[Editor’s Note: This list was created back in May, long before any of Mr. Hyde’s troubles occured. We decided to keep him in the list and update this post accordingly.]

Carlos Hyde comes into 2013 as a senior on your beloved Buckeyes. He has become a punishing running back and a force to be reckoned with in the backfield. He comes off the 2012 seson just 30 yards shy of reaching the benchmark level of 1,000. He’s hoping that this season he becomes the first running back under Meyer’s instruction to reach said level. The closest player to reach 1000 yards under Meyer was Brandon Warfield in 2003 when Meyer was coaching at Utah.

In 2012, he led the Big Ten conference in scoring and touchdown scoring and was named All-Big Ten second team. He also received honors from Ohio State by receiving the Rex Kern award for outstanding offensive player from his efforts in the Michigan, Illinois, and Nebraska games.

He brings a tremendous level of maturity to the offense side of the ball as well an outstanding level of leadership, which should help bring Dunn and Ball up to speed.

I don’t know about you, but I’ll be setting up a dry erase board with the number “1000” in big digits and will be counting down every game. Hopefully, we’ll see it accomplished by game 10.

Update: A little while back, Carlos Hyde seemed to get himself in a little bit of trouble at a night club. Many rumors swirled around as to whether or not he did what he was accused of doing until the CPD released the video from the night club. After the dust settled, Mr. Hyde was cleared of assault charges after the video showed him not striking the woman. But Coach Meyer had different plans for him. The coach has benched him for three games “for conduct not representative of this football program or this university,” Meyer said in a statement released by the school.

Previously on MotSaG’s Best of the B1G
#9 James White
#10 Trevor Siemian/Kain Colter
Best of the B1G, #15-11
Best of the B1G, #20-16
Best of the B1G, #25-21

The first preseason poll just came out and while it doesn’t mean anything I am going to use it today. The Bowl Championship Series is in its final year this football season. Lets take a look back on the end of an era shall we.

Eight teams have played in five or more BCS bowl games, four of those teams have winning records. Ohio State, Florida, USC, Oklahoma, Florida State, Virginia Tech, Michigan and Alabama are the said teams. Ohio State is the only team to play in nine games while Oklahoma played in eight Florida and Florida State each went to seven Virginia Tech competed in six and Alabama and Michigan were in five. Only two of those teams Ohio State and USC have six wins Florida comes in with five and Alabama has three victories. Looking back that’s impressive seeing that USC had one coach (Pete Carroll) go 6-1, Ohio State had two coaches (Cooper and Tressel) go 6-3 (Cooper 1-0), Florida also had two coaches (Spurrier and Meyer) finish 5-2 (Meyer 3-0), and Alabama also had two coaches (Mike Dubose and Nick Saban) to go 3-2 (DuBose 0-1). Carroll is the only coach will 6 wins himself but Urban Meyer holds the distinction of being undefeated in BCS games going 4-0 with Utah and Florida. Nick Saban is a combined 5-1 with his Alabama and former LSU teams. Saban and Meyer are the only two coaches on this list still active and could possibly add to their record in this final year.

Next season there will be a playoff system that will go into place. The two semi championship games will pit #1 seed vs #4 seed and the #2 seed vs #3 seed. The games will be alternated between bowls and will either be played on Dec. 31st or Jan 1st with the final game the on the first Monday after the semi championship games are played. The National Championship will not be a bowl game. There will be a committee will have to whittle down to get the four “best” teams by using their win/loss record, strength of schedule, head to head results, if they are conference champions. Just like any other system there will probably be issues and controversy but hopefully it wont be the mess as there has been in years past.

The committee won’t be using any polls to help them in their selection process but I am just for examples. If the top four where to finish as the preseason poll suggests the semi championships could be #1 Alabama vs. #4 Stanford and #2 Ohio State vs #3 Oregon. That would be awesome right well there’s a good possibility Ohio State could be left out looking in. The problem would be strength of schedule and right now Ohio State’s is very weak. Another SEC team could jump them and it would be SEC vs Pac 12 games.

This is where the non conference schedule is very key to teams like Ohio State while they wait for the rest of the B1G to get better. I know the Buckeyes have key non conference games scheduled years in advance and Oklahoma Sooners is coming up and years past they played teams like USC, Texas and Miami. No one could have seen that Cal wasn’t going to be as terrible as they are now. I love the idea of Ohio State playing other Ohio teams as a way to help that school out and its a way of giving back but it would seem to me those days might be coming to an end. Could we see where they play a game versus the SEC, Pac 12, Big 12, the ACC’s (new and old).

With the Buckeyes returning nine starters on offense, fans have high expectations. Led by Heisman hopeful Braxton Miller the Ohio State offense is definitely going to put up points. Braxton is surrounded with great receivers, a good back field and a solid offensive line. The offensive line is going to have four senior starters, leaving a spot at Right Tackle. The Ohio State Offense is going to be a huge factor on the Buckeye’s success for the 2013 season.

Braxton Miller:

Braxton Miller is the key to the Buckeye offense. When Braxton is clicking, and the running game is contributing, the Buckeye offense is one of the best in the country. A big question coming into the 2013 season is if Braxton can stay healthy and if he can complete 60-70 percent of his passes. If Miller can do this, the Buckeye offense is going to be dominant. Buckeye fans are looking to see Braxton’s full potential come out this season. Coach Herman stated that he would like to call less designed runs for Miller and more pass plays where Braxton can be effective as a dual threat. Also, heading into his junior season Braxton is growing into a bigger leadership role. In conclusion, the Buckeyes rely on Braxton to make huge contributions and lead the offense.

The Back Field:

Braxton Miller will not be the only one trotting into the end-zone this season.But, Carlos Hyde is suspended for at least three games. Hyde ran for 970 yards last season and scored 16 touchdowns. The big question is, who is going to step up in the backfield? In my opinion, Rod Smith is going to have a load to carry due to Hyde’s suspension. Smith is entering his Junior year and showed that he can be relied on after the Penn State game. In my opinion, the Penn State game showed that Smith is going to be able to contribute in the running game along with Carlos Hyde (After the suspension). Buckeye fans will also see contributions from Dontre Wilson and Bri’onte Dunn. Hopefully, the first three games are Carlos Hyde’s only missed games.

Wide Receivers:

The Buckeye offense is returning a great wide receiver core. In my opinion, Devin Smith, Chris Fields, and Corey Brown are all going to have solid seasons. With one year under Urban’s offense and chemistry with Braxton, the passing game is going to be crisp for the Buckeyes. All three receivers can be go-to guys. Every little thing ties in around these three players. If the Buckeyes can get consistent contributions from these players this opens up the running game. Hyde had a great season even with a bad balance in the offense. With Smith, Fields and Brown the Buckeye offense will be able to have a good balance. Experience is something this offense does not lack, especially with Fields and Brown being seniors. Corey Brown seemed to be Braxton’s main target, but Braxton has plenty of great receivers to distribute the ball to.

Offensive Line:

The Buckeye offensive line is returning 4 of starters. All four are going to be seniors, except an open position at right tackle. Many believe that Taylor Decker will be getting the start at right tackle. But, this position can be up for grabs. In my opinion, the line is lead by Jack Mewhort who is also a team captain. This experienced offensive line is going to be crucial for the passing and running game. These five big guys up front deserve every ounce of credit for the offensive success. The starting line will include: Jack Mewhort, Andrew Norwell, Corey Linsley, Marcus Hall and a possibility of Taylor Decker. Having an experienced offensive line is a huge bonus for an offense. Especially for an offense with 9 returning starters. In my opinion, this is going to be one of the best offenses in the country.

I had the chance to talk to Johnnie Dixon the 6″0 187 lb. 2014 wide receiver from Dwyer High School in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Johnnies’ recruitment with Ohio State looked like more of a courtesy in the beginning when he talked to the staff until he came up for a unofficial visit and participated in a OSU camp. Ever since that visit his interest in Ohio State sparked and he has put them in his top 3. Johnnie is a great athlete that allows him to be a mismatch for any corner back trying to cover him. Johnnie mentions his game still needs some fine tuning and it doesn’t appear the Buckeyes are worried one bit about his weakness as the are going after him very hard.

247sports ranks him as the #24 wide receiver

Rivals ranks him as the #20 wide receiver

Scout ranks him as the #50 wide receiver

Q: When did Ohio State offer you a scholarship, and how did it feel?

A: A while back ago and it felt amazing to get one from OSU

Q: Who is your primary recruiter and how often do you speak to him?

A: Coach Smith and we talk a lot, also Mark Pantoni also but mostly Coach Smith

Q: What about Ohio State makes you strongly consider them?

A: The campus is amazing, they are going to continue winning also the team chemistry is amazing and I could see myself being apart of that

Q: What was your favorite part about your visit to Ohio State when you camped there?

A: Everything, everyone showed me so much love

Q: What is your personal and team goals for your senior season?

A: Personal goal is to be a leader, team goal is to do whatever I can to help our team win.

Q: What do you feel you need to improve on the most your senior season?

A: My route running

Q: What do you personally feel is your biggest strength on the field?

A: Being a leader by telling them to keep their head up no matter the situation and leading by example

Q: Which schools are recruiting you the hardest?

A: Ohio State, Notre Dame, Miami, Alabama

Q: Do you plan on taking another visit to Ohio State?

A: Yes, I’m taking my official visit for the Wisconsin game

Q: Do you have a timetable on when you would like to make a commitment?

A: No

Q: What is your impression of Coach Meyer after speaking with him?

A: He’s really a cool guy, he knows what he is talking about when it comes to wide receivers. He has a lot of success putting them into the NFL and that really interests me

Q: Name some of your other interests besides football?

A: I love bowling

You can see Johnnie’s highlights below… and you can also follow him on twitter @unogohard1

The Spread Offense/No Huddle offense epidemic must be stopped. It is running rampant in college and professional football and as much as fans love it, coaches like Nick Saban are in the papers kicking and screaming about safety concerns and unfairness. Well Coach Saban, as much as I hate disagreeing with you I am afraid I am going to have to on this one. While the Buckeyes offense has quickly fallen in love with the Spread/No-Huddle offense; the Silver Bullets probably do not share the same love for it. The Buckeyes defense struggled last year against spread offenses, especially the passing game. The Buckeyes against spread offenses last year (Neb,Cal,Ill,Ind,Miami) allowed an average of 252.6 yards per game through the air. The most infamous of those struggles against the spread was against Indiana when Ohio State allowed a ridiculous 352 yards through the air. This epidemic has caused Coach Everett Withers and Luke Fickell to implement a new defensive package, the 3-2-6.

So what is the purpose of the 3-2-6? Why would a defense only want to rush 3 lineman and have 6 defensive backs on the field? The package allows defenses to put more defensive backs on the field to deal with a multitude of athletes in passing situations. It also puts more speed on the field for the defense. There are multiple aspects to this defense in order for it to be efficient so let’s get started.

Let us begin up front. The lineman’s job in the 3-2-6 is to create some kind of pressure on the quarterback. It will be rare that a lineman gets a sack during a 3 man rush but creating pressure will at least get the quarterback off of his spot and force some discomfort. The Buckeyes worked on this package in the spring and when the first team rolled out it lined up Adolphus Washington on the strong side of the line, Michael Bennett in the middle, and Noah Spence on the weak side. Bennett is the one that stands out here to me. Last year he was a 2nd string strong side end at times but I’m not sure he had the burst to get around the edge. I do think though he has enough burst and bulk on him to split the guard and center and create some pressure up the middle. Now if Bennett does not work out I think that Washington would be able to move inside, seeing that he has bulked up to 292 pounds, and who ever occupies the second string spot could step in for Washington. I think that Joey Bosa would be a good fit here. It would give the freshman some playing time early in his career and a guy with his engine would be very useful in this scheme.

The linebacker corps is a little simpler to figure out. The linebackers will mostly be sitting in zone or blitzing so it would not surprise me to see Mike Mitchell get a shot here in camp as well. So who is going to join Ryan Shazier in the middle of the field? My guess is that Curtis Grant will not be lining up at the Mike here. The linebackers role here is to take away the middle of the field and I’m not sure that Grant is going to be disciplined or fluid enough to do that. I think Josh Perry is better in space and showed that some last year. I’m not saying Grant could not end up here towards the end of the year but I think Perry starts over him initially. Young linebackers like Mike Mitchell or Trey Johnson could make a case for them to play the Mike in the 3-2-6 this season. Both are very good in space and the assignment of blitzing or holding a zone over the middle of the field may not be too overwhelming for the freshman.

The defensive back group is in my opinion the most interesting and versatile group of athletes here. Let’s get the obvious ones out-of-the-way. Bryant will be the deep safety in this formation while Barnett will probably be allowed to roam free. Roby and Grant will man the boundaries and that leaves us with two defensive backs to figure out. The remaining two DB’s will be playing the important “Star” position. I believe Powell is a lock in one of these spots due to his ability to shift his hips like a corner and hit as hard as a safety. The coaches really like him and he has grown in to the role very quickly.

The second Star spot was filled by Corey Brown this spring but here comes my romance with Vonn Bell. While Corey Brown maybe the fifth year Senior who has dedicated all of his time and effort to the program being an upstanding Buckeye, we are competing for a national title and there is no room for sentimental favorites. The best most talented players have to play. As long as Bell dedicates himself to the Buckeyes he will become a great safety in a few years for Coach Meyer but for this year he can contribute by serving in this Star role.
Now where will Buckeye fans see the 3-2-6 implemented? Mostly on third and long, but they can also expect it being used against Indiana this year to prevent another 52-49. It will also be used at that night game against Northwestern and their recently implemented spread attack.

If Ohio State can use this package with efficiency they may have a successful answer to any spread and passing attack they will face. Oh and it may help with those “miscommunication” issues the secondary had last year that led to a few big plays.

The man, the myth and now the ledgend Cris Carter came back home to the Buckeye State where he will be a permanent member in the National Football Hall of Fame.

The former Buckeye All American wide receiver gave a moving and spectacular speech, saying he only regretted one thing that he has done and that was to sign with an agent thus losing his eligibility for his senior season. Carter is still one of the best receivers to wear the Scarlet and Gray colors.

Welcome home Cris Carter. Good to see in the Hall of Fame where you belong. O-H I-O

So it began at 8:45am for 35 players, freshman and a few inexperienced older players. The media was allowed to be present for the first 30 minutes per Bill Rabinowitz of the Columbus Dispatch. The veterans reported for their first practice at 3:05pm.

The Buckeyes get to put the off season distractions (only Roby’s saga continues) behind and start the process of accomplishing their goals for this season. Another undefeated season, win their division, win the B1G championship, win a National Championship are some of the common goals for this years team. Ohio State is coming into camp close to being fully healthy. Center Corey Linsley (screw in foot) is out of his walking boot and running, Back up QB Kenny Guiton (broken finger) hasn’t begun throwing yet but started throwing motion, offensive lineman Antonio Underwood probably won’t participate in camp while he coninues to recover from his ACL injury.

This is courtesy of Buckeye TV: