Tag: BIG Ten Conference

3 stats about Rutgers’ shocking Big Ten win over Michigan State

Kind of sad but also very exciting for Rutgers football.

Rutgers opened its 2020 season with a 38-27 win on the road against Michigan State in a game it entered as a 10.5-point underdog.

Now, this was not exactly a pretty game for either team. They combined for 16 penalties and 10 turnovers, but the Spartans gave up seven of those turnovers. Rutgers forced four turnovers in the first half — including on Michigan State’s first two drives — and that’s excluding the Spartans turning the ball over on downs on their third drive of the game.

Rutgers had an 18-point lead at two different points in the game, and, fittingly, the Scarlet Knights secured their victory by picking off Michigan State junior quarterback Rocky Lombardi with 1:20 left in the fourth quarter.

Although the Spartans, clearly, aren’t even looking mediocre after the first game of the season, the win is a big deal for Rutgers, especially in the Big Ten. So here are three stats illustrating just how big this W is.

1. Rutgers is 1-0 for the first time in Big Ten play.

Yes, the last time the Scarlet Knights won a conference game was in 2017 against Maryland — a 31-24 victory — and they finished 3-6 in Big Ten play that year after losing their last three conference matchups. But then they went 0-9 in 2018 and in 2019 and extended that very sad losing streak to an incredible 21 games.

Well, by taking out Michigan State on Saturday, Rutgers is 1-0 in conference play for the first time since joining the Big Ten in 2014.

2. Rutgers needed 9 Big Ten quarters to score a TD in 2019. It scored on the opening drive vs. Michigan State.

Last season, Rutgers didn’t score a Big Ten touchdown until its third conference game of the season, which was against Maryland in a 48-7 loss. Not the case this year with only Big Ten opponents on the regular-season schedule.

But against Michigan State on Saturday, they scored on their opening drive for a lead they never relinquished. On 1st-and-10 early in the first quarter, junior running back Isaih Pacheco ran the ball into the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown run to get the Scarlet Knights on the board first.

And they put up four of their five total touchdowns in the first half.

3. It’s the second time Rutgers had a 2-TD lead at halftime, and the first time they ultimately won.

At halftime, Rutgers had a 28-13 lead over the Spartans, and, as ESPN Stats & Info noted, it was only the second time since the Scarlet Knights joined the conference that they had a two-touchdown lead in a Big Ten game at the break.

Except this time, Rutgers won the game.

Does all this mean Rutgers is quietly a Big Ten East contender? No, almost certainly not. But Saturday’s victory was a surely a big deal for a fan base that’s used to disappointment, particularly in conference games.

Rutgers’ next game is its home-opener against Indiana next Saturday.

[vertical-gallery id=955422]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=421393249]

Gene Smith says fans could return to Ohio State football games in 2020

Ohio State AD Gene Smith offers hope that fans may return to Big Ten stadiums. It will be re-evaluated week-by-week.

We shared with you recently some of the changes you can expect when Ohio State opens up their football season this Saturday against Nebraska. From only coaches and players families in the stands to mandatory masks to no TBDBITL, it’s all going to look very different than what we’re accustomed to.

One of the most noticeable differences will be the absence of 100,000 plus fans cheering on the Buckeyes. Cardboard cutouts and artificial noise murmur will replace living, breathing human beings.

The Big Ten has decided that even though each state has different protocols for large gatherings, in order to keep consistency, all conference games will be played with the same empty stadiums. The Big Ten is even providing the canned crowd noise and set the max decibel level so that all will be on an even playing field.

However, there is hope on the horizon. Ohio State Athletic Director, Gene Smith, said that the Big Ten will re-evaluate on a week-by-week basis on a decision to allow fans in the stands and to what capacity. It does sound like the conference is at least willing to listen to what the numbers say about COVID cases and adjust accordingly if numbers would trend toward a steady decline.

[lawrence-related id=38887]

[lawrence-related id=38899]

The conference does seem steadfast in keeping the playing field even during this pandemic, which means there would need to be significant drops in positive COVID-19 rates across 11 different states that make up the Big Ten. For example, if Ohio sees a nosedive in cases, but Illinois sees a spike, attendance protocols will most likely stay the same.

We’re hopeful to see fans back in attendance as the season progresses. Although, let’s be honest… a night game at Penn State without the whiteout crowd does play to the Buckeye’s favor. Either way, even though it might look a little different, Ohio State football is back and we couldn’t be more excited!

[vertical-gallery id=38418]

 

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

Download the USA TODAY SportsWire app to follow Buckeyes Wire and your other favorite teams in the Apple Store for iPhones and Google Play for Android devices.

Ohio State football home games are going to look a lot different on Saturdays in 2020

Ohio StatefFootball home game days will hold a very limited number of guests, while other game-day traditions will be absent. It’s a change.

It goes without saying that 2020 has been a really difficult year. The global pandemic has affected every part of life, including college football and the Ohio State football program. From having a Big Ten only schedule, to a complete cancelation, and back to an even slimmer conference only schedule, you can bet Saturday at Ohio Stadium is going to look a whole lot different than what we’ve been accustomed to.

The Ohio State Athletic department released its 2020 “game day operations” on Monday. Some of which we expected… some we did not.

First, we knew that the ‘Shoe was going to look different as the Big Ten decided to not allow any fans in the stands. Trying to make a 100,000 plus seat stadium not look baren will be a tough task. The Athletic department decided to “put a lil you in the ‘shoe”. For a small price, you can have a personalized cardboard cutout sitting in A deck.

Ohio State did say there will be a few actual, breathing humans in the bleachers as it has allotted 656 seats for family of OSU players and coaches, as well as 400 spots for the opposing team. Total capacity will be capped at 1,600 which includes ushers, concession workers, etc… Guests will be physically distanced across 10 A deck sections and all will be required to wear face masks. So while there will be a few live faces in the stands, it won’t be what you’ve been seeing down south in SEC stadiums.

What about sounds in the stadium? Crowd noise? The band? I’m glad you asked. A cavernous stadium such as the Horseshoe will feel odd without some noise.  The Big Ten is providing each school with “crowd noise murmur” with the level going no higher than 70 decibels during play but can go up to 90 decibels during celebration moments.

Here’s the bad news though, no TBDBITL. What’s college football without the band striking up the fight song after a score? An official release from the athletic department states:

“The Ohio State Marching Band will not perform at games this year, nor will it conduct its traditional “skull session” at St. John Arena before games. However, fans can watch newly recorded pregame and halftime performances by the Marching Band on the Scarlet Saturday second-screen stream.”

Scarlet Saturday? Each home game Saturday, Buckeye fans will be encouraged to experience and enjoy a slice of game day through a Scarlet Saturday production, a live-streamed second-screen experience from inside Ohio Stadium, and that will also include pre-recorded band performances. Find out more about how to experience Scarlet Saturday here.

Along with no OSU Marching Band, there will be no cheerleaders, no Brutus, no team walk, and no tailgating.

However, there is some hope. Athletic Director Gene Smith says that the Big Ten will re-evaluate its decision to allow fans on a week to week basis. Which means Ohio Stadium could open up in the weeks to come.

I know it’s not going to look the same Buckeye fans and it does feel like the Big Ten is going well above what is necessary. But let’s be thankful we’re even having a season at all. Be smart. Be safe. And Go Bucks!

 

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

Download the USA TODAY SportsWire app to follow Buckeyes Wire and your other favorite teams in the Apple Store for iPhones and Google Play for Android devices.

How will delayed season impact the BIG 10 long term?

USA TODAY Sports’ Paul Myerberg breaks down the status of the BIG 10 following a decision to delay the season.

USA TODAY Sports’ Paul Myerberg breaks down the status of the BIG 10 following a decision to delay the season.

Report: Big Ten considering Thanksgiving start for 2020 college football season

The Big Ten Conference is reportedly considering a Thanksgiving start for their 2020 college football season

After initially postponing their 2020 college football season amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with hopes of playing in the spring instead, the Big Ten Conference may have a new plan up their sleeve.

A potential Thanksgiving start is on the table, per Jeff Potrykus of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:

It may be possible that tarting the season around that time could give top prospects a chance to play a full conference slate and still have adequate time to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Pac-12 has also postponed their 2020 season, while the rest of the Power 5 conferences are still planning to go ahead with a reduced schedule this fall.

[vertical-gallery id=622836]

Ohio State receives FOIA letter from well-known attorney and player advocate Tom Mars

Ohio State confirmed receipt of a letter from attorney Tom Mars requesting details around the Big Ten’s decision to postpone fall football.

It has been widely reported that several Freedom of Information Act Letters (FOIA) went out to Big Ten institutions requesting information and communications surrounding the league’s decision to postpone the fall football season. Those letters were drafted by well-known attorney and player advocate Tom Mars’ office and reportedly went to all thirteen public Big Ten members. Northwestern was excluded because they are not subject to open records law.

Buckeyes Wire has spoken to Mars and received confirmation that a letter was sent to Ohio State as a part of the effort for more transparency surrounding the decision and what types of communications went into such a monumental decision that affected so many.

“I can confirm that I’ve sent comprehensive FOIA requests to all Big 10 public universities (13) per rights afforded by the public records laws in eleven different states,” confirmed Mars in an email to Buckeyes Wire.

In response, a spokesman for Ohio State has confirmed the university received the letter from Mars’ office last Saturday. OSU also acknowledged receipt of the communication to Mars and is says it is working on a reply through email.

Buckeyes Wire is also in possession of the FOIA letter request that can be found in the below attachment.

Ohio State FOIA Request

The request is broad and detailed and is looking for all manners of communication that would have occurred between athletic director Gene Smith and president-elect Kristina Johnson with Big Ten representatives.

Under Ohio Open Records Law, OSU’s response falls under a rather ambiguous “reasonable period of time,” meaning it could be longer than other Big Ten schools and states that have a specific timeframe assigned their applicable legislation.

We’ll have much more on the status of all of this over the next few days.

[lawrence-related id=36104]

[lawrence-related id=36098]

[lawrence-related id=36094]

 

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

We have a forum and message board now. Get in on the conversation about Ohio State athletics by joining the Buckeyes Wire Forum.

Big 12: Exploring Conference, College Football Playoff expansion

Ivan Maisel of ESPN thinks now is the best time for conference expansion. Longhorns Wire explores how to expand the Big 12, playoffs.

Is there a better time than right now to explore the idea of conference expansion? ESPN’s Ivan Maisel doesn’t think so. In a recent post on ESPN Maisel stated now may be the best time to have that conversation. After all it wasn’t that long ago that Nebraska was looking to play football despite the Big Ten’s stance on a postponement of the season.

Hey, here’s a great idea during a pandemic: Let’s have West Virginia fly 1,400 miles to play a Big 12 game at Texas Tech on Oct. 24, but let’s not allow West Virginia to play Pittsburgh. After all, the Panthers, 75 miles away, are in the ACC.

Before the Pac-12 broke the emergency glass on its 2020 season, the conference approved of Colorado flying 1,300 miles to play at Washington but thought it too risky for the Buffaloes to drive 100 miles to play at Colorado State.

And there’s Nebraska, which a decade ago sued for divorce from the Big 12 (née Big Eight), dissolving a marriage consummated in 1928 to grab the money and security and money and money offered by the Big Ten. Last week the Big Ten told Nebraska it couldn’t play football this fall, which went over in the Cornhusker State like, oh, I don’t know, stalk rot.

Maisel brings up a good point about traveling during a pandemic. Teams can’t play those who are reasonably close but yet are expected to fly across the country to participate in a conference game that is deemed safer. For instance any Big 12 team traveling to Morgantown, West Virginia doesn’t seem like the best move. So in the interest of shaking things up, we look at how the Big 12 could expand.

First is the new North Division.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5

Ohio State releases statement in response to Big Ten’s open letter to not revisit fall sports

Ohio State AD Gene Smith released a statement in response to Kevin Warren’s open letter to the Big Ten community. It was an interesting one.

In case you missed it, Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren finally crawled out from under wherever he was in the face of some mighty aggressive criticism hitting the conference over the last week. It’s been a war on several fronts, and it took eight days for the man in charge of the richest college football conference to finally speak.

If you haven’t seen the complete open letter Warren unleashed on the world today, you can find it here.

However, suffice to say, the letter won’t squash all of the parents, fans, players, media, and administrators’ efforts. They have been calling for more transparency, a clearer plan and path towards resuming competitive environments, and even — yes — a continued fight to allow student-athletes to choose their own fate.

All of what Warren said was not lost on the folks at Ohio State. Shortly after the open letter, a university spokesman released a statement from athletic director Gene Smith.

We have it in its entirety on the next page. It’s an interesting statement because it doesn’t exactly throw all of OSU’s weight behind Warren’s statement. At the same time, it doesn’t go completely against the Big Ten’s decision.

Oh, the tangled and politically correct web we weave at times.

[lawrence-related id=35672]

[lawrence-related id=35660]

Next … Complete statement from Ohio State AD Gene Smith

Pages: Page 1, Page 2

Welcome to Texas-OU, Michigan-Ohio State: A rooting guide

With the Big Ten season postponed who should Michigan and Ohio State fans root for? Well they could find themselves rooting for Texas-OU.

Rivalries. In college football they mean almost as much as a National Championship. Maybe not to the team themselves but fans love to boast about how their team fared against their most hated rivals. When Oklahoma fails in the college football playoffs, Texas takes almost as much pride in trash talking as the team that actually won the game.

The same can be said for one of the biggest rivalries in all of college sports, Michigan-Ohio State. These two iconic programs absolutely can’t stand each other. Ohio State refers to Michigan to that team up north. They won’t even write the letter “m” when referring to them. They will put the letter “x” in place of the “m”.

With the Big Ten Conference punting on the season, fans of both schools left with no team to cheer for on Saturdays. So in a attempt to find some solace, Longhorns Wire has put together a rooting guide for both Michigan and Ohio State fans. Much like their own hatred, they can join in on the Texas-Oklahoma Red River Rivalry.

So why should Michigan fans align with Texas?

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3