What Will I Root For During Ohio State vs. Miami University? Touchdowns!

When 12pm EST rolls around on September 1st, I will be in front of my television, tuned to The Big Ten Network's coverage of Ohio State taking on Miami University. You notice I referred to Ohio State's opponent as Miami University. Not "Miami of Ohio", which is another common term for the school. Miami University.

I will sit there conflicted... Conflicted because Miami University is where I spent four and a half years, earning my degree proudly. Miami is where I had a tremendous college experience and where I met many of my closest friends, whom I still talk to/e-mail quite frequently.

Ohio State is the team I grew up rooting for, and the team that allowed me to serve as a volunteer recruiting assistant in 1995. Ohio State football is the one and only sport that I am truly passionate about, and pretty much the one sport that my wife, children, family, and friends know I will be following during fall weekends.

The conflict, as strange as this may sound to those of you reading this article is this -- I want Ohio State to win. I know Ohio State is ineligible to win the Big Ten or play in a bowl game this season, but I know how damaging and catastrophic an upset loss to Miami University would be to Ohio State's season (see University of Michigan, 2007 opener).

On the other hand, I do not want my alma mater to be crushed and embarrassed. Could I handle a loss like they had in 2000, or 2005? Sure.

To put this in perspective, my lovely wife Colleen and I were in attendance in Ohio Stadium back in 2000, when Ohio State defeated Miami 27-16, along with my friends Dave and Bryan, two former Miami roommates. Of course, we all enjoyed the pre-game tailgating festivities, so we entered into the stadium to watch this game.

The above-written logic then entered into my mindset, along with the pre-game consumption of liquid barley and hops. I wanted Ohio State to win, but I did not want Miami to be crushed. So I merely sat there, and cheered...for no one.

Of course, Colleen thought I was very drunk, as I sat there in what she believed to be a post-tailgate stupor. I had to explain to her the dilemma I was experiencing. Ohio State pulled the game out, and Miami had not been humiliated.

In 2005, I was not in attendance in Ohio Stadium, as Ohio State defeated Miami University 34-14. Ohio State started Justin Zwick at quarterback, as Troy Smith was serving his one-game suspension for accepting money from a booster. Miami was no match, but at least not embarassed.

The last time new Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer had a team face Miami University, it was a bit of a struggle...but Coach Meyer's team came out on the winning end, despite some struggles. How would Ohio State fans handle that, with all of the build-up for Coach Meyer's debut as Ohio State's head coach?

I suppose I will try to remember what my good friend and former Miami roommate Dave said at the 2000 pre-game tailgate, when we were asked by my cousin John's friends (John is a proud Ohio State alumnus who I usually tailgate with for Ohio State games, by the way) what we were expecting when the Miami Redskins RedHawks (please do not get me started on that p.c. topic) took the field against the Buckeyes.

"Touchdowns. I am rooting for touchdowns.".

One week from today ~ The Urban Renewal

At 12pm EST, I will have BTN on, ready to go...

http://youtu.be/YWxLc5UjpyM

A Look Back At The 2009 Ohio State Recruiting Class, Part 2

In 2009, Ohio State signed twenty-five players to its recruiting class. In part one, we reviewed the starters (9; 36% of the total class) and contributors (5; 20% of the total class). This article will focus on the players who left Ohio State - some due to injury, some due to playing time issues, others were asked to leave the program rather recently.

Departures ( 11 - 44% of the signed class)


15. Dorian Bell - A highly decorated five-star recruit, Bell redshirted his freshman season in 2009. Bell played sparingly in 2010, was suspended for the 2011 season, implicated in the "Tattoogate" scandal that engulfed the program in 2011, and left the team for Duquesne last season.

16. Adam Bellamy - A recent addition to this list, Bellamy has been absent from the recent football camp for Ohio State. Bellamy was a solid backup defensive line contributor the past few seasons, and would have contributed this coming season. Recently, Ohio State defensive line coach Mike Vrabel disclosed that Bellamy left Ohio State for personal reasons, and would be welcomed back in the program when/if he returns to Ohio State.

17. Jaamal Berry - Redshirted in 2009, Berry had a star-crossed career in Columbus. Before even arriving on campus, Berry faced drug charges in Florida that placed his Ohio State career in peril. In 2010, Berry made a mark as Ohio State's leading kickoff returner, contributing as a reserve tailback. In October 2011, Berry had an on-campus assault incident that essentially concluded his time with the Buckeyes. Recently, Berry landed at Murray State and has two years of eligibility remaining.

18. Duron Carter - The son of Ohio State legendary receiver Cris Carter, Duron Carter played as a true freshman in 2009, exciting Ohio State fans about his potential for seasons to come. Suspended for the 2010 Rose Bowl, Carter left Ohio State for academic reasons. Carter has since bounced from Coffeyville Community College to Alabama to Florida Atlantic University, essentially getting down to his last shot at a collegiate career.

19. Dominic Clarke - Another casualty of the new coaching regime this past winter. Clarke redshirted in 2009, playing as a reserve in 2010. Clarke was thrust into action in the 2011 Sugar Bowl, and played very well in the 2011 season opener versus Akron. Clarke was suspended for a game in 2011 for shooting a BB gun near an Ohio State residence hall, then sealed his fate with Coach Meyer for driving a vehicle while impaired, hours after Coach Meyer stressed the importance of making good decisions. Clarke has since moved onto Illinois State.

20. Melvin Fellows - Fellows redshirted in 2009, and played sparingly in 2010 and 2011. Fellows originally committed to Illinois, but switched his commitment to Ohio State, exciting fans as Fellows was a highly-touted defensive end. Fellows' career concluded due to knee injuries, taking a medical hardship in January 2012.

21. James Jackson - Redshirted in 2009, the speedy Jackson never truly developed as a wide receiver at Ohio State. Jackson was essentially pushed out of the program by then head coach Jim Tressel, allowing Jackson to land on his feet at Wayne State.

22. Storm Klein - Another recent addition to this list. Klein played primarily on special teams in 2009, as a backup linebacker in 2010, and as a starter in 2011 at middle linebacker. Coming into this season, Klein was looked upon as a backup to Curtis Grant at middle linebacker, but Klein would have played. Klein was arrested on a domestic battery charge and subsequently kicked off the team by Coach Meyer, ending Klein's Ohio State career. Klein's lawyers have recently tried to have his case dismissed, but Klein will be going to trial over this issue in the near future.

23. Sam Longo - Redshirted in 2009, Longo played only against Eastern Michigan in 2010. A backup offensive lineman, Longo transferred to Cincinnati in 2011, and should be eligible to play this season for the Bearcats.

24. Jonathan Newsome - A tweener linebacker/defensive end, Newsome played primarily on special teams in 2009 and 2010, but ran into academic difficulties at Ohio State. Part of the traditional Cleveland Glenville pipeline to Ohio State, Newsome transferred to Ball State, where he could be eligible to play this coming season.

25. Jordan Whiting - Whiting was actually the first player to commit to this class, but transferred to Louisville this past winter. Whiting redshirted in 2009, played sparingly in 2010, and was implicated in the "Tattoogate" scandal, forcing Whiting to miss the opening game of the 2011 season. Whiting will sit out the 2012 season for Louisville, where he will hope to make an impact at linebacker.

**
Using the rule of thirds, Ohio State reached the criteria for starters (36%), fell short with contributors (20%), and had an unusually large number of departures for a Jim Tressel-recruited team (44%). To be fair, Adam Bellamy and Storm Klein would have been contributors if they had stayed at Ohio State as expected. Adding two more contributors, while taking away two departures, would have improved both areas (contributors would have gone to 28%; departures would have fallen to 36%), but again, there have been more departures than in previous recruiting classes.

What will the 2009 recruiting class' legacy be? Without the opportunity to play for a conference championship or bowl game this season, the remaining members of this class will need to focus their energies into making their remaining twelve games as Ohio State Buckeyes truly memorable and positive.

ESPN video clip of Ohio State practice

Can't.  Wait.

From ESPNU - Carlos Hyde runs over an assistant

Check out how this intern gets trucked by Carlos Hyde during practice.

A Look Back At The 2009 Ohio State Recruiting Class

The 2009 Ohio State recruiting class was lauded by recruiting analysts as one of the best classes in the country.  Ranked first by scout.com, third by rivals.com, and ninth by ESPN.com, Ohio State fans eagerly looked forward to the players contributing on the field as quickly as possible.

While I follow recruiting as it relates to Ohio State, I truly do not get overly concerned about how a player is ranked - two star, three star, four star, etc.  I have long subscribed to the concept that a coaching staff will win or lose with thetalent they not only recruit but also develop - it is this philosophy that allowed Coach Jim Tressel and his staff to take players like A.J. Hawk orMalcolm Jenkins, players who were not highly-touted, yet these players contributed as freshmen and eventually became high NFL draft choices.

In many recruiting classes, there are the rules of thirds applied - a third will start as the coaching staff would hope, a third will contribute in some fashion, and a third will either fail to develop, transfer,or be lost to injury.  Flash forward from February 2009, and you will see how the twenty-five players signed then could be evaluated by this methodology.

Starters (9 - 36% ofthe signed class)

1.  C.J. Barnett -Barnett played as a freshman cornerback in 2009 before sustaining a knee injury in 2010 that sidelined him the remainder of the 2010 season.  Entering the 2012 season as a redshirt junior safety, Barnett has been praised by new head coach Urban Meyer as a "a guy who just does not accept to be average".

2.  Zach Boren - a probable 2012 team captain, Boren was considered a throw-in prospect as his older brother Justin had recently transferred from Michigan.  A high school linebacker, Boren moved to fullback to start the 2009 opener against Navy. Boren has become a true favorite by both Ohio State fans as well as Coach Meyer for his blocking, toughness, and versatility as a receiver out of the backfield.

3.  Reid Fragel - signed as a lumbering tight end, Fragel contributed as a freshman.  With the arrival of Coach Meyer, Fragel asked for a move to offensive line, and is in a tight battle with incoming freshman Taylor Decker for the starting right tackle spot.  Fragel may not be a starter by season's end,but Fragel could still be considered a starter by the coaching staff and the fans over the course of his senior season.

4.  Jordan Hall -Signed out of the same high school as Terrelle Pryor, Hall was considered a throw-in in much the same way as Zach Boren in 2009.  Over the course of his career, Hall's versatility as a runner, receiver, and returner have endeared him to the fans and especially the new offensive coaching staff.  Look for Hall to be used in a variety of ways when he returns from a foot injury sustained earlier this summer.  The new offense could showcase Hall in a manner similar to the way Coach Meyer used Percy Harvin when they were at Florida together.

5.  Marcus Hall -Signed out of Cleveland Glenville, Hall was able to play during 2009 as a freshman on the offensive line. Redshirted in 2010 over academic issues, Hall enters 2012 as a redshirt junior.  While highly-touted coming into Ohio State as an U.S. Army All-American and a Parade All-American, Hall has been inconsistent during his Ohio State career.

6.  Carlos Hyde -Signed in 2009, Hyde spent the 2009 season at Fork Union Military Academy to improve his academic standing.  In 2010 Hyde enrolled at Ohio State, and rushed for 141 yards in seven game appearances.  The 2011 season allowed Carlos Hyde an opportunity to showcase his skills as the primary ball carrier; the highlight moment for Carlos Hyde was a 63 yard touchdown run versus Nebraska.  Entering the 2012 season, Hyde looks to have an opportunity to carry the bulk of the rushing load, especially during the opening games as Jordan Hall will be sidelined with his foot injury.

7.  Corey Linsley -Linsley redshirted in 2009, and played both guard and tackle as a reserve during the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Linsley emerged as the starting center during the winter and spring workouts, hailed by Coach Meyer as one of the most improved players on the team.  With two years of eligibility, Linsley could blossom under the tutelage of the new coaching staff.

8.  Jack Mewhort -Redshirted in 2009, Mewhort was signed as a center coming out of high school.  Mewhort has emerged as one of the most versatile linemen on the team, moving to guard and tackle during his career.  Mewhort was moved to the critical left tackle position by the new coaching staff for the 2012 season.  Mewhort will be a player to watch this season as he moves to the most important position along the offensive line.

9.  John Simon -another probable 2012 team captain, Simon has played both defensive tackle and defensive end during his career.  Simon was one of the most highly-touted players signed in February 2009, and Simon certainly has not disappointed the fans or the coaching staffs he has played for at Ohio State.  Simon's intensity, aggressiveness, and workout habits have been continually used by Coach Meyer as examples to emulate to his teammates and incoming freshmen.

Contributors (5 - 20 %of the signed class)

10.  Corey Brown - One of the most highly-touted players signed, Brown redshirted in 2009.  Brown has played as a backup defensive back the past two seasons, and will likely be a backup this coming season as well at safety.

11.  Chris Fields - Redshirted in 2009, Fields has made more of a contribution as a punt returner versus as a receiver.  Fields' punt return for a touchdown last season versus Toledo helped to propel Ohio State into the lead before the first half concluded, and proved to be the difference in Ohio State's victory.

12.  Kenny Guiton - the last player signed by Ohio State in 2009, Guiton has played sparingly during his career as a Buckeye, but that should change this coming season.  Guiton is the backup quarterback to Braxton Miller, and could be called upon by the new coaching staff early in the season to get Guiton much-needed game experience. Guiton has played well in previous Ohio State spring games, and has improved his standing tremendously with the new coaching staff.

13.  Adam Homan - Homan was signed as a fullback but has primarily been a special teams contributor during his career at Ohio State. Look for Homan to finish strongly as a dependable player on the various special teams units this coming season.

14.  Jamie Wood - Redshirted in 2009, Wood was the ballyhooed prospect out of Pickerington signed by Ohio State, not his teammate Zach Boren. Wood is a backup defensive back who has played primarily on special teams over the past two seasons.

In part two, I will focus and feature the 2009 recruiting class players who departed Ohio State. Some of these players left for better playing options, while others left more recently under more dubious circumstances.

ESPNU - 2012 Ohio State Training Days preview

I have tried embedding the code from YouTube, but it does not seem to work.  Below is a link.  Enjoy.

http://youtu.be/G_p_HTZmiiU

A Look At Ohio State's 2012 Schedule, From Easiest To Toughest (Part 2)

In part 1, I began ranking Ohio State's 2012 opponents, from easiest (UAB) through what I would consider a challenging opponent (Illinois). Let the ranking of the most difficult games continue.

7. Purdue, 10/20 ~ A probable curveball in the rankings. Yes, I know Ohio State usually has their way with the Boilermakers in Ohio Stadium. I was in attendance the last two times Purdue played at Ohio Stadium (2008, 2010). Both of those were snoozefests, and this one could be as well. I rank Purdue in this spot simply because of the fact that Ohio State has lost on the road at Purdue in 2009 and 2011. With returning quarterbacks Robert Marve and Caleb TerBush, as well as defensive lineman Kawann Short, Purdue could enter into this game feeling capable of pulling off the upset. Purdue will enter into this game after playing Wisconsin, while Ohio State will be returning from a visit to Indiana.

8. Nebraska, 10/06 ~ Nebraska will enter into Ohio Stadium for the first time since the 1956 season. It will be homecoming weekend for Ohio State. Throw in the fact that this is a night game, meaning the fans will be well-saturated from a day's worth of tailgating, and this should be quite memorable for the visiting Cornhusker fans. The dramatic defensive collapse by the Buckeyes last season at Nebraska will probably be the focal point of the coaching staff in preparing for Nebraska. RB Rex Burkhead and QB Taylor Martinez will lead the traditionally strong Nebraska rushing attack against what should be an improved Ohio State defense. Remembering Nebraska will be coming off what should be a tough game with Wisconsin, and that this is a night game in Ohio Stadium, Ohio State should be too much for Nebraska and ruin a homecoming weekend for former Buckeye and Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini.

9. UCF, 09/08 ~ Yes, you are reading this correctly. While I believe Ohio State will win this game, I do believe Ohio State fans may be overlooking what could be a close game until the conclusion. UCF will enter into Ohio Stadium with a defense that ranked 9th overall in the country in 2011, allowing under 110 yards rushing per game. Considering Ohio State may be without RB Jordan Hall, as well as the relative inexperience of QB Braxton Miller and the Ohio State passing game, this could be a game where the Ohio State offense seemingly takes a step back in order to move forward. Again, I believe Ohio State will win this game. I just believe this could be a trap game that Coach Meyer will be concerned about after the season opener versus Miami University.

10. Michigan, 11/24 ~ THE GAME. It always means something, but THE GAME will take on even greater significance for an Ohio State squad ineligible for the postseason. During Coach John Cooper's tenure, how many times did Michigan delight in ruining dream seasons for Ohio State? Ohio State could have a chance to spoil Michigan's chances for a slot in the 2012 Big Ten Championship Game. Michigan has a demanding schedule featuring defending champion Alabama, at Notre Dame, at Purdue, Michigan State, at Nebraska, and Iowa, before coming to Columbus. What kind of state will the Wolverines be in when they arrive? Even so, this year's edition of THE GAME should be a good one, with the Buckeyes sending their senior class out on a high note victorious.  Anxious to go to this one with my friends Tim, Jay, and Eric in my first-ever RV appearance at an Ohio State game.

11. @ Michigan State, 09/29 ~ Now we are into a game that I believe Ohio State will be an underdog. Returning the majority of a defensive unit that ranked sixth nationally in 2011, Michigan State is the probable favorite to win the Legends Division of The Big Ten. Michigan State will open its season against Boise State, @ Central Michigan, Notre Dame, and Eastern Michigan before Ohio State arrives into Spartan Stadium. While I expect Michigan State to be tested by Boise State and Notre Dame, it would be surprising to me if Michigan State is not unbeaten, as I predict Ohio State will also be at this time. Michigan State lost long-time starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, as well as RB Edwin Baker, WRs B.J. Cunningham and Keshawn Martin, and TE Brian Linthicum. While RB Le'Veon Bell returns to aid new starting quarterback Andrew Maxwell, will it be enough for the Spartans to defeat the Buckeyes in what could be a marquee Big Ten opener?

12. @ Wisconsin, 11/17 ~ Think about some of the battles that have taken place between these two teams over the past few seasons at Camp Randall. 2008, when Terrelle Pryor ran in on an option keeper in the closing seconds. 2010, when Ohio State went into Camp Randall ranked number one in the BCS, only to be defeated. And who could forget last year's epic battle that was in the closing seconds by Braxton Miller's heave to Devin Smith in Ohio Stadium? Wisconsin will clearly have revenge on its mind when the Buckeyes arrive for their last home game of the season in Camp Randall. Will Ohio State have enough to defeat and deny the preseason 2012 Leaders Division favorite?

ESPN The Magazine article on Coach Urban Meyer

Great story from ESPN The Magazine on Coach Urban Meyer.  The article discusses how he used to be, and how he plans on changing at Ohio State.  Good stuff.

Link to article ~ Urban Meyer Will Be Home For Dinner

A Look At Ohio State's 2012 Schedule, From Easiest To Toughest

Predicting the final won-lost record of your favorite college football team is something that just about every fan, publication, and Vegas oddsmaker will do at the onset of a season.  Along these lines, I am going to break down the games that I believe Ohio State will probably/definitely be favored to win, escalating into the games where Ohio State may need/will need to rally for the victory.

Easiest:

1.  UAB, 09/22 ~ Coming off a 3-9 season, UAB enters 2012 with new coach Garrick McGee (former Arkansas offensive coordinator).  McGee will not enter into Ohio Stadium entirely unfamiliar with Ohio State, as former Ohio State assistant John Peterson is on his new staff. 

While UAB has some talent on the offensive side of the ball, look for Ohio State's superior defensive talent to be able to effectively clamp down on UAB.  This could be a contest that will allow Coach Urban Meyer to liberally substitute throughout the second half, especially with backup quarterback Kenny Guiton, Jr.

2.  Miami University, 09/01 ~ Could Coach Meyer use this game as a statement game to the rest of the nation?  Considering this is Coach Meyer's first game as Ohio State's head coach, with a well-publicized sabbatical, perhaps Coach Meyer will want to show that he still has what it takes to construct a formidable football team.

Miami University is coming off a disappointing first year under former Michigan State offensive coordinator Don Treadwell.  Miami QB Zac Dysert leads an effective passing game, but Ohio State's strong defensive line should be able to clamp down on Miami.  Ohio State should be able to put this one away early in the second half.

3.  @ Indiana, 10/13 ~ This may surprise some people that I have listed Indiana as one of the easier games for Ohio State, considering how Indiana gave Ohio State all it could handle in 2011.  Indiana QB Tre Roberson can make plays with both his arm and his legs, while RB Stephen Houston is a solid compliment out of the Indiana backfield.

While Indiana should be improved in 2012, the Indiana defense ranked near the complete bottom of all teams in 2011.  Even with an influx of new defensive talent, Ohio State should have too much for the Hoosiers to handle.

4.  @ Penn State, 10/27 ~ Here may the biggest surprise of my rankings.  Most years, going to Beaver Stadium to play Penn State ranks as one of the toughest games Ohio State will play.

Now think about these names - RB Silas Redd.  PK Anthony Fera.  LB Khairi Fortt.  Backup QB Rob Bolden.  These are just some of the players who have left Penn State in the wake of the NCAA's recent punishment and sanctions against Penn State.  The loss of Redd, who was Penn State's primary offensive threat, will leave Penn State vulnerable for the Buckeyes at this point of the Big Ten season.

5.  California, 09/15 ~ Years ago, when this game was announced, Ohio State fans believed this would be the marquee non-conference opponent for the 2012 schedule.  California is coming off a lackluster 7-6 season in 2011, with hopes of an improved 2012.

WR Keenan Allen will challenge the Ohio State secondary, allowing either cornerbacks Bradley Roby or Travis Howard an opportunity to showcase their talents against a renowned talent.  Despite California's traditional strong offense, Ohio State should be able to pull away in the second half of the nationally televised contest on ABC.

6.  Illinois, 11/03 ~ This was a tough rank for me.  Considering how close this game was last year, how new Illini head coach Tim Beckman has a history with Ohio State (former secondary coach under Jim Tressel), as well as with Coach Meyer, how Illinois usually plays Ohio State tough in Ohio State (who can ever forget the painful loss in 2007?), I struggled with ranking this one.

This one could go into the fourth quarter before Ohio State pulls it out.  Look for a slugfest with Illinois, but Ohio Stadium and the home crowd allowing the 2012 seniors to enjoy their second to last home game in Ohio State.

In Part Two, I will continue the rankings of the games that I believe will be Ohio State's most challenging for the 2012 season.

President Obama on The Common Man & The Torg