Brady Hoke has been officially fired at Michigan. I think we can all agree this a little later then what we, Big Ten fans wanted. The beginning of this title, The Beginning of The End for the SEC is reflective of this decision. Michigan and Ohio State built the Big Ten and made all the other conferences nullen void. During Lloyd Carrs time and before that, Michigan was in it's prime. Ohio State fired John Cooper, and hired Jim Tressel, the answer to our losing to Michigan ways. Fast forward ten years, and now we have Urban Meyer, the king of overcoming adversity, and the next coach of Michigan, which will become the king of bringing Michigan back.
It is fitting though, that this year, prior to all the talk about how dominant the SEC is that the most dominant skill positions are not in the SEC. So how are they dominant? The running back is dominated by the Big Ten, the quarterback is dominated by the Big Ten and PAC 12, and the only reason why a receiver is put into the Heisman talk is because people feel the need to put Alabama in every discussion they have pertaining to an award. Otherwise, the majority of the conferences are doing things the SEC is not. The most wins the SEC will have is the same if Ohio State wins the Big Ten and Oregon wins the PAC 12. How fitting. The ACC is relevant because of Florida State and its lack of ACC strength, but still undefeated season. As much as I would love to see Florida State finally fall at the Championship game, I am more interested in Missouri upsetting Alabama, and Ohio State beating Wisconsin.
The Big Ten Championship, granted Ohio State wins, will decide the #4 spot in the playoffs. However, with more attention of Michigan, it is imperative that the hire is made immediately, after all the entire off season has begun. While Ohio State and remaining Big Ten teams are practicing for Bowl games, Michigan could be turning their program around. First and foremost, the hiring of a new coach and coaching staff, which could hit the road recruiting now. I would say, depending on the coach, give Michigan two seasons before they are ranked and relevant. Secondly, hire an AD that understands the rivalry and Big Ten. The Ohio State-Michigan Rivalry used to decide the National Championship. Since Hoke took over, it has been second two anything the SEC has. No More! I forsee a rivalry game starting at 330 or maybe even 8 pm. I know that it is tradition for the game to be at noon, but times are changing, and everybody watches football at night, but works during the day.
There are traditions to keep alive, and some that change. It does not matter what time the game starts, what matters is the two teams. With a New Michigan and Ohio State, Auburn and Alabama and whomever else in college football will become second best.
It may be wrong to revel in the misery of another, but in the interest of a dying super power, we have no other option. Why feel bad for Hoke, when the next coach could take the program in the opposite direction and quickly? I am sure he will find another job, I just don't care where.
Here is some food for thought. For years, Ohio State fans have been wondering about the stability of our linebacker core. A complete overhaul of our defense may not be done. What if . . . . . . the new head coach at Michigan fires most of his coaches or the other coaches put their faces on the block for going else where? What if . . . . Luke Fickell takes a head coaching job at a MAC team or elsewhere? What if . . . . . . Greg Mattison sees Luke leave and calls Urban for that spot? I'm not saying this will happen, but much weirder things have happened. Think about, how many coaches from Tressel are left over? Not many. The only player left from Tressel is Taylor Decker, otherwise this team is 99% his recruits.
Is there too much wishful thinking, to think that the all mighty SEC may be on its way down? It is too far fetched to believe, that the Big Ten is inching towards the powerhouse it once was? We all believed that Ohio State was done after Braxton Miller, but JT Barrett took college football by storm. JT Barrett goes down, and now we have a third string quarterback starting in the Big Ten Championship and beyond. I do not think these ideas are too far fetched, as much as I believe that Ohio State will still win the Championship, Semi Final, and Final. One thing that I will always do is keep the faith in this team.
O - H!!!!
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Monday, December 1, 2014
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!!!!!!
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!!!!!!
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