By Pete Quint
OSUMB.net

Youngstown State Penguins

Pregame Hype:            The national and local media along with many fans lambasted the athletic department and Coach Tressel for allowing this type of game to happen.  “YSU (a Division 2 team) shouldn’t be on the same field as the Buckeyes,” many said and the University faced great nationally scrutiny as the teams took the field. 

The Game:                   OSU 38 – YSU 6 The Buckeyes took care of business and beat the Penguins convincingly without blowing them away.  Lots of fresh faces saw action as the Buckeyes were able to go three deep on both sides of the ball without missing a beat.  Biggest downside to the game was the broken leg starting defensive end Lawrence Wilson suffered that ended his promising season.

The Verdict:                It wasn’t even a good warm-up.  Even from C-Deck, the Buckeyes were noticeably bigger than the Penguins.  Even with the safety, there wasn’t a doubt from the opening kick-off on what the outcome would be.  Best thing about the game was seeing the Alumni Band come out of the tunnel with 600+ strong.

Akron Zips

Pregame Hype:            Another cupcake on the schedule gets the Buckeyes in more heat for not having a tougher non-conference schedule.  In state Akron is happy to trade a walloping for a big paycheck.

The Game:                   OSU 20 – Akron 2 A less than impressive showing by the young Buckeye offense was outshined by a fantastic performance by a veteran defense.  Beanie Wells got it going late in the game and the starters didn’t see much of the fourth quarter. 

The Verdict:                We knew the defense was going to be good and the schedule lined up perfectly for the young offense to be able to gel together.  Thankfully a lot of underclassmen got to play.

Washington Huskies

Pregame Hype:            The first challenge for the Buckeyes of the 2007 campaign.  Mobile quarterback Jake Locker is a real threat as Washington brings a good defense to the table to test the untested young Buckeye offense.

The Game:                   OSU 33 – Washington 14 An exciting first half turned into a second half route.  The Buckeyes took control of the game despite an outstanding performance from Locker.  Great offensive line play allowed Todd Boeckman to play far beyond his on field experience. Beanie Wells wore down the defense as he punished Washington with his physical style of running.

The Verdict:                The win convinced Buckeye nation that they were surely going to be undefeated going into the Penn State game.  Rumblings of a trip to Pasadena started to make their rounds.

Northwestern Wildcats

Pregame Hype:            The final game in the Y.A.W.N. stretch.  Finally a Big Ten opponent; too bad it’s the Wildcats.  The Bucks still get crap concerning the schedule. 

The Game:                   OSU 58 – Northwestern 7 The defense really made a statement this week and could have pitched a shutout if they had left their starters in the entire game.  The offense scored on their first three possessions making it 21-0 in the first quarter.  The Wildcats collapsed after Vernon Gholston picked up a fumble and returned it for a touchdown. 

The Verdict:                We all knew that Ohio State was going to win this one but no one thought they would so completely dominate the Wildcats on both sides of the ball.  Many Buckeye fans started looking ahead at the schedule and believing that they could go undefeated into the Penn State game in mid-October.