Hey OSU Coaching Staff - Bust Out The 1990 Liberty Bowl

College football coaches are always on the lookout for signs of complacency, real or imagined, by their teams. Football coaches always preach to their respective teams to never underestimate their opponent. Any Michigan fan can tell other college football fans what it was like to be upset by teams such as Appalachian State in 2007 or Toledo in 2008.

Ohio State coaches have been stressing to the team that Navy has played and defeated other top programs such as Pittsburgh or Notre Dame in 2007, or last season when Navy defeated Wake Forest. All of these victories by Navy occurred in the opponent’s home stadium, so Navy will not be intimidated coming into Ohio Stadium.

If Ohio State coaches are concerned about possibly complacency by their players, all they have to do is go back into their own video or film archives and look for a tape titled, “1990 Liberty Bowl”. Yes, I know that it has been almost nineteen years since that game was played. Yes, I know that many of the players on Ohio State’s roster were not even born when this game was played.

The 1990 Liberty Bowl came on the heels of John Cooper's third straight loss to Michigan as Ohio State's head coach. If Ohio State had won that game, Ohio State would have gone to the Rose Bowl. Instead, Ohio State was sent to Memphis to play against an Air Force team that barely qualified for bowl eligibility.

The circumstances are different - the upcoming game against Navy is the 2009 season opener for both teams, while the 1990 Liberty Bowl was a bowl game at the end of the 1990 season. Ohio State's players on this year's team are looking forward to beginning this season, while the 1990 squad was simply looking to end a disappointing one.

Similar to the 1990 Air Force team that defeated Ohio State, the 2009 Navy Midshipmen are running an option offense that is difficult to simulate, thus difficult to prepare for during practices leading up to the actual game. Navy is extremely well-disciplined and fundamentally sound, a tribute to its academy lifestyle. And Navy, like the 1990 Air Force team, will not quit until the final whistle is blown.

Do I believe Ohio State will win against Navy on Saturday? Yes, I do. But I do know that if I was on the Ohio State coaching staff, I'd make a point of showing this year's Buckeyes what fate their predecessors on the 1990 team suffered the last time Ohio State played a service academy.

Updated Info Re: Possible Navy Tribute On Sept 5th

Saw this in today's Columbus Dispatch by Ken Gordon and thought it was worthy to pass on via the blog. Check out below on who might be dotting the I at halftime...

Groundswell grows for Navy tribute

I've been receiving a growing number of e-mails from fans concerned that the Ohio Stadium crowd will not properly greet Navy when they take the field next Saturday.

Frankly, I think anyone who boos a service academy team should be sent to a forward base in Afghanistan for a few days and see if they still feel the same way.

But anyway, here's a video that's making the rounds. I thought it was worthwhile to post.

As I understand it, there will be a pregame fly-by, by F-18s. And I hear former Marine Corps fighter pilot (and astronaut, and U.S. Senator) John Glenn will be dotting the "I" in Script Ohio.

So if the fans play their part, it should be a memorable opener...

Will DeVier Posey Be A Magic "8" For Ohio State?

Just like any other major college football program across the nation, Ohio State fans associate certain numbers or jerseys with specific players. For example, if an Ohio State fan mentions the jersey 45, chances are other Ohio State fans will associate the jersey with Archie Griffin. If an Ohio State fan mentions the jersey 27, more than likely other Ohio State fans will associate the jersey with Eddie George.

Sophomore wide receiver DeVier Posey, who earned playing time last season as a true freshman, wears the jersey 8 on offense for Ohio State. Here is where it starts to get dicey. If an Ohio State fan mentions the jersey 8, chances are the other Ohio State fans will think of Stanley Jackson or Steve Bellisari.

Keep in mind, there are other Ohio State players who have done well wearing the jersey 8. Rod Gerald had a distinguished Ohio State career from 1975 through 1978 as a quarterback and wide receiver. Bobby Olive had a solid career for Ohio State from 1987 through 1990 - Olive's last second reception against Iowa in 1990 has earned him a solid rotation on The Big Ten Network's Greatest Games series. Roy Hall wore the jersey recently (2003-2006) and was instrumental in Ohio State's 42-39 victory over Michigan in 2006.

It is not as though either Stanley Jackson or Steve Bellisari did not contribute positively to Ohio State football during their respective careers. Stanley Jackson platooned at quarterback with Joe Germaine in 1996 and 1997, helping Ohio State to win the Big Ten championship and conclude the season ranked # 2 in 1996. Steve Bellisari earned his first varsity letter in 1998 as arguably the most popular player on special teams as one of the best tacklers.

The reason why both Stanley Jackson and Steve Bellisari are remembered with less than fond memories by Ohio State fans? Both players were consistently inconsistent.

Stanley Jackson could have positive moments, then moments like the link provided above all too frequently. Steve Bellisari started out as a special teams stalwart in 1998, had some positive moments in 1999, and then never seemed to develop into the player Ohio State fans expected.

Which leads us to Mr. Posey. With the departures of Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline, DeVier Posey will have every opportunity this season to emerge as an offensive playmaker for Ohio State. Will DeVier Posey take the route of other "8"s as Rod Gerald, Bobby Olive, and Roy Hall? Or will Posey follow the route of Stanley Jackson or Steve Bellisari?

What does the Magic 8-ball say on this subject? Probably something along the line of "Cannot predict now" or "Ask again later". After the 2009 season, Ohio State fans will probably want to do just that.

Jim Tressel: Video after OSU scrimmage, 08/22/2009

Jim Tressel on Ohio State's jersey scrimmage

A Look Back At Ohio State's Recruiting Class Of 2006

Last year, I wrote an article on Ohio State's senior class that was signed in February 2005. In a similar vein, I am writing on the twenty players Ohio State signed in February 2006.

The twenty players signed by Ohio State in February 2006 were ranked by both scout.com and rivals.com behind Penn State within The Big Ten. USC was graded as having the top recruiting class in the nation by both services.

Comparable to the class signed in 2005 by Ohio State, Head Coach Jim Tressel and his staff redshirted nine players from the 2006 recruiting class during the 2006 season. As you will see below, the number of players who have two years of eligibility remaining allows this recruiting class' legacy to be determined by their collective play on the field for the next two seasons.

Starters (9):

Jake Ballard: Underutilized as a receiving TE, Ballard earned playing time in 2006 and could possibly be a captain for Ohio State this season.

Bryant Browning: Redshirted in 2006, Browning has two years of eligibility remaining. Browning will move from ORT to ORG, with Jim Cordle moving to ORT. Browning's strength is run-blocking, and the move to an interior position will help him and the team.

Chimdi Chekwa: A late addition to the recruiting class as a sleeper prospect out of Florida, Chekwa has played primarily as a nickel defensive back the last few seasons. Chekwa has outstanding speed and has two years of eligibility remaining, as Chekwa was redshirted in 2006.

Kurt Coleman: Coleman earned playing time as a true freshman in 2006 and could be a captain for Ohio State at the safety position this season. Coleman thought of entering the NFL Draft last season, but decided to return to Ohio State for his senior season.

Thaddeus Gibson: Gibson was redshirted in 2006 and has two years of eligibility remaining. Recruited as a LB, Gibson has been moved to DE and is possibly Ohio State's best pass rusher on the roster. If Gibson has a strong season, he may declare for the NFL Draft after the season.

Larry Grant: A JUCO player out of CC San Francisco, Grant was originally going to Florida but was denied admission. Grant started for Ohio State in 2006 and 2007, was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 7th round of the 2008 NFL Draft, and is currently a member of the St. Louis Rams.

Ross Homan: While Homan earned playing time in 2006, Homan suffered injuries early in the 2007 season and was redshirted. With two years of eligibility remaining, Homan should be starting this season as the Will linebacker this season.

Dexter Larimore: Larimore redshirted in 2006 and has two years of eligibility remaining. Larimore is part of a continual rotation along the interior defensive line with Doug Worthington and Todd Denlinger.

Chris Wells: The star of the recruiting class, Chris Wells earned considerable playing time in 2006. Wells battled injuries in 2007 and 2008, and declared for the NFL Draft after last season. Wells was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the 1st round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Contributors (7)

Aaron Gant: Gant earned playing time on special teams in 2006. While Gant is a backup free safety, Gant's primary contributions come on special teams play.

Andy Miller: Redshirted in 2006 and recruited as a TE, Miller was moved to OT in 2007. Miller is battling Mike Adams for the starting OLT position and should see considerable action the next two seasons. It is entirely possible Miller could be moved up to the starter category this season.

Tyler Moeller: Moeller redshirted in 2006 and was scheduled to be a starter at one of the OLB positions this season until he was injured while on a family vacation. Moeller will miss the entire 2009 season due to his injury, but Ohio State will petition the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility. Moeller should be able to return to playing for Ohio State for the 2010 season.

Robert Rose: Rose earned playing time as a true freshman in 2006. Rose suffered through injuries to both shoulders in 2007, and had playing time as a rotational defensive lineman in 2008. Rose recently was cleared for the 2009 season after well-publicized academic issues had him initially suspended for fall camp. It will be interesting to see how Rose plays during his final season at Ohio State.

Grant Schwartz: Schwartz redshirted in 2006 and has two years of eligibility remaining. Schwartz was a quarterback in high school, was recruited as a defensive back, and moved to wide receiver during the 2007 season. Schwartz's primary contributions have come through special teams play.

Ray Small: Small played as a true freshman in 2006. To say that Small's career has been star-crossed would be an understatement. Small may have an opportunity to contribute as a punt or kickoff returner for Ohio State this season, but his academic troubles have continually tested the patience of the Ohio State coaching staff. Like his high school teammate Robert Rose, it will be interesting to see how Small concludes his career at Ohio State this season.

Connor Smith: Connor Smith was redshirted in 2006 and has two years of eligibility remaining. Smith is on the two-deep at guard but may not earn substantial playing time with the emergence of other players on the offensive line.

Departures (4)

Walter Dublin: Dublin redshirted in 2006 but had some grade issues that contributed to his departure from Ohio State. Dublin spent some time playing in the AFL and also signed to play in the CFL.

Antonio Henton: Henton was redshirted in 2006 and was widely considered to be the quarterback of the future for Ohio State. A well-publicized arrest in 2007 for solicitation began a downward spiral for Henton that eventually led to a transfer last summer to Div 1AA Georgia Southern. Henton has since left Georgia Southern. I seem to recall someone saying it was in Henton's best interests to stick it out at Ohio State last summer.

Mark Johnson: Johnson redshirted in 2006 and played sparingly in 2007. Moved to DE during the 2008 season, Johnson left Ohio State and transferred to the University of Findlay last year. I do not believe Johnson is still on Findlay's roster for this upcoming season.

Aram Olson: A fullback out of South Carolina recruited to block for Chris Wells, Olson had to give up football due to injuries. Olson redshirted in 2006 and never was able to play for Ohio State due to injuries that ended his football career.

CONCLUSION: Out of 20 players, Coach Tressel and his staff signed 9 starters, 7 contributors, and only 4 players who are neither playing or contributing. To have 16 of 20 signees playing or contributing, a 80% success rate, is a tribute to Coach Tressel and his staff's talent evaluation and talent development. Keep in mind - several of these players will be playing for Ohio State in not only 2009, but also in 2010.

The Official Info Re: Tyler Moeller

I have copied a link from the official website where Tyler Moeller's mother details what happened and Tyler Moeller's status. Enjoy.

08/11/2009: 1st Ohio State practice with Head Coach Jim Tressel

Ranking Ohio State's 2009 Schedule

Last year, I wrote a similar article evaluating Ohio State's 2008 opponents. This year, in a similar vein, I am going to rate Ohio State's upcoming 2009 opponents in terms of strongest or toughest opponents to the weakest opponents. As always, I am eager for comments and discussion.


Category 1: Ohio State will probably be the underdog

1. USC, September 12th, 8pm EST (ESPN): Everyone remembers the shellacking USC applied to Ohio State last season, and the typical Ohio State fan’s mentality is one of “Wait till we get them in Columbus…”. All I can say to that mindset is be careful what you wish for, as this USC team has the talent again to contend for the national championship. Like just about anyone else, Stewart Mandel of SI ranks USC @ Ohio State as the best of the early non-conference games. If Ohio State loses this game, no matter what happens the rest of the season, they are out of the national championship discussion.

2. @ Penn State, November 7th, kickoff TBA: A popular selection to win The Big Ten, Penn State is always a tough place to play, especially with the Penn State fans in vaunted “white-out” mode. This game will not be a night game, as The Big Ten has recently enforced new policies with the networks, but even with a probable 3:30pm EST kickoff, this game will continue long after the sun has set and will have a primetime atmosphere. If this game lives up to its billing, it could determine The Big Ten championship.

Category 2: Ohio State should be favored but the game will potentially go down to the wire

3. Illinois, September 26th, kickoff TBA: I was somewhat surprised that Illinois was not ranked in the top three in the recent Big Ten Kickoff Meetings. While Illinois disappointed last season, I agree with Coach Tressel who stated that Illinois has as much talent as anyone in The Big Ten. The last time Illinois visited Columbus, Ohio State wound up losing in Ohio Stadium. Last season, Illinois was leading Ohio State going into the 4th quarter last season.

4. Iowa, November 14th, kickoff TBA: Despite losing RB Shonn Greene to the NFL, Iowa returns several key players from last year’s team. I agree with Bucknuts.com's Heath Schneider when he writes that Ohio State fans may be overlooking the Hawkeyes. Iowa traditionally gets better under Kirk Ferentz as the season progresses, and this will be one week after Ohio State has traveled to Penn State. Ohio State cannot afford a letdown in this one.

Category 3: Ohio State traditionally struggles with this opponent

5. Wisconsin, October 10th, kickoff TBA: Even though Ohio State has won the last two games, neither game was easily won. Ohio State traditionally struggles with Wisconsin, regardless of whether the game is in Columbus as it was in 2007 or in Madison last year. Coach Tressel has struggled against Wisconsin ever since becoming Ohio State’s head coach back in 2001. I look for Ohio State to win this game, but this one could be closer than fans may want to admit.

Category 4: Ohio State should put this game away by the beginning of the 4th quarter

6. @ Michigan, November 21st, kickoff TBA: Yes, I know this is THE GAME. Yes, I know that the game is in Ann Arbor. Yes, I know that Ohio State has never won six straight games against That Team Up North. Yes, Michigan will be improved in 2009…but Ohio State is still better. Tate Forcier is a better fit for Rich Rodriguez’s spread offense, but will Forcier be able to take the pounding that style of offense exposes its quarterback to over the length of the season in The Big Ten? Will Michigan’s shaky offensive line depth hold throughout the season? What about Michigan’s defense, which was bad last season and has a new defensive coordinator in Greg Robinson? All of these questions and concerns lead me into thinking this is another win for Ohio State in this rivalry. This could be a game that could determine Michigan’s bowl eligibility this season.

7. Navy, September 5th, 12pm EST (ESPN): This game concerns me, as it is the season opener. Navy will not be intimidated by the huge crowd, having played (and won) at Pittsburgh, at Notre Dame, and at Wake Forest over the last few seasons. No, those programs are not as good as Ohio State, but my point is Navy will not back down from the Buckeyes throughout this contest. Navy does not have the same level of athletes that Ohio State has, but Navy’s triple option offense will be enough to keep them in the game into the second half. Remember – Ohio State has several new defensive starters this season, and defending the triple option well requires exceptional discipline on defense. Throw in the fact that it will be challenging for Ohio State’s scout team to effectively simulate Navy’s triple option offense in practice preparations, and you can see my logic on why this game will be interesting throughout the first half and well into the second half.

8. Minnesota, October 24th, 12pm EST: In a strange scheduling quirk, Minnesota comes to Ohio State in back-to-back seasons. While I still believe Minnesota made a huge mistake in firing Glen Mason after the 2006 season, Tim Brewster did a great job in getting Minnesota into a bowl last season. With QB Adam Weber and WR Eric Decker returning, and new QB MarQueis Gray arriving on the scene, I look for Minnesota to be offensively entertaining but to struggle on the defensive side of the ball. Ohio State was handling Minnesota last season in The Horseshoe before taking their foot off the gas late in the game.

Category 5: Ohio State should have this game won by the end of the first half

9. @ Purdue, October 17th, kickoff TBA: While Purdue fans are excited about new coach Danny Hope, Purdue will realistically struggle during this transitional year. The last time Ohio State visited Purdue, Ohio State dominated Purdue in a night game. My biggest fear is that this game will be a noon kickoff on the same date as the much-anticipated Texas & Oklahoma contest that will be undoubtedly the biggest game that weekend.

10. @ Indiana, October 3rd, 7pm EST (The Big Ten Network): Ohio State has not visited Indiana since 2006, and I am anticipating a similar end result when this game is played on October 3rd. This is a night game scheduled for The Big Ten Network, and it will be interesting to see how many Ohio State fans make the trip to Bloomington for this one.

Category 6: Ohio State should be embarrassed for having this on the schedule

11. @ Toledo, September 19th, 12pm EST (ESPN Plus): With the game at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Toledo is technically the home team and Ohio State the visitor but Ohio State will have the overwhelming support of the fans in the stands. Ohio State fans should outnumber Toledo fans, and Toledo will be well-compensated for this beating. I suspect QB Joe Bauserman to get substantial playing time in this one, as Coach Tressel likes to give his quarterbacks playing time in these early season contests.

12. New Mexico State, October 31st, kickoff TBA: This Halloween game will not be a trick or a treat for the Aggies, and I suspect it will not be a treat either for the fans who have to pay full price tickets - that is probably Ohio State's worst trick to play on its season ticket holders. Arguably the worst program in Division 1 football, this will be the game where Ohio State will (or should) empty its benches, resting key players for the big November stretch run of the season. I am guessing Ohio State scheduled New Mexico State because they believe the mighty Avon Lake Shoremen will be in the midst of the Ohio high school playoffs at this time.

The Sporting News: 2009 college football weekends

Thanks to my friend Mr. Seymour, I am posting a link to the upcoming college football season that describes the various weekends. Here's a big hint ~ I don't think you really want to be anywhere except on your couch with remote in hand on Oct. 17th. Enjoy.