2014 B1G Football Recruiting: Roads Less Traveled By Include Ohio

The state of Ohio has long been a hotbed of recruiting activity, not only for the Ohio State Buckeyes, but for teams within the Big Ten.  Knowing Ohio State can sign twenty-five players at most in a given recruiting class (sorry Tennessee fans, Ohio State coaches don't believe in that SEC oversigning concept - zing!), the opportunity for other teams to target Ohio talent is high.

For as many years as I can recall, the number one rival on Ohio State's recruiting list has been Michigan.  "That Team Up North" has been able to lure many players to Ann Arbor, guaranteeing those players a lifetime of enmity from Ohio State fans.  Mr. John Bacon (@Johnubacon), author of tremendous books such as "Fourth And Long:  The Fight For The Soul Of College Football" , "Three And Out", and "Bo's Lasting Lessons" (all highly recommended, by the way), identifies the pressure faced by Ohioans who leave for That Team Up North...



Below was a brief Twitter passage I had with Mr. Bacon, regarding former Michigan WR John Kolesar, along the lines of "the one way street" Mr. Bacon made during the course of his BTN interview...

@ChipMinnich Much thanks, Chip. And true story.  Kolesar being a fine example.
— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) November 30, 2013

Looking at the top ranked Ohio players for 2014, Ohio State is in line to have several sign on the dotted line on February 5th.  Among the top ten rated players in the state, only one, LB Michael Ferns, was recruited by Ohio State and decided to sign with That Team Up North.

Ohio State is slated to sign nine players from the state of Ohio.  Indiana has six, Michigan State four, and most of The B1G with only one or two; some teams have none (see graph below).  Kentucky, led by Ohio native Mark Stoops, has eleven Ohioans slated for his incoming recruiting class.  The key to all of this information?  Ohio State was able to get the players it wanted, with Ferns being the most notable exception.

Ohio high school football will always be a prime target for Ohio State and teams around the country.  As long as Urban Meyer is able to keep most of the home-grown talent flowing into Columbus, Buckeye fans may be able to breathe easier when they see Ohioans taking their talents elsewhere.

Quick Update For Ohio State Spring Football 2014

Below is a tweet that contains info re: Ohio State's spring football practice info, the Ohio State Pro Day, and the highlight of the spring, the Ohio State Spring Game.  Go Bucks!

A few key Spring dates announced by #OSUFB. Spring practice begins March 4, Pro Day March 7 and Spring Game is April 12 at 1:30 in Shoe.
— Ozone Communications (@theOzonedotnet) January 24, 2014

Thoughts On James Franklin To Penn State...From A Penn State Perspective

Later this afternoon, Penn State will have a press conference, welcoming new head football coach James Franklin to Penn State.  Franklin arrives from Vanderbilt, compiling a record of 24-15 over three seasons (2011-2013).

The tradition of excellence continues: James Franklin named Penn State Football Head Coach. http://t.co/izmh08AILC pic.twitter.com/RkMSsxmuBT
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) January 11, 2014

While I believe this hire may be the best choice for Penn State, I was curious as to how someone from the Penn State point of view may be interpreting this hire.  Fortunately, I work with a proud Penn State alum named Ed McQuiston, who graciously offered me his thoughts on this hire by Penn State...

**
"Well, to be honest I am mixed.

Pluses:

GREAT recruiter. Solid success rate at Vandy in SEC. No tougher place to coach/play. You can win there, you have to like chances at PSU.

Table’s set. Great class last year at PSU. Great class lined up for this year if he can keep.

He may be able to supplement this year’s class as some of his verbals for Vandy are talking about following him; could be a huge boost.

PA guy. Recruiting ties to area from time at Maryland.

If he can coach the caliber of kids he should now be able to get, will be great hire.

Negatives:

Did we get another Bill O’Brien that sees this as a stepping stone job. Young guy, lots of upside, did we just put ourselves in a vicious cycle of coaching searches again in 2-3 years. Is that our new norm?

Losses amongst current staff from Bill O’Brien raiding the staff. Can Franklin hang on to Larry Johnson, holdover from Paterno, and legend at PSU. Johnson is huge in the recruiting game and a must keep. Don’t know if Franklin can after PSU passes Johnson over again.

This potential issue with the rape case at Vandy last year and whether that could come back and be a real issue for Franklin. With what happened at PSU 2 years ago, that could be catastrophic if they hired a guy who did ANYTHING wrong in that case.

Overall:

I worry that we got a job jumper who will do amazing when he’s here, but will be gone in 2-3 years.

11 schools in 19 years.

I think he will bring us another great 2-3 recruiting classes. We will have top 10 talent across roster when sanctions are done. And we will then have to find a new coach to take care of them.

So, I’m psyched for his time at PSU, but as a guy who had one coach his whole life until 2 years ago, I would have liked to see them get somebody who talked about wanting to be here for a lifetime."

**

A big thanks to Ed for his thoughts and views on the hiring of James Franklin at Penn State. I believe Ed raises a lot of good ideas, as well as potentially concerns,  with the hiring of James Franklin by Penn State.

Below are some tweets that I believe best summarize my thoughts on the hiring, from an Ohio State fan's perspective.  The B1G Conference, especially the new East Division, just became much tougher and better...

If James Franklin gets to Penn State the Big 10 East will be a battle.
— jbook™ (@jbook37) January 9, 2014

B1G conference got better today
— Mark Pantoni (@markpantoni) January 11, 2014

Bowl Game "Upsets" Point Way For Playoff System

The fictional character John Winger of the movie "Stripes" may have been speaking of the end of the college football season when he made this statement...At least, that is how I approach the end of the college football season.

Yes, I know recruiting is still going strong for Ohio State, and will culminate in another highly-ranked class coming to Columbus under Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer.  Yes, I know that Ohio State fans, such as myself, have the spring game to look forward to on April 12th in Ohio Stadium.

Before concluding the 2013 season entirely, a few random thoughts have crossed my mind about college football in general.  The motivation for this post came from watching the various bowl games, and above all...

1.  The Bowl Season Proved A Playoff System Is Overdue ~ Anyone who knows me, or has read any of my posts, can easily recall how many times I have advocated for a playoff system.  Yes, I know a four-team playoff will begin next season, and I am happy that it is on the horizon.  I will simply argue that four teams will not be enough.

Think about what you and I witnessed this past bowl season.  In the BCS bowl games, perceived underdogs all performed well - Michigan State, from the weak B1G, took down a Stanford team that was considered national championship caliber by the media.  Central Florida, from the weak AAC, defeated a Baylor team that the media contemplated as a possible national championship contender.  Oklahoma of the Big 12 was going to be crushed by SEC juggernaut Alabama in The Sugar Bowl...Whoops.  And in a classic BCS Championship Game, Florida State rallied to defeat Auburn.

My point?  These are games that were voted upon, instead of settled on the field.  Does anyone out there think Michigan State would not want a shot at Florida State?  Why not have a system where a champion is settled on the field?

Yes, I know...a four-team playoff is a step in the right direction.  I will continue to argue that giving every conference champion a shot at the title is the proper step, not only the right one.  Mark my words - the teams left out of the four-team playoff, rated fifth or sixth, will howl loudly next December about this system.  It will pale in comparison to...

2.  The New Playoff System Will Struggle With Ticket Sales To The Bowl Sites ~ Yes, I would be excited if Ohio State was one of the four teams selected to play for the title.  I am not sure how, or if, I would go to The Rose Bowl as one of the playoff sites.

Why?  I made this point back in 2012, when it was decided not to use the campus sites as playoff sites.  It is too expensive for the average fan to attend.

If you think fans were reluctant to go to The Orange Bowl this season, just imagine what you will be reading next season when fans are asked to go to The Rose Bowl or The Sugar Bowl, then turn around to fly to Dallas for the national championship.

3.  Get Ready For "Strength Of Schedule" To Be At The Forefront ~ As well it should be.  I have been hoping Ohio State will beef up its future schedules, believing this will be the focus of the new playoff system...or at least hoping it will be.

Instead of a cupcake, Ohio State will travel to play the Naval Academy in game one of the 2014 season.  Wisconsin will take on LSU in Houston.  Alabama takes on West Virginia in The Georgia Dome. 

 

Week two is just as compelling.  Michigan State travels to Oregon.  Ohio State comes home for its opener versus Virginia Tech. 

Instead of week after week of cupcakes, teams have recognized the necessity of scheduling challenging opponents.  Why was Stanford well-regarded this season, even after losing to Utah?  Look at their 2013 schedule.  Why was Ohio State not well-regarded this season, even after going undefeated in the regular season?  Same reason - look at their 2013 schedule.

Will there still be cupcakes?  Absolutely.  Will there be fewer and fewer, as the playoff system evolves?  Absolutely.

The 2013 college football season has come and gone, but 2014 will be here soon.  Not soon enough, but soon.  The new playoff system, ticket sales for the playoff games, and schedule comparisons will be the focus and topics of the new season that kicks off in late August.

Heading Into 2014, Ohio State Has Every Reason To Be Defensive

Congratulations to the Clemson Tigers for their 40-35 victory over Ohio State in the 2014 Orange Bowl.  Clemson's offensive performance, as well as physical defensive play, were the difference.

Before heading into the gist of this article, I believe @TomOrr4 summarized my feelings on the 2013 Ohio State season very well...

Can't get over how much this feels like 1995. Really great start to the season, but the last two games... guh.
— Tom Orr (@TomOrr4) January 4, 2014

Another excellent thought from @Kirk_Barton.  Barton not only was a standout for Ohio State along the offensive line, but may have a future in prognostication...

Sun came up today.  I bet some people went double or nothing after the game that it wouldn't.
— Kirk Barton (@Kirk_Barton) January 4, 2014

**
As Mr. Barton pointed out, the sun did come out this morning.  Living in northeastern Ohio, especially during the winter months, that is not necessarily something I take for granted.  With the benefit of a decent night's sleep (yes, I did toss and turn over this game, but I eventually fell asleep), a good breakfast, coffee nearby, a sunny morning, and some hindsight, here are some thoughts for Ohio State fans to contemplate heading into the 2014 season...

•  The Defense Will Be, And Must Be, The Focus All Offseason ~ The #FireFickell chants have grown from a steady murmur to an incessant shout.  Regardless of Luke Fickell being on Ohio State's coaching staff in 2014, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer realizes the Ohio State defense has been the weak spot of his tenure.  Changing coaches and/or coordinators may soothe the feelings of angry fans, but the root symptoms are much deeper.

With a deep defensive line heading into 2014, has Ohio State truly embraced the concept of rotating multiple defensive linemen throughout the game?  Highly-touted players fill the roster, and others are on the way with the next recruiting class.  The Orange Bowl performance of redshirt freshman Jamal Marcus is a clear example of someone deserving of playing time.  Can Ohio State Defensive Line Coach Mike Vrabel come up with a rotation that will keep all the players fresh and opposing offenses uneasy?

The linebacker corps has been a weak spot since Coach Meyer was hired in November 2011.  Transfers, career-ending injuries, and graduations have depleted a position area that is arguably the proudest in Ohio State's football history.  Ryan Shazier has contemplated an early departure to the NFL; this area could only be weakened by such a move.  The inexperience of this group will be concerning heading into 2014, especially with an opening game at Navy and a vaunted triple option attack that is difficult to simulate and prepare for in summer camp.

Lastly, the secondary.  Bradley Roby departs for the NFL, and Ohio State fans may not necessarily believe that is a bad thing, based on tweets that were sent and seen throughout the evening.

Armani Reeves and Doran Grant return, but other defensive backs on the roster need to step up in preparation for the 2014 season.  Vonn Bell played well after a rocky start in the Orange Bowl, and Tyvis Powell also returns.  The key to the secondary will be improvement all across the board - coverage, turning for the ball, tackling.  Every area is room for improvement.  As Everett Withers leaves Ohio State for James Madison's head coaching position, a new coach can come into this position group and make an immediate impact.

All across the defense, fundamental improvement is necessary.  Tackling drills, taking proper angles to the ball carrier, etc. - all should be covered extensively and exhaustively heading into spring drills and summer camp.

**

My Dad used to say that anyone can be a fan when a team is winning.  Being a true fan means wearing the team's stuff after a tough loss, when things are not so easy.  As Mr. Barton stated, the sun did come out, and I have Ohio State garb on today, as I write this post.

24-2 over the last two seasons, yet it feels lacking, a la 1995.  Wear Ohio State garb proudly today.  Prepare for a strong finish to the incoming recruiting class over the next few weeks, and anticipate Ohio State being very defensive heading into the 2014 season.