Fans Interact: Pre-Season Roundtable; Todd, Brad, Abe and Elizabeth Take on the pre-season

We will do some various fans interacts this season and we kick things off with a roundtable that our staff had already answered earlier on. Please click on there link in their names and give them a follow! They did an awesome job answering some difficult questions.

Who do you believe had the best offseason considering all of the COVID issues they had. Explain why this player exceeded your expectations.

Easy Pick

Elizabeth – Justin Fields elevated himself as one of the leaders for the team during the unpredictable off season. His leadership in social issues in the country has engaged him in a unique way. His drive to reinstate Buckeye football was relentless. His resilience through the adversity cemented his image as a leader in multiple ways. He has dedicated himself to a strong year on the field as quarterback. He by far exceeded what I expected from a player as the Big Ten cancelled the season. He is set to lead the team and teach the next generations of players. It is exciting what we have witnessed to this point. 

Brad – Obviously It’s Justin Fields , I wouldn’t say he exceeded  my expectations however he did step up to be the Leader I thought he could be.  Harry Miller is definitely going to be a future leader of this team. Anyone who has watched his Twitter post would agree.

Todd – I think it’s a toss up for me between Justin and Wade, Justin had taken on a bigger leadership role and wants that Natty, Wade didn’t want his last game in a buckeye uniform to end like it did…both will play lights out this year

Abe – I gotta go with Fields.  By all accounts he has become the vocal leader that he was not last year.  Faced with sitting and watching the games play out after the interception and then in the delay due to C19 (that’s the new cool way to refer to it), he has used that fire just like he should.  Drive others and push yourself.

What defensive player is going to shock the world and why?

Think the Buckeyes will miss this guy?

Elizabeth – I’m going with junior safety Josh Proctor to be a defensive player to shock college football. Last season he had four tackles with three solo in the College Football Playoff Semifinal against Clemson. I think he returns with that drive and energy. 

Brad – Zach Harrison is definitely  going to have to step up to be the next in line for a dominating Defensive End. Pete Werner could actually wind up being an All-American & a first round draft choice with another solid season & I’d really like to see Kerry Coombs turn Josh Proctor Loose this season he has a potential to be like Jack Tatum or Antwan Winfield Sr. A freshman to watch  is going to be Cameron Martinez . How Captain Khaki let him get out of the state up north is going to haunt him for years.

Todd – I also think Browning, I feel the same as Abe, he has a year under him now and a year of the best coaching in CFB, look for him to step up and make plays 

Abe – I typically like to figure out freak athletes or someone that has all of the skills and manages to put it together, last year I said that Arnette was going to have a very solid year and that Browning would emerge as a playmaker.  Arnette did have a very good year, albeit with a broken wrist.  Browning was steady, although not a playmaker.  This year, after a year under his belt watch for Browning to shine and make those big plays.  My sleeper is a backup that could be thrust into the rotation with an injury at LB, Terdja Mitchell.  Took too much speed to leave on the bench..

What offensive player is going to shock the world and why?

Elizabeth – I’m taking sophomore wide receiver Garrett Wilson as the offensive player to shock the world. He made extraordinary catches with amazing balance and agility as a freshman. I know he’s been taking reps in the slot and Hartline likes him in this position to add to the receiving plays. He learned from K. J. Hill has increased his time watching films. I predict an exciting year offensively. 

Brad – Take your pick of any of the Freshman members of Zone 6 Fleming,Scott Jr, Cooper ,Smith -Njigba will all add depth. The outside duo of Olave & Williams are going to cause a lot of problems for defenses when Ohio State goes over the top & with Wilson moving to the slot is going to be a nightmare for B1G DC’s. 

Todd – Master…kids gonna run angry and has a chip on his shoulder to prove he can do it, and he’ll do it

Abe – How did I know you were going to ask this question now?  The popular pick will be Wilson, but I don’t think he is a shocker, he is just a stud.  Someone that comes out of nowhere and has a chance to really surprise people is what I am thinking of….. And in this case, another receiver is the pick.  Not one of those super freshmen that this class contains, but a super-sophomore, Jameson Williams.  Not only does his first name resonate with good times, but that kid is faster than….. well, I don’t know, he is just fast.  I think he could fill the Parris Campbell role on crossing patterns using that blazing speed.   Rumors are swirling that he might return punts…… please let us have someone return punts that can take it to the house each and every time they touch it!  I mean Ted Ginn and Santonio Holmes style…..As it is written, so let it be done.

What will be the average score during the season, and will it be because Coombs and Johnson are back together or because Ryan Day wants to hang a hundred on everybody?

This is a “friendly” rivalry and good teammates for getting B1G back on, but will Day score a lot of points Saturday?

Elizabeth – The Buckeye team is poised and motivated to take care of the unfinished goal of winning it all last year. With all sides of the ball feeling the motivation and drive and the crew of premier coaches, I can see them scoring 35-42 points a game. Ryan Day may just outshine the entire NCAA in coaching successes this year. The way he fought for his players will produce amazing results from the team to #Fight. I don’t think I’ve been more excited for a season to begin. 

Brad –  42 points per game average.Offensively they will be able to score at will. My Concern is Defensively & the Middle of the defensive line Tommy Togiai is going to be an absolute beast but are Taron Vincent (shoulder) & Haskell Garrett going to be healthy enough to give him a rest instead of playing 50 snaps a game if they have to use Cormontae Hamilton (true freshman) or Darrion Henry-Young also a true freshman could be a huge issue.

Todd – 35-42 probably, I’m not sure Ryan will hang a ton of points on teams because he’s not that guy, now when it come to the last game, watch for him to go all out and hang 70+ on them

Abe – This entire team should be angry the way the game ended with Clemson.  Not just Fields and Olave.  The running back, the O-line, the defense….. Every…single….unit.  That being said, I look for the margin of victory to be high, probably 40 as an average.  

What is your prediction for the season and will there be games lost due to COVID?

Elizabeth – This is the greatest question we all wonder about with the start of the 2020 season a week away. The Buckeye team of players, coaches, and family members are making tremendous sacrifices to finish a complete season healthy. We have the depth to have a team on the field if players test positive. My greatest hope is we all stay healthy.  I believe there will be interruptions to teams in the conference. Hopefully nothing happens to keep Buckeyes and TTUN from playing each other for the 116 time. I know the safety protocols will be a possible reason for lost games. 

Brad – I honestly don’t know,  let it play out. One thing for sure is the Genuses  who run this conference left no room for error. At the time of this round table The NFL , &  S.E.C are having Issues. Even Saban has Covid ( False Negative)  & Florida has over 20 players Including Mullen that have tested positive , they have to move their game with L.S.U to December 12th. Cincinnati also has to move their game with Tulsa. With all that said anything short of a National Championship is going to be a major disappointment.

Todd – tough to answer that 1, I don’t think there will be any lost games at least not because of us, these kids are on a mission to get that Natty and are doing whatever it takes to keep from getting sick….it’s National Champs or bust this year 

Abe – I don’t think there will be lost games….at least I hope not.  I think we need to figure out how to play with this virus.  By that, I mean using our 2nd team player when and if someone comes down with it.  At their age and condition, they should only need 10 days according to the CDC, once they are fever free.  Why the B1G chose 21 days is beyond me…. Hopefully they will revisit it as these kids need each and every game to display their abilities.

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