tOSU Buckeyes vs Colorado Buffaloes in 2011?

There seems to be an internet rumor going around that Gene Smith OSU AD is in serious talks with his counterpart at Colorado. Seems there is talk of a game happening next year and that it wil be a home game for OSU. Since it is only being mentioned as a one game series the rumor is Colorado is looking for a 2 million dollar payday for coming into town to get their butts handed to them. Apparently Gene Smith said an official announcement about the game will be made sometime within a month.

Personally I hope it is true. It would be another game vs a BCS conf team even if they are barely a middle of the pack team. They have a good tradition and I know a large fan following. It will help us with recruiting more out west due to them being in the PAC 12 next year. I was just unaware we had an opening in the schedule next year. I am glad to hear rumblings that if they do they arent looking for a MAC school or Div 2 school to fill the void.

Just for clarification I should add I didnt put any links in this to the rumors as that is what they are and I am not 100% sure the rumors are true but definately worthy of discussion on this blog.

I am in favor of this game…… What says you?

Around The Internets Today

Dispatch: Special Teams’ Flaws Were Evident in ’09
The Ozone: Kick Coverage Teams a Major Focus This Offseason

Two stories published a day apart dealing with the same issue: the Buckeyes’ subpar performance on kick and punt coverage last season. It’s something I occasionally noticed last season but didn’t really think of as a trend. I bet that irritates Tressel to no end, given his emphasis on special teams.

AP: Pryor restraint: no more eyeblack messages

I thought the whole thing with TP and his interview regarding the pro-Vick message on his eyeblack last season was a little overblown. People seemed surprised that a 20 year-old kid said something [really] stupid. I’ll tell you this: I say stupid stuff all the time and I’m 32.

Off Tackle Empire: If History is Any Indication, Michigan Will Be Back Shortly

Having come of age during the Cooper years, I’d just as soon they take their time. Even with the (what I consider to be) apocalyptic lead, it’s an interesting look into the historical performance of some of the major players in college football over the years.

Orlando Sentinel: Ohio State teammate on Terrelle Pryor: “He was kind of a punk.”

We’ve read about this for a few days now, but most people have been focusing on TP’s statement that he looks forward to being around for all four years. The Orlando Sentinel decided to lead with something a little more … provocative.

ESPN: Jemele Hill Calls Someone a Hypocrite

That’s not the title of the article but they’d probably save their editors some time by just titling everything she wrote this way. I love to see anyone pointing out that Nick Saban and Urban Meyer are big fat liars, but personally, it’s hard to read anything Jemele Hill writes without firmly coming down on the opposite side of whatever it is she’s discussing.

Herald-Dispatch: Anderson wins QB derby

Initial thought – if you don’t know who your starter is at quarterback until less than three weeks before the season begins, you are in trouble. Second thought – I probably was similarly confident back in ’05. You know, right before it took a 95-yard Mike Nugent field goal as time expired to beat the Herd.

Tom Tupa days left

Recruited by Earle Bruce out of Brecksville-Broadview Heights near Cleveland [and my High School Rival -ed], Tupa lettered four years (1984 to ’87) at OSU. He was All-Big Ten and an All-American as a senior, when he averaged 47 yards. He also was the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback that season, passing for 1,786 yards.

 

Nate Clements days left

I say why not continue the Nate trend and mention Mr. Clements? He was an All Big Ten player and one of the best DB’s Ohio State has ever had but that is an awfully big list of DB’s.

So we are 20 days away from the start of the season. It can’t seem to get here fast enough and I am drooling just thinking about the upcoming season.

Nate Salley days left

What is there to say? Nate was a beast at tOSU. During his time at Ohio State, Mr. Salley was an All Big Ten Selection and an All Academic Big Ten Selection and a Team Captain. He started 33 games in his career on the football team but he also suited up for 10 games for the Men’s Basketball team during his career as well. Mr. Salley is another great example of a True Buckeye we can be proud of. I can’t believe we are only three weeks away from kickoff. O-H

Last Line of Defense [2010 Season Preview]

It is a scary position to be in… often times they are the only thing standing in the way of a charging ball carrier and the end zone. They are often times the best athletes on the field. They have to be fast enough to keep up with wide receivers and strong enough to take down running backs and tight ends that are bigger than they are.

The Ohio State defensive backfield, as it does every year, has the task of backing up a very talented front seven. This year’s group has a nice mix of young new comers and experienced veterans.

The cornerbacks:

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Chimdi Chekwa

He will be Ohio State’s #1 corner back. Chekwa is one of the best athletes on the team. He has outstanding speed and quickness along with a very good ability to tackle. Chekwa, early in his career, was known as a gambler and was often beaten deep as a freshman and sophomore. Last year, as a junior, he took over for star Malcolm Jenkins. He was a solid replacement and should only get better this year.

Devon Torrence

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Torrence will most likely start the season as the #2 corner but will need to fight off hard charging sophomore Travis Howard who is a star in the making. One thing the Buckeyes always seem to have is depth at the corner position.

 

The Safeties:

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Orhian Johnson

This kid is a former QB turned safety. Apparently he has been “scary” patrolling the secondary in early practices and could be the next big hitter to come out of OSU’s secondary. Look for him to be plowing Big Ten WRs into the turf every Saturday this fall.

Jermale Hines

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In my mind, Hines is the star of the Ohio State defensive backfield. The guy will make plays all over the field. He can be a bigger, stronger, faster version of Kurt Coleman. Hines seems to always be around the ball making things happen. Whether he is making a tackle behind the line or tipping a pass to himself and returning it for a touchdown.

I see Hines putting the Ohio State defense over the top in 2010.

 

The Star:

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Tyler Moeller

So what is the “star” position at Ohio State? It’s basically a hybrid between a linebacker and safety and corner. It’s a very important position in Ohio State’s defense. This player will be charged with run support against many spread option attacks as well as covering slot receivers and underneath routes. This player will also be asked to put tons of pressure on opposing QB’s, something Moeller knows about. Before some drunken Florida jealous doucher sucker punched Moeller, almost ending his football career, Tyler was in line to be Ohio State starting outside linebacker opposite Ross Homan.

Early in his career, Tyler displayed a unique ability to get to the quarterback. In 2008 vs. Illinois, Moeller had his best game accounting for seven tackles and harassed Juice Williams all day. In the following spring game he sacked Pryor numerous times and chased him down from behind on broken plays. This was when Pryor was “live” in the game. Moeller dominated.

Moeller is a player that all Buckeye fans will and should be rooting for this year. I expect him to create some serious matchup problems for every teams OSU plays this fall.

All in all, this Ohio State defensive backfield is loaded with experienced and elite athletes, and with the help of a very active front 7 this squad should lock down many a receiver and come away with a ton of turnovers.

Les Horvath days left

This guy was a stud in his day and won the Heisman Trophy back in 1944. His jersey number is retired in the ‘Shoe and he is a Hall of Fame player and one the greatest Buckeye Players of all time.

 
 
 
 

2010 Season Preview Video Throwdown (Video #4)

This one comes from kitchel22130 and is a three-parter.

Hit the jump for the videos:

[Read more…]

Matt Keller days left

Today’s countdown shout-out goes out to el Kaiser’s Favorite Fullback ever — Matt Keller. #23 played in the late 90’s and is still Ohio State’s All-Time Leader in receptions for a fullback and will be forever at the rate we throw to the FB now.

Enjoy guys, only 23 days until the season kicks off.

 
 

Will Terrelle Pryor be a 4 year starter?

Yesterday at a news conference in the ‘shoe Terrelle Pryor discussed several topics including how he was a horrible teammate the last 2 years and how he has matured as a person and a player.

I for one welcomed all that talk from TP and enjoyed hearing him speak openly about his issues and progressions as both a player and a person. I must admit I hate his new errrrr 1985 Kid N Play hairdo or as I like to call it hairDONT.

The most important thing he talked about though which can be seen HERE was….. Terrelle Pryor wants to make a legacy at Ohio State and put his footprint in a positive light. In doing so he said he would be coming back to tOSU next year to play football with his fellow Seniors to be.

I think a lot of people (maybe myself included) are wondering if he meant it or if he might change his mind if he has a breakout year. Personally though I want to believe him and hope he is telling the truth. I think his NFL career could benefit a ton from another year in college and well tOSU could benefit from having him as well. If for no other reason then to be here to help Braxton Miller and to give him the redshirt year off to learn the system that TP never was afforded and hence putting Braxton in a better posistion to succeed.

So Mr. Pryor I say kudos to you for opening up and for at least for now doing away with the talk about if you will turn pro this year or not and getting that distraction out of the way for you and the team.