Ohio State is going to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1997. The foot of former Major League Soccer player Devin Barclay gave the Buckeyes a 27-24 overtime win over the Iowa Hawkeyes Saturday. Barclay's 39-yard kick came after Ohio State picked off Iowa quarterback James Vandenberg's desperation heave on the Hawkeyes' first possession of overtime.Vandenberg, replacing the injured Ricky Stanzi, was unimpressive last week but performed much better after a week of preparation. The two defenses essentially dominated the game until the fourth quarter when OSU started running effectively and Iowa began to throw the ball almost at will.
Both teams had ample opportunities to put the game away but failed to capitalize. A bizarre rushing call on third-and-eight deep in Iowa territory killed one of OSU's fourth-quarter drives, leading to Barclay missing a 47-yard field goal. A Buckeye pick-six of Vandenberg was nullified by an offsides penalty. Iowa's usually reliable placekicker Daniel Murray missed a 22-yard chip shot early in the third quarter. Perhaps most confusingly, both coaches refused to try to win the game in regulation despite having plenty of time on the clock.
The Buckeyes now head to the Rose Bowl for the first time since after the 1996 season. They have now won at least a share of five consecutive conference titles and will head to their fifth straight BCS bowl game.
Next Saturday's home game against Minnesota now takes on greater importance for Iowa. A win would give the Hawkeyes at least a shot at a BCS at-large berth, though Penn State and Wisconsin may be in the running for that berth, as well. Should the Hawkeyes win next week it will be their fourth 10-win season under Kirk Ferentz, putting him two seasons ahead of former coach Hayden Fry's mark.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-15-2009 @ 6:01AM
mcmahan4581 said...
Just another in the long line of news people, jealous of all that Ohio State is/does and remains top of the line in most years. Yes not a visit to the rose bowl since 96 But....where were we other year....? yes we as fans want more mix of plays but we are not there day in and day out for the development of TP, so lets understand, that he's only a kid trying to become a greater talent and Tressel understand it better then we think....so all those TV "mikes" and you news hogs, you don't have clue. Go Bucks, great program and it is real football. Love it or leave it.
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11-15-2009 @ 6:04AM
billykopf said...
Pryor will leave Ohio State afetr this season and turn to a basketball career at another school. Tressel continues to under utilize talent this late in the season. This was a terribly coached game on his part. Will not continue to work against equal or better talent let alone a more dynamic coach. I feel bad for Prior and any hope of Ohio State recruiting top QB talent. Can't get on relying on Cleveland Glenville source.
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11-15-2009 @ 8:18AM
Mike said...
Prior will be back with some players who will now have some experience. Next year,,,Buckeyes #1. Watch and learn.
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11-15-2009 @ 1:25PM
butchwhitt said...
Hey Hasty, why aren't you still bashing the Buckeyes, and telling us how bad they will get beat in the Rose Bowl? Can't believe you have already run out of cheap shots...
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11-16-2009 @ 2:26PM
asonjack said...
Tressel is so overrated. He runs a jr.vasity HS offense. the talent he has makes it work. If Pryor was in Michigan's, Oregon's, Florida's, or Cincy's offense he would be around number 5 on the Heisman list. He needs more freedom. Either have confidence in your qb or get one you do have confidence in. Pryor throwing 15/18 for 88 yards. Let him open it up a little. Pryor is fustrated.
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11-16-2009 @ 2:31PM
asonjack said...
Tressel was out coached in every big game. When they were beaten by Florida he allowed the players to take the blame. If he would have spreaded the offense and kept running Pittman they would have been more successful. He had the most talented teams in the last four years. Look how many players went to the league offense and defense. Ohio State won't change because he'll have the talent to win the big ten but not the big game.
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