Buckeyes Face First Big Test of 2007 Campaign Tomorrow

After opening the season with two wins over smaller in-state schools (Youngstown State and Akron), my Ohio State Buckeyes, in a rebuilding year, head west to play the University of Washington tomorrow. The Huskies, also 2-0, are fresh off of their first win over a ranked team in four years. So, this will be the Buckeyes' first real test of the season.

There are reasons for concern. I know that the Buckeyes are presently ranked 10th. in the country. But early season polling means little. (Just think of Michigan, now 0-2, ranked 5th. as the season began.) And, the Buckeyes haven't faced major opponents or been away from Ohio Stadium.

While OSU's defense has been fantastic so far, the offense, decimated by the graduations or early departures of great players, has been sketchy. If the Buckeyes can pass this early away-game test, we OSU grads might even hope for a share of this year's Big Ten title.

Molly Yanity, who works the Huskie beat for The Seattle Post-Intelligencer though, sees things a bit differently from that. In her P-I blog today, Yanity unflinchingly picks Ohio State, after a defensive faceoff, to win. Here's the text of her entire post:

With Washington's run-stopping ability shining of late and the Buckeyes' dangerous linebackers, this should be a defensive struggle.

I believe, though, that the Buckeyes have an edge when it comes to big games – every time they play, it's before a huge, loud crowd. Even beyond that, their rivalry games are intense, they go to bowl games, everyone they play puts a target on them.

That experience will pay off as the Huskies haven't played in a game with a ton of meaning. Let's face it -- this games MEANS something in Seattle. A top-10 team is coming to the Huskies' house and the air will be electric.

Buckeyes win, 17-7.

This pick has nothing to do with the fact that I was born and raised in Athens, Ohio, which is about 90 miles from Columbus. Honestly! In Athens, you root for the Ohio U. Bobcats and roll your eyes at the bully cousin in the middle of the state. Trust me, an upset in Seattle would send my family into cartwheels.

For a more cautionary perspective, check out what Tim May and Ken Gordon, The Columbus Dispatch reporters who cover Ohio State football have to say about tomorrow's game.

Go, Buckeyes!

[Above picture: Yahoo.com]

UPDATE: Yanity looks pretty smart. The Bucks won 33-14. (By the way, check out the great Columbus Dispatch headline here. Perfect for a game won by Ohio State in Seattle.)