Archives for August 2013

(This is a post from our Guest Columnist, Chip Minnich. Chip is a formerly blogger at Land Grant Holy Land and blogs regularly at his site, From the Mind of Minnich. He will be posting here periodically on a variety of topics. This week he looks at Ohio State’s 2013 schedule)

Part one of this series reviewed the perceived “easier” games for Ohio State in the upcoming 2013 season. As former legendary Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes was fond of saying, “Anything easy ain’t worth a damn.”. Part two will focus on the more challenging games of this upcoming season, as I predict them to be, for the Buckeyes. As always, I look forward to your comments and contributions.

Beware The Bye Teams

The next two teams on this list both have bye weeks before they play Ohio State. While I expect Ohio State to win these games, I do not expect an easy time of it in either contest.

7. Penn State (10/26/2013; 8pm EST kickoff; ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 telecast; Ohio Stadium): It would be very easy for Ohio State fans to look at this game as an easy win – Penn State is still in the midst of its scholarship reductions, Penn State will have an inexperienced quarterback, and the game is at night in Ohio Stadium. Very good points, and I am guessing there are others I missed.

Here are some others to consider – Penn State won in Ohio Stadium in its last appearance there, after legendary coach Joe Paterno was let go by Penn State. Penn State is well-coached by Bill O’Brien, who was in heavy demand by NFL teams last winter. And…Penn State has a bye coming into this game, while Ohio State will be coming off the Iowa game the week before. Considering this is a home game for Ohio State, that is why I rank Penn State as being easier than…

8. @ Purdue (11/02/2013; kickoff TBA; Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN): Ohio State fans know, or should know, what has happened the last two times the Buckeyes have traveled to Ross-Ade Stadium to take on the Boilermakers (2009, 2011). I believe new Purdue head coach Darrell Hazell, a former Ohio State assistant during Jim Tressel’s tenure, is well-aware of those challenges too. More importantly, the returning players on Purdue’s roster have to be seething with anticipation for this game, after how close they were to defeating the Buckeyes last season in Ohio Stadium, only to lose in overtime. All those factors, the home field, and a bye week, should make this an interesting trip for the Buckeyes.

Goin’ Back To Cal(i)

9. @ California (09/14/2013; 7pm EST kickoff; Fox Sports telecast; California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA): I can almost hear you now ~ “Chip is concerned about a 3-9 team this much?!?”. Yes, I am, and here is why – Sonny Dykes is now the head coach for Cal, and Dykes’ teams are traditionally very strong offensively. To put it in perspective, Dykes’ Louisiana Tech squad lost a close shootout last season vs Texas A&M, 59-57. Ohio State had to rally last year against California, and that was in Ohio Stadium. Throw in how the Buckeyes have to travel across the country (even Coach Meyer has expressed concern about this), as well as Carlos Hyde’s suspension, and I think this one could be closer than expected by Ohio State fans.

Get Those Badgers Out Of My House

10. Wisconsin (09/28/2013; 8pm EST kickoff; ABC/ESPN/ESPN 2 telecast; Ohio Stadium): I have been fortunate to have been in Ohio Stadium to watch Ohio State defeat Wisconsin (2007, 2009, and 2011). As a matter of fact, I was up in C Deck on the 40 yard line looking down at Braxton Miller as this pass was released. I was able to happily watch Wisconsin’s secondary frantically race back in vain as Devin Smith waited on the pass in the end zone.

As usual, this game will be determined by how/if Ohio State’s revamped defensive front will be able to stop the traditionally strong Wisconsin running game. The team that wins this game will be in the driver’s seat for a berth in The B1G conference championship game. And just like 2007, 2009, and 2011, I am looking forward to being in Ohio Stadium for this one.

The Road Warriors (?)

11. @ Northwestern (10/05/2013; 8pm EST kickoff; ABC/ESPN/ ESPN 2 telecast; Ryan Field, Evanston, IL): Yes, I know that Ohio State has usually had their way with Northwestern in recent years. As a matter of fact, Ohio State has seemingly made a point of bashing Northwestern ever since the last time Ohio State played a night game at Northwestern.

Why the concern? Because Ohio State will have played a night game the week before versus Wisconsin, while Northwestern will have played Maine. I am not saying Ohio State cannot get psychologically up for two weeks in a row, but it will be a challenge, especially in front of a possibly raucous Northwestern crowd.

12. @ Michigan (11/30/2013; kickoff TBA; Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI): THE GAME. Throw out the records on this one.

Actually, Ohio State fans would be wise to consult the record books on this one. Think of the various disappointments and heartbreaks the Buckeyes have experienced in their many trips to “That Team Up North”, especially when an undefeated season is on the line. 1993. 1995. Those two right there cost Ohio State a chance at a national championship. The same thing could be on the line this season.

Can you imagine how painful a loss to TTUN would be if it cost Ohio State a shot at a national championship? Yes, I know – they might play the very next week for The B1G conference championship. If Ohio State does not win the first time, it could make the second time mean less.

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As I wrote in part one, it is very natural to look at games on a schedule and mark down the wins ahead of time. It is also why the games are not played on paper, but on the field. Ohio State fans everywhere, myself included, will start watching on August 31st to see if their predictions of ease or difficulty are as accurate as they forecast.

As we all know by now sports related injuries happen and sometimes they can end a career before it can even get started. Today we have word that two players careers are likely over due to injuries.

Per Ari Wasserman of Buckeye Sports Bulletin..

also from Bill Rabinowitz of the Columbus Dispatch..

Jamie Wood has suffered with injury issues for a while now and his career has been rumored to be over before. Adam Griffin is much more unexpected. He is a fan favorite and as a legacy of possibly the greatest Buckeye Family ever his loss will not go unnoticed. We wish the best for both these young men and a speedy recovery.

The cornerback position is a fan favorite on this football team, partially due to the amount of enthusiasm position coach Kerry Coombs exudes on a daily basis, and also due to the electric players that have traditionally been produced at this position from this program. Guys like Antoine Winfield, Malcom Jenkins, Shawn Springs, and Chris Gamble, have dawned the Scarlet and Grey at the cornerback position, and left the bar extremely high for future cornerbacks coming out of Ohio State. This may be the year we see another all time great corner, in Bradley Roby, join the Mount Rushmore of Ohio State Cornerbacks. Behind Roby, there are other young Buckeyes looking to make some noise this upcoming year and become a cornerstone for the 2013 Silver Bullets.

Last Year Performance
The cornerback position presented some promise entering last Spring. Buckeye fans knew that Travis Howard was an above average cornerback who, with a little more dedication and coaching, could be a strength of the OSU secondary. However, as Kerry Coombs took over the cornerback coaching, his guy was redshirt Sophomore Bradley Roby. “He’s big, and he’s fast, and he’s physical, and he’s intelligent and he’s got great change of direction,” Coombs said. “His transition is outstanding. And if Bradley’s not a first-round draft pick down the road, that would be a shame.”

As we all know, Roby did not disappoint in his 2012 campaign, as he lead the nation in passes broken up, and became an All-American corner. Howard was no stiff either, as he worked past his early season troubles to become a solid corner for the 2012 Buckeyes. Overall I would give the cornerbacks a solid B from last year. They did not force as many turnovers as Coach Coombs, and Buckeye fans, would have liked, but they were a sure strength for the defense.

Starters Lost
Travis Howard- 2012 Stats- 39 tackles, 4 interceptions

Player to Watch
Bradley Roby- As predictable as this is, it is hard not to mention and watch Roby. The guy is an electric play-maker on the defensive side of the ball. He is good in run support, good in zone coverage, and excels in man coverage. He also enjoys running his mouth off to TTUN players, and dominating them as well. I expect Roby to become more of a ball-hawk this year and a complete shutdown corner. Look for Roby to turn some of those pass break ups from last year, into interceptions this year. I also think Buckeye fans should expect Roby to lead the youth we have at this position. Even with his off the field issues, the greatest teacher for youth is experience, and Roby has his fair share of that on and off the field, that he can share with the rest of this group. Judging from his role as player coach this spring, I think Coombs and Meyer trust Roby, and will give him a leadership role that will carry much more significance this year.

Player that Needs to Step Up
Doran Grant- Grant is a relatively unknown Buckeye. He was neck and neck with Travis Howard going in to fall camp last year, as a freshman, until Howard beat him out. However, Grant was a key contributor on Special Teams last year. When he earned time on the field at corner he recorded a sack, interception, and forced fumble, so he does have a niche for finding the football. Grant is 5’11, 190 pounds which will help him match up physically against any receiver he faces. Grant was also tied for second, with Braxton Miller, and behind 1st place Bradley Roby, in the fastest 40 time on the team registering a 4.32. Grant has all of the physical attributes, and talent to fill the void Howard left behind. However, he will need to improve his knowledge of the position, along with his technique, in order to become the second shut down corner of the Buckeye defense. He may be young but welcome to life of being an Ohio State Buckeye, it is either step up or move on, there is little to no time for wait and see.

Sleeper Pick
Armani Reeves- Reeves was a vital member of the “Piranhas” on Special Teams last year, and when he went down with an injury it was very noticeable. Reeves is a very good tackler, that also possesses good coverage skills. I expect him to be a very solid #3 corner in the Buckeyes rotation, but I would not be surprised if he challenges Grant for a starting role this Fall. Reeves will need to improve his consistency, and soak in all the coaching and experience he can get. He was able to gain some first team snaps this spring, as Roby sat out, and looked pretty good filling in. If Reeves can step in, be a solid corner, and occasionally flash the ball hawk ability he has shown on Special Teams, this defensive secondary will be lethal.

Prediction of Performance
This group is very inexperienced at playing corner. Most of these guys played on Special Teams last year and contributed immensely. However, I think there will be a lot of growing pains with the number two and three corners, that they will have to go through in order to become consistent contributors. They have the speed, instinct, and talent to become good corners, but there is so much inexperience at this position, that I think it is going to take a great coaching job, from Coach Coombs, to get these guys playing, and understanding, the complex coverage’s they will be asked to play. One side of the field is accounted for with Roby, as long as he keeps his head on straight and stays hungry. While Doran Grant may have a firm strong hold on the second corner spot, his experience starting at the position is little to none. It may take him a few games to get acclimated to being the other guy. However, he will get thrown to a lot due to how talented Roby is, so I’m pretty confident he will grow throughout the year. Whoever plays the number three cornerback, whether it is Armani Reeves, Eli Apple, or Gareon Conley, will be a sophomore or freshman. At the end of the year, I expect this position from one to six to be a major strength for this defense due to the upside of all of these players, and how great of a coach Kerry Coombs is.

Depth Chart (starters in italics)
Boundary Corner–Bradley Roby, Armani Reeves or Gareon Conley
Field Corner– Doran Grant, Eli Apple

(Image courtesy of HoneyChild Photography)

Three Yards and a Cloud of Links is Men of the Scarlet and Gray’s newly renamed, semi-regular curated look at items that would interest the casual and hard-core Ohio State fan. These include news items, interesting blog posts and the occasional meme you’ve probably already seen. It’s all here and it’s all for you. Have a tip that should be included in the next TYAACOL? Drop us a line at motsag@gmail.com or through our Contact Page.

BRAXTON, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT MODEL COVERBOY: Sports Illustrated has released the covers for its College Football Preview, and our very own Braxton is on the cover available for the fly-over states in the midwest.

I have long been a propenent of the regional cover (going as far as advocating regional covers for EA’s NCAA Football video game) so I’m excited for Braxton but I would have preferred that the whole country got to take in Brax’s brilliance.

(Get your own framed Braxton cover at SIcovers.com)

HERBIE SAYS “WATCH OUT FOR WISKY”: Both Kirk Herbstreit and his broadcast partner Brent Musberger were high on the Badgers, according to Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel. Musberger mentioned how impressed he was with Gary Anderson, Wisconsin’s new head coach and Herbstreit says that Ohio State should be on their toes when Wisconsin comes to town on the 28th:

“But if there is one team Ohio State needs to be careful of in their own division, I think it is Wisconsin,” Herbstreit said. “(They have) a couple of veteran quarterbacks, with (Joel) Stave and Curt Phillips, who played late. They have Jared Abbrederis back. Running backs are outstanding. I love Melvin Gordon. We have seen what James White can do. You know they are going to have a great line.

Herbstreit also goes on to mention Chris Borland and the Wisconsin defense. Wisconsin was well represented in our Best of the B1G.

I personally think that Wisconsin will still be going through growing pains when they get to Columbus, while Ohio State will be primed for the first B1G match up. I’m not too worried about this match up. I mean, Wisconsin is going to do Wisconsin-type things but I think Ohio State will be up to the task.

DONTRE WILSON, ELECTRICITY MAN: Zac Jackson over at Fox Sports Ohio has a piece on Dontre Wilson, one of Urban Meyer’s new weapons of choice for this coming season. The article recounts Wilson’s recruitment after Chip Kelly was hired away from Oregon and how Wilson finally ended up at OSU (Thank you, Coach Herman).

“(Herman) was calling me every chance he could, as many times as (the NCAA) allowed him to,” Wilson said. “When he came to visit me, he kept fighting and fighting and fighting. Then when Chip Kelly finally went to the NFL, I told him I wanted to take that visit.

Wilson said that Urban mentioned him filling the Percy Harvin role. Is that Wilson’s ceiling? Most Buckeye fans are hoping so. Me, I’ve got higher expectations than that.

I want Urban recruiting kids in five years telling them they can fill the “Dontre Wilson role” for the Buckeyes.

ANYONE GOT A COUPLE THOUSAND I COULD BORROW?

Jerry Lucas is one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and now, at the age of 73, the guy is getting rid of a lot of his possessions. Basketball-related items, relics from an age gone by, a few things that can make a lot of money on the open market.

Really. I don’t need much. Just a few thousand.

ETC… It’s good to see that the rivalry is alive and well in the NFL. Speaking of Herbie, he sure thinks Manziel is dumb. Signing autographs? That’s dumb. Just dumb.

Last spring, as Meyer took over the Buckeyes, he referred to the wide receivers as a “clown show”. To be frank, it was. Our leading receiver from the previous year had only 14 receptions, and our pass offense was ranked in the 100’s, so for Meyer to call the offense, receivers specifically, a clown show, was probably a bit of an understatement. Meyer did see potential in the young receiving core; however, there was much work to do, by young receivers coach Zach Smith, in order to get them functional.

Last Year Performance
Throughout the season, Devin Smith provided us with one handed catches, game-breaking touchdown receptions, and also a lot of inconsistency. Philly Brown was the most consistent Buckeye receiver last year, as he tallied 60 receptions in his 2012 campaign. He was also used frequently in the hybrid role, as Jordan Hall suffered from injury, and Chris Fields was not prepared to step in to that role.

Jake Stoneburner was moved to receiver in the spring, and that transition seemed to be painful for all parties involved, as he grabbed an underwhelming 16 receptions, only two more than the previous year. Chris Fields and Evan Spencer added in a couple of key receptions throughout the season, that gave them some value, but they were pretty underwhelming as well. Overall, if I were to provide a grade for the 2012 Ohio State wide receivers, I would give them C+. While there was much improvement from the previous year, the receiving core was functional at best last year.

Starters Lost
Jake Stoneburner- 2012 Stats- 16 Receptions; 269 Yards; 4 Touchdown receptions

Player to Watch
Chris Fields- If you have read any of my previous posts you will not be surprised by this pick, as I am pretty high on Chris Fields coming in to this year. My reasoning originates from Meyer’s depth chart he released after the Spring Game, which listed Fields over Jordan Hall at the slot receiver/hybrid role. For me, that was a huge indication that Fields has finally turned the corner. Meyer has a lot of trust in Hall, but he has not been able to stay healthy, and Fields has taken full advantage of that. Fields had a key touchdown reception in last year’s Purdue game, along with a very productive Spring Game. Immediately after the Spring Game, Meyer named Fields the starter during his post game interview. Look for Fields to emerge as a reliable slot receiver, that runs very crisp routes, with complex route combinations, and will cause safeties and nickel backs a lot of trouble with his mixture of size and speed.

Player that Needs to Step Up
Devin Smith- Last year Smith provided Buckeye fans with a lot of clutch receptions, most notably against Michigan State. However, his inconsistency bothers me immensely. Smith has the size and speed to be a great wide receiver. I believe Philly Brown will continue with his consistent hands, however, we cannot put all of the pressure, of being a game breaker, on the shoulders of true freshman Dontre Wilson. As Urban Meyer said last year in Training Days, “When the Offense takes the field, everyone should take notice.” Devin Smith needs to be a guy defenses point to and ensure he’s accounted for. He is definitely capable of being that threat, but in order for that threat to exist there has to be more consistency from Smith. A lot of his consistency issues come from his weak route running abilities. In order to fix that Smith has to spend extra time in the offseason dedicating himself to becoming a complete wide receiver. That comes with great discipline and willingness. If he does not improve his route running, and consistency, Smith will see his targets go down due to his limited ability, and this team will suffer from missing that game-breaker.

Sleeper Pick
Jalin Marshall- I know I know, where’s Michael Thomas? Michael Thomas will continue to improve, but I think he is one year away from breaking out. I selected Marshall here because of his versatility. Marshall is already lighting things up in Fall camp making plays down the field as a receiver. Marshall is also capable of carrying the ball as a running back, which has generated comparisons to one of Meyer’s former players, Percy Harvin. Marshall played quarterback in high school, but judging from his highlight tape he will be used in several different roles this upcoming season. If you’re not convinced he can be that electric watch the tape. As Trent Dilfer often says: “The tape doesn’t lie!”

Prediction for the 2013 Season
I am expecting a lot from the wide receiving group this year. What I am expecting may be unfair, but if this team wants to compete as a national title contender, the receiving core may put the Buckeyes over the top. There is a lot of versatility and potential with this group. However, it is time for potential to become production. I am predicting that being the competitors that they are, these receivers will answer the call of their coaches. I’m expecting Philly Brown to have around 65 catches, for about 700 yards, and for 6 touchdown receptions. Devin Smith will have 55 catches, for 800 yards, for 9 touchdown receptions; Chris Fields will have 35 catches, for around 350 yards, and squeak in 4 touchdown receptions; Jalin Marshall will have 20 catches, for 300 yards, and 4 touchdown receptions as well. Will they live up to the hype? I guess we will have to check back at the end of the year to see how accurate, or inaccurate, I was.

Depth Chart (starters in italics)
Split End (X)– Devin Smith, Michael Thomas
Flanker (Z)– Corey Brown, Evan Spencer
Slot/Hybrid– Chris Fields, Jordan Hall/Jalin Marshall

(Image courtesy of HoneyChild Photography)