College football coaches are always on the lookout for signs of complacency, real or imagined, by their teams. Football coaches always preach to their respective teams to never underestimate their opponent. Any Michigan fan can tell other college football fans what it was like to be upset by teams such as Appalachian State in 2007 or Toledo in 2008.
Ohio State coaches have been stressing to the team that Navy has played and defeated other top programs such as Pittsburgh or Notre Dame in 2007, or last season when Navy defeated Wake Forest. All of these victories by Navy occurred in the opponent’s home stadium, so Navy will not be intimidated coming into Ohio Stadium.
If Ohio State coaches are concerned about possibly complacency by their players, all they have to do is go back into their own video or film archives and look for a tape titled, “1990 Liberty Bowl”. Yes, I know that it has been almost nineteen years since that game was played. Yes, I know that many of the players on Ohio State’s roster were not even born when this game was played.
The 1990 Liberty Bowl came on the heels of John Cooper's third straight loss to Michigan as Ohio State's head coach. If Ohio State had won that game, Ohio State would have gone to the Rose Bowl. Instead, Ohio State was sent to Memphis to play against an Air Force team that barely qualified for bowl eligibility.
The circumstances are different - the upcoming game against Navy is the 2009 season opener for both teams, while the 1990 Liberty Bowl was a bowl game at the end of the 1990 season. Ohio State's players on this year's team are looking forward to beginning this season, while the 1990 squad was simply looking to end a disappointing one.
Similar to the 1990 Air Force team that defeated Ohio State, the 2009 Navy Midshipmen are running an option offense that is difficult to simulate, thus difficult to prepare for during practices leading up to the actual game. Navy is extremely well-disciplined and fundamentally sound, a tribute to its academy lifestyle. And Navy, like the 1990 Air Force team, will not quit until the final whistle is blown.
Do I believe Ohio State will win against Navy on Saturday? Yes, I do. But I do know that if I was on the Ohio State coaching staff, I'd make a point of showing this year's Buckeyes what fate their predecessors on the 1990 team suffered the last time Ohio State played a service academy.
TTUN
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Updated Info Re: Possible Navy Tribute On Sept 5th
Saw this in today's Columbus Dispatch by Ken Gordon and thought it was worthy to pass on via the blog. Check out below on who might be dotting the I at halftime...
Groundswell grows for Navy tribute
I've been receiving a growing number of e-mails from fans concerned that the Ohio Stadium crowd will not properly greet Navy when they take the field next Saturday.
Frankly, I think anyone who boos a service academy team should be sent to a forward base in Afghanistan for a few days and see if they still feel the same way.
But anyway, here's a video that's making the rounds. I thought it was worthwhile to post.
As I understand it, there will be a pregame fly-by, by F-18s. And I hear former Marine Corps fighter pilot (and astronaut, and U.S. Senator) John Glenn will be dotting the "I" in Script Ohio.
So if the fans play their part, it should be a memorable opener...
Groundswell grows for Navy tribute
I've been receiving a growing number of e-mails from fans concerned that the Ohio Stadium crowd will not properly greet Navy when they take the field next Saturday.
Frankly, I think anyone who boos a service academy team should be sent to a forward base in Afghanistan for a few days and see if they still feel the same way.
But anyway, here's a video that's making the rounds. I thought it was worthwhile to post.
As I understand it, there will be a pregame fly-by, by F-18s. And I hear former Marine Corps fighter pilot (and astronaut, and U.S. Senator) John Glenn will be dotting the "I" in Script Ohio.
So if the fans play their part, it should be a memorable opener...
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Will DeVier Posey Be A Magic "8" For Ohio State?
Just like any other major college football program across the nation, Ohio State fans associate certain numbers or jerseys with specific players. For example, if an Ohio State fan mentions the jersey 45, chances are other Ohio State fans will associate the jersey with Archie Griffin. If an Ohio State fan mentions the jersey 27, more than likely other Ohio State fans will associate the jersey with Eddie George.
Sophomore wide receiver DeVier Posey, who earned playing time last season as a true freshman, wears the jersey 8 on offense for Ohio State. Here is where it starts to get dicey. If an Ohio State fan mentions the jersey 8, chances are the other Ohio State fans will think of Stanley Jackson or Steve Bellisari.
Keep in mind, there are other Ohio State players who have done well wearing the jersey 8. Rod Gerald had a distinguished Ohio State career from 1975 through 1978 as a quarterback and wide receiver. Bobby Olive had a solid career for Ohio State from 1987 through 1990 - Olive's last second reception against Iowa in 1990 has earned him a solid rotation on The Big Ten Network's Greatest Games series. Roy Hall wore the jersey recently (2003-2006) and was instrumental in Ohio State's 42-39 victory over Michigan in 2006.
It is not as though either Stanley Jackson or Steve Bellisari did not contribute positively to Ohio State football during their respective careers. Stanley Jackson platooned at quarterback with Joe Germaine in 1996 and 1997, helping Ohio State to win the Big Ten championship and conclude the season ranked # 2 in 1996. Steve Bellisari earned his first varsity letter in 1998 as arguably the most popular player on special teams as one of the best tacklers.
The reason why both Stanley Jackson and Steve Bellisari are remembered with less than fond memories by Ohio State fans? Both players were consistently inconsistent.
Stanley Jackson could have positive moments, then moments like the link provided above all too frequently. Steve Bellisari started out as a special teams stalwart in 1998, had some positive moments in 1999, and then never seemed to develop into the player Ohio State fans expected.
Which leads us to Mr. Posey. With the departures of Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline, DeVier Posey will have every opportunity this season to emerge as an offensive playmaker for Ohio State. Will DeVier Posey take the route of other "8"s as Rod Gerald, Bobby Olive, and Roy Hall? Or will Posey follow the route of Stanley Jackson or Steve Bellisari?
What does the Magic 8-ball say on this subject? Probably something along the line of "Cannot predict now" or "Ask again later". After the 2009 season, Ohio State fans will probably want to do just that.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
A Look Back At Ohio State's Recruiting Class Of 2006
Last year, I wrote an article on Ohio State's senior class that was signed in February 2005. In a similar vein, I am writing on the twenty players Ohio State signed in February 2006.
The twenty players signed by Ohio State in February 2006 were ranked by both scout.com and rivals.com behind Penn State within The Big Ten. USC was graded as having the top recruiting class in the nation by both services.
Comparable to the class signed in 2005 by Ohio State, Head Coach Jim Tressel and his staff redshirted nine players from the 2006 recruiting class during the 2006 season. As you will see below, the number of players who have two years of eligibility remaining allows this recruiting class' legacy to be determined by their collective play on the field for the next two seasons.
Starters (9):
Jake Ballard: Underutilized as a receiving TE, Ballard earned playing time in 2006 and could possibly be a captain for Ohio State this season.
Bryant Browning: Redshirted in 2006, Browning has two years of eligibility remaining. Browning will move from ORT to ORG, with Jim Cordle moving to ORT. Browning's strength is run-blocking, and the move to an interior position will help him and the team.
Chimdi Chekwa: A late addition to the recruiting class as a sleeper prospect out of Florida, Chekwa has played primarily as a nickel defensive back the last few seasons. Chekwa has outstanding speed and has two years of eligibility remaining, as Chekwa was redshirted in 2006.
Kurt Coleman: Coleman earned playing time as a true freshman in 2006 and could be a captain for Ohio State at the safety position this season. Coleman thought of entering the NFL Draft last season, but decided to return to Ohio State for his senior season.
Thaddeus Gibson: Gibson was redshirted in 2006 and has two years of eligibility remaining. Recruited as a LB, Gibson has been moved to DE and is possibly Ohio State's best pass rusher on the roster. If Gibson has a strong season, he may declare for the NFL Draft after the season.
Larry Grant: A JUCO player out of CC San Francisco, Grant was originally going to Florida but was denied admission. Grant started for Ohio State in 2006 and 2007, was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 7th round of the 2008 NFL Draft, and is currently a member of the St. Louis Rams.
Ross Homan: While Homan earned playing time in 2006, Homan suffered injuries early in the 2007 season and was redshirted. With two years of eligibility remaining, Homan should be starting this season as the Will linebacker this season.
Dexter Larimore: Larimore redshirted in 2006 and has two years of eligibility remaining. Larimore is part of a continual rotation along the interior defensive line with Doug Worthington and Todd Denlinger.
Chris Wells: The star of the recruiting class, Chris Wells earned considerable playing time in 2006. Wells battled injuries in 2007 and 2008, and declared for the NFL Draft after last season. Wells was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the 1st round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Contributors (7)
Aaron Gant: Gant earned playing time on special teams in 2006. While Gant is a backup free safety, Gant's primary contributions come on special teams play.
Andy Miller: Redshirted in 2006 and recruited as a TE, Miller was moved to OT in 2007. Miller is battling Mike Adams for the starting OLT position and should see considerable action the next two seasons. It is entirely possible Miller could be moved up to the starter category this season.
Tyler Moeller: Moeller redshirted in 2006 and was scheduled to be a starter at one of the OLB positions this season until he was injured while on a family vacation. Moeller will miss the entire 2009 season due to his injury, but Ohio State will petition the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility. Moeller should be able to return to playing for Ohio State for the 2010 season.
Robert Rose: Rose earned playing time as a true freshman in 2006. Rose suffered through injuries to both shoulders in 2007, and had playing time as a rotational defensive lineman in 2008. Rose recently was cleared for the 2009 season after well-publicized academic issues had him initially suspended for fall camp. It will be interesting to see how Rose plays during his final season at Ohio State.
Grant Schwartz: Schwartz redshirted in 2006 and has two years of eligibility remaining. Schwartz was a quarterback in high school, was recruited as a defensive back, and moved to wide receiver during the 2007 season. Schwartz's primary contributions have come through special teams play.
Ray Small: Small played as a true freshman in 2006. To say that Small's career has been star-crossed would be an understatement. Small may have an opportunity to contribute as a punt or kickoff returner for Ohio State this season, but his academic troubles have continually tested the patience of the Ohio State coaching staff. Like his high school teammate Robert Rose, it will be interesting to see how Small concludes his career at Ohio State this season.
Connor Smith: Connor Smith was redshirted in 2006 and has two years of eligibility remaining. Smith is on the two-deep at guard but may not earn substantial playing time with the emergence of other players on the offensive line.
Departures (4)
Walter Dublin: Dublin redshirted in 2006 but had some grade issues that contributed to his departure from Ohio State. Dublin spent some time playing in the AFL and also signed to play in the CFL.
Antonio Henton: Henton was redshirted in 2006 and was widely considered to be the quarterback of the future for Ohio State. A well-publicized arrest in 2007 for solicitation began a downward spiral for Henton that eventually led to a transfer last summer to Div 1AA Georgia Southern. Henton has since left Georgia Southern. I seem to recall someone saying it was in Henton's best interests to stick it out at Ohio State last summer.
Mark Johnson: Johnson redshirted in 2006 and played sparingly in 2007. Moved to DE during the 2008 season, Johnson left Ohio State and transferred to the University of Findlay last year. I do not believe Johnson is still on Findlay's roster for this upcoming season.
Aram Olson: A fullback out of South Carolina recruited to block for Chris Wells, Olson had to give up football due to injuries. Olson redshirted in 2006 and never was able to play for Ohio State due to injuries that ended his football career.
CONCLUSION: Out of 20 players, Coach Tressel and his staff signed 9 starters, 7 contributors, and only 4 players who are neither playing or contributing. To have 16 of 20 signees playing or contributing, a 80% success rate, is a tribute to Coach Tressel and his staff's talent evaluation and talent development. Keep in mind - several of these players will be playing for Ohio State in not only 2009, but also in 2010.
The twenty players signed by Ohio State in February 2006 were ranked by both scout.com and rivals.com behind Penn State within The Big Ten. USC was graded as having the top recruiting class in the nation by both services.
Comparable to the class signed in 2005 by Ohio State, Head Coach Jim Tressel and his staff redshirted nine players from the 2006 recruiting class during the 2006 season. As you will see below, the number of players who have two years of eligibility remaining allows this recruiting class' legacy to be determined by their collective play on the field for the next two seasons.
Starters (9):
Jake Ballard: Underutilized as a receiving TE, Ballard earned playing time in 2006 and could possibly be a captain for Ohio State this season.
Bryant Browning: Redshirted in 2006, Browning has two years of eligibility remaining. Browning will move from ORT to ORG, with Jim Cordle moving to ORT. Browning's strength is run-blocking, and the move to an interior position will help him and the team.
Chimdi Chekwa: A late addition to the recruiting class as a sleeper prospect out of Florida, Chekwa has played primarily as a nickel defensive back the last few seasons. Chekwa has outstanding speed and has two years of eligibility remaining, as Chekwa was redshirted in 2006.
Kurt Coleman: Coleman earned playing time as a true freshman in 2006 and could be a captain for Ohio State at the safety position this season. Coleman thought of entering the NFL Draft last season, but decided to return to Ohio State for his senior season.
Thaddeus Gibson: Gibson was redshirted in 2006 and has two years of eligibility remaining. Recruited as a LB, Gibson has been moved to DE and is possibly Ohio State's best pass rusher on the roster. If Gibson has a strong season, he may declare for the NFL Draft after the season.
Larry Grant: A JUCO player out of CC San Francisco, Grant was originally going to Florida but was denied admission. Grant started for Ohio State in 2006 and 2007, was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 7th round of the 2008 NFL Draft, and is currently a member of the St. Louis Rams.
Ross Homan: While Homan earned playing time in 2006, Homan suffered injuries early in the 2007 season and was redshirted. With two years of eligibility remaining, Homan should be starting this season as the Will linebacker this season.
Dexter Larimore: Larimore redshirted in 2006 and has two years of eligibility remaining. Larimore is part of a continual rotation along the interior defensive line with Doug Worthington and Todd Denlinger.
Chris Wells: The star of the recruiting class, Chris Wells earned considerable playing time in 2006. Wells battled injuries in 2007 and 2008, and declared for the NFL Draft after last season. Wells was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the 1st round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Contributors (7)
Aaron Gant: Gant earned playing time on special teams in 2006. While Gant is a backup free safety, Gant's primary contributions come on special teams play.
Andy Miller: Redshirted in 2006 and recruited as a TE, Miller was moved to OT in 2007. Miller is battling Mike Adams for the starting OLT position and should see considerable action the next two seasons. It is entirely possible Miller could be moved up to the starter category this season.
Tyler Moeller: Moeller redshirted in 2006 and was scheduled to be a starter at one of the OLB positions this season until he was injured while on a family vacation. Moeller will miss the entire 2009 season due to his injury, but Ohio State will petition the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility. Moeller should be able to return to playing for Ohio State for the 2010 season.
Robert Rose: Rose earned playing time as a true freshman in 2006. Rose suffered through injuries to both shoulders in 2007, and had playing time as a rotational defensive lineman in 2008. Rose recently was cleared for the 2009 season after well-publicized academic issues had him initially suspended for fall camp. It will be interesting to see how Rose plays during his final season at Ohio State.
Grant Schwartz: Schwartz redshirted in 2006 and has two years of eligibility remaining. Schwartz was a quarterback in high school, was recruited as a defensive back, and moved to wide receiver during the 2007 season. Schwartz's primary contributions have come through special teams play.
Ray Small: Small played as a true freshman in 2006. To say that Small's career has been star-crossed would be an understatement. Small may have an opportunity to contribute as a punt or kickoff returner for Ohio State this season, but his academic troubles have continually tested the patience of the Ohio State coaching staff. Like his high school teammate Robert Rose, it will be interesting to see how Small concludes his career at Ohio State this season.
Connor Smith: Connor Smith was redshirted in 2006 and has two years of eligibility remaining. Smith is on the two-deep at guard but may not earn substantial playing time with the emergence of other players on the offensive line.
Departures (4)
Walter Dublin: Dublin redshirted in 2006 but had some grade issues that contributed to his departure from Ohio State. Dublin spent some time playing in the AFL and also signed to play in the CFL.
Antonio Henton: Henton was redshirted in 2006 and was widely considered to be the quarterback of the future for Ohio State. A well-publicized arrest in 2007 for solicitation began a downward spiral for Henton that eventually led to a transfer last summer to Div 1AA Georgia Southern. Henton has since left Georgia Southern. I seem to recall someone saying it was in Henton's best interests to stick it out at Ohio State last summer.
Mark Johnson: Johnson redshirted in 2006 and played sparingly in 2007. Moved to DE during the 2008 season, Johnson left Ohio State and transferred to the University of Findlay last year. I do not believe Johnson is still on Findlay's roster for this upcoming season.
Aram Olson: A fullback out of South Carolina recruited to block for Chris Wells, Olson had to give up football due to injuries. Olson redshirted in 2006 and never was able to play for Ohio State due to injuries that ended his football career.
CONCLUSION: Out of 20 players, Coach Tressel and his staff signed 9 starters, 7 contributors, and only 4 players who are neither playing or contributing. To have 16 of 20 signees playing or contributing, a 80% success rate, is a tribute to Coach Tressel and his staff's talent evaluation and talent development. Keep in mind - several of these players will be playing for Ohio State in not only 2009, but also in 2010.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The Official Info Re: Tyler Moeller
I have copied a link from the official website where Tyler Moeller's mother details what happened and Tyler Moeller's status. Enjoy.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
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