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.

Ohio State and Alabama

Basically as soon as the Playoff Committee released their rankings there has been a constantly shackling of Ohio State, both by those who thought they should not have gotten in and those who are previewing the Sugar Bowl. Let me just say this to those who do not think we should have gotten in, "Get Over IT!" Now onto those who are saying the Sugar will be a shackling because of the dominate nature of Alabama and SEC, against the weak and laughable Ohio State and Big Ten. Every media clip I have seen has talked about the physical nature of Alabama and the preparation of Nick Saban. While Nick Saban is dominate, the same can be said about Urban Meyer. I have heard nothing but, with Nick Saban having more than a week to prepare, he is 42-7, which is fine. However, cannot the same thing be said about Urban Meyer? Look at how Cardale performed with a week of preparation. He was flawless!

Alabama's reputation stems from the fact that their National Championship runs are not few and far between, as in other conferences, but every year. Every year, the preseason polls have Alabama in the top 3, if not #1. And every year, they finish in the top 3 regardless of wins and losses. Ohio State on the other hand has a history of dominating or being stronger in more areas then they are weaker in, just to not finish the season strong. Is this season any different? One thing we can all agree on is this, Ohio State can play with any team in America. If you look at Alabama's schedule and Ohio State's play during the Championship, there is no doubt, that if the same effort is given, this will be a game. Alabama, as strong as they are, are weak as well. All someone has to do is watch Ole Miss, LSU, Mississippi State, and Auburn. These games show that Alabama, as good as they are, can be beaten.

To say Ohio State has the chance because the essence of Nick Saban alone, will destroy our team is ludicrous. Ohio State has just as much of a chance of beating Alabama, as any other team that did beat Alabama. Think about the last couple years, the last two games of last year, Alabama lost. They lost against Auburn and Oklahoma, then this year, Ole Miss. Both Auburn and Oklahoma have spread offenses and defenses that are difficult to defend against. Nick Saban is a man of habit. Urban Meyer is a man that is constantly molding his offense to stout and aggressive defenses. I cannot say that Ohio State will win this game because one game of dominance does not mean this is what we have to look forward to, however; I believe we have a chance. If Ohio State wins this game, the essence Nick Saban and the SEC will begin to fall. Ohio State, itself, will not prove Alabama is a paper tiger, but it will prove something everyone outside the Big 10 thinks, that Ohio State is the only dominate team in the conference. However, if the Big Ten in general does well during the Bowl season, than the reputation of the Big Ten will increase. The nail in the coffin of the SEC will be the next coach of Michigan. When push comes to shove, I would never underestimate the Ohio State Buckeyes.

I cannot say that Win or Lose, this team will have proved something against Alabama, because a loss means Alabama and the SEC are as dominate as they are perceived to be, and that the Big Ten is as weak as perceived to be. Lets face, the Big Ten will be judged by Ohio State, not the other bowl games. We are the face of the Big Ten. I do not see a reason why we would not win this game, however; a win speaks volumes about both conferences. The Big Ten will be back someday, hopefully it is this year.

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.  

TTUN Predictions

As a young man growing up in Groveport, I remember many Saturdays watching the Buckeyes cruise through their season. The likes of Eddie George, Bobby Hoying, Joe Germaine, Stanley Jackson, Terry Glenn, and David Boston leading the charge. I always remember Ohio State being highly ranked, the Big Ten in general and not knowing anything about the SEC (lol), and highly favored in their last games of the season, the highly anticipated and sometimes dreaded, Meatchicken vs. Ohio State. As I have stated in earlier posts, I do not have confidence in this being a blow out yet, and I do not know if I will get there. Don't get me wrong, our team, this year, seems poised enough and has the ability to attack teams at every angle, as we have proven this year multiple times. However, I get the feeling that this game will be closer than what it should be. The reasoning being, our youth. These Buckeyes have played at the Shoe, during times in which the stadium has no seating left and people are standing just to see the game. They have not played against a team with nothing to lose. Meatchicken has nothing to lose. Their coach is all but fired, the players have no idea who will replace him, their record is embarrassing, and all year they have heard about Ohio States chances of getting into the playoffs. This game is textbook upset, considering we all remember the Cooper years. Although, those years were forgotten because of then Tressel, and now Meyer years.

I would like to think that Meatchicken will enter into the game without a thought of provoking our Buckeyes, considering this game, like the next 3 or possible 4, means everything to this team, this season, and Nation (Buckeye Nation). However, I doubt this will happen because of the stakes. I do like, however; that Meyer has already told his team, that if they fight, they are off the team. That is quite an ultimatum considering how the emotions will be come kickoff. My suggestion for lessening the altercations to nothing is simple, every players, most importantly Barrett, has to become a field general, so to speak, What do I mean? After every play, get the offense back on the line. Every player needs to make sure every player is not buying into what they will be selling or trying to do. If Elliot runs the ball, is tackled, than the defense just lays on him, someone on the offense needs to call the refs attention to that, then help get him up, not necessarily pull the guy off of him. If Ohio State pulls a meatchicken defensive players off another Buckeye, that is all meatchicken needs to start something, and I am sure the refs will be watching. After a few penalties on the defense for personal fouls or unsportsman like conduct, meatchicken will get the hint or get blown out.

Historically speaking, this game has defined National Championships, as the victor goes on to play for everything. This team has too much talent both on the field and in the coaching staff to waste it on a close game. Meatchicken will probably play at its best, but their best could not even beat our second string, so here's my prediction for this game.

Ohio State: 55 TTUN: 14

This is Why:
This score is dependent upon whether or not last games mistakes are corrected. Fumbles, interceptions, and missed throws cannot happen this week, especially considering the next game decides everything else. I think Meatchicken gets two running touchdowns off two turnovers. Ohio State will overwhelm the defense, but mental mistakes will be our downfall. I am sincerely hoping that this game is a blowout, but given the past, this is what I pick. I think that our secondary will show the best of what Coach Ash has to offer, our defensive line will mostly dominate, but show flashes of weakness. I understand that offenses and defenses are not perfect and that mistakes happen. I am not expecting a perfect game, what I am expecting is a decisive win. As much as Buckeye Fans and Nation does not want to admit it, we are putting on a show for the Committee, for that coveted #4 spot. It is as simple as that. Truth be told, without 3 turnovers last game, Indiana probably would not have had 27 points, but this game is different and everybody knows it.

To say we need to destroy Meatchicken is an understatement. We need to strike fear into the hearts of their players with big hits and big plays. We know that Gardner has more interceptions than touchdowns, that regardless of how many picks he has, he won't stop throwing. We know that they will run too. Our defensive front 4 will have to get pressure on Gardner, which goes without saying. Pressure with 4 allows our linebackers to stay in coverage to stop any screens or back doors tosses, as well as Gardner running the ball. Barrett has to play within the contexts of what he's given. There is no need to throw into double coverage if an H Back or running back is open for an easy pass and 15 yards after that. Don't force it if you don't have to. Try not to take as many hits this game, The last thing we need is Barrett to get injured. He has to be perfect for the Big Ten Championship and maybe beyond. Utilize quick throws and the new running formation we saw last week. Quick throws cut down a defenses ability to get to the quarterback. The formation where Barrett, Elliot and Samuel are in the back field will work every time. It is very difficult to tackle our guys in space because of their speed. Elliot and Samuel are bruising backs, let them loose.

This game should be decided in the first half. We destroyed Maryland, and they beat Meatchicken. This game will not be boring, but it will be brutal. I expect Meatchicken to come out and throw punches (literally and figuratively). We need to throw them harder, faster, and for longer periods of time.

O -H!!!!!

Buckeye Jersey and Controversy

My family and I went into The Buckeye Corner today and looked around. Needless to say I could have bought everything in the store, without a doubt. We went to buy a couple items and noticed that I saw a Braxton jersey, but not a Barrett. I see this as totally disrespectful. I asked the manager about it and he said that manufacturing said, by the time the jersey's are able to make it to the stores, the season will be over. This did not make sense to me. Considering all that Barrett has accomplished this season, the least that we owe him this year is the ability to buy and wear his jersey. During the Indiana game, the Big Ten Network put on the television, a comparison of Braxton of Barrett. Former Ohio State Running Back Maurice Clarett saw this as disrespectful. I do not see this as disrespectful, considering Braxton's first year was under Luke Fickell, not Tressel nor Meyer. Is this to say that Braxton would be further developed if his first year would be under Meyer? It could or could not have helped. Under the past two years under Meyer, Braxton is, without a doubt, one of the greatest athletes Ohio State has ever seen, but has yet to develop into a quarterback like Barrett. The instinct of a quarterback cannot be untaught, but instead honed into something that can begin in college and prosper in the NFL. The attributes Braxton possess are incredible. He has a strong arm, incredibly agile, and a headache for defenses. However, the downside of Braxton is his inaccuracy and frailty. Do not get me wrong, I love Braxton, but his agility leaves him open to injury. During the Clemson game last year, it was easy to see that Clemson was targeting Braxton and succeeded considering he has sat out his entire Senior year. Barrett on the other hand, is accurate, seems to be tougher, not as fast or agile, but an overall better choice. Although the comparison is skewed, in 10 games, Barrett has done an amazing job, with room to prove, and he's a Freshman. Barrett has done more than enough to have his number and name on a jersey, without showing disrespect to a faithful player.

I do not think our quarterback controversy is a controversy at all. In fact, I think he chooses to go pro because he understands that an injury to his shoulder again will hinder him more in the short run, than going into the NFL in the long run. Braxton will have to enter into the NFL with an open mind towards different positions because the two things the NFL looks for the most is strength and accuracy. Barrett, along with the rest of the team, will return next year poised for an undefeated season.

I sincerely hope, if Braxton comes back, Meyer makes a decision that is best for the team, not one person. If Braxton comes back, then is hit and injured during the season, will the season be a waste and will he second guess his decision to come back knowing he could have been getting paid to play. As much as I hate to say it, and that is only because I love Braxton, Barrett is our future.