Ohio State LB Josh Perry On Playing @ Navy...

24 hours from now.  Go Bucks!

Men of the Scarlet and Gray podcasts are available via iTunes

Last evening, I participated in my second podcast with Men of the Scarlet and Gray.  We discussed how the B1G's East Division may finish for the 2014 season, and previewed the Ohio State @ Navy game with a Navy blogger.  Good stuff.

Even more good stuff...The Men of the Scarlet and Gray podcast is now available via iTunes.  Please subscribe to this via iTunes, and you will have it available for listening as soon as it is uploaded.  Go Bucks!

http://menofthescarletandgray.com/2014/08/26/motsag-live-podcast-is-now-on-itunes/

Random Thoughts From The Mind Of Minnich On Ohio State @ Navy

1.  Will Ohio State's Offense With J.T. Barrett Look "Guiton-ish" At Navy? - Coach Meyer stated that the Ohio State offense would look more like it did last season when Kenny Guiton was quarterbacking Ohio State when Braxton Miller was sidelined with an injury.  With Miller out for the entire 2014 season, and Barrett a redshirt freshman making his first collegiate start on the road, will Ohio State's offensive coaches pare down the offense to make it easier for Barrett?  Look for a strong emphasis on the Ohio State running game to make Barrett feel even more comfortable as the new leader of the offense.

2.  How Will Ohio State's New Defensive Scheme Fare At Navy? - Navy's triple option offense can keep the best of college teams off-balance, let alone a team that is adopting a more aggressive approach and has new starters within the linebacker and secondary positions.  As so few teams run the triple option, it is very challenging for scout teams to simulate it adequately, thus the defense may not be completely prepared to defend the triple option in a game.  Ohio State is bigger, faster, and stronger than Navy, but look for this game to be closer than Ohio State fans expect and want.

My all-time favorite Buckeye @chris_spielman just said on 97.1 The Fan, "Don't sleep on Navy.", & I agree. Spiels said that it in 2009 too.
— Chip Minnich (@ChipMinnich) August 25, 2014

3.  Which Of The Freshmen Will Play At Navy? - Coach Meyer has been pointing out how many of the freshmen have had their black stripes removed from their helmets, representing that these players are now considered ready to play and contribute for the team.  While I believe many of these players may still wind up being redshirted, it would not be surprising to see many of the freshmen contribute on the special teams units.

Prediction:  Ohio state wins on the road against a worthy and tough opponent in Navy.  I see it Ohio State 35, Navy 17.

My Podcast Debut w/Men of the Scarlet and Gray, 08/19/2014

For those of you who may be interested, I will be part of a weekly podcast for Men of the Scarlet and Gray going forward.  I am posting the YouTube video here to the blog.  It is also possible to subscribe to Men of the Scarlet and Gray via YouTube.  We are working towards making the podcast available on iTunes also.  Go Bucks!

Podcast info for Men of the Scarlet and Gray

I have been posting and writing for menofthescarletandgray.com over the past year.  This season, we are branching into the wonderful world of podcasting.  Which means, if you are not annoyed at the sound of my voice, you can hear me pontificating about Ohio State football every Tues evening during football season.

Go Bucks!

http://menofthescarletandgray.com/2014/08/19/motsag-live-podcast-1-previewing-the-big-ten/

Ranking The 2014 Ohio State Football Schedule (Part Two)

Part one reviewed the 2014 Ohio State football schedule, ranking games from easiest to more challenging, as I perceive them to be.  Part two will pick up from where we left off, reviewing the games I consider to be within the "Trap Games" category for Ohio State.

7.  @ Minnesota (11/15/2014 - kickoff and telecast TBD):  This game at Minnesota will be Ohio State's first game versus the Golden Gophers since the 2010 season,  a now-vacated 52-10 victory.  Why am I concerned about this game?  As in life, timing is everything.  Ohio State will be coming off a visit to East Lansing, MI, on 11/08.  Even if Ohio State wins versus Michigan State, will Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer be able to have the Buckeyes "up" for a game on the road, against an opponent that plays a physical style of offense, in what could be less than ideal weather conditions?  Perhaps I am giving Minnesota too much credit, but I believe this game could be closer than most Ohio State fans realize.

8.  @ Navy (08/30/2014 - 12pm EST kickoff, CBS Sports Network telecast):  In 2009, Navy came into Ohio Stadium, and nearly pulled off an upset, but were thwarted by former Buckeye linebacker Brian Rolle.  While Ohio State has far superior speed and athleticism than the Naval Academy, Navy's triple option offense will keep Ohio State's newly-revamped defense off balance all game.  For an Ohio State defense that has struggled the past two seasons, it is truly a baptism by fire for new Ohio State co-defensive coordinator Chris Ash.  Throw in the fact that the triple option offense is difficult for a scout team to adequately simulate, and you may understand why I am ranking this game so highly in terms of difficulty for Ohio State in the season opener.

9.  Cincinnati (09/27/2014 - 6pm EST kickoff, BTN telecast):  Ohio State has defeated Cincinnati in its previous visits to Ohio Stadium over the years (1999, 2004, 2006).  With Cincinnati head coach Tommy Tuberville at the helm, Cincinnati went 9-4 in 2013.  The old 2002 storylines will be in overdrive leading up to this game.  Be on the lookout for stories involving how Coach Tuberville has a winning record vs Coach Meyer, when both were in the SEC.  With a 6pm kickoff, this should be a good one.

10.  Virginia Tech (09/06/2014 - 8pm EST kickoff, ESPN telecast):  The 2014 home opener for Ohio State should be rocking.  Virginia Tech is the marquee non-conference opponent for Ohio State this season, and I expect Coach Meyer will try to use this game to highlight the program with recruits in attendance, as well as impress a national television audience.  Virginia Tech's defense, which ranked eleventh in the country in points allowed in 2013, may be disruptive to a still-developing Ohio State offensive line.  The special teams battles between both squads will also be something to watch.

III.  Rivalry Games:  Throw out the records in these contests.  Ohio State fans should not be surprised if these games come down to the final play, with Ohio State emerging as the victor or the victim.  (Note:  In fairness to Penn State, I believe the Nittany Lions will again be in this category for Ohio State, but not this season, with remaining NCAA sanctions against the program.)

11.  Michigan (11/29/2014 - kickoff and telecast TBD):  That Team Up North.  THE GAME.  In 2012, Ohio State rallied to win, 26-21.  In 2013, Ohio State survived on the road, 42-41.  With Michigan head coach Brady Hoke under fire to turn the Wolverines around from a disappointing 2013 season, does anyone doubt that this game will be lacking any suspense or intensity?  This could be a game that saves Coach Hoke's job, or seals his fate.  In addition, this could be a game that determines the representative from The B1G's East Division for its 2014 B1G Championship Game.

12.  @ Michigan State (11/08/2014 - 8pm kickoff, ABC telecast):  Here is the game that all Ohio State coaches, players, and fans have been looking toward since the Michigan State Spartans ruined Ohio State's chances to compete for the 2013 BCS Championship.  In 2012, Ohio State eked out a 17-16 victory in East Lansing.  With an 8pm kickoff, the coaches for both sides will have their hands full making sure their players are not too high for this game, after a full day of probable intensive media attention.  I doubt that there is anything that will be done to help the fans, who will have a full day to properly imbibe at tailgates and parties.

There you have it - my perspective on the 2014 Ohio State football schedule, from easiest to most difficult.  Let me know what you think.  The 2014 football season is just around the corner.

Ranking The 2014 Ohio State Football Schedule (Part One)

As Ohio State fans everywhere anxiously count down the days toward the start of a new football season, it is somewhat natural to review the schedule from start to finish.  Which game looks to be the easiest?  Which game may be the most difficult or challenging?  Which game could be a trap for the Buckeyes?

Over the period of two articles, I will give you my perspective on the 2014 Ohio State football schedule, ranking the games from the perceived easiest, through the games that could truly jeopardize Ohio State's goals of winning the B1G Championship in 2014.  Let us begin.

I.  Easiest:  By my definition, Ohio State should have this type of game well in hand by the end of the first half, and certainly by the end of the third quarter.  These are the type of games where it would truly serve Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer to play as many backup players as possible, for live game action and skill development.

1.  Kent State (09/13/2014 - 12pm EST kickoff, ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 telecast):  A sort of homecoming for former Ohio State assistant Paul Haynes and former Buckeye Najee Murray, this game might get out of hand in a hurry, if past games versus the Golden Flashes are any indication (2002 - Ohio State 51, Kent State 17.  2007 - Ohio State 48, Kent State 3).  Yes, I know that Kent State played well in 2012 (11-3 record), but I believe Kent State will be overwhelmed by the superior speed and athleticism of the Buckeyes in this one.

2.  Illinois (11/01/2014 - 8pm EST kickoff, ABC/ESPN/ESPN2):  Last season, Illinois played Ohio State tough until the fourth quarter before losing, 60-35.  Considering how Illinois head coach Tim Beckman is under fire to save his job, how Ohio State is looking at a challenging slate of November contests, and how this will be under the lights in Ohio Stadium for Halloween weekend, I see Coach Meyer wanting to send a message with this one. 

3.  Rutgers (10/18/2014 - 3:30pm EST kickoff, telecast TBD):  Rutgers' first visit to Ohio Stadium may not be an easy one.  Rutgers has a bye week before the contest with Ohio State.  Unfortunately for them, so do the Buckeyes.  This might be the game that spends Rutgers' first season in The B1G into a downward spiral.

4.  Indiana (11/22/2014 - kickoff and telecast TBD):  In 2013, Ohio State had this game well in hand 28-0 by the end of the first half.  Indiana did not score until late, losing 42-14.  While Indiana has probably made strides defensively, the fact that this game will serve as Ohio State's final home game of the 2014 season does not bode well for the Hoosiers. 

II.  Trap Games:  Any football coach worries about complacency and overlooking their opponents.  Several of these teams have the talent and coaching to stick with Ohio State, possibly until the end of the contest.

5.  @ Maryland (10/04/2014 - kickoff and telecast TBD):  Maybe I am giving the Terrapins too much credit, but I believe Byrd Stadium will be well-amped for the first B1G contest between Maryland and Ohio State.  Maryland WR Stefon Diggs was heavily coveted by Coach Meyer in 2012, and could play for any football team in the country.  Ohio State will win this game, but I look for this one to last until the end of the third quarter before the Buckeyes pull away.

6.  @ Penn State (10/25/2014 - 8pm EST kickoff, ABC/ESPN/ESPN2):  The designated "white out" game for the Nittany Lions, Penn State head coach James Franklin will do his best to have the fans and the players ready for this one.  Ohio State is familiar with the "white out" theme, having played at Penn State in 2012 in a similar theme.  Another bonus for Penn State is the Nittany Lions will have a bye week before this contest, while Ohio State will not.  Revenge will be a topic, as Penn State looks to avenge its 63-14 mauling by Ohio State from last season.  Look for a Buckeye victory, but for it not to be easy.

Part two will cover the remaining 2014 Ohio State contests, ranking the games in difficulty as I see them.  Hope to see you then.

(ESPN.com) College Football Playoff Promo Video

Best part?  LSU Head Coach Les Miles drinking a grass smoothie...

2014 Ohio State Media Day (Coach Meyer)

BTN, Twitter, & City Barbeque

Below is the Twitter conversation that took place between BTN's Dave Revsine, Coach Gerry DiNardo, and Howard Griffiths over the past few days.  BTN Live was in town to watch Ohio State practice, and I casually tweeted to Dave Revsine, inquiring how much steak would be consumed by the BTN Live hosts.  Mr. Revsine has frequently stated in interviews that Coach DiNardo usually wants steak whenever they go on the road.  Below is what transpired over the past few days.  Enjoy.

And it finished up like this...

@HowardGriffith @gerrydinardo An honor I will try to serve with distinction. #GoBucks
— Chip Minnich (@ChipMinnich) August 7, 2014

Ohio State Football 2014 video (courtesy of elevenwarriors.com)

[elevenwarriors.com] The One Who Knocks (2014 Ohio State Football)

A Look Back At The 2011 Recruiting Class (Part Two)

Part one of this series looked back at the 2011 recruiting class, reviewing the nine starters who emerged from the group.  This post will look at the remaining categories - Contributors and Departures.

II.  The Contributors (35%)

1.  Chris Carter, DL:  Originally signed as an offensive lineman in 2011, Carter was moved over to the defense when Coach Meyer's staff came on board for the 2012 season.  Carter is a massive presence at a listed 6'4", 342 lbs along the defensive interior.  With another year of eligibility remaining for 2015, Carter could wind up with a NFL career, as NFL teams are always looking for massive defensive linemen of his stature for 3-4 fronts.

2.  Chase Farris, OL:  Farris has been a willing human ping-pong for the Ohio State coaching staff throughout his career.  Originally recruited as a defensive lineman in 2011, Farris redshirted.  In 2012, Farris moved to the offensive line midway through the season.  In 2013, Farris battled Taylor Decker for the starting right offensive tackle position, but moved to defensive line when Tommy Schutt's injury caused defensive line depth issues.  Farris has been moved back to the offensive line for 2014, where he could battle for a starting position during fall camp.  Farris will have eligibility to play in 2015.

3.   Joel Hale, OL:  Hale moved on his own volition for the 2014 season to offensive line.  Hale originally entered Ohio State as a defensive lineman in 2011, and lettered each season from 2011-2013.  Hale does not have eligibility remaining for 2015, so I will be anxious to see how much Hale will be in the mix for playing time along an inexperienced offensive line in 2014.

4.  Cardale Jones, QB:  Jones has positioned himself for high importance this coming season as the primary backup quarterback to Braxton Miller.  Jones signed with Ohio State in February 2011, but attended Fork Union Military Academy to concentrate on academics that season.  Enrolling at Ohio State in 2012, Jones did not seem to endear himself to Coach Meyer's coaching staff, as Jones did not see any game action in the 2012 Ohio State Spring Game.  Jones redshirted in 2012, earning playing time in a handful of 2013 games.  Jones emerged as the backup quarterback during the 2014 spring practices, and will have a year of eligibility remaining in 2015.

5.  Steve Miller, DE:  One of the more highly-touted players in the 2011 recruiting class, Miller has lettered as a defensive lineman from 2011-2013.  While projected as a backup for his final season in 2014, Miller should be able to contribute along the defensive front, adding to Ohio State's strength across the defensive line.

6.  Ron Tanner, DB:  Redshirted as a freshman in 2011, Tanner has lettered in 2012 and 2013 primarily for his work on the special teams units.  Look for Tanner to contribute also in the defensive backfield this coming season.  Tanner has a year of eligibility remaining for 2015.

7.  Antonio Underwood, OL:  Underwood earned playing time as a true freshman in 2011, even starting at Purdue late in the season.  Underwood played sparingly in 2012, and was injured during spring practice in 2013.  With knee surgery, Underwood took a redshirt season in 2013, thus allowing him an extra year of eligibility for 2015.  Underwood is a projected starter along the offensive line heading into fall practice, but will be pushed for playing time this season.

8.  Nick Vannett, TE:  While listed as a contributor on this list, it would not be surprising to list Vannett as a starter, as Vannett is considered a primary offensive contributor at tight end by the coaching staff.  Redshirted in 2011, Vannett lettered in 2012 and 2013.  Vannett will look to build upon his strong 2013 season, and will have eligibility remaining for 2015.

III.  The Departures (26%)

1.  Brian Bobek, OL:  Originally recruited as a potential successor to center Mike Brewster, Bobek decided to transfer to Minnesota after falling to third on the depth chart in June of 2012.  Bobek has battled health issues while at Minnesota, and did not see game action for the 2013 season.

2.  Tommy Brown, OL:  Redshirted in 2011, Brown did not see any game action in 2012.  The majority of Brown's playing time in 2013 took place on special teams, and in games when Ohio State was well-ahead on the scoreboard.  Rated a three-star recruit by 247sports.com, rivals.com, and scout.com, Brown decided to transfer to Akron right before fall camp began for 2014...

Former Firestone football standout LT Tommy Brown is transferred to UA, will seek hardship waiver to play 2014.
— George Thomas (@GeorgeThomasABJ) August 2, 2014

3.  Jeremy Cash, DB:  Cash lettered as a true freshman for Ohio State in 2011, contributing on the special teams units.  Upon the conclusion of the 2011 season, Cash decided to transfer to Duke, where he has emerged as one of the top defensive backs in the ACC.

4.  Conner Crowell, LB:  Crowell left Ohio State due to injuries sustained while in high school.  Crowell redshirted in 2011, and played sparingly in 2012.  After going through additional surgeries at Ohio State, Crowell was not medically cleared to play football in January 2013.

5.  DerJuan Gambrell, DB:  Gambrell was dismissed from Ohio State by Coach Meyer in January 2012 for a "violation of team rules".  Gambrell redshirted in 2011, was dismissed from Ohio State, and I have been unable to find out if Gambrell ever enrolled elsewhere to continue his football career.

6.  Kenny Hayes, DE:  The first commitment to the 2011 recruiting class, Hayes redshirted in 2011.  Hayes decided to transfer at the beginning of 2012 spring practices, announcing his intentions to play at Toledo.  Looking at Toledo's roster, Kenny Hayes is not listed, so I am not sure if Hayes has discontinued his football career.

Honorable Mention ~ Ejuan Price, LB:  Price makes this list, as he originally signed with Ohio State, yet never reported in 2011.  Price was a late commitment to the recruiting class (01/17/2011), and decided to ask for his release when Coach Jim Tressel resigned.  Price wound up at Pittsburgh, where he will have eligibility remaining for 2015.

CONCLUSION:  Out of twenty-three players, Ohio State has nine starters, eight contributors, and only six departures.  To have 74% of the class either starting or contributing is a strong testament to the recruiting job done by Coach Jim Tressel, as well as the coaching/development by Coach Luke Fickell and Coach Urban Meyer.  Considering the circumstances these players have dealt with during their time in Columbus, these Buckeyes are worthy of praise and recognition by fans throughout the Ohio State community.

A Look Back At The 2011 Recruiting Class (Part One)

"Sometimes the lights all shinin on me;
Other times I can barely see.
Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip its been." ~ "Truckin", The Grateful Dead

While highly doubtful that members of the 2011 recruiting class were/are avid fans of The Grateful Dead, I would surmise that the players who signed with Ohio State on February 2, 2011, would not disagree with the lyrics up above as they would reflect upon their experiences and careers at Ohio State.  Think about it this way - the players signed at Ohio State to play for Jim Tressel, who was only weeks away from the NCAA violations that would result in his resignation as Ohio State's head coach.  Luke Fickell would serve as the head coach during their freshman season in 2011, only to be replaced by Urban Meyer on November 28, 2011.  Three head coaches, in less than one calendar year.

The twenty-three players of the 2011 recruiting class who would eventually spend time as Buckeyes have all had varying levels of successes and challenges, as all recruiting classes do.  For years, I have reviewed Ohio State's recruiting classes, and I have always subscribed to the "Rule Of Thirds".

"The Rule Of Thirds" is pretty simple - within any class, there will be approximately a third who will develop into starters as the coaching staff hoped and recruited, a third will be contributors in some fashion, and a third will not work out, leaving due to transfer, injuries, or possibly disciplinary reasons.

Using this very unscientific approach to a very inexact recruiting process, how did Ohio State's Class of 2011 stack up with "The Rule Of Thirds"?  Let's see how it all turned out...

I.  The Starters (39%)

1.  Michael Bennett, DL:  Bennett committed to Ohio State on 05/16/2010, and was rated a four-star recruit by 247sports.com, rivals.com, and scout.com.  Projected as a possible first round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Bennett has realized his recruiting accolades as a three year varsity letterman.  Bennett is also in line for a captain position this coming season for the Buckeyes.

2.  Curtis Grant, LB:  Grant signed with Ohio State on Signing Day in 2011, ranking as the highest-rated incoming recruit in the 2011 class.  While rated a five-star recruit, it could be argued that Grant's biggest play as a Buckeye took place as a freshman versus Wisconsin in 2011, when Grant recovered a blocked punt by classmate Ryan Shazier in a 33-29 Buckeye victory.  Grant will be pushed by incoming freshman linebacker Raekwon McMillan for the starting middle linebacker position this season.

3.  Doran Grant, CB:  Grant earned playing time as a backup in 2011 and 2012, emerging as a starter in 2013.  The biggest play made by Grant in 2013 took place as Ohio State was trailing Northwestern in the fourth quarter, and Grant intercepted a pass that helped spark the Buckeyes to eventual victory.  Coach Meyer has high expectations for Grant as he heads into his senior season to emerge as one of the best defensive backs in The Big Ten.

4.  Bryce Haynes, LS:  A late commitment to the 2011 recruiting class (01/28/2011), Haynes was viewed as somewhat of a surprise scholarship offer as a long-snapper.  Redshirted in 2011, Haynes lettered in both 2012 and 2013.  Haynes will have an additional year of eligibility for the 2015 season.

5.  Jeff Heuerman, TE:  Heuerman is a probable captain for his final season of eligibility in 2014.  While only catching one pass in 2011, Heuerman's importance and role has expanded in 2012 and 2013.  Heuerman has been described by Ohio State strength coach Mickey Marotti as "the  the "ringleader of what we want in terms of work ethic".

6.  Braxton Miller, QB:  Arguably the most important player on the team, Miller's role has exponentially grown since he arrived in 2011.  Originally intending to back-up Terrelle Pryor in 2011, Miller was thrust into the starting role as a true freshman.  With the arrival of Coach Meyer, Miller has emerged as a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate in 2014, and should be a captain again for the Buckeyes, having served in that role in 2013.

7.  Ryan Shazier, LB:  A later commitment to the recruiting class (12/17/2010), Shazier originally intended to sign with Florida to play for Coach Meyer.  When Coach Meyer resigned his position, Ohio State was fortunate to land Shazier.  While Shazier only played three seasons, Shazier was arguably the most dominant defensive player for the Buckeyes from 2011-2013.  Shazier left Ohio State for the NFL after the 2013 season, being selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

8.  Devin Smith, WR:  Smith lettered 2011-2013, often delivering clutch plays for the Buckeyes at the most crucial moments.  Of these clutch plays, none will loom larger than catching the desperation pass by classmate Braxton Miller versus Wisconsin that allowed Ohio State to defeat the Badgers, 33-29.  Smith is a dependable deep threat for the Buckeyes, but it remains to be seen if Smith can develop his receiving skills beyond this area in his final season of eligibility.

9.  Evan Spencer, WR:  Lauded by the coaching staff for his prowess as a blocker, Spencer enters his final season of eligibility.  While not a burner, Spencer is a dependable and reliable possession receiver for the Buckeyes.  Spencer's most memorable reception took place in his first game versus Akron in 2011, with a one-handed reception from classmate Braxton Miller.

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.