Early today Buckeye Nation found out about JT's and his troubles. I have read hundreds of social media postings about how Urban is too soft, that JT won't be punished like he should, Ohio State is full of criminals, and many other nonsense comments. I think we, Buckeye Nation, get caught up in a very simple idea of what college is to the majority of attendees. JT is a college student, a football player, a human being, a son, and a teammate. He is not a rapist, murderer, or any other criminal title that is given out. High school students are told throughout high school that a college degree is what makes or breaks careers, regardless of whether you are an athlete or not. A college degree will always come in handy. There are many aspects of college football that I do not agree with, none more prominent then the amount of pressure put on young adults. Sometimes that pressure is overwhelming and down right crushing.
JT Barrett is more than just a quarterback for The Ohio State Buckeyes, he is the face of the Buckeyes. The Buckeyes are the #1 team in the Nation, the defending champions of the first ever College Football Playoffs, the most targeted team in the nation, and most criticized players and coaches of all time. I am not side stepping the fact that JT is underage, but what I am saying is that the amount of pressure and responsibility one takes on can be more than a college student can handle. I do not blame JT for drinking underage, I blame college football for turning college football into a beauty pageant. College life is filled with girls/guys, classes, and no supervision. If you are an athlete, you have to worry about all of the above, plus what is expected of you as an athlete. To expect athletes to not screw up or at least not get caught doing it, is to expect to win the lottery. The only difference between Ohio State and 95% of college football is the name and accomplishments. Lets not be hard on JT, his consequences are only beginning. First, he is suspended for one game, which is punishment enough especially since the Buckeyes have done nothing but struggle under CJ this year.
In my opinion, the job is not up for grabs, Cardale is simply filling in as a back up that just happened to win three straight championship games. I will be shocked if JT doesn't start the last three games of the regular season. We all need to relax and root on CJ as he takes on Minnesota.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Monday, October 12, 2015
Predictions for Ohio State vs. Penn State
I think that the Penn State-Ohio State game is going to be a game of domination. I think Urban saw two separate teams vs. Maryland and he liked only one of them. The team Cardale has is constantly hit or miss meaning, there is no fluidity to the game. With JT on the field, the offense moved and moved well. Defenses know that Urban has no confidence in their deep passing game and that Cardale cannot scramble, nor can he run the option to save his life. Therefore, they crowd the line of scrimmage and blitz as often as possible. Under JT defenses must respect our offense. JT has the ability to scramble and extend a play which opens up the pass and run game.
Even if Cardale starts the game, I think JT gets time. To be clear though, I think JT should start. In this game, I will be looking for the following weaknesses to be strengths:
- I think Braxton should be used like Devin Smith was last year. With Braxton's speed and agility he can spread the opponent down the field. Even if the ball is not thrown to him his presence down field will draw the attention of the secondary, which will keep safeties from coming to the line of scrimmage. The first few times Braxton goes down field the defense may put extra bodies on him, but the one time they don't the QB can launch the ball and let him run underneath it.
- JT Barrett brings something to the table that Cardale does not, agility. With Barrett defenses try not to crowd the line of scrimmage because they know that JT can scramble and take advantage of the space. They also know that JT can run the option, which makes defenses risk targeting one person who may not have the ball. With JT at the helm, defenses can not immediately rush the line of scrimmage because they must see who has the ball, JT or Elliot.
- I would use Marshall as a WR only.
- Dontre Wilson needs to line up as an HB/WR. Much like Marshall last year. When Marshall went in motion in the backfield defenses had to account for the possibility of him getting the ball. Wilson needs to be that person. With Wilson going in motion and Elliot and JT in the backfield, defenses will have to sell out on one play leaving the other wide open.
- Parris Campball, Michael Thomas, Braxton Miller, and Marshall going down the field every time is a dangerous combination considering the arm of both QBs. Add into the mix Vannett being in the middle of the field and defenses won't know what to do.
I see the Penn State game being one of domination. Being at home and at night, the Buckeyes will come out swinging. The real question is at the end of the season. Michigan and Michigan State is the calm before the storm for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State 49 Penn State 14
Even if Cardale starts the game, I think JT gets time. To be clear though, I think JT should start. In this game, I will be looking for the following weaknesses to be strengths:
- I think Braxton should be used like Devin Smith was last year. With Braxton's speed and agility he can spread the opponent down the field. Even if the ball is not thrown to him his presence down field will draw the attention of the secondary, which will keep safeties from coming to the line of scrimmage. The first few times Braxton goes down field the defense may put extra bodies on him, but the one time they don't the QB can launch the ball and let him run underneath it.
- JT Barrett brings something to the table that Cardale does not, agility. With Barrett defenses try not to crowd the line of scrimmage because they know that JT can scramble and take advantage of the space. They also know that JT can run the option, which makes defenses risk targeting one person who may not have the ball. With JT at the helm, defenses can not immediately rush the line of scrimmage because they must see who has the ball, JT or Elliot.
- I would use Marshall as a WR only.
- Dontre Wilson needs to line up as an HB/WR. Much like Marshall last year. When Marshall went in motion in the backfield defenses had to account for the possibility of him getting the ball. Wilson needs to be that person. With Wilson going in motion and Elliot and JT in the backfield, defenses will have to sell out on one play leaving the other wide open.
- Parris Campball, Michael Thomas, Braxton Miller, and Marshall going down the field every time is a dangerous combination considering the arm of both QBs. Add into the mix Vannett being in the middle of the field and defenses won't know what to do.
I see the Penn State game being one of domination. Being at home and at night, the Buckeyes will come out swinging. The real question is at the end of the season. Michigan and Michigan State is the calm before the storm for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State 49 Penn State 14
Sunday, October 11, 2015
This Question is Stupid
Ever since Ohio State has started their season every person that has an interest in college football or calls themselves an analysts keeps saying Ohio State does not deserve to be #1. That is simply a lie and here is why; Ohio State has not lost a game since week 2 of last year, rankings at this point in the season do not mean a damn thing, Ohio State is a second half team, and putting a number next to a team does not mean everyone above them or below is better or worse. Ohio State being ranked #1 again puts them in a category that Alabama or any overrated SEC team is not even close to them on, #1 in the AP Poll. Eat your heart out analysts! One thing that I must point out though is TTUN. As much as I do not like to admit it, they are improving week to week and that is great news for the Big Ten. The Big Ten needs as many teams as possible ranked and winning. At the moment the Big Ten and SEC have the same number of teams ranked.
Regardless of how many points are scored in a game the highest score at the end is what matters. The road leading to the Championship is never easy and this year is no different. Urban and the rest of the offense may be a bit confused as to who should be the quarterback in the game, but we are still undefeated. You can compare us to Florida State all you want, but we still have not lost and that accounts for much more then margin of victory.
Ohio State is #1 but it does not matter right now. Last year Alabama was given #1 at the end of the year and they lost in the Sugar Bowl to the #4 Ohio State Buckeyes! Even though we are half way through the season many of the ranked teams still have not played season defining games yet, they have not made it into the Conference Championships, nor have they won a Championship. Until the next bowl season comes upon us, Ohio State has done all of the above. TCU and Baylor are flying high right now, but that ship is getting ready to land and only one of them will be taking off again. Utah will not remain undefeated and it is only a matter of time. There is always a team from the PAC 12 or Big 12 that brings the analysts to their feet for a time every year. Right now, Utah is that team that everyone is being paid to observe. Ohio State is old news and frankly, boring to watch. As long as Ohio State goes undefeated into the Conference Championship and win they will get into the Playoffs, it is that simple.
During the season last year college football was convinced Ohio State did not have what it took to compete and win against anyone outside of their conference, yet we saw different. Ohio State is a second half team. While other teams start the year off quickly they struggle to finish strong. Ohio State walked into the Big Ten Championship and blanked Wisconsin, then dominated Alabama and Oregon.
In comparison to other conferences, the Big Ten is back. Alabama lost to Ole Miss, Ole Miss lost to Florida, Oklahoma lost to Texas, TCU has no defense and haven't played anyone that has either. Baylor is peaking in their performance at the moment and everyone is talking about how awesome the ACC and Big 12 are. Word to the wise, the season is half over. What will all the analysts say when Ohio State is still undefeated and #1 going into the Playoffs or have been dropped from #1 and are still in the Playoffs? I understand that the majority of the people on TV and radio have no clue what they are saying and are doing so to piss people off, but that is all they do.
Ohio State will find their way through the season.
Regardless of how many points are scored in a game the highest score at the end is what matters. The road leading to the Championship is never easy and this year is no different. Urban and the rest of the offense may be a bit confused as to who should be the quarterback in the game, but we are still undefeated. You can compare us to Florida State all you want, but we still have not lost and that accounts for much more then margin of victory.
Ohio State is #1 but it does not matter right now. Last year Alabama was given #1 at the end of the year and they lost in the Sugar Bowl to the #4 Ohio State Buckeyes! Even though we are half way through the season many of the ranked teams still have not played season defining games yet, they have not made it into the Conference Championships, nor have they won a Championship. Until the next bowl season comes upon us, Ohio State has done all of the above. TCU and Baylor are flying high right now, but that ship is getting ready to land and only one of them will be taking off again. Utah will not remain undefeated and it is only a matter of time. There is always a team from the PAC 12 or Big 12 that brings the analysts to their feet for a time every year. Right now, Utah is that team that everyone is being paid to observe. Ohio State is old news and frankly, boring to watch. As long as Ohio State goes undefeated into the Conference Championship and win they will get into the Playoffs, it is that simple.
During the season last year college football was convinced Ohio State did not have what it took to compete and win against anyone outside of their conference, yet we saw different. Ohio State is a second half team. While other teams start the year off quickly they struggle to finish strong. Ohio State walked into the Big Ten Championship and blanked Wisconsin, then dominated Alabama and Oregon.
In comparison to other conferences, the Big Ten is back. Alabama lost to Ole Miss, Ole Miss lost to Florida, Oklahoma lost to Texas, TCU has no defense and haven't played anyone that has either. Baylor is peaking in their performance at the moment and everyone is talking about how awesome the ACC and Big 12 are. Word to the wise, the season is half over. What will all the analysts say when Ohio State is still undefeated and #1 going into the Playoffs or have been dropped from #1 and are still in the Playoffs? I understand that the majority of the people on TV and radio have no clue what they are saying and are doing so to piss people off, but that is all they do.
Ohio State will find their way through the season.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Ohio State vs. Maryland Prediction
Normally this prediction would be quite confident and somewhat outlandish, but here it goes......
*If Hawaii, Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Northern Illinois, and Indiana can stop our passing game then Maryland can too. I do not see Urban letting Cardale lose for this game. If he hasn't done it yet, why would he do it now? Maryland will stack the line of scrimmage and Cardale will fail to see open receivers down the field. Cardale may throw the ball, but his arm strength won't be seen.
*Elliot will have to put this team on his back once again. Elliot mentioned that his focus coming into the 2nd half was running through tackles and arm tackles in general. Not only did he do that, but he ran for over 200 yards in the second half alone.
*Hot passes and Jet Sweeps will be few and far between because they won't amount too much in gained yardage. Without a passing game defenses will stack the line of scrimmage. Defenses are now focusing on staying disciplined at the line of scrimmage meaning they are following the ball more then they are rushing into the back field.
*Marshall is not soon talented that his fumbles do not outweigh how lethal he is with the ball. He should be sat for at least a quarter, giving others the opportunity to play.
*Our defense will make the difference. Urban likes to say we are an offensive driven team, but that is not true. We can't run the read option effectively, we can't run the QB sneak effectively, and defenses know this. Our defense will have to win us this game.
*My prediction:
Cardale will play himself out of the starting position and JT will be given the ball for the remainder of the season. Elliot will break some major runs and our defense will show up. Ineffective perimeter runs by our WR will be hampered by balls that are thrown too late, too low, or over their heads. I do not want Cardale to fail, I want to see him succeed, but I think he succeeded last year because the team rose up around him. I don't see that same magic happening again.
Ohio State 42 Maryland 30
*I think that Urban will have his last chance to change the QBs after the result of this game. If he waits too long and Cardale is still struggling he isn't giving JT enough time to get warmed up for Penn State. It is not fair for JT to be expected to save the day given one game. Last year he did it in two games, this year he should have at least that much.
*If Hawaii, Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Northern Illinois, and Indiana can stop our passing game then Maryland can too. I do not see Urban letting Cardale lose for this game. If he hasn't done it yet, why would he do it now? Maryland will stack the line of scrimmage and Cardale will fail to see open receivers down the field. Cardale may throw the ball, but his arm strength won't be seen.
*Elliot will have to put this team on his back once again. Elliot mentioned that his focus coming into the 2nd half was running through tackles and arm tackles in general. Not only did he do that, but he ran for over 200 yards in the second half alone.
*Hot passes and Jet Sweeps will be few and far between because they won't amount too much in gained yardage. Without a passing game defenses will stack the line of scrimmage. Defenses are now focusing on staying disciplined at the line of scrimmage meaning they are following the ball more then they are rushing into the back field.
*Marshall is not soon talented that his fumbles do not outweigh how lethal he is with the ball. He should be sat for at least a quarter, giving others the opportunity to play.
*Our defense will make the difference. Urban likes to say we are an offensive driven team, but that is not true. We can't run the read option effectively, we can't run the QB sneak effectively, and defenses know this. Our defense will have to win us this game.
*My prediction:
Cardale will play himself out of the starting position and JT will be given the ball for the remainder of the season. Elliot will break some major runs and our defense will show up. Ineffective perimeter runs by our WR will be hampered by balls that are thrown too late, too low, or over their heads. I do not want Cardale to fail, I want to see him succeed, but I think he succeeded last year because the team rose up around him. I don't see that same magic happening again.
Ohio State 42 Maryland 30
*I think that Urban will have his last chance to change the QBs after the result of this game. If he waits too long and Cardale is still struggling he isn't giving JT enough time to get warmed up for Penn State. It is not fair for JT to be expected to save the day given one game. Last year he did it in two games, this year he should have at least that much.
Ohio State's Delimma
Ohio State is in a precarious situation at the moment. On one hand Urban Meyer is sticking with Cardale Jones and the majority of Buckeye Nation wants JT Barrett. Cardale should get one more game to prove he is the starter; otherwise, I do not think Cardale is our QB. With Cardale Jones opposing defenses have learnt that Urban does not trust Cardale to throw it down the field, Cardale's size does not allow him to run the QB option affectively and he does not look like a leader on the field.
Last year we saw JT improve dramatically in a very short time frame. Cardale is not showing the same progress. At some point, hopefully soon, Urban will have to pull the plug. I am tired of hearing coaches talk about a game like it was supposed to be a game instead of it being a blow out. In no way shape or form should the last 5 games have been close games. They should have all been blow outs, but they were not. Our defense is the backbone of this team and have received no help from an embarrassing offense.
Last year we scrutinized Herman and Meyer for their play calling at this time. This year we are questioning the same situation. I do not see Ohio State's present situation as a dilemma more than I do an easily fixed problem. First and foremost, we need to stick to one classification of player. Opponents have realized what our offense looks like when Jet Sweeps and QB sneaks are called. I think that Braxton, Dixon, and Campbell should be our downfield receivers. Marshall, Wilson, and Vannett are our intermediate passing wide receivers, and Samuel and Zeke are our running backs. The offensive line can open holes for Zeke to run through as seen against Indiana.
I think, if Cardale stays our QB, that the WR should be sent downfield every single possession we have, that way the secondary and safeties have to decide whether they will stop the pass or the run. If they decide to stop the pass, then we send Zeke up the middle of the defense for big gains. If they decide to stop the run, then Cardale should throw the ball over their heads to our WR for easy touchdowns. Cardale should not be doing anymore QB sneaks because he simply does not do them well enough. We have a better chance of Zeke running for a touchdown on 4th and 1 then Cardale getting a 1st Down by pushing the pile forward.
If Cardale performs poorly against Maryland, I will be shocked if Urban keeps him in. I guess the question is this, if Cardale is the QB for our first loss will Buckeye Nation be calling for his head? What about Urban? If this team loses this year it will be due to self inflicted wounds.
Last year we saw JT improve dramatically in a very short time frame. Cardale is not showing the same progress. At some point, hopefully soon, Urban will have to pull the plug. I am tired of hearing coaches talk about a game like it was supposed to be a game instead of it being a blow out. In no way shape or form should the last 5 games have been close games. They should have all been blow outs, but they were not. Our defense is the backbone of this team and have received no help from an embarrassing offense.
Last year we scrutinized Herman and Meyer for their play calling at this time. This year we are questioning the same situation. I do not see Ohio State's present situation as a dilemma more than I do an easily fixed problem. First and foremost, we need to stick to one classification of player. Opponents have realized what our offense looks like when Jet Sweeps and QB sneaks are called. I think that Braxton, Dixon, and Campbell should be our downfield receivers. Marshall, Wilson, and Vannett are our intermediate passing wide receivers, and Samuel and Zeke are our running backs. The offensive line can open holes for Zeke to run through as seen against Indiana.
I think, if Cardale stays our QB, that the WR should be sent downfield every single possession we have, that way the secondary and safeties have to decide whether they will stop the pass or the run. If they decide to stop the pass, then we send Zeke up the middle of the defense for big gains. If they decide to stop the run, then Cardale should throw the ball over their heads to our WR for easy touchdowns. Cardale should not be doing anymore QB sneaks because he simply does not do them well enough. We have a better chance of Zeke running for a touchdown on 4th and 1 then Cardale getting a 1st Down by pushing the pile forward.
If Cardale performs poorly against Maryland, I will be shocked if Urban keeps him in. I guess the question is this, if Cardale is the QB for our first loss will Buckeye Nation be calling for his head? What about Urban? If this team loses this year it will be due to self inflicted wounds.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
The 2015 Ohio State Buckeyes
Hello Buckeye Nation, I write this post with a lot on my mind. First and foremost, I apologize for not posting anything in a long time. Secondly, my expectations of this team have changed and for a good reason, but not because I do not believe in this team, but because I have realized something about the game of football, it is unpredictable.
The Big Ten Championship, Sugar Bowl, and National Championship game were amazing acts of Urban's Mantra, 9 Units Strong. Every Unit played with such intensity and selfishness that we pushed our way to a National Championship. Cardale Jones picked up where JT left off and essential showed Buckeye Nation something we did not know existed. We left last year thinking that the next year would be a continuation of domination on both sides of the ball.
Virginia Tech was a game that had stuck in our minds since the game ended. We walked into Lane Stadium and smacked the Hokies around. The last 4 games Buckeye Nation has watched each game thinking that 7 or 8 touchdowns would be thrown on the board without blinking, but anything but has happened. Not to say this has kept me up at night, but the result of each win has left we wondering when our luck will run out.
The beginning of last year and after Virginia Tech this team felt like the entire college football world was against them. Now we have a #1 ranking in front of our team and the Nation is watching every step we make hoping we slip up. College football is not ready to give up the notion that the SEC is not dominant anymore, but instead the Big 10. Last year, JT was given the team and we destroyed our competition, even when we struggled. We need to look at this team as if we are not National Champions. Last year we played every game with intensity hoping that the Virginia Tech loss did not knock us out of the College Football Playoff. This year we are playing hoping to win every game to get us into the Playoff, a totally different mindset. If we forget all about the National Championship and look at this team as #1 because of all the talent we have, this team is the exact same as it was last year, finding itself every Saturday and hoping to improve for the next game. Urban Meyer needs to stop with the statistical analysis and go with his heart, because I believe that is telling him JT is the better QB. Too many people are calling plays on our offense. Beck or Warriner need to go to the booth, no more coaches on the sideline than needed. I do not care about the raw emotion of the game and having the coaches feel it. Football is about strategy and emotions do not always fit into that.
With all the talent we have the playing calling should have no boundaries. Elliot's dominance has to pushed on the defense like it was against Indiana. Cardale did not throw many passes down the field and that hurt us. When we have Marshall, Wilson, Nixon, Campbell, and Braxton we should be taking shots down the field. Elliot and Samuel should rotate as our running backs. Whenever we push the boundaries with Zeke or an outside quick throw the opposing defense has a tough time covering us. Needless to say we are undefeated but by the skin of our teeth. In a later post I will talk about the defense.
The Big Ten Championship, Sugar Bowl, and National Championship game were amazing acts of Urban's Mantra, 9 Units Strong. Every Unit played with such intensity and selfishness that we pushed our way to a National Championship. Cardale Jones picked up where JT left off and essential showed Buckeye Nation something we did not know existed. We left last year thinking that the next year would be a continuation of domination on both sides of the ball.
Virginia Tech was a game that had stuck in our minds since the game ended. We walked into Lane Stadium and smacked the Hokies around. The last 4 games Buckeye Nation has watched each game thinking that 7 or 8 touchdowns would be thrown on the board without blinking, but anything but has happened. Not to say this has kept me up at night, but the result of each win has left we wondering when our luck will run out.
The beginning of last year and after Virginia Tech this team felt like the entire college football world was against them. Now we have a #1 ranking in front of our team and the Nation is watching every step we make hoping we slip up. College football is not ready to give up the notion that the SEC is not dominant anymore, but instead the Big 10. Last year, JT was given the team and we destroyed our competition, even when we struggled. We need to look at this team as if we are not National Champions. Last year we played every game with intensity hoping that the Virginia Tech loss did not knock us out of the College Football Playoff. This year we are playing hoping to win every game to get us into the Playoff, a totally different mindset. If we forget all about the National Championship and look at this team as #1 because of all the talent we have, this team is the exact same as it was last year, finding itself every Saturday and hoping to improve for the next game. Urban Meyer needs to stop with the statistical analysis and go with his heart, because I believe that is telling him JT is the better QB. Too many people are calling plays on our offense. Beck or Warriner need to go to the booth, no more coaches on the sideline than needed. I do not care about the raw emotion of the game and having the coaches feel it. Football is about strategy and emotions do not always fit into that.
With all the talent we have the playing calling should have no boundaries. Elliot's dominance has to pushed on the defense like it was against Indiana. Cardale did not throw many passes down the field and that hurt us. When we have Marshall, Wilson, Nixon, Campbell, and Braxton we should be taking shots down the field. Elliot and Samuel should rotate as our running backs. Whenever we push the boundaries with Zeke or an outside quick throw the opposing defense has a tough time covering us. Needless to say we are undefeated but by the skin of our teeth. In a later post I will talk about the defense.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Cardale is Our Man
Urban chose Cardale for a reason. I think Cardale is the right QB because he's got an arm that kills secondaries, he's tough to bring down, and his arm creates a great running. JT set Cardale up for success, Cardale set himself up for success by playing the way he did.
During Cardales play last year he threw the ball as far as he could and the receivers ran underneath and caught the ball, often times running past the secondary. Last year it was Devin Smith but this year it's Mashall, Wilson, Smith, and Miller along with other receivers we don't know about. We have the WRs that can run for days and Cardale has the arm to make the journey.
Cardale weighs 250 lb and is 6' 5" and is extremely hard to bring down. He may not be shifty but he can bull doze any defensive linemen. Last year during Alabama and Oregon, Cardale ran over seasoned and NFL lineman without batting an eye.
Cardale became successful because he trusted his wide receivers. Cardale threw the ball down the field and his receivers caught them all. Because of that, defenses could not stack the line of scrimmage with anything more than linebackers and defensive lineman causing Elliot to run through holes and down teams throats.
I believe Cardales issue is trust. He doesn't trust his receivers. I don't think Braxton, Jalin, or Wilson should ever be a Wildcat this season. When anyone of these guys take the snap they know what the play is and they crowd the line of scrimmage. We win games by letting these guys run down the field and get open. We showed last year that was half of our success, the other half was Elliott. We desimated Wisconsin, Alabama, and Oregon without doing a lot of trick plays. We need to return to that.
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