Since the last installment, we saw Ohio State lose to Virginia Tech and blew out Kent State (which looked eerily similar to the Falcons/Bucaneers game I’m watching while typing this). In class, we have begun to talk about position play, as well as a bit about the history of football. So, let’s go on a ride through football history, in a brief breakdown, shall we?

There will be a quiz on that (no, there won’t).

Let’s talk about special teams. Coach Kerry Coombs led this class, which may have been the most awake I have ever been for a 7:30 AM class. I can see why he is a recruiting guru. Heck, after this class I was ready to suit up and play kick team for him. I digress. As we know, if you don’t play on special teams, you don’t start play on the other units. Coombs broke down what they call the Pyramid of Influence to get on special teams. Head Coach -> Position Coach -> Team Leader -> Coach Coombs. Players that want to play on special teams shouldn’t go to Coombs. They should go to Urban, and follow down the pyramid. The Team Leader is a player on the team, not a staff member. Here is a brief breakdown of the units (without going into too much detail about OSU specifics):

Punt Unit

Four packages, depending on what the opponent shows on punt block, to move the block spot of the kick.

Fundamentals include:

• Identifying the opponent: rush (going for the block) or hold-up (setting up the return)
  • Rush: timed block, snag technique, release and get downfield
  • Hold-up: speed release using leverage, throw by, get downfield
• Cup the receiver and prevent cutbacks

Punt protection:

A punt team can only block 7 men by design. Punt protection has two sides – the zone side and the man side. By default, depending on how many men the block team lines up, at least 1-2 defenders could be unblocked. This is where moving the block point comes into effect, to move the kicker away from where it looks like the pressure will come.

Punt Return/Block

Fundamentals of punt block include:

• Identify blockers
• Lining up behind the ball
• Get off – upfield in 2-3 steps
• Pad level low, point inside and use leverage
• Reach inside

Given that the average snap-to-kick time is about 2 seconds, 2 seconds is the goal to get to the block point. If an opposing special unit team can get a kick off in under 2 seconds, there will never be a successful block, and the return comes into play.

Punt return fundamentals:

• Get off ball
• Wide stance to redirect opponent, then release
• Widen the hole
• Run the numbers

Kickoff Team

Fundamentals:

• Take off 1 yd behind kicker
• Locate ball and identify type of return
• Stick and release, drive low
• Beat with speed
• Disengage and tackle

The biggest part on kickoff is release from blocks, then being able to contain the returner from cutbacks.

Kickoff Return

Packages

1. Sideline Tag 4
2. Sideline Tag 3
3. Counter

Fundamentals include:

• Blocking
  • Sometimes double team, but usually the cage technique
• The “Ball-Me-Man” concept
  • Your man should never be between you and the ballcarrier (until the ballcarrier has advanced upfield past you)
• Spacing and the wedge

For returners, these are the basic steps for a return:

1. See the ball kicked
2. Determine depth and direction of kick
3. Adjust and drop to depth and angle of kick
4. Execute technique of catching ball
5. Finish – rip and run the number

That was Kerry Coombs’s 55 minute power lesson of his special units philosophy. I was ready to run 5 miles after this class. If you ever get a chance to hear him speak, do it.

Very sad news coming out of Cincinnati today. According to Cincinnati.com 19 year old running back Chamoda Kennedy-Palmore was killed by a motorist who crossed two lanes of traffic colliding with Chamoda’s motorcycle. The Bearcats football player was wearing his helmet and proper gear.

“Our football program and university has suffered another great tragedy,” said UC football coach Tommy Tuberville in a prepared statement.

“I’m a father first and a coach second and it’s always hard to put your thoughts into words during times like these. Chamoda was a talented non-scholarship player and a key member of our scout teams. He worked hard and earned his spot on the roster. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

This is sad and tragic news for the University of Cincinnati football team and the Kennedy-Palmore family. Our thoughts and prayers from the MotSaG family go out to all those affected by this very tragic loss.

Urban Meyer Call in Show: Johnnie Dixon will miss the rest of the season w/injury. Listen to the show replay here http://t.co/xywW6l0td9

— 97.1 The Fan (@971thefan) September 25, 2014

On Urban Meyer’s call-in show today on 97.1 The Fan he announced wide receiver Johnnie Dixon will be out for the season due to knee injuries. According to Meyer there is tendonitis in both knees and he will indeed have surgery performed on both. The freshman Dixon was pushing for playing time and even saw some playing time in Ohio State’s 66-0 blowout of Kent State. He is expected to medical redshirt, as he eligible to obtain one, which will allow him to play four more year. We wish him the best of luck and a speedy recovery.

BUCKEYES

(9/27) Cincinnati @ Ohio State. 6:00p, Big Ten Network.

It’s time for the 2014 Silver Bullets to solidify themselves as a top defense after shutting out Kent State. The Bearcats roll into town with QB Gunner Kiel, the 10th highest-rated passer in the country. The good news is that Cincy’s offensive eggs are all in the passing basket, so if the Buckeyes can disrupt Kiel, it could be a long night for the Bearcats. It also helps that the 12th highest-rated will be on the field Saturday night too.

UPCOMING OPPONENTS

(9/27)

Northwestern @ Penn State. Noon, Big Ten Network.

Wyoming @ Michigan State. Noon, ESPN2.

Tulane @ Rutgers. Noon, ESPN News.

Maryland @ Indiana. 1:30p, Big Ten Network.

Minnesota @ Michigan. 3:30p, ABC/ESPN2.

This week, Michigan AD Dave Brandon found a way to make tickets to the Minnesota game the 2014 equivalent of an AOL disk in the 90s.

Illinois @ Nebraska. 9:00p, Big Ten Network.

OTHER BIG TEN TEAMS

(9/27)

South Florida @ Wisconsin. Noon, ESPNU.

Iowa @ Purdue, Noon, Big Ten Network.

OTHER OHIO TEAMS

Central Michigan @ Toledo. 7:00p, ESPN3 (online) / BCSN (?)

Akron @ Pittsburgh. 1:30p, ESPN3 (online)

Bowling Green @ UMass. 3:00p, ESPN3 (online)

Eastern Illinois @ Ohio. 2:00p, ESPN3 (online)

Miami (OH) @ Buffalo. 3:30p, ESPN3 (online)

OTHER BIG NATIONAL GAMES

Tennessee @ Georgia. Noon, ESPN.

Stanford @ Washington. 4:00p, Fox.

Notre Dame vs. Syracuse in East Rutherford. 8:00p, ABC.

This year’s Fraud List is coming to you a week earlier than normal, because this is not going to be a normal year. Undefeated Power 5 conference teams are dropping like flies, and honestly I’m afraid if I wait another week, there won’t be anyone left to populate this list. And then I’ll have to think of something completely new and original to write, and nobody wants that.

A Fraud Team is a currently unbeaten team that I believe will end the season with a least five losses, of which their tend to around 2-4 each year. I’ll pick five and consider the list a success if at least one team is a true fraud and none of them finish better than 8-4.

1. Oregon State

The Beavers have three wins and so do their three opponents. Combined. Even though their only close win was on the road against Hawaii (is it still “on the road” when it’s Hawaii?) the softness of their opening schedule can not be overstated. Three of their next four games are on the road, and that includes USC and Stanford.

2. Washington

Similar to Oregon State, with close wins over Hawaii and Eastern Washington, the Huskies have played slightly better opponents and have a couple of blowouts as well. They take on Stanford next week and travel to Oregon on October 18th.

3. TCU

The Horned Frogs have only played two games, so maybe it’s not fair to put them on this list. But I’m still doing it. They play at dismal SMU next week, then face Oklahoma, Baylor, and Oklahoma State.

4. N.C. State

The Wolfpack’s first four opponents are a combined 9-7, which isn’t terrible, but we’re talking about Old Dominion, Presbyterian, Georgia Southern and South Florida here. Hardly a fearsome bunch of teams. Their next four opponents are Florida State, Clemson, Boston College and Louisville, teams that are a combined 10-4 (which includes Clemson’s losses to FSU and Georgia.)

5. Mississippi State

I think 8-4 is more likely for the Bulldogs, but I wouldn’t rule out a freak loss to Kentucky or Arkansas while they try to navigate through upcoming opponents like Texas A&M, Auburn and Alabama.

Urban Meyer is 34-3 when he is allowed more than one week to prepare for a team. The Buckeyes head coach and his team will need every second of that week plus to prepare for the dynamic and explosive passing attack the Cincinnati Bearcats will bring with them on Saturday night. Tommy Tubberville is one of two coaches who have a winning record (2-0) against Coach Meyer, Nick Saban being the other (2-1), and he will be looking to keep his record clean versus Meyer and stage a second home upset against the Buckeyes this year. Let’s take a look at some of the players to keep an eye out for Saturday night.

Cincinnati

Gunner Kiel

In recent memory Kiel was known for his indecisive moments in his recruiting cycle that led him to committing to LSU, flipping to Notre Dame, and after a redshirt year, transferring to his now home in Cincinnati. What seemed to be lost in his dramatic recruiting story was how talented Kiel was. Kiel was the number one rate pro-style quarterback coming out of high school and after several stops is finally starting to live up to his billing.

He is a towering player at 6-5 200+ pounds, and with his size comes some surprising mobility. He won’t beat you with his feet, but is more than capable of escaping the pocket and gaining meaningful yardage. Kiel’s real talent lies in his big arm and above average accuracy. Head Coach Tommy Tubberville wanted to find out what he had with Kiel in their first two games and he came away impressed. Kiel went 50 for 76 (65.8%) and threw for ten touchdowns and two interceptions. The Bearcats offense is not very balanced and relies heavily upon Kiel to get the ball to their plethora of wide receivers. This will be the most talented receiving core Ohio State will face this year and Kiel loves to spread the wealth. The Buckeyes will have to bother Kiel in the pocket in order to make their more aggressive pass coverage schemes more effective. If not, expect Kiel to put up big big numbers and really push the Buckeyes to the brink of an upset.

Shaq Washington, Wide Receiver

The first of Kiel’s talented targets on the outside is Shaq Washington. Washington has been a consistent producer for the Bearcats during his career as he registered 78 catches a year ago. However, with only 1 touchdown to his name last year it would be fair to say Washington is more of a chain mover in this offense than a big play threat. However, chain movers are exactly what Ohio State struggled with against Virginia Tech. Guys who know how to get just enough on a 3rd down to keep their offenses drive moving. Washington is a very good route runner and his low center of gravity (only 5-9) allows for his cuts and breaks to be very quick and fluid, which can often times shake off tight coverage. The Buckeyes will want to know where Washington is especially on money downs if they want to halt the momentum of Cincinnati’s potent passing attack.

Mekale McKay, Wide Receiver

McKay is the exact opposite of his counterpart Washington. McKay is a huge receiver at 6-6, 195 pounds. He easily wins the majority of jump ball situations, and is second for the Bearcats in yards per reception(17.9). McKay leads the Bearcats with three touchdowns and is Kiel’s favorite down the field target. McKay does not possess elite speed or great physicality, which may allow for Buckeye corners to press him and throw off his routes, but if they make any type of mistake versus McKay, Kiel will find him and there will most likely be six points on the board for the Bearcats.

Ohio State

Doran Grant

Meyer declared this game as the real test for the new pass defense. Therefore all eyes will be on the Buckeye DB’s, particularly the teams best corner Doran Grant. Grant will be given several challenges with how deep the Bearcats receiving core is, he could see several thrown his way. However, his main match-up could be on McKay which will be a very interesting one to watch. McKay has the distinct height advantage however, Grant can counter that by being physical with him at the line of scrimmage and ensuring McKay does not get a clean release on his route. Grant is the senior member in the secondary and will need to play like it Saturday night to ensure the pass defense passes its first real test.

Adolphus Washington

The last time the Buckeyes faced a primarily spread team (Virginia Tech) Washington created havoc. He benefited from the opponents offensive line focusing heavily on Michael Bennett and Joey Bosa and took great advantage of the single coverage he received in blocking assignments. I would expect a similar scenario to unfold Saturday. Generating pressure up the middle is the best way to throw off a quarterback of Kiel’s stature and play style. Washington should have ample opportunities to be a huge factor in disrupting not only the run game but also the Bearcats pass attack.

Michael Thomas

Get this guy the ball. Every time he gets the ball he makes something happens and thats no exaggeration. Thomas and Barrett have a great chemistry and I would look for Herman to get Thomas a few more targets. He is the best pure receiver in this group with his great combination of size, speed, and smooth route running ability. The Bearcats pass defense struggled to cover receivers from Miami (OH) and Toledo so there will be several opportunities for Thomas to leave his mark on the game. If Barrett can get him the ball Thomas could explode Saturday.