Ohio State's Devin Smith TD Catch vs Michigan State

Courtesy of elevenwarriors.com

The (Le'Veon) Bell Tolls For The Spartans, Not The Buckeyes

Ohio State hits the road to East Lansing, Michigan, to begin Big Ten competition versus the Michigan State Spartans. Speaking for myself, I am approaching this upcoming contest with mixed emotions.  

Yes, I am happy that Ohio State is entering into this game with a perfect record at this point in the season, but does anyone truly know how good this Ohio State team is as they enter into Big Ten play?

Another question came to mind as I approach this game. Will Ohio State be able to slow down Michigan State’s Le’Veon Bell, who is the focal point of the Spartan offense?

And come to think of it – Le’Veon Bell is a native Ohioan, hailing from Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Why is Le’Veon Bell carrying the ball for the Spartans, instead of the Buckeyes? How did Bell get away from Ohio State? What about the other Ohio players on Michigan State’s roster? How did Ohio State miss out on them?

Out of curiosity, I looked up Le’Veon Bell, via rivals.com. Looking at Bell’s college choices, Michigan State was the only Big Ten school to offer him a scholarship. Former Ohio State running backs coach Dick Tressel was involved in Le’Veon Bell’s recruitment by Ohio State, but no scholarship was ever formally extended.

Besides Le’Veon Bell, there are a number of other Ohioans on Michigan State’s roster that Ohio State did not recruit. For example, Michigan State cornerback Johnny Adams hails from Akron Buchtel. While Adams was offered by other Big Ten teams besides Michigan State, Ohio State was not one of them. Johnny Adams will probably be selected in the early rounds of next spring’s NFL Draft.

Does anyone remember the recruiting saga of Steve Gardiner? Gardiner played at Dublin Coffman, was recruited by Luke Fickell late in the recruiting process, but selected Michigan State over Ohio State back in 2008.

What about Denicos Allen? Allen is the actual starter at the Sam linebacker spot for Michigan State, whereas Steve Gardiner is a backup at this position for the Spartans. Allen hails from Hamilton, Ohio, and was recruited by several Big Ten schools besides Michigan State. Again, Ohio State was not one of them.

Ohio State fans would acknowledge offensive line depth is a concern for this year’s team. It is entirely possible that offensive line depth is going to be a concern for a few seasons, due to former offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Jim Bollman’s sporadic offers over these past few seasons. Contrast that Michigan State, who have three native Ohioans starting along their offensive line, with left tackle Dan France (North Royalton, Ohio), center Travis Jackson (Columbus DeSales), and right tackle Skyler Burkland (Sunbury Big Walnut). Helping with the depth for the Spartans are Ohioans Henry Clark, Donavan Clark, Nate Klatt, and Michael Dennis. Essentially all of these players had interest in Ohio State, but that interest was not reciprocated by the Buckeyes, especially Jim Bollman.

Am I excited about Ohio State’s recruiting under Coach Meyer? Absolutely. The only concern I have is if too much focus is being extended on areas far from Ohio. Coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans has shown a tremendous willingness to come in and sign Ohio players if the Buckeyes do not provide them an opportunity.

Buckeyes Should Pack Special Teams, Defensive Plays For Spartans

Dear Coach Meyer: I realize you are quite busy preparing your team for its very first road game of the season, heading up to East Lansing, Michigan to take on the Michigan State Spartans. And I also realize that you have never faced the Michigan State Spartans as a head coach, through all of your years at Bowling Green, Utah, Florida, and now Ohio State.

Complicating this trip for you is the fact that your last trip to East Lansing, albeit as an assistant for Notre Dame, did not end well. And many Ohio State fans with an understanding of history would have to admit that there have been some dubious endings to games versus the Spartans in their home stadium.

While it is easy to focus upon the negatives, I believe it is also important to focus upon Ohio State’s most recent visits to East Lansing against the Spartans. Here are a few pieces of advice or reminders you may wish to follow as you prepare the Buckeyes for this important Big Ten opener against Michigan State:

●Focus Upon The Return Game – I actually feel foolish for mentioning this to you, as I realize that, like your predecessor, you place a tremendous amount of importance upon special teams. But do you know what happened recently when Ohio State played at Michigan State in terms of returns?

In 2004, Ohio State was facing a transition year, losing starting quarterback Craig Krenzel to graduation. Coach Tressel tabbed Justin Zwick as the starter for the beginning of the season, but Zwick suffered a shoulder separation injury in a gruesome October loss at Iowa, opening the door for Troy Smith to become the starter.

Oh yeah, I’m sorry. You’re right, I am starting to stray from the point.

Well, with Smith maturing into the starting quarterback position, Ohio State needed someone else on the team to serve as a spark to get Ohio State back on a winning track.

Enter Ted Ginn, Jr. Ginn had begun making plays as a true freshman, but the game at Michigan State truly seemed to show off his abilities. Check out this punt return that played a big part in Ohio State’s 2004 victory over Michigan State, 32-19.

Just to show that this was not a one-time thing, Ohio State returned to Michigan State in 2006. By this time, Troy Smith had developed into the leader of a potent Ohio State offense, featuring not only Ginn, but also Anthony Gonzalez, Brian Robiskie, Antonio Pittman, and Chris Wells. Click on this link to see how Ginn scored on an even more impressive punt return in this game than his 2004 return was, as well as how dominant Ohio State was over Michigan State in the 38-7 victory.

●Rely Upon Your Defensive Front For A Big Play – Again, I understand that one cannot expect a punt return for a touchdown in every contest. I do believe a strong defensive unit can come up with a big play or plays to make a difference.

The very last time Ohio State visited East Lansing to play the Spartans was during the 2008 season. Coach Tressel had decided to bench Todd Boeckman, so true freshman Terrelle Pryor was extremely raw in his understanding of Ohio State’s offense.

Fortunately for Ohio State, Pryor’s athleticism running the ball, a touchdown pass to Brian Robiskie, and the running of Chris Wells helped to stake Ohio State to a big lead. The exclamation points of this victory were the fumble recoveries for touchdowns by Thaddeus Gibson and Jermale Hines, as Ohio State routed Michigan State in East Lansing, 45-7. Click on this link to see for yourself.

Safe travels to you and the team up to East Lansing. I look forward to seeing if this year’s team will use any of the means and methods that helped Ohio State win against Michigan State in recent contests staged in East Lansing.

Coach Meyer post-game UAB press conference

"It is obvious we need to get better or we will not win next week..."

Absolutely.

[Buckeye Extra] ~ Rear-view mirror: Sept. 22, 1990

Good morning.  Only a few short hours away from kickoff of Ohio State/UAB.

I saw this on The Columbus Dispatch's Buckeye Extra edition.  It caught my eye because I remember watching this game on TV at my rented college house at Miami University, with my roommates.  I also recall we were having a multi-keg party at the time, despite the raining deluge.  Enjoy.

Rear-view mirror: Sept. 22, 1990

Will Ohio State Use A "Coach" Guiton Game Plan Against UAB?

The UAB Blazers will make their debut in Ohio Stadium when they take on the 16th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.  UAB enters into this game winless, losing to South Carolina last week 49-6.

Before Ohio State enters into conference play in its first road contest of the season versus Michigan State on September 29th, there are many areas Ohio State will look to improve upon with this contest against the Blazers.  Braxton Miller is leading the team in rushing, which prompts concern among the fan base about how many hits Miller can sustain over the course of the season.  Ohio State's traditionally stout defense gave up over five hundred yards of offense in the last game versus California - is it the scheme?  Poor tackling?  Combination of those factors?

This UAB game comes at a perfect time for Ohio State to try to fix and improve all of those questions and challenges.  While they are all important, another important area should also be kept in mind for this game.

As mentioned up above, Michigan State and Big Ten play are on the horizon.  While Ohio State is ineligible to compete for the conference championship, the opportunity to win the Leaders Division, as well as impacting the conference standings, are very much on the minds of the coaching staff.

Along those lines, I am advocating the strong use of backup players throughout this game versus UAB, once the contest has been decided.  Yes, Ohio State needs to figure things out, both offensively and defensively.  UAB represents an opportunity to figure those items out.

What I am proposing is once the game has been decided, and I am speculating by either the third quarter or by the end of the third quarter, is liberally playing as many backups as possible in this game.  Once Ohio State has a lead of three or four touchdowns, it would make complete sense to me to get as many backups into the game for much needed experience.

Allow me to put it to you this way - Braxton Miller is the focal point of Ohio State's offense.  How comfortable would Ohio State fans feel going into East Lansing on September 29th, or even at home with Nebraska on October 6th, with Kenny Guiton having had minimal playing time?  Wouldn't you breathe easier if Guiton played at least a full quarter, maybe even closer to a half, even if it was against UAB?

Taking it further, why not give true freshman quarterback Cardale Jones some meaningful snaps if possible?  Again, my logic is that Jones is the third-string quarterback, and recently had his “black stripe” removed, meaning he is officially a Buckeye in the eyes of the coaching staff.  If Braxton Miller were to be injured, thrusting Kenny Guiton into the starting role, Cardale Jones would be next on deck.  Why not give Jones some playing time against UAB?

Looking at the rest of the team, below are some other areas where the backups could or should be considered for playing time:

RB – Bri’onte Dunn and Rod Smith were available for California, but did not carry the ball.  Why not work on improving the running game with these players, lessening the load on Jordan Hall.  Adam Homan is the backup fullback; why not give Zach Boren a rest in the second half, if possible?

OL – Players such as Antonio Underwood, Tommy Brown, Chase Faris, and Darryl Baldwin need to be ready to go, in case any of the current starters go down with injuries.

LB – Connor Crowell, David Perkins, Joshua Perry, Camren Williams, Luke Roberts, and Jamal Marcus have all earned playing time, primarily on special teams.  Why not give them much needed game-time experience at linebacker?

And I could go onto other positions such as the wide receiver or defensive back groups as well.  Will the coaching staff use “Coach”Guiton’s game plan and use the backups a lot against UAB?  We shall see this coming Saturday afternoon.

UAB's Coach John Peterson & "A Sort Of Homecoming"

"And you know it's time to go

Through the sleet and driving snow

Across the fields of mourning

Light in the distance"

~ "A Sort Of Homecoming", U2

On November 28, 2011, The Ohio State University formally announced the hiring of Urban Meyer as its head football coach, following the tumultuous 2011 season. Even before this decision was publicly announced, I wonder if those song lyrics by U2 ever ran through the mind of John Peterson.

John Peterson had served on the Ohio State football coaching staff under Coach Jim Tressel and Coach Luke Fickell, coaching the tight ends as well as serving as the recruiting coordinator for Ohio State. In addition, Coach Peterson played at guard on the offensive line for Ohio State, playing from 1987-1990.

With every new coaching hire, there is always turnover. Even though John Peterson had crossed paths with Urban Meyer previously, when Peterson was a player and Meyer a graduate assistant in 1987, Peterson had to know his time with his alma mater as a position coach was limited.

Any new coaching staff will reflect the philosophies and mindset of the new head coach. Peterson, who had executed the limited but effective recruiting coordinator philosophies of Jim Tressel, did not reflect the aggressive recruiting mindset of Urban Meyer, and was out at Ohio State.

Peterson has since resurfaced at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, or UAB, Ohio State’s next opponent. Even though Peterson was a capable recruiting coordinator for the Buckeyes, Peterson’s listed responsibilities are limited to coaching the offensive line for the Blazers.

Whenever a new coaching staff arrives at a program rich with tradition as Ohio State, it is understandable for the fans to be salivating at the new developments of the program that the fans hold so dearly. "I never understood why they did it THAT way… Why didn’t we try it this way before?!?...I told you things would have been better if we had done this a long time ago…". Those are usually the types of remarks or statements made when an energetic new staff arrives on the scene.

While I certainly understand and respect those notions, and I am excited about the upcoming recruiting classes on the horizon for Ohio State, I also believe a few words of thanks and appreciation can be made towards a coach who coordinated the efforts for eight seasons. Were Coach Peterson’s recruiting classes perfect? Not by a long shot. But I do believe some reminiscing about some of the players brought in during that time period is worth a quick look back ~

2005: Players such as Alex Boone, Jim Cordle, Brian Hartline, Malcolm Jenkins, James Laurinaitis, Brian Robiskie, Anderson Russell, Austin Spitler, and Doug Worthington were signed. All of those players are either in the NFL or have spent time in the NFL. Out of eighteen players signed, fifteen contributed as starters or had meaningful playing time at Ohio State, an 83% success rate.

2006: Jake Ballard, Bryant Browning, Chimdi Chekwa, Kurt Coleman, Thaddeus Gibson, Larry Grant, Ross Homan, Robert Rose, and Chris "Beanie" Wells were signed in this class. All are either in the NFL, or have spent time in the NFL. Robert Rose is presently playing for the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Out of twenty players signed, sixteen either signed or had meaningful playing time, an 80% success rate.

2007: Daniel "Boom" Herron, Cameron Heyward, Jermale Hines, Brian Rolle, Brandon Saine, and Dane Sanzenbacher are among the players signed in this class. All are either in the NFL presently, or have spent time in the NFL. Twelve of fifteen players starting or contributing, translating to another 80% success rate.

And I am not even including 2008, 2009, 2010, or 2011, as there are current players on this year’s team, as well as for the forseeable future, who are or will be contributing for the Buckeyes on the gridiron.

Yes, I am excited about the dynamic recruiting of the present, and the forseeable future. I also believe it is important to reflect upon the relatively recent past, and recall some other words from "A Sort Of Homecoming", as they could pertain to Coach Peterson…

"For tonight, at last
I am coming home
I am coming home…"

Cal May Or May Not Be A "Golden" Non-Conference Foe

The California Golden Bears will invade Ohio Stadium to face the 12th AP-ranked Buckeyes on September 15th for the first time since the 1972 season. Ohio State is scheduled to return the favor of visiting California next season on September 14th, 2013. Ohio State will enter the game as a two touchdown favorite, based on most online predictions.

Years ago, Ohio State began a scheduling philosophy of at least one marquee non-conference football opponent. With an eight game Big Ten conference schedule, plus Ohio State's efforts to have as many home games as possible to help with athletic department funding of other sports, this is a challenge for the Ohio State athletic department, year in and year out.

Compounding these challenges is the actual scheduling of games so many years in advance. Ohio State signed the contract with California many years ago. It is easy to forget that California concluded the 2004 season ranked ninth in the country. How many people can remember how Texas, led by its head coach Mack Brown, lobbied the Rose Bowl to pick Texas instead of California for that game? California was shipped off to the Holiday Bowl instead, much to the chagrin of California fans and California head coach Jeff Tedford.

Flash forward to 2012. California enters this game versus Ohio State with one win and one loss. Losing at home to Nevada in the season opener, with a newly-renovated Memorial Stadium, was bad enough. Winning a closer than anticipated game versus Southern Utah, an FCS opponent, in the second game only makes Ohio State fans wonder if this truly fits the definition of a "marquee" non-conference football opponent.

Taking a brief look back over the past ten seasons, here are the designated "marquee" opponents Ohio State faced. Half of these games were at home, while half were on the road.

2002: Washington State at home. Yes, I know Texas Tech could be considered a marquee opponent as well, but Texas Tech was added later, when Ohio State was able to secure the Pigskin Classic rights. I was in attendance to watch Ohio State defeat eventual Rose Bowl-bound Washington State, 25-7.

2003: North Carolina State at home. Again, I know Washington could be considered marquee, but like Texas Tech, was a later addition to the schedule. This was another game I had the pleasure of attending in Ohio Stadium, with several family members, including my lovely wife Colleen. A true thriller that was decided on the final play of the third overtime as Ohio State defeated North Carolina State, 44-38.

2004: On the road, at North Carolina State. Not nearly as compelling as the previous year's version, Ohio State won 22-14, behind the quarterbacking of Justin Zwick and the field goals of Mike Nugent.

2005: Texas at home. Down to the wire. This one lived up to its billing. Who can ever forget Ryan Hamby not hanging on to the pass from Zwick in the end zone, as Hamby takes a wicked shot? Tough loss to the eventual national champion, 25-22.

2006: On the road, at Texas. Ohio State won 24-7, behind some big Troy Smith plays. It is easy to forget that Texas was ranked second, behind Ohio State, when this game kicked off. I recall this game as being a springboard for Ohio State QB Troy Smith's Heisman Trophy campaign, as well as the emergence of LB James Laurinaitis as a defensive stalwart.

2007: On the road, at Washington. Closer than anticipated in the first half, with the ballyhooed Washington QB Jake Locker playing, leading Washington to a halftime lead. WR Brian Robiskie and LB James Laurinaitis had big games as Ohio State won 33-14.

2008: On the road, at USC. I think Ohio State fans would characterize this one like, "Besides the ending, how was the rest of the play, Mrs. Lincoln?".

2009: USC at home. A painful loss. Watching true freshman QB Matt Barkley lead USC down the field late in the game was heart wrenching.

2010: Miami (FL) at home. The long-awaited rematch of the 2002 national championship game. Ohio State was able to effectively harass Miami QB Jacory Harris enroute to a 336-24 victory.

2011: On the road, at Miami (FL). The effective end of QB Joe Bauserman's career at Ohio State.


Will California be a golden opponent for the Buckeyes? We can only hope that the game lives up to the promise of when it was originally scheduled.

Video Clip: Coach Meyer Receives First Game Ball After Ohio State/Miami University Game

"Too Many Millers" Is An Ohio State Concern

Ohio State enters into its third game of the season versus the University of California Golden Bears with no losses. Compare this to last season at this time, where Ohio State averted an upset at the hands of the Toledo Rockets in the closing seconds. Most Buckeye fans would agree that they are happy with the direction this season is heading.

If there is anything that is causing Ohio State fans concern on the offensive side of the ledger after two games, many Ohio State fans would cite thehigh number of carries that QB Braxton Miller has already sustained, and is potentially projected to maintain over the course of the season. After two games, Braxton Miller has carried the ball 44 times for 302 yards, averaging 151 yards a game and 6.9 yards per carry. Impressive results.

Before I offer an alternative solution, please allow me to share a real-life analogy, using my friend Rob as an example. Rob is one of my co-worker friends who is well-respected within my company, and definitely embodies the "work hard, play hard" mentality our company espouses. Along those lines, Rob will periodically go home after a lengthy work day, and enjoy a few cocktails.

Usually when we see Rob the day after he has enjoyed his cocktails, Rob will be back at work, doing his typical great job. If he seems to be moving a little slower than normal, Rob will say the reason why is because he took "too many Millers to the face.".

Back to the main point of this article. "Too many Millers to the face.". After two games, one could argue that Ohio State fans have seen "too many Millers" to the legs, arms, and torso, and worry about where Ohio State will be when the Buckeyes enter into conference play versus September 29th versus the Michigan State Spartans.

One thing I do know is running a quarterback, down after down, in today's demanding college football environment usually leads to the quarterback being injured. Even the sharpest of knives can become dull if overused.

Carlos Hyde will definitely be out for this upcoming game versus California, and probably versus UAB on September 22nd. Jordan Hall is returning from an injury, and may not be ready for too much action whenever he does return, which could be this week against California.

Bri'onte Dunn is a true freshman. Rod Smith has played, but has also demonstrated an alarming tendency to fumble the ball. Zach Boren could play tailback, but is he explosive enough at the position for the offense?

How to avoid taking "too many Millers"? What are the options for Ohio State with their rushing offense heading into this contest?

One option Coach Meyer mentioned in his post-game press conference is to use Corey "Philly" Brown more out of the backfield. While I see the explosive speed Brown possesses, like Braxton Miller, I believe caution needs to be exercised here. Listed at 6 feet and 186 pounds, Brown cannot be expected to carry the ball extensively without threat of injury. Five times, on reverses or option pitches to the outside, I can see. "Philly" Brown carrying the ball up the middle could result in arguably Ohio State's most explosive offensive weapon, besides Braxton Miller, being injured.

Another option is to cut down on designed Braxton Miller runs. I believe Braxton Miller is often most dangerous off scrambles. Rolling Braxton Miller to the perimeter on passes, allowing him to gain five or six yards if no receiver is open downfield, will keep drives alive and keep Miller healthy.

Lastly, and this is more of an old Bill Walsh West Coast offense principle, is to use the pass to set up the pass. What does that mean?

Back in his early tenure as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, Coach Walsh did not have a strong running game. In order to compensate for his lack of a strong running game, the running backs were often used as extra receivers out of the backfield for short gains. This allowed a young Joe Montana to keep the offense on the field, without allowing the offense to be put into long yardage situations.

How would I incorporate this with Ohio State? Zach Boren is a very effective receiver out of the backfield. Would it really matter if Braxton Miller threw the ball to Boren for a five or seven yard gain, versus Boren running out of the backfield for the same yardage? This would keep the offense on the field, control the clock, and be playing to Boren's natural strengths.

Will Ohio State incorporate any of these ideas versus California and beyond? We will have to wait and see, and hope the upcoming contests for the Buckeyes do not involve "too many Millers".

A Tale Of Two Coaches - Urban Meyer & George O'Leary

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...". Too dramatic, verbose, and over the top for this article? Besides, I believe Mr. Burns tried to replicate this theme once upon a time, and it did not necessarily turn out as he had intended.

The Central Florida Knights will enter into Ohio Stadium on September 8th, 2012, as Ohio State's second opponent of the 2012 season. While I believe this game could be closer than most people anticipate, I am also interested about this game from a completely different perspective.

Ohio State fans have completely embraced Urban Meyer as the new head football coach, relishing the return of a native Ohio son to arguably the most prestigious position in the entire state. (Yes, I am including the governor when I make that statement.) Coach Meyer has reciprocated the love affair, stating that "Our objective is simple: It's to make the state of Ohio proud; recruit student-athletes that will win in the classroom and win on the field.".

Please continue, Coach Meyer..."I'm going to go about and try to assemble the best coaching staff in college football. Our goal is to compete and win Big Ten championships."..."this is my home state. And it's great to be back home."...

How many Ohio State fans do you think were excited about these statements in Coach Meyer's opening press conference? "Football is really, really important in the state of Ohio. Cleveland, Ohio, Columbus, Cincinnati, this is as good of football as there is in America. It's certainly well coached as any in America."..."It's great to be home. And the same thing I told the players a little bit ago, is that I realize those players didn't choose me. I chose them. So I chose to pack up and move the most precious things in my life, and that's my family, to back home. And it's a decision I'm very proud of, a decision that was not thought of overnight; a decision that had a lot of prayer, a lot of research. At the end of the day, to tell you we're excited to be back, once again, is not a strong enough statement. We're grateful to be welcomed back home.".

Sounds like a man who has been able to fulfill his dream job, doesn't it?

Now compare and contrast Coach Meyer's experience, albeit only one game into his tenure as Ohio State's head coach, with that of Central Florida head coach George O'Leary.

It has been over ten years since Coach O'Leary's infamous fall from grace as Notre Dame's head coach. Think about the type of words Coach Meyer used to describe his feelings on coming back to coach Ohio State, and read below what words Coach O'Leary used when he was introduced at Notre Dame:

"This is an exciting time for me. Notre Dame is the only job I would ever leave Georgia Tech for. It's the pinnacle of all coaching jobs. In fact, I believe there are two great coaching jobs in all of sports, one being the manager of the New York Yankees and the other being the head football coach at Notre Dame," said O'Leary.

"While I can't manage the Yankees, I feel fortunate to be invited to coach the Fighting Irish. This school embodies excellence in every way. My only wish is that my father could be here to see this day come true."

Think how painful it had to be for Coach O'Leary to make the following statement, only days after being hired to his dream job...""Today, I regret to report that last night I tendered my resignation as head football coach of the University of Notre Dame. My resignation has been accepted.".

I began this story with a quote from Charles Dickens. Perhaps when thinking about how Coach Meyer has been able to achieve his dream job, while Coach O'Leary came so tantalizingly close to his, the quote may be truly appropriate..."It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.".

Ohio State's Game Two Opponent? Complacency

Ohio State easily dispatched Miami University in the season opener, something that should not have been a surprise or unexpected. While Miami University played well at the onset, it was only a matter of time until Ohio State was able to establish its offensive superiority and win the game going away.
It is challenging to find areas of concern for the coaching staff to focus upon after such a convincing and dominating 56-10 victory. Yes, the secondary was fortunate that Miami's receivers had a seemingly allergic reaction to catching the football, but rest assured, that will be an area of coaching focus this week. Coach Meyer addressed concern about Ohio State's pass rush in his post-game press conference, but again, that will be an area of coaching focus this week. Did Braxton Miller carry the football too many times against Miami? Probably, but that will be addressed.

The biggest concern I believe the coaching staff will have going into next week's contest versus Central Florida is complacency. How many times have Ohio State fans sat through nailbiters in Ohio Stadium in the second game of the season after Ohio State has turned in a dominant opening performance?


2003: Ohio State 16, San Diego State 13. Ohio State had dominated Washington in the season opener, 28-9.

2004: Ohio State 24, Marshall 21. Ohio State had defeated Cincinnati 27-6 in the season opener.

2008: Ohio State had to rally to defeat Ohio University, 26-14. This came after Ohio State had demolished Youngstown State in the opener, 43-0.

For those wanting a little closer perspective, remember last season's squeaker against Toledo, after such a dominant performance versus Akron?

I know - Coach Meyer has a different mindset than Coach Tressel. TresselBall is no more at Ohio State in any way, shape, or form. Coach Meyer is all about wanting to get backups such as Kenny Guiton, Jr., Bri'onte Dunn, Verlon Reed, or Rod Smith into the game for crucial development. Running the offense, as evidenced by Dunn's late touchdown versus Miami University, is of the mindset that if you cannot stop the offense, that is too bad for you. Personally, I have no problem with a team that runs the ball over and over. If a touchdown results from that, oh well. Throwing for the end zone, after a team is already beaten easily, that is a different conversation altogether.

Another key difference is Braxton Miller is the starter at the crucial quarterback position, unlike last season. Joe Bauserman is no longer on the roster (thank you, football gods). Miller's mobility at the quarterback position, as well as Miller's improvement as a passer, are a substantial upgrade from where Ohio State was a year ago. Central Florida will have its defensive hands full in adequately defending Braxton Miller on Saturday afternoon. I guess I would make a clumsy analogy as though Ohio State's quarterback situation went from dial-up Internet connectivity (Joe Bauserman) to a broadband connection (Braxton Miller). I know that is a weak analogy, but I am trying to keep it clean when talking about Joe Bauserman on an Ohio State website. I am sure there are fans out there who may use more colorful terms.

But, Central Florida had a dominating performance against Akron in its opener as well. And Central Florida has been the type of program that has done well against teams such as North Carolina State, Boston College, Brigham Young, and Georgia in recent seasons. The idea that Central Florida will be intimidated by Ohio State is not necessarily the case.

Rest assured Buckeye fans - I believe Ohio State will win this game. A few weeks back, I predicted this one to be closer than people anticipate. Ohio State needs to come out, focused on Central Florida, and not have a complacent mindset.

A link to Coach Urban Meyer's postgame press conference after Ohio State defeated Miami University 56-10...

http://youtu.be/lJQ90TZn7r8

Second Half Thoughts on Ohio State/Miami University

1.  About what I expected, to tell you the truth.  Closer to the 1904 80-0 shellacking versus the 2000 27-16 contest.
2.  Biggest concerns are along the secondary and defensive line, heading into week two versus Central Florida.
3.  Glad to see backup QB Kenny Guiton get some meaningful playing time in the second half.
4.  Why in the %*#(! did Big Ten Network cut away during Carmen Ohio?  Think the fans would have wanted to hear some comments from Coach Meyer after his first game as Ohio State's head coach?

First half thoughts on Ohio State/Miami University

1.  Very shaky performance by Ohio State's secondary.  If Miami's receivers did not seem to have a severe hatred of catching the football, this game would be possibly 21-14.
2.  Ohio State's offense seemed to get untracked once Braxton Miller kept running the ball and Carlos Hyde started carrying the ball.
3.  Where is the vaunted Ohio State pass rush?  Miami QB Zac Dysert has plenty of time to throw the ball.
4.  Love the coaching staff going for it at the end of the half.  Think Coach Tressel would have done the same?

And...WOW