Who's Behind Center Against the Badgers? Baver Answers Colin's Questions

Colin: Do the Buckeyes beat Michigan without Haskins subbing in for the injured Barrett?

Baver: Yes, but what a performance by Dwayne Haskins. Everyone always knew that he had a cannon that JT lacked, but who knew Haskins would play with the poise he did in that kind of game. It also helps when the Buckeye coaches suddenly remember that they have big-time tailbacks after JT goes down. So many similarities to 2014, it’s scary.

Colin: Speaking of the QB’s, who plays against the Badgers? JT had surgery Sunday and Urban tells us he will play Saturday? Really?

Baver: I know; I am not buying it either. Arthroscopic knee surgery can be minor, but Urban seems to be begging people to believe that JT will be behind center Saturday night. As of 48 hours before the B10 title game, I am expecting it to be Dwayne Haskins running the show. We shall see; I could be wrong.

Colin: In other news, JT is first team all Big Ten again. Ho-hum. Thoughts on who were honored (or not) by the media and coaches...

Baver: JT deserved it, no doubt. And it appears that about 80 guys from the Badgers were chosen, and most deserved it. I’m told that this is the first year since 1989 that OSU didn’t have an LB selected 1st or 2nd tm. The Bucks didn’t have any LBs picked 3rd tm either. Honestly? No Buckeye ‘backer deserved it. Guess the Bucks are missing Raekwon and former LB coach Luke Fickell more than I thought they would. Current LB coach Bill Davis’ seat is warming.

Colin: Seems like Bucky Badger vs Buckeyes in a dome is a bad match for them but people said the same thing about Sparty versus OSU a couple years back and they pulled the upset. What do you see happening in this game?

Baver: I realize Wisconsin hasn’t played anybody, but all they can do is beat up on the teams they have on their schedule, and that they’ve done. The Badgers lead the nation in multiple defensive stats, and they pound the ball with Jonathan Taylor, behind an O-line where only the center is shorter than 6’6”, with no linemen weighing less than 315 lbs.

If it’s JT behind center, he needs to have some success through the air. If it’s Haskins, he’s going to have to avoid INTs. With Haskins’ big arm, he has no fear of throwing into coverage, and that’s a double-edged sword. Regardless of who the Bucks go with, the OSU coaches have to trust their tailbacks. It’s a crime that they have kept a leash on Dobbins. Wisconsin is not going to make many mistakes and they are going to test the Buckeye linebackers in the short passing game.

I think the Buckeyes are the safer bet (to win), but I think it’s a toss up. I’ve got it Ohio State 31 Wisconsin 27, but little would surprise me in this one. The 5½ pt spread is a bit high, especially if OSU is without JT. I think Ohio State can win or lose this game with either QB.

Colin: Let's say the Buckeyes win the game convincingly; do you, in your heart think this squad deserves a spot in the playoff?

Baver: Not sure it’s fair to look at Ohio St (by themselves) and ask, “Are they deserving?” If Oklahoma and Ohio St win, then I’d probably give the nod to Bama for the 4th slot, despite the Tide’s lack of quality wins, and them not having a conference title. If TCU beats Oklahoma and Ohio St beats Wisconsin, then yes, I think Ohio St would be more deserving than the other school in consideration.

Colin: Related, Alabama has a really weak resume and the SEC has 5 head coaching positions to replace. Is this really the year to have two teams from the same conference?

Baver: Again, I think the real question is….is someone else more deserving? But if the SEC is part of the debate, I see Sagarin has the SEC West as the top division in CFB again this year....like any other year.

Colin: How do you see the major games playing out this weekend and who makes the big dance when the dust settles?

Baver: I think Georgia wins the rematch against Auburn. I see TCU playing much better in their rematch with Oklahoma, but coming up just short. It’s tough to beat good teams twice, so I think OU and Auburn are in for battles. I like Clemson to advance, but like the Canes to cover the 9½. So against the spread, I like the dogs in those title gms. If OSU and OU win, then it’s a toss-up with Ohio St and Bama for the 4th playoff spot. Clemson, Oklahoma, Georgia and Bama are my playoff picks.

Colin: Bonus question: Do you feel four teams is the right amount for the college football playoff or what do you think would be a better system? I'll give my answer: I like four. The regular season really matters which is more than what other sports can say. 

Baver: I am with you; love the 4-team format and the fact that every Saturday means something. I dread the day they expand to 8 teams, and you and I both know that day will come.

Mock and Roll: An Interview with Filmmaker Mark Stewart - by Pete Vogel

“Mock and Roll” will have their Columbus Premiere at Gateway Film Center on Sunday, November 26th at 2pm.  Tickets are $10.  You can get them online at gatewayfilmcenter.org.

Mark Stewart is not your typical filmmaker.

He did not attend film school.  He did not travel the world.  He did not starve.  He did not struggle making movies for other people before he embarked on his own project.  

Mark’s journey is a little different than most filmmakers: his career was actually spent in human resources, where he worked for various companies for 34 years before retiring early to pursue his creative ambitions.  

“I retired from Alliance Data after working there for 14 years,” he said.  At 57 he quit his day job to partake in a new journey: marrying his two greatest passions—music and movies—into an original film project.  After researching his options—and talking to dozens of people about the process—he began work on his idea.  At 61 he’s shopping his first film: a mockumentary called “Mock and Roll” which will make its Columbus premiere this coming weekend at Gateway Film Center.

One would think a retired Human Resources professional would consider other pursuits, such as buying a summer cottage, traveling the world or refinancing his house.  But Mark had other plans: to write and produce a movie that would be financed from his own retirement!  

“I’ve always been a fan of music since I was a teenager,” said Stewart, a native of Millersburg, OH.  “I saw my first concert in 1973 at Massillon Stadium.”  It was an eclectic bill: Dr. Hook, New York Dolls and Mott the Hoople.  He was hooked instantly.  Stewart came to OSU in 1975 and followed Ohio bands (The Muffs, The Godz, Michael Stanley Band) and national acts (Montrose, Foghat, Black Oak Arkansas).  In fact, both Michael Stanley and Roger Earl (drummer from Foghat) made cameos in the movie.

“Mock and Roll” is a coming-of-age story about a local band called Liberty Mean, a four-piece unit comprised of hapless millenials who are well intentioned but clueless.  Liberty Mean parodies another local act—The Black Owls—whereby they steal The Black Owls’ music but rewrite the lyrics for their own purposes.  The lead singer, Robin, (played by New Albany native Molly Bhanja) sings the tunes and her backing band Rick (Chris Wolfe), Tom (Pakob Jarernpone) and Bun (Andrew Yackel) accompany her.  The band has a crazy idea: they want to attend South-by-Southwest (SXSW), a music festival that takes place every spring in Austin, TX.  They have no idea what to do once they get there, but that’s beside the point: every up-and-coming band needs to attend SXSW, because that’s what bands do.  They set up a crowd-funding page to raise funds from friends and family, but have no idea what to do once they reach their destination.  They haven’t been booked by SWSW and don’t know anybody in Texas who can assist them.  They only know one thing: We’re a band, and bands go to SXSW.  

“The movie is a marriage between ‘This is Spinal Tap’ and ‘Best in Show,’” Stewart says.  He has no political or social statement to make.  He has no agenda to share, no secret message to uncover about music, millenials and the DIY movement.  He just loves to laugh and he loves music.  

Stewart teamed up with fellow writer/filmmaker Ben Bacharach-White, who’s based out of Washington, DC.  “We basically collaborated on the idea, and out came this concept,” he said.  Bacharach-White is essentially the “other half” of the braintrust: he’s the film’s co-writer, director and editor.  “I’m lucky to be working with such an accomplished artist,” said Stewart.  

With the help of Bacharach-White, Leah Wharton, Tony Deemer and Jason Tostevin, this first-time filmmaker was able to glean experience from his team of polished veterans.  “I’m like a sieve—I just collected information from those who had the experience.  It’s been a lot of fun and a tremendous learning experience.”

Stewart financed the movie by himself.  “I accumulated some stock from my years working in HR, so I used my own money to finance the movie.”  He worked with a variety of talent, using interns, professional actors, extras, cinematographers and producers from across the country.  Folks from Washington DC, Pittsburgh, Grand Rapids, Granville, Columbus, Cincinnati and Akron participated in the project.  

Stewart has always wanted to make a movie about music; he’s been listening to local bands his entire life.  He particularly enjoys The Methmatics, Zoo Trippin’ and newcomers Lily and the Weeds.  But his favorite local band is none other than Columbus icons Watershed.

“My daughter brought their album home years ago and I fell in love with it,” he said.  “I love Joe’s book—I love Colin.  I just love Watershed’s music.”

So far the mockumentary has made some serious noise.  They’ve already been premiered at Orlando Film Festival, Oklahoma’s Eyecatcher International Film Festival (where they won Best Original Score), and Austin’s Revolution Film Festival (where they received six nominations: Best Comedy, Best Director, Best Male Lead, Best Female Lead, Best Editor and Best Movie Poster).  They also won Best Feature at Cincinnati’s Inside the Loop Film Festival earlier this fall.  They plan on hitting other festivals in 2018.

Mark is taking all this in stride.  “Our hope is to shop it around to all the film festivals where we think our movie is a good fit, then hope for distribution down the road.”  He knows it’s a long shot, but everything is a long shot in the arts these days.  He doesn’t seem fazed by the road ahead. “We are submitting to a number of other film festivals and are hopeful that our success thus far continues with additional official selections.”

  Pete Vogel is a professional musician, filmmaker and Pencilstorm contributor. Click here to read his excellent reviews of The Rolling Stones and The Who    

Baver with Thoughts on The Game and Terry Glenn

Colin: Terry Glenn….has there or will there ever be another WR who came out of nowhere to explode the way he did at Ohio State in 1995?

Baver: No and no. The guy was a joy to watch. I was sitting in A Deck for the Notre Dame game, pretty close to where Glenn caught the 10-yard pass that he turned into an 82-yd TD. That was the loudest I can ever remember Ohio Stadium. Horrible news about his death. 43 years old - too young to die, and he had overcome so much in his life. Rest in peace, Terry Glenn.

Colin: UM has had a Browns-esque revolving door at QB for the past decade. How can a major school with such strong history at that position been unable to find an All Big Ten quality starter?

Baver: I don’t know exactly, but some of it is probably due to simple bad luck. I mean, 11 Michigan players were taken in the most recent NFL draft, a UM program record. So they are recruiting and developing talent “overall”, no doubt. The recruiting rankings would tell you that they are landing QBs you would expect a school like Michigan to land. So with QBs, maybe they just missed on their scouting, aren’t developing them, or both. Peters did look like he was coming along before his injury last Saturday.

Colin: Will the Buckeyes be able to move the ball consistently in the hostile Big House environment? 

Baver: If the OSU offense does move it consistently, Michigan almost can’t win the game without Ohio State committing a handful of turnovers. The emergence of Mike Weber the past two weeks has to be causing Michigan DC Don Brown some heartburn this week. I don’t think the Bucks will score 48 pts on Michigan like they did on Sparty, but I think they score north of 30, which will put a lot of pressure on a shaky Wolverine offense. The Buckeyes will have to be conscience of #7’s whereabouts on the UM defense at all times. That would be Khalake Hudson, who replaced Jabrill Peppers at that Viper spot. Hudson leads the Big Ten in tackles for losses and has better #’s than Peppers in basically every defensive stat.

Colin: Speaking of that, where does the Big House rank among toughest places to play in the Big Ten?

Baver: I’ve been to four OSU-Michigan games up there (’85, ’97, ’99 & ’01) and three games in Happy Valley (’05, ’14 & ’16). This is shameful of me to admit, but I have never been to a game in Madison. It’s much crazier and louder in Beaver Stadium than the Big House. Beaver Stadium traps in the sound, where it seems to escape more in the Big House. Michigan Stadium seemed much more intimidating when Michigan owned Ohio State in the 80’s and 90’s. But now the tables have turned, and it doesn’t seem so intimidating anymore, does it?

Colin: The Michigan O has struggled all season. How many points would be a good day for them against the silver bullets?

Baver: Looking at the spread and over/under, Vegas projects a Buckeye win in the ballpark of 31-19. If Michigan can find a way to score 24+ points in a 60-minute regulation game, then I think things will be interesting. If Iowa can score 55 on Ohio State, then it’s certainly possibly for UM’s struggling offense to score 24+.

Colin: Final thoughts and prediction?

Baver: John O’Korn is probably going to get the call for Michigan at QB, and I don’t think that’s a good thing for UM. If Brandon Peters was truly knocked out cold against Wisconsin, I don’t think there is any chance he plays tomorrow. In today’s day and age, you just don’t take chances with guys coming off of concussions. Could we see Wilton Speight? Maybe. It probably doesn’t matter, as Michigan QB’s have combined to throw 8 TD’s on the season. To put that into perspective, Johnnie Dixon has 17 catches for Ohio State this yr….8 of those 17 catches have gone for TD’s.

Michigan’s best hope on offense is with their ground game, with the running-back-by-committee trio of Karan Higdon, Chris Evans, and Ty Isaac. That’s been a solid threesome that has combined for 2,016 yds, 5.9 ypc, and 18 TDs on the ground this season.

I think Michigan’s defense, which is strong on the line, at LB and in the secondary, gives them a fighting chance in this game. If they can fluster JT then this is a game that may go down to the wire.

In the end, I think Michigan’s offensive woes likely lead to yet another loss to their bitter rivals. I like Ohio State 34-16.

Ray Davies is the Best Songwriter Ever. Exhibit B - Thanksgiving Day

Sure, Ray and The Kinks recorded arguably the greatest Christmas song ever but is that enough for Ray? Surely not. He just had to go ahead and write a Thanksgiving song. Who does that? Nobody except Ray Davies. Happy Thanksgiving!  Lyrics and video below

                          Click here view Ray Davies is the best songwriter Exhibit A

                               

                               Thanksgiving Day by Ray Davies

Are you going on Thanksgiving Day
To those family celebrations?
Passing on knowledge down through the years
At the gathering of generations

Every year it's the same routine
All over, all over
Come on over, it's Thanksgiving Day

Papa looks over at the small gathering
Remembering days gone by
Smiles at the children as he watches them play
And wishes his wife was still by his side

She would always cook dinner on Thanksgiving Day
It's all over, it's all over
It's all over the American way
But sometimes the children are so far away

And in a dark apartment on the wrong side of town
A lonely spinster prays
For a handsome lover and a passionate embrace
And kisses all over, all over
All over her American face

It's all over, it's all over, it's all over

'Cause today she feels so far away
From the friends in her hometown
So she runs for the Greyhound
She'll spend hours on the bus but she'll reach town
For Thanksgiving Day

Come on over, come on over
Come on over, it's Thanksgiving Day
Come on over, come on over
Come on over, come on over
Come on over, it's Thanksgiving Day

At a truck stop a man sits alone at the bar
Estranged in isolation
It's been a while now and he seems so far
From those distant celebrations

He thinks back to all the mistakes that he made
To a time when he was so young and green
Innocent days when they both looked forward to that
Great American dream

Now it's all over, it's all over, all over
And all over America people are going home
On Thanksgiving Day

Now Papa looks out of the window
The sight brings a smile to his face
He sees all his children coming back home
Together on this special day

Come on over, come on over
Come on over, it's Thanksgiving Day

Baver Previews "The Game" Part One. And Apple Cup?

Colin: How devastating was Michigan's loss to Ohio State last year? 

Baver: Extremely. Michigan fans will be talking about the JT 1st down spot years from now, much like the ‘Canes fans, who are still talking about the interference call in the 2002 Title game. Michigan had that game and gave it away. It wasn’t a first down spot that cost them the game….the majority of that loss is on the shoulders of one Jim Harbaugh. Why did he have a QB with concrete feet throwing out of his own end zone on 1st down, late in the first half in a game that Michigan was dominating? Then, you have Jimmy’s unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that helped the Buckeyes put 7 key pts on the board late in the 3rd quarter. It was Michigan’s day, and they let it get away. Not sure those North of the border will ever get over it.

Colin: How big would a win this year be for Harbaugh?

Baver: The Michigan so-called faithful are losing faith quickly. A win over Ohio State would help calm down the masses, at least for a bit. A loss means a long off-season, with Hairball dropping to 1-5 vs his chief rivals, Ohio State and Sparty. We’ll talk more about Jimmy’s offense on Friday, but the UM fans have about had it. I think they have faith that the defense will be good to great as long as Don Brown hangs around, but Harbaugh’s offense is laughable….and it is indeed HIS offense. Harbaugh desperately needs his offense to step up and desperately needs a win in this rivalry.

Colin: The Bucks have already clinched the Big Ten East and have a date with undefeated Bucky Badger. Any chance this team lays an egg like the Iowa loss?

Baver: After the Iowa game, I think we now know that about anything is possible. I don’t know if it would be laying an egg…I mean….is Ohio State that much better than Wisconsin? Or maybe I should ask, are they better than Wisconsin? That will be a tough game, especially coming off The Game against Michigan. 5 Dimes sportsbook has a current line on the game, and they have the Buckeyes favored by 6 ½. I think the B10 title game will be a dogfight, no matter how The Game with Michigan plays out.

Colin: You have been going on air with Brian Phillips and the CD1025 Morning show all season. Brian is a huge Cougs fan and this Apple Cup is shaping up to be a doozy. Any thoughts on that game?

Baver: With key injuries at the cornerback spots for the Huskies this season, they are going to have a tough time containing Washington St’s air attack. And Wazzu is off a bye. The Cougs have bounced back after losing 2 of 3 to finish October, posting solid wins against Stanford and Utah the last 2 weeks. But Wazzu hasn’t gotten a win in the Apple Cup since their OT victory in 2012, losing the last 4 gms by an avg of 23 pts per game. And WSU has to travel to Seattle for this one. It’s hard not to like Washington here but if you’re playing the spread, I think you take the Cougs and the 9 pts. I think the game will be decided by a touchdown, maybe less.

Colin: Give us an update on your picks and tell us what other games this weekend you will be keeping an eye on?

Baver: 18-15 against the spread on the year. Oklahoma has been known to lay eggs here and there when they are big favorites. Will they lay one this week against West By God? Probably not, but I’ll still take the 22 ½ pts the Mountaineers are getting in Norman…a few too many to be laying against a decent WVU squad, I think. Auburn is a solid team and may hang with Bama most of the way, but I will still take the Tide almost 100% of the time if they are laying less than a TD. I like Bama minus the 4 ½ at Auburn.

OSU-Michigan prediction coming Friday.

# Save the Crew and Playoff Preview with Brian Phillips and Greg Bartram

- Where are we with #savethecrew situation? What is best case, worst case and most likely case?

Greg B. - First off, there was no way that the mayor and Columbus Partnership folks were going to come home from NYC with an agreement. THere are just too many moving parts to something like this, and it doesn't happen all at once.

I would have preferred a bit more positivity in the statements, but I'm not terribly surprised. I'm not sure this can be saved, as there surely does seem to have been a longterm plan in place by PSV, but the #SaveTheCrew movement is absolutely setting the right tone. Positivity, activity...I'm REALLY impressed with them. Morgan Hughes' catchphrase, "If there's gonna be a funeral, we'll be too exhausted to attend" is gold, and really does seem to be the mantra

I think there are two critical parts to this...if the other owners are pressured enough, I don't think they'll vote to approve in order to keep the black eye offa their own faces. Secondly, the lawsuit by San Antonio has some real intrigue to it, and that isn't to be discounted.

I'm not giving up until there are trucks being packed.

Brian P. -  I really struggle with this one. The efforts from the grassroots organization Save The Crew have truly been remarkable. They've essentially served as the club's marketing arm the past month. My heart  wonders how the league could do this after the display of love for Crew SC here, and the amazing support from fans all over not only MLS, but clubs in lower levels, teams over seas etc. 
Meanwhile I can see and I can read. The league seems to be backing ownership on this one, and seem determined to walk away from this city forever. This is bizarre to me. 
Not ready to give up yet... The Columbus Foundation floated a proposal for a new facility between 5th and 6th near Mount Vernon Avenue. It's far from a done deal, but it's a proposal and that's something ownership contends has been lacking.
There's a very real posibility MLS Cup returns to Columbus. If the Crew get through we get the game here. Can you imagine! It's the movie Major League.

Meanwhile the actual Crew are back in the final four. What should we expect from this series? Who needs to step up?

Greg B. - This is gonna be a tough series. Lets not forget that Toronto ate our lunch in a 5-0 match earlier this season, and did so without Altidore or Giovinco. Having said that, Crew SC have been a totally different team the second half of the season. Hottest team in the league going into the playoffs, and I don't put a lot of stock in the 2-0 loss to a desperate NYCFC team. Keys? The back four have to be the wall that they have been at the top of the team's form this season. We have to contain and control Ricketts, who is all kinds of dangerous. Crew SC has to take advantage of their opportunities when presented with them, and make opportunities when not presented.

This team can definitely advance, but none of the soccer illuminati in the US expect it. They also didn't expect the team to advance past Atlanta. Or NYCFC. Crew SC in a close one. I sincerely believe we can host MLS Cup again, and the players deeply want to give that to the fans. This one's gonna be a monster atmosphere.

Brian P. - Such a great opportunity in game one. Toronto are missing Sebastian Giovinco (yellow card accumulation) and Jozy Altadore (sent off against Red Bulls, must sit out game as result). That's a ton of goal scoring power watching from the press box.
Columbus needs to play their game. Come out attack minded and keep the foot on the gas. They'll be getting a ton of energy from what will be a raucous crowd. One thing I will be watching is the center defense. Josh Williams and Jonthan Mensah need to do a much better job taking care of the ball. Way too many unforced turnovers of late. If we do that goalie Zack Steffen is more than capable of making the saves necessary. 
Bottom line... Columbus will look to go into leg two in Canada with a big lead.

Brian Phillips hosts the CD1025 Morning Show and you have seen Greg Bartram's photos everywhere. They are both fans of the Columbus Crew.