Ohio State Info

Hokies,

As an Ohio State fan and alumni, I have been very excited for this upcoming game with you guys. I've always liked Va Tech and really have a ton of respect for Beamer and Foster. I figured I would help out some of ya'll that are making the trip to Columbus this weekend.
For hotels, I would look into any of the national chains on Olentangy River Rd and any place off of I71. If any of you guys are coming in on Thursday or Friday, I would definitely try to visit campus and check out High St. There is a bit of construction around campus right now, but nothing that would change any traffic routes. There are plenty of shops, bars, and solid food choices right around the campus area. If ya head about a mile or so south of campus on High St., you'll get to the Short North District of Columbus. There are a lot of cool bars in that area as well. It's a little "hipster-ish" down there, so don't judge The Ohio State University based off what you happen to see down there.
If you plan on going out Friday night, I would definitely head to Eddie George's. It's located on the border of campus on 11th and High St. It's more of an alumni oriented eatery, so not many college students will be there late at night. Varsity Club on Lane Ave. is also a cool little dive bar with plenty of Buckeye artifacts, posters, memorabilia, etc. If you're into the college aged bar scene, there are plenty along High St. Chumleys, Out R Inn, The O Patio and Pub, Midway, Oxley's Tavern, and the Ugly Tuna Saloon are some pretty solid options.
When it comes to tailgating for the game, there are plenty of RV lots near the basketball arena and outside the Horseshoe. Bars will probably be pretty crowded early and many fraternities and sororities have day party/tailgates/yard parties. Most of the student tailgating is located east of High St. along Indianola Ave. between Lane Ave. and 12th Ave. For the most part, students and alumni are pretty welcoming. However, like every fan base, we have our assholes. Most of them tend to be fans that did not attend Ohio State, couldn't get into tOSU, and aren't very knowledgeable. I would get to Ohio Stadium about an hour before the game to see the band enter down the ramps of Ohio Stadium and Script Ohio. After a (hopeful) Buckeye win, High St. will be packed and a hell of a time. Btw, it's pretty easy to sneak flasks into the Shoe and the food options are reasonably priced.
The next day should also be pretty exciting with the start of the NFL season. Chumleys is a great place to watch the games and nearly every game is aired. Ohio State is a large enough school where you will see a jersey of nearly every team strolling around campus Sunday (majority Browns and Bengals).
I'm really looking forward to this game and I believe that you guys are a much tougher opponent than ESecPN gives credit. I'm predicting a 31-13 Ohio State win, but that is my extremely confident/hopeful pick. Realistically, I see the game being decided by less than the spread. If you have questions, feel free to ask. I'll be checking this blog every now and then leading up to the game. Go Bucks!