What Writers are Saying About Saturday's Showdown
Sept. 10, 2010
CORAL GABLES — The No. 12 Univeristy of Miami football team won’t have to look far for movitation this Saturday.
The national media does not have high hopes for the ‘Canes in their showdown at the Horseshoe with No. 2 Ohio State.
Here is a list of predictions (motivation) from a wide range of writers and one famous UM alum:
ESPN Blog Debate: Heather Dinich & Adam Rittenberg
Pick: Ohio State to win in close game
Quote: “Miami certainly has the talent to win this game. The Canes must win the turnover battle, force Pryor into some bad decisions and hold the edge on special teams, which surprisingly might be Ohio State’s biggest weakness this year. While I forecast a great game, I don’t see the upset.”
ESPN Scouts Inc
Pick: Ohio State 27, Miami 24
Quote: “These programs have combined for 12 national titles and accounted for 80 first-round picks in the past 25 NFL drafts. Ohio State’s controversial 2003 Fiesta Bowl win over Miami — which won the national title for the Buckeyes — will also generate a great deal of buzz leading up to this showdown.
Bruce Feldman ESPN.com
Pick: Ohio State 28, Miami 27 in an “epic game”
Quote: “Miami has the athletes to match up with OSU and behind Jacory Harris, the Canes won’t be intimidated by playing in the Horseshoe. They have a lot of talent, especially at receiver and running back. The question for UM will be this: Can its big O-line, which isn’t that experienced, hold up against an outstanding D-line on the road? I have my doubts. Terrelle Pryor loves to work the deep middle of the field. According to ESPN Stats and Info, since the start of the ’09 season, Pryor completes 58 percent of his throws of at least 15 yards downfield as opposed to just 38 percent working the left and right sides of the field. Miami linebackers struggled in coverage at times last season and he should be able to do some damage here.”
CBSSports.com
Pick: 1 of 5 picked the Hurricanes
Quote: “Saturday is less about character and more about the meeting of superpowers on this Showdown Saturday. Both teams dropped 45 points on their outmatched season-opening opponents. Miami posted its first shutout (vs. Florida A&M) since 2007. This is Tressel’s best team since 2002, ranked second in both polls and coming off a Rose Bowl win.”
The Rock
Pick: A Big Win By Miami
Quote: “I hope you Buckeyes are boarding your doors and windows”
Scout.com
Pick: Ohio State 27, Miami 20
Quote: “Terrelle, get ready to get hit. Pryor is fantastic on the move and he has quickly become a better decision maker. He’s doing a better job of keeping his eyes down the field to find his targets rather than look short before taking off. This week, he’ll have to make his adjustments and his reads well before the snap against a defensive front that should be in the backfield all game long.”
NBCNews.com
Pick: Ohio State 27, Miami 23
Quote: “Harris is a better pocket passer than Pryor, but his fearlessness with the football played a role in him throwing 17 interceptions last year. That could be a problem if Buckeye DE Cameron Heyward is allowed to get loose and speed up Harris’ timing.”
Bucknuts
Pick: Ohio State Cruises 27-13
Quote: ” My other concern is protecting Pryor. We will see the tackles tested.
I thought Mike Adams had his best game as a Buckeye last Saturday. He had a couple of bad plays but it was not so long ago that it was harder to find his good plays than singling out his bad ones. These Miami ends will test he and J.B. Shugarts.”
