Ill At Ease When Playing At Illinois

November 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Ohio State travels to Champaign, Illinois, for a 12pm EST kickoff against the University of Illinois. While Ohio State is a considerable favorite to win this game easily, it may be worthwhile for Ohio State fans to remember that trips to Champaign have not always been the easiest or enjoyable of contests.

Perhaps someone can ask Craig Krenzel, the quarterback of Ohio State’s 2002 national championship team, what it was like to rally Ohio State to victory over an Illinois team that had a losing record. Krenzel escaped from what appeared to be a certain sack by Illinois to pick up a key first down on a broken quarterback scramble late in the game.

How about the 2006 game? Ohio State, ranked # 1, defeated Illinois 17-10 in a game that was anything but easy.

2008 was a classic Tresselball contest, as Ohio State defeated Illinois 30-20, behind the running game of Chris Wells and Terrelle Pryor. Even in victory, this was not easy, even as Ohio State had revenge on their collective minds, after the crushing 2007 upset at the hands of Illinois in Ohio Stadium.

Remember how the 2010 unfolded, with Terrelle Pryor returning to the game after sustaining a leg injury? 24-13 did not seem that comfortable at the time. (Yes, I know, this game has been vacated. Please do not remind me.)

And in 2011, somewhere Coach Woody Hayes was smiling, as Ohio State defeated Illinois 17-7, throwing four passes, completing one to Jake Stoneburner. It was this game that ushered in the end of the Ron Zook era (or error?) at Illinois, as Illinois has lost every B1G contest since that game.

The average score of these games at Illinois? Ohio State 22, Illinois 13.

Do I believe Ohio State will win this game on Saturday in Champaign, IL? Yes, I do. I will also be happy when the game is over, and Ohio State has left Champaign, IL, with a victory well in hand. On to what I expect to see when Ohio State takes the field against Illinois…

Ohio State enters this game leading the B1G in scoring offense (48.2 pts/game), total offense (530.9 yards/game), and rushing offense (301.1 yards/game). Illinois ranks eleventh in the B1G in total defense, giving up 482.7 yards per game. Illinois ranks last in the B1G in rushing defense, giving up 239.6 yards per game on the ground. In other words, Ohio State should be able to do what they want, when they want to, offensively.

Illinois is led by senior quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase. Scheelhaase commands a pass-heavy offense that ranks second in the B1G, averaging 288.9 yards per game. Look for Ohio State’s pass rush, led by Noah Spence, to apply pressure early and often on Scheelhaase.

As mentioned above, Ohio State should be able to control this game from the onset. Senior running back Carlos Hyde, with 701 yards rushing for the year, should get ample opportunity, in the first half at least, to pad his statistics to become Coach Urban Meyer’s first 1000 yard rusher. Illinois’ Memorial Stadium is notorious for wreaking havoc on opposing teams’ passing games; look for Coach Meyer to emphasize Ohio State’s strong running game throughout this game.

A small statistic that may bear watching – Illinois leads the B1G in onside kick attempts at two, having been successful with one recovery. Considering how heavy a favorite Ohio State is in this game, it would not be surprising if Illinois pulled out all the stops to try and make a game of it with the Buckeyes.

Prediction: Ohio State comes out revved up, knowing that style points do matter in their quest for the BCS Championship. Carlos Hyde should go for at least 150 yards before earning a well-deserved rest for the majority of the second half. The same for quarterback Braxton Miller, who has shown tremendous development in the passing game this season. Too much offense by the Buckeyes against an overmatched Illinois defense adds to the chorus of Illinois fans who are displeased with the direction Tim Beckman is taking this program. I will call it Ohio State 56, Illinois 14.

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2013 Ohio State @ Purdue: Exercise, & Exorcism, Are Buckeye Goals

November 1, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Ohio State on winning its twentieth straight game, against a well-coached Penn State team, 63-14. I believed Ohio State would win, but I certainly did not expect such a dominating victory. For a team in need of an impressive victory in the eyes of the voters, Ohio State delivered with a strong statement to the national television audience. On a side note – as someone who watched with complete dismay in 1994 as Penn State dismantled Ohio State 63-14, I found this to be deliciously delayed payback, as Ohio State put 63 points on Penn State.

Up next for Ohio State? A trip to West Lafayette, Indiana, and a 12pm EST kickoff against the Purdue Boilermakers, televised by Big Ten Network. While a casual Ohio State fan may look at Purdue and chalk this game up as an easy win, it will not take long for Coach Urban Meyer to get the Buckeyes focused upon what lies ahead.

Ohio State fans certainly can recall how the Buckeyes have lost the last two trips to West Lafayette, in 2011 and in 2009. As a matter of fact, Ohio State lost at Purdue in 2004, as the Troy Smith era was just beginning, and who can forget how Ohio State pulled out this victory in 2002 to keep its national championship dreams alive?

To put it in perspective, Ohio State’s last victory at Purdue was this 23-7 victory in 2007. I am guessing Coach Meyer and the coaching staff will gladly take a comparable victory over Purdue.

Considering Halloween takes place a few days before, and how Ohio State has struggled in West Lafayette over the past several visits, an exorcism might be on the Ohio State coaching wish list. Other items I will be watching?

Can Ohio State Come Out Strong Two Weeks In A Row? – Ohio State attacked Penn State at the onset of the game, taking a 28-0 lead before Penn State even knew what hit them. Conversely, Ohio State struggled out of the game against Iowa the week before. Can Ohio State maintain its aggressive style of play at Purdue?

Play The Backups Considerably – Holding a dominant lead in the third quarter allowed Coach Meyer and the coaching staff to play backups such as Kenny Guiton, Jordan Hall, and Ezekiel Elliott. Above all else, I would hope to see the backup offensive line play the entire second half, if possible. In 2014, Ohio State loses four starters along the offensive line; the Purdue game could be an excellent opportunity to get these players valuable game-time experience.

Rest The Starters For The Stretch Run – Braxton Miller, Carlos Hyde, Devin Smith, Noah Spence, Ryan Shazier, etc., are all playing well. Once and if a commanding lead has been established, I am hoping the coaching staff gets the starters out of the game. Not only am I concerned about getting the backups valuable game-time experience, I want to see the starters fresh for the remaining games @ Illinois, Indiana, and @ That Team Up North. Avoiding injuries are key this time of the season, as Ohio State gears up for the final conference contests.

Ohio State has won twenty straight games. To win twenty-one, exercising its starters and backups may allow the Ohio State coaching staff to exorcise the demons of games past at Purdue.

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Winning, Not BCS Rankings, Is Ohio State’s Only Concern Vs Penn State

October 22, 2013 by 3 Comments

Last week, I wrote how Ohio State would do themselves good if they could defeat Iowa handily, in the collective minds of the voters. I also wrote that winning was the most important aspect of the equation.

Fortunately for Ohio State, they focused more upon having more points than Iowa, defeating Iowa in Ohio Stadium, 34-24. In a game that was not decided until late in the 4th quarter, Ohio State rallied to win its nineteenth straight victory.

In the first edition of the BCS rankings, Ohio State ranked fourth, behind Alabama, Florida State, and Oregon. While Ohio State fans may be concerned about Ohio State possibly being shut out of a national title shot, I would argue that the most important thing Ohio State can do is win its games. The rankings are completely outside of anything that Ohio State can control. What Ohio State can control is its performance on the field, and all focus should be on the next opponent coming into Ohio Stadium, the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Penn State, led by Bill O’Brien, will come into Ohio Stadium for an 8pm EST kickoff, with the benefit of a bye week. Penn State has won the last few games in Ohio Stadium, as Penn State defeated Ohio State in both 2008 and 2011. (Yes, I know Ohio State won in 2010, but that has been officially vacated.)

Below are some areas I will be keeping an eye on during the game ~

– Will Penn State Exploit Ohio State’s Linebackers In Passing Situations? Iowa was able to find its tight ends repeatedly against Ohio State, allowing Iowa to be in very positive yardage scenarios on second or third down against Ohio State. Penn State tight ends, such as Kyle Carter, Jesse James, Matt Lehman, and Adam Breneman, could all be in play against Ohio State. Breneman was highly recruited by both Penn State and Ohio State.

– Can Ohio State Slow Down Penn State’s Zach Zwinak? Zwinak is another Penn State player who was highly recruited by Ohio State. Zwinak is a tough, physical runner who could allow for Penn State to control the clock, allowing Penn State to be in those positive yardage situations I described above.

– Will Ohio State Emphasize Its Running Game? Carlos Hyde, like he did versus Northwestern, was dominant against Iowa in the second half. Will Ohio State look to Hyde to carry the ball in an effort to keep Penn State off the field?

Ohio State can only control its play on the field. What voters think of the Buckeyes, or do not think of the Buckeyes, is completely beyond their control. Here is to hoping that Ohio State decides to take control Saturday evening in Ohio Stadium against Penn State.

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Hyde, Bosa, Roby Honored with B1G Player of the Week Awards

October 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment

b1g_iconCongratulations to Carlos Hyde, Bradley Roby and Joey Bosa for being recognized as Offensive Co-Player, Special Teams Player and Freshman of the Week (respectively).

Carlos Hyde had a game for the ages at Northwestern, rushing for a career-high 168 yards (in addition to 38 yards of four catches), scoring three second-half touchdowns and was pretty much unbringdownable (yes that’s a word, look it up. There’s a picture of Carlos Hyde next to it)

While Bradley Roby and the rest of the secondary had their struggles against Northwestern’s passing attack, Roby had himself a great day on special teams. His block of Northwestern’s punt in the endzone was Ohio State’s only touchdown of the first half. He also managed to other tackles on Special Teams. He may not have had the best night overall, but he was instrumental in Saturday Night’s victory.

Finally, Joey Bosa, the defensive end freshman out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida had a Simon-esque night. He seemed to be in Northwestern’s backfield at will, disrupting the pocket and getting to the quarterback. He notched two sacks, five tackles and the fumble recovery in the endzone that sealed the deal.

The Buckeyes have had a player recognized the Offensive Player of the Week four of the six weeks of the season (Guiton x 2, Miller and now Hyde)

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Ohio State @ Northwestern – Play It Like Tressel

October 4, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Ohio State on beating a solid Wisconsin team, 31-24. Ohio State seemed to take its foot off the gas in the second half (more on that later), but a win over a team like Wisconsin is always a good thing. As someone who was in attendance in Ohio Stadium for the victory, I would characterize the win as somewhat underwhelming. I would not be so harsh as the below tweet, but it gives a good analysis of what it felt like sitting in the stands during the second half ~

Braxton Miller returned to the starting lineup, showing little to no ill effects from his MCL injury.  While I agree that Miller’s running abilities and elusive skills are a tremendous asset, I would prefer to see fewer designed quarterback runs.  From my perspective, Miller would be far more dangerous on passing downs, scrambling if a play breaks down or a receiver is unable to get open.  Even Coach Meyer stated that Miller carrying the ball 22 times is too much.

It seemed to me, and perhaps I am mistaken, that Ohio State’s offense under Kenny Guiton seemed more balanced than when Braxton Miller played versus Wisconsin.  Guiton is not nearly the running threat that Miller is, and there were far fewer designed quarterback runs for Guiton during his games than for Miller versus Wisconsin.  Also, Guiton seems to run the option better, forcing the defense to commit to the pitch, where Miller is more inclined to turn upfield on a quarterback keeper.

I am not advocating a quarterback change, or trying to incite a controversy.  I would simply prefer fewer designed quarterback runs, especially for a quarterback coming off a MCL injury, and better offensive balance.

Regarding the designed Ohio State second half slowdown versus Wisconsin, I did not have as much of a problem with the conservative approach Ohio State decided to implement.  Ohio State focused on shutting down Wisconsin’s running game, and forced Wisconsin to go the length of the field to score in the second half.  Punter Cameron Johnston was consistently able to land punts deep in Wisconsin territory.

I do not have a problem with a conservative approach.  I would argue that conservative does not have to mean predictable.  Against Wisconsin, first and second downs were usually Braxton Miller designed runs (see up above), which would lead to third downs where Ohio State would sometimes convert.

Do you want to run the ball and chew up the clock?  Absolutely.  I would simply argue that with backs such as Carlos Hyde and Jordan Hall (who should have played more versus Wisconsin, by the way), it is possible to be conservative yet not predictable.

Feel terrible for Christian Bryant with his injury at the end of the game.  I am hopeful Ohio State explores the medical redshirt option for Bryant, even if Bryant is not granted one by the NCAA.

As for Bradley Roby…let’s just say that being projected as a first round draft choice does not mean that you will be a first round draft choice.  Roby needs to rebound, starting with Northwestern.

On to Northwestern.  With Bryant’s injury, the likely starter will be Corey “Pittsburgh” Brown.  Brown was a highly touted recruit in the 2009 class, and this will be Brown’s opportunity to claim the starting job outright.

Heading up to Evanston, for another night game, another nationally televised game, versus an undefeated Northwestern team, what is the approach Ohio State should take?

Play Northwestern how former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel used to play Northwestern.

What does that mean?

Ohio State played Northwestern from 2001-2008, losing at Northwestern in 2004.  While Tressel’s teams usually played Northwestern well, it seemed as though the loss in 2004 to the Wildcats seemed to spur the Buckeyes to play with a true killer mentality from 2005-2008:

Ohio State should come out, ready to go against Northwestern’s mediocre defense.  While Northwestern has a solid offense, Ohio State should be up for the challenge, even with the loss of Christian Bryant in the secondary.  I will go Ohio State 56, Northwestern 31.

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No Controversies With Florida A&M

September 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Ohio State for passing its first road test of the 2013 season against California with flying colors. Traveling across the country to California, facing a team with a developing and fast-paced offensive attack, as well as starting the backup quarterback, Ohio State rose to the challenge and won the game impressively.

Coming home to face Florida A&M, Ohio State fans can rest easy that this is a game that should present no concerns for the Buckeyes before B1G play begins. If you have heard this legendary story regarding tickets, the point is that this is the Ohio State game that should provide any fans the opportunity to find tickets easily. Even Gene Smith recently stated that this is a “challenging” game that may prove difficult to sell out for Ohio State.

Below are my wish list items for Florida A&M:

1. Rest Braxton Miller, and play Kenny Guiton versus Florida A&M: Not trying to fan this into a quarterback controversy, but I am of the opinion that resting Braxton Miller would be in the team’s best interests for the 2013 season. A sprained MCL will only get better with rest. If Braxton Miller is not deemed 100%, rest him.  Kenny Guiton is doing fine piloting the Ohio State offense. No need to put Miller in against Florida A&M and risk further injury.

2. Ease Carlos Hyde into playing time: Hyde will be understandably anxious to show what he can do, after serving his three game suspension. Instead of rushing Hyde into the lineup, I would hope Ohio State would play Hyde after Ohio State establishes a strong lead over Florida A&M.  Happy to see others, such as Beau Bishop, agree with me on this point.

3. Play backups the majority of the second half: More than likely, this game will get out of hand very quickly; Ohio State could possibly be up by forty points at the half. My hope would be to play the starters the first series of the third quarter, then turn the reins over to as many backups as possible ~ Cardale Jones. Warren Ball. Ezekiel Elliott. Rod Smith. Insert the backup offensive line, as Ohio State will lose four starters after this season. Nothing can take the place of actual game experience, and this may be one of the best opportunities for extensive game experience for these units. Play as many redshirt freshmen as possible; these players have already been redshirted, and can only get better by playing. Keep the starters healthy for the B1G games on the horizon. I have been advocating this philosophy for the first few weeks of the season, and others like Ben Axelrod seem to be thinking the same thing ~

Along those lines,

4. Last call for redshirts: If there is a member of the highly-touted freshman class that has not earned playing time yet, why waste a valuable year of eligibility? Even Coach Meyer has stated that Bri’onte Dunn and Michael Thomas may benefit from a redshirt year ~

Think back to 2005, when Ohio State played Brian Robiskie. Robiskie wound up playing sparingly in 2005, with only one catch. Yes, Robiskie concluded his Ohio State career in fine fashion, but Robiskie would have been better served by the previous coaching staff by using 2005 as a redshirt year, allowing Robiskie a chance to play in 2009.

In 2014, Ohio State will have Rod Smith, Warren Ball, and Bri’onte Dunn as running backs. While I am certain Dunn would like to play, it would probably be best for Dunn and the program to save a year of eligibility for 2014.

Look for this game to be over quickly.  Ohio State should have no problem racking up the style points that have eluded them so far this season.

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Award Watchlist Watch: Doak Walker

July 18, 2013 by Leave a Comment

OSU FootballThe Watchlists continue unabated:

Doak Walker Award (Top College Running Back)
Carlos Hyde, RB

You have to go all the way back to 1995 for the last time an Ohio State Buckeye won the Doak Walker Award. And of course, I don’t have to remind that was 1995 Heisman Trophy Winner, Eddie George.

No one is going to mistake The Big Handsome for Eddie, but Carlos Hyde is certainly a man on a mission (A thousand yard mission) and a Doak Walker Award wouldn’t be a surprise if he completes that mission and becomes Urban Meyer’s first thousand yard rusher.

Previous Watchlists:
Award Watchlist Watch: Outland, Nagurski, Maxwell, Bednarik, Rimington, and Mackey
Award Watchlist Watch: Butkus, Thorpe, and Lombardi
Award Watchlist Watch: Biletnikoff
Award Watchlist Watch: Davey O’Brien

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