TTUN
Monday, August 20, 2012
From ESPNU - Carlos Hyde runs over an assistant
Check out how this intern gets trucked by Carlos Hyde during practice.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
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
http://youtu.be/G_p_HTZmiiU
Friday, August 10, 2012
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?
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?
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
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
Link to article ~ Urban Meyer Will Be Home For Dinner
Friday, August 3, 2012
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.
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.
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