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Post by bigdawgs on Aug 20, 2015 8:27:24 GMT -5
11. Georgia 1998 9-3 (5-3)
Jim Donnan's 98 squad got off to a great start winning their first 4 which included a 28-27 thriller over 6th ranked LSU in Tiger Stadium. But as was normally the case, hopes for that SEC East title were dashed against Tennessee a week later in Athens, Georgia went into the game a slight favorite but Fulmer's National Champs to be thrashed the Dogs 22-3. The rest of the season played out as expected under Donnan, losing to Florida and Georgia Tech. The Dawgs did manage to beat Auburn on the Plain and beat Virginia in a thrilling Peach Bowl in which Georgia overcame a 21-0 deficit. Overall a disappointing 9 win season considering the optimism that had sprung up from the very good 97 team.
All SEC OT Matt Stinchcomb, CB Champ Bailey, TE Larry Brown, FS Kirby Smart, DE Antonio Cochran, OT Chris Terry, LB Orantes Grant, QB Quincy Carter
All American OT Matt Stinchcomb; CB Champ Bailey
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Post by badgersballers on Aug 20, 2015 10:48:56 GMT -5
12. 2000 Wisconsin Badgers-Probably the most talented team during the Barry Alvarez era, but off the field issues doomed this team before the season started. The infamous shoe gate scandal suspended 30+ players for a range of 2-3 games because of players getting better deals on shoes then were marketed. I'm biased, but the punishment was pretty harsh considering all the players were getting a few dollars off on shoes. Still, UW started the season off at #4 and despite a short handed roster were able to start the season 3-0 with one of those victories over eventual Pac 10 Champion. The team though started off the Big Ten season 0-3 with close losses to NW(I still don't know how they found a way to lose this game), and Michigan, and a blowout loss against OSU at home. After beating MSU at home, Wisconsin lost another close game when in OT a FG was blocked and returned for a TD by Purdue. Wisconsin was able to recover from this horrible start by winning it's last 5 games to end the season ranked in both polls. Considering the amount of off the field problems, it was pretty impressive they were able to do that well, but this season will always be thought of what if, as this team was much more talented then their record indicated.
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Post by badgersballers on Aug 20, 2015 10:51:49 GMT -5
Seriously, I can't think of a worse Badger game to go the past 20 seasons, maybe the IU game in 2001 when they gave up 63 points, but that game went downhill once Anthony Davis was knocked out of the game. Funny, as I recall Anthony Davis left the 2003 UNLV game with injury as well in like the first quarter I think and that played a big part in their inability to score in that game etc.... That is what I remember most about Davis honestly was that he was this really talented back who felt like he was always injured, or atleast always injured when it mattered... :/ No doubt AD got hurt a lot, but it was more of a problem as a Junior and a Senior. He was relatively healthy his first two seasons, but after hurting himself vs UNLV he was never really ever to stay healthy at all, lucky for UW they had good backups those years in Booker Stanley(Before he was getting into fights at Mifflin), and Dwayne Smith(Before they discovered his heart problems).
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Post by thatoneguyD22 on Aug 21, 2015 6:42:18 GMT -5
11. 2013 Urban Meyer was riding high after 2012, he had taken a team comprised of players that had gone 6-7 the previous season and gone 12-0, an impressive feat. Going into 2013 it seemed like this would be the year for him to make a National Championship run. On offense, the Buckeyes were led by Thunder and Lightning. Carlos Hyde and Braxton Miller, the most dynamic rushing attack in college football, when Miller was healthy that is. On the other side of the ball however, it was a different story. All-American Shazier anchored a weaker than usual LB corps, and despite the presence of Bradley Roby at CB (or perhaps, because of him), the secondary did not live up to its billing, giving up big plays against any team with a decent passing game. This didn't really bother the Buckeyes much for most of the season, mopping up one of the weakest Big Tens in recent memory, but it did when they came up against #10 Michigan State in the Big Ten championship game. A win for OSU would mean a National Championship appearance. MSU jumped out to a 17-0 lead before the Buckeyes would come roaring back, going into the 4th with a 24-20 lead. However, Dantonio's Spartans would score two TDs in the 4th and seal the victory, ending the longest win streak in Ohio State history. The consolation prize for OSU would be an Orange Bowl appearance against Clemson. Through a back and forth shootout, the Buckeyes would take a 1 point lead late in the 4th before Tajh Boyd and Clemson would score a touchdown and make the score 40-35. An injured Braxton Miller would take the field and fumble, seemingly ending the game, but then Boyd would throw an interception giving Ohio State one more shot to win. Miller would then return the favor, ending the game. For this Buckeye fan, this game made me seriously question Urban Meyer's coaching ability and decision making. He abandoned possibly the best running game in college football to give Braxton Miller more chances to throw with an injured shoulder, when he had a perfectly good backup QB in Kenny Guiton who had lead the team to several victories the last two seasons. 2013 Final Record: 12-2 (8-0) Beat Michigan Lost Orange Bowl Big Ten Leaders Division Champions, Lost Big Ten Championship Game Awards- Braxton Miller- Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Big Ten QB of the Year. Carlos Hyde- Big Ten Running Back of the Year. All-Americans: Ryan Shazier (LB), Jack Mewhort (OT)
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Post by bigdawgs on Aug 21, 2015 8:14:05 GMT -5
10. Georgia 2011 10-4 (6-2) The was the team that turned around the Georgia program under Mark Richt. After an 8-5 and 6-7 back to back, this Georgia team overcame an 0-2 start to win the SEC East and advance to a New Years Day Bowl game. Georgia opened the season by getting whomped by Boise State and then losing a game they dominated to South Carolina. Dawg nation was hollering for the coaches head. And then, Georgia reeled off 10 straight wins. For the first time in forever, Georgia beat Tennessee, Auburn, Florida and Georgia Tech all in the same year. Aaron Murray really developed as a very good quarterback. The defense, led by USC transfer Jarvis Jones showed improvement under Todd Grantham. The season ended on a sour note. Playing heavily favored #1 ranked LSU in the SEC title game, Georgia led 10-7 at the half and should have led 21-0 after dropping two touchdown passes and giving up a late punt return to the Honey Badger. LSU had no first downs in the first half. An early second half Murray fumble opened the flood gates and the Tigers rolled to a decisive victory. Georgia led Michigan State in the Outback Bowl but subsequently lost in 2 overtimes. Even though the season ended on a bad note, Georgia had clearly taken a big step forward. Aaron Murray was the real deal and the future looked good.
ALL SEC TE Orson Charles, OT Cody Glenn, OLB Jarvis Jones, S Bacarri Rambo, C Ben Jones, QB Aaron Murray, CB Brndon Boykin All American Bacarri Rambo, Orson Charles, Ben Jones, Jarvis Jones (unanimous)
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Post by badgersballers on Aug 21, 2015 10:25:04 GMT -5
11. 2009 Wisconsin Badgers-After the disaster that was the 2008 season there was a lot of talk that if Bielema struggled again this season he could be fired with his win totals decreasing every year over the course of his first three seasons. Despite low expectations, Wisconsin was able to win their first 5 games of the season. Then they traveled to Ohio State where despite the fact that they nearly had twice as many yards, they were done in by 3 touchdowns by OSU from defense and special teams. Afterwards they played Iowa at home, and despite getting off to a 10-0, the Hawkeyes were able to score 20 unanswered and win the game. The Badgers recovered winning their next 3 games before losing a heartbreaking game @nw on the high school field. In the final game of the season, Wisconsin traveled to Hawaii blowing out the Warriors setting up a bowl game with #15 Miami in the Champs Sports Bowl. Despite being heavy underdogs, and already trailing only 20 seconds in the game, the Badgers dominated Miami winning the game 20-14 helping to set the stage for the next years Big Ten Championship team.
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Post by thatoneguyD22 on Aug 24, 2015 12:49:16 GMT -5
Sorry I'm late today. Had to wait in line at the IRS for a tax transcript this morning. Anywho 10. 2007 After the loss to Florida, Ohio State fans kind of went into this 5 month depression, they didn't really want to talk about the game at all, and they didn't really have very high hopes for the next season. Preseason #10, but most of us didn't really like our chances after losing so much of the offense. The only bright spot seemed to be junior RB Chris Wells, who had performed very well backing up Antonio Pittman the previous season. Of course, the Buckeyes were helped out by a weak schedule, facing just one team that finished with a winning record in their first 8 games, winning each game fairly easily as the college football world went crazy that season, rising all the way to number one. They then faced two ranked teams in a row, winning both games easily, going into a home game against an unranked Illinois team. Just like several times earlier that season, the #1 team lost to an unranked opponent, and it looked like the Buckeyes' championship hopes were done, falling all the way to #7 with just one game left. The Buckeyes would win a lackluster 14-3 victory over Michigan, thinking they had clinched a Rose Bowl appearance. But, a funny thing would happen over the next two weeks. Everyone ahead of them would lose. Going into championship weekend, the Buckeyes were #3, hoping for either a West Virginia loss to Pittsburgh (unlikely) or a Mizzou loss to Oklahoma (more likely). As fate would have it though, both teams would lose, putting OSU at #1 to face SEC champs LSU in the championship. Despite being #1, LSU were the favorites and most expected the Tigers to win. In the first quarter however, the Buckeyes defense would be stalwart, while the offense broke off two huge drives, one going for a TD and the other stalling for a FG. They almost scored another FG as well, but it was blocked. In the 2nd quarter though, LSU would regain the lead. OSU would turn the ball over 3 times and give up several critical penalties on defense over the rest of the game, including a roughing the punter in the 3rd quarter when it looked like maybe the Buckeyes might be getting the momentum back. For this Buckeye fan, I don't know if I've ever felt more sick from a loss in a football game. Standout memory: I remember very well making a list after the loss to Illinois of the things that would need to happen for the Buckeyes to get into the Championship game. I listed 9 things and figured that 7 would have to happen for the Buckeyes to make it. As it turned out, all 9 of them did. 2007 Final Record: 11-2 (7-1) Beat Michigan Lost National Championship Game Big Ten Champions Awards- James Laurinaitis- Dick Butkus Award, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Vernon Gholston- Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. All-Americans: James Laurinaitis (LB), Chris "Beanie" Wells (RB)
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Post by badgersballers on Aug 24, 2015 18:44:35 GMT -5
10. 2007 Wisconsin Badgers-After a 12-1 season in 2006, expectations were sky high for the Badgers and they got off to a good start with the team winning their first 5 games rising up to #5 in the polls before losing back to back road games vs Illinois and Penn State. They recovered and blew out NIU and Indiana before losing a tough one on the road vs #1 Ohio State. The Badgers recovered and beat #13 Michigan and MInnesota before losing to Tennessee in the bowl game to end the season 9-4. Arguably, one of Bret's better teams they underachieved because of lack of leadership and QB play. Truthfully, with the right QB, and better player leadership there was no reason this team shouldn't have won 10 or 11 games.
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Post by bigdawgs on Aug 24, 2015 21:43:25 GMT -5
9. Georgia 2008 10-3 (6-2) Georgia started the season picked #1 in the country in many polls based on their great 2007 team. But this may have been the most disappointing season of the Richt era. Although they got off to a good start, they ran into a buzz saw against Alabama in the blackout game and the Gators in a revenge driven game in Jacksonville. Throw in a big blown lead against Tech and the season was kind of a blah deal. No real outstanding wins...a nice win in Tempe to beat Arizona State, a good win in Baton Rouge against LSU and a less than stimulating win in the Capitol One game with Michigan State did little to offset the disappointment in the year. Matt Stafford moved on to the NFL and Georgia would stumble around over the following Altwo years.
Knowshon Moreno was an All American
All SEC TB Knowshon Moreno, LB Renne Curran, OT Clint Boling, WR Mohammed Massaquoi, WR A.J. Green, FS Rashad Jones, P Brian Mimbs, QB Matthew Stafford
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Post by thatoneguyD22 on Aug 24, 2015 23:53:13 GMT -5
9. 2005 If there was ever a year where I was more sure that the Buckeyes would win the Championship, it was this one. It just seemed like everything had lined up, three All-American level LBs, great QB in Troy Smith, strong running game led by Pittman, and just an overall well put together team. Due to Smith's suspension for the previous year's Alamo Bowl and for the first game of the season against Miami (OH), Justin Zwick was given the starting job for the Texas game. The Buckeyes did pretty well, but settled for FGs instead of scoring TDs, attempting 6 in total, and making five, while only scoring one TD. Limas Sweed would catch an unreal pass while falling backwards in the endzone late in the 4th, and OSU would lose. Zwick's mediocre performance in this game would finally give Troy Smith the starting job for good. Ohio State would lose three weeks later on the road against Penn State, making the Buckeyes 3-2, but only falling to #15. From there, the Buckeyes would engineer a comeback win against Michigan State to right their season. The Buckeyes wouldn't lose again, running through their Big Ten schedule, and coming back from a 21-12 deficit against Michigan in Ann Arbor to win 25-21. OSU would be invited to their third Fiesta Bowl in 4 years against Notre Dame. In the monthlong buildup to this game, much was made about the genius of Charlie Weis, and how he'd totally outcoach Tressel and win. The Buckeyes dominated the first half, taking a 21-7 lead. Ohio State's offense would sputter a bit in the third quarter, and the Irish would close the gap to 7, but a late Pittman TD would seal the deal, giving Jim Tressel a 3-0 record in BCS bowls as head coach. 2005 Final Record: 11-2 (7-1) Beat Michigan Won Fiesta Bowl Big Ten Co-Champions Awards- A.J. Hawk- Lombardi Award, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. All-Americans: A.J. Hawk (LB)
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Post by bigdawgs on Aug 25, 2015 9:04:10 GMT -5
8 Georgia 2014 10-3 (6-2) Last year's squad was a really strange one. Hutson Mason did an adequate job as quarterback for a team that had some unbelievable highs and some dark lows. Replacing Aaron Murray was not going to be easy and Mason endured plenty of criticism because Georgia frankly was not very good with its downfield game. Still, other than the Florida game, he played very efficiently throughout the season throwing only 4 interceptions. The Dawgs got off to an auspicious start by blowing out Clemson in the 4th quarter as it unleashed Todd Gurley and a fleet of running backs. They managed to stumble and bumble their way to a loss at Carolina two weeks later, but then went on a run without Todd Gurley. Few picked UGA to win at Mizzou or Arkansas but the Dawgs shredded both teams on the road. Then, they returned to Jacksonville against a terrible Florida team and got walloped themselves. Two weeks later they ripped defending SEC Champ Auburn before subsequently blowing the game against Tech and losing in OT. When few expected them to play well in the bowl game, they destroyed Todd Grantham's highly touted defense and the Louisville Cardinals with Nick Chubb putting a punctuation mark on the season. Tech was a very good team, but losing to Carolina and Florida continued the trend of losing games you shouldn't.
All SEC RB Nick Chubb, LB Amarlo Herrera, C David Andrews, OG Greg Pyke, CB Damian Swann, LB Ramik Wilson All American Freshmen RB Nick Chubb, OLB Lorenzo Carter
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Post by badgersballers on Aug 25, 2015 10:27:33 GMT -5
9. 2005 Wisconsin Badgers-It was Barry's last year as coach, and there was very little expectations with the losses from the previous season especially on defense. Still despite this, Wisconsin still started the year 5-0, one of those wins was over Michigan with John Stocco scoring a TD with under 30 seconds left. In their 6th game, they played a pretty average NW team but despite scoring 48 points the Badgers lost 51-48. Wisconsin was able to win 3 straight including a last minute win over Minnesota coming on a blocked punt. Wisconsin unfortunately lost their last 2 Big Ten games to #10 PSU, and Iowa, but the Badgers ended the regular season on a high note with a win over Hawaii. Despite being heavy underdogs, Wisconsin beat #7 Auburn 24-10 in the Capital One Bowl capping off an exciting season.
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Post by kaara on Aug 25, 2015 14:13:56 GMT -5
12. 2000 Wisconsin Badgers-Probably the most talented team during the Barry Alvarez era, but off the field issues doomed this team before the season started. The infamous shoe gate scandal suspended 30+ players for a range of 2-3 games because of players getting better deals on shoes then were marketed. I'm biased, but the punishment was pretty harsh considering all the players were getting a few dollars off on shoes. Still, UW started the season off at #4 and despite a short handed roster were able to start the season 3-0 with one of those victories over eventual Pac 10 Champion. The team though started off the Big Ten season 0-3 with close losses to NW(I still don't know how they found a way to lose this game), and Michigan, and a blowout loss against OSU at home. After beating MSU at home, Wisconsin lost another close game when in OT a FG was blocked and returned for a TD by Purdue. Wisconsin was able to recover from this horrible start by winning it's last 5 games to end the season ranked in both polls. Considering the amount of off the field problems, it was pretty impressive they were able to do that well, but this season will always be thought of what if, as this team was much more talented then their record indicated. "Shoegate" was a joke and to this day irritates. It wasn't just harsh because all that was going on was a them getting a discount on shoes but it was worse because the guy that ran the Shoebox gave that deal to ALL STUDENTS at the UW who had a student ID. I used to get the same damn discount and while I played soccer at UW I never told the guy that, he just knew I was a student because of my student ID. It was complete BS and I still don't understand to this day why it was a violation or a problem.....
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Post by badgersballers on Aug 25, 2015 14:38:14 GMT -5
12. 2000 Wisconsin Badgers-Probably the most talented team during the Barry Alvarez era, but off the field issues doomed this team before the season started. The infamous shoe gate scandal suspended 30+ players for a range of 2-3 games because of players getting better deals on shoes then were marketed. I'm biased, but the punishment was pretty harsh considering all the players were getting a few dollars off on shoes. Still, UW started the season off at #4 and despite a short handed roster were able to start the season 3-0 with one of those victories over eventual Pac 10 Champion. The team though started off the Big Ten season 0-3 with close losses to NW(I still don't know how they found a way to lose this game), and Michigan, and a blowout loss against OSU at home. After beating MSU at home, Wisconsin lost another close game when in OT a FG was blocked and returned for a TD by Purdue. Wisconsin was able to recover from this horrible start by winning it's last 5 games to end the season ranked in both polls. Considering the amount of off the field problems, it was pretty impressive they were able to do that well, but this season will always be thought of what if, as this team was much more talented then their record indicated. "Shoegate" was a joke and to this day irritates. It wasn't just harsh because all that was going on was a them getting a discount on shoes but it was worse because the guy that ran the Shoebox gave that deal to ALL STUDENTS at the UW who had a student ID. I used to get the same damn discount and while I played soccer at UW I never told the guy that, he just knew I was a student because of my student ID. It was complete BS and I still don't understand to this day why it was a violation or a problem..... Definitely wasn't worthy of losing 5 scholarships a year for a two year period, and even losing a scholarship in basketball. Was ridiculous on so many levels when you look at what other punishments have been for other crimes.
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Post by thatoneguyD22 on Aug 25, 2015 15:14:01 GMT -5
"Shoegate" was a joke and to this day irritates. It wasn't just harsh because all that was going on was a them getting a discount on shoes but it was worse because the guy that ran the Shoebox gave that deal to ALL STUDENTS at the UW who had a student ID. I used to get the same damn discount and while I played soccer at UW I never told the guy that, he just knew I was a student because of my student ID. It was complete BS and I still don't understand to this day why it was a violation or a problem..... Definitely wasn't worthy of losing 5 scholarships a year for a two year period, and even losing a scholarship in basketball. Was ridiculous on so many levels when you look at what other punishments have been for other crimes. 5 a year? Wow
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Post by badgersballers on Aug 26, 2015 8:09:58 GMT -5
Definitely wasn't worthy of losing 5 scholarships a year for a two year period, and even losing a scholarship in basketball. Was ridiculous on so many levels when you look at what other punishments have been for other crimes. 5 a year? Wow I was surprised as well, honestly didn't know that was the case until I read some random old article on it a few days ago.
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Post by bigdawgs on Aug 26, 2015 8:26:27 GMT -5
7 1997 Georgia 10-2 (6-2) Jim Donnan's best team. The 20 point UnderDawgs with Mike Bobo and Robert Edwards walloped the defending National Champion Gators in addition to ending 7 years of misery. Georgia lost two close games to Tennessee in Knoxville and Auburn in Athens. Donnan beat Tech for the second straight year, although it would also turn out to be his last one. The Dawgs went into the Outback Bowl and ripped Ron Dayne and the Wisconsin Badgers. With this team, Donnan appeared to have restored Georgia to a perenial SEC challenger.
All SEC OT Matt Stinchcomb, CB Champ Bailey, WR Hines Ward, TE Larry Brown, LB Greg Bright, SAF Kirby Smart, RB Robert Edwards
All American OT Matt Stinchcomb
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Post by NCBulldawg on Aug 26, 2015 9:15:06 GMT -5
First, I must say to all of you who have participated on this thread, I have enjoyed all your posts and recollections of the past twenty years, highs and lows. Now, if I may be specific, it sure was nice to watch that '97 video of the WLOCP and see UGA spank a 20 point favorite Florida team, and hand Spurrier a loss, which reminds me of a recent story, and maybe why I enjoyed it a little more than I should have.
You see, some co-workers of mine got to work on a shoot recently and had to travel down to Columbia, SC as they were going to film Coach Spurrier for a commercial. Well, the Director and a few crew were Georgia alum/fans, as well as some crew members being Gamecocks which got ol' Steve grinning and smiling as he told everyone how he has some game balls up in his office. He told the story how one was for his 100th victory, and the other was for another memorable victory. both being over the Georgia Bulldogs. He was so proud of those. He invited the Director, Sound Mixer and a few others to his office to show them. They all got up to his office, he took them down and showed everybody for the ball, explaining the meaning of each one, smiling all the way, and then simply said, "Well...that's it. You can go now.". Typical Spurrier. My Gamecock friend is still giddy about that moment, seeing the game balls that beat Georgia, and until now have had nothing I could really say, or hang my hat on. But, after seeing this video, knowing it was the last time he faced Georgia as the Head Gator, and Georgia went in and kicked the grin right off his face, well, I now have a little smile on my face to help me get through this Hump Day! Go Dawgs!
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Post by thatoneguyD22 on Aug 26, 2015 9:18:39 GMT -5
8. 2009 You'd think that a season where Ohio State won 11 games, became the first team to win five games against ten win teams (Navy, Wisconsin, Penn State, Iowa, and Oregon), beat Michigan in Ann Arbor, and won the Rose Bowl would be higher than 8th, but here it is. And honestly I almost did put this higher but I couldn't justify it, mainly because of the disappointment of blowing a late lead to USC and the embarassment of losing to a Purdue team that wouldn't even make a bowl that year, not to mention the fact that not a single player on this team won any kind of award or was named an All-American. Still, at the end of the season this team looked as good as any Tressel team would, finishing the season with two wins over ranked teams and then their 6th straight win over Michigan, their longest streak over the Wolverines at the time. The Buckeyes were outright Big Ten champs and got a spot in their first Rose Bowl since 1997, when they beat Arizona State (that season is coming up later this week). Ohio State took a 10-0 lead in the first, which the Ducks would tie at 10-10 before the Buckeyes kicked two FGs to take a 16-10 lead into halftime. Oregon would take the lead in the third with a TD before a FG would give it back to OSU 19-17. In the 4th, the defense would step up and Pryor would catch a TD pass to put the game away 26-17. Standout memory: Going to the game against Navy. Ohio State went all out to honor the Naval Academy, even allowing the two teams to run out together, not giving the fans a chance to boo the opposing teams as they usually do. Going out of the way to honor them may have backfired a bit, as the Midshipmen were just one 2-point conversion away from sending the game into overtime. Great game though. 2009 Final Record: 11-2 (7-1) Beat Michigan Won Rose Bowl Big Ten Champions No Major Awards No All-Americans
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Post by badgersballers on Aug 26, 2015 16:35:08 GMT -5
8. 2013 Wisconsin Badgers-It was a new era with Gary Andersen taking over as coach, the season started with 2 easy wins over UMass and Tennessee Tech. In their 3rd game the #18 Badgers lost @asu in controversial fashion when the officials didn't let Wisconsin get off a snap to spike the ball. They dominated Purdue in their home opener, and then lost a close game on the road vs #3 OSU. Wisconsin would then reel of 6 straight wins with the closest game during this period being a 10 point home victory over BYU. In their final home game the Badgers lost as 20+ favorites vs PSU before ending the season in a close loss vs South Carolina in their bowl game. Biggest thing carried from the season was that Melvin Gordon needed to get more touches.
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Post by thatoneguyD22 on Aug 27, 2015 1:47:16 GMT -5
7. 2012 There was a lot of uncertainty in Columbus after the 2011 season. The team had lost 4 straight games to end the season and faith in Luke Fickell was incredibly low. But the Buckeyes had 2 things, one of the most electrifying players in college football in Braxton Miller, and Urban Meyer, fresh off his one year break from coaching. However, over the summer it was announced that the Buckeyes would be banned from postseason play due to "Tattoo Gate." While hopes were high that Urban Meyer would turn the program around, most expected his first season to be something like 8-4 or 9-3. The Buckeyes would struggle a bit early, only beating Cal by one TD and not putting away UAB until late in the 4th quarter to advance to 4-0. They turned it around a bit in the next two weeks however, beating then ranked MSU on the road and then beating Nebraska on homecoming, which they would follow up with a 3 point victory over IU and needing overtime to beat Purdue, a game that seemed like it was over until a late TD drive lead by backup QB Kenny Guiton sent it into OT. The Buckeyes would then beat eventual Big Ten champions Wisconsin in overtime. The next week they would face the #20 Wolverines, Brady Hoke leading them to a somewhat disappointing 8-3 mark (though 2 of those losses were to the eventual NCG teams). Michigan went into halftime with a 21-20 lead, but the Buckeyes would shut down their offense in the second half, kicking two FGs and winning 26-21. Buckeye fans were pretty disappointed that they wouldn't get a chance to play a beatable Notre Dame team in the NC, but also excited about the next season, after Urban Meyer took a team mostly made up of guys who went 6-7 the previous year, to undefeated the next. 2012 Final Record: 12-0 (8-0) Beat Michigan No Bowl Big Ten Leaders Division Co-Champions Awards- Braxton Miller- Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Big Ten QB of the Year. John Simon- Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. All-Americans: Bradley Roby (CB)
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Post by bigdawgs on Aug 27, 2015 7:40:37 GMT -5
6 Georgia 2004 10-2 (6-2) Georgia was supposed to compete for a National Championship in 2004, but a couple of key losses kept that from happening. The season started with a bang and was highlighted with a 45-16 shellacking of Nick Saban's defending National Champion LSU Tigers, thus avenging a couple of tough losses the year before. But a week later, heavy underdog Tennessee came into Athens, jumped to a big lead and held on to win. Georgia then rolled to 4 wins in a row, including Richt's first win over the Gators. Auburn would go undefeated and robbed of a chance to play for the title. They dominated the Dawgs on the Plain in a 24-6 loss. Georgia closed out with Richt's 4th in a row over Tech and beat Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl. A very good team, but a disappointing end. All SEC DE David Pollack, FS Thomas Davis, LB Odell Thurman, TE Leonard Pope, WR Reggie Brown, WR Fred Gibson, OG Max Jean Giles, QB David Greene All American DE David Pollack, FS Thomas Davis vimeo.com/44319443Thomas Brown scoring against Badgers in Georgia's 24-21 Outback Bowl win.
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Post by badgersballers on Aug 27, 2015 12:04:31 GMT -5
7. 2004 Wisconsin Badgers-Coming off the 2003 season, expectations weren't very high as the Badgers were picked to finish 5th or so in conference. Led by new DC Bret Bielema the defense was one of the best in the country as the Badgers didn't allow a TD until their 3rd game in a tough 9-7 win at Arizona. After beating Penn State and Illinois at home easily, #15 Wisconsin played on the road vs #18 Ohio State. The Badgers trailed 13-0, but scored 24 unanswered to win the game 24-13. The following week they played #5 Purdue on the road with the Badgers scoring the winning TD on a fumble by then Heisman Favorite Kyle Orton with under 3 minutes left to win 20-17. The Badgers would win their next two games vs NW and Minnesota, but over the course of the season major injuries started to pile up, and it really exposed itself in the last 2 games of the season. Number 4 Wisconsin went on the road to play 4-5 Michigan State, and the Spartans stunned Wisconsin winning 49-14, the following week in a game determining who would win a share of the Big Ten Title the Badgers were blown out in the 2nd half losing to Iowa 30-7. In the bowl game, they played #8 Georgia in the Outback Bowl and lost a close game 24-21.
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Post by thatoneguyD22 on Aug 27, 2015 12:30:16 GMT -5
^You guys didn't plan that didya?
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Post by thatoneguyD22 on Aug 27, 2015 23:27:34 GMT -5
6. 2010 Part of me hesitates to put this team this high as none of the wins count in record book, but just considering the product on the field, this is right up there with the best teams that have ever played for Ohio State. The Buckeyes skated through the early schedule, winning their first games by double digits, including a 36-24 victory over then #12 Miami, bringing the team all the way up to #1. The next game they played is immortalized in BBs signature (damn you), where Wisconsin managed to beat the Buckeyes in Camp Randall, a game where the Buckeye offense struggled all night. This game made Tressel 4-4 against Wisconsin, the only Big Ten team he didn't have a winning record against. Aside from a scare @iowa, OSU would skate through the rest of their schedule including defeating Rich Rod's last UM team 37-7, setting them up for yet another bowl matchup with an SEC team, Arkansas, lead by former Michigan QB Ryan Mallett. Ohio State would start very strong, taking a 28-10 lead in the first half. The Buckeye offense would struggle in the second half, kicking only one FG, having only a 31-21 lead going into the 4th. A FG and safety would make the score 31-26, and a blocked punt late in the 4th would give the Razorbacks the ball deep in OSU territory and every Buckeye fan in the world a damn heart attack. Thankfully, Mallett would throw an interception, giving Ohio State their first win over an SEC team in a bowl game. Also worth mentioning is that Terrelle Pryor had arguably the best season any QB has ever had at OSU, statistically speaking, and didn't even make All-Big Ten. 65% Completion Pct, 3545 Total Yards, 32 total TDs, 11 INTs. Standout Memory: Got to watch the last home game Jim Tressel ever coached, not to mention the last regular season game Rich Rod ever coached at Michigan. I remember about a dozen "Thank You Rich Rodriguez" signs made by Ohio State fans. Good stuff. 2010 Final Record: 12-1 (7-1) Beat Michigan Won Sugar Bowl Big Ten Co-Champions No Major Awards No All-Americans
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Post by bigdawgs on Aug 28, 2015 9:19:09 GMT -5
5 Georgia 2003 11-3 (6-3) SEC East Champs. Richt's third team was the defending SEC Champion. The Dawgs opened the season with a resounding 30-0 win over Clemson in Death Valley. The Dawgs won their first three and then lost a barn burner in Baton Rouge. They then continued to win all but the Florida game as the Gators prevailed 16-13...Richt still had not beaten the Gators. Georgia went into the SEC title game a slight underdog, but LSU showed their dominance early on and cruised to an easy win in the rematch and of course then went on to win the National Championship. Georgia went to the Capital One game and beat Purdue in overtime. This game was almost a reversal of their first matchup several years earlier in Tampa as Georgia grabbed a big lead and Purdue came back to tie it up. All SEC DE David Pollack, Rover Sean Jones, MLB Odell Thurman, FS Thomas Davis, QB David Greene, PK Billy Bennett, OT Max Jean-Giles, TE Ben Watson All American DE David Pollack, Rover Sean Jones I watched this game from Balad, Iraq. And this one too.
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Post by badgersballers on Aug 28, 2015 10:54:06 GMT -5
6. 2014 Wisconsin Badgers-Coming into Andersen's 2nd year as coach there were pretty high expectations as the #14 Badgers opened against #13 LSU in Houston. Despite leading 24-7 at one point, Wisconsin found a way to lose the game as there were a ton of questions regarding why MGIII got less then 5 carries in the 2nd half or why Stave wasn't starting? Andersen basically came off as a complete jackass in his postgame interview as he kept changing his answers regarding those questions. Wisconsin won their next 3 home games before starting off on the road vs NW for their Big Ten opener. Despite, MGIII rushing for 257 yards Wisconsin lost mainly because of shit QB play, the only positive is that they replaced McEvoy at QB, which came about 3 games too late. Wisconsin blew out their next 3 opponents setting up a matchup against #11 Nebraska, despite trailing 17-3, the Badgers responded by putting up 49 unanswered points eventually winning 56-24 with Melvin breaking the rushing record for a single game. After a close win on the road vs Iowa, Wisconsin played Minnesota in a matchup that would determine who played in the Big Ten Title Game. Again, just like against Nebraska they fell behind 17-3 early, but again they responded winning 34-24. In the Big Title Game, everybody knows what happened, Wisconsin decided to lay down to help boost OSU's ranking and get them into the Playoff. In the bowl game, despite being a moderate underdog, Wisconsin was still able to pull off the upset agains vs Auburn in a bowl game as it certainly helped that they actually had a coach who knew what he was doing.
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Post by thatoneguyD22 on Aug 31, 2015 0:17:24 GMT -5
One week left. Let's get started 5. 1996 This is the best Buckeye season where they lost to Michigan, and the only time I can ever remember a 2-QB system working for Ohio State, as Stanley Jackson and Joe Germaine both saw extensive playing time, and despite the fact that they lost Eddie George, Pepe Pearson would rush for 1500 yards behind Senior Tackle Orlando Pace, while the defense was anchored by standouts like Andy Katzenmoyer, Shawn Springs, and Mike Vrabel. The Buckeyes would easily handle #5 Notre Dame and #4 Penn State in consecutive weeks before barely beating unranked Wisconsin at home. The Bucks would have no trouble with the rest of the Big Ten before meeting the #21 Wolverines at home. UM was a 17 point underdog, and they failed to score in the first half, as OSU took a 9-0 lead into halftime. In the 2nd half however, Brian Griese would bring Michigan back, scoring 13 unanswered as Ohio State's offense floundered, beating a top 2 Ohio State team for the 3rd time in 4 years, and keeping them from a possible National Championship. This might be the most painful loss to Michigan in OSU history. The Buckeyes would rebound in the Rose Bowl however, defeating #2 Arizona State in a classic 4th quarter comeback, giving them their first Rose Bowl victory since 1974. Standout memory: The 97 Rose Bowl might actually be the first Ohio State game I remember, as we were spending New Year's at my cousin's house that year. I was 4. All I remember doing was throwing a football in the backyard with my cousin the whole game. Didn't really have the attention span for watching a football game start to finish yet. 1996 Final Record: 11-1 (7-1) Lost to Michigan Won Rose Bowl Big Ten Co-Champions Awards- Orlando Pace- Lombardi Award, Outland Award, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year. Shawn Springs- Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Mike Vrabel- Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. Andy Katzenmoyer- Big Ten Freshman of the Year. All-Americans: Orlando Pace (OT), Shawn Springs (CB), Mike Vrabel (DE)
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2015 1:51:25 GMT -5
The '96 Buckeyes are notable for several reasons, one of which was David Boston's punt return TD with only 7 blockers against Pitt. I'm fairly well convinced that game is the reason Mark May hates Ohio State.
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Post by bigdawgs on Aug 31, 2015 6:59:43 GMT -5
4. 2005 Georgia 10-3 (7-2) Georgia's last SEC Champs. This team was somewhat of a surprise. Tennessee, LSU and Florida were the conference favorites. The Davids (Greene and Pollack) had graduated and no one really gave UGA much of a chance. But D.J. Shockley grabbed the bull by the horns and ripped Boise State in the opener, which was a shocker to many who had picked the Broncos. Georgia rolled to wins in their first 7 games but then D.J. got hurt in the win over Arkansas. Even with Joe T quarterbacking the Dogs barely lost to the Gators in Jacksonville. A last second bomb on 4th down by Auburn set them up for the winning field goal to beat Georgia but the Dawgs beat Tech and made it to Atlanta. The Dawgs were a solid underdog to 3d ranked LSU, but Shockley and the Dawgs ripped the Bayou Bengals 34-14. Due to Katrina, the Sugar Bowl was moved to the Georgia Dome and UGA was favored against WVU. Early in the second quarter WVU led 28-0. Georgia came up just short in a comeback. A failure to recognize a fake punt that everyone in the stadium knew was coming sealed the deal 35-38. Although he started only one season, D.J. Shockley is one of Georgia's most beloved players. The way he led the team, the way he came back from the injury and in the two losses to Auburn and WVU, D.J. Shockley was spectacular. On the other hand, after 4 years of Brian Van Gorder, the Georgia defense began its downward spiral that continued until last season.
ALL SEC OG Max Jean-Giles, FS Greg Blue, TE Leonard Pope, PK Brandon Coutu, DE Quenton Moses, QB D.J. Shockley, CB Demario Minter, CB Tim Jennings, OT Daniel Inman, P Gordon Ely-Kelso
ALL American OG Max Jean-Giles, FS Greg Blue
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