Buckeyes Fan to Buckeye Players

I am an avid Buckeye fan, I am an arm chair coach, and I watch anything I can on Buckeye football and I have done so since I was born. I say all of that because I hear that Buckeye players talk about fans being bandwagon fans, where we are only rooting for the Scarlet and Gray when we are winning. I, for one, believe that to be a slap in the face. 

I don't believe that players are trying to be disrespectful, but they are victims of the moment. They are emotional like fans are. I would still like to explain something to the players and coaches from a fan perspective though. I hear Urban on press conferences and during whatever interview he gives talk coach speak about improving and moving on and that is fine, but to fans that is not enough. 

This is what makes me mad..... we hear analysts on ESPN, sports shows, and on radio talk about the stars behind the name of another player coming to Ohio State. We have been #2 almost every year that Urban has been a coach here in terms of recruiting. We see coaching changes almost every year or it seems like it. Every year our pre-season ranking is #2 if not in the top 5. Buckeye fans take all of this into account when see how the team is performing. Keyword performing. I think that Buckeye Nation is smart enough to tune out the commentary before, during and after the game/season because we know what expectations are. 

Fans do not expect undefeated seasons year after year, but we expect to do our best each game, with that best being better than the opponents best resulting in a win. We hear about stars and talent but than we see an offense that cannot move the ball, a quarterback that gets more carries than our running backs, receivers that are not open at all during a game, and an offensive line that does not give good enough pass protection. We see a defense that is like a brick wall, but than our defensive backs can break up passes and are caught looking at the quarterback so passes go flying over their heads. So we hear about how good we are on paper but than none of that commentary seems to matter when the clock is ticking. 

We lost to Oklahoma not because of talent, but because our talent is not being used. There is not one offense that fears JT and they know that he will get carries during the game. Because they do not fear JT they know that there won't be much passing over their heads. If we have speed, than why not do a 5 step drop and launch the ball and let our speedy wide receivers run under it? JK and Webber had good runs against Oklahoma yet JT got the majority of the carries. 

Urban has a tendency of believing all of his QB's are Tim Tebow Jr's when they are not and news flash, that offense did not work much longer after it was used. In fact, the year we won the National Championship was predominantly running and throwing the ball. Urban looks at our team as everyone but the QB is a blocker. That is how he treated Florida when he had a Tebow and he is trying to do the same with JT.

I will end this post by saying this

Ohio State football gives any sports network record viewership and nearly every game we pack The Shoe for whatever team. Every spring game since the National Championship has seen attendance at almost if not over 100,000 and that is for a spring game. I don't want to hear about bandwagon fans when those statements are true.

This Year With Our Buckeyes

Well Buckeye Fans, I am back. To be honest I missed posting but had to do so because I could not balance graduate school with writing about my love of Ohio State football. Enough of that though, let us talk about what we/I expect coming into the season. 

Well last season was mediocre because there were too many people trying to make one play every single play and we spit and sputtered all season. It came to a crash against Clemson. I think that some pieces fell into place when Luke went to Cincy, Warriner went to another Big Ten School, and we brought in Kevin Wilson and another QB coach. 

What I hope takes place this year is we take more chances down the field, but that is predicated on development of wide receivers and offensive line protection. I have hope that this new QB coach and wide receiver coach are working on timing. Timing is when the QB throws the ball in relation to where the wide receivers are down the field. Timing is important because that gives the offensive line and blockers a set amount of time to block. The longer the QB has the ball, the longer blockers must block and can end up in holding penalties, etc. 

Before I do get to season expectations I think it is important to say that there is irony in playing the last team of your offensive coordinator, but I don't think that will have an outcome on the game. Now for expectations......

I hope that Urban allows the receivers to stretch their legs this year..... There is not one team we will play either regular season or post that will respect us if we don't have a down field passing game. Devin Smith was that guy for a long time, but we've had no one since. We will not get respect until we have someone who can stretch the field. Stretching the field enables everything else. 

The first couple years of Tom Herman was met with mediocrity. We did not do anything down the field until the 2014-2015 season and look what happened, a National Championship. I am not expecting record breaking throwing yards nor offensive performances because the team needs time to gel and that takes time. I think the Buckeyes will struggle through the first three games, than get better and better as the season goes on. I am hoping for a return to Indianapolis because I think it's pitiful to only have one Big Ten Championship since Urban came here.

I think that we go undefeated this year and win the Championship because I think Urban understands that we need to play freely to win. Playing freely means we don't play percentages, we take chances and mold game plans to team weakness. I think that JT needs to be able to run when needed, instead of staying behind the line of scrimmage because we supposedly have so many weapons. Defenses will send blitzes if they know JT will stay in the pocket. 

Just to cut this short, this season has the feeling of the 2002 season where most of our wins were close before we went and beat Miami for the title. 

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.

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.

Over 99,000 Reasons to Repeat

I am so very proud of being one of the 99,000 plus in attendance of the spring game. It brought a sense of accomplishment to my mind, but also a struggle as to how I saw the team. Collier did not look good during the game, making me wonder Urbans plan for him especially with the abundance of QBs on there way to Ohio State in the coming years. Cardale looked okay, but not as good as I thought he should, but than again most of the starting line was not playing.

I look at our Buckeyes and I see an accomplished team that has to act as though they have accomplished nothing. I think last years team will do a great job of showing the rookies, so to speak, that you can control your own destiny regardless of what outside sources say. I read the transcripts of post game interviews and couldn't help but see men (Cardale and Urban) that understand Champions are won by those who are never happy with what they see, never. Urban sees individual improvement, but not team, which to me is him saying, the potential is there it just hasn't been achieved yet. This is common to me considering our Navy and Virginia Tech team wouldn't have won at Penn State, Michigan State or Michigan. The critics would have been correct and Braxton was the key to our success. However, they were not correct because the potential was there given the right coaching and motivation, something this team is rich in. I don't see much of a QB competition to be honest. I think Cardale will win the job simply because he deserves it at this point, he's the healthiest, and at this point, not prone to any injury unlike Barrett and Miller. I feel as though every team that sees Barrett or Miller come onto the field will be aiming for their injuries.

All it will take is the perfect hit to either player and we are down to two QB's. Last year, after the Virginia Tech game, I felt that the ultimate match up would occur, that the Titans would collide in the First Ever College Football playoff, that the Rose Bowl would matter only so much to see who the winner of the Sugar Bowl would face. Something I saw in this team made me think they would win it all. This year, I see more of the same, we will have blow outs and close games. We will have games where we shake our heads, and games where the game will be boring before the second half starts. I honestly think we repeat and defend our title. You can call me bias all you want, but that's what I think and here's why.

(1) Having 3 dangerous QBs means every opponent has to prepare for three different threats. Barrett is accurate but can't throw as far. Miller is deadly on his feet, has a rocket of an arm, and hopefully more accurate. Cardale is a big man with a big arm. All three QBs make you respect the running game, all the while beating you down the field or in short passing plays. (2) If Braxton is the QB, he wants his ring and championship. It has eluded him since he came to Ohio State. (3) Urban is a tightly wound man and you can easily see it. You don't have know him to know he demands effort and perfection. He wants to defend and build a dynasty in Columbus, after all he'll be here til at least 2020. (4) As much as our opponents want to take us out, we still want to take out even more. There is no shortage of motivation on this team, and the thought of being knocked out of the title game before even getting there is a tremendous amount of motivation.

Barrett's Gone - That's Okay, We Have Cardale!

Is there any reason to think what happened with Barrett cannot happen with Cardale? Braxton goes down, and so did our hopes for a great season right? Wrong! Barrett took his new command and ran with it. He trusted in his team and coaches and broke records on his way to a one loss season, but undefeated conference schedule. This is Ohio State's third time doing so since Urban Meyer became head coach. Here is my train of thought. Ohio State has suffered through multiple losses through the year and yet we are still 11-1. Before the end of the Michigan State game, everyone had Michigan State beating us and easily at that. However, we beat them and everyone else on our schedule (except VT). So I say now, what is the use in dooming this team? Barrett stepped in front of a Two Time Big Ten Player of the Year Recipient and Heisman Trophy Candidate to become one himself. Why suspect Cardale cannot step in and finish the job?

Reoccurring thoughts of strategy, none of which I know about keep running through my head. Conservative or Go Big? We don't yet know what Cardale can do, more than what he has currently done, but what we do know is that this coaching staff will not go down without a fight. Does anyone really believe Urban and Tom cannot formulate a plan to win this game and the rest of the year? We will persevere! A conservative approach might entail finding different ways to run the ball, do some wildcat formation, maybe try a few quarterback draws? Elliot can power through anyone, but going toe to toe with Gordon may be a bit misguided. Wisconsin knows that once they see Cardale at a Wide Receiver position, and Marshall at the quarterback, it'll be a draw. They also know that an empty back field, with 5 wide is a quarterback draw.

Go Big or Go Home. I would favor this approach just because I have confidence in our team. Why not take shots down field? Why not try a few trick plays? Everyone knows Ohio State will run to the edge because we have speed. Wisconsin will put their best tacklers on the edges, call for corner blitzes, and bring the pressure. The Indiana game brought to light a very creative, but effective formation. Barrett was in the backfield, Elliot was offset to the left or right and Curtis Samuel was flanked to the opposite side. The purpose of this play is to confuse the defense. Barrett looks at the defense, then decides based upon what is being shown, which runner will play to the defenses weakness. It was absolutely magic! The Michigan State saw a game plan that included short passes being used to open up the running game, which worked very well. Knowing that Wisconsin will get creative with their defense, why not have Cardale, with a double set backfield, that way he can hand off to one, or if pressure comes throw to the other? The most aggressive team can be beaten without question. Ohio State's defense will have to dedicate one person to watch Gordon, while another line backer watches the quarterback. Our defensive line will have to get pressure with four or maybe 5 people. Otherwise if we commit to many to the line, Gordon could run around the formation with his speed.

Wisconsin has not played a team that can play the entire game. Michigan State gave up in the fourth, Michigan gave up after half time, and everyone else we have played, we have pulled away in the second half. Is there any reason to think we cannot again? While I do think this will be a game, I do not think Ohio State will pull away more then 10 points. These teams are simply too good and Urban does not lose the same game twice. As many weapons as Gary Andersen has, the most important weapon is the one that Urban has the advantage of, his mind. Urban Meyer is a mastermind in planning for games and motivating his team. The odds have already came out and Ohio State is projected to loss by 4 points. Not that I am bothered by this, because I like being underdogs. We seem to play better when we are expected to lose. Take for instance the 2002 National Championship. The Miami Hurricanes were supposed to beat us and they lost in double overtime. We are a team that loves adversity.

The Selection Committee will most likely put TCU in the 4th Spot, while Ohio State will be in the 5th. The last week of the season is upon us and sure to created headaches and plenty of yelling at the television screen. If Ohio State wins the Big Ten Championship, even with the hand we have been dealt, the 4th spot is ours. I can hear the Big 12 crying now, especially about a 6 or 8 team playoff. My biggest laughing moment will be when Baylor and TCU switch spots because Baylor won the head to head, then Ohio State jumps them both into the 4th.

As Buckeye Fans we have to have confidence in our Team!

O H!!!!!!

Reaction to Ohio State vs. TTUN

Today's game was nothing short of a heartache waiting to happen. While, the Buckeyes may have had complete confidence in their team to pull out a win, I was having flashbacks of perfect seasons ending in the past. I hate to be a pessimist, but sometimes I can't help it. I felt like the whole game, we were holding back, in terms of the passing game and our perimeter game. Jalin Marshall did not get the ball much, Michael Thomas did not get the ball much, and neither did Devin Smith. I was perplexed, but then again I do not keep track of That Team, so what do I know about their team as a whole. Oh wait, they were below 500 before the game, and they still are. I know that Rivalry games bring out a different side of any team, but for That Team to come into the Shoe and score three touchdowns, was just embarrassing. This team should not need a half time speech by a defensive lineman to come out punching, when we should have that attitude the entire game. Forgive me for seeing more flaws, than strengths, however; as a Buckeyes Fan this is my job. I will sleep easy when we finish the season on top. I do know though, that no one is perfect, that people make mistakes. I love this team regardless. With that being said, I hope the missing player is found soon, safe and unharmed.

My heart stopped beating when I saw Barrett leave on a stretcher, and saw Cardale on the field. But than again, worse has happened. Buckeye Nation and this team put a True Freshman in charge of a high octane offense, and we succeeded. Why not feel the same about Cardale. I put faith in a coaching staff that is around their players enough to say they have confidence in their team to continue and carry out their mission, to be champions. I must agree, but in my own way with this sentiment. There are many team around the nation that have one Achilles heal, and that is their quarterback or other member of the team. Take for instance, Florida State, without Winston against an already bad Clemson team, the Noles needed overtime to win. Take for instance the inventory of starters we have: Marshall, Elliot, Smith, Smith, Spencer, Samuel, Huerman, and Vannette. On the defense, our weakness is experience alone. Cardale is not the team, but instead a part of it. His mission will be simple for the next two or three games, get the ball out quickly or hand it off. Tonight's game, Wisconsin vs. Minnesota, showed that even the toughest teams are weak. Ohio State beat Minnesota, and Minnesota almost beat Wisconsin. Although, the experts maybe saying Ohio State is done, I think we are just beginning. This team did not come all this way, to lose it. We all persevere. Considering our coaching staff, Urban Meyer and Tom Herman, two of the best offensive coaches in college football. Cardale is not stepping into a situation that Barrett did. He understands the offense, and our offensive scheme, which is paramount. Plus, he is not a freshman, but instead a senior. Fear not Buckeye Nation, we maybe in for a bumpy ride, but the road is not worth it if it's not difficult.

Tonight, Mississippi State lost to Ole Miss. Ole Miss is already a two loss team. I believe, Ohio State and TCU will move up in the Playoff together, without anyone being leapfrogged. However, at the conclusion of the Big Ten Championship, granted Ohio State wins, the Committee will have no choice but to put Ohio State at #4. More than anything, the purpose of the Committee is to put the four best teams into the spotlight. The four best teams will be Ohio State at #4 because the match ups of the decade would be #1 Alabama vs #4 Ohio State, and #2 Oregon vs. #3 Florida State. What better way to start the playoffs, with a Urban-Nick Bowl. Plus, an overrated, but still undefeated, Seminoles and against the Ducks. This way, if the Seminoles are really overrated, they'll be destroyed by the Ducks, likewise, if the Big Ten is really as good as we portray, then their best should be able to beat the SEC's. Enough Said

This Game Should Not Be Close

I grew up watching Ohio State Football, screaming and crying multiple times a game out of frustration and happiness. The Game, this Saturday brings to the forefront that while this game is no different than past games, against TTUN, this team is very different. In years past the eyes of Buckeye Nation has been fixed upon a dominate running back and quarterback. In 2012 and 2013, the Wolverines knew they had to stop Hyde and Miller, but could not do either. In 2014, however, the Wolverines have much more to contend with. As a counter, one may say that the Wolverines defense is getting better considering the games that they have lost have been close, except for the few that were against far superior teams (or seemed as though).

Michigan has faced close games, that may not have defined them per say, but tell a story not unlike most. The Wolverines are a team with a great history, much like Ohio State. These two teams created the hype of the Big Ten, which has superseded any other conference. When Ohio State and Michigan are undefeated and dominating the media cannot get enough of the Big Ten. It is though, the drama of other conferences does not matter because the two most dominate teams are at their best. Sure the SEC is dominate now, but we are starting to see a glimpse of what could be. Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, Lloyd Carr, and the next coach of TTUN have in their job duties, to tare down the SEC and put the Big Ten on center stage. We cannot and must not forget teams that are holding their own currently or are getting tools able to to do so. But, history has shown that the Big Ten is back when the Wolverines and Buckeyes are at their best. 

At the beginning of the season, the talk was about Ohio State's dominance, Michigan State's stability, and Penn State's march forward. Everyone knew TTUN was destined to fail this year. There was hope that TTUN would solve all their problems with the hire of Nussmeir as their new offensive coordinator, but everyone knew an offensive coordinator from Alabama would not be able to do the same considering the personnel and quality of players are much different. No one can escape the fact that Hoke was hired because of Tressel's success. Tressel was vastly underpaid but highly successful and from a lesser division. Michigan fired Rich Rod hoping to find the same thing, but came up short. Now they have to open multiple check books and kiss the ass of any respected coach. 

Urban Meyer has built this team to be unstoppable. Just look at our roster: Marshall, Wilson, Elliot, Thomas, Smith, Smith, and Spencer. This offense gets set up quickly, takes a look at the defense, than calls an audible or runs the original play call. I have seen multiple times, read options plays called, the play is changed at the line, than a short pass is thrown to the outside, which avoids the effectiveness of a blitz up the middle. Likewise, if pressure comes from the outside, the play can be changed to a run up the middle to avoid the pressure. There is no reason Ohio State should not dismantle the Wolverines, nor any other team, other than the simple excuse of turnovers. However, Barrett has shown his ability to makes plays, more with his arm, than his legs. As much talent as the Wolverines have, they do not comes close to comparing against the Buckeyes. This is not a guarantee of a win simply because of talent, but instead recognition of what one has versus another. 

The Wolverines will come out with everything they have, but not for Hoke, for their seniors and themselves. Hoke is gone and everyone knew it at the beginning of the year. I would love to beat the Wolverines so badly that Hoke is not allowed on the team bus, but this probably won't happen. I look for our defensive line to have a great day.Barrett will steal the show though, considering he needs only one touchdown throw to break Drew Bree's Big Ten record. Regardless of all the predicting going on, one thing is for sure about rivalries, they are unpredictable and all about opportunity. How many opportunities will the Buckeyes have and take advantage of, and how many opportunities will the Wolverines have and take advantage of? The answer to that question will be the deciding factor in the game.