Top 3 Trap Games for OSU This Season (Guest Post)
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Looking ahead at the 2014 Ohio State football schedule, there are games where most fans will simply say, “Oh, that’s an easy win, don’t have to worry about that week.†In the history of college football, that is often the kiss of death to national championship runs (2007 Backyard Brawl comes to mind). Ohio State should be, and likely will be, favored in every game this season, Michigan State being the only question. Let’s take a look at three of those games and examine them more closely, and why they might be “trap games†for the Buckeyes this season.
1. VS Navy
The biggest question going into this season is, of course, the Ohio State defense. The defensive line will be fine, but the linebacking core and secondary are basically being overhauled after losing Butkus Award Winner Ryan Shazier and Bradley Roby. We know the talent is there (Vonn Bell, Eli Apple, High School Butkus Award Winner Raekown McMillan), but it’s young and unproven for the most part. The Navy game will be an excellent test of the linebackers. Navy returns their quarterback, Keenan Reynlods, who was the leading rusher and passer last season. He is the star and centerpiece of the Navy Triple Option attack, rushing for 1346 yards last season for the team that was second in the country in rush yards per game. Missed tackles have been a killer for the Buckeyes the last two years. This opening game against a tricky offense will be a huge test for the young defense, and tackling in the open field will be a key to stopping the ground attack from Navy.
2. At Penn State
Most fans will look at this game and think back to last year’s 63-14 embarrassment of Penn State in Columbus. Last year’s edition of this game was probably the Buckeyes’ best defensive performance against a team with a fantastic QB/WR duo with Christian Hackenberg and Allen Robinson. This year, there is no Robinson, which would lead many to think this game will be even easier. However, State College is not nice to Ohio State. Since Penn State joined the Big Ten in 1993, the Buckeyes lead the series 14-7, and over that span, Ohio State is just 5-5 at Penn State, versus 9-2 at home.
3. VS Maryland
Maryland started 4-0 last season, before being squashed by eventual champion Florida State 63-0. Maryland’s biggest problem was not their level of play, but the injury situation. Quarterback CJ Brown, wide receiver (and former OSU recruit) Stefon Diggs, defensive back Jeremiah Johnson, and linebackers Vannik Cudjoe-Virgil and Matt Robinson, who are all considered the top players at the positions for Maryland, were all injured at some point last season. All of these players return under coach Randy Edsall, whose Maryland team has gotten better each year under his tenure (2-10, 4-8, 7-6). This will also be Maryland’s third season in the 3-4 scheme, typically when a scheme overhaul is complete. Maryland will likely have a stronger defense than last season, after already cracking the Top 20 in sacks, Top 10 in tackles for loss, and Top 25 in opponent 3rd down conversion. The Buckeye defense will not be as tested against Maryland as against Penn State’s Hackenberg or Navy’s Triple Option, but the one-on-one test between Diggs and whomever Coach Ash puts on him will be great theatre, given that the Maryland offensive line gives Brown time to find Diggs.
The main concern for any “trap game†this season is the Ohio State defense. We saw what a porous defense could cause last year against teams over which Ohio State was heavily favored, like California, Michigan, and Illinois. A coaching change and new players will help that problem, but the young players will likely make some mistakes. The first game against Navy will be a huge test for this young defense to start the 2014 season.
Top 3 Recruits Ohio State Needs To Land (Guest Post)
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I was recently posed a very simple, yet very complex question. “Who are the three most important recruits for Urban Meyer to land in the 2015 Recruiting class who are uncommitted right now?†When first asked this, several names crossed my mind, but many of these names were quickly crossed off the board looking at the depth and the skill sets that Urban Meyer has acquired in previous classes. After a while of narrowing down my focus to the most important recruits for the 2015 class, I came up with three names that pack a powerful punch. Those prospects are: DE Josh Sweat, OT Drew Richmond, and RB Damien Harris.
Josh Sweat
Josh Sweat from Chesapeake, VA has crazy athletic ability and potential for a high school recruit. Many experts compare Sweat to fellow Defensive End, Jadeveon Clowney, who may be the most athletic football player that many have seen in a long time. If Josh Sweat turns into anything like Clowney, then it is very easy to see why Sweat is the top prospect Urban needs to land in 2015. Clowney was of course the number 1 pick in this year’s draft and Sweat may see his name called this early 3 years from now, especially under Larry Johnson Sr. (Ohio State’s Defensive Line Coach). Larry Johnson is one of the big reasons that Ohio State is a finalist and will receive an official visit, along with Virginia Tech, Florida State, Oregon, and Georgia. Many see Virginia Tech as a favorite to land Sweat’s services, but Tech hasn’t had much success in keeping talent in state and Sweat is too quiet of a kid to get a read of where he may be leaning, but he remains a huge need in this class.
Drew Richmond
How many of you want to see another Orlando Pace at Ohio State? Well, if Drew Richmond from Memphis, TN, were to choose Ohio State, then you may very well get your wish. Drew Richmond has stated that he grew up an Ohio State fan and reiterated his interest in the Buckeyes by attending Ohio State’s ‘Friday Night Lights’ last week. Envisioning an elite Offensive Tackle with the skill set that Richmond has with the superior coaching of Offensive Line Coach Ed Warinner spells a combination which has the potential to produce Pace 2.0. Richmond has also expressed that he looks up to Orlando Pace and even tries to mold his game after his. This is why Drew Richmond becomes the second most important recruit that Ohio State needs in this class. I mean who wouldn’t want another possible Orlando Pace? So, how hard will it be for Ohio State to land this talented prospect? Quite hard considering the Buckeyes are competing against programs such as Alabama and home team, Tennessee. Even counting this, I would not bet against Urban Meyer on this one, as this recruitment reminds me of a fellow offensive lineman’s recruitment in Demetrius Knox, last year.
Damien Harris
Why is RB Damien Harris such a need in 2015, with promising backs like Ezekiel Elliott and Curtis Samuel already in the fold at Ohio State now? Well, Damien Harris brings a total different game than fellow running backs, Elliott and Samuel. Harris reminds me more of the game that El Guapo (Carlos Hyde) brought to the Buckeyes last season. Harris has the speed with the best of them, while also supplying some explosive power and anger that he runs with. I can see Harris adding some weight once he gets with Coach Mick (Ohio State’s Strength and Conditioning Coach), and looking more like El Guapo. Right now, Damien is a little smaller than Hyde, as he sits at 5’11, 205 lbs. I feel that Elliott and Samuel both lack the natural build to ever be what Hyde was, even though both backs will most likely pay huge dividends at Ohio State. So, why is Damien Harris so important? We haven’t seen our offense without Hyde since early last season and when Hyde came back, he added a new component to our offense. The question becomes will Ohio State struggle with this component now gone? If so, Damien Harris could come in in 2015 and fill that void as a true freshman. How good of a chance does Urban have with Harris? I’ll stick with a fair to good chance. Harris is from Berea, KY and has us in his recently released final 5, along with Kentucky, Alabama, Texas A&M, and Florida. Kentucky is seen as the biggest threat as Stoops has been able to pull in some top names in the last couple classes. That combined with Damien feeling the hometown superstar pressure has Kentucky sitting in good shape as well. Harris’s relationship with Ohio State commits, Justin Hilliard and Jashon Cornell, along with relationship with Urban Meyer is why I believe he will eventually join the 2015 Recruiting Class when he decides on December 13th. Let’s not forget that Harris grew up a Michigan fan and was once committed to them, who are now eliminated from consideration. That makes this recruitment and potential win, that much sweeter.
At the end of the day, if Urban can land any of these prospects in the 2015 recruiting class, he will be getting a game changer and potential, future all-American. All three of these prospects have the potential to be a factor in their first year along with their entire tenure at Ohio State. If Urban were to somehow land all three, well buckeye fans, get ready for a very intriguing 3-4 years that could see many national titles appearances and wins, if they all pan out to reaching their full potential. Not that we don’t already expect national title appearance and wins, but any three of these guys would put Urban Meyer and our Ohio State Buckeyes over the top. All three may just be a pipe dream, but a dream I’m willing to live in.
Buckeyes Moving Into Fall Camp Hotel (Photos)
Every year there is a day where every OSU football player moves into the hotel for Fall football camp and the pictures that come from that day are almost always glorious. Some of the things you really get to see are how big some guys got in the off-season. Or how out of shape some may have gotten. Other things that are intriguing is what do they bring (TVs, Video Game Systems, Stereo Systems, or even food). Our friends at Lantern TV (Formerly Buckeye TV) the student run newspaper/TV station were kind enough to allow us to use their photos for this article.
No. 1 RB Ezekiel Elliott is all smiles.
Michael Bennett looks in great shape and ready to kill some QBs and tell some jokes.
Curtis Grant obviously uses Animal Crackers for muscle development.
Tyquan Lewis (Foreground) and Tracy Sprinkle arriving.
Dontre “The Unibomber” Wilson?
Click the link below to see more pictures from today’s camp arrivals…
Ohio State Football Camp Hype Video
There is no way to get enough actual video coverage of football right now. Thanks to the fine folks at THE Ohio State University here is some video of OSU practice. My best takeaway? Looks like Chris Carter is in great shapes and really fast for a big man.
Three Things to Watch: Pre-Season Storylines for the Buckeyes D
You all know the stat, 24-2 over the past two seasons. For the majority of fan bases around the country that would be more than acceptable (yes I’m talking about you Michigan). But for Ohio State fans, the agony of the 2 losses tends to stain our memories more than the 24 wins that predated them. Why? Because it was not only that we lost those games, but how we lost those games. For years Ohio State has prided itself on playing tough, fast, “silver bullet” defense. The type of defense that produced multiple All-Americans, multiple NFL draft picks, and more importantly multiple national championship appearances.
Those glory days seem to be a fading memory. As glory fades it has been replaced with the nightmares of multiple busted coverage’s, missed tackles, an Orange Bowl loss, and the most haunting, a Big Ten Championship defeat. However, hope has arrived in the form of Chris Ash, Larry Johnson Jr., a plethora of young talented players, and the 2014 season. Let’s take a look at some of the top story lines you should keep an eye on heading in to the 2014 season for the Buckeye defense.
Will Talent Overcome Inexperience?
This Buckeye defense is loaded with talent and future NFL draftees thanks to Meyer and his staff’s relentless recruiting efforts. However, there will be cause for concern, as several of the incoming players will be looked upon to fill depth early on. In the back seven there will be a total of 2 seniors (D. Grant, C. Grant) and 4 juniors (C. Williams, D. Bogard, A. Reeves, J. Perry) returning in the two deep following fall camp. The other 8 spots will be occupied by sophomores or freshman, in my opinion. For the two weakest parts of this defense last season, that has to be a major concern for co-coordinators Chris Ash and Luke Fickell. Ash and Fickell will have to rely heavily on the leadership skills of the 6 upper class-men, who will receive playing time, to bring the young Bucks along quickly in their maturation process.
There will not be many, if any, true freshman starting this season, however they will have to be prepared to step up in the instance of an injury or poor play. The loss of Christian Bryant last year proved to be a lesson of how valuable leadership is to a team. While Powell did an admirable job stepping in, it was obvious at times he was not ready to embrace that role. After a heavily scrutinized 2013 campaign, things may only get worse in 2014 if inexperience shines through over talent and potential.
Will the Secondary Rise from the Ashes?
Co-defensive coordinator Chris Ash has taken over a very talented, yet inexperienced secondary. He has been working diligently to not only introduce his scheme, but also familiarize himself with his new personnel. Ash has brought in a new, and much simpler man coverage scheme that should help all of his young Bucks to think less and play faster. Last season the secondary often looked confused with what coverage was being called, and also what their responsibilities were in that specific coverage. The coaches could never establish a base defense that worked best for the defense. The result of that uncertainty led to changing schemes mid-week during the season and causing further confusion among the staff and players.
Ash hopes to erase those issues and start fresh with a simplistic and clear approach. However, in order for his scheme to be executed properly, he will need to address a couple of questions. For starters, who will start opposite of Doran Grant? Secondly, who will start next to Tyvis Powell at safety? Finally which safety will be the one voice on the field that everyone has confidence in? Powell seems to be the early favorite, but someone needs to solidify themselves as the quarterback of this young unit.
Keep an eye out for my post, coming up soon, of the defensive backs preview. I will address what I believe should be the answers to those three major questions. If Ash can answer these questions early in camp, or even by week 2 or 3 of the season, then the Buckeyes should be in good shape as they push for a Big Ten crown.
Is there One Clear and Coherent Message/Scheme?
While not many know for sure whether Fickell and Withers had philosophical differences, or did not communicate well, one thing was apparent, neither seemed to be on the same page. The constant mixing between cover 3 and cover 4 during the season left players confused. The indecision on whether to play aggressively or not frustrated not only the fans, but also Coach Meyer. The overall inconsistency left many scratching their heads as to what the co-defensive coordinators were really trying to accomplish.
With the arrival of new coaches Chris Ash and Larry Johnson Jr., Coach Meyer wanted to ensure there would be a clear voice, and definite purpose on his team this year. Meyer’s concern about his staff’s unity was brought to the forefront this off-season. He enrolled his coaches in unit leadership courses, and did his best to ensure that everyone was on the same page going in to spring camp.
Ash and Fickell have reportedly been working well together in practice, but the pressure has not been put on yet. It will be interesting to see if they stick to their guns during a rough patch of play this season. Or will the waffling and same uncertainty we saw last year come creeping back in time to bite the Buckeyes again? Ash, Fickell, and Meyer seem hell bent on maintaining consistency and unity, and also not repeating last years mistakes. Their commitment to that should lead to a clearer and more purpose driven defense in the 2014 season.
Venzell Boulware has Ohio State In Top Three
A couple of months ago, class of 2015 OT Venzell Boulware, was coming off of his Ohio State visit and had nothing but good things to say about it. Â Now, the 6-4 Fairburn, Georgia resident, has a final three of Tennessee, Clemson, and Ohio State. Â Georgia has been good to Ohio State in the past couple of recruiting classes with Stephen Collier and Raekwon McMillan both hailing from the Peach State. Â Ohio State is hoping to continue that trend with Boulware. Â Boulware joined us to talk about his final three and what he likes about each one.
Tennessee: “I have a really good relationship with all of the coaches there. Â I also am good friends with the Berry’s, Evan and Elliot, who both go to there. They went to Creekside high school also so I have a strong relationship with them and I talk with them about playing at Tennessee.”
Clemson: “They were the first offer I had so that meant a lot. Â I have been in constant contact with the coaching staff and I have built a strong relationship with them. Â I have a good feeling with the program.”
Ohio State: “They are the best visit I have been on. Â I love the coaches there and I know they care about their players even after football which is really cool. Â I love the city of Columbus too and the campus is cool. Â I have a good vibe about Ohio State.”
Boulware is hoping to take officials to all three before making a decision. Â He is visiting Tennessee before going back to school. Â He does not have a timetable for his decision but is hoping to make it whenever he feels he knows 100% where he wants to go. Â His decision could come during the season and even before he takes his official visits. Â He has already been to each campus so he knows what each has to offer. Â His recruitment is going to get interesting as the season goes on, especially when he schedules official visits.
A Look Back At The 2011 Recruiting Class (Part Two)
Part one of this series looked back at the 2011 recruiting class, reviewing the nine starters who emerged from the group. This post will look at the remaining categories – Contributors and Departures.
II. The Contributors (35%)
1. Chris Carter, DL: Originally signed as an offensive lineman in 2011, Carter was moved over to the defense when Coach Meyer’s staff came on board for the 2012 season. Carter is a massive presence at a listed 6’4″, 342 lbs along the defensive interior. With another year of eligibility remaining for 2015, Carter could wind up with a NFL career, as NFL teams are always looking for massive defensive linemen of his stature for 3-4 fronts.
2. Chase Farris, OL: Farris has been a willing human ping-pong for the Ohio State coaching staff throughout his career. Originally recruited as a defensive lineman in 2011, Farris redshirted. In 2012, Farris moved to the offensive line midway through the season. In 2013, Farris battled Taylor Decker for the starting right offensive tackle position, but moved to defensive line when Tommy Schutt’s injury caused defensive line depth issues. Farris has been moved back to the offensive line for 2014, where he could battle for a starting position during fall camp. Farris will have eligibility to play in 2015.
3. Joel Hale, OL: Hale moved on his own volition for the 2014 season to offensive line. Hale originally entered Ohio State as a defensive lineman in 2011, and lettered each season from 2011-2013. Hale does not have eligibility remaining for 2015, so I will be anxious to see how much Hale will be in the mix for playing time along an inexperienced offensive line in 2014.
4. Cardale Jones, QB: Jones has positioned himself for high importance this coming season as the primary backup quarterback to Braxton Miller. Jones signed with Ohio State in February 2011, but attended Fork Union Military Academy to concentrate on academics that season. Enrolling at Ohio State in 2012, Jones did not seem to endear himself to Coach Meyer’s coaching staff, as Jones did not see any game action in the 2012 Ohio State Spring Game. Jones redshirted in 2012, earning playing time in a handful of 2013 games. Jones emerged as the backup quarterback during the 2014 spring practices, and will have a year of eligibility remaining in 2015.
5. Steve Miller, DE: One of the more highly-touted players in the 2011 recruiting class, Miller has lettered as a defensive lineman from 2011-2013. While projected as a backup for his final season in 2014, Miller should be able to contribute along the defensive front, adding to Ohio State’s strength across the defensive line.
6. Ron Tanner, DB: Redshirted as a freshman in 2011, Tanner has lettered in 2012 and 2013 primarily for his work on the special teams units. Look for Tanner to contribute also in the defensive backfield this coming season. Tanner has a year of eligibility remaining for 2015.
7. Antonio Underwood, OL: Underwood earned playing time as a true freshman in 2011, even starting at Purdue late in the season. Underwood played sparingly in 2012, and was injured during spring practice in 2013. With knee surgery, Underwood took a redshirt season in 2013, thus allowing him an extra year of eligibility for 2015. Underwood is a projected starter along the offensive line heading into fall practice, but will be pushed for playing time this season.
8. Nick Vannett, TE: While listed as a contributor on this list, it would not be surprising to list Vannett as a starter, as Vannett is considered a primary offensive contributor at tight end by the coaching staff. Redshirted in 2011, Vannett lettered in 2012 and 2013. Vannett will look to build upon his strong 2013 season, and will have eligibility remaining for 2015.
III. The Departures (26%)
1. Brian Bobek, OL: Originally recruited as a potential successor to center Mike Brewster, Bobek decided to transfer to Minnesota after falling to third on the depth chart in June of 2012. Bobek has battled health issues while at Minnesota, and did not see game action for the 2013 season.
2. Tommy Brown, OL: Redshirted in 2011, Brown did not see any game action in 2012. The majority of Brown’s playing time in 2013 took place on special teams, and in games when Ohio State was well-ahead on the scoreboard. Rated a three-star recruit by 247sports.com, rivals.com, and scout.com, Brown decided to announce a transfer to Akron before fall camp began…
https://twitter.com/georgethomasabj/status/495634240533708800
3. Jeremy Cash, DB: Cash lettered as a true freshman for Ohio State in 2011, contributing on the special teams units. Upon the conclusion of the 2011 season, Cash decided to transfer to Duke, where he has emerged as one of the top defensive backs in the ACC.
4. Conner Crowell, LB: Crowell left Ohio State due to injuries sustained while in high school. Crowell redshirted in 2011, and played sparingly in 2012. After going through additional surgeries at Ohio State, Crowell was not medically cleared to play football in January 2013.
5. DerJuan Gambrell, DB: Gambrell was dismissed from Ohio State by Coach Meyer in January 2012 for a “violation of team rules”. Gambrell redshirted in 2011, was dismissed from Ohio State, and I have been unable to find out if Gambrell ever enrolled elsewhere to continue his football career.
6. Kenny Hayes, DE: The first commitment to the 2011 recruiting class, Hayes redshirted in 2011. Hayes decided to transfer at the beginning of 2012 spring practices, announcing his intentions to play at Toledo. Looking at Toledo’s roster, Kenny Hayes is not listed, so I am not sure if Hayes has discontinued his football career.
Honorable Mention ~ Ejuan Price, LB: Price makes this list, as he originally signed with Ohio State, yet never reported in 2011. Price was a late commitment to the recruiting class (01/17/2011), and decided to ask for his release when Coach Jim Tressel resigned. Price wound up at Pittsburgh, where he will have eligibility remaining for 2015.
CONCLUSION: Out of twenty-three players, Ohio State has nine starters, eight contributors, and only six departures. To have 74% of the class either starting or contributing is a strong testament to the recruiting job done by Coach Jim Tressel, as well as the coaching/development by Coach Luke Fickell and Coach Urban Meyer. Considering the circumstances these players have dealt with during their time in Columbus, these Buckeyes are worthy of praise and recognition by fans throughout the Ohio State community.
