Archives for August 2010

We’re still working on our Linebacker preview, so in the meantime, here’s video #5 for your preview consideration, coming from YouTube user lednerk:

Hit the jump for the video.
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Chris “Tippy Toes” Sanders was a great wide receiver back in the early 90’s. He wore No. 17 (unfortunately I couldn’t find a picture). He was so good he kept Terry Glenn on the bench for 2 years. But most of all he had the best nickname ever.

17 long days left until we take on the Thundering Herd.

This guy was one of the best punters ever if not the best ever in college football history, let alone Buckeye history. He was an All-American and All-Big Ten Selection in 2002. He was a 3 time Academic All-Big Ten Selection. He is part of the 2002 National Champion Buckeyes. What he is probably best known for though is giving Coach Tressel the ability to implement Tressel Ball at Ohio State. I can’t count the numerous times when we needed to pin a team deep he would knock a punt inside the 20 and give our defense a chance. What more could you ask from a punter.

One of my all time favorite Buckeye players EVER.

There seems to be an internet rumor going around that Gene Smith OSU AD is in serious talks with his counterpart at Colorado. Seems there is talk of a game happening next year and that it wil be a home game for OSU. Since it is only being mentioned as a one game series the rumor is Colorado is looking for a 2 million dollar payday for coming into town to get their butts handed to them. Apparently Gene Smith said an official announcement about the game will be made sometime within a month.

Personally I hope it is true. It would be another game vs a BCS conf team even if they are barely a middle of the pack team. They have a good tradition and I know a large fan following. It will help us with recruiting more out west due to them being in the PAC 12 next year. I was just unaware we had an opening in the schedule next year. I am glad to hear rumblings that if they do they arent looking for a MAC school or Div 2 school to fill the void.

Just for clarification I should add I didnt put any links in this to the rumors as that is what they are and I am not 100% sure the rumors are true but definately worthy of discussion on this blog.

I am in favor of this game…… What says you?

Recruited by Earle Bruce out of Brecksville-Broadview Heights near Cleveland [and my High School Rival -ed], Tupa lettered four years (1984 to ’87) at OSU. He was All-Big Ten and an All-American as a senior, when he averaged 47 yards. He also was the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback that season, passing for 1,786 yards.

I say why not continue the Nate trend and mention Mr. Clements? He was an All Big Ten player and one of the best DB’s Ohio State has ever had but that is an awfully big list of DB’s.

So we are 20 days away from the start of the season. It can’t seem to get here fast enough and I am drooling just thinking about the upcoming season.

What is there to say? Nate was a beast at tOSU. During his time at Ohio State, Mr. Salley was an All Big Ten Selection and an All Academic Big Ten Selection and a Team Captain. He started 33 games in his career on the football team but he also suited up for 10 games for the Men’s Basketball team during his career as well. Mr. Salley is another great example of a True Buckeye we can be proud of. I can’t believe we are only three weeks away from kickoff. O-H

It is a scary position to be in… often times they are the only thing standing in the way of a charging ball carrier and the end zone. They are often times the best athletes on the field. They have to be fast enough to keep up with wide receivers and strong enough to take down running backs and tight ends that are bigger than they are.

The Ohio State defensive backfield, as it does every year, has the task of backing up a very talented front seven. This year’s group has a nice mix of young new comers and experienced veterans.

The cornerbacks:

Chimdi Chekwa

He will be Ohio State’s #1 corner back. Chekwa is one of the best athletes on the team. He has outstanding speed and quickness along with a very good ability to tackle. Chekwa, early in his career, was known as a gambler and was often beaten deep as a freshman and sophomore. Last year, as a junior, he took over for star Malcolm Jenkins. He was a solid replacement and should only get better this year.

Devon Torrence

Torrence will most likely start the season as the #2 corner but will need to fight off hard charging sophomore Travis Howard who is a star in the making. One thing the Buckeyes always seem to have is depth at the corner position.

The Safeties:

Orhian Johnson

This kid is a former QB turned safety. Apparently he has been “scary” patrolling the secondary in early practices and could be the next big hitter to come out of OSU’s secondary. Look for him to be plowing Big Ten WRs into the turf every Saturday this fall.

Jermale Hines

In my mind, Hines is the star of the Ohio State defensive backfield. The guy will make plays all over the field. He can be a bigger, stronger, faster version of Kurt Coleman. Hines seems to always be around the ball making things happen. Whether he is making a tackle behind the line or tipping a pass to himself and returning it for a touchdown.

I see Hines putting the Ohio State defense over the top in 2010.

The Star:

Tyler Moeller

So what is the “star” position at Ohio State? It’s basically a hybrid between a linebacker and safety and corner. It’s a very important position in Ohio State’s defense. This player will be charged with run support against many spread option attacks as well as covering slot receivers and underneath routes. This player will also be asked to put tons of pressure on opposing QB’s, something Moeller knows about. Before some drunken Florida jealous doucher sucker punched Moeller, almost ending his football career, Tyler was in line to be Ohio State starting outside linebacker opposite Ross Homan.

Early in his career, Tyler displayed a unique ability to get to the quarterback. In 2008 vs. Illinois, Moeller had his best game accounting for seven tackles and harassed Juice Williams all day. In the following spring game he sacked Pryor numerous times and chased him down from behind on broken plays. This was when Pryor was “live” in the game. Moeller dominated.

Moeller is a player that all Buckeye fans will and should be rooting for this year. I expect him to create some serious matchup problems for every teams OSU plays this fall.

All in all, this Ohio State defensive backfield is loaded with experienced and elite athletes, and with the help of a very active front 7 this squad should lock down many a receiver and come away with a ton of turnovers.

This guy was a stud in his day and won the Heisman Trophy back in 1944. His jersey number is retired in the ‘Shoe and he is a Hall of Fame player and one the greatest Buckeye Players of all time.