The Scare and Not The Kind You Think

 

It seems that the standards for journalism has decreased quite a bit. This is never more evident than in multiple news websites siting that, Tom Herman's last game as a coach at Ohio State would be finished after the Sugar Bowl. Hours later, Herman's wife tweeted that she knew nothing about the topic, leaving the faithful to breathe a sigh of relief. As Buckeye fans we must face the fact that there is a real possibility that our coaching staff may not be together forever. Last year, offensive line coach Ed Warinner interviewed for the Army Head Coach vacancy. This year, the University of Houston interviewed Herman, but all indication point to Herman staying at Ohio State until Herman says otherwise. Which brings me to my next point.

Urban Meyer assembled his coaching staff knowing that two things would happen: National Championships would be won and other Universities would be looking at his staff for head coach vacancies. I cannot say that I blame other programs for wanting our coaches, however, if I were Meyer I would be telling Gene Smith to give out raises or lose great coaches. I get that it is not fair to not want great assistant coaches to leave, but they do deserve a promotion if they chose to pursue one. On the opposite side though, Ohio State is and will always be a top tier program with the ability to compete on a yearly basis, leaving Buckeye Nation with the assumption that Ohio State should be able to pay coaches enough to not look anywhere else. We have seen coaching changes take place that offered reasoning behind the assumption that Athletic Directors were not willing to spend to keep. Take for instance Gary Andersen, whom received a raise after taking the vacancy at Oregon State from Wisconsin. One would assume that Wisconsin would be more enticing, considering Oregon State is not on the same level as Oregon, but still a good program. However, sometimes upper management can make a great program seem unbearable.

The battle of coaching styles and programs that were built based upon a philosophy will always rage on. Wisconsin was built upon the premise of a dominant running game established by a huge offensive line and huge running back. Under Coach Andersen, the Badgers produced multiple thousand yards backs, and a version of a spread throwing scheme. Therefore, the Badgers veered slightly away from the notion of running the ball down the opponents throat for 6o minutes. Another example, under Tressel the Buckeyes were anything but a spread offense scheme, like we are now. Under Tressel, the Buckeyes were a traditional under center, power running game, traditional throwing scheme that paid its dividend only partial time. However, under Meyer the team is totally different, with a modified running game, and shotgun formation only. This type of offense has paid its dividends for Buckeye Nation.

In the end, money and the lure of a top tier program is not always enough to satisfy a coach that is still seeking something more. As Buckeye Fans we have greatness to look forward too, but also coaching changes as other programs look at the most successful teams, than go after assistants. Tis the season to be thankful for what we have, so we should as such.

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!!!!!!