Rapid Fire: Ohio State Vs Toledo

Jim Tressel is taking some real heat for the first time in his tenure as Ohio State's head football coach. 

He responded yesterday, saying, "What concerns me the most is the young people in our program. I don't know if anyone in our program feels bad about our program because we have special kids, special coaches, and difference-makers on and off the field."

That's just fine and dandy. The Buckeyes can continue beating Mid-American Conference teams as the rest of college football's big-time programs move forward with innovative play-calling and aggressive offensive attacks.

I already posted my thoughts on Tressel saying that Ohio State fans are unhappy. The real surprise came when Tressel was asked about his comments and apologized, sort of.

I don't understand why this game is being played in Cleveland. Ohio State does not need to try to expand their fan base. The stadium holds roughly 30,000 fewer people than Ohio Stadium, and I think there are still tickets available.

As if Ohio State did not already have concerns regarding their offensive line's effectiveness, it was announced that senior Jim Cordle will miss the next three to four weeks with an ankle injury.

Toledo comes into Saturday's game averaging 559 yards of total offense per game, good enough for seventh in the country. Quarterback Aaron Opelt threw for four touchdowns and ran for another in a 54-38 upset of Colorado last week.

If there ever was a time for the Buckeyes to open up the offense and put half-a-hundo on the board, it is now. Ohio State is far superior in size, strength, and physical ability.

Will the game plan allow them to apply those traits? If so, can the players execute?

If you are counting on a blowout victory, don't hold your breath. Toledo head coach Tim Beckman is a friend of Jim Tressel, having coached the cornerbacks at Ohio State in 2005 and 2006.

I am calling for a Buckeye victory at the "mistake by the lake," 31-24.

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