Cruising Past A Thunderless Herd

Tonight’s easy victory over Marshall showcased a lot of big plays from this Buckeye team. I’ll have more on the high points of the Marshall game later as well as the looming task of beating the talented Miami Hurricanes. Right now it’s time for an early season prediction. Talent and schedule-wise, if the Buckeyes get past Miami next weekend there is absolutely no reason why Ohio State shouldn’t run the table this year. You always need a little luck to go undefeated and you have to win that game in the middle of the season against an inferior opponent when you aren’t playing well (think Purdue last year). Champions also need to avoid self-sabotage. Perhaps in this case, it would be best coined to avoid getting “Sweater vested” with overly conservative calls in a close game. If tonight’s Marshall game was any indication of the trust level Tressel has in Pryor, expect a more open, exciting and productive offense than we witnessed last year.

In the end, despite the long odds of any team finding the perfect combination of production, health and luck to achieve an undefeated season, I am predicting that Ohio State runs the table in the Big 10 and plays for the national title. I can only hope it is against Alabama or Florida. It’s time to put the SEC “stuff” to rest once and for all. I only have one piece of advice for Jim Tressel in 2010: Go for the touchdown!

Marshall Summary and Miami thoughts coming soon…

An OSU Breakdown: Offense & Defense

WIDE RECEIVER:
The number three receiver position is still “in play.” Tressel loves seniors and sentimentally both he and fans want Taurian Washington or Grant Schwartz to grab the job. However, true freshman, Corey Brown, nicknamed “Philly” because he’s from the Philadelphia area (and there is another Corey Brown on the team) is closing fast with great speed and good hands. Washington has the size and speed to be a dominant receiver but to this point in his career has endured problems with drops on Saturdays and never lived up to his potential. Last season, he started the season as the number 3 receiver but after several drops in the first 2 weeks, Duron Carter took the job and Washington fell so far down the depth chart that he seriously contemplated a transfer before the Rose Bowl. With Carter taking his talents to the junior college ranks this season due to grades, discipline and entitlement issues (spoiled son of Chris Carter), the number 3 receiving job again wants to land in Washington’s lap. The problem with Washington seems to boil down to nerves and consistency as he’ll make a fabulous catch and then turn around and drop an easy one. Will the coaches have confidence to throw the ball Washington’s way on crucial third downs against Miami? Although everyone hopes for the best, the inside word is that “Philly” Brown is likely to grab the number three job by mid-season, if not sooner. Devier Posey is the elite talent of the receiving corps and he will be playing early and often on Sundays at a stadium near you.

DEFENSIVE LINE:
Jim Heacock was quoted early this fall as saying this could be the best defensive line he’s had at Ohio State.” I’m assuming he’s mentally well and was referencing his tenure as defensive coordinator because he was the defensive line coach in 2002 when Ohio State fielded the best starting defensive line in school history featuring, Will Smith, Darrion Scott, Tim Anderson and Kenny Peterson. Each one of these players was drafted, played and produced in the NFL. Smith was arguably the best defensive lineman in the last 30 years at OSU. Still, Heacock sees these guys every day in practice and his words should give all Buckeye fans excitement about the group’s potential in 2010.

Talent-wise, the starting 2010 defensive line despite is loaded despite the departures of backups Lawrence Wilson and Robert Rose as well as partial starter Todd Denlinger. Nathan Williams, a pass rushing specialist, is injured and will miss at least the opener at defensive end with redshirt sophomore Solomon Thomas taking his place. Cameron Heyward is the team’s best defensive player and he’ll start at defensive end but rotate to tackle at times during games. He stands 6’6” and weights 290 lbs and has become the vocal leader of the defense (Rolle talks a lot, Heyward yells a lot). Because his teammates know could already be playing on Sundays, Heyward commands respect from his teammates. Heyward’s best attribute is his physical strength and he excels at the bull rush (watch tape from the Penn State game last year). He has become a household name in the Big 10 and will be around the country by year end. Defenses, however, will key on Cameron and he’s likely to face a double team much of the time. He is fighting to get into the discussion with Will Smith as the best defensive lineman in recent memory.

Johnny Simon is coming off a strong freshman campaign and will man one defensive tackle spot. He played significantly as a freshman last season. Simon’s weight room prowess is legendary and he is an excellent athlete. If there is a question mark to be answered about the true sophomore, it surrounds his mass or lack thereof and how he will fair against big offensive lines and power running games (think Wisconsin and Iowa). Garret Goebel and Dexter Larimore are big bodies and able athletes primed to rotate at the other defensive tackle position.

The surprise of the fall has been true freshman Jonathan Hankins, a 335 lb side of beef from Michigan who despite questionable conditioning and weight has proven to be a completely immovable force with surprisingly quick feet at the defensive tackle position. “Big Hank” as he has already been nicknamed by coaches and teammates will play in goal line situations as well as third and shorts in the beginning of the season. If his conditioning holds, he could play more especially against the power teams of the Big Ten conference (Wisconsin, Iowa).

The oversized but quick defensive tackle is the hardest player to find in recruiting circles and is something Ohio State has lacked since the days of Dan “Big Daddy” Wilkinson. Such d-tackles are most prominently found in the south, particularly at SEC schools. National Championship defenses are often built on huge but agile d-tackles—see Terrence Cody last year at Alabama or Glenn Dorsey a few years back at LSU. You think “Big Hank” might come in handy at the point of attack in October when Wisconsin pounds 250 lb stud running back John Clay into the Buckeye defensive line 35 times? Good to have you aboard “Big Hank”—I don’t care how much you jiggle.

DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD:
The safety position will feature a new starter in Orhian Johnson at one spot and Jermale Hines the other. Although Kurt Coleman’s leadership and production will be missed, the safety position is evolving from a size and athleticism standpoint. Experienced cornerbacks Chimdi Chekwa and Devon Torrence will lead the defensive backfield as the safeties grow in their roles. Although CJ Barnett will get the start against Marshall for Johnson because of missed practice time due to minor injuries, expect Johnson to start against Miami. When a defensive backfield replaces experience with youth, teams prefer that the youth movement occur at the safety position. Experienced corners are invaluable as they are able to play more man to man as well as a proficient zone, taking some of the pressure off the new safeties. Although I certainly expect a few growing pains in pass coverage, I expect Johnson and Hines to develop quickly. Early reports out of camp are that true freshman Christian Bryant out of Glenville will be the next star at the “star” position when his former teammate Hines moves on or if he falters.

LINEBACKER:
Perhaps the most surprising news of the fall is Andrew Sweat beating out Etienne Sabino for the starting SAM linebacker spot. Sabino will still play a lot as the fourth linebacker and is now listed as the primary backup at middle linebacker to Ross Homan. Ross Homan and my personal favorite defensive player Brian Rolle are back at the other spots and both are solid NFL prospects. Rolle has a great motor and is the vocal leader of the linebackers.

RUNNING BACK:
The running back position is a head scratcher. The NCAA finally cleared Roderick Smith who is due to arrive on campus in time to be on the side line for the Marshall game. At this point, Smith will redshirt.

The other top recruit on the roster at tailback is Sophomore Jamal Berry, a speedster from Florida with a top gear not possessed by the other backs (not even Saine). The book on Berry is that he still dances too much in the backfield trying to turn each carry into a home run. Sometimes you have to take your 2 yards, especially if you want to carry the rock for Jim Tressel….ask Boom Herron. Barring injury to Boom and Saine, carries should be sparse for Berry this season.

Speaking of Daniel “Boom” Herron (Jim Tressel’s apparent favorite player on the team), he looks to again garner the most carries at the running back position despite a lower yards-per-carry average, less speed and weaker vision than virtually any other back. To his credit, the diminutive Herron is tough, runs hard and almost never fumbles—traits Jim Tressel loves. Still, Herron never let a gaping hole get in the way of cutting into the backside of his own offensive lineman. At his core, Boom is dependable and steady producer without high end talent, size or vision. On my list, he ranks just above Lydell Ross near the bottom of the starting running backs of the past 20 years.

Brandon Saine is the most versatile running back on the roster with good size, surprising speed and great hands. He led the team in big runs last year and had the best yards-per-carry average on the team. Although it is my contention (as well as the contention of many others) that he should get more carries than Boom, there seem to be a question about Saine’s durability. Regardless, look for his number of carries to more closely approximate the number of carries Herron gets in 2010. Last year, Saine looked like a superior running back compared to Herron as the season progressed. His versatility and good hands make him a dangerous multi-threat weapon in the Ohio State offense.

And now for Jordan Hall who like Troy Smith (recruited as an athlete) was basically a throw-in to the recruiting class. Hall was a high school teammate and friend of Terrelle Pryor. Hall has surprised coaches and fans alike in his limited opportunities to carry the ball, displaying good vision, natural balance and the ability to fall forward. I said it last year (while everyone in the stadium was chanting “Boom!”) and I’ll say it again– Jordan Hall may be the best all-around running back on the roster. He’s no franchise back like a Beanie Wells or Maurice Clarett, but he’s more than capable of leading the Buckeye ground charge. Unlike last season, I am now seeing quotes from Buckeye insiders on Scout that mimic my thoughts about Hall. Watch the kid spot the hole and burst through it, making the first tackler miss and you may find yourself agreeing that the short but stout Hall needs more carries on game day. The problem for Hall is twofold: First, Tressel never divides the carries equally three ways and already trusts Saine and particularly Herron. Second, Pryor is the leading returning rusher on the team. That puts Hall fourth when it comes to carrying the mail. So although Hall should probably get 15 carries a game, expect 6-8. Saine is safe because of his dual-threat abilities rushing and receiving. However, if Boom goes out with injury, he may find himself behind Hall on the depth chart in a hurry.

TIGHT END:
Oh, the drama. In one corner we have Jim Tressel, legendary in his hate of throwing across the middle of the field (because of the higher probability of a turnover). In the other corner we have 6’6”, 250 lb Jake Stoneburner who runs near a 4.6 forty taking over the tight end spot and giving Ohio State its best athlete and receiver ever at the tight end position (sorry Ricky Dudley). Something has to give. All spring and fall the talk has been how often and effectively Pryor finds Stoneburner over the middle and how linebackers are too slow and defensive backs too small to cover him. The time of truth is approaching and the early season should foreshadow how much Tressel plans to use the tight end as a mismatch weapon in the offense. Stoneburner could play a key role on 3rd downs as well as in keeping the defenses honest and from walking too many men into “the box” anticipating the run. The more catches Stoneburner has, the better a season Ohio State will enjoy. The keys are in Jim Tressel’s hands. Let’s hope he realizes he has a race horse at tight end and not the usual Clydesdale.

OFFENSIVE LINE:
Offensive Line. At left tackle, Mike Adams has finally seen the light which is good considering Andy Miller has suffered an injury and Marcus Hall was caught plagiarizing an English paper and will have to redshirt the season. The line is experienced and talented. Right-Tackle JB Shugarts is arguably the best pro-prospect of the group although many feel center Mike Brewster will be the next Nick Mangold in the league. The questions with Jim Bollman’s offensive lines have always been concerning attitude and physicality. Which group will show up? If they feed off of the nastiness of Justin Boren, things will be fine. If they fall back into the bad habit of playing passively without an edge, the offense could struggle particularly early in the season against an outstanding Miami defensive line filled with future pros. The game of football is won in the trenches. On paper (and that’s the dangerous part), this Buckeye offensive line is not only the most athletic but the most talented of Tressel’s tenure. Their play will go a long way in determining the fate of Ohio State this season.

QUARTERBACK:
Most people feel that Terrelle Pryor’s progress is the most important factor in the Buckeyes making a title run in 2010. Historically, most quarterbacks improve most between their first and second years as college starters. For Pryor’s sake (and ours) let’s hope he’s an exception to that rule. In truth, the win-loss record of 2009 belies the ugly truth of inconsistency and immaturity at the quarterback position. There are times when his throwing motion is uglier than a Shaquille O’Neal free-throw. And it is clear that not quarterbacking or playing organized football until high school created a steep learning curve for Pryor. His development was slowed by his reliance in high school upon his legs to win games against small-school competition in Pennsylvania.

Still, Pryor is without a doubt the greatest athlete ever to play at Ohio State and most likely the Big 10. Think about that statement for a second. He remains the fastest buckeye on the team in 40 yard sprints at 6’6” and more than 230 lbs. Now entering his third season, Terrelle Pryor is ahead of Vince Young’s development at Texas. Although not as shifty or elusive a runner as Young, Pryor is bigger, faster, stronger, a better passer and has a stronger arm than Young.

With a healthy knee and 2 seasons under his belt, I expect Pryor’s big jump in play to be from the quarterback we saw last year to the quarterback we see this year. He’ll never be a natural thrower of the ball (like a Joe Germaine) but he has a rocket arm, improving mechanics and world-class speed to go with top-end size and strength. Most importantly, practice reports indicate what the Rose Bowl foreshadowed—the reading of defenses. Pryor is checking through his progression of receivers and understanding the vulnerabilities of particular defenses. The passing yardage for quarterback on a Jim Tressel coached team will never be gaudy. Expect a higher completion percentage, fewer awkward passes and more big plays. At 19-3 as a starter, Pryor has been a victim of a questionable attitude at times as well as unreasonable expectations. In interviews this fall, he’s starting to sound like Jim Tressel at about the same point in his career that Troy Smith started to sound like Jim Tressel which can only be seen as great news for Buckeye fans.

Right now, Troy Smith stands atop Rex Kern on my list as the greatest quarterback in Ohio State history even without a national championship. Smith’s play against Michigan 3 straight seasons is the stuff of legends. However, Pryor’s continued development could bring him a Heisman, a national championship and dual labels as the winningest and best quarterback in OSU history. The sky is the limit for Terrelle Pryor. And yes, he has the ability to lead the Buckeyes to a national championship and with 2 solid years of learning, I absolutely think Terrelle Pryor can play quarterback in the NFL.

TONIGHT: Just before kickoff: A season prediction

Who’s Your Buckeye?

Ohio State Football: Version 2010

It’s that time of the year once again! Long before the leaves turn or pumpkins ripen, football season beckons from sand lots to colossal college and pro stadiums. Hope springs eternal this evening and all things are possible for every team in college football. Along the banks of the Olentangy River, the Ohio State Buckeyes have checked into their team hotel in preparation for Marshall in their season opener Thursday night. After beating Oregon, the hottest team in college football last bowl season, expectations for the veteran laden Buckeyes couldn’t be higher. There isn’t much breathing room when anything short of a national championship won’t satisfy the coaches, players or fans. But for this team in this season of talent and expectation, it is truly all or nothing.

Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward’s decision to return set the table for Ohio State’s championship run. Heyward’s return to school for a senior season is a perfect example of how Jim Tressel has created a family atmosphere at Ohio State. Under John Cooper, Heyward would’ve been long gone after last season’s Rose Bowl victory and projection as a mid to late first round pick. His return speaks volumes about Tressel’s unusual soft-sell recruiting tactics that encourage prospects to take their time and visit other schools. Under Jim Tressel, as a general rule the players that sign a letter of intent to play college football at Ohio State don’t want their college experience to end prematurely. That is a refreshing change from the past.

Speaking of the past, just days ago I caught the 1997 Rose Bowl featuring the Buckeyes versus Jake Plummer and Arizona State. These were the years I attended Ohio State as a student and watching the game brought flooding back to me memories and factoids of the John Cooper era. First, I was astounded by the amount of talent (especially at skill positions) that Ohio State put on the field in 1997. The ’97 team featured Orlando Pace, Joe Germaine, David Boston, Mike Vrabel, Michael Wiley, Shawn Springs, Antoine Winfield and Andy Katzenmoyer. Springs and Winfield were unquestionably the greatest cornerback duo ever to play at Ohio State, both excelling in long NFL careers. Katzenmoyer was one of the greatest middle-linebackers ever to play at OSU before a freak neck injury ended his pro career before it really began. Germaine was a top-flight passer. Pace was the greatest offensive lineman of his era at OSU and maybe of all time. In truth, the individual talent that Cooper amassed during his tenure was amazing though it was just that—individual talent. Cooper also relied too heavily on massive but often immobile offensive lineman that couldn’t pass block well, most of whom were more like Brooks Burris than Orlando Pace or Korey Stringer.

I also notice and remembered the chaos and disorganization of the teams and games coached by John Cooper. In the ‘97 Rose Bowl, there were personal fouls, blocked field goals, side-line penalties on the coaching staff and of course John Cooper himself biting his nails nervously during the last drive. Remember the season opener against Miami in the Meadowlands under Coop where an attempted game winning drive ended in a most ridiculous turnover when a shot-gun snap hit the receiver in motion? And although Michigan was a much mightier program during the Cooper years, several of those games (1996, 1997) were just plain given away by Ohio state teams long on talent but short on “team.” John Cooper should be given his due. He elevated the program back to national prominence and improved recruiting and overall talent to an all-time high, scoring players from all across the country. The problem was, many of the players he missed in Ohio turned out to be world-beaters for Michigan (Grbac, Howard, Woodson) and the misses at home contributed to Coop’s demise. Coop’s tenure also taught us that while individual skill and accomplishment can be breathtaking, only a true team of players that get along and cooperate can get the job done consistently under pressure. That was a lesson learned from one heartbreaking failure after another. Would we ever beat Michigan again? Enter Jim Tressel.

Even a Rose Bowl victory like 1997 made me appreciate the way Jim Tressel unified the players and fans under his leadership immediately upon arriving in Columbus. Ohio State plays clean, unselfish ball with little to no showboating. And truth be told, Tressel’s wins and Michigan accomplishments in general have all been accomplished with a team first and individual second approach that turns off many of the best high school players around the country, seeking individual glory above all else. Jim Tressel’s Ohio State Buckeyes are a team worthy of your applause and deserving of your loyalty and appreciation. Like their head coach, however, they are not above reproach.

Coming Thursday– A position by position look at the 2010 Buckeyes…

The Influence of “Fat Little Girlfriends”

So upset was head coach Mike Leach by his Texas Tech Red Raiders’ performance and lack of focus in last week’s 52-30 drubbing by Texas A&M that he called out his players and their “fat little girlfriends” as culprits in his team’s demise. According to no sources, these “fat little girlfriends” are destroying team unity and focus by filling players’ heads with whispers of how “wonderful they are,” instead of Leach’s preferred screams of “how bad they suck.” In a stunning chain of events, it appears the 19-22 year old players prefer false praise from their “fat little girlfriends” to the constant criticisms of their “fat little football coach.” Members of the university are unsure whether the situation qualifies as a football problem or simply ’fat envy.’  Regardless, Leach’s days as top “fatty” within the program appeared numbered. And Texas Tech fans thought the fun would end when Bobby Knight left town!

What He Really Meant…

Given the paultry half-game ‘pat-on-the-back’…errrrr…suspension  Florida’s Urban Meyer gave linebacker Takeo Spikes for intentionally eye-gouging Georgia running back Washaun Ealey in Saturday’s game, (a poke worthy of “Three Stooges” envy) Meyer’s passive tolerance seemed to unofficially declare Spikes the “Player of the Week.”  There are conflicting but untrue reports that Meyer consulted with Bill Romanowski before deciding how to handle the situation. Apparently, despite no video evidence of spit or steriods being involved in the play, Romanowski yelled, “Good tackle,” with increasing ferocity after each of his 37 viewings of the incident. Don’t you just love those SEC values? Memo to Takeo, Urban and ‘Romo:’  BRAVO!

Jim Cooper?

I want to address this before Ohio State enters the deteriorating Big 10 and goes on a winning streak and everybody forgets the feeling they have right now. Jim Tressel is not only a good man and good coach, he is in 9 out of 10 categories, the perfect man for the job at OSU. You have to love the way he hired a defensive staff and stays out of their business. However, he is on the fast track to becoming the next Lloyd Carr or Phil Fulmer.

The college game is changing. 7 years ago, Tressel took Coop’s guys and won a National Championship using “Tresselball” and making it 5 National Championships for his career. Tressel was lauded as a “great coach,” and a “transformational figure at Ohio State,” and he was. But like everything in life, greatness is fluid and Jim Tressel hasn’t changed along with college football. Don’t believe me? Ten years ago, Steve Spurrier was winning National Championships and on his way to becoming an “all-time” coach in the NCAA at Florida. Ten years later, he’s a “has been”, a “never-will-be-again,” struggling at South Carolina using the same old offensive plays he scorched opponents with in years past. Tressel is willfully following the same course.

An incredible Michigan record against an incredibly weakening Michigan football program is all that really seperates Jim Tressel from John Cooper. Their winning percentage is nearly identical. Versus Top 25 teams Cooper was 8-12-1 while Tressel is 8-8. Coop was 3-8 against Top 5 teams. Tressel is currently, (gulp), 3-8. Nobody in the Columbus media or Ohio State administration has the gumption to stand up to Tressel. In truth, he’s running a monarchy, untouchable and minus the temper his tenure is starting to resemble the Bobby Knight decline at Indiana….slow but steady.

And after watching the Michigan offense beginning to blossom on Saturday, putting 38 on Notre Dame, the tides of college football are beginning to change again. In what is tremendous news for the Big 10, Michigan appears on its way “back.” In what is terrible news for Jim Tressel, Michigan appears on its way “back.” Turning off the television late Saturday night, I sat for a moment and pondered a very frightening thought– “Is it possible that true frosh QB Tate Forcier of Michigan is ahead of sophomore Terrelle Pryor in his quarterback development? The answer to that question is up for reasonable debate.

And just exactly who is in charge of the all-important quarterback development of Terrelle Pryor? The answer is Nick Siciliano– a young coach just promoted to quarterback coach at OSU this past season. If you said, “Nick who?” in response to that sentence, you probably aren’t alone. The hiring, coaching, and play calling decisions exercised by Jim Tressel on the offensive side of the ball at OSU have been atrocious, to be kind. Nepotism is not a good way to build an offensive staff, a company or a government. But there’s Doc Tressell, Jim’s brother out there coaching the running backs sporting a .500 career record as a longtime head coach of a small college program. What exactly qualifies Doc Tressel to be the running backs coach other than being Jim Tressel’s brother? Jim Bollman, on the other hand, has had 9 years to put together a quality offensive line and has failed to do it since the 2002 season. Although the line played well at times on Saturday night against USC, they couldn’t get any push in 4 downs from inside the 5 when it mattered most. It’s tradition to save the best or worst for last and I have–Jim Tressel as play caller.

Instead of going through several hideous Tressel decisions during the USC game or the appauling facts of his offensive statistics over the 9 years, I will ask a simple question for people to decide for themselves…Do you think Ohio State will continue to dominate Michigan and eventually start beating the SEC and the USC’s of the world with Tressel in continuing charge of the offense? I do not. I have not. I didn’t even when we were winning all those games in 2002 and benefitting from 5 Miami turnovers and more luck in one season than can reasonably be expected in a decade. It had been 34 years since Ohio State had won a National Championship when they upended Miami. With Tressel at the helm, stuck in his ways, refusing to step aside as play caller for the good of the program, you’d better get on a good exercise program and stay healthy if you wish to see another. Because unless Jim Tressel exercises true leadership and steps aside as play caller for the good of the program, things are going to get ugly in Columbus. Just picture a Michigan upset in the third week of November. After all, take Michigan dominance away from Tressel the next few years and if you strain your eyes, you just might see what appears to be John Cooper strolling the sidelines for OSU…wearing a sweatervest, of course.

A Big 10 Joke-By & For Big 10 People.

How Many Big Ten Fans Does it Take to Change a Light Bulb at your School?

At Northwestern: It takes 2… one nerd to change the bulb while another gives an obnoxious yet complete oral history of the evolution of light bulbs.

At Illinois: It takes 3…one to change the bulb….another to long for the days of Jeff George and a third to accurately opinion that with Jeff George’s mullet, Ron Zook would look exactly like Joe Dirt’s dad.

At Iowa: It takes 4…one to change the bulb, a second to adjust his overalls, a third to long for the days of Chuck Long and Hayden Frye and a fourth to point out that given the state of the program, perhaps it’s time to paint the home locker room ‘pink.’

At Purdue: It takes 5…one engineering student to change the bulb… another engineering student to explain the mathematics behind electricity… a non-engineering student to dawn a t-shirt exclaiming, “Come to Purdue, Be a Virgin Forever,” aptly explaining why going to Purdue “sucks,”… and one more to announce he’s working on a 70’s “Chips” mustache because he’s heard that’s a prerequisite for becoming the head football coach.

At Minnesota: It takes 6…one to change the bulb… four to freeze to death and a sixth to wonder, “How did we ever win all those Big 10 titles?”

At Michigan State: It takes 7…one to change the bulb… two to long for “relevancy,”… a fourth to argue that Mark Dantonio has a “dynamic personality… and finally, three more to debate whether the most noteworthy event in Michigan State football since the late 80’s was Plaxico Burress shooting himself.

At Wisconsin: It takes 8…one to change the bulb…three rich kids to throw batteries at opposing players… two more to “jump around” thinking it’s the start of the 4th quarter… one to remark “Barry Alvarez looks a lot like Tony Soprano.” …And finally, one to remark that Tony Soprano would probably be a better coach than Brett Bielema.

At Penn State: It takes 9…one to screw in the bulb… another to assault a opposing fan…a third to “growl” like that lame electronic lion… a fourth to denigrate the winningest college coach of all time…claiming “they could coach better.” Two more to ask, what does the word, “denigrate” mean and “can you please use it in a sentence?” A seventh to ponder…“Who is older, Joepa or God?” ….an eighth to realize the last time Penn State won a national title Vinnie Testeverde was playing college football and the Dukes of Hazard were on T.V….And finally, a 9th to ask how so many players could get into trouble in a little, old nowhere town called “Happy Valley?”

At Ohio State: It takes 10…one to screw in the light bulb… a second to yell “Fuck Michigan” in front of his own, young children…a third to yell “O-H” but do the hand signals wrong…a fourth to hold up a home made sign at game day with at least 2 spelling errors… a fifth to wear a sweater vest in homage to Jim Tressel…a sixth to burn the sweater vest in front of the fifth and rightfully forbid him from ever wearing a sweater vest again…a 7th to scream, “It’s 2:34 and Michigan still sucks,” …An 8th to point out that it’s actually 4:30 and that the 7th is drunk…A 9th to pray for a bowl victory over the SEC…And finally, a 10th to announce in boat shoes, sporting a goatee and gold chain, that he couldn’t have imagined a better life than working at Nationwide Insurance, making 50 large, driving a grey Jeep Cherokee with scarlet trim, owning a dog named Brutus, living in the culturally diverse city of Columbus, beating Michigan 5 times in a row and worshiping the Holy Trinity of…The Father, The Son and Jim Tressel.

At Michigan: It takes 11…one to pontificate about all of Michigan’s past championships…a second to order the jcrew sweaters and wine for the tailgate party… a third to show up 2 quarters into the game and ask which team is Michigan then leave at the end of the third quarter…A fourth to discuss the recent discovery that Lloyd Carr has a twin brother named, Gargamel…A fifth to remark that “The Smurffs” was a good show and that they “missed the days of Lloyd Carr and Gargamel.” …A sixth to call an ill advised “timeout” and then second the part about missing Lloyd Carr….. A seventh to ask why in the hell Michigan hired a “Mountain Man” instead of a Michigan Man? …An 8th to remark, “Bo must be rolling over in his grave right now.” …A 9th to complain Rich Rodriguez made him sit in the bleachers longer than the maximum time allowed by the NCAA on game days last season….A 10th to sing “Hail to the Victors” after every turn of the light bulb…And finally, an 11th to ask if any of the others were alive the last time Michigan beat Ohio State?

At Indiana: It takes Zero…there is no football played at Indiana University and all the light bulbs at the university were broken by Bob Knight.

Ohio State vs. USC. Speak now….

THE Ohio State Buckeyes vs. The Southern California Trojans

Table of Contents:

I. 35 “Who Is Better?” Questions are Answered

II. Statistical Comparison of the Teams

III. Conclusion Thoughts

IV. Predictions

V. Afterthoughts

 

I. 35 Questions:     

KEY:

(+) means, “significantly better”

(-) means, “only a little better”

(no sign) means, “generally better”

SO, WHICH TEAM HAS THE BETTER….

1. Overall Talent / Athleticism?  USC

USC- Best overall roster talent in college football

OSU-behind USC, UF, Texas & LSU

OSU- similar talent to OU, UGA, Alabama, Miami, FSU

2. Home field Advantage?  Ohio State +

3. Athlete?  Ohio State

Best Overall Athlete:

Terrelle Pryor, QB

Best USC Athlete:

Taylor Mays, SS

4. Offensive Talent?  USC +

5. Offensive strategy / design?  USC +

6. Play calling?  USC +

USC’s aggression has produced a better combined turnover ratio  past 7 yrs than OSU’s conservatism

7. Offensive Experience?  Even

USC has the entire o-line back but a true Frosh QB 

8. Overall Offense?  USC +

9. Running Game?  USC  +       

Biggest talent discrepancy on the field

10. Passing Game?  USC

11. QB Experience?  Ohio State +

12. Running QB?  Ohio State +

Terrelle Pryor is the fastest Buckeye around 4.33

Aaron Corp (backup) (4.6) can run 

13. Passing QB?  USC +    

1. Barkley 2. Corp 3. Mustain 4. Pryor

14. Overall QB?  Ohio State -  

Pryor is developing nicely… A breakout game is coming

Pryor has not yet ‘arrived’ as a complete QB

Barkley has Elway-like potential but is raw

15. Wide Receivers?  USC +         

Significant athleticism discrepancy

Best Overall Receiver:

1. Damian Williams- USC

2. Ronald Johnson- USC (out)

3. Devier Posey- Ohio State (injured but likely)

4. Dane Sanzenbacher- Ohio State (steady)

16. Running Backs?  USC +    

USC has 4 or 5 running backs that could potentially start for OSU

Best Overall Running Back:

1. Stafon Johnson

2. Joe McKnight

3. C.J. Gable

4. Daniel “Boom” Herron or Brandon Saine

17. Fullback?  USC +     

Stanley Havili is a monster

18. Offensive Line?  USC +   

USC regarded as best offensive line in college football

Best Offensive Lineman:

K. O’Dowd-C

Best OSU O-Lineman:

J. Boren-RG  (Michigan Transfer)

19. Pass Blocking O-Line?  USC +    

USC O-line without much “fat”…they move well

20. Run blocking O-Line?  USC

21. Tight-End?  USC

Anthony McCoy & Blake Ayles

22. Overall Defensive Talent?  Ohio State -

USC returns 3 starters but lots of game experience, talented secondary

23. Overall Defensive Experience?  Ohio State +  

Most experienced D-line since 2002

24. Defensive Line?  Ohio State                

Deepest D-line since 2002

25. Defensive Ends?  Ohio State +           

Thaddeus Gibson is a bad, bad man                                

Best Defensive Ends:

1. Thaddeus Gibson-  Ohio State

2. Nathan Williams-    Ohio State  (pass rushing)

3. Everson Griffen-      USC

26. Defensive Tackles?  Ohio State    

Dexter Larimore is the bell cow   

27. Linebackers?  Ohio State -

28. Overall Defensive Backfield?  USC

Best Defensive Playmaker:

T. Mays, S, (USC)

Best OSU Defensive Playmaker:

K. Coleman, S

J. Hines replaces A. Russell as #1 FS

A. Russell will play in the “Nickel”

29. Overall Defense?  Ohio State -

Ohio State has a better d-line

USC comes out ahead in overall db’s

30. Head Coach?  USC    

Nobody makes halftime adjustments like Pete Carroll

Pete Carroll plays, “to win”

Tressel plays, “not to lose”

31. Assistant Coaches?  USC -

Heacock and Fickell are very well regarded

Bollman is running out of excuses for his 0-lines

Not sure how Dick Tressel is qualified to coach RB’s

32. Special Teams?  Even    

OSU must outplay USC here to win

33. Attitude?  USC    

OSU believes it can win. USC expects to win.

34. Intangibles?  USC

23.8 pt margin of victory last 9 games vs. Big 10

Beaten OSU 6 straight, dating to mid-1970’s

35. Is Ohio State ready to rise to the top or sink once more?

Wildcards:

X-Factor: Pryor vs. Barkley- Who makes the biggest / most plays?

Adv: Pryor

Y-Factor: O-lines vs D-Lines- Who controls the trenches?

Adv: USC

Z-Factor: Turnovers- OSU must win this battle to win the war

Adv: TBD

SUMMARY: The Comparison: 

USC Ahead: 20-12-2 in categories

 

II. Sub tallies

Defensive Experience:

DT:                              Ohio State

DE:                              Ohio State

Linebackers:                 Even

CB’s:                            USC

Safeties:                     Even

Ohio State: 2-1-2

Defensive Talent:

CB:                               USC

S:                                  USC

LB:                               Even

DE:                               Ohio State

DT:                               Even

USC: 2-1-2 

Defense (talent + experience)

Even 3-3-4

Offensive Experience:

QB:                              Ohio State

Backs:                        USC

Wide Receivers:            USC

O-Line:                      USC

Tight Ends:              Ohio State

USC: 3-2

Offensive Talent:

QB:                              Ohio State

RB:                              USC

FB:                               USC

TE:                               USC

OL:                               USC

WR:                              USC

USC: 5-1-0

Offense: (talent +experience):

USC:  8-3-0

 

Subtotal 1:

EVEN  :           4-4-2 on experience

USC:                7-3-2 on talent

Overall: USC 11-7-4

 

Subtotal 2:

EVEN  :           3-3-4 on Defense

USC:                8-3-0 on Offense

Overall: USC: 11-6-4 

The Unquantifiable Factors….

1. These comparisons do not factor in the effect of the home crowd at Ohio Stadium

2. These comparison do not factor in coaching where USC is significantly better on the offensive side of the ball and in making half-time adjustments

3. These comparisons do not account for special teams play

4. These comparisons do not account for turnovers

5. These comparisons do not account for the possible effect of other true freshmen on the game

6. These comparisons do not account for productive and timely trick plays

III. CONCLUSION

In facing a defense that returns only 3 starters, a new offensive and defensive coordinator and a true Frosh QB making his first career road start, Ohio State absolutely, positively SHOULD win this football game. Still, after a series of disappointments, doubt about OSU’s ability to win “the big one’ is widespread throughout the college football world. And, this is USC. Ohio State must defeat a more talented team and aggressive coach by utilizing its defensive line depth and experience to neutralize the line of scrimmage. In turn, the young but talented linebackers must shed blocks, fill gaps and reasonably contain the SC running game. In addition to Larimore, Denlinger and Worthington, Rose and Freshman Johnny Simon will rep in a deep but unspectacular DT rotation. Wilson will play some DE, particularly in running situations, pushing Heyward, OSU’s most versatile d-lineman inside. On the edges, Gibson is a talented pass rusher who is improving against the run and Williams is a pure pass rusher. When Williams is at DE, the Buckeyes are expecting a pass and when Wilson is there, a run—none of this is a secret. In all, the defensive line is deep but after surrendering over 300 yards of total offense to Navy, one must worry about the unit’s ability to produce against a talented offensive line that dominated the line of scrimmage in last year’s game. There’s no time like the present for the Buckeye defensive line to again measure itself against the best offensive line in college football.

In addition, OSU must attend to details and attempt to beat SC in the margins. Offensively, OSU must put Pryor in the shotgun-spread and allow him to control the game. Through running Pryor, timely short passes, occasional deep passes and mixing-in runs with the backs, Ohio State must find a way to control the clock, control field position and win the turnover battle. Adding to the formula for OSU success, the Buckeyes must make a big play or two on special teams to neutralize at least a few big SC offensive plays. This formula is Jim Tressel’s house recipe. However, in the last five years, while Tressel’s teams have dominated the deteriorating Big 10 with such a plan, they have equally bombed against teams with comparable or better talent (1-5 versus Florida, LSU, USC & Texas). Considering OSU beat Texas in McCoy’s second career start and Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl when the Irish had beaten only 1 team with a winning record, there are some who feel the last big out-of-conference win under Jim Tressel came in January of 2003 against Miami. Folks, that was 7 seasons ago. That is, unless you consider Kansas State a “power.”

As always, under Tressel’s philosophy, the OSU defense inherits a great deal of responsibility and pressure. The defensive line must maintain lanes and neutralize the talented and athletic SC line.  The linebackers must be sure tacklers in space and the DB’s cannot afford any lapses or mistakes in coverage. Inevitably, SC will make a few huge offensive plays, Ohio State can’t hand the Trojans a couple more. The focus of the OSU offense will be to stop the SC running game and force true frosh QB Matt Barkley to beat them on 3^rd and long. To counter, early in the game, Pete Carroll will lean heavily on future first round draft picks, Stafon Johnson and Joe McKnight, the former being the more complete back and the latter the more explosive and elusive, to run behind a tremendous offensive line in an effort to control the game. Carroll wants to take as much pressure off his talented true freshman quarterback as possible. If SC can run the ball effectively, then the passing lanes will open and SC will cruise to victory.

In the end, this game is a classic battle of aggressive football versus conservative football with the attitude of the each team mirroring that of its head coach. Barring huge mistakes, with equal talent, aggressive game plans usually win. When the aggressive team also has better talent, you get 35-3 like last year. Jim Tressel must coach like it’s Michigan and the season is on the line. While the season is not, the reputation of the program, the league and the head coach do hang in the balance. OSU will also be hosting over a dozen of the finest recruits from across America, including several from Florida and one from California all sizing up their desire to play for Ohio State. A good showing is needed.

In reality, Jim Tressel’s success at Ohio State depends on how it is measured. If dominating the Big 10, where the Buckeyes take the field with superior athletes in 9 of every 10 games, alone is the measure of success, then Jim Tressel is the second coming of Vince Lombardi. If matching equally and sometimes more talented teams from other conferences and beating them 50% of the time regardless of game location is the true measure of a championship-caliber program, then Jim Tressel needs a good mirror. And while you can’t win 5 National Championships without being a great coach, everything is fluid in college football—especially greatness. Tressel’s conservative approach was better suited for the college football game 9 years ago when he assumed the reigns as Ohio State’s head coach. Now, Spurrier is out at Florida, Meyer is in, Carr is gone at Michigan, replaced by Rodriguez. The college game is changing and second to talent, adaptability is the key ingredient for long term coaching success and longevity. Fortunately for Buckeye fans, Tressel has made adjustments in his recruiting philosophy, backing away from in-state “projects” on the offensive line and pursuing top rated lineman across the country as well as to his offensive schemes by implementing some spread and multiple receiver formations. However, despite all the changes, the passive offensive line play, the offensive line coach and the predictable play calling by down, distance, formation and field position all remain the same. In this day and age, Ohio State can dominate the Purdue’s and Michigan State’s all the way to rapture with such a straightforward strategy but without forcing 5 turnovers, it can’t beat the USC’s, the Florida’s or the LSU’s of the world playing not-to-lose on offense. Jim Tressel must realize this fact or he is doomed to follow the plight of other championship winning coaches who refused to change, a list containing names like Carr and Fulmer. Another embarrassing loss on the national stage and the canon will rightfully be pointed at Tressel and his staff. After all, Ohio State is putting as many players in the NFL as USC.

As for Saturday night, the weight of the offensive is on Pryor’s shoulders to make big plays and carry an offense lacking additional playmakers and a smash-mouth offensive line. The good news is, Pryor can handle the pressure, has improved as a leader and passer and should have throwing lanes open as the USC defense commits to stopping his running game. The potentially bad news is, the balance of the game rests with the Ohio State defensive line in its match up with the highly talented, highly athletic and highly acclaimed SC offensive line. Can the Buckeye defensive line control the line of scrimmage or at least neutralize it and utilize its depth and experience to allow the linebackers to contain the powerful USC running game all while getting pressure on the QB on passing plays? The answer to this question in all recent big out of conference games has been a resounding, “NO” for the Buckeyes.  In the past 3 non-big 10 games against Top 10 BCS opponents, Ohio State’s defense yielded 326 yards to LSU, 348 yards to USC and 468 yards to Texas.  At any level of football, those defensive numbers virtually guarantee a loss. Saturday night, anxious Buckeye fans will push into Ohio Stadium looking for something new while fearing more of the same.

IV. PREDICTIONS

IT’S About Time Prediction:                  OSU 26-USC 20

Ohio State moves the ball well out of the shotgun-spread with Pryor’s feet, taking a page from Texas and Vince Young by utilizing the ‘zone read’ repeatedly and effectively. Pryor’s legs open up the passing game and the Ohio State offense takes a big step forward. The Buckeye defense neutralizes the line of scrimmage, gets pressure on the QB and reasonably contains the talented SC running backs to 125 yards or less. The home crowd is a factor and the Buckeye defense gets a few key turnovers and OSU’s special teams make a big play. Barkley flashes his talent but also struggles to read coverages at times, makes a few forced mistakes and the Buckeye defense capitalizes and creates a short field for the offense. Tressel and company get the coveted elite, out-of-conference win they have been so criticized for missing the past few years.

Logical Prediction:                                    USC 27- OSU 17

The Buckeye defense plays reasonably well for 3 quarters but gets little help from the OSU offense, wears down late in the game and surrenders a few big plays as well as consistent chunks of yardage on the ground. The defense gets little pressure on Barkley while SC pressures Pryor all night. The OSU passing game is frustrated by exceptional athletes in the SC defensive backfield and a defensive line beating OSU up front. The running game beyond Pryor is a non-factor. A key turnover thwarts any hope of an OSU comeback and USC controls the clock well with an effective running game and timely third down conversions. OSU settles for field goal attempts on several key possessions early in SC territory and regrets it later. Better overall talent and aggressive play calling carry the day against a Buckeye team that doesn’t appear to have a nasty streak and a coaching staff that appears to think it’s playing Purdue. Buckeye fans, we’ve seen this script before in big out-of-conference games. Tressel doesn’t change, neither does the result. And the ‘quality of coaching’ drum beats grow louder….

Counter thoughts:

I can count on one hand the number of times a team has been able to one dimensionally dismantle a Buckeye defense. Last season, Colt McCoy passed for 414 of Texas’ 468 yards of offense in squeezing by Ohio State. In 2007, Illinois ran the same play for the last 9 minutes controlling the clock and ball before walking out of Ohio Stadium a winner. In 1998, the Michigan State Spartans used 6’7” receiver Plaxico Burris and nearly 400 yards passing to defeat a heavily favored OSU team. Several years earlier, a Michigan tailback by the name of Tim Biakabatuka blitzed OSU’s defense to the tune of 300 yards as the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes on the ground. Ohio State has traditionally been stout against the run and okay against the pass. I wouldn’t say USC is one dimensional b/c Barkley has a great arm and talent and the receivers are terrific. But, Barkley will be making his second collegiate start, his first road game and he can’t have a full grasp of the entire SC playbook. A true Freshman QB has never beaten OSU in the Horseshoe. The OSU defense will be focused on the SC running game.  With a true frosh QB, only 3 returning starters on defense and playing on the road, there is really no reason why USC should, in theory, be favored let alone win this game. That in itself speaks volumes about the public perception of the players and coaches at Ohio State.

Counter thought to my counter thought:

Then again, exactly how many dimensions does the Buckeye offense have? Let’s see. There’s Terrelle Pryor and ……???