That was In-Saine!

Like me, I’m sure a lot of you went into Thursday night’s game with a lot of hope and expectations, but also aware of the possibilities of a let-down. Personally, I was looking forward to seeing the team that played last January, instead of the Play-It-Safe Run-The-Ball-Up-the-Middle-Every-Play team as we have in opening games past. Thursday night came; my husband and I headed to Buffalo Wild Wings (home of the local alumni watch parties) and waited with baited breath. Well, my breath was baited. He was too busy eating Caribbean Jerk wings to keep his breath baited. Anyways, the Buckeyes got into gear and fell into a nice rhythm of running and passing. And as the game went on, I couldn’t help but wonder…

Will the Buckeyes be able to look this clean against the Hurricanes??

Pryor’s final stats against the Thundering Herd were solid: 17 for 25, just under 250 yards and 3 TDs. Not too shabby, #2! It seemed like Tressel finally put his faith and confidence in TP and let him air the ball out wayyyy more than usual. Did Pryor even attempt 25 passes all of last season combined?? TP looked more mature and more confident than ever in the pocket. I’m happy about that, we’ve been hearing about how ‘mature’ he is over and over and over. From the Dispatch, from ESPN, from TP himself. Glad to know he made good on that statement.

Equally impressive was the Offensive Line. Finally, the Buckeyes had a chance to make some solid plays! Brandon Saine really took advantage- two TD’s and an average of over 11 yards per carry. If he can keep it up, he will, in fact, be in-Saine. Other Buckeyes stepped up and looked great as well: DeVier Posey, Dane Sanzenbacher, Brian Rolle, and Jamaal Berry all performed impressively.

Now comes the twenty-five-thousand-dollar-question: Can the Bucks perform that well against a much tougher, rougher opponent? I’m sure we all remember the 2003 showdown in Tempe, with the Buckeyes winning in double OT. I certainly remember it well, as I was at that Game. This year, however, I’m hoping the Buckeyes can seal the deal a little quicker.

Things we need to look out for: ‘Cane QB Jacory Harris. He’s allegedly pretty explosive and will bring the heat to the Shoe. Speed will definitely be another factor in the 2010 version of the matchup. Miami has the Need for Speed and will be bringing it with them to Columbus. Our Defense needs to be ready to moooove and shut the ‘Canes down right from the get-go. And of course, Columbus Police Department has plenty of room in their jail cells for all of the illegal and thug-like behavior that Miami is known for.

Our breath will be once again baited come Saturday afternoon. It should be a game for the legends and history in the making. I think the Buckeyes have the advantage- Pryor is ready and it helps having the game in Columbus. I just have one request:

Please don’t call me at JCPenney and tell me what’s going on during the game. My DVR is prepped and ready for when my shift is over. Thanks in advance.

Go Bucks! O-H…