Happiness and optimism abound in for all things Ohio State football, and recently Tim May and Ken Gordon indulged a little bit in that revelry.  Is all the talk about what is to come justified?  Should you expect to be high-fiving your buddies this time in 2011?

Vegas thinks Ohio State’s odds are pretty good (at the moment).  Let’s talk about it.

According to the gurus at Bodog, the Buckeyes’ are a better bet than everyone except Alabama.  Other oddsmakers have slightly different interpretations, but they are all relatively similar.  Here is the Bodog Top 15:

2011 BCS Championship Odds

TEAM	ODDS
Alabama	3:1
Ohio State	13:2
Oregon	12:1
Southern Cal	12:1
Oklahoma	15:1
Texas	15:1
Nebraska	15:1
Boise State	15:1
Virginia Tech	18:1
TCU	18:1
Iowa	20:1
Penn State	20:1
Miami	20:1
Florida	25:1
LSU	25:1

Other odds of note:

Other Notable 2011 BCS Odds

TEAM	ODDS
Michigan	50:1
Notre Dame	75:1
Illinois	100:1
Michigan State	100:1
Northwestern	125:1

The field’s odds: The Tide is an top obvious selection as they are bringing back a cadre of starters and stars - Ingram, Jones, McElroy - but I found it slightly surprising that Boise State was not considered to have as good or greater odds than Nebraska, Oklahoma, and/or USC, all teams that lost a significant amount of firepower, including a Heisman winner and future no. 1 draft choice.  As you probably know, I am not supporter of the non-AQ field, but I thought the Broncos may have generated more gambling buzz.

Another surprise for me was Virginia Tech’s relatively low odds considering the league they play in sucks on ice, while they are returning a reputable amount of talent.  Finally, Ohio State plays three teams with odds of 20:1.  By my count, they are the only team to play such (theoretically) contending teams.

OSU odds: While, I share the optimism for 2010 and I agree with most fans that Pryor looked far, far better in the Rose Bowl than he did at any point during the year, we should be cautious about getting too carried away about him.  I thought that the main difference in his Rose Bowl play was that he had time to operate, which I attributed to four things: (1) improved o-line play, (2) balanced play calling that kept Oregon’s defense guessing, (3) a small, average Oregon defensive front, and (4) Oregon’s coaches’ inability to adjust to OSU’s pass-heavy gameplan.  Pryor’s mistakes in the Purdue debacle almost all came when he panicked under the pressure that Purdue brought.  He only faced pressure in his face three or four times against the Ducks and, frankly, he still didn’t handle it well.   On one occasion, he badly missed a wide open Sanzenbacher on an almost certain TD and the other was the Holy Ballard catch.  I realize I seem far more skeptical than most, but I just question whether the improvement in his decision-making and game-management has been as drastic as everyone has declared.   I really want it to happen for him — and the entire offense — but he won’t succeed unless the entire offensive operation (blocking, scheming, play-calling) improves.

So, are the 13:2 odds justified.  If they play as well in every game as they did against Oregon.  The real question is, what are the odds that another Purdue disaster is on the schedule?

Alternate uniforms have been en vogue for quite some time, from the NFL to the NBA, from college basketball to college football - North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Georgia, and Tennessee all wore them in the last two weeks to varying degrees of success.  But there are teams that appear to be immune to the fads of sports fashion and impervious to the pressures of hulking apparel sponsors.  Oregon is not one of those teams.  But Ohio State appeared to be. Until now.

Pat Forde mentioned it earlier this week and some brief scouring of message boards reveals the image to out left.  Are the Buckeyes about to break out new jerseys to help their mojo? It bears mentioning that other than pictures appearance on an Ohio State-related site, there is no evidence to suggest that it was designed to be worn by THE Ohio State University, say, during a game against Penn State, in early November, three days now.  None.  It could belong to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for all I know.

Is that a ‘Block O’ at the bottom of the neck?  [/sigh]

Let’s just assume that this is, in fact, the “alternate” road uniform the Buckeyes are going to trot out on Saturday afternoon.  It’s bad, to be sure.  But what about the pants?  Are those going to be red?!  That could be a pure disaster.

I have already pontificated about the meaningless, derivative, and largely uncool “red” end zones.  If these uniforms happen, I may lose it.  Is anyone at Ohio State paying attention?  How would this get past the people that it has to get past?

This is not to say that I oppose all things outside the bounds of the norm.  I think retro uniforms could be amazingly cool, perhaps even inspirational for the team.  And there is plenty for the program to draw from (see below).  What about the 1954 unis, with some appropriate updates (like a face mask, for example)?  I think Tressel would go for that and it would not look like a rejection from a UFL trunk sale.

Update (3:15pm): 1460 just read a statement from Nike that did not confirm or deny the possibility of alternate uniforms.  Apparently The Fan contacted Nike for a comment and the following was provided: “We are always looking for ways to innovate and inspire - so stay tuned.”

Ohio State’s opponents are the least penalized teams in the country…at least on the day they play the Buckeyes.  Unfortunately, that axiom has barely changed since 2004.   I realize that some team has to occupy this dubious position each season but I struggle to come up with a rationale for it being Ohio State’s every time.

YEAR	RANK	GAMES	PEN.	P/G	YARDS	Y/G
2004	99	12	72	6.0	548	45.7
2005	119	12	59	4.9	425	35.4
2006	119	13	49	3.8	387	29.8
2007	119	13	53	4.1	483	37.2
2008	113	13	60	4.6	507	39.0
2009	118	1	2	2	10	10

In its simplest terms, that table means that, on average, Ohio State opponent’s play the cleanest games in terms of penalties every year.  Since this stat is not directly attributable to Ohio State, it begs the question why the outcome is the same each year (you could make an argument that a lack of aggressive play could contribute).  Different players, different coaches, and different referees yet the results do not vary.  I may be a shameless OSU homer but I find that statistic staggering.

The impact of this statistic is as murky as the cause.  It would appear there are many, perhaps dozens, of first downs that - statistically speaking - other teams would have netted over the course of a season that never came the Buckeyes’ way.  At least a couple of those non-calls could have occurred at crucial junctures in the games.  I am hardly claiming that Ohio State has lost games because of this stat but it does make you wonder.

The numbers are even more interesting when you analyze the penalty yards of OSU’s most heavily penalized opponents on the day the played Ohio State:

YEAR	TEAM	PEN. RANK	PEN Y/G	DELTA v. OSU
2004	NC State	104	70.8	+50.2
2004	Northwestern	73	57.4	-7.4
2005	Texas	88	65.5	-35.5
2006	Texas	70	50.8	-11.8
2006	Cincinnati	99	58.1	-30.1
2006	Mich. State	90	56.0	-11.0
2006	Florida	109	63.4	-13.4
2007	LSU	97	62.9	-26.9
2008	Ohio	93	59.0	-5.0
2008	USC	117	72.9	+3.1
2008	Troy	89	57.8	+22.2
2008	Minnesota	76	53.5	+0.5
2008	Texas	83	56.8	+26.2

Until last season, it had been four years since a heavily penalized OSU opponent exceeded their season penalty yardage average when playing Ohio State (N.C. State, 2004 - and that was a triple overtime game).

What will this mean on Saturday?  If the current trends hold, USC will be a heavily penalized team this season and the will come in far under or right at their (to be determined) season average.  In other words, it will be business as usual for the Buckeyes.

When was the last time Ohio State was a (relatively heavy) underdog at home?  Whatever the streak, reset it.  Vegas has the odds for the collision of the weekend and USC is pegged as a 6.5 point favorite.

Most fans suspected the Buckeyes’ would be underdogs considering their success rate in recent marquee matchups, including the meltdown in L.A. last fall, as well as this past Saturday’s performance against Navy, and some of the most dire were predicting a double digit spread.  It still may get there.

In case you view this as a death knell for OSU’s chances Saturday night, you should know that Vegas was far from perfect last weekend.  Against the spread, Vegas’s favorites are only 20-17 so far.  Oklahoma was a 21.5-point favorite, Ohio State was giving 22 points, and Illinois was said to be 6.5 points better than Missouri.  Oops.

There are no major rule changes for the upcoming season and the most intriguing rule change does not even affect the play on the field.  But it could, and should, provide a new look and more color to the college football.  Starting this season, both the home and visiting team will be able to wear their home jerseys in a game, and it will not cost each team a timeout.

I am talking about Rule 1-4-3-a, of course.

The rules for many years have required white jerseys to be worn by one team, which must be the visiting team unless the opponent agrees otherwise prior to the start of the season. The new rule creates a process whereby both teams may wear colored jerseys if the visitors have received written permission from the home team, and if the home team’s conference agrees that the jerseys are of contrasting colors. If the visitors wear colored jerseys without having such agreements, they will receive a 15-yard penalty following the opening kickoff of each half.

I am not advocating for twin home jerseys in every Ohio State/Michigan game but I think it would look great every ten years or so.  The teams could decide to it every 5 seasons starting in 2010 (an odd number of years would allow the tradition to alternate stadiums).

Giving the decision some structure would take away the temptation of using this new rule as a gimmick or ratings ploy.  No matter the coaches, ranking, or implications, the teams would simply follow a preordained plan.

I don’t think the sport’s best rivalry needs much, but I think the dueling home jerseys would be cool every now and again.

Ohio State has released the pregame materials for the Navy matchup.  By far the most interesting information is the depth chart.

Andre Amos appears to have secured the first start over Devon Torrence.  Whether that will last all season remains to be seen, but you have to be happy for the senior.  Andrew Miller managed to hold off the charging Shugarts and was named the starting left tackle.

While the decisions on starters are important, some of the decisions regarding backups is even more interesting.  Starting on the offensive side of the ball, the most intriguing second teamer is Duron Carter.  Not because he is not good, but because he has so quickly climbed over several established wideouts - Lamaar Thomas, Ray Small, and Grant Schwartz.  Based on reports coming out of fall camp, I am imagining a three wide receiver lineup of Posey, Washington, and Carter by midseason.  Posey appears to be the real deal; Washington was one of the biggest (and best) surprises of fall camp; and, Carter cannot be kept of the field.  Nothing against Sanzenbacher, but if he gets nicked up again, Carter may permanently assume his spot.

Another intriguing area is the offensive line reserves where 3 freshman are listed as second team.  Somewhat less surprising is the complete absence of Mike Adams.

On defense, a pair of redshirt freshman from Florida, Ohrian Johnson and Travis Howard, have risen to up the secondary’s depth chart and are in position to see playing time.  Johnson climbed over senior Aaron Gant to secure his spot.  The heralded true freshman, Corey Brown and C.J. Barnett, are not listed.

The great majority of Ohio State fans and observers - and national observers, for that matter - are expecting Terrelle Pryor to an order of magnitude better than his baptism-by-fire, freshman season.  While there are those that have lower expectations and reasonable doubts regarding his reported eye-popping 40 time, it seems the masses are going to have their dreams turn into reality.  At least, Jim Tressel seems to believe they will.

“It’s like he’s two different people right now,” Tressel told Columbus radio station WBNS FM/97.1 on Friday, the coach’s first interview since the Buckeyes started hitting in practice this week. “He’s the same athlete he was, maybe then some, but he’s 10 times the quarterback he was.”

I admit, as Pryor and the rest of his teammates take the field today for the jersey scrimmage today, I have expectations for Pryor’s performance this fall that evoke Vince Young, circa 2004.  Is that unfair?  Probably, because does not play in the system and is not surrounded by the same cast but I do expect a breakthrough performance akin to Young’s.

And, I do not seem to be alone.  Doug Lesmerises’ piece indicates that the coaches, players, and even Pryor himself, believes progress has been made and big things are merely days away.

There were a bunch of reasons to watch tonight’s Hall of Fame game: (i) football is indigenous to Ohio , (ii) Columbus native Ralph Wilson was inducted this weekend, and (iii) you love football so much you will watch the most exhibition of exhibition games.

But you did not expect the awesomeness that was former Ohio State punter A.J. Trapasso’s first experience in game action. Trapasso executed one of the best fake punts in recent memory and ran it in for a 45-yard touchdown.

After watching that, raise your hand if you are a little annoyed that Tressel never realized A.J.’s game-breaking ability while he was wearing scarlet and gray.

It’s like clockwork. Every year around the same time, new Buckeyes start arriving in Columbus for Fall Camp. This year, Ohio State will be welcoming the #1 rated class in the nation. Here’s a quick rundown of every member of the Ohio State’s top ranked 2009 Recruiting Class. Give us your thoughts.

Surest Bet: Dorian Bell
Fastest: Dominic Clarke
Quickest: Jamaal Berry, James Jackson*
Biggest Sleeper: Reid Fragel
Biggest Rivals/Scout Discrepancy: Chris Fields
It’s a Family Thing: Zach Boren, Adam Homan*, Duron Carter
Current Players Watch Out for: Corey Brown
Corey Brown Should Watch Out for: CJ Barnett*
Offensive Line Depth = Good: Corey Lindsay, Sam Longo
Name Best Describes Play on the Field: Jamie Wood*
Best Football Name Ever: Storm Klein*
Nice Name, Mean Dude: Melvin Fellows
Jeanette Part Duex: Jordan Hall
Ate Your Children and Isn’t Sorry: Jack Mewhort*
Steepest Learning Curve: Kenny Guiton
Was There a Question?: Marcus Hall
Offense or Defense: Adam Bellamy
Courtesy of the Most Active Pipeline in North America: Jonathan Newsome
Passes the Look Test: John Simon
Could Take John Simon: Jordan Whiting

*Denotes Early Enrollees Who Participated in Spring Practice

As a lead in to the 2009 Ohio State football season, Buckeye Commentary takes a look back at the 2008 Ohio State Buckeye football season. Poe lays down the law and delivers 6 very, very real awards for the 2008 season.

OFFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNS ARE OVERRATED AWARD

Malcolm Jenkins Blocks a Punt vs Purdue
Why It Was Nominated: The only play really worth watching in the 16-3 snoozefest. Just 1 week after scoring the winning touchdown in Madison, Wisconsin, Terrelle Pryor led the anemic Buckeye offense to 222 yards of offense, or roughly one quarter of a Big 12 football game. Malcolm Jenkins proved he was the game changer everyone knew he was and freshman Etienne Sabino was able to capitalize for 7 points. It happened in the first quarter, before you fell asleep.
Why It Won: At least the box score recorded a touchdown of some sort.
Also Nominated: Games against USC and Penn State.

WHITE MEN CAN’T JUMP AWARD

Chris Wells Hurdles Illinois Safety Donsay Hardeman
Why It Was Nominated: In the sequel to “Beanie Wells Hurdles Minnesota Defender”, Beanie Wells stars as high flying self. Wells turned what was a quality run into a screenshot for the ages by hurdling over a Hardeman.  Hardeman would have had a shot had he not closed his eyes like he was peering into a solar eclipse. After the run, Hardeman jumped on a tackled Wells and congratulated him* for being nominated for this award. The only thing more embarrassing would have been if the announcers could have got the right player. [*may or may not have happened]
Why It Won: The Boeckman Bounce off the turf against USC was a close second.
Also Nominated: Beanie Wells Hurdles Minnesota Defender, Beanie Hop Against MSU.

THAT WAS A QUARTERBACK?!? AWARD

Terrelle Pryor Give Minnesota Linebacker a Free Ride
Why It Was Nominated: After being accused of running “soft” by the Minnesota bench, Terrelle Pryor launched Minnesota LBer Rex Sharpe 10 yards out of bounds. Offensive players around the nation realized that they are lucky he’s on offense. Pryor finished it off with a couple Thank You’s and You’re Welcome’s. Sharpe could not be reached for comment, nor did we try.
Why It Won: As Glenn Mason noted, it’s possibly the first time a QB could have been called for unnecessary roughness. Fire, passion, and the desire to prove people wrong are good qualities of a QB.
Also Nominated: Todd Boeckman to Terrelle Pryor, Terrelle Pryor Blocking Downfield.

ANNUAL BEATDOWN FO NORTHWESTERN AWARD

Ohio Beats Northwestern 45-10
Why It Was Nominated: In the almost annual thumping of Northwestern, Ohio State proved that not even an anemic offense could be stopped by Northwestern. It was more shocking this year because Northwestern was above average (and should have beat Big 12 Title Contender Missouri). Jim Tressel obviously despises Northwestern for beating OSU in 2004 and will not stop until reparations are paid in full. Unfortunately, the Cats aren’t on the schedule in 2009, so how can we present the award? One word: Indiana.
Why It Won: Unfortunately, Ohio State plays Northwestern only once per year. This year wasn’t quite as laughable as the 45 first half points administered by OSU in 2007.
Also Nominated: Michigan State 45-7, Youngstown State 43-0.

HEY, AT LEAST WE’RE NOT MICHIGAN

Ohio State Survives Ohio
Why It Was Nominated: The “Jim Tressel Doesn’t Want to Open The Playbook for USC” excuse worked for at least a week, until OSU actually played USC. The second game of the season (and first game without Beanie Wells) proved that maybe the Big Ten doesn’t understand offense all that well. Trailing 7-6 at half time, Ohio State was engaged in a battle with the Bobcats from Athens and Boo Jackson, their QB, who seemingly only made plays when he had to. A Brandon Saine TD a Ray Small punt return for TD, and the Play of the Season Award nominee fumble recovery by Shaun Lane sealed the deal for the Buckeyes.
Why It Won: Ohio State’s line might have been in a pillow fight against Ohio, but at least Ohio State wins games against the MAC. Michigan? Notsomuch.
Also Nominated: Northwestern Beats Michigan, Toledo Beats Michigan, Michigan Goes 3-9 and Bowl-less.

PLAY OF THE SEASON AWARD

Quan Cosby Takes It To The House For The Win With 16 Seconds Left
Why It Was Nominated: Hardly satisfying, isn’t it? In a way, that’s the perfect description for the season. From preseason Top 3 to tainted by USC and Penn State, the 2008 will always be described as “well, it happened”. There were plenty of great plays and some not so great plays. Rather than lay down as they had several times before, Ohio State came roaring back to take the lead against the ‘Should Have Been Playing for the National Championship” Longhorns on a Terrelle Pryor TD Catch, and an all too easy Boom Herron TD run. With aid from a few interesting calls from the referees, Texas was creeping down the field with the clock wearing down. Then, as decried by the football gods, Ohio State’s last line of defense Anderson Russell was struck down by the Ghost of Vince Young. Jim Tressel could easily be 3-0 against Mack Brown but, alas, he’s not.
Why It Won: Would it have felt good to beat Texas? Sure. Would it have made sense? Hardly. After Florida, LSU, and USC, sending the seniors and juniors out with a win just wasn’t in the football gods’ plans.
Also Nominated: Shaun Lane Wins the Battle of Ohio, Terrelle Pryor Becomes a Man in Madison, Terrelle Pryor TD Catch, OSU Goes up 3-0 on USC.