And I Paid for These Seats?

I'm not sure that I will ever complain about dry grass again ...

Of course, we cannot control the weather and Ohio is not exactly known for its predictability, I have to say that was among the few times in Ohio Stadium where the rain was that hard ... so hard as to look like snow, so hard as to "hear" it as it beat down on those hardy souls in attendance. But it was worth it.

What did we see ...

A running game!

The first back-to-back shut out game since 1996!

A watered down Juice bottled ...

The defense. What can I say about defense. I point to the emergence of the active Brian Rolle who was well known for his hard-hits on special teams but somewhat of an unknown at the MLB spot. Well, he saved the Navy game, and thwarted probably Illinois' best drive of the day with another timely INT. And his enthusiasm has spread amongst that team. The defense is active, hard-hitting, and focused.

And the other defensive leader - the DLine - since 2002, probably OSU's deepest and most talented. Cam Heyward remains unblockable, forcing the opponent to double-team him at their own risk. And his teammates Thad Gibson had a huge game - in fact, he was responsible for one of the 3-and-out Illinois possessions.

And the consummate leader, Kurt Coleman. But I am a bit disappointed in his personal foul, blow to the head call. Coleman was quickly replaced on the field. But Coleman continues to lead the team in tackles with B-Rolle (as Tressel calls him), game after game. Coleman had 9 vs Illinois.

Did anyone notice that the Buckeyes figured out how to run the ball? And it couldn't have happened at a more opportune time ... the rain made seeing the game from my vantage point a bit difficult, but I cannot imagine trying to find the ball in the air. So Pryor threw a whopping 2 passes in the entire first half ... and completed 0.

When asked about the running game in the post-game, it was noted by the reporter that the rushing attempts were largely from Pryor in the shotgun and Tressel, in his senator-like response, stated that the "efficiency" of that formation after 3 games was found to be the highest. Whatever ... it worked.

And there might be some settling by the coaches on an Oline. Big Mike Adams got the start at left tackle with Boren (LG), Mike Brewster (C), Bryant Browning (RG), and JB Shuggarts (RT). Shuggarts settled down after 3 false start calls last week. And overall, the line played pretty well. No sacks on Pryor - though a lot of that is on Pryor - and a handful of TFLs by Illinois.

Pryor had a workmanlike day - finishing with 13 pass attempts, completing 8 for 82 yards and a TD. And that last TD was Pryor's call - he told Tress and Hazell that they should go for it and Pryor made the play and the pass. Pryor also had 59 yards rushing on 11 attempts.

Boom Herron, after getting blasted in the local Dispatch earlier in the week for his 2.2 yard per carry average, ran for 75 yards on 14 attempts and 2 TDs. Brandon Saine had 13 attempts and 81 yards. The flashy Jordan Hall got in late ... he continues to flash greatness ... and he lugged the rock 7 times for 22 yards.

Did you see a pass thrown and caught by a fullback! OMG! and a pass thrown and caught by a tight end! OMG! And another fine effort by the day's offensive captain, Dane Sanzenbacher with 3 catches for 36 yards and 1 TD.

Next up, night game at Bloomington where the zebras took a possible victory away from the Hoosiers in the Big House. How will the Hoosiers feel? Like they can hang with anyone or deflated? Doesn't matter. The Bucks need to be feeling confident going into the stadium feeling like, and knowing, they can stop anyone.

The last time the Bucks shut out opponents in 3 consecutive regular season games ... 1924.

GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!