Perkis-Size Me

June 25th, 2013 at 12:51 PM ^

The same Kirk Herbstreit who predicted Purdue would win the Big Ten last year?

Although I suppose this could just be his way of trying to win back the OSU fan base.

WolverineHistorian

June 25th, 2013 at 1:15 PM ^

Their cakewalk schedule gives them a decent chance of getting to Ann Arbor undefeated, which means no matter what happens at the big house, they would already be in the conference title game. 

Maybe they'll have a slip up against a bad opponent.  Crappy Pudue teams have knocked them off twice is the last couple years, and the Boilers SHOULD have won in Columbus last year.  At Northwestern looks like big game but every time that matchup is hyped, OSU seems to win big. 

Indiana won't put 49 points on their defense again.  Best chances at losses (other than us) would probably be Wisconsin or Northwestern.  Maybe Purdue just because they seem to have their number. 

Decatur Jack

June 25th, 2013 at 1:26 PM ^

Not so much. 11W once gave him that illustrious title for predicting Arkansas would beat OSU in the Sugar Bowl.

I think a lot of this is him trying to get back into Ohio fans' good graces, but also the Buckeye schedule is practically cake up until Michigan, so stating that they'll be undefeated is not all that bold.

Yeah, he's predicting a win over M, but that's because he's a Buckeye. What the hell else is he going to say at an OSU event? "Ohio State could play in the national championship...if they get past Michigan"?  Cue the boos from Buckeye fans.

stephenrjking

June 25th, 2013 at 2:34 PM ^

Herbie is basically just predicting a win in the B1G title game. It is highly unlikely that they wouldn't be there--Wisconsin is their only divisional threat, and I don't see Wisconsin either beating OSU in Columbus, or going through their conference schedule with only one loss while OSU drops two (NW and Michigan, presumably).

Would OSU beat Nebraska or Sparty in Indy? I would think so. No stretch there. Would they beat Michigan? Well, either they beat Michigan in Ann Arbor and are a clear favorite on a neutral field, or they lose to Michigan in Ann Arbor and get the rematch-planning advantage on a neutral field--both good scenarios for OSU from an objective standpoint. Regardless of the result at Michigan Stadium, Pasadena would be on the table. 

It sounds like Herbie's prediction of either Pasadena location assumes a B1G championship, with the only question being the Ann Arbor result. Seems plausible to me--except that Michigan will win both games.

snarling wolverine

June 25th, 2013 at 3:21 PM ^

It's a little odd for a non-player to say something like this.  He can't back it up on the field.  (And of course, he never did accomplish this when he was a player there.)

stephenrjking

June 25th, 2013 at 4:11 PM ^

Why? Non-playing pundits make predictions like this all the time, including the one that runs this blog. Herbstreit is not specifically guaranteeing OSU victory in the Big House; he is optimistically predicting that they will, one way or another, be in Pasadena in January. It's only slightly less detailed than the "ceiling/floor" predictions we will get dozens of once August arrives.

JTrain

June 25th, 2013 at 8:52 PM ^

This, my friends, is what makes the rivalry fun. Can't wait until we beat them in the Big House this fall.

Bo4President

June 26th, 2013 at 7:37 AM ^

Herbie Handcock is simply stirring the pot to get this rivalry going again! Just like Hoke and Oscar Meyer Wiener.

I like it more when our starting QB guarantees tho!!!!