OSU wins over UM - Some Favorites; The Poaching of UM Asst's; The Playoff Picture ....Colin-Baver Q&A: THE GAME week (Part 2 of 2)

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Colin: We have had so many sweet wins against Michigan since 2000. What are your personal top five favorites?

Baver: I’ll go ahead and exclude the 2002 win that sent OSU to the Nat’l Title Game and the 2006 battle between undefeated #1 vs undefeated #2....those two are too easy. Of the rest of the Buckeye wins, I took the most enjoyment from these...(listed pretty much in ascending order)

Ohio St 37 Michigan 21 (2004) – You want to talk about a “1-game season”....ask a Buckeye fan what they remember about the 2004 season, and you might get, “Isn’t that the year Ted Ginn had the punt return down the Michigan sideline for a touchdown?” Another fan might say, “That was the year Troy Smith had his coming out party against Michigan.” I think those two things come to mind first, as opposed to Ohio State having 3-consecutive losses at one point that year, on the way to a 4-loss season. This game trumped the 4 losses.

Ohio St 25 Michigan 21 (2005) – With 7:49 remaining, UM kicked a field goal to go up 21-12....this after Ohio State had dominated early on, leading 9-0 in the 2nd quarter. I was sick to my stomach. I had watched the game at the Worthington Legion, and a friend of mine was so disgusted that he left at that point to leave early for a hunting trip. A little over a minute later, Troy hit Santonio Holmes for a TD. Not long after came the Gonzo Catch, and that set up the Antonio Pittman’s game-winning TD. 

Ohio St 26 Michigan 20 (2001) – In games I attended in Ann Arbor, Ohio St was 0-3 in prior to this one. This game backed up the comment Jim Tressel made the day he was hired (Jan 18, 2001), “I assure you that you will be proud of our young people, in the classroom, in the community, and most-especially in 310 days in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on the football field.” I ended up getting food poisoning having to stop on the way home several times to throw up. It was well worth it.

Ohio St 62 Michigan 39 (2018) – OSU came into this one a 4½-pt dog, having given up 51 pts the week before to a Maryland team that finished 5-7. It was finally time for the dominance to end, with Michigan having their best team since 2006 and a top-4 ranking. That kind of talk was music to Urban Meyer’s ears. This game was way worse than the score, and Ohio St figured out that they had a little-known weapon named Chris Olave. When the clock hit 0:00 “Revenge Tour” t-shirts hit the discount racks.

Ohio St 30 Michigan 27, 2OT (2016) – Watched this one with my old man. Come late 2nd quarter I had stopped yelling at the TV. Ohio State was only down a FG but they were getting physically dominated. It seemed like the day had finally come, and yelling wasn’t going to change things. But with a 3-0 lead and 4:10 to go in the half, on first down, Harbaugh chose to throw from his own 6 yd-line. Malik Hooker picked off Speight’s errant throw, returning it for six changing the complexion of the game. Then the last 5 minutes of regulation and the two overtimes were mind blowing. 

Colin: Ohio State poached two assistant coaches from the Michigan in the offseason. These two guys have obviously help transform this Buckeye defense from mediocrity to possibly the best defense in the country. Your thoughts on how their hires molded this Buckeye team, could their hires work against OSU tomorrow?

Baver: I’ll be honest, I wasn’t that excited to get Greg Mattison as defensive coordinator. At age 69, he was 4 years removed from his D-coordinator job at UM, having been downgraded to D-line coach in 2015. But this is why Ryan Day is paid millions, while I am making a wee bit less. The difference in this defense from last year to this is simply unreal. I was though happy at the time OSU landed Al Washington Jr. Washington was the best recruiting assistant UM had, and I had little doubt that he’d be an upgrade over Bill Davis as OSU’s LB coach. And the results he has gotten as LB coach have been HUGE.

I’m sure these hired give UM players & coaches more of a reason to want to beat Ohio St, but I don’t think this helps their chances tomorrow. After a couple of drives, emotions settle down, and the game usually comes down to: who is more talented, who wins the battle in the trenches, and whose coaches make the better calls. And I trust Ryan Day to ensure that his assistant’s tendencies don’t translate to UM advantages.

Colin: What does tomorrow’s game mean for OSU’s playoff chances and how do you see the entire playoff picture right now?

Baver: My thoughts...

--Ohio St: A win in the B10 Title game puts OSU in; a loss in that game leaves them out. OSU-UM game would only effect seeding if OSU is in.

--LSU: The Tigers are in if they simply win 1 of their last 2 gms.

--Clemson: May need to win both of their last 2 gms. A tight loss in one of the two of them makes it close to a 50/50 call as to the Clemson getting in.

--Georgia: Need to win out. A loss in either game, they are out.

--Alabama: Need a win & a couple upsets to get in, but one of the upsets CANNOT be Ga over LSU. 

--Utah and Oklahoma: If one team wins out and the other doesn’t, the team wining out is likely in.

--Baylor: Need to win both the next two, do so impressively, and need help.

—Brent Baver and Colin Gawel

Breaking News! Big $ Files Browns Story From Unnamed Bar / Tailgate on North Coast.

The North Coast Posse are considered a top five Browns follow by the actual Cleveland Browns. Follow on Twitter @northcoastposse

Browns finally got a home win versus the Bills. Did you see any signs of improvement? What is still concerning?

In a vacuum where progressive commercials and SI covers do not exist, I would say a simple eye test points to improvement from 2018-2019. Last year in Oct/Nov, teams like the Chargers, Chiefs , Steelers, and Texans were flat out curb stomping Baker and the Browns. The Browns have clearly been more competitive this year against winning teams (even if the score doesn't always reflect it.. With that said....

What is concerning is that these "moral victories" could of been actual wins if the coaching and strategy matched the jump in roster talent. Freddie continues to coach on the fly, both in terms of weekly prep and in game situations. If he doesn't commit to a heavy run first philosophy against Pittsburgh, it will be abundantly clear that his naivety + stubborn nature make him an awful fit for NFL head coach.

It’s a short week coming into a “rivalry” game with the Steelers Thursday. Is this an advantage to either team and how important is it that the Browns win this game against a Steeler team with no Big Ben, AB or Levon Bell?

Piggybacking on the last answer, having less time for Fred to install nonsense is a complete advantage to the Browns. Here is to hoping that the super short week neuters his ego so that he will be forced to rely on the teams strengths and talents (ie run first, down hill football)

If you’d like to add my prediction, I’m staying positive and hoping the Browns ride the victory wave. The CH-unt combo pays big dividends: Browns 28 Steelers 14

If the Browns Lose to Denver Should Freddie Be Fired? NCP Has the Answer.

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There is only one question this week but it's a big one. Based on what we have seen so far, if the Browns lose to the Broncos this week, should Freddy Kitchens be fired?

Big $: My answer is short and sweet. The earliest I believe that firing Freddie could of been considered was halftime against the Titans. The latest it SHOULD of happened was immediately following the Titans debacle. The team was lost and looking for guidance and the coach was even more confused. This nonsense led to the team quitting and the filth and muck that attached itself to the season has yet to be shook. I believe we’ve reached manziel-ian levels of incompetence and the more it lingers the harder it’s going to be to right the ship. Freddie must go.

The Ice Cube: The answer is “yes, but ….”  I freely admit that the former used car salesman had me sold at the beginning of the year.  Given the way he had the offense clicking in the second half of last year and the “us-versus-the-world” rhetoric that flowed in his Southern drawl, I believed Freddy was the right guy to lead this team back to relevance.  I now have a severe case of buyer’s remorse.  I have had enough of the platitudes and excuses that now fill the post-loss pressers.  If he “doesn’t coach penalties,” then why the hell are the Browns still getting flagged a dozen times per game at the season’s halfway point.  If Freddy doesn’t coach them, he sure as shit doesn’t coach his players how to stop committing them, either.  It is abundantly clear that Freddy is not ready for his role.  He may be a proficient coordinator, but he ain’t head coach material, at least not yet.  It was maddening that the Browns still had multiple opportunities to make a game out of last week’s loss against the bulletproof Patriots.  But, like in too many instances throughout this season, Cleveland keeps pulling a Plaxico Burress and shooting itself in the leg with mindless penalties, unbelievable turnovers, baffling play-calling, and ridiculous replay challenges.  Should Freddy be fired if the Browns lose to Denver: Absolutely.  He has earned that fate, but Jimmy Haslam cannot pull the trigger now.  Who is going to take Freddy’s place, especially mid-season?  The first step is for Freddy to give up play-calling duties, so he can focus on his role CEO.  Maybe then he can finally start to show some growth himself. 

North Coast Posse is Calling the Browns Upset - by Big $

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My son Owen and I went to the Seattle game two weeks ago. The good: It was a highly entertaining game with lots of drama. The bad: The Browns lost a winnable game.

So Question #1: What are your good and bad takeaways from that game?

Big $: The Seahawks game was incredibly disappointing, however when you rewind the clock to 2018, and examine how the Browns faired against quality opponents there is some room for optimism. The Browns were completely overmatched by the Chiefs,Chargers, Texans and Steelers last year. All things considered, they should of beat Seattle, who are a definitive playoff team. Therefore, I’m holding onto a kernel of hope that things are on an upswing.

Final question: What should we expect good and bad vs the Pats this Sunday?

Big $: As a native Clevelander and long time Browns fan, I’m a glutton for punishment. Therefore, I’m going out on a serious limb and risking devastating disappointment by expecting a Browns win. Baker ain’t afraid of no ghosts : Browns 31 Pats 20

A 2019 NBA Preview - by Ben Galli

They just announced the most hyped rookie in 16 years, Zion Williamson is going to miss the first 6-8 weeks of the season due to injury. (cue the Greg Oden groans) We might as well wait til Christmas too. The NBA debuts its season really in the thickest of things. The World Series reminds people baseball is finally almost over. The NFL is approaching midseason, an intense time for many fans with playoff aspirations and Bills fans regardless. In college football, Wisconsin has once again choked in another promising season. Oh yeah and hockey’s started but do you even skate, bro?

The NBA season really doesn’t start until the Christmas Day games when the narratives for the regular season really gain steam and we have a sense of teams’ true identities. That being said, here, to satisfy my lust for being right are some predictions for this upcoming season.

Eastern Conference

The Cavs aren’t gonna be contending this year. They’re gonna play the small market strategy and develop their youths and hope to hit stardom in the lottery again. The Cavs tv ratings dropped 58% last season but it still ranked 6th in the NBA. A testament to the loyalty of Northeast Ohio and also there’s not that much better stuff to do really. I’m going to avoid making the obviously terrible pun but not be able to resist making you think about it. Where once there were Witnesses, there will now be Winston….Garland fans. Garland’s only played 5 games since high school (part of the Kyrie comparisons) but how he play acts with last year’s first rounder Collin Sexton will determine if the Cavs have the next Lillard-McCollum or Marbury-Francis.

There’s a lot of interesting teams vying for the 2nd tier in the East (see: Hawks, Heat, Nets, Pacers) but the East boils down to the Bucks and the 76ers. The 76ers have a chance to build on chemistry and with the most talented team in the East, make that final leap. But it’s hard to go against a determined Giannis and Mike Budenholzer’s proven system trying to make their own. The Bucks will need to replace Malcolm Brogdon however while Philly might replace Brett Brown mid-season if anything smells rotten.

Playoffs: 1. Bucks 2. 76ers 3. Celtics 4. Nets 5. Pacers 6. Heat 7. Hawks 8. Magic

Bucks over Magic, 76ers over Hawks, Celtics over Heat, Pacers over Nets

Bucks over Pacers, 76ers over Celtics

76ers over Bucks

Western Conference

In the West it’s the Battle of Los Angeles that looms largest but there’s no shortage of big time story lines here. Harden and Westbrook in Hot Shots Part Deux, Harden’s second stint with another ball dominant superstar, the Warriors getting into “They Doubt Us!” mode, and everyone who hates superstar teams wildly rooting for the Jazz, Nuggets, and Blazers. But let me tell you folks. I’ve watched about 2 and a half preseason games and there’s no doubt in my mind, the Lakers have the potential to go 82-0. They might make all their opponents look like the Washington Generals, or frankly, the Wizards.

But all kidding aside, the battle for the playoffs and seeding in the West will be fantastic. And the playoffs should be out of control. And with up and coming teams like the Mavs, Kings, and yes, the Timberwolves still, the race for the playoffs will be a battle between the old guard and the new. But I learned my lesson to never go against the Spurs.

Playoffs: 1. Clippers 2. Lakers 3. Jazz 4. Nuggets 5. Blazers 6. Rockets 7. Warriors 8. Spurs

Clippers over Spurs, Lakers over Warriors, Rockets over Jazz, Nuggets over Blazers

Clippers over Nuggets, Lakers over Rockets

Lakers over Clippers

MVP: Anthony Davis: He should have a career high in assists and LeBron might lead the league in them. We’ll see how sincere James was when he said he would pass the torch or how much his ego will want the personal glory. It’s really his choice who wins MVP this year.

Defensive Player of the Year: Lawrence Taylor: Best I ever seen. But to pick a current NBA player, let’s go Joel Embiid in an upset.

Most Improved: Lonzo Ball: I think Lonzo will flourish with his old teammates, some proper veteran leadership from Jrue Holliday, and the obviously lesser pressure of signing with No Limit versus Death Row. Okay, maybe I dated myself.

6th Man of the Year: Spencer Dinwiddie: I don’t see Lou Williams three-peating and Spencer Dinwiddie is good. Kyle Kuzma should also get votes but I don’t want people to think I’m a Lakers fan or anything. Plus, peep Dinwiddie’s contract proposal where he’s selling shares of it to high end investors.

Rookie of the Year: Zion Williamson: *If Zion doesn’t miss more than half the season, otherwise after seeing 3 highlights of Tyler Herro (UK player on the Heat) on Twitter, he’s my second choice.

Coach of the Year: Frank Vogel: I think everyone just feels sad for him cause he was their 3rd choice and Ty Lue was ahead of him and Jason Kidd is sneaky.

Oh and the Finals Pick: 40 years to the day, Alex Caruso steps into the center role for an injured Anthony Davis and leads the Lakers to a shocking Game 6 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Enjoy the season! Follow @bengalli33

NCP Preview: Browns vs Seahawks

All Browns fans must follow the NCP on Twitter @northcoastposse

Ravens win very good. Niners loss very bad. Which game is closer to the truth for the Browns?

The Ice Cube: Sadly, they are both the truth. This team can look as good as they did in the rout of Baltimore and as putrid as they did in that disaster on Monday night. I do think the mean is closer to the performance against the Ravens though. Keep in mind that the Browns had two new starting linebackers against the 49ers, and they got WORKED by Kyle Shanahan’s scheme. Plus, the 49ers got an interception at the goal line when fresh-off-suspension Antonio Callaway set the ball in the air like a volleyball player when the game was still 14-3. A TD there would have put the game on a different trajectory. Few other teams have a pass-rush as dominating as Nick Bosa and crew, too. Last week may have been an anomaly, hopefully, but it showed how the Browns are still capable of appearing Not Ready for Prime Time. The good news is that the schedule will get easier in the second half, but they still have to get through Seattle and New England first.

Big $- I believe the Baltimore game told us more about the Ravens and the AFC North, then it did about the Browns as a whole. The division is trash this year, which means that even if the Browns are closer to the team that travelled across the country for that whuppin’ last week, they may still have a chance to fly an AFC north banner in 2019.

Should fans be more concerned with the performance of Baker Mayfield or Freddie Kitchens?

The Ice Cube: Another great debate, but Freddie’s performance raises more concerns for me. Baker is still really young and is making some normal rookie-type mistakes. That is understandable. Freddie, though, still hasn’t reigned in the penalties and players often appear out of position or confused as to where to line up pre-snap. Part of that problem can be attributed to second-teamers filling in for injured starters, but the margin of error is very small and leadership needs to get this team running more smoothly.

Big $: Hello everybody, My name is Big $ and I am a Baker Mayfield apologist. Sophomore slumps are very common in a league in which film study and strategy are razor sharp. Adjustments come and go. Baker has still proven that he can put balls in spots reserved the elite signal callers in the NFL. That coupled with his tenacity will lead to him bouncing back. Freddie, on the other hand, is a different story. Its clear that opposing coaches are scheming circles around him and he appears lost. The most glaring concern I have arose when he threw OBJ back to return a punt late against SF. He had already pulled his starting QB, so I’m not real sure why exposing a top 3 team asset was even on the table at that point. Most grade school coaches would of steered clear of a stunt like that. As of now, I’m not sure Freddie finishes the season. His used car salesman bravado probably had more to do with his meteoric rise from RB coach on a Hue Jackson led 1-31 team to HC of a “perceived” Super Bowl contender. If things continue to head south, a mid season ouster may be necessary to send a message, specifically to Baker, who seems to see Freddie as more of a pal then authority figure. A coach with (winning) NFL experience (I’m looking at you Mike McCarthy) may right the ship.

What needs to go right this Sunday for the Browns to beat the Seahawks and is this a must win game?

The Ice Cube: The Seahawks D is not as good as it has been in recent years. It rates in the middle of the pack in terms of points and yards surrendered per game. But they are strong against the run. The Browns are going to have to move the ball through the air. One of Baker’s favorite targets, Hollywood Higgins, should be back on the field this week, which will help, but Baker has got to take what is available to him and stop trying to force the ball into tight coverage, or hold the ball too long when waiting for other options to open up. On defense, the Browns might get Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams back from injury, too, but there has to be better play from linebackers Mack Wilson and Adarius Taylor. The biggest disappoint this year had been the lack of production from Sheldon Richardson and Olivier Vernon on the defensive line, who have combined for just 24 tackles and 1 sack. It is hard to believe they will turn things around against the extremely elusive Russell Wilson. But if the Browns can control the clock and keep the ball out of Wilson’s hands, the game should be at least fun to watch. Anything will be better than last week’s performance, which was like having a 4 hour dental appointment.