Week 2: Insert generic phrase for generic terrible week 2

Standings
1) Schweinfurth    4-1        (1-0 upset)
1) Hoying              4-1        (0-1 upset)
1) Seeberg             4-1        (0-1 upset)
4) Draper               3-2        (1-0 upset)

Temper your expectations, Buckeye Nation. In 2011, Ohio State opened by pummeling Akron 42-0 behind the arm of Joe Bauserman. Still, it's better than looking like crap.

Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Tennessee Volunteers
Draper: This...this pile of crap is the best game of the weekend...woof.  Tennessee looked mediocre at best last week in a near upset at home versus App State, but I've seen too many teams flirt with disaster and rebound in a big way.  Tennessee isn't the threat the media thinks they are are every freaking year, but I think they're better than they showed last week.  Va Tech struggled with Liberty early before pulling away so I see the Vols winning handily here.  Despite Josh Dobbs best efforts, Vols get it done and the hype train returns to Knoxville.  VT: 17--UT: 31
Hoying: Look out, Tennessee. Virginia Tech's been known to jump up and snakebite...wait, what's that? Oh, oh, right, they only do that to championship-caliber teams and utter garbage. It is entirely possible that the Vols are garbage, needing a few miracles to put away everybody's favorite Sun Belt stunner, Appalachian (hot hot hot). All those highly touted recruits won't make an impact on the field until the plays are called by someone who actually understands the game. Maybe they could hire away Alabama's offensive coordinator; he seems to be having success. VT: 17--UT: 20
Seeberg:  Is App State that good or is Tennessee that mediocre?  Odds are it's both, but we will start to find out inside the Bristol Speedway Saturday night.  Too bad neither offense can move at anywhere near NASCAR speed.  Va Tech struggled with mighty Liberty (I'm assuming that's 1-AA?  Yeah, I don't know either), down 13-10 until just before halftime, but let's be real here, Butch and Co. should have lost against the Mountaineers, and Va Tech is much more talented.  If the Hokies can avoid the turnover bug (four against Liberty, yikes), they should spring the upset.  VT: 24--UT: 19

Penn State Nittany Lions @ Pittsburgh Panthers
Draper: Is anyone still reading? This powerhouse matchup of Power 5 teams (...) has a bit of intrigue because of the in-state rivalry nature, but do these teams really care about each other.  It will probably be close, but let's not confuse that with "good".  I'll give a slight edge to Penn State as those James Franklin recruits have to be doing something, right?....RIGHT? PSU: 24--Pitt: 21
Hoying: The rivalry of has-beens is renewed. Penn State hasn't been relevant since Bill O'Brien won B1G COY for going 8-4 instead of Urban's 12-0  Buckeyes Joe Paterno was respected by people other than the disgustingly delusional faithful in Happy Valley. Pitt, despite claiming 9 (!) national titles, has been bouncing around second-tier conferences since practically the days when Dan Marino was making Mark May look good. Fortunately for PSU, Hackenberg isn't around any more to take his requisite 10-15 sacks per game, and Saquon Barkley is still around to barely break 100 yards against a MAC opponent. Not much, but it's more than Pitt has going for it. The only real football coming out of the state of Pennsylvania is Jeanette, PA's own Terrelle Pryor, making his starting debut for the Browns on Sunday. PSU: 21--Pitt: 20
Seeberg:  This is possibly the most intriguing game of the week, which demonstrates how horrendous this week's slate is.  Both teams have respectable D's and wobbly offenses.  I just don't think the Panthers can move the ball enough to get out of the teens.  Lions win a putrid one that even a purist's purist wouldn't watch past halftime.  PSU: 23--Pitt: 13

Brigham Young Cougars @ Utah Utes
Draper: The Holy War provides another rivalry game but I would be completely uninterested if the week's slate wasn't awful.  I honestly know (nor care to know) anything about these teams.  Utah was terrible last year and BYU has Taysom Hill.  Lean on the Cougs...(dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb) BYU: 38--Utah: 20
Hoying: Who remembers the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl? Yeah, me neither. It's hard to believe, but these two squared off during bowl season not 9 months ago, with Utah squeaking out the win. The Cougars might be able to turn the tables if they can get out of September with QB Taysom Hill upright. They're certainly going to need all the help they can get passing their final Big XII entrance exam, especially since Houston already passed theirs last week. BYU: 31--Utah: 24
Schweinfurth:
Seeberg:  Ah yes, the Holy War commences again.  Both squads enjoyed relevance somewhat recently but have since slipped back into oblivion.  Neither team was particularly impressive in opening week wins, but BYU did squeak by a power 5 team, edging Arizona 18-16.  Not playing a complete cupcake in week one serves the Cougars well as they slip past the Utes as well.  BYU: 24--Utah: 20

Tulsa Golden Hurricane @ THE Ohio State Buckeyes
Draper: The Bucks looked fantastic in week one (after JT's first throw), but how much was BG being BG and how much was OSU being 'reloaded'.  I don't anticipate Tulsa being much of a speed bump but the high speed attack will provide the Bullets with a new perspective.  The Buckeye defense should capitalize on Tulsa mistakes early and often as the 'little engine that could' type team usually steps on their own face when trying an uptempo offense against a juggernaut.  There is no reason for the offense not to click as much as last week. The defense gives up a late TD to the chagrin of the Buckeye faithful, but JT continues his ridiculous numbers as the eyes of Buckeye nation move to Norman.  Tulsa: 13--OSU: 55
Hoying: This month promises to be an interesting study in exactly where this team's heads are. At first, we figured all eyes were on Oklahoma. Then Saturday happened, showing that the Buckeyes are very much focused on the here and now. One could forgive them for looking ahead to next week as the matchup draws closer, but has some of the air gone out of the matchup after Oklahoma's loss? Tulsa's a baaaaad opponent, so there's a lot of room for error, but I'd love to see this young team continue to climb after an impressive start. Mike Weber breaks a 50+ yard TD run this week and the Bucks win (not quite as) big. OSU: 63--Tulsa: 7
Seeberg:  Okay let's be real here, even the most optimistic Buckeye fan did NOT see that week one performance coming.  The Buckeyes looked nearly flawless in all three phases.  Let's temper those expectations though, a remarkable confluence of circumstances provided that 77-10 thrashing:  BGSU down in talent after 3 straight MAC division titles, BGSU running a base defense that often included no high safeties allowing for big plays (think the 8-yard slant to Samuel that went 79 yards for a TD), BGSU breaking in a new coach, qb, and #1 rb and wideout.  Still, Barrett was on point after that terrifying pick six, the D surrendered less than 90 yards in the second half, and the O-line kept J.T. upright.  Tulsa, meanwhile, was 125th in total defense last year; however, they gave up just 10 in a blowout win over San Jose State.  The Bucks have just a touch more skill than SJSU, however, so a second straight blowout is in the offing.  I'll be in the shade under the press box in D-deck, come say hi!  OSU: 48--Tulsa: 13

Upset Special
Draper: Arkansas over TCU
Hoying: SMU over Baylor
Seeberg:  Kentucky over Florida

Grading the Bucks: Week 1 -- Bowling Green

It's fun when the team runs the touchdown play....repeatedly.  A fantastic start to the season, but I'm too crotchety to be lenient.

Offense: A-

"77 points?!?! And you give an A- MINUS!?!"  I'm sorry, but I can't go full A when I saw one of (if not the worst) passes I've ever seen in my life.  The pick 6 was underthrown to a blanket receiver with ANOTHER defender sneaking around.  The 4th and 2 through was also bad, but let's focus on the positive.  There was a TON of stuff I loved seeing.  For me, the O-line was the star.  With only two returning starters and immense youth, not giving up a tackle for loss, let alone a sack, is an amazing stat.  JT was upright and firing all game; breaking school records left and right.  The number 2 bright spot was Mike Weber who was fantastic with his vision and power.  I was concerned about running back after Zeke left, but I'm feeling better already.  Finally, the receiver play was solid.  Curtis Samuel was used correctly which leads me to be excited about the future.

Defense: A-

I really wanted to give an A, but the pressure up front was a little lacking for me.  I know the defensive scheme was to prevent the big play which leads to a more conservative approach so I'm not too upset.  The defensive backfield had a few hiccups and miscues, but nothing super problematic.  Malik Hooker made one of the best interceptions you'll see all year, but the underneath slant routes against linebackers is something to improve on.  I feel terrible for Tracy Sprinkle but that line is going to need to step up and fill the gap.  That youthful line will be forced to grow up fast, but Sam Hubbard has already shown plenty of spark.  Again, I'm very happy with what I see thus far.

Special Teams: A-

Nothing special to comment on here.  11/11 on PATs (I like that).  No kickoffs out of bounds (YAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!!).  The one downgrade was Wilson attempting to field that punt over the shoulder while running backward....woof.  Bad, Dontre...don't be Jalin Marshall, Ray Small, etc.

Coaching: A-

Coaching is easy in this type of game...usually.  I thought the offensive gameplan was fantastic, with the lone exception being that I'd have liked to see a bit more Mike Weber.  At 4th and 2, I think I'd have preferred Urban kick the field goal, not because it is the correct call, but because I'd like to see the kicker in a live game.  That being said, if you go for it, give it to Weber and let the kid fight for it.  Defensively, the conservative gameplan was a bit boring, but definitely got the job done so kudos.

Overall: A-

Not a ton of holes to work on, but not a perfect game (although very close).  It's nice to start with a game without more answers than questions.  Lots of youth, but no question about the amount of talent.  On to the next one.