Scarlet Out At The Shoe

After a much needed bye week, the Buckeyes will test their mettle against a stingy Hawkeyes defense at home. They passed their initial test against Notre Dame, they blew through Wisconsin and Michigan State, and they cruised by Rutgers, Arkansas State and Toledo.

The second half of the season has a ton of obstacles and it is important for the Buckeyes stay focused from here on out. Not only should they take this game seriously, the last time they faced the Hawkeyes, they were blown out at Kinnick Stadium.

Stiff Test Ahead

Ohio State has one of the best offenses in the nation, but the fact that they haven’t faced a competent defense outside of Notre Dame. This will be a “prove it” type game and I am looking forward to seeing what this team does and how they adapt. This offense hasn’t been challenged yet, and I feel like the team will set the tone for the second half of the season.

This is very much a memory that Coach Day has on his mind as he revealed the proverbial “scars” that have resurfaced as we approach game day. The offense will certainly have a tough time and a lot will be revealed when the clock hits zero. Not only does Iowa have a sturdy defense, they are also the #1 scoring defense in the nation.

I feel like the fact that everyone outside of Columbus is saying that CJ Stroud and company hasn’t “played anyone yet” and they have had a “cupcake” schedule up until this point will also play a factor in this game. The fact that everyone is discounting their achievements up to this point, it only adds to the intrigue and anticipation.

Feast or Famine

Outside of the Buckeye offense facing this stingy defense, how will this improved defense do against a bottom-tier offense? I could go on-and-on about the offense, but I am interested to see if this revamped defensive scheme can manage to shut out the Hawkeyes offense.

It is possible, but we’ve all seen this team have lapses from time to time and sometimes teams find a way to score. The challenge of earning a shutout is another layer of intrigue. It won’t be easy, but with a motivated team it might be possible.

The Buckeyes have been solid up to this point and dismantled most of their opponents, but this Iowa team might show some offensive fortitude in the form of splash plays. I think the Buckeyes limit those to three or less. The bye week helped a few players on both ends get healthy, and I cannot wait to witness everything.

Health Concerns

With the bye week, JSN, Chop and Hall all got an extra week to recuperate. The Buckeyes haven’t been at full strength since week 1 and it is a scary to think of the possibilities. MHJ, Fleming and Egbuka have been having great seasons so far, and if its either Henderson or Williams, they are still explosive.

Not to mention, if their second team receives reps, they can be just as lethal—especially if Coach Day gives McCord the green light to run the offense. That would be awesome and I’m sure everyone would want to see a preview of what next years offense would look like.

With all things considered, I think the Buckeyes will air on the side of caution and allow the starters to rest for a noon game at Happy Valley. If things get out of hand, look for those “health concerns” to win out. We don’t expect Coach Day to be reckless, but if the game is put away by the third quarter, we will get a little preview from McCord and Brown.

Predictions

The pre-game hype videos seem like subliminal messages to the public. The “Statement” sounds like we will be making one against one of the best defenses in the country. This will be a test, but I think they pass with flying colors.

Ohio State defeats Iowa 42-12.

  • Stroud shreds this Iowa defense. I don’t think the splash plays will be plentiful but I’d say he has 3-4 and finishes with 275+ passing yards and 4 TD’s.
  • Zone 6 and Stover continues offensive assault. MHJ, Fleming, Egbuka, Stover all score while JSN slowly gets back to form.
  • Henderson and Williams have a day. 180+ rushing and 2 TD’s.
  • Defense makes plays and a statement. 4 sacks, 1 INT and a forced fumble.

Road Test At East Lansing

Road Less Traveled

In the last five weeks, the Buckeyes handled their business at home. With their non-conference schedule, they beat a top five Notre Dame team and they throttled Arkansas State and Toledo. They also went 2-0 in conference play after handling both, Wisconsin and Rutgers.

In week 6 will feature their first trip outside the confines of Columbus against a struggling 2-3 Spartan squad. This could be especially dangerous considering that these very Spartans are winless in conference play.

This could be another upset in the making with all of that considered. Topped off with the ever-increasing amount of injuries sustained by the Buckeyes. This should be another easy week, but let’s not overlook a team that has defeated Ohio State within the last 10 years.

I still have flashbacks of 2015’s walk-off FG and a kicker running around playing air guitar. As much as I am confident in the eventual win, I will not overlook this team. For context, the last successful home defense against Ohio State was in 1999.

Will this cocktail of the cold and injuries derail another promising season for the Buckeyes? Or will they live to fight another day, to inch closer to their season goals? We will find out and I will anxiously wait for it.

Weather-proof?

Have the Buckeyes played in less-than-ideal weather conditions this season? The projected 53-degree might not be bad, but it’s the cloudy, and potentially windy afternoon might be an issue. Additionally, with the fall in the Midwest, cold weather could also be a factor—especially in Big 10 country.

We all know that Coach Day wants a balanced attack, but with the mounting injuries, who will step up? Who is actually healthy and who will be missing? A lot of questions that will be answered soon enough.

We all know the talent on either side is never lacking, but it will be interesting to see who is out, who steps in, and more importantly—who will step up when their number is called.

Injury Bug Blues

We all know that injuries are a part of the game, but they keep coming this year. JSN with his hammy, Brown and Burke with their issues, and now Williams after such a gutsy performance?

Coach speak or not, there are concerns about the players and their health. Whether legitimate or not, I believe they are working hard with one goal in mind—to win it all.

Will health eventually be an issue? Yes, but I think it doesn’t apply to this years team. Will certain players sit to keep healthy for big games? Possibly. It’s all up to the coaching staff to identify and treat things on a case-by-case basis. We shouldn’t worry just yet.

Predictions

With all things considered, I think this will be fine, but the injures and weather will play a factor in a possible slow start. Not to mention, the way the Spartans lost in Columbus last year, I can see them coming out the gates on fire.

  • Stroud goes for 250 and 5 scores
  • Rushing attack goes for 150 and 2 scores
  • Defense has 3 sacks, 1 INT
  • Eichenberg/Chambers 20+ combined tackles

Final 49-20

Darkness Falls: Big Ten Clash


It is game day folks! Today, we will see our undefeated Buckeyes square off against a 2-1 Wisconsin team in a “Black Out” game.

Badger Challenges
Wisconsin with QB Graham Mertz and RB Brealon Allen will go into the game as the impact players on offense. Mertz has been inconsistent in his play. Without an established or “go-to” WR/TE on their roster look for Allen to test the Buckeyes on the ground.

The defense will surely be tested and this is a welcomed challenge for this team who struggled against a dual-threat QB. They were torched by one man and even gave up a few splash plays. Will they be up for a challenge with Mertz leaning on his bruiser back?

The Badgers will also filed another formidable defense that has accumulated 7 sacks, 7 interceptions and 1 forced fumble/fumble recovery through three contests. Their main focus is to prevent balance and limit CJ Stroud to check-downs and stop the run.

The game in the trenches is what will determine the winner. This is the best Offensive Line the Buckeyes have had and I’d imagine they’re going to try and dominate in such an electric environment.

Can they dominate against a conference foe, in prime time? Or will they start slow like they did against Norte Dame and then dominate in the second half? Will the rumored injuries or actual injuries play a part in a Badger upset?

Offensive Injury Bug Woes

The injury bug has taken a few playmakers, specifically on the offensive side of the ball. We saw JSN fall to injury for about a week and last week he was overshadowed by the stellar play of MHJ, Egbuka and Fleming.

There was also another notable player to go down in star RB Henderson. He limped off but his injury remains a mystery in the upcoming contest with Wisconsin. With only two scholarship RB’s on the roster without Henderson, can they adapt and overcome?

Will The Streak Continue?

Out of 84 contests, Ohio State has defeated Wisconsin 61 times. There have been 18 defeats and 5 ties. The Buckeyes have also won 8 straight.

This matchup will pit Ryan Day’s high flying offense against Jim Leonhard’s stingy defense. Which one will win out in the end?

This is what makes this matchup intriguing. The in-game chess match between a dynamic offense and a pesky defense. These two teams play every two years or so, but when they collide it’s an old school Big Ten game for sure.

The Buckeyes’ last defeat came in 2010 at Madison. Will this be the year Coach Chryst and Coach Leonhard pull of the upset and in Columbus?

The game will be one to watch especially in a Black Out environment. We will see if the Buckeyes come in prepared to play with their hairs on fire. Or if it’s another flashy game where they come out flat and unmotivated.

Prime Time Recruiting Destination

What better atmosphere to reload than this one in the Shoe?! Black Out condition with a lot of committed and uncommitted talent will food the stadium. Ohio State will look to these recruits as they face them in prime time.

Sure, it would be great to sign everyone but not everyone is destined to don the Scarlet and Gray, but those who Are right for the program will. And those who aren’t won’t. Let’s not get tied up on the semantics, but let’s hope the Buckeye come to play and dominate to sway them in our favor.

Game Predictions:

Final Score: 38-20

The Wisconsin D is disruptive in the beginning stages but a poised CJ Stroud finds a way to beat the Leonhard defense.

Impact Players:

  1. Henderson (if healthy)/Williams/Hayden: If Henderson cannot go, look for these two to feast and batter the defensive front seven in his absence.
  2. Stover: He has been getting at least three catches per game. Look for him to finally get a TD.
  3. Hall/Williams/Sawyer/Tuimoloau: Disruption in the trenches. I think a big game from at least one of these four is likely. My bet is on Hall.
  4. Eichenberg: He will lead the team in tackles and make key stops.
  5. Burke: Has been beat a lot lately, but he will build positive momentum during the game.

#GoBucks

Wolves At The Shoe

This week, the #3 Ohio State Buckeyes will face an unranked Arkansas State team for the first time. Butch Jones will lead his team into The Shoe in a bid to upset the Buckeyes. Ryan Day will look to defend their home field and stay undefeated.

Both teams are coming off of wins. The Buckeyes downed the then #5 Norte Dame 21-10 to start the season off on a good note. The Red Wolves obliterated Grambling State with a final score of 58-3.

Offensive Woes

One of the best offenses in the nation was held to 21-points in the season opener and they will look to improve and regain their identity this week. With JSN and Fleming likely to sit out due to injuries, look for Stroud and his receivers to step up.

Enter Egbuka, MHJ, Ballard, and Johnson to be the next men up. Egbuka and Johnson were the only two receivers to catch passes for scores. With Johnson being an unknown.

To compliment the passing attack, look for Ohio State to establish the run early and often with Henderson and Williams. I think Hayden will see some time late, but not until late.

Can Stroud build rapport without JSN? Or will we see another week of out of sync offense? The O-Line played great and will also look to keep Stroud upright.

Defensive Momentum

The Silver Bullets might be back, but an old face will be on the other sideline again in RB Brian Snead. A former back from Florida, Snead left after an investigation and now he finds himself back in the Shoe.

The Buckeyes played lights out and will look to continue improvements on that side of the ball. The trenches can use added confidence, but it’ll be tricky against Blackman (former FSU QB).

It’ll be another test against a former D1 starter, but it’ll be another day at the office for all players in the trenches. Hall and friends will likely wreak havoc against an inferior team. Eichenberg will lead and make players at the second level.

This should be a decent test but look for the Buckeyes to put it away early and put in backups to keep their stars healthy on both sides of the ball.

Predictions:

  1. The Buckeyes put it away early and starters sit at halftime.
  2. The defense continues to improve with 3+ sacks and a pick or fumble recovery
  3. There’s a Special Team and a defensive TD
  4. McCord and Brown showcase their skills
  5. Egbuka and MHJ combine for 100+ yards and two scores
  6. Henderson and Williams combine for 160 yards and 3 scores
  7. Stroud passes for 250 yards and 4 scores

Final: Ohio State defeats Arkansas State 42-13

Battleground Columbus: Clash of The Blue Blood Programs

Welcome Home, but

As another offseason draws to a close, we are three days away from the start of the 2022 CFB season. Excitement is definitely in the air and this year will feature a pair of Buckeye great for a homecoming of sorts against Notre Dame.

Former Buckeye stars Coach Freeman and Coach Laurinaitus will return home donning the Irish green and gold. They will also be looking to upset the Buckeyes in each of their debuts.

Coach Freeman coming off of a successful year got the head coaching job after Coach Kelly departed for LSU. He then hired his old teammate Laurinaitus as a Graduate Assistant for the defense.

The Goal is Disruption

This will be a big test for the Buckeyes, who suffered two losses last year to stout defenses with talent on the edge. This time around they face the All-American, Isaiah Foskey.

Aside from Foskey, the front seven is solid and they will look to disrupt Coach Day’s offense. On the backend, there might be a few question marks, but we shall see how they fare.

Stroud has JSN and friends on the perimeter, the chimera of RB’s and a mystery at TE. If they can stop the run and make the new starters on the perimeter outside of JSN make plays, there is a chance.

Offensive Adversity?

ND just named Tyler Buchner the starter at Quarterback. He will lead this years offense and is a bit of a mystery.

Joining him in the backfield are Chris Tyree and Logan Diggs. They will be leaned on to change things up and to lessen the offensive burden on Buchner.

The reason? The injury bug has taken away two of his veteran options at WR after losing Avery Davis (ACL) and Joe Wilkins Jr. (foot). Luckily they have Michale Mayer at TE to help lift the offense.

Buckeye Defensive Resurgence?

After a disastrous defensive showing in 2021, there is a ton of anticipation for the 2022 version. Resurgence or Regression? Feast or famine?

With an embarrassment of talent and a new defensive coach, they made the necessary changes to repair a struggling defense that often underperformed.

With a young team with a new QB, WR’s and RB’s they should be able to contain things, but the risk of the unknown is something to keep an eye on. The Irish have a star TE in Mayer, so things will get interesting.

This is a certain group, but there will be a few new faces that will find ways into the game. This will be the test to hopefully set the tone on this side of the ball for the entire year.

Offensive Firepower

The offense will be deadly again with the return of CJ Stroud at QB. The trio of Henderson, Williams and Hayden will be a threat and JSN returns to lead his Zone 6 brethren to another stellar year.

You would think losing Wilson and Olave in the first round in last years draft would hurt, but Zone 6 has stockpiled a nice group of players to take over for instances like this.

Enter MHJ, Fleming and Egbuka. This is going to be a make or break year for those just mentioned. There were reports of a six-man rotation, but until I see it I’ll reserve judgment.

Cade Stover and Gee Scott Jr. are the two TE’s to keep an eye out for. Stover was voted captain and Scott will be a matchup nightmare in the seams.

Definitely excited and could go on and on but I’ll cut it short. I can talk about the obvious, but the unknowns are what intrigues me. Breakout candidates galore.

Finally, this O-Line will have to be aggressive and consistent to have any succes at crating balance with play calling. They will be raked to stop the All-American and his fiends from harassing Stroud and his teammates.

Predictions:

  1. The defense shows dramatic improvement under Knowles (at least 1 INT and 1 sack; 4 TFL’s)
  2. The offensive line dominates the LOS (at least 100 yards rushing & 280 yards passing)
  3. A few players breakout and/or show flashes (Egbuka/Fleming/Scott on offense & JTT/Sawyer/Hancock on defense)

Final Score:

42-20 Ohio State Buckeyes defeat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Clash in Columbus!

There aren’t that many Saturday’s left for us to enjoy, but despite being late to the party (from a creative and mental hiatus), I am back for the rest of the season. That isn’t to say that I haven’t been paying attention, but this year work has been keeping me busy and on my toes!

To kick things off, this is a trap game! This weeks contest is slotted prior games with a pair of division foes from up north, so this game definitely has me on high alert. This late into the season, you have to bring your “A” game every week but as we have witnessed over the last two contests, there is a lot left to improve with so little time left.

Purdue The Giant Slayer

When it comes down to it in 2021, Purdue is a monster in underdog games. The de facto agent of chaos, Purdue has two chaos-inducing upsets against #2 Iowa in Kinnick Stadium and #3 Michigan State in West Lafayette. This weeks contest is located in Columbus, but Iowa lost big at home.

To put this into perspective, they are really good on offense and they trail Ohio State in passing yards/TD total by 183 yards and 8 TD’s. Ohio State is ranked 6th in the nation according to NCAA.com and Purdue sits at 8th. Ohio State is averaging 352.8 yards per game and Purdue is averaging 332.4 (20.4 yard difference), but Purdue has been surgical with a .705 completion percentage which is good for 5th in the nation, while the Buckeyes sit at 22nd with .666.

If the Buckeyes can make them one-dimensional and neutralize the passing game, they will surely win. On the ground, Purdue is 128th out of 130 FBS teams in rushing yards. In 9 games, they have rushed for 694 yards and 5 scores, with a 2.40 yards per rush attempt. They are also averaging 77.1 yards per contest. It is just a matter of playing sound defense.

Now defensively, this is a stout and active defense. They are ranked 28th in 3rd down defensive percentage (.347%), passing yards allowed (185.3), and a red zone defense (.724%). The only weakness is their run defense (60th, 144.4 yards per game), and what a perfect opportunity to correct errors from the last two weeks?

Jekyll and Hyde

It is no secret that this team has gutted it out in close contests against and they have depended heavily on the foot of Noah Ruggles. The heavy passing attack has lost some explosiveness and the running game hasn’t been what it was earlier in the season—the Buckeyes have to get it together.

The offensive line has to revert to what they were earlier on and the running game needs to be executed properly to balance out and keep their opponents on their heels. The line play has been atrocious and a lot of penalties and bad execution have stunted this offensive attack. Injuries have also been a factor, but on offense, they should get Wilson back this week.

On defense, it’s been rough. Besides the pressure (and constant holds) the Buckeyes are tied for first in sacks with 34 and in defensive TD’s with 6. So there is potential, but with the constant moving parts on defense, it is nearly impossible to know what actual defense this team possesses. They were carved up by Penn State and and Nebraska, but I have faith that they’ll right the ship.

The pieces are there but to win, they need a complete team effort. Stroud cannot stare down his intended receivers and he cannot take pot shots into tight windows. He’s been a treat to watch but he needs to protect the ball. The run blocking also needs a tweak. Those massive holes from before aren’t there and the execution is suspect.

Prediction: 34-24 Buckeyes

Fandom Origins: RJ Tongohan

Fans often are so attached to teams and this fan is definitely addicted to anything Ohio State, but would it be crazy to know that I wasn’t always an Ohio State fans? Would it shock you to know that little detail about me, a writer that has been following and writing about Ohio State? Well believe it and here is my comic book-ish origin story for those who have followed me and have enjoyed my fan perspective content over the years.

So to set the stage, I was born and raised in Guam, a U.S. territory located in the Pacific Ocean. I was raised on basketball and knew little about football. The only teams I knew of were the Cowboys and the Dolphins in the NFL. I joined the military in 2005 and I became a Broncos fan by default when watching a Chargers/Broncos game on Turkey Day while attending tech school for my job in the Air Force. He was a Chargers fans and being me, I picked the other team and rolled with it.

Fast forward to my first duty stationed or base, I was stationed at Nebraska in December 2005 and I knew nothing about college football. The husker fans around me were annoying and I watched college football casually but I had no favorite team. Now after watching on and off, I tuned into an Ohio State game in 2006 and I was hooked on them instantly. #10, #7, #28, #33 and #2 reeled me in and that is how I developed my affinity for Ohio State everything.

The offense dazzled. I remember watching Troy Smith slinging and running it, Ted Ginn Jr’s electric skills every time he touched the ball and Beanie Wells dashing past and running over TTUN defenders. The defense was a forced to be reckoned with with stalwarts like James Laurinaitus being involved in every defensive play and Malcolm Jenkins shutting one half of the field down as a shutdown corner.

These are my fondest moments as a fan and it came with its highs and lows. Highs were defeating TTUN consistently, a streak that has few blemishes. I didn’t live through the Cooper years but I did my research and I pray I never see times like those. Demolishing Clemson last year was also another awesome moment and obviously the crowned jewel was winning it all in 2014.

The lows? I’ll start with 2011’s Fickell season and the last loss at the hands of TTUN. There were also the losses to LSU and Florida in the championship games. Add the Bama loss and the Clemson shutout to that, but it has never stopped me from switching teams.

I have been writing for five years and I have stayed loyal to a smaller, lesser known company in the Men Of The Scarlet And Gray or MOTSAG. I sometimes wish for an opportunity to join the ranks of a bigger company but it is unlikely and I’m okay with that. I cannot wait to see what is in store for me and the future but it’s been awesome and I’ve met some cool people on the way. Here’s to more content and I hope you enjoyed this little spin. Look for all my companions to follow suit.

#GoBucks

Tongohan’s 6 Spring Tings

Spring games are used to build players and to showcase their progress after the winter workouts have concluded. Now after the spring game, players are vying for starting positions and trying to separate themselves among the pack. With multiple starting positions up for grabs, you could expect to show out—and a few players caught my eye. I am no pro scout or anything but as a fan, I am pleased with what I saw for the future. Here’s how we saw it a MOSTAG.

1. Quarterback Battle Intensifies

Stroud, Miller and McCord all have the tools to become the heir to Justin Fields’ vacant starting gig. Hear me out. Stroud and Miller have a slight leg up while learning under Fields and they have some in-game experience, but neither has thrown a pass as a Buckeye. McCord is a true freshman with the capacity to learn quickly and urgently to overtake the two redshirt freshman, but it’s too easy to tell and this battle should bleed into the fall.

Stroud, the odds favorite to succeed Fields had an efficient game and finished with over 100 passing yards and a touchdown strikes to Marvin Harrison Jr and Joe Royer. The poise and confidence was there but Miller and McCord proved their cases as well.

Miller started efficiently as you could. He brought his team up into the red zone but was picked off by Watts after forcing a pass to Wilson. After the pick, his decisiveness resurfaced but he was held to 100 yards and no touchdowns. Mistakes happen and the future cannot be predicted. Miller needs to take it all in and push forward like his competitors.

Finally, McCord started with a bang. A 40 or 50 yard bomb to Wilson who ended up getting the wind knocked out of him on what to me was one of my favorite plays of the game—and what a way to introduce yourself young man! McCord brought that sauce and he too went for 100+ yards with a strike to Smith-Njigba. He is a gamer that could surprise folks.

The scout team players also got some play and Andrade and LaRoe flexed their skills. Both were efficient and it looked cerebral at times. Sure, it was against other scout players and a few scholarship players but to cap off the game LaRoe hit Wiglusz for a spinning walk-off score to end the day. What a tremendous play and way to send fans out on a high note.

2. Hartline’s War Chest

Brian Hartline is by far the best recruiter on the Buckeye staff and he has proved it over the last 3-4 recruiting cycles as he seamlessly stockpiles and develops his talent at the wide receiver position. For perspective, in 3 of 4 of these years, he reeled in at least one big fish each cycle. By big fish, I mean a five-star fish and Egbuka (2021) Fleming (2020), Smith-Njigba (2020) and Wilson (2019) are the big fish that he has stockpiled in recent classes. This season, he has Olave and Wilson so he can afford to get these younger players ready for their time after the aforementioned two depart for the pros.

Out of all the receivers, I’d say that Egbuka and Harrison showed out with a combination of tough catches and route running prowess. For Egbuka, his run after catch talent was evident and Harrison’s polished route running makes the future bright for the offense and for zone 6.

3. Cadillac Backs

So the running back position struggled a bit after the departure of JK Dobbins. Injuries have ravaged the position, but with fully recovered players in Chambers and Crowley, a returning mayhem meatball (Williams), and two talented true freshman in Henderson and Pryor—the future is bright for this group as well.

Henderson stood out as a pass catcher, Chambers broke off a sizzling run, mayhem meatball didn’t stray away from contact and Pryor’s effort to make plays stood out. Pryor did not have any wow plays, but none the less he showed up.

4. The Jack Sawyer Show

So tap football was different but Sawyer had himself a day. He was disruptive and as he reeled in 4-5 sacks with one being a strip sack that would’ve led to a turnover. He did not play last season, but he is as advertised. He set-up his pass rush moves and got to his target occasionally.

Although Smith and Harrison are ahead, I can see him in sub packages to spell either of the two. He is too valuable to leave off of the field and although it’s a spring game—he was an impressive player. A high motor, relentless type of player that could be the next rushman star of the future.

5. Secondary Flashes

With Shaun Wade leaving, a hole remains in the secondary. Johnson and Banks remain, but they were not playing today. Watts and Burke got some reps and they did well enough to be mentioned. Watts picked off Miller in the first quarter and Burke got best here and there but he got some valuable reps.

Ransom flashed again and nearly picked off a pass one-handed while in zone coverage. Although they weren’t perfect, the future is still bright. The Buckeyes have a couple of more defensive backs that have yet to show up, so we won’t truly know what we have in that room. All I know is they have the talent to be better in pass defense after getting torched last season and finishing 116th in the nation. I feel like they will have a massive chip of their shoulder to reclaim the BIA title.

6. Kicking Woes

So With Haubiel and Chrisman departing for the pros, enter Jake Seibert and Jesse Mirco to replace them. Mirco had no issues but the Seibert went 0-2, missing wide on both field goal attempts. His extra points were good but the kicking game should be better than that.

You never know when a game would rest on the leg of the kicker and I think he needs some work to build confidence during crunch time. Special teams and field flipping are staples of the Ohio State game plan—so moving forward, I think Day will focus on this aspect of the game.


MOTSAG Draft Profiles: Justin Fields

With the 2021 NFL Draft fast approaching, the odds of a Buckeye getting drafted are pretty high—especially after the championship run this past season. Although the game did not go as planned, the legacy of the outbound players cannot be underestimated and their achievements speak for themselves. Here are just a few tidbits about each draft eligible Buckeyes starting with Justin Fields.

Although the scoreboard failed to showcase his improvements, Justin Fields’ had plenty of good plays that were captured on tape. His intangibles are good enough to be a great, productive quarterback in the NFL and he could potentially break the stigma for future Ohio State Quarterbacks.

Fields is accurate from deep and he has improved his mid and short range accuracy as well. The know of locking onto his first receiver is a thing of the past because he has shown that he is actively coming off of the first receiver and is working through his progressions. Yes, sacks and holding onto the ball is bad but Fields has the potential to be a good one in the future. Pack in the speed and toughness—and you have a durable player with leadership capabilities and the concept I’ve drive to help your team turn things around.

If oddsmakers have it right, there is very little chance Justin Fields winds up a New England Patriot after the 2021 NFL Draft says Paruk from SportsBettingDime.com had mentioned. After the 49ers traded up to #3, they became -150 favorites to take the Ohio State pivot. The Patriots were not among the other eight teams listed. That’s because the chances of Fields lasting until the 15th-overall pick are basically nil, as is Bill Belichick’s history of trading up in the draft.

The NFL Draft is never lacking in drama, but there many teams looking for a future signal caller/playmaker. Fields fits the mold in being one of those future stars and all he needs is to hear his name to begin putting in the work.

PROS:

  • Deep ball accuracy/placement
  • Durability
  • Athleticism/Speed
  • Leadership Qualities
  • Arm Strength

CONS:

  • Holds onto ball too long/Eats sacks

The Reload: Running Backs

The running back room is also affected by uncertainty with Trey Sermon’s status up in the air. He suffered an injury that took him out of the game and it cost the Buckeyes. It is his decision to make but all signs point to him pursuing his NFL dream. The talent that is in place and the backs that are coming in will be exciting to say the least.

Master Teague played in place of Sermon and he did what he could, scoring twice and running for 65 yards. This season, he will be in his third year with the program and he is the early favorite to be the bell cow for the Buckeyes. Yes, he’s no Sermon, but he could fill a leadership role and he brings experience in a mostly green room of backs. He could take his game up a notch while guiding the younger backs under the tutelage of Tony Alford, but this is if the redshirt sophomore decides to stay.

Marcus Crowley is the next talented back and he is a former Gatorade Player of the Year in the talent-rich state of Florida. He saw a few snaps in the championship game when the game was out of reach and he showed some burst but not a ton. As talented as he is, all he is waiting for is his shot for some meaningful snaps. I hope he sticks around for the long haul.

Steele Chambers, out of Roswell, Georgia is the third back on the reload and he is coming off a year where he was recovering from an ACL injury and we will see how he feels in 2021. When he was in the game, he always got his yards and I’m hoping the rust shakes off quickly.

Miyan Williams is the third and “bowling ball” really went out there against Clemson and played like a man possessed. He will ride that momentum moving forward and watching the tape, he really is a downhill runner that isn’t afraid of contact. He is also deceptively shifty which won’t hurt either.

The incoming freshman are TreVeyon Henderson and Evan Pryor, two talented back that will come into the fold soon. Henderson, a five star out of Hopewell, VA has a lot of potential to overtake the talent above. Electric and sudden, he will give the Buckeyes a potential game breaker in the backfield. His stablemate Pryor from Cornelius, NC is a four star but also has the same traits that compliment Henderson. The pair are the #1 and #2 players at their position and they will look to make an immediate impact as freshman.

Regardless of who stays or goes, the room is in good hands. Coach Alford has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal and I know we will be fine. Attrition wouldn’t shock me either, but until we know enjoy the talent we have been stockpiling.

#GoBucks