Ohio State Will "Zip" By Akron In Fickell's Debut

Game One: Akron Zips

Location: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH) 12:00pm EST, ESPN

Head Coach: Rob Ianello

Akron Players Who Were Recruited By Ohio State: N/A

What I Am Anxious To See : Ordinarily, I would write up scouting reports on what I have seen or expect to see from the opposition. The reality of the situation is Akron was arguably the worst team in NCAA Division 1 football in 2010 in just about every measurable category. Throw in the fact that this is the debut of Luke Fickell as Ohio State's head coach, after arguably the most tumultuous off-season in Ohio State history, and you can understand why this is challenging to write on what will come to pass.

• Offensively, I expect Joe Bauserman to get the start at quarterback, playing at least three series before allowing true freshman Braxton Miller to come into the game. I believe the coaching staff wants to ensure that Miller will have positive experiences at quarterback, which will allow him to continue to grow into the full-time starter by season's end. Ideally, Bauserman and Miller will play at least three quarters, before turning the reins over to backups Kenny Guiton, Jr., and Taylor Graham.
  
  

• For all Ohio State fans who were tired of Jim Tressel's conservative offense ~ If you thought you had seen the last of "TresselBall", think again. With inexperienced quarterbacks, as well as the best offensive lineman, running back, and wide receiver suspended for games one through five, Ohio State is going to run the ball predominantly in the first few weeks. Look for junior RB Jordan Hall to be the primary rusher, as well as a receiving threat out of the backfield.

• Will RBs Carlos Hyde and Rod Smith emerge as bruising backs for Ohio State?

• Look for TE Jake Stoneburner to be a primary receiving target, again due to the inexperienced receiving corps.

• A new player I am excited to see against Akron is WR redshirt freshman Verlon Reed. Reed was a high school quarterback who was moved to wide receiver last season, and has emerged this fall camp.

• Defensively, Ohio State is breaking in several new starters. How will LB Etienne Sabino play, especially with a broken hand sustained last week? Will Storm Klein be able to handle the MLB assignments?
  
  

• Special teams coverage units were a disaster in 2010. Have they improved in terms of kick coverage? How will new PK Drew Basil do as the starter? Has P Ben Buchanan improved?
  
  

• How many freshmen will play? Several names besides Braxton Miller have made the two-deep roster, such as WRs Devin Smith and Evan Spencer, DB Doran Grant, LB Ryan Shazier, TE Jeff Heuerman, and DL Michael Bennett. It is my strong hope that the coaching staff will not just casually burn a year of eligibility on freshmen, unless they will play considerably throughout the year. Players such as OT Mike Adams and OT J.B. Shugarts played sparingly as freshmen in 2008, and I wonder if it would have been best to redshirt them both.

Intangibles: As I wrote up above, Ohio State is coming into this season after what seemed to be a never-ending litany of attacks from the national media, beginning last December before the now-vacated Sugar Bowl victory over Arkansas. The forced resignation of Jim Tressel in May, QB Terrelle Pryor's jump to the NFL to avoid further NCAA inquiries, suspensions of key players until after game five...This team is going to be eager to take the field on Saturday, and take out their aggressions on someone. Akron is truly going to be a sacrificial lamb in this one.



Prediction: A few weeks ago, I predicted that this would be Ohio State's easiest game of the 2011 season, and nothing has changed that opinion. Ten years ago, Jim Tressel began his tremendous career at Ohio State with a 28-14 victory over Akron, and I was proud to say my lovely wife and I were in attendance for that one. We will not be there for this game as the Luke Fickell Era begins, but I believe it will be even easier for Coach Fickell. Ohio State fans can only hope that this game is the springboard for results even remotely close to what Jim Tressel achieved. I am saying Ohio State 35, Akron 7.

We Are The Ohio State Buckeyes And You Are Buckeye Nation (video)

A Look Back At Ohio State's Recruiting Class Of 2008: What Will The Legacy Be?

In February of 2008, Ohio State fans eagerly anticipated the news on how the Buckeyes did on National Letter Of Intent Day. Rivals.com ranked Ohio State's class fourth in the nation, as did scout.com. Ohio State actually needed to wait upon the top-ranked player in the nation, who declined to sign a letter of intent until March.



In many recruiting classes, there are the rules of thirds applied - a third will start as the coaching staff would hope, a third will contribute in some fashion, and a third will either fail to develop, transfer, or be lost to injury. As you read this below, you will see how this class of twenty that Jim Tressel and his staff signed compared to this standard.





I. The Starters (13*)





1. OT Mike Adams ~ One of the players who will be suspended for five games this season, Adams has developed into one of the premier offensive tackles in the conference, earning All-Big Ten honors last season. Look for Adams to be a high draft choice in the 2012 NFL Draft next spring. Adams played sparingly as a freshman, making me wonder why the coaching staff burned a crucial year of eligibility, especially when the offensive line numbers are so low. Regardless, Adams will be counted on by the coaching staff and the fans to contribute in the latter portion of the season for the Buckeyes.





2. C Michael Brewster ~ Brewster developed a reputation for recruiting other players to Ohio State, helping to label this class as "The Brew Crew". Brewster was thrust into the lineup early in his freshman season at Ohio State, taking over the starting center responsibilities in game four against Troy. Brewster was All-Big Ten in 2010, will vie for All-American honors this season, and will be a high draft choice in the 2012 NFL Draft. It would surprise me if Brewster is not named a captain for this year's squad.





3. P Ben Buchanan ~ The first player to commit to the 2008 recruiting class, Buchanan emerged as the starting punter for the 2010 season. Buchanan had several ups and downs last season, most notably in the now-vacated 2011 Sugar Bowl when his punt was blocked in the latter moments of the game. Hopefully, Buchanan has a strong season in 2011, improving upon his 41 yds per punt average . Buchanan was redshirted in 2008, so he will have another year of eligibility after this season.





4. DL Garrett Goebel ~ Technically, Goebel has not started for Ohio State, but is being labeled a starter for the 2011 season at nose tackle. Goebel redshirted in 2008, leaving him an additional year of eligibility in 2012. Goebel was, like Head Coach Luke Fickell, a standout high school heavyweight wrestler who will be expected to control the line of scrimmage for the Buckeyes.





5. CB Travis Howard ~ Redshirted in 2008, Howard emerged last season into a reliable cornerback for the Buckeyes. Howard will start for Ohio State this season, and will have one year of eligibility remaining. Hopefully, Howard will return in 2012, but it would not surprise me if Howard declares for the 2012 NFL Draft with a solid performance this season.





6. S Orhian Johnson ~ Johnson committed and signed with Ohio State on national letter of intent day back in 2008. Johnson was a high school quarterback, who converted to defensive back upon arriving in Columbus. Johnson is not the stereotypical safety for the Buckeyes, who will physically level opponents; tackling is not the strongest part of his game - pass coverage is his strength. Johnson will have another year of eligibility after this season.





7. WR DeVier Posey ~ Posey will be suspended for the first five games of this season. Posey scored a touchdown in his first game against Youngstown State in 2008, and has become the best receiver on Ohio State's roster. Posey's absence will be dramatically felt during his suspension. Fortunately for Ohio State, Posey has been doing what he can to prepare and assist other receivers who will need to step up during the first five games.





8. LB Etienne Sabino ~ Like Garrett Goebel, Sabino has not yet started for Ohio State, but is labeled a 2011 starter at linebacker. Sabino has primarily played on special teams during the 2008 and 2009 seasons, redshirting last season. Sabino played middle linebacker during spring, but has moved to strongside linebacker during preseason camp. Sabino broke his hand recently in the jersey scrimmage, but should be able to play in the first game against Akron, if not the second game against Toledo. Sabino will have another year of eligibility in 2012.





9. OT J. B. Shugarts ~ Shugarts will enter 2011 season as his third starting year at right tackle. Shugarts burned up a year of eligibility in 2008, like his classmate Mike Adams. Shugarts hopes for an injury-free season, as he battled a foot injury that plagued him throughout the 2010 season.





10. TE Jake Stoneburner ~ Stoneburner was a high school wide receiver who converted to tight end at Ohio State. Stoneburner is more of a receiving threat at tight end, versus the traditional extra blocker at the position that Ohio State fans have become accustomed to during the Jim Tressel era. With DeVier Posey's suspension, and the relative inexperience of the rest of the wide receivers, look for Stoneburner to be heavily involved in the passing offense this season. Redshirted in 2008, Stoneburner will have another year of eligibility in 2012.





11. LB Andrew Sweat ~ A probable 2011 captain, Sweat has emerged as the probable starter at the middle linebacker position. Sweat was primarily a special teams contributor his first two seasons, while backing up Ross Homan in 2009. Sweat became a starter last season, and should be a steadying presence in the revamped Ohio State defense.





12. DE Nathan Williams ~ Williams has started at defensive end for the past two seasons, arguably becoming Ohio State's best pass rusher entering the 2011 season. Williams can play either as a down lineman or as a linebacker in passing situations, making his versatility a strong asset for the defense.





This next player I am marking with an asterisk. You will understand why after you read it...





13.* QB Terrelle Pryor ~ The player who waited until March 2008 to officially sign with Ohio State as arguably the nation's top player has left Columbus as a pariah in the eyes of most Ohio State fans. Largely considered to be the player most responsible for Jim Tressel's forced resignation from Ohio State, I wonder when or if Terrelle Pryor will ever be welcomed back by the Ohio State faithful. While Pryor's passing skills or technique never fully developed in his time at Ohio State, even the angriest of Ohio State fans would have to acknowledge Pryor's rare athleticism and skills from 2008 through 2010. Thrust into the starting position in game four of his freshman year against Troy, Pryor was able to lead Ohio State to three victories against Michigan, while also winning bowl most valuable player awards for the Rose Bowl and the now-vacated Sugar Bowl.





II. The Contributor (1)



1. DB Zach Domicone ~ One of the last additions to the recruiting class, Domicone was a high school quarterback who moved to defensive back upon arriving in Columbus. Domicone redshirted his freshman year, and has played primarily on special teams the past two seasons. Domicone seems to have a knack for big plays against Minnesota, recovering a fumble against them in 2009, and blocking a punt in 2010. Domicone has another year of eligibility for 2012, but more than likely, will be a contributor for special teams the remainder of his career at Ohio State.



III. The Departures (6)



1. TE Nic DiLillo ~ DiLillo had a strange recruiting odyssey, committing to Clemson, then Pittsburgh, and finally Ohio State. DiLillo never seemed to make an impact at Ohio State, and left the team before the 2010 season.



2. RB Jermil Martin ~ Martin was originally committed to Iowa, then changed his mind to sign with Ohio State as a fullback, and later moved to tailback. Martin's lone shining moment took place against Minnesota in 2009. Caught up in a numbers game at tailback, Martin was supposed to transfer to Ashland. Implicated in the "Tattoogate" scandal at Ohio State, Martin is no longer involved with Ashland.



3. DL Willie Mobley ~ Mobley signed with Ohio State in 2008, redshirted, and transferred at the onset of the 2009 season. In Arizona, Mobley suffered an ACL injury this spring.

4. DL Shawntel Rowell ~ From the famed "Glenville pipeline" like his high school teammate Jermil Martin, Rowell was unable to qualify academically at Ohio State. Rowell eventually landed at a junior college, and signed with West Virginia in February 2011.



5. WR Lamaar Thomas ~ Thomas played considerably for Ohio State in 2008 and in 2009 as a kick returner. Feeling misused by the coaching staff, Thomas transferred to New Mexico where he will play this coming season.



6. DE Keith Wells ~ Wells played sparingly for Ohio State in 2008 and 2009 at defensive end. Wells was academically ineligible in 2010, and there were rumors that Wells would return to Ohio State for 2011. Recently, there have been rumors that Wells may wind up at Kentucky.



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Twenty players signed in 2008. Breaking it down by the three categories, Ohio State was able to secure 13 starters (65%), one strong contributor for special teams (5%), and six players either left on their own or were asked to leave by Ohio State (30%). Again, considering the rule of thirds, Jim Tressel and his staff did a great job of identifying talent, but more importantly, developing the talent into strong starters and contributors.



What will the recruiting class of 2008's legacy be? Will it be forever tarnished by "Tattoogate" and the forced resignation of Jim Tressel? Or will the remaining players come together to end their respective Ohio State careers with a flourish of glory? As the season opener against Akron gets closer and closer to September 3rd, those questions will be in the background of many Ohio State fans.

"Tattoogate" Has Nothing On The Miami Hurricanes

After Yahoo! Sports broke the news regarding Jim Tressel's involvement back in March, Ohio State fans wondered if there would be another program that could possibly be on the receiving end of so much seemingly endless negativity. I believe Yahoo! Sports may have found such a program, right before the 2011 season kicks off in about two weeks.



Read through this lengthy and thorough article about the Miami Hurricanes. The NCAA may not be able to just throw the book at the Hurricanes - let's say that it will require a very substantial library.



Considering this individual at the heart of the controversy is a convicted felon imprisoned for a Ponzi scheme, many college football fans may casually dismiss his claims as being someone trying to get even, and they may be right. What cannot be dismissed is the voluminous evidence this individual possesses - receipts, photos, you name it, he has it, and is more than willing to implicate anyone associated with the Hurricanes.



Keep your eyes and ears open for this one, especially on ESPN, in the coming days, weeks, and months. I am certainly hoping the national media, after their witch hunt methods displayed towards Ohio State during the "Tat 5" scandal, attack the Hurricanes with the same voracity as they have the Buckeyes.

Ranking The 2011 Ohio State Schedule

Even before the 2010 season concluded and turned into a seemingly never-ending vortex of bad news for the Ohio State football program, I began trying to forecast what Ohio State’s 2011 season would look like. Ohio State knew after this moment (that has since been vacated, by the way) on January 4th, 2011, that several starters such as WR Dane Sanzenbacher, LG Justin Boren, RG Bryant Browning, DL Cameron Heyward,LB Brian Rolle, LB Ross Homan, CB Devon Torrence, CB Chimdi Chekwa, and S Jermale Hines had played their last games in the Scarlet and Gray. Throw in the five game suspensions of a three year starter at quarterback, starting wide receiver, starting running back, and starting left tackle. Oh, and we have not even contemplated the resignation of the head coach yet.



Ohio State’s 2011 opponents range from the highly-rated (Wisconsin, Nebraska) to the not even considered (Akron), with plenty of room for in-between. In this article, I am going to rank Ohio State’s games, from what I perceive the toughest games to the easiest games. I will categorize the games as to how I believe Ohio State will be considered by the media going into the contest, allowing for considerable speculation by those of you who read this. Of course, I welcome any and all healthy debate and discussion on this topic.



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Category One: Ohio State may be/will be the underdog



1. 10/29/2011 vs Wisconsin, Ohio Stadium, 8pm EST (ABC): Yes, I know this is a home game. Yes, I know Ohio State wants payback for last year’s defeat to Wisconsin up in Madison. Here is something else I know – Ohio State usually had their hands full against Wisconsin throughout Jim Tressel’s tenure (Ohio State won five of eight), and I do not see that trend ending anytime soon with Luke Fickell now at the head coaching helm. My cousin John, who is a proud Ohio State alumnus and someone who routinely makes the trip up to Madison for the Ohio State/Wisconsin game, told me he knew Ohio State was in trouble during pre-game warm-up drills, as Wisconsin was visibly physically superior to Ohio State along the trenches. If you think back to last year’s game, when Ohio State needed to step up defensively against Wisconsin late in the game when the Buckeyes rallied, Ohio State just could not stop Wisconsin.



Looking ahead to this match-up, several intangibles favor Ohio State ~ Wisconsin lost several key players (DE J.J. Watt, OT Gabe Carimi, TE Lance Kendricks, OG John Moffitt, QB Scott Tolzien) to graduation/the NFL. This is a night game, meaning Ohio Stadium will be loud, and heavily hydrated from a whole day’s worth of fan activity. And Wisconsin will be coming into Ohio Stadium after playing at Michigan State on October 22nd in another night game that promises to be a physically demanding contest; Ohio State has the week of October 22nd off, so they have an extra week to prepare. Add all these factors up, and Ohio State may come out on top, but I still believe this is Ohio State’s toughest game on the schedule.



2. 10/08/2011 @ Nebraska, Memorial Stadium, 8pm EST/7pm CST (ABC): Ohio State travels to Lincoln in what could potentially be a preview of the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game in December. Originally billed as the return of Ohio State’s five suspended players and suspended head coach Jim Tressel, the game has lost some of its luster with the resignation of Jim Tressel and the early departure of Terrelle Pryor to the (probable) NFL. Even with the departures, Ohio State’s challenges will be many as they battle the Cornhuskers. How will Ohio State assimilate suspended players such as DeVier Posey, Mike Adams, and Daniel “Boom” Herron back in after the first five games for this contest? How will Ohio State handle the Memorial Stadium crowd, in a night-time, nationally televised contest?



Both programs will enter this contest after a challenging contest – Ohio State plays Michigan State on October 1st, and Nebraska will be returning home after opening up Big Ten play at Wisconsin in a nationally televised night game at Camp Randall Stadium.



Category Two: Ohio State As "Even" By The Oddsmakers?



3. 09/17/2011, @ Miami (FL), Sun Life Stadium, 7:30pm/8pm EST, ABC/ESPN: Ohio State's first road game of the 2011 season should pose as the first true test of the season for Luke Fickell's squad. Under the direction of new head coach Al Golden, Miami fans have been waiting for this game for years, as the national media (cough, cough, ESPN) will undoubtedly replay this particular play from nearly eight years ago on the preview shows throughout the week leading up to the game. With Ohio State still without four key players due to suspension, will the Buckeyes have enough to defeat the Hurricanes in this nationally televised contest? Will Braxton Miller be under center for the Buckeyes by this point of the season as the full-time starter?





Ohio State fans are certainly hoping Hurricanes QB Jacory Harris is as charitable to Ohio State’s defense as he was in last year’s contest, when Harris threw four interceptions. While I consider the Wisconsin and Nebraska games tougher, I believe this game against Miami (FL) is the pivotal game of the season. Ohio State wins this game, and Luke Fickell's job candidacy becomes stronger. Lose this game, and doubts about Fickell's capabilities for the position could begin to surface. If Ohio State wins this game, more than likely they will be 4-0 when this next team comes to town...



4. 10/01/2011, vs. Michigan State, Ohio Stadium, kickoff TBA: The last game of Ohio State's suspended players will be the first game of Big Ten competition for the Buckeyes. Michigan State, under the direction of former Buckeyes defensive coordinator Mark Dantonio, returns to Ohio Stadium for the first time since the 2007 season. Considering Michigan State's key losses to graduation/the NFL (LB Greg Jones, CB Chris L. Rucker, WR Mark Dell), and rebuilt offensive line, I like Ohio State's chances in this game, but it should be down to the wire.





Michigan State does return starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, so Ohio State’s revamped secondary will be the key matchup. Looking at Michigan State’s schedule, Michigan State should enter Ohio Stadium with a record of 3-1 at worst, possibly 4-0. If the latter is true, and both Ohio State and Michigan State are undefeated, look for this to be a 3:30pm kickoff, as this will showcase two probable top ten teams.





Category Three: Ohio State As The Favorite, But Do Not Be Surprised By A Dogfight:



5. 10/15/2011, @ Illinois, Memorial Stadium, kickoff TBA: Ohio State held on last year against Illinois for a 24-13 victory in Memorial Stadium, overcoming an injured quadricep sustained by Terrelle Pryor. Illinois has lost key players (DT Corey Liuget, LB Martez Wilson, RB Mikel Leshoure), but return the dangerous QB Nathan Scheelhaase. Illinois has a relatively soft non-conference schedule, with the exception of Arizona State on September 17th. Ohio State fans should keep an eye out for how well Illinois does in that game, as Arizona State is considered a possible Pac-12 contender.



6. 11/19/2011, vs. Penn State, Ohio Stadium, kickoff TBA: Maybe it was simply a case of arrogance or overconfidence on the part of Ohio State last year, but the Buckeyes were stinking up the joint against JoePa's Nittany Lions in the first half of last season's game, which Ohio State won 38-14. While I believe Ohio State can win this game on November 19th, it should not escape any Ohio State fan that traditionally Penn State plays Ohio State very tough. This will be the last home game in Ohio Stadium for Ohio State's senior class, so it should be a good one.



7. 11/26/2011, @ Michigan, Michigan Stadium, kickoff TBA: Yes, I know Brady Hoke is stoking the rivalry fires, and in time, this game will move up the difficulty list I have compiled. Here is the painful reality that Michigan fans simply do not want to recognize - their team's roster is still predominantly comprised of Rich Rodriguez's recruits. All the coaching between now and November will not make them any more prepared to adequately defend against power Big Ten teams such as Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Ohio State.



Michigan will make it interesting, and Denard Robinson is still a very dangerous offensive threat, but I look for the Buckeyes to be too much physically for the Wolverines in this one. Considering Michigan's schedule ends @ Iowa, @ Illinois, and against Nebraska, before the Buckeyes come to town, I wonder if this game will determine Michigan's bowl eligibility. On Ohio State's side of things, could this game seal Luke Fickell's status as Ohio State's permanent head coach with a decisive victory?



Category Four: Ohio State Will Have It Won By The Fourth Quarter



8. 09/10/2011, vs. Toledo, Ohio Stadium, 12pm EST (The Big Ten Network): Yes, I am ranking Toledo as a tougher game than some of the other opponents below. Why? First of all, Ohio State will be without four of its key players, due to suspension. Will the Ohio State offense be in sync? Who will be the quarterback? Throw in the fact that Toledo was a bowl team last season, and former Buckeye assistant Tim Beckman is at the helm (who could add his name to the Ohio State candidate list with a huge upset), and I believe this game could be cause for concern until at least the fourth quarter. Toledo actually beat the next team on the list last season...



9. 11/12/2011, @ Purdue, Ross-Ade Stadium, kickoff TBA: Arguably the worst loss in Jim Tressel's tenure took place in Ross-Ade Stadium two seasons ago. As many key Buckeyes are still on the roster from that defeat, I do not believe Ohio State will overlook Purdue in this one. Purdue suffered through some heavy injury losses to their team last year - even with the healthy return of players such as QB Robert Marve, I do not believe the Boilermakers will be able to hang with the Buckeyes in this one.



10. 11/05/2011, vs. Indiana, Ohio Stadium, kickoff TBA: Considering Mike Vrabel is now on the staff for Ohio State, perhaps he and Luke Fickell can invite their former teammate Matt Finkes to speak to their 1996 comeback win over Indiana that sent the Buckeyes to the Rose Bowl. It has literally been almost twenty years since the last time the Hoosiers gave the Buckeyes a real challenge. Perhaps new Indiana head coach Kevin Wilson will be able to turn this program around eventually, but it will not be this year at Ohio State's expense.



11. 09/24/2011, vs. Colorado, Ohio Stadium, kickoff TBA: I will say this much for new Colorado head coach Jon Embree - the Buffaloes are certainly not going to enter into this contest against Ohio State without facing some decent competition. Colorado's first three games: @ Hawaii, vs. California, and vs. Colorado State. All could beat Colorado, leaving me to believe the Buffaloes will be overwhelmed by the Buckeyes in this one.



Category Five: Ohio State Will Be Playing Backups Early And Often



12. 09/03/2011, vs. Akron, Ohio Stadium, 12pm EST (ESPN): Fortunately for new head coach Luke Fickell, he could not pick a better victim, I mean, opponent to begin his head coaching career. Considering Akron went 1-11 in 2010, with many losses in the blowout category, I cannot envision a better opportunity for Luke Fickell to truly evaluate what kind of team he has at his disposal.



Ohio State should be able to substitute multiple players in throughout the game, especially at the quarterback position, where I predict QB Joe Bauserman to be the opening game starter. I predict true freshman QB Braxton Miller to be brought in at some point, but this is the kind of game Luke Fickell needs to work on the Ohio State running game, while also developing wide receivers in the wake of DeVier Posey's suspension. Ohio State should have this game well in hand by halftime, hopefully using it as a springboard for Toledo, Miami (FL), and beyond.



Twelve games, with no guarantee as of this writing that there will be any more after it for 2011, due to the NCAA situation. How will the Buckeyes fare this season? Look back at how I have rated these games, and you tell me. As always, should be a great season for any and all Ohio State fans.