Week 13: Antepiece

Standings:

1.) Schweinfurth 41-11 (0-12 upset)
2.) Hoying 39-13 (2-10 upset)
3.) Seeberg 35-17 (3-9 upset)
3.) Draper 35-17 (1-11 upset)

Per TVTropes.org: "An antepiece is a seemingly innocuous task that precedes a great-big-difficult-challenge, and gives you subtle hints about how you should deal with the great-big-challenge that you're about to confront." This week provides one last dry run for our beloved Buckeyes before the great big challenges begin to pile up in earnest.

Southern California Trojans @ Oregon Ducks

Draper: I think this game is much bigger than the wiseguys in Vegas (which likely means I'm wrong).  I really don't get the Oregon love.  They were beat at home by a very good IU team (during the day), struggled mightily against the Hawkeyes (probably should have lost), and lest we forget, went to double OT vs a Penn State team that <checks notes> just got their first B1G win in mid November.  The problem is that USC is incredibly inconsistent and usually struggles on the road. Eugene is a tough place to play, but it's a 3:30 kickoff (and IU had no problem).  Jayden Maiava has what it takes to pull this off (his name is Makai Lemon), but the fear of another pooping the bed on the road is there.  Oregon will ground and pound against a suspect (at best) Trojan defense and do enough to get the win, but it will be a battle.  I won't be shocked if Lincoln Riley rolls a seven and the Trojans become the new playoff hopeful in the B1G, but I'll be boring and pick the Ducks.  USC: 24--Ore: 27

Hoying: Are we sure that Oregon is good? The advanced stats love them (4th in SP+, for example), but the Ducks have played in 3 big games (OK, 1 big and 2 medium) and walked away with a walk off lead-changing FG victory, a double OT victory, and a 2-score home loss. I'm not convinced that they're trustworthy, but a team I like even less is USC on the road. As good as the Trojans have been at home (except for playing Iowa, the Big Ten's ultimate monkey wrench), their defense (what little of it existed in the first place) hasn't traveled this season. Oregon QB Dante Moore isn't producing at Dillon Gabriel levels yet; of course, wide receiver injuries don't help either (*nervous laugh*). But Notre Dame provided a blueprint for crushing the Trojans even if your team is over-reliant on the ground game, and nobody runs the ball better than the Ducks. Oregon cements a return to the Playoff and leaves USC still waiting for their first appearance. USC: 23--Ore: 31

Schweinfurth: This feels like a matchup that favors the Ducks. The Trojan defense doesn't appear like it can slow this Ducks team down. If USC is going to win, they will have to turn this into a massive shootout. I just don't see it. USC: 17--Ore: 35
Seeberg: This is a big one for the B1G. A USC win gets 4 playoff teams for the conference again. Sadly for the Trojans, Reggie Bush and Co. aren't galloping in to save the day. Improved play in the trenches (see: USC's dominance of TTUN) keeps them in it, but too much Dante Moore wins out over 4 quarters. USC: 24--Ore: 34

Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes

Draper: Don't. Get. Hurt.  With the trashy weather in Columbus right now, I'll be pretty surprised if we see Jeremiah or Carnell for much time unless there's residual Heisman hopes.  Sayin will play with the hope of getting that ugly second half vs. UCLA out of his mouth.  This should be a nice warm up for the Buckeye rushing attack as Buttgers run D is atrocious (little different next week).  Hopefully the Bucks can get some of the line issues tightened up <ahem....Tegra>.  The defense will have a slight test as Rutgers has the ability to move the ball through the air (also different from next week).  I'll be interested to see how the defense performs against a decent passing attack.  Rutgers trades a few blows, but the Buckeyes pull away and coast to turn the attention to the dark cloud up north.  The rain and rushing attack should keep the clock moving.  Stay healthy (PLEASE!!!!).  Rut: 13--OSU: 38

Hoying: "Gee, it sure is boring around here." "My boy, this peace is what all true warriors strive for!" "I just wonder what Michigan's up to..." The Buckeyes have been making the most of extended garbage time over the last two weeks, managing to pile points on long after the starters have been pulled. And this week, garbage time may come earlier than expected as one or both of the nation's top receivers may be on double secret injury probation once again. That means one more chance to get the running game going and nail down Sayin's timing with his backup receivers (and the squad of tight ends we've been rotating all year), just in case throwing to Smith and Tate over and over and over fails to work at some point during the Playoff. Rutgers brings a better-than-usual offense to Columbus this time but their defense is so awful that they aren't going to be able to match Ohio State score for score. With the Scarlet Knights one game away from bowl eligibility and facing a more winnable game at home against Penn State next week, both of these teams will be eager to leave this game behind as soon as possible. RSUNJ: 10--OSU: 34

Schweinfurth: The theme of this one for the Bucks is just get healthy. Ohio State can crush Rutgers without Smith and Tate, and that's okay. Keep Julian upright and out of the game as soon as possible. On both sides of the ball, identify what doesn't work and then just beat the crap of out it. This is can be a true prep game for next week. Run the ball, stay healthy and get ready for war. Rut: 7--OSU: 42
Seeberg: Ah, senior (and underclassmen we all know are leaving) day. Shame we can't recognize Downs and Reese and Tate like the seniors. In any event, this one looks to be another "boring" win like Purdue, particularly if 4 and 17 sit. Maybe a pick 6 or another return TD will spice things up? Regardless, I'll take boring wins over those inexplicable Urban losses any time. For God's sake keep everyone healthy for the 29th. Hope Schiano tries some more funny business and gets his ass reamed again. Rut: 10--OSU: 37

Upset Special

Draper: Wisconsin over Illinois
Hoying: Kentucky over Vanderbilt

Schweinfurth: Maryland over Michigan
Seeberg: Arkansas over Texas