[Deadspin] - Ohio State Players Hugging Dom Tiberi of 10tv.com

Dom Tiberi's daughter Maria was killed in a car accident on 09/17/2013.  Following the Ohio State victory over Wisconsin, the players stopped by after the game to hug Mr. Tiberi.  Awesome.

Winsipedia Looks At Ohio State/Wisconsin

http://www.winsipedia.com/ohio-state/vs/wisconsin

A Message From Coach Urban Meyer

Putting The Streak On The Line

Congratulations to Ohio State's players and coaches for the 76-0 walloping administered to Florida A&M. I stated before the game that this was the type of game that Ohio State should not schedule, and 76-0 is pretty clear evidence of that argument. Moving forward into the playoff system, this is the kind of game that will only hurt Ohio State's playoff chances.

On to B1G conference play and the Wisconsin Badgers.  Wisconsin began conference play last week versus Purdue, and enter into Ohio Stadium confidently after a strong 41-10 victory over the Boilermakers.

Wisconsin will also enter into Ohio Stadium with a sizable number of its roster, specifically fourteen players, who may feel a little extra motivation versus the Buckeyes.  Fourteen Ohioans on Wisconsin's roster, with only one of them, senior DE Pat Muldoon, who earned a scholarship offer by Ohio State.  The most notable of these Ohioans, senior LB Chris Borland, was not recruited by Ohio State.

This game, as so many other notable Ohio State/Wisconsin games over the past decade, will be decided by which team is able to control the line of scrimmage.  If Ohio State is pushed around by Wisconsin, as they were up in Madison in 2010, it could be a long night for the Buckeyes.  Ohio State's rebuilt defensive line, as well as linebackers Joshua Perry, Ryan Shazier, and especially Curtis Grant, need to shut down Wisconsin's running game.

While I understand Coach Urban Meyer stresses how Braxton Miller is still considered the starter, I am of the mindset that perhaps it may be better for Miller, and the team, if Kenny Guiton starts versus Wisconsin.  Coming off two straight weeks of inactivity, and playing against Wisconsin in a nationally televised game, it would not surprise me if Miller may be too hyped for this game and begins to press.  If that were to happen, would Coach Meyer pull Miller for Guiton?  What would that do to Miller's confidence, and the team's confidence in Miller?  No sense in creating a quarterback controversy.

Conversely, if Guiton were to start, and have Miller come into the game after a series or two, it may provide an opportunity to ease Miller back into the starting lineup.  Miller may even be able to provide a spark to the offense, as he is much more dangerous with his legs than Guiton.

There's the "or": It's just a depth chart, but for 1st time, Kenny Guiton listed as a co-starter with Braxton Miller http://t.co/GyAffNERON
— Doug Lesmerises (@DougLesmerises) September 24, 2013

I will be anxious to see how the Ohio State coaching staff uses its strong arsenal of running backs versus Wisconsin.  Jordan Hall, Carlos Hyde, Rod Smith, as well as true freshmen Dontre Wilson and Ezekiel Elliott.  It could be the debut of Hyde in the backfield, with Hall playing the pivot role.

Another match-up I will keep an eye upon is Wisconsin WR Jared Abbrederis versus Ohio State defensive back Bradley Roby.  I have no idea if the Ohio State coaching staff will isolate Roby on Abbrederis, but I would be surprised if they did not, as Abbrederis is Wisconsin's top receiving threat.

Wisconsin TE Jacob Pedersen also poses a problem in coverage.  The linebackers will need to come up big here coverage-wise, especially on play action passes by Wisconsin.

This will be my fourth straight Ohio State/Wisconsin game in Ohio Stadium.  My good friend Sean and I attended in 2007, when Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 38-17.  My Dad died in the summer of 2010, and we enjoyed watching Ohio State defeat Wisconsin in 2009, 31-13.  And my brother-in-law Kevin and I were sitting up in C Deck along the 40 yard line as Braxton Miller threw this pass to defeat Wisconsin, 33-29, in 2011.

With Ohio Stadium rocking, all of Ohio State's top 2014 recruiting targets in the house, and a national television audience, I feel comfortable putting my winning streak on the line in this one.  I am predicting Ohio State 35, Wisconsin 24, with a late Ohio State touchdown sealing the deal.

No Controversies With Florida A&M For Ohio State

Congratulations to Ohio State for passing its first road test of the 2013 season against California with flying colors. Traveling across the country to California, facing a team with a developing and fast-paced offensive attack, as well as starting the backup quarterback, Ohio State rose to the challenge and won the game impressively.

Coming home to face Florida A&M, Ohio State fans can rest easy that this is a game that should present no concerns for the Buckeyes before B1G play begins. If you have heard this legendary story regarding tickets, the point is that this is the Ohio State game that should provide any fans the opportunity to find tickets easily. Even Gene Smith recently stated that this is a "challenging" game that may prove difficult to sell out for Ohio State.

Below are my wish list items for Florida A&M:

1. Rest Braxton Miller, and play Kenny Guiton versus Florida A&M: Not trying to fan this into a quarterback controversy, but I am of the opinion that resting Braxton Miller would be in the team's best interests for the 2013 season. A sprained MCL will only get better with rest. If Braxton Miller is not deemed 100%, rest him.  Kenny Guiton is doing fine piloting the Ohio State offense. No need to put Miller in against Florida A&M and risk further injury.

2. Ease Carlos Hyde into playing time: Hyde will be understandably anxious to show what he can do, after serving his three game suspension. Instead of rushing Hyde into the lineup, I would hope Ohio State would play Hyde after Ohio State establishes a strong lead over Florida A&M.  Happy to see others, such as Beau Bishop, agree with me on this point.

2) Carlos Hyde is going to have to be a beast to get carries, Jordan Hall has proven that he is worthy of being #1 back.
— BEAU BISHOP (@BeauBishop) September 15, 2013

3. Play backups the majority of the second half: More than likely, this game will get out of hand very quickly; Ohio State could possibly be up by forty points at the half. My hope would be to play the starters the first series of the third quarter, then turn the reins over to as many backups as possible ~ Cardale Jones. Warren Ball. Ezekiel Elliott. Rod Smith. Insert the backup offensive line, as Ohio State will lose four starters after this season. Nothing can take the place of actual game experience, and this may be one of the best opportunities for extensive game experience for these units. Play as many redshirt freshmen as possible; these players have already been redshirted, and can only get better by playing. Keep the starters healthy for the B1G games on the horizon. I have been advocating this philosophy for the first few weeks of the season, and others like Ben Axelrod seem to be thinking the same thing ~

Interesting that Braxton didn't even dress. Ohio State fans, you're one play away from Cardale Jones playing more than just school.
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) September 14, 2013

Along those lines,

4. Last call for redshirts: If there is a member of the highly-touted freshman class that has not earned playing time yet, why waste a valuable year of eligibility? Even Coach Meyer has stated that Bri'onte Dunn and Michael Thomas may benefit from a redshirt year ~

Meyer indicated there's a chance Bri'onte Dunn & Michael Thomas will redshirt. #Buckeyes
— Dave Biddle (@davebiddle) September 11, 2013

Think back to 2005, when Ohio State played Brian Robiskie. Robiskie wound up playing sparingly in 2005, with only one catch. Yes, Robiskie concluded his Ohio State career in fine fashion, but Robiskie would have been better served by the previous coaching staff by using 2005 as a redshirt year, allowing Robiskie a chance to play in 2009.

In 2014, Ohio State will have Rod Smith, Warren Ball, and Bri'onte Dunn as running backs. While I am certain Dunn would like to play, it would probably be best for Dunn and the program to save a year of eligibility for 2014.

Look for this game to be over quickly.  Ohio State should have no problem racking up the style points that have eluded them so far this season.

"Put Me In Coach"

"Oh, put me in, Coach - I'm ready to play today;
Put me in, Coach - I'm ready to play today;"

~ John Fogerty, Centerfield

I realize that I am mixing sports metaphors here, as "Centerfield" was written about baseball, and this article is about Ohio State football, but please bear with me. No, this article is not being intended to serve as a voice of doom and gloom for this upcoming week's contest against California.

For the first two weeks of the 2013 season, Ohio State has held commanding leads late in the game, and has won convincingly. While this is not surprising to me, what is surprising is how the coaching staff is not using these opportunities to provide the backup players, especially on the offensive side of the ball, some game-time experience.

For example, in game one against Buffalo, Braxton Miller suffered cramps, and was ably replaced by Kenny Guiton. When Miller was able to return into the game, Guiton went back to the sidelines, and Ohio State remained in complete control, defeating Buffalo 40-20.

Late in the contest, with Buffalo clearly defeated, Braxton Miller was in the game. Why not give Kenny Guiton even more playing time?

Versus San Diego State, Ohio State was forced to play Guiton, with Miller suffering a knee injury early in the game. Again, Guiton played well.

Winning the game against San Diego State 42-7, Guiton was in the game, well after the game was decided. Why not use this opportunity to give playing time to Cardale Jones?

I could make the same argument regarding players such as Warren Ball (only carried the ball twice against San Diego State), or Bri'onte Dunn (no carries yet this season). Yes, I understand that Jordan Hall, Dontre Wilson, Rod Smith, and Ezekiel Elliott all carried the ball against San Diego State - why not give players such as Ball or Dunn playing time late in the contest?  I even tweeted something along those lines ~

Hope to see more backups - Cardale Jones.  Warren Ball.  Yes, even Bri'onte Dunn too.  No sense in keeping Kenny Guiton in at this point.
— Chip Minnich (@ChipMinnich) September 7, 2013

A case in point - notice how Ohio State's defense has seemingly substituted many defensive backups into the games, and the benefits that this has provided Ohio State's defense...

Really happy for Steve Miller. Great week of practice leads to success in the game. pic.twitter.com/zVQddMGb9x
— Mike Vrabel (@CoachVrabel50) September 8, 2013

My article may seem alarmist or overly pessimistic by Ohio State fans, but please keep in mind the following points ~

1) Even Coach Meyer stated in his press conference on 09/09/2013 that Braxton Miller was a "day to day decision" (see below). Yes, I have complete confidence in Kenny Guiton.

Urban Meyer: Braxton Miller will be a day-to-day decision. (Sprained left knee ligament)
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) September 9, 2013

What happens if Miller cannot go versus Cal, and Guiton is hurt during the game? Now Cardale Jones, or J.T. Barrett, enter into the Cal game, with NO game experience. And that scenario could have been completely avoided, by playing them late versus Buffalo and San Diego State.

2) Yes, I understand that it will be difficult to keep all of the running backs happy. Yes, I know that Dunn has not played because Dunn has not played on special teams. But think about this - running back depth is something to protect, not take for granted. I can certainly recall many seasons when Ohio State seemingly had to scramble to find capable running backs - is 2003 too far back for people to remember?

My point is, players can go down to injury quickly. Considerable depth can be eliminated very easily. Play as many players as possible, to provide experience if needed.

Alabama @ Texas A&M: Haven't I Seen This Before?

A top regarded quarterback.  An upstart program taking on an established, traditional power.  The traditional power is considered by some to be almost a bully, with its swagger, record of national championships, and high NFL draft choices.

You are sitting there thinking, "Minnich, why are you another jabbering voice, talking about Alabama @ Texas A&M?!?".

I am not talking about Alabama @ Texas A&M.  I am talking about 1991, Houston @ Miami (FL).

I know I am showing my age here, but the build-up and hype to this coming Alabama @ Texas A&M game is reminding me so much about the early season game that brought Houston down to Miami to take on the mighty Hurricanes.

Considering how his NFL career flamed out, it seems improbable to remember that David Klingler was a highly-touted quarterback as he began his senior season at Houston. It seemed entirely likely that Klingler would be in contention for the Heisman Trophy, after the outstanding junior season he had completed.

Unlike Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel, who seems to revel in being a college football bad boy, Klingler was more of a low-key individual.  The bad boy, as I recall, was Houston's head coach at the time, John Jenkins. 

Jenkins, with his run-n-shoot, or what he termed "a multiple adjusting passing offense", had managed to get under the skin of college coaches and fans by running up the score on teams during the 1990 season.  For example, Houston whupped SMU, fresh off its death penalty phase, 95-21.

The reason I bring that up is because even though Miami (FL) had established itself as a program known for taunting, showboating, and all other aspects of the game that I despised, I recall actually wanting to see Houston thrashed by the Hurricanes.  I recall watching the game with my college roommates as we were headed out to the bars on a Thursday night, enjoying how discombobulated the Houston passing attack was taken apart by the Hurricanes' ferocious defensive line. 

Unlike Houston, Texas A&M is the home team; Alabama is the visiting team.  Like I hoped in 1991, I am actually hoping the traditional bully shows the cocky wanna-be program it still has a lot to learn.  As Yogi Berra said, it certainly seems as though "It's deja vu all over again.".

"That was the best thing that ever happened on ESPN"

In case you missed it, ESPN had Kirk Herbstreit, Brent Musburger, and Eminem in the halftime booth of the TTUN/Notre Dame game.  Herbstreit's expressions are almost as enjoyable as Eminem's.  As my buddy Ben Vaughn wrote on Twitter, this may have been the best thing that ever happened on ESPN.  Enjoy.

That was the best thing that ever happened on ESPN.
— Ben Vaughan (@benwilderv) September 8, 2013

Aztecs Have Varied Recent History Of Leads In Ohio Stadium

Game two of the 2013 season arrives with the San Diego State Aztecs visiting Ohio Stadium to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes.  While Ohio State is naturally a favorite against the Aztecs, fans would be wise to recall how the recent visits by San Diego State have gone when taking on the Buckeyes~

2001:  Ohio State 27, San Diego State 12.  At first glance, Ohio State did not seem to have much trouble versus San Diego State, but the reality is quite different.  Originally scheduled for September 15, 2001, this game was rescheduled to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and played on October 20, 2001.  Ohio State actually trailed San Diego State at the half, before rallying for the victory.

2003:  Ohio State 16, San Diego State 13.  Talk about a game that went down to the wire.  Ohio State was behind 7-0 to San Diego State, rallying behind Mike Nugent's field goals and a 100 yard interception return for a touchdown by Will Allen.

2005:  Ohio State 27, San Diego State 6.  This game was arguably the least competitive, but again, Ohio State was actually behind 6-0 after the first eleven seconds into the game.  Coming off the heartbreaking 25-22 loss to Texas from the previous week, Ohio State rallied behind Troy Smith, who had emerged as the starting quarterback.

Moral of the history lesson, Buckeye fans?  That Ohio State would be wise to avoid overconfidence against the Aztecs, as San Diego State has historically demonstrated that they are not overly intimidated by Ohio Stadium at the onset of a game.  Yes, Ohio State has rallied to victory in these recent visits, but it would be best to come out strongly and decisively against the Aztecs, especially after a somewhat lackluster conclusion to the victory versus Buffalo last week.

On a slightly different bend, this visit by San Diego State will also be a sort of Ohio homecoming by former Browns quarterback and current SDSU quarterback coach Brian Sipe.  Even though I was, and remain, a big Brian Sipe fan, I will certainly be hoping that Sipe is not able to sprinkle any of his former Kardiac Kids magic on the Aztecs as they battle Ohio State.

2013 news re: THE GAME

BOO!  Hate it whenever this is done.

Urban Meyer: There will be a special uniform for the Michigan game.
— Tim May (@TIM_MAYsports) September 5, 2013

Initial Sagarin Rankings ~ Ohio State 13th after week 1 of 2013

Saw this earlier and figured I would share with others.  Ohio State did not impress Jeff Sagarin's formula after week one.  Having a schedule ranked 128th will do that, I suppose.

http://sagarin.com/sports/cfsend.htm

ESPNU "Mascots"

Post by ESPNU.

No Bull - Lots Of Work For Buckeyes After Opener

Yes, I understand Ohio State won 40-20 over Buffalo.  Yes, I prefer a victory over a defeat, even if this was a victory marred by several issues, which I will address momentarily.

Ohio State cruised out to a 23-0 first quarter lead over visiting Buffalo, but seemed to lose focus over the remainder of the game.  Below are some areas that I am believing need to be addressed for Ohio State to maintain its national championship goal for the 2013 season.

• Poor tackling, especially by members of the secondary.  Tackling high meant not only broken tackles, but missed tackles in several instances.

• Muffed and juggled punts.  Corey "Philly" Brown needs to fix that to avoid any turnovers.

• Lack of defensive pressure.  Noah Spence had a sack that was nullified due to the penalty on Curtis Grant.  Pressure was better later in the game, but it seemed to be lacking at the onset.

• Both Taylor Decker and Jack Mewhort struggled with pass protection.  Yes, Khalil Mack is a tremendous player, but they seemed to struggle against other members of Buffalo's defense. 

• Why weren't Warren Ball and Ezekiel Elliott used more?  Where was Bri'onte Dunn?  Ohio State sure could have used a strong physical running attack later in the game to control the clock.

• Why was Braxton Miller in the game at the end of the game?  If anything, with Miller's cramping issues, it would have made sense to give Kenny Guiton even more playing time.

• Why were Ohio State's players cramping, while Buffalo had no cramping issues?  That was very puzzling to watch.  Yes, I know how hot and muggy it was - it was hot and muggy for both teams, not just one.

• Lastly, and maybe this is just my pet peeve...enough with the whole "scarlet and gray section" concept.  Ohio State has tried to get fans to do this for the last two years, to no success.  People are going to wear their scarlet shirts or jerseys, no matter which section they are assigned.

Big props to Jordan Hall for his outstanding performance as the starting tailback.  Of the freshmen, I was most impressed with Joey Bosa along the defensive line.

Yes, victory always tastes better than defeat.  It is also possible for Ohio State to learn and grow from a victory. 

There is an old coaching adage that a team improves the most from its first game to its second game.  With a likely poll drop, due to the somewhat lackluster performance, and with San Diego State coming to town, improvement in the second game will certainly be needed as the season progresses.