Things to Watch

Injury Update

Offensive lineman J.B. Shugarts has been dealing with an injured foot, missed the second half last week and is expected to miss a couple games. Safety Corey "Pittsburgh" joins the growing group of injured Buckeye defenders, and he will be out through Spring 2011 practices after a knee surgery. Also injured in the secondary this season are: CJ Barnett for the season (knee); Tyler Moeller for the season (chest); Christian Bryan for the regular season (knee); LB Ross Homan will miss another game with a sprained foot; and Homan's backup Dorian Bell will miss the game with a concussion. It has been speculated that LB Etienne Sabino will sacrifice his redshirt season and get some time at linebacker, but Tressel confirmed that OSU has no plans to play Sabino and he won't make the trip to Minnesota.

 

Player to Watch

The Buckeyes have been looking for a solid #3 or #4 receiver after the loss of Duron Carter this summer. Taurian Washington for the most part has been the #3 receiver and TE Jake Stonebrunner has been a solid option when healthy. The up and coming receiver is Corey "Philly" Brown, a true freshman. Last week he had his first career touchdown reception and had 2 receptions for 38 yards. Unfortunately he was part of one of Pryor's interceptions, but it didn't prove to be fatal in the game. In total he has 81 yards, which puts him at sixth at OSU in yards this season, but he has averaged 13.5 yards/reception which is third best amongst the OSU receivers with at least five receptions.     

 

What Bowl Game Will OSU Play

It is very early and a lot could change, but inquiring minds want to know. Let's do a quick summary. Michigan State has beat Wisconsin. Wisconsin has beat OSU. Wisconsin has beat Iowa. That leaves Iowa with one loss in the conference, Wisconsin with one loss, OSU with one loss, and Michigan State with none. Michigan State plays at Iowa this weekend. OSU plays at Iowa in November. Obviously if Michigan State wins out, it will win the Big Ten and either go to the BCS National Championship or represent the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl, and Wisconsin or OSU could take another BCS spot. If OSU wins out, beating Iowa, and Michigan State loses, OSU could possibly jump Wisconsin in the BCS rankings for either the National Championship Game or the Rose Bowl. OSU still needs some other teams on top to lose to get into the National Championship Game, but crazier things have happened and #1 teams are dropping like flies.