Archives for August 2011

During the Tressel era, most seasons began without the dreaded quarterback controversy that some schools seem to get into on an annual basis. While there have been a few instances of in-season shuffling due to injury or performance concerns, we have almost always had either a phenomenal returning starter (Krenzel, Smith, Pryor) or have known which youngster/patient elder is going to get first crack at the job (Zwick, Boeckman). And if this were still the Tressel era, Joe Bauserman would be the starting QB until the first loss.

But Coach Fickell is in a position that Tressel never was: he absolutely must win a significant number of games to keep this job–his dream job. That doesn’t necessarily mean Bauserman is not the answer, but his history of poor decisions in live game action and his career average of four feet per carry do not inspire excitement among the fanbase, who upon Pryor’s departure, immediately split into two distinct camps: Anybody But Bauserman and Don’t Know/Did Not Respond.

Fickell has already announced that both Bauserman and Braxton Miller will see time in the opener and that Bauserman will take the first snap. It’s probably too much to hope for that Miller takes the second snap and every snap thereafter, but at least we can rest assured that if Miller blows Bauserman out of the water performance-wise, he will be the man going forward.

Personally, I prefer a single quarterback system because I believe that continuity is one of the key intangibles to a successful football team. I don’t mind watching Bauserman and Miller battle it out against an Akron team that gives being terrible a bad name. If it carries over against a slight step up in competition when Toledo comes to town, I can deal with that, too. But if we’re heading down to Miami with an “OR” on the depth chart, I’ll start getting a little nervous.

That’s not to say that a two-quarterback system can’t work. The way that Urban Meyer (and, notably, new WR coach Stan Drayton) used Chris Leak and Tim Tebow was successful, but may not be applicable here as Tebow in that structure was essentially a fullback who could jump-shoot a TD pass if he had to. But for Ohio State, recent experiments with the dual-QB concept have been frustratingly unnecessary (Stan Jackson/Joe Germaine) or downright disastrous (Todd Boeckman/Terrelle Pryor @ USC).

If I was Coach Fickell, I would probably just start Miller from the get-go. I would have likely named him the starter as soon as I got off the phone from accepting the head coaching position (after chugging two beers simultaneously and crushing the cans on my head, of course). As it is, I feel like Miller is going to earn the job at some point in the season. The sooner the better.

If I was Coach Fickell, the first thing I would do is wrestle Jim Bollman to the ground in 1.3 seconds, choke him with one hand (the other would be high-fiving bro Mike Vrabel) until he’s as purple as Prince’s wardrobe. As pleas for mercy sputter from his cold lips, I laugh and force him to scrawl a jittery, childish signature on a conveniently-prepared resignation letter while I hover over him asking repeatedly if he wants some more of this.

Then, I would make the easiest decision of my life: Pick a starting running back to fill in for Boom Herron for five weeks.

The truth is, the talent at the position is so deep that Fickell could let the Iowa Republican party choose a starter by straw poll and it would probably work out (Ron Paul just keeps those legs churning).

But anyway, since I have to choose, here’s my depth chart, subject to change at any minute:

1A) Jordan Hall

Despite talk of a move to wide receiver, Jordan Hall is still getting plenty of reps in the backfield in practice. There is also a growing sense that the young receiving corps is catching on well. I think this points more to a motion-out role for Hall in the passing game than a full-fledged WR spot, although I do expect him to be involved in five-wide sets. Hall’s versatility (he threw a TD pass to Pryor against EMU last year) and solid running (4.9 yards a carry in 2009-2010) gets him the nod, as this offense will need to be a little more creative than usual in the early games.

1B) Carlos Hyde

I originally had Hyde pegged as a power back who would come in to convert short-yardage situations, but with Jaamal Berry still battling injuries, I have to question his reliability. Hyde has some minimal game experience, putting up 5.9 yards a carry in six games last season and is a punishing runner with a little more athleticism than one generally expects from power backs. There has been some buzz around him in fall camp, and I think he may be ready to break out.

2A) Jaamal Berry

I like Berry, but I’m afraid he’s going to be one of those guys who’s always hurt. His primary contribution to this team will continue to be on kick returns, although he may play a role in the passing game similar to Hall.

2B) Rod Smith

If Berry were healthy, Smith would probably be a solid #3. Still, he has drawn comparisons to the great Eddie George from some observers, and that alone intrigues me. I think he’ll get most of his opportunities in garbage time, but I also think he’ll make the most of them, setting himself up for a shot at the starting job next fall.

Post-Suspension

Eventually we’ll get to the Nebraska game and the return of Boom. Coach Fickell has made it clear that the suspended players will need to earn their spots back, but I don’t think that’s going to be an issue for Boom. Like Antonio Pittman before him, Herron became a dark-horse 1000-yarder last season and ripped off an awesome 89-yarder against Michigan that would have been even longer if not for one of the worst holding calls ever. I do think the carries will still be spread out a little, but Boom will get the bulk of them for the remainder of the season.

Today we are going to take a look at one of Ohio State’s real strengths: the tight ends. Recent history has shown that OSU doesn’t use the tight end in the passing game very much. They’re glorified skinny tackles, an extra blocker for the offensive line. We haven’t had this much talent at tight end in recent history either, though. Not since Ben Hartsock have we had as talented a tight end as we do with our starters. On top of that, OSU has a stable of capable backups to go with the starters that, in, previous years would have easily started and thrived if OSU used the tight end as an offensive weapon. So lets get this started and talk about the two starters and hit the talking points about the backups.

Tight End #1 – This first guy is an absolute stud. He has the ability of a wide receiver but the body of a tight end and he has improved his strength and blocking. Jake Stoneburner is a 6′ 5″ 245 pound redshirt junior out of Dublin Coffman. He has size and speed. Jake has shown flashes of greatness but has been under utilized immensely in his career. Word out of camp this year is that it is about to change dramatically. Coach Fickell has said that he expects to use the tight end in the passing game more and that Jake will line up occasionally as a wide receiver to give his quarterback a bigger target and allow him to use his size and strength to over power smaller defensive backs or take advantage of slower linebackers if the defense doesn’t realize what’s going on. Overall, Jake has a chance to be great if he is just given the right system to flourish in.

Tight End #2 – Size, size, size. That is what I see in the #2 tight end this year. Reid Fragel is 6′ 8″ 280 pound true junior out of Michigan. Reid had a fairly successful year in 2010 even as the backup tight end in a system that doesn’t give the tight end a chance to shine very often. Reid is mostly known for his power and blocking but he is a sure handed pass catcher and has proven to be a valuable asset. Given that Coach Fickell wants to use the tight end more he should see his productivity increase in 2011.

The above listed tight ends are very capable players and should shine this coming season. If for any reason though they falter or get injured the backups will fill their shoes and step right into their spots. OSU has gotten a talented group of tight ends and the guys I am about to list are ready to earn their playing time.

Jeff Heuerman – Is a 6′ 5″ 240 pound true freshman out of Florida. He was a highly touted recruit and is very good at pass catching and blocking. As a side note, his dad played basketball at, of all places, Michigan, so score this one a victory for OSU.

Kyle Schuck is a 6′ 1″ 225 pound redshirt freshman walk-on tight end from Pennsylvania who may get a chance on special teams this year.

Spencer Smith is a 6′ 2″ 236 pound fifth year senior from Cincinnati whose brother, Connor, was an offensive lineman for the Buckeyes. He is a capable blocker and finds a place on special teams.

Nick Vannett is a 6′ 6″ 235 pound true freshman tight end from Westerville. He is the highest ranked tight end recruit OSU has had in a long time and has the skills to produce early and often. He is a polished receiver and blocker already and should have a great career that will start early.

In Case You Missed It (but you probably didn’t, because you are the quintessential Buckeye fan and you are plugged-in and on top of all things Buckeye but we’ll link it anyway because we love to talk about Ohio State football. Sure, we’ve discussed this will all our Buckeye friends already but here it is again.) is back:

I seem to remember things differently. The door on the Terrelle Pryor Saga is mostly closed so this is like screaming into a disconnected phone, but it really bothered me when local (and national) pundits were referring to Pryor’s dislike for contact. I thought to myself, “Self: I seem to remember on more than one occasion that we all cringed as Pryor opted for one more hit than step out of bounds, right?” sportsMonkey later mentioned the same thing. So I went to the YourToobs. Sure enough. Examples: here, here, here, DEFINITELY here, and here and well I could go on, but that should do.

(I should note: I noticed how little joy I felt watching “Terrelle Pryor Highlights” on YouTube. It didn’t do it for me, like say, THIS VIDEO does. The chills kick in before the music even starts)

It’s just too easy. Yes, it’s easy to mock the Bleacher Report mercilessly, but they’re trying, guys! Anyway, here’s you’re weekly shooting fish in a barrel: This Bleacher Report list: 10 Buckeyes that wouldn’t start today makes my brain hurt.

My Twitter gently weeps. If it wasn’t official before, it appears to be so now: James Louis has transferred to Florida International University and is hoping to qualify for a hardship exception waiver so he doesn’t have to sit out for the NCAA-mandated one year following a transfer.

Ohio State transfer wide receiver James Louis and West Virginia transfer running back Daquan Hargrett both practiced Friday evening, coach Mario Cristobal confirmed.

It’s more than just a game. Speaking of weeping, you might want to have some tissues handy reading this from Ramzy over at Elfin Warriors.

#FIRECRAIGJAMES. Finally, Stewart Mandel (with whom we’ve vigorously disagreed with in the past) is awarded with an honorary title of MotSaG hero of the week for this line, after questioned whether or not he trusts Craig James when it comes to reporting about the Big 12:

I wouldn’t trust Craig James to report on sixth-grade volleyball.

Here’s a link to Ohio State’s site:

DEFENSE
DE (Leo) 43 NATHAN WILLIAMS ...........................6-3, 255, SR.
50 J.T. Moore .........................................6-1, 252, RFr.
LT 54 JOHN SIMON ......................................6-2, 270, JR.
93 Adam Bellamy .......................................6-4, 302, RSo.
Nose 53 GARRETT GOEBEL ................................6-3, 290, RJR.
68 Evan Blankenship ...................................6-3, 288, Sr.
RT 52 JOHNATHAN HANKINS ...............................6-3, 335, SO.
63 Michael Bennett ....................................6-3, 280, Fr.
WLB 42 ANDREW SWEAT ...................................6-2, 238, SR.
10 Ryan Shazier .......................................6-2, 212, Fr.
MLB 32 STORM KLEIN ....................................6-2, 230, SO.
41 Tony Jackson .......................................5-10, 225, Sr.
SLB 6 ETIENNE SABINO ..................................6-3, 242, RJR.
37 Chris Maxwell ......................................6-2, 220, RSr.
LCB 7 TRAVIS HOWARD ...................................6-1, 190, RJR.
5 Dominic Clarke ......................................5-10, 191, So.
LS 19 ORHIAN JOHNSON ..................................6-2, 205, RJR.
2 Christian Bryant ....................................5-9, 190, So.
RS 4 C.J. BARNETT .....................................6-0, 190, RSO.
3 Corey Brown .........................................6-1, 189, RSo.
RCB 25 BRADLEY ROBY ...................................5-11, 185, RFR.
12 Doran Grant.........................................5-11, 180, Fr.
Star 26 TYLER MOELLER .................................6-0, 210, RSR.
2 Christian Bryant ....................................5-9, 190, So.

SPECIALISTS
PK 24 DREW BASIL ......................................6-1, 212, SO.
20 Russell Doup .......................................6-1, 175, Fr.
KO 24 DREW BASIL ......................................6-1, 212, SO.
20 Russell Doup .......................................6-1, 175, Fr.
P 17 BEN BUCHANAN .....................................6-0, 180, RJR.
39 Derek Erwin ........................................5-10, 200, Sr.
LS 56 GEORGE MAKRIDIS..................................6-2, 230, RSO.
54 Bryce Haynes .......................................6-4, 185, Fr.
H 39 DEREK ERWIN ......................................5-10, 200, SR.
14 Joe Bauserman ......................................6-1, 230, RSr.
PR 7 JORDAN HALL ......................................5-9, 195, JR.
10 Corey “Philly” Brown................................5-11, 182, So.
KR 7 JORDAN HALL OR ...................................5-9, 195, JR.
80 CHRIS FIELDS .......................................6-0, 180, RSO.
16 Evan Spencer or ....................................6-1, 190, Fr.
15 Devin Smith ........................................6-3, 190, Fr.

If Coach Fickell learned anything from Coach Tressel, it is that special teams is just as important as offense and defense and the the punt is the most important play in football. So today we will continue our series with the special teams players.

Kicker – This is a fairly easy call to make — Drew Basil is our kicker. (It should be noted that punter Ben Buchanan wants to be considered for place kicker.) Drew is a 6′ 1″ 212 pound true sophomore kicker from Chillicothe. Last year, as a freshman, he handled the long field goal attempts and kickoffs. He is looking to become the full time place kicker and field goal specialist this year. It is his job to lose.

Punter – Ben Buchanan became the full time punter last year and that won’t change. Ben is 6′ 0″ 180 pound redshirt junior from Westerville. Last year he had a 41.0 yards per punt punting average and he had 15 punts inside the 20 yard line. He wants to be a punter and place kicker and will try his best to beat Drew Basil in camp for the spot.

Kick Returner #1 – Jordan Hall is a 5′ 9″ 195 pound running back from Jeanette, PA. Jordan is a dangerous return guy. He was second in the B1G last year in punt return yard avg. He was 16th in the country in K/O return yard avg. He scored on a 85 yard K/O return against Michigan and had a 70 yard punt return against Minnesota. He has the speed and elusiveness to break one every time he touches the ball. He just needs to read his blocks a little better. I expect a big year from him this year as the punt returner and kick off returner.

Kick Returner #2 – Jaamal Berry is a 5’10” 200 pound running back redshirt sophomore from Florida. Last year as the “other” kick off return specialist he managed to be 40th in the nation in KO yard avg. He is more of a straight up the middle kind of runner but his speed is second to none. If he gets a lane he will bust one for sure. I expect him to be just as solid as last year if he doesn’t win the early starting running back job, look for him to make waves in the kick return game.

Punt Returner – I fully expect that if Jordan Hall isn’t the starting running back to start the season that he will most likely have this job as well. If, though, they need a guy to take over this spot I would start someone with speed and elusiveness. I suggest that player should be Devin Smith, a 6′ 3″ 190 pound freshman wide receiver from Massillon. His speed and shiftiness allow him to be the perfect punt return guy. Being a wide receiver, his hands should be golden and help OSU keep the ball for the offense. Word out of camp is he catches everything thrown his way and some he had shouldn’t have even been possible to catch. He has the hype so now it is time for him to prove his worth.

Long Snapper – In honor of el Kaiser and his storied history as a world class long snapper at The North Royalton High School [GO BEARS! -ed] I will add a long snapper to this post. After all, Ohio State did use a scholarship this year on a long snapper specialist. Bryce Haynes is a 6′ 4″ 185 pound true freshman long snapper from Georgia. He won lots of national awards for long snapper this off-season and expected to play right away at a position that is under-valued. If for some reason he doesn’t pan out, though, no worries — OSU has three long snappers on the roster. Not sure anyone else in the world can say that.

Last year Ohio State had some serious issues in special teams play and a lot of that, in my opinion, is due to the fact that OSU doesn’t have a special teams coach. I don’t understand how or why we don’t have one but we didn’t so the duties were shared by all the coaches on staff. I really felt like they needed to hire a good special teams coach as soon as possible. Ohio State has too much money not to have one, in my opinion. Thankfully Coach Fickell decided to give those duties to Coach Tressel — Dick Tressel that is. It would have been good to hire someone to handle these duties alone but Coach Tressel will handle it as well as his running backs coach duties this year. The other issue was inexperience and that OSU doesn’t use a lot of starters to help on coverage teams. I hope we see a lot of improvements in this area as everyone is more experienced and should handle the pressure better.