Columbus Post Dispatch: Buckeyes' challenges: cold, early start, and Gophers, too

[BleedGopher]

per the Post Dispatch:

The Gophers aren’t flashy. They will try to pound the ball with running back David Cobb, milk the clock and throw just enough to keep defenses honest. On defense, they are disciplined and swarm to the ball.

Two X factors are the noon kickoff and the weather. The early kickoff — 11 a.m. Central time — will be an adjustment for an Ohio State team that has played three straight night games. The temperature is expected to be in the 20s, and snow showers are possible.

Both coaches downplayed the significance of the weather.

“Ohio has weather, too,” Kill said. “Both teams will handle it. That’s part of football. You play in the Midwest. Ohio State does that. We do that. I don’t see that being a factor, (or) it could be a factor for both teams.

“Both teams may have to adjust somewhat, but both teams can run the football, and that’s important anytime you play in the Midwest.”

http://buckeyextra.dispatch.com/content/stories/2014/11/14/gameday/advance.html

Go Gophers!!

 

[IDFM]

Did they honestly use the early start as a possible excuse? Don't their kids have morning classes. I know Kenny Guiton didn't believe Ohio state football players needed to go to class.

 

[gophmeister]

The early game could mess with their prep. They are essentially a day behind us in prep for tomorrow since they didn't get back to Columbus until like 4a last Sunday.

 

[MaxyJR1]

It's all mental.

The Gophers have played four straight 11am games while OSU has played one all year and three straight night games. Teams eat around 7am for 11am games. It's weak, but something.

 

[Schnauzer]

Those poor kids... Having to come down out of prime time to play the Gophers during the trailer trash time slot. I hope they don't get dirty or catch something.