2-4 turnovers again. that would be huge.

ChitownScarlet (Oct 20, 2008 12:59:19 PM)
Is the OSU going to offically plan anything special at the 'Shoe like a "Scarlet Out" or free towel give away?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 12:59:42 PM)
I don't think they have announced anything yet. My guess is they'll organize and announce something in next day or so.

ChitownScarlet (Oct 20, 2008 12:59:46 PM)
Last week we ran 52 times and passed 11. What do you predict the ratio will be this week?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:01:18 PM)
Probably closer to 45 run/20 pass. That makes more sense. It all comes down to whether they have any success running the ball. If they are getting first downs running the ball, then why throw it. Problem is sometimes they get lulled into believing they can run it ... and they can't ... and they settle for FGs.

dallastheologian (Oct 20, 2008 1:02:34 PM)
Is it just me or does it seem like we see a lot of Devier Posey picking up good blocks downfield? This is a great sign for a true freshman, it just seems like every time I look, there he is clearing out the run side corner or saftey.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:03:12 PM)
I agree, Posey has a ton of untapped potential. I'd like to see him getting 4 touches a game. He is tight with Pryor so we will wait and see.

Buckeye Warrior (Oct 20, 2008 1:03:18 PM)
What are your thoughts on Pryor asking to be benched for the good of the team if he can't move the ball in the first quarter? Does that kind of jesture get the older players on his bandwagon or is the locker room too divided?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:04:05 PM)
Just win baby. If they keep winning it won't matter who he is. Winning cures everything. I think the wounds have healed. Pryor played his best game last week. He is their guy. And it's put-up or shut-up time this week ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:04:23 PM)
As the song says, "They'll win the game or know the reason why."

ChitownScarlet (Oct 20, 2008 1:04:33 PM)
Vegas says PSU is favored by about -1. So is it an "upset" if OSU can win?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:05:14 PM)
I would not consider that an upset. That's a virtual pick'em. When I think about an "upset" I think about a team that is getting probably 4 or more points.

Buckeye Warrior (Oct 20, 2008 1:05:37 PM)
Ohio State is #9 in the BCS. How far do they move up after beating Penn State and Texas beats Oklahoma state? That would be 2 more teams out of the way.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:06:57 PM)
Maybe as high as 6 just off that game and the other results. They would be in position. As I laid it down, if we assume the "best" Big 12 and SEC teams go unbeaten as far as they can and the same for USC, then OSU probably maxes out at No. 4. If there are some upsets and, again, a spate of two-loss teams, then Ohio State has a legit chance. Win this game first and see where chips fall after that.

Buckeye Warrior (Oct 20, 2008 1:07:47 PM)
Does JoePa come back next year, or does he retire 1 day after Bobby Bowden? Is the all time wins record that important to him?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:08:23 PM)
Great question. We did a segment with Jeff Rice on the radio show. He said he thinks Paterno will press on or at least wants to. You don't hear anybody calling for his head now, do you?

TBIANCO592 (Oct 20, 2008 1:08:47 PM)
Sorry...just got in. Nice to see the D-Line show signs of life against MSU. How much would a victory of PSU go towards regaining some national respect? We are CLEARLY a team on the rise with Pryor!!

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:10:06 PM)
Agreed, they have won 5 straight and this would be 6. To beat No. 3 that would mean the world and get them back with people talking positively. It would be huge and yes OSU would be back in the discussion (although I am sure most would still say Texas, Alabama, next week's Ga.-Fla. winner and USC still deserve to be ahead of them).

Buckeye Warrior (Oct 20, 2008 1:10:49 PM)
Does Cal beat USC?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:11:08 PM)
Man, I don't know. I suppose anything is possible. But USC looks too good for me.

TBIANCO592 (Oct 20, 2008 1:11:12 PM)
Bucks win 27-17 Sat night!!

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:11:26 PM)
That would be cool, I am sure, for most of you if that happens.

Buckeye Warrior (Oct 20, 2008 1:11:40 PM)
When Penn State loses this weekend, how far do they fall in the polls? Will they still be in line for a BCS at large bid?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:13:13 PM)
Oh, yes, if they lose and win out and finish 11-1, they would almost certainly be a BCS team. You have to remember, there are 10 BCS teams. We can almost guarantee that Big 12 and SEC will get and deserve 2 each. ACC, Big East and Pac-10 will each get and deserve 1. It's possible that Utah or Boise State could get one spot between them. That leaves one more spot for an 11-1 PSU team. ESPN has them, theoretically losing to OSU, and playing at-large in the Fiesta Bowl.

dallastheologian (Oct 20, 2008 1:13:32 PM)
Is it bad that I sometimes go to the Michigan Board on ESPN just to look at the posts to make myself feel better if I am having a bad day?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:14:04 PM)
No, there is nothing wrong with that. Believe me, they did the same thing from 1988-2000.

JTnewfan (Oct 20, 2008 1:14:23 PM)
Is there any reason why the coaching staff has not gotten Pryor to work on the short passing game. I know it is irreligious to say, but the TE could be hit with a pass almost anytime. I loved the FB pass option and now I would like to see them somehow do the 3 step drop and hit a receiver like Sansenbacker.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:15:05 PM)
Just that MSU couldn't stop the run. Even with a 28-7 lead, the only way to lose that game was to throw a pick six. So they didn't throw the ball. Will they need to one day? Yes. Did they need to at Wisconsin and did it work out? Yes.

Dee-Liem (Oct 20, 2008 1:15:12 PM)
Would you expect the coaching staff to work on Pryor's delivery in the offseason or just work on his mind/head and the understanding of the game?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:15:40 PM)
Good question. I think at 6-6 he can get away with it. It is unorthodox, to say the least.

byars (Oct 20, 2008 1:15:47 PM)
Anything interesting to share that you haven't been asked?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:17:53 PM)
Just that I lived through the period from 1989-1999 when it didn't seem like Ohio State would ever win at Michigan. In some regard, the PSU team and fans have to be wondering the same thing. One day, PSU will win again at Ohio Stadium (like they did in Art's first game in 1978). You just hope it isn't this Sat.

mapatton (Oct 20, 2008 1:18:09 PM)
Hey Steve, this is my very first chat....How good do you think next season's defense will be?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:20:04 PM)
Good question. They lose quite a bit when you think about Abdallah up front, Laurinaitis and Freeman at LB and Jenkins at CB. I imagine Wilson will be staying put. They need more help on that DL to materialize. I like Sweat, Sabino and Spitler to join Homan in the LB corps (maybe Rolle and Moeller too). It's great that Chekwa and Washington have played so much. Your safeties should be back. If they can somehow energize that pass rush and find some impact LBs, they could be good to great again.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:20:20 PM)
OK, 82 minutes in, I will close by looking for ??? I have not seen yet.

Dee-Liem (Oct 20, 2008 1:20:48 PM)
I recall during Pryor's press conference when he signed with Ohio State he said Penn State was "too country" for him. Would you expect the PSU players to use this for motivation?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:21:06 PM)
Yep, except most of them probably think the same thing too now (ha ha).

ChitownScarlet (Oct 20, 2008 1:21:21 PM)
Steve, does OSU provide high powered binoculars for Mr. JoPa so that head coach can see the game from press box?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:21:33 PM)
If he does not have them, he will need them that is for sure.

TBIANCO592 (Oct 20, 2008 1:21:39 PM)
Any chance Beanie returns for his senior year? I doubt he would, but was looking for a glimmer of hope. If he does leave, does Berry step into the starters role next year?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:22:10 PM)
No, I doubt he comes back, especially if he keeps getting 140 a crack. What else would there be to prove. He's already banged up. Time to get paid for doing it.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:22:30 PM)
As for who starts, probably a battle between Berry and Boom.

Dee-Liem (Oct 20, 2008 1:23:06 PM)
Who do the Bengals draft with the No. 1 pick? Seriously, it's time to start preparing.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:23:29 PM)
It's crazy to say, but Beanie Wells if he is available? I just don't know.

MacAuley Says Buckeyes by 4 (Oct 20, 2008 1:23:34 PM)
Alright Steve - Its Go-Time...Whats your prediction for the Penn St game?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:23:41 PM)
You and me are on the same page ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:23:54 PM)
Ohio State (10) 24, Penn State (3) 20 ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:24:06 PM)
How pretty would that be to see in your scoreline in the Sunday paper?

Buckeye Warrior (Oct 20, 2008 1:24:45 PM)
Ohio State - 35 Penn State - 10

ChitownScarlet (Oct 20, 2008 1:24:50 PM)
Are you saying book flights to Miami???

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:25:15 PM)
No, not just yet. Too much still to wade through. If they win, I'd book both LA and Miami and just cancel the one you don't need.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:25:31 PM)
If they win, they would have to lose 2 of the last 3 to miss going to the Rose Bowl.

yoyoma (Oct 20, 2008 1:25:47 PM)
If OSU loses to PSU and wins out do we go to a BCS game?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:26:14 PM)
Yes, same scenario as PSU above. They need 10 teams to fill those bowls. A 10-2 OSU is better than anything else the ACC, Pac-10 and Big East have to offer.

TBIANCO592 (Oct 20, 2008 1:26:23 PM)
Steve...almost done? My daughter wants a grilled cheese and I keep stalling her so we can finish the chat..... :)

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:26:49 PM)
Take care of your daughter, she is too precious to let her starve like this. (I will be going for about 5 more mins ... ha ha).

bronkobuck (Oct 20, 2008 1:27:01 PM)
Steve, who would you compare our incoming RB's for '09 to (Hyde, Hall, Berry)?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:27:48 PM)
That's tough. Maybe Hyde to Beanie or a PJ Hill type. Berry to maybe a Robert Smith type. Hall maybe a Noel Devine type. I dunno.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:28:11 PM)
OK, last few ...

ChitownScarlet (Oct 20, 2008 1:28:22 PM)
Steve, How is Joe Daniels doing? Is he actively working with the QB's every day?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:28:51 PM)
Sounds like Joe is getting better. I think he is still in the overseer role and Nick Siciliano is on the field, but Tressel is also there coaching the QBs actively.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:29:43 PM)
Yep, I think it is Colt McCoy's to lose right now. Best player on the by far best team.

TBIANCO592 (Oct 20, 2008 1:30:02 PM)
Don't laugh, but Tennessee's Defense against a shaky Alabama offense....could be a shocker....just a hunch.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:30:23 PM)
Good points, it would just be very un-Fullmer like to win an important game. But it is in Knoxville.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:30:29 PM)
And at night

mapatton (Oct 20, 2008 1:31:15 PM)
Other than a new Offensive system, what do you think the main difference is between last years PSU team and this years?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:31:49 PM)
They have more depth. They are better defensively and I think that is a huge surprise given the guys who are missing (Evans largely, Lee, Connor, King, etc.).

touchdownbuck (Oct 20, 2008 1:31:56 PM)
Sorry I am late..With this years class + next years class, I see a NC game WON in the next two years Agree? Does Beanie stay or go?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:32:07 PM)
Could happen, will be without C.B. Wells, though.

ChitownScarlet (Oct 20, 2008 1:32:15 PM)
Serious question, what does JoPa actually do during a game? Does he give a pre-game speech and then turn it over to the assistants?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:32:36 PM)
No, sounds like he is actually more involved telling the guys sitting alongside him what he wants to see.

MacAuley Says Buckeyes by 4 (Oct 20, 2008 1:32:49 PM)
If Penn St, Alabama, and Texas are all unbeaten at the end of the season, do you think the voters send the Nits to the MNC game as a quasi-retirement gift to Coach Paterno?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:33:00 PM)
No, I think if everything holds like this they are No. 3.

MacAuley Says Buckeyes by 4 (Oct 20, 2008 1:33:11 PM)
How many of the Bucknuts Staff are going to the Northwestern game?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:33:24 PM)
Honestly, I could be flying solo. I just don't know yet.

TBIANCO592 (Oct 20, 2008 1:33:38 PM)
I keep hearing about how great the Big 12 teams are, but outside of Texas, do any of them play defense??

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:33:47 PM)
Good question. Maybe they get exposed in the bowls.

bronkobuck (Oct 20, 2008 1:33:53 PM)
Steve, love the chats and appreciate the info, that being said, how surprised are you from the consistent play at fullback by B. Smith and given that he is a senior, how would you are to rank our RB/FB core for next year (Herron, Saine, Berry, Hall, Hyde)?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:34:14 PM)
They will have Jermil Martin coming in to play FB. Should be a great group.

MacAuley Says Buckeyes by 4 (Oct 20, 2008 1:34:21 PM)
When is Coach Tressel's Press Conference this week?

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:34:30 PM)
12:10 p.m. Tuesday. Don't miss it.

dallastheologian (Oct 20, 2008 1:34:36 PM)
I would go with you Steve, I can be a beat writer

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:34:38 PM)
Ha ha.

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:34:52 PM)
Hey guys, been fun been real. Almost an hour and 40 minutes ...

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:35:10 PM)
We have Jeff Rice a PSU beat writer at 1 p.m. Wednesday and chats with Gary and Dave later in the week.

dallastheologian (Oct 20, 2008 1:35:13 PM)
I would go with you Steve, I can be a beat writer

MacAuley Says Buckeyes by 4 (Oct 20, 2008 1:35:17 PM)
I'll be at the N'western game with my wife and my brother!

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:35:28 PM)
Cool, my guess is OSU will have 20,000 there (again).

MacAuley Says Buckeyes by 4 (Oct 20, 2008 1:35:49 PM)
Thanks Steve!

MacAuley Says Buckeyes by 4 (Oct 20, 2008 1:35:53 PM)
O - H !!!

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:36:23 PM)
I - O !!! (ha ha)

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:36:34 PM)
Moderation is off, feel free to talk among yourselves.

MacAuley Says Buckeyes by 4 (Oct 20, 2008 1:36:36 PM)
With 20,000 at the N'western game, we'll get the O - H - I - O cheer going for sure!

bobgobucks (Oct 20, 2008 1:36:42 PM)
thanks

Steve Helwagen (Oct 20, 2008 1:36:54 PM)
yep, they will take over there like always. Not as sure about Illinois this year, though.

MacAuley Says Buckeyes by 4 (Oct 20, 2008 1:37:25 PM)
Don't care for Champaign, Illinois. Nope. Not one bit.