Ohio State Looks To Run With, Then By, The Bulls In 2013 Opener

Trying to forecast a final score, or what will happen decisively in game one of the college football season, is an exercise of confidence that I do not possess.  There are so many factors involved, especially against an unfamiliar opponent as the University of Buffalo Bulls, that it would be easy for someone to read this blog post after the game and say, "What was he thinking?!?".

(For an interesting look at these two teams, click on this link that will take you to Winsipedia...
http://www.winsipedia.com/ohio-state/vs/buffalo )

The best player for Buffalo is LB Khalil Mack.  Below are statements regarding Mack's abilities...

Meyer said Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack could start on Ohio State's defense.
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWassermanBSB) August 27, 2013

Buffalo LB Khalil Mack is projected as a first-round pick by scouts. http://t.co/9Cp6tq91Tp
— Kyle Rowland (@KyleRowland) August 27, 2013

Here are some things I will look for in the 2013 season opener versus Buffalo ~

• Ohio State's rushing attack:  During the 2012 season, QB Braxton Miller ran far more frequently than I preferred, and I surmise Coach Urban Meyer preferred.  With a deep arsenal of running backs (Jordan Hall, Bri'onte Dunn, Warren Ball, Ezekiel Elliott), as well as hybrid players such as Dontre Wilson, I wonder how Ohio State will be able to involve as many of these players versus Buffalo.

• Ohio State's front seven defensively:  Replacing the entire defensive line, as well as two linebackers, will be of concern to me, as the lack of experience can only strengthen throughout the season.  How effective Ohio State is able to shut down Buffalo's running game, as well as pressure the passer, will be areas watched in the season opener.

•  How many freshmen or newcomers will play for Ohio State:  Coach Meyer has stated players such as Wilson, Elliott, defensive linemen Michael Hill and Joey Bosa, and new punter Cameron Johnston will all play versus Buffalo.  Will there be others?  If so, who, and how much will these players play?

•  The maturation of Ohio State's passing game:  Miller has supposedly improved from 2012, according to reports from Ohio State's coaching staff.  Will Miller's mechanics be on display versus against Buffalo?  Will Miller demonstrate the ability to find secondary options, versus just taking off with his legs?  Conversely, will Miller demonstrate his maturity of not forcing passes into covered areas, while making positive yardage if all other options have been closed off?

• How many backups will play:  My rationale in this thought is how critical it is for any team to develop battle-tested depth throughout the team.  As soon as Ohio State has developed a strong lead, I would hope to see backups along the offensive line, as Ohio State will lose four of its five starters for the 2014 season.  How about playing backup quarterback Kenny Guiton, in the event Miller is injured at some other point in the 2013 season?  How about playing Cardale Jones, the second backup quarterback, to get Jones some valuable playing experience?

Ohio State is heavily favored, and should win this game easily. While winning is always the primary objective, other goals should always be pursued to help develop Ohio State into a true national championship contender.

Ohio State 2013: The Chase For Eight

In 24 hours, the chase begins...

Paul Finebaum, "Tammy", & Sympathy For The Devil

Do yourself a favor, and listen to this recent clip from "The Paul Finebaum Show".  Finebaum had a writer on as a guest who had written an article on Alabama head coach Nick Saban, and the article was titled, "Sympathy For The Devil".  Tammy, a loyal listener and Auburn fan, called in to protest the guest, completely misunderstanding the context of the article...

You asked for it! The Rolling Stones Featuring Tammy. "Sympathy for the Devil". It's better with music! @finebaum http://t.co/bVUCbuRMvG
— Finebaum Fan (@FinebaumFan) August 25, 2013

A Look Back At Ohio State's Recruiting Class Of 2010, Part Two

Part one viewed the players signed in February 2010 who could be classified as starters.  In my haste, I neglected one key player signed in February 2010 who was a starter...

Johnathan Hankins.

"Big Hank"declared for the NFL this past winter, being selected in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the New York Giants.  Hankins was considered a project at defensive tackle when he signed with Ohio State, but played in every game for the Buckeyes from 2010 through 2012.  Hankins declared for the NFL Draft, hoping to be a first round selection, and is supposedly pleasing the Giants so far in his rookie season. 

With this mistake, I will amend my percentages of starters from six players to seven, making 39% of the class as Starters.  Moving on...

Contributors (17%)

1.  OT Darryl Baldwin - Moved from defensive line to offensive tackle last season by Coach Meyer and the coaching staff.  The 2013 season could be very pivotal for Baldwin, as offensive line depth is very precarious, and Baldwin is a top backup at offensive tackle.  Redshirted in 2010, Baldwin will have two years of eligibility remaining, and could enter the 2014 season as a starter with continued progress as an offensive lineman.

2.  TE J.T. Moore - A recent move from defensive line to tight end, Moore was the first verbal commitment for the 2010 class.  Like Darryl Baldwin, Moore will have two years of eligibility remaining, as Moore redshirted for the 2010 season.

3.  RB Rod Smith - Up until a few days ago, Rod Smith could have been classified as a starter.  Smith was suspended for the 2013 season opener versus Buffalo, for violation of team rules in February 2013.  At 6'3" and 238 pounds, Rod Smith evokes memories of former Buckeyes Chris "Beanie" Wells and Eddie George as a physical runner.  Redshirted in 2010, Smith still has time to turn it around, but even Coach Meyer has stated that, "It's the 11th hour for Rod Smith.".

Departures (44%)

1.  LB David Durham - Originally signed as a linebacker, Durham was moved to fullback by the previous coaching staff.  When Coach Meyer was hired as Ohio State's coach, Durham transferred to Pittsburgh, as Durham felt he would not be a good fit in Ohio State's spread offense.

2.  QB Taylor Graham - The son of former Buckeye quarterback Kent Graham, Taylor Graham last saw action by Buckeyes fans in the 2011 Ohio State spring game.  With Coach Meyer's hiring, like Durham, Graham felt his skill set was not a good fit at Ohio State, transferring to Hawaii, where he is in line to start this season under the tutelage of renowned offensive guru Norm Chow.

3.  LB Chad Hagan - A tweener defensive back/linebacker, Hagan played sparingly for Ohio State during the 2011 season.  Hagan left the team in 2012, due to a medical issue.

4.  WR James Louis - A highly-touted recruit, Louis transferred to Florida International University.  Louis signed with Ohio State out of high school, as he was frustrated with waiting on a scholarship from...Florida, coached by Urban Meyer.

5.  LB Scott McVey - Originally signed as a linebacker/safety in the mold of former Buckeye Tyler Moeller, McVey was redshirted in 2010.  A shoulder injury sustained in high school never truly healed, forcing McVey to take a medical hardship, like Chad Hagan.

6.  WR Verlon Reed - Reed was a high school quarterback, converted to wide receiver by the previous coaching staff.  Redshirted in 2010, Reed played early in the 2011 season, until sustaining a knee injury against Michigan State.  Reed played sparingly in 2012, deciding to transfer to Findlay for the 2013 season.

7.  DL Jamel Turner - Turner never appeared in an Ohio State uniform.  Battling grade issues, Turner detoured to Fork Union Military Academy.  Seemingly straightened out academically, Turner was shot in his hometown of Youngstown.  Turner seems to have landed on his feet at Akron, after spending some time at Butler Community College.

8.  WR Tyrone Williams - A sleeper prospect out of East Cleveland Shaw, Tyrone Williams seemed to have tremendous potential as an end zone threat.  Standing at 6'7", I envisioned Williams being a nightmare to defend on "jump balls".  Redshirted in 2010, Williams played sparingly in 2011 and was dismissed early in the 2012 season by Coach Meyer for a violation of team rules.  Williams was rumored to be transferring to Ohio Dominican, but is not presently listed on the 2013 roster.

**

With only eighteen players signed in 2010, Ohio State's coaching staff had little room for error.  Developing seven players, or 39%, of the players signed into starters beats the "rule of thirds", but only slightly.  The three players who have contributed, or 17%, could also emerge as eventual starters in 2014, which will make this class look better.

What hurts is the higher than normal departure rate of 44%.  Contrasted with the 2005 class, which also signed eighteen players, you will see Ohio State only lost three players, or 17%.

Can the 2010 class turn around its legacy?  Beginning August 31st versus Buffalo, that seems as good a place as any to start to try.

[Toledo Blade] Article on Urban Meyer & BGSU

This article on Coach Meyer, from his days as BGSU's head coach, sums up how the experiences impacted him as a head coach.  Very worthwhile read.

http://www.toledoblade.com/Ohio-State/2013/08/18/Meyer-follows-BGSU-blueprint.html

A Look Back At Ohio State's Recruiting Class Of 2010, Part One

For five years, I have reviewed the upcoming senior class at Ohio State.  Generally speaking, I have applied a simple "rule of thirds" to the recruiting classes - a third will turn out as expected and start, a third will contribute in some way, but may not turn out as fully expected, and a third may wind up not contributing in a great manner to the program.

When reviewing the eighteen players signed by former head coach Jim Tressel in February 2010, this theory will truly be put to the test.  Coming off the impressive Rose Bowl victory over Oregon, Ohio State signed what was considered to be a class modestly ranked by recruiting analysts at rivals.com ( 25th) and scout.com (20th).  Ohio State's class was considered behind both Penn State and Michigan in B1G recruiting rankings for 2010.  Prime Ohio State offensive line targets Seantrel Henderson, Matt James, Moses Morgan, and Chaz Green all spurned Ohio State on Signing Day 2010.

Starters (33%)

1.  PK Drew Basil -  Basil began his placekicking career at Ohio State in 2010 rather inauspiciously, missing two field goal attempts that season.  Basil made his mark handling the kickoffs, becoming the full-time placekicker for the 2011 season.  Although Basil was not called upon as much during the 2012 season for field goal attempts, Basil will be a key component for the 2013 team.

2.  WR Corey "Philly" Brown - Brown arrived at Ohio State after an outstanding high school career at running back.  Moved to wide receiver, Brown truly emerged as the Buckeyes' top receiving threat during the 2012 season under Coach Meyer's offensive scheme.

3.  DB Christian Bryant - Bryant played as a true freshman in 2010, earning a full-time starting position for the 2011 season.  Maintaining the "Glenville pipeline" to Ohio State, Bryant is a hard-hitting safety who will be expected to provide leadership for the Buckeyes this season.

4.  RB Carlos Hyde - Originally intending to be a part of the 2009 Ohio State recruiting class, Hyde spent the 2009 season at Fork Union Military Academy working on his academics.  Hyde played sparingly in 2010, had a challenging 2011 season fighting for playing time, and emerged as Ohio State's top rushing threat for the 2012 season.  Hyde has been suspended for at least the first three games of the 2013 season for a well-publicized incident at a Columbus bar, resulting in at least a quarter of his senior season at Ohio State eliminated.  Hyde will need to make every carry truly count in 2013.

5.  OT Andrew Norwell - Norwell was arguably the top player signed by Ohio State in February 2010.  Ranked eighth in the scout.com 100 when signed by Ohio State, Norwell played in eleven games as a true freshman as a backup.  Norwell moved into the starting offensive line in 2011, moving between left tackle and left guard.

6.  CB Bradley Roby - Roby was a "flip" from Vanderbilt, choosing the Buckeyes later in the recruiting process.  Redshirting in 2010, Roby earned a starting position for the 2011 season at cornerback.  Recently suspended for the 2013 season opener against Buffalo, Roby should contend for All-American honors this upcoming season.

While these players above have emerged as starters for Ohio State, part two of this series will review the players from the class who have either become occasional contributors for Ohio State, or departed the program altogether.

A Look At Ohio State's 2013 Schedule, From Easiest To Toughest (Part 2)

Part one of this series reviewed the perceived "easier" games for Ohio State in the upcoming 2013 season.  As former legendary Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes was fond of saying, "Anything easy ain't worth a damn.".  Part two will focus on the more challenging games of this upcoming season, as I predict them to be, for the Buckeyes.  As always, I look forward to your comments and contributions.

**

Beware The Bye Teams

The next two teams on this list both have bye weeks before they play Ohio State.  While I expect Ohio State to win these games, I do not expect an easy time of it in either contest.

7.  Penn State (10/26/2013; 8pm EST kickoff; ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 telecast; Ohio Stadium):  It would be very easy for Ohio State fans to look at this game as an easy win - Penn State is still in the midst of its scholarship reductions, Penn State will have an inexperienced quarterback, and the game is at night in Ohio Stadium.  Very good points, and I am guessing there are others I missed.

Here are some others to consider - Penn State won in Ohio Stadium in its last appearance there, after legendary coach Joe Paterno was let go by Penn State.  Penn State is well-coached by Bill O'Brien, who was in heavy demand by NFL teams last winter.  And...Penn State has a bye coming into this game, while Ohio State will be coming off the Iowa game the week before.  Considering this is a home game for Ohio State, that is why I rank Penn State as being easier than...

8.  @ Purdue (11/02/2013; kickoff TBA; Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN):   Ohio State fans know, or should know, what has happened the last two times the Buckeyes have traveled to Ross-Ade Stadium to take on the Boilermakers (2009, 2011).  I believe new Purdue head coach Darrell Hazell, a former Ohio State assistant during Jim Tressel's tenure, is well-aware of those challenges too.  More importantly, the returning players on Purdue's roster have to be seething with anticipation for this game, after how close they were to defeating the Buckeyes last season in Ohio Stadium, only to lose in overtime.  All those factors, the home field, and a bye week, should make this an interesting trip for the Buckeyes.

Goin' Back To Cal(i)

9.  @ California (09/14/2013; 7pm EST kickoff; Fox Sports telecast; California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA):  I can almost hear you now ~ "Chip is concerned about a 3-9 team this much?!?".  Yes, I am, and here is why - Sonny Dykes is now the head coach for Cal, and Dykes' teams are traditionally very strong offensively.  To put it in perspective, Dykes' Louisiana Tech squad lost a close shootout last season vs Texas A&M, 59-57.  Ohio State had to rally last year against California, and that was in Ohio Stadium.  Throw in how the Buckeyes have to travel across the country (even Coach Meyer has expressed concern about this), as well as Carlos Hyde's suspension, and I think this one could be closer than expected by Ohio State fans.

Get Those Badgers Out Of My House

10.  Wisconsin (09/28/2013; 8pm EST kickoff; ABC/ESPN/ESPN 2 telecast; Ohio Stadium):   I have been fortunate to have been in Ohio Stadium to watch Ohio State defeat Wisconsin (2007, 2009, and 2011).  As a matter of fact, I was up in C Deck on the 40 yard line looking down at Braxton Miller as this pass was released.  I was able to happily watch Wisconsin's secondary frantically race back in vain as Devin Smith waited on the pass in the end zone.

As usual, this game will be determined by how/if Ohio State's revamped defensive front will be able to stop the traditionally strong Wisconsin running game.  The team that wins this game will be in the driver's seat for a berth in The B1G conference championship game.  And just like 2007, 2009, and 2011, I am looking forward to being in Ohio Stadium for this one.

The Road Warriors (?) 

11.  @ Northwestern (10/05/2013; 8pm EST kickoff; ABC/ESPN/ ESPN 2 telecast; Ryan Field, Evanston, IL):  Yes, I know that Ohio State has usually had their way with Northwestern in recent years.  As a matter of fact, Ohio State has seemingly made a point of bashing Northwestern ever since the last time Ohio State played a night game at Northwestern.

Why the concern?  Because Ohio State will have played a night game the week before versus Wisconsin, while Northwestern will have played Maine.  I am not saying Ohio State cannot get psychologically up for two weeks in a row, but it will be a challenge, especially in front of a possibly raucous Northwestern crowd.

12.  @ Michigan (11/30/2013; kickoff TBA; Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI):  THE GAME.   Throw out the records on this one.

Actually, Ohio State fans would be wise to consult the record books on this one.  Think of the various disappointments and heartbreaks the Buckeyes have experienced in their many trips to "That Team Up North", especially when an undefeated season is on the line.  1993.  1995.  Those two right there cost Ohio State a chance at a national championship.  The same thing could be on the line this season.

Can you imagine how painful a loss to TTUN would be if it cost Ohio State a shot at a national championship?  Yes, I know - they might play the very next week for The B1G conference championship.  If Ohio State does not win the first time, it could make the second time mean less.

**

As I wrote in part one, it is very natural to look at games on a schedule and mark down the wins ahead of time.  It is also why the games are not played on paper, but on the field.  Ohio State fans everywhere, myself included, will start watching on August 31st to see if their predictions of ease or difficulty are as accurate as they forecast.

ESPN video ~ Expectations Of Ohio State (08/13/2013)

Courtesy of espn.com...

A Look At Ohio State's 2013 Schedule, From Easiest To Toughest (Part 1)

Every college football fan, myself included, likes to look at their favorite team's schedule and speculate on where the easy wins will come from, where the toughest game will be, and where there may be a sleeper team that will surprise their team.  How accurate was I last year with this little exercise?  Feel free to take a look, as the so-called "easier" games turned out to be anything but that for the Buckeyes.

The 2013 Ohio State Buckeyes are being touted as a possible national championship contender.  The talent is definitely on the upswing with Coach Urban Meyer's pronounced emphasis upon recruiting, but the 2013 schedule is also a factor, as Ohio State's opponents are considered to be relatively easy for the Buckeyes this upcoming season.

Below are the games I have ranked, from easiest to toughest, as I see them.  Will I be right, or will the opponents prove me wrong as last season?

**
Easiest

1.  Florida A&M (09/21/2013; kickoff TBA; Ohio Stadium):  When the national media rip on Ohio State for not playing anybody, look to this game as Exhibit A.  An FCS school, that went 4-7 in 2012?!?  Ohio State should win this one comfortably and easily by about thirty points, maybe more.  Look for Coach Meyer to play as many backup players as possible in this one, as this is the last game before B1G conference play begins the next week.  The most notable thing about this game - this is the game that marks the possible return of Carlos Hyde from his early-season suspension.

2.  Buffalo (08/31/2013; 12pm EST kickoff; ESPN 2 telecast; Ohio Stadium):  Originally scheduled for the September 21st game, Buffalo agreed to move up to the season opener after Vanderbilt cancelled its trip to Ohio Stadium.  A 4-8 MAC opponent to start the 2013 season is another example of a lackluster schedule in the eyes of the national media.

3.  Iowa (10/19/2013; 3:30pm EST kickoff; ABC telecast; Ohio Stadium):  The last time Iowa came into Ohio Stadium in 2009, this game went down to the wire, as Ohio State won in overtime 27-24 to secure a trip to The Rose Bowl.  Why am I being so sure of an Ohio State victory this time, you ask?  First, Iowa is coming off a 4-8 season in 2012, and most believe Iowa will not be much of a factor within B1G conference play.  Secondly, Ohio State will be coming off a bye week, while Iowa will have played the week before against Michigan State.  Lastly, this game is Ohio State's homecoming weekend - Ohio State usually does well in its homecoming games.

4.  @ Illinois (11/16/2013; kickoff TBA; Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL):  Comparable to the Iowa game, Ohio State will travel to Champaign coming off a bye week, while Illinois will have played at Indiana the week before.  Illinois is coming off a 2012 season where the record was 2-10.  Why am I ranking Illinois a tougher game than Iowa?  Champaign has always been a challenging place for Ohio State to play, especially when later season weather might be a factor. 

Sleeper Games ~ Ohio State will be favored to win, but could be tougher than anticipated.

5.  Indiana (11/23/2013; kickoff TBA; Ohio Stadium):  After last season's scare against the Hoosiers, most Buckeye fans will not overlook Indiana's capacity to compete against the Buckeyes.  In 2011, which was the last time Indiana played the Buckeyes in Ohio Stadium, Ohio State did not win this game until late in the 4th quarter.  Indiana should be in contention for a bowl bid this season under head coach Kevin Wilson, but I look for Ohio State to emerge victorious in its final home game of the 2013 season.

6.  San Diego State (09/07/2013; 3:30pm EST kickoff;  ABC telecast; Ohio Stadium):  As written up above, the 2013 schedule had to be juggled after Vanderbilt cancelled its game against Ohio State.  San Diego State was added to the schedule, and Ohio State fans probably look at this game as another easy lay-up.  In the words of ESPN analyst Lee Corso, "Not so fast, my friend.".  San Diego State was 9-4 in 2012, and have not been intimidated by the Buckeyes throughout the years whenever they have visited Ohio Stadium - 2003 (Ohio State 16, SDSU 13).  2005 (Ohio State 27, SDSU 6), where Ohio State was actually behind after the first play 6-0.  Throw in how San Diego State had the 20th-best rushing offense in the country last season, Ohio State's inexperienced defensive line and linebackers, and Carlos Hyde's suspension, and I see this game being tighter than most Ohio State fans would prefer.

Part two will focus on the toughest games, as I see them, for the 2013 season.

08/06/2013 ~ Ohio State practice update by Coach Urban Meyer

Video, courtesy of elevenwarriors.com.

Nowhere To Run, Nowhere For Hyde?

Ohio State head football coach Urban Meyer determined a punishment for senior running back Carlos Hyde on July 31st, suspending Hyde the first three games of the 2013 season.  The video of the incident has been released, allowing individuals to speculate as to how lenient or harsh Coach Meyer has been with his discipline of Hyde.

With the suspension of Carlos Hyde, the opportunity for increased playing time has arrived for redshirt junior Rod Smith, sophomore Bri'onte Dunn, redshirt freshman Warren Ball, and freshman Ezekiel Elliott.  Returning senior Jordan Hall is also an option, as well as incoming freshman Dontre Wilson.  While Smith, Dunn, Ball, and Elliott are more of the traditional running back style, Hall and Wilson both could be classified as "Percy Harvin-types", players who could be receiver or running threats out of the backfield.

If there was any position on the team that could withstand a suspension, it would be the running back position for the Buckeyes.  Smith, Dunn, and Hall all have experience carrying the ball for Ohio State, with Hall being the most extensive and experienced.

With a three game suspension, it leads me to this question ~ is there a possibility that Carlos Hyde will not be able to reclaim a substantial role as a ball carrier for Ohio State in 2013?

Before dismissing this question completely, please re-read Coach Meyer's statement on Carlos Hyde's suspension -  “Carlos Hyde will be suspended for at least the first three games of the 2013 season for conduct not representative of this football program or this university. He will be required to fulfill additional obligations before he is allowed to play in a game.”

"At least three games".  "Additional obligations".  It is entirely possible that Hyde could miss even more than three games.

What if Rod Smith runs for over a hundred years in each of the three games while Carlos Hyde is suspended?  Or Bri'onte Dunn demonstrates the skills that made him such a highly-touted recruit out of high school?

No matter how any of the other players perform, it seems likely that Carlos Hyde will have to work his way back up the depth chart, to regain the trust of the coaching staff.  The story will be worth keeping an eye and ear open for as the season progresses.

Nowhere to run, nowhere for Hyde?  The other running backs on the 2013 Buckeyes may make this a possible theme song that Carlos Hyde may not want to hear.

Congratulations To Cris Carter For The Pro Football Hall Of Fame

"It's not where you start, but where you finish.".  The words of Zig Ziglar could truly apply to Cris Carter, former Ohio State wide receiver who will be enshrined tonight in The Pro Football Hall Of Fame.

Carter was suspended by Ohio State in August 1987 for accepting money from an agent, ending his collegiate career.  Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 1987 supplemental draft, Carter was cut by former Eagles coach Buddy Ryan in 1989, famously stating, "All he does is catch touchdowns.".

Carter actually was cut for a substance abuse problem.  Landing with the Minnesota Vikings, Carter was able to overcome his challenges to become arguably one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history.  Carter will enter The Pro Football Hall Of Fame in his sixth year of eligibility.

One of my childhood memories of my Dad as we would play football was when he would throw to me, and if I would drop it, Dad would say, "If you can touch it, you can catch it.".  Watch this clip of Cris Carter playing against Brigham Young in the 1985 Citrus Bowl, and I believe my Dad would agree that Cris Carter played with the same mindset and motto...



I am going to conclude this post with an image of Cris Carter, using his words and image to sum up his Ohio State career.  Congratulations on The Pro Football Hall Of Fame, Mr. Carter.  Go Bucks!