It Truly Is Happy Valley

According to the national media, Penn State represented the biggest challenge for Ohio State. JoePa's team came in with an excellent defense and an offense ironically sparked by the unfortunate suspension of running back Austin Scott. The stage was set with a night game in front of a national audience and the second largest crowd in Beaver Stadium - an environment ripe to explode with an upset. After all, the Lions were somebody, a team dramatically different than what the Buckeyes have seen in previous weeks based on a schedule chock full of weakness. So, it was with great pleasure that I watched Ohio State prove critics wrong again in their thorough 37-17 beating of Penn State.

The genesis of the pleasure was more than just exalting in victory. One has to remember what occurred the last time we played in Happy Valley, when Troy Smith was blind-sided on what could have been a game tying drive. The fumble recovery closed out the loss and punctuated a miserable trip where the band was treated in despicable fashion. Seeing as how the offensive line performed, it's appropriate to let Kirk Barton explain, as only he can, that the victory was for the team and others:

"Real quick before I go on, I just want to say we dedicated this to our band, well, that's something I came up with because they couldn't come back after they had like piss bombs and blood balls thrown at them last year, so this is for our band. It's not all Penn State fans, it only takes a couple, but it spoils the whole experience of college football for our band. Just let them know we're thinking about them (the band)."

Of course, they were playing for themselves more than anything. The offensive line in particular felt the desire to amend some breakdowns that occurred against Michigan State. From Barton to Boone and everyone in between, Todd Boeckman barely had a hand on him through much of the game. This protection provided the time for Todd to surgically shred the Nittany Lion defense with passes of all types: dump offs, intermediate routes and the deep ball. Third down conversions were staggeringly successful mainly because of the efficiency of Boeckman and the playcalls from Jim Tressel.

The arial attack was balanced with a healthy dose of Beanie Wells. Though he never had a run more than 17 yards, Beanie churned well over 100 yards on very consistent running. Even Mo Wells looked sharp providing the type of substitute this team needs when Beanie needs a break. Put it all together and the attack left Penn State defenders questioning their play and solemn in defeat. Or as one PSU fan described the loss:

Empty 55 gallon drum of WHOOP A$$ on the visitors sideline.

You'll find no disagreement here. Kudos, too, for descriptive writing example.

This all brings me back to the national media The convincing win has activated a subtle movement from uncertainty to mild praise. Various media outlets actually believe in this team which is notable considering the bevy of naysayers from coast to coast just a few days ago. With each week, we keep taking care of our business and moving on. And, no matter what cockamainy spin someone tries to put on it, winning is always better than a loss - no matter how pretty the loss was our who it came against. Some just take longer to understand this lesson.

My game analysis is up with the caveat it was written without a game review. I do, however, have some thoughts on the play of Marcus Freeman as it relates to James Laurinaitis. I have some game video from ESPN in the sidebar. No play of the week as I don't have video which is fine. BCS Standings have changed little and game time and channel for Wisconsin has been announced: Noon on the Big Ten Network.