The big question in this game is whether Wisconsin has any kind of hangover from that loss in East Lansing. That was a devastating way to lose a game, so will they be able to get over it and show up for this game?
Ohio St. Offense vs Wisconsin Defense
Wisconsin is much better equipped to stop the run than Illinois was, so Ohio State will not be able to throw the ball 4 times and stay in this game. Michigan State showed the blueprint to beat this team. They beat them with the passing game. Wisconsin's defensive backs are not great and they miss tackles. Unfortunately for Ohio State, they don't have a senior pocket passing QB or any great receivers like Michigan State does. The key for Ohio State is to play like they did in the first 3 quarters against Nebraska. In that game, they kept Nebraska's defense off balance by throwing screens, designed QB runs, and quick passes. Wisconsin will blitz all night long and will have 8-9 guys in the box. Ohio State will have to be able to throw the ball to have any shot of moving the ball.
Advantage: Wisconsin Defense
Wisconsin Offense vs Ohio St. Defense
Ohio State will need to do much better at stopping the run than they did against Wisconsin last year. Last year, in Madison, Wisconsin lined up and manhandled the front 7 all night. Ohio State is better equipped to handle that this year because their defensive line and linebackers are bigger and the defensive line is deeper. Michigan State showed that Russell Wilson will make mistakes if you get pressure on him. The problem for Ohio State is that they have had trouble getting to the QB all year. Ohio State has been more willing this year to put their corners in man to man coverage than they have in years past, where they played almost all zone. That leads me to believe that Ohio State will load the box to stop the run, and put their corners out on islands vs the Wisconsin Wide Receivers.
Advantage: Ohio State
Advantages
QB: Wisconsin
RB: Even
WR: Wisconsin
TE: Even
OL: Even
DL: Ohio State
LB: Even
DB: Ohio State
Special Teams: Ohio State
Coaching: Wisconsin
Prediction: Both offenses will start out successful, but the defenses will settle in after the first couple of series, which will lead to a slugfest all night. The two keys to the game for Ohio State are whether Ohio State's defense can stay fresh through the 4th quarter, and whether Ohio State's offense can put together any semblance of a passing game. I suspect the Ohio State defense will keep it close, but I don't think the offense will be able to put up enough points to pull it out. I see it as Wisconsin: 27 Ohio State: 17
Subscribe To
Posts
All Comments
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
What we learned this week
- The win over Illinois doesn't look nearly as good, after they got dominated by Purdue
- Wisconsin's pass defense is not great
- Dantonio is a better coach than Bielema
- Alabama and LSU appear to be far and away the 2 best teams in the country. They remind me of OSU and Michigan in 2006. My guess is the one difference is that both will show up in their bowl games
- Oklahoma was exposed for what they are...overrated. Their defense is average and Landry Jones is a product of the system more than he is a great quarterback
- The Big East is horrendous (though this is nothing new)
- Notre Dame beating Michigan State had to be an aberration. There is no way ND should have been able to compete with them.
Around the NCAA (Week 8)
National Top 10
- Alabama
- LSU
- Stanford
- Clemson
- Oklahoma St
- Boise St
- Kansas St
- Michigan St
- Oregon
- Wisconsin
B1G Power Rankings
- Michigan St
- Wisconsin
- Nebraska
- Michigan
- Penn St
- Ohio St
- Iowa
- Purdue
- Illinois
- Northwestern
- Minnesota
- Indiana
SEC Power Rankings
- Alabama
- LSU
- Arkansas
- S. Carolina
- Georgia
- Auburn
- Florida
- Tennessee
- Mississippi St
- Vanderbilt
- Mississippi
- Kentucky
Big 12 Power Rankings
- Oklahoma St.
- Kansas St
- Oklahoma
- Texas A&M
- Baylor
- Texas Tech
- Texas
- Missouri
- Iowa St
- Kansas
ACC Power Rankings
- Clemson
- Virginia Tech
- Wake Forest
- Georgia Tech
- Miam
- Florida State
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- NC State
- Maryland
- Duke
- Boston College
Big East Power Rankings
- Cincinnati
- Syracuse
- West Virginia
- Rutgers
- Pittsburgh
- Connecticut
- S. Florida
- Louisville
Pac 12 Power Rankings
- Stanford
- Oregon
- Arizona St
- USC
- Washington
- California
- Washington St
- Utah
- Arizona
- Oregon St
- UCLA
- Colorado
Conference Rankings
- SEC
- Big 12
- B1G
- Pac 12
- ACC
- Big East
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Around the NCAA (Week 7)
National Top 10
- Alabama
- LSU
- Oklahoma
- Boise St
- Wisconsin
- Oklahoma St
- Stanford
- Clemson
- Oregon
- Arkansas
B1G Power Rankings
- Wisconsin
- Michigan St
- Nebraska
- Michigan
- Penn St
- Ohio St
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Northwestern
- Purdue
- Minnesota
- Indiana
SEC Power Rankings
- Alabama
- LSU
- Arkansas
- S. Carolina
- Georgia
- Auburn
- Florida
- Tennessee
- Mississippi St
- Vanderbilt
- Mississippi
- Kentucky
Big 12 Power Rankings
- Oklahoma
- Oklahoma St
- Kansas St
- Texas A&M
- Baylor
- Texas
- Texas Tech
- Missouri
- Iowa St
- Kansas
ACC Power Rankings
- Clemson
- Virginia Tech
- Wake Forest
- Virginia
- Georgia Tech
- Florida State
- Miami
- North Carolina
- Maryland
- NC State
- Duke
- Boston College
Big East Power Rankings
- West Virginia
- Rutgers
- Cincinnati
- Pittsburgh
- Connecticut
- Syracuse
- S. Florida
- Louisville
Pac 12 Power Rankings
- Stanford
- Oregon
- Arizona St
- USC
- Washington
- Washington St
- UCLA
- Cal
- Utah
- Oregon St
- Arizona
- Colorado
Conference Rankings
- SEC
- Big 12
- B1G
- Pac 12
- ACC
- Big East
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Ohio State vs Illinois Recap
I can't remember seeing a team win with 1 completion. It was amazing that Illinois allowed us to run basically the same play over and over without ever making any adjustments. It was nice to not be outcoached for once.
Quarterbacks: C - Miller did what was expected of him...which was nothing. A better grade might be incomplete, but since he did not make any big mistakes, I will give him a C.
Running Backs: A - I forgot how much we were missing without Boom. He runs as hard as any running back out there. He is not the biggest, fastest, or most powerful, but he is good in all those facets and he finishes every run. I hope Hyde can learn how to finish runs from watching Boom, because he will be a great one if he can get that from Herron.
Wide Receivers: B - How can I give a B when no there were no receptions by the receivers? Run blocking. Boom was able to bounce it outside almost at will because the receivers were blocking so well. They were not allowing the Illini corners to set the edge, which opened up some big runs.
Offensive Line: B+ - That was some dominating run blocking. That is the best performance from an OSU line in a long time. They finally came out knowing they were going to blow the defensive line off the ball, and then they came out and did it with a nasty attitude that has been lacking in the past. They lose the A, however, because of the continued false start penalties.
Defensive Line: A+ - Hankins and Simon were unbelievable. Hankins is the best defensive tackle we have had since Dan Wilkinson. He is unblockable, and I like the fact that he can play any position on the line. Simon reminds me a lot of Cam Heyward. He is relentless and always seems to make a play when one is needed. I liked seeing Bennett get a lot of PT out there too. If we had a weakside defensive end to go with Hankins, Simon, and Bennett, we would have a top 5 defensive line nationally. Even without a good end, they are still pretty damn good.
Linebackers: C+ - We just have to face the fact that we don't have any great linebackers for the first time in a long time. Shazier could become our next great one, but he is not there yet. Sweat was solid and Sabino didn't get caught out of position, but I would still like to see them making more plays.
Defensive Backs: A - They finally hung on to the ball when they had shots at interceptions. Roby played great and Travis Howard make a great interception. I liked seeing our corners up playing press man to man coverage. That is not something we have seen much with this coaching staff. Moeller, Barnett, and Bryant all had good games too.
Special Teams: B - Basil is turning into a very good kicker. That was not an easy kick. Buchanan didn't have the greatest distance on his punts today, but he was consistent and got good hang time to allow our coverage teams to do well.
Coaching: B - The offensive coaches realized that with the windy conditions and Illinois' very good pass rush, that it was not good conditions to make Miller make plays through the air. Add to that Illinois not adjusting to the draw play, Bollman just kept calling what was working. It was nice to see a commitment to running the ball, especially when we needed to run some clock. Bollman apparently learned from the mistakes of the 2nd half of the Nebraska game. Defensively, the coaches came up with a great gameplan. They realized Scheelhaase is not a great passer, so they pressed the receivers and committed to stopping the run and the easy passes.
Officiating: A - I don't recall any bad calls...which is all I can ask from officials.
Announcers: D - Is it just me, or is Bob Davie one of the most annoying announcers out there? I can't stand him.
Quarterbacks: C - Miller did what was expected of him...which was nothing. A better grade might be incomplete, but since he did not make any big mistakes, I will give him a C.
Running Backs: A - I forgot how much we were missing without Boom. He runs as hard as any running back out there. He is not the biggest, fastest, or most powerful, but he is good in all those facets and he finishes every run. I hope Hyde can learn how to finish runs from watching Boom, because he will be a great one if he can get that from Herron.
Wide Receivers: B - How can I give a B when no there were no receptions by the receivers? Run blocking. Boom was able to bounce it outside almost at will because the receivers were blocking so well. They were not allowing the Illini corners to set the edge, which opened up some big runs.
Offensive Line: B+ - That was some dominating run blocking. That is the best performance from an OSU line in a long time. They finally came out knowing they were going to blow the defensive line off the ball, and then they came out and did it with a nasty attitude that has been lacking in the past. They lose the A, however, because of the continued false start penalties.
Defensive Line: A+ - Hankins and Simon were unbelievable. Hankins is the best defensive tackle we have had since Dan Wilkinson. He is unblockable, and I like the fact that he can play any position on the line. Simon reminds me a lot of Cam Heyward. He is relentless and always seems to make a play when one is needed. I liked seeing Bennett get a lot of PT out there too. If we had a weakside defensive end to go with Hankins, Simon, and Bennett, we would have a top 5 defensive line nationally. Even without a good end, they are still pretty damn good.
Linebackers: C+ - We just have to face the fact that we don't have any great linebackers for the first time in a long time. Shazier could become our next great one, but he is not there yet. Sweat was solid and Sabino didn't get caught out of position, but I would still like to see them making more plays.
Defensive Backs: A - They finally hung on to the ball when they had shots at interceptions. Roby played great and Travis Howard make a great interception. I liked seeing our corners up playing press man to man coverage. That is not something we have seen much with this coaching staff. Moeller, Barnett, and Bryant all had good games too.
Special Teams: B - Basil is turning into a very good kicker. That was not an easy kick. Buchanan didn't have the greatest distance on his punts today, but he was consistent and got good hang time to allow our coverage teams to do well.
Coaching: B - The offensive coaches realized that with the windy conditions and Illinois' very good pass rush, that it was not good conditions to make Miller make plays through the air. Add to that Illinois not adjusting to the draw play, Bollman just kept calling what was working. It was nice to see a commitment to running the ball, especially when we needed to run some clock. Bollman apparently learned from the mistakes of the 2nd half of the Nebraska game. Defensively, the coaches came up with a great gameplan. They realized Scheelhaase is not a great passer, so they pressed the receivers and committed to stopping the run and the easy passes.
Officiating: A - I don't recall any bad calls...which is all I can ask from officials.
Announcers: D - Is it just me, or is Bob Davie one of the most annoying announcers out there? I can't stand him.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Ohio State vs Illinois Preview
Ohio St. Offense vs Illinois Defense
The big question in this game is which Ohio State team is going to show up, and will it be for the whole game? Will is be the Ohio State team from the 1st half of the Nebraska game that looked like vintage Ohio State, or will it be the Ohio State team from the 2nd half of the Nebraska game which we have been seeing all year. The other big question is can Miller make it through the whole game. You can bet Illinois is going to be blitzing a lot and trying to get as many shots on him as they can. The line is going to have to protect him and he is going to need to be careful when running.
What I would like to see: Ohio State coming out playing like they did to start the Nebraska game. I want to see some creative play calling, an offensive line that dominates the line of scrimmage, and Braxton Miller keeping the defense off balance and on their heels. I want to see Miller make it through the game unscathed and keep the offense on the field long enough to give the defense enough rest so they are not gassed in crunch time.
What I expect to see: I expect to see them closer to what we have seen all year than what we saw in the first half at Nebraska. We have always struggled on offense at Illinois, so I would expect this offense to struggle at least as much as those in the past. Illinois' defense is allowing under 3 yards per carry rushing. That is not good for this offense because they are not good enough to move the ball consistently through the air.
Advantage: Illinois Defense
Illinois Offense vs Ohio St. Defense
Illinois has had an explosive and balanced offense this year. Scheelhaase is a good runner and passer, so it will be important for the defense to remain disciplined. Jenkins has been one of the 2 best receivers in the B1G this year, so it will be important to keep him from getting big plays.
What I would like to see: I want to see the defense punish Scheelhaase when he runs. The defensive line needs to come out and dominate like they did against Nebraska in the first half. The linebackers need to play much more disciplined and aggressive than they did against Nebraska. The DB's will keep the receivers of Illinois in front of them all game to prevent the big plays.
What I expect to see: I expect to see our defense struggle in this game. Our linebackers (primarily Sabino) were exposed in the Nebraska and Miami games as being undisciplined, not aggressive, and unable to get off blocks. The defensive backfield has also shown that they can be beat deep, which is not good against Jenkins. Overall, I expect the defense to hold their own, but will give up some big plays.
Advantage: Even
Advantages
QB: Illinois
RB: Ohio State
WR: Illinois
TE: Ohio State
OL: Ohio State
DL: Ohio State
LB: Illinois
DB: Even
Special Teams: Ohio State
Coaching: Illinois
Prediction: Both offenses will come out aggressive and both will be mildly successful to start the game off. Then, I see the defenses settling down and dominating the middle parts of the game. Illinois has been weak on special teams, so Ohio State will need to get a few big returns and keep Illinois from getting any good returns. I expect the Ohio State offense to get an early lead and the special teams to keep them ahead throughout the game, but Illinois will wear the defense down and score late to stay unbeaten and send Buckeye Nation to a new low. I see it as Illinois: 24 Ohio State: 20
The big question in this game is which Ohio State team is going to show up, and will it be for the whole game? Will is be the Ohio State team from the 1st half of the Nebraska game that looked like vintage Ohio State, or will it be the Ohio State team from the 2nd half of the Nebraska game which we have been seeing all year. The other big question is can Miller make it through the whole game. You can bet Illinois is going to be blitzing a lot and trying to get as many shots on him as they can. The line is going to have to protect him and he is going to need to be careful when running.
What I would like to see: Ohio State coming out playing like they did to start the Nebraska game. I want to see some creative play calling, an offensive line that dominates the line of scrimmage, and Braxton Miller keeping the defense off balance and on their heels. I want to see Miller make it through the game unscathed and keep the offense on the field long enough to give the defense enough rest so they are not gassed in crunch time.
What I expect to see: I expect to see them closer to what we have seen all year than what we saw in the first half at Nebraska. We have always struggled on offense at Illinois, so I would expect this offense to struggle at least as much as those in the past. Illinois' defense is allowing under 3 yards per carry rushing. That is not good for this offense because they are not good enough to move the ball consistently through the air.
Advantage: Illinois Defense
Illinois Offense vs Ohio St. Defense
Illinois has had an explosive and balanced offense this year. Scheelhaase is a good runner and passer, so it will be important for the defense to remain disciplined. Jenkins has been one of the 2 best receivers in the B1G this year, so it will be important to keep him from getting big plays.
What I would like to see: I want to see the defense punish Scheelhaase when he runs. The defensive line needs to come out and dominate like they did against Nebraska in the first half. The linebackers need to play much more disciplined and aggressive than they did against Nebraska. The DB's will keep the receivers of Illinois in front of them all game to prevent the big plays.
What I expect to see: I expect to see our defense struggle in this game. Our linebackers (primarily Sabino) were exposed in the Nebraska and Miami games as being undisciplined, not aggressive, and unable to get off blocks. The defensive backfield has also shown that they can be beat deep, which is not good against Jenkins. Overall, I expect the defense to hold their own, but will give up some big plays.
Advantage: Even
Advantages
QB: Illinois
RB: Ohio State
WR: Illinois
TE: Ohio State
OL: Ohio State
DL: Ohio State
LB: Illinois
DB: Even
Special Teams: Ohio State
Coaching: Illinois
Prediction: Both offenses will come out aggressive and both will be mildly successful to start the game off. Then, I see the defenses settling down and dominating the middle parts of the game. Illinois has been weak on special teams, so Ohio State will need to get a few big returns and keep Illinois from getting any good returns. I expect the Ohio State offense to get an early lead and the special teams to keep them ahead throughout the game, but Illinois will wear the defense down and score late to stay unbeaten and send Buckeye Nation to a new low. I see it as Illinois: 24 Ohio State: 20
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Look at recruiting needs
Right now we have 13 commits. We don't know how many scholarships will be taken away by the NCAA, but even if they take some away, I would not sign more than 18. My reasoning behind this is that we are not in the running for many top recruits right now. We also do not have a ton of needs right now because we already have such a young roster. Therefore, I would stockpile some scholarships for after this NCAA ruling comes down.
The biggest need right now is at Offensive Tackle. We basically have 1 true tackle coming back next year (Norwell), so anyone of any quality could come in here and start from day 1. Losing Kalis to Michigan was devastating. The only other tackle we have a shot at, that is capable of coming in and starting, is Jordan Diamond out of Illinois. He is probably going to wait until very late in the recruiting process to make his decision. Even if we get Diamond (I don't think we will end up getting him), we need at least 1 other tackle to build some depth. The problem is that the top in-state tackles are committed elsewhere. I have my eyes on a tackle from Hamilton, Adam Pankey. Most of his offers right now are from MAC schools and a few Big East schools. He would not be able to contribute right away, but I like his raw skills. He is a dominating run blocker. He explodes off the ball and finishes his blocks. He will need to work on his pass blocking, but I like bringing him in as a future Right Tackle.
The other need is a weakside DE that can rush the passer. Luckily, we are high on the list of the best one in Ohio, Adolphus Washington. He is an absolute beast. He would be a huge get, and he could probably come in and be in the 2 deep right away. I am hoping we can also get Ifeadi Odenigbo out of Centerville. He is a bit of a project, but he has amazing raw talent.
If we could get Diamond, Washington, and Odenigbo, I would be ecstatic about this class. If we could get all three, I would still go after Dwayne Stanford, because we can always use a big receiver, and Pankey. That would give us 18. If we don't get Diamond, I would probably go after another Tackle project.
The biggest need right now is at Offensive Tackle. We basically have 1 true tackle coming back next year (Norwell), so anyone of any quality could come in here and start from day 1. Losing Kalis to Michigan was devastating. The only other tackle we have a shot at, that is capable of coming in and starting, is Jordan Diamond out of Illinois. He is probably going to wait until very late in the recruiting process to make his decision. Even if we get Diamond (I don't think we will end up getting him), we need at least 1 other tackle to build some depth. The problem is that the top in-state tackles are committed elsewhere. I have my eyes on a tackle from Hamilton, Adam Pankey. Most of his offers right now are from MAC schools and a few Big East schools. He would not be able to contribute right away, but I like his raw skills. He is a dominating run blocker. He explodes off the ball and finishes his blocks. He will need to work on his pass blocking, but I like bringing him in as a future Right Tackle.
The other need is a weakside DE that can rush the passer. Luckily, we are high on the list of the best one in Ohio, Adolphus Washington. He is an absolute beast. He would be a huge get, and he could probably come in and be in the 2 deep right away. I am hoping we can also get Ifeadi Odenigbo out of Centerville. He is a bit of a project, but he has amazing raw talent.
If we could get Diamond, Washington, and Odenigbo, I would be ecstatic about this class. If we could get all three, I would still go after Dwayne Stanford, because we can always use a big receiver, and Pankey. That would give us 18. If we don't get Diamond, I would probably go after another Tackle project.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Around the NCAA (Week 6)
National Top 10
- Alabama
- LSU
- Oklahoma
- Boise St
- Wisconsin
- Oklahoma St
- Clemson
- Stanford
- Oregon
- Arkansas
B1G Power Rankings
- Wisconsin
- Michigan St
- Michigan
- Illinois
- Nebraska
- Penn St
- Ohio St
- Northwestern
- Iowa
- Purdue
- Minnesota
- Indiana
SEC Power Rankings
- Alabama
- LSU
- Arkansas
- S. Carolina
- Georgia
- Auburn
- Florida
- Tennessee
- Mississippi St
- Vanderbilt
- Mississippi
- Kentucky
Big 12 Power Rankings
- Oklahoma
- Oklahoma St
- Kansas St
- Texas A&M
- Baylor
- Texas
- Texas Tech
- Missouri
- Iowa St
- Kansas
ACC Power Rankings
- Clemson
- Georgia Tech
- Virginia Tech
- North Carolina
- Wake Forest
- Florida State
- Miami
- Maryland
- Virginia
- NC State
- Duke
- Boston College
Big East Power Rankings
- West Virginia
- Rutgers
- Cincinnati
- Pittsburgh
- S. Florida
- Syracuse
- Louisville
- Connecticut
Pac 12 Power Rankings
- Stanford
- Oregon
- Arizona St
- USC
- Washington
- Washington St
- California
- Utah
- UCLA
- Oregon St
- Arizona
- Colorado
Conference Rankings
- SEC
- Big 12
- B1G
- ACC
- Pac 12
- Big East
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Initial Reaction to game
Well, that was unexpected. I don't think anyone saw this game playing out like that. A combination of the best half we have played all year, followed by probably the worst half of the year. I am disappointed in the loss, but I a little happy to at least see a little bit of progress. Here are my grades:
Quarterbacks: B- - Miller played much better than expected. It is too bad he got hurt on the terrible field. If he doesn't get hurt, I don't see us losing that game. Bauserman played exactly how you would expect him to play. I don't blame him, though, because he was put in a horrendous situation. They continued to run the same plays as they were for Miller. Bauserman cannot be expected to roll out and they can't run long developing plays that require him to throw deeper passes. Going forward, I don't see how they can keep Bauserman as the backup to Miller. He has proved repeatedly that he cannot play quarterback at this level.
Running Backs: B+ - Hall and Hyde played very well, especially Hyde. I was glad to see Hyde finally running hard and finishing his runs. He is going to be a very good one.
Wide Receivers: C+ - It was nice having Brown back from injury. He was finally able to give us someone who can get separation. He would have had 2 touchdowns if the QB's would have made good throws. The other receivers were below average, as usual.
Offensive Line: B+ - This was the most pleasant surprise of the game. The pass blocking was great. The run blocking was pretty good, but could have been much better later in the game. There was also the obligatory false start by Shugarts
Defensive Line: B - Hankins is a stud. He led the defensive line in dominating the entire first half. They just got completely worn out in the second half. I don't understand why there was not more of a rotation throughout the game, especially in the 2nd half. When the offense continually goes 3 and out and turns the ball over, the defense is going to get worn out. The coaching staff needs to recognize this and make adjustments to the rotation.
Linebackers: F - This is the position that deserves most of the blame for this loss. I have no idea what Sabino was doing. He was lost out there. He was out of position almost every play. Martinez was Sabino's assignment on most of the option plays, yet Sabino continuously ran right by the hole that was his responsibility to try to chase the running back, and Martinez would run right by. Sabino also appeared to be just jogging and running through the motions half the time. As soon as a blocker engaged him, he basically gave up on the play. Sweat and Klein weren't a whole lot better. They made very few plays.
Defensive Backs: D- - Missed tackles, bad coverage, and penalties cover it for the defensive backs.
Special Teams: C - Punting was good, but not great. Punt coverage was good, but kick coverage was average. Would have been nice to have a reliable field goal kicker to allow us to kick that long field goal, but since we don't, I think it was the right call to punt.
Coaching: D - The playcalling with Miller in the game was much better...they actually ran a screen and rolled Miller out!!! However, once Miller was out of the game, the play calling should have been adjusted for Bauserman. Instead, they ran the same type of plays and allowed Bauserman to throw the ball way too much. Defensively, I already mentioned that they should have been rotating the line to keep them fresh for the 4th quarter. I would also like to see some kind of emotion out of Fickell and maybe some coaching on the sideline.
Officiating: B - There were some missed holding calls and the late hit on Moeller on the final drive was a joke, but overall the officiating was pretty good.
Announcers: C - They were very annoying, but I am chalking most of that up to my bad mood from being on the losing end. Millen provides nothing. You don't learn anything from him. He provides very little insight beyond the obvious.
Quarterbacks: B- - Miller played much better than expected. It is too bad he got hurt on the terrible field. If he doesn't get hurt, I don't see us losing that game. Bauserman played exactly how you would expect him to play. I don't blame him, though, because he was put in a horrendous situation. They continued to run the same plays as they were for Miller. Bauserman cannot be expected to roll out and they can't run long developing plays that require him to throw deeper passes. Going forward, I don't see how they can keep Bauserman as the backup to Miller. He has proved repeatedly that he cannot play quarterback at this level.
Running Backs: B+ - Hall and Hyde played very well, especially Hyde. I was glad to see Hyde finally running hard and finishing his runs. He is going to be a very good one.
Wide Receivers: C+ - It was nice having Brown back from injury. He was finally able to give us someone who can get separation. He would have had 2 touchdowns if the QB's would have made good throws. The other receivers were below average, as usual.
Offensive Line: B+ - This was the most pleasant surprise of the game. The pass blocking was great. The run blocking was pretty good, but could have been much better later in the game. There was also the obligatory false start by Shugarts
Defensive Line: B - Hankins is a stud. He led the defensive line in dominating the entire first half. They just got completely worn out in the second half. I don't understand why there was not more of a rotation throughout the game, especially in the 2nd half. When the offense continually goes 3 and out and turns the ball over, the defense is going to get worn out. The coaching staff needs to recognize this and make adjustments to the rotation.
Linebackers: F - This is the position that deserves most of the blame for this loss. I have no idea what Sabino was doing. He was lost out there. He was out of position almost every play. Martinez was Sabino's assignment on most of the option plays, yet Sabino continuously ran right by the hole that was his responsibility to try to chase the running back, and Martinez would run right by. Sabino also appeared to be just jogging and running through the motions half the time. As soon as a blocker engaged him, he basically gave up on the play. Sweat and Klein weren't a whole lot better. They made very few plays.
Defensive Backs: D- - Missed tackles, bad coverage, and penalties cover it for the defensive backs.
Special Teams: C - Punting was good, but not great. Punt coverage was good, but kick coverage was average. Would have been nice to have a reliable field goal kicker to allow us to kick that long field goal, but since we don't, I think it was the right call to punt.
Coaching: D - The playcalling with Miller in the game was much better...they actually ran a screen and rolled Miller out!!! However, once Miller was out of the game, the play calling should have been adjusted for Bauserman. Instead, they ran the same type of plays and allowed Bauserman to throw the ball way too much. Defensively, I already mentioned that they should have been rotating the line to keep them fresh for the 4th quarter. I would also like to see some kind of emotion out of Fickell and maybe some coaching on the sideline.
Officiating: B - There were some missed holding calls and the late hit on Moeller on the final drive was a joke, but overall the officiating was pretty good.
Announcers: C - They were very annoying, but I am chalking most of that up to my bad mood from being on the losing end. Millen provides nothing. You don't learn anything from him. He provides very little insight beyond the obvious.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Ohio State vs Nebraska Preview
Ohio St. Offense vs Nebraska Defense
Can Ohio St. do anything on offense? That is the key to the game. The good news is that this is not a vintage "Black Shirts" defense for Nebraska. They got completely manhandled by Wisconsin, though our offense is definitely not Wisconsin. Nebraska is 64th if the FBS in Total Defense and 73rd in Points Against. This should give Ohio State's offense a little better chance than against Michigan State.
The big question to me is how conservative will Ohio St be. If they come out playing predictably conservative, like they have all year, then this is going to be another long night. Nebraska is going to stack the box all night to stop the run and will blitz Miller at every chance. Will Ohio St be able to pass the ball to keep Nebraska's defense honest?
What I would like to see: Everyone assumes Ohio St will come out very conservative, so I would like to see Ohio St. come out in the "I" formation and run a play action deep ball the first play of the game. Then, I would like to see a heavy dose of play action bootlegs, WR screens, and RB screens throughout the first few possessions to hopefully keep the defense honest, so they cannot tee off on the running game and blitzing Miller.
What I expect to see: I expect to see a lot of the same. I expect to see Ohio St come out running the ball and playing very conservatively. Most likely, Ohio St will run almost every first and second down, leaving Miller in tough 3rd and longs all night.
Advantage: Nebraska Defense
Nebraska Offense vs Ohio St. Defense
The key to this matchup is whether Ohio St. can stop Nebraska's running game. Ohio St. needs to be able to stop the run and force Martinez to try to win the game through the air. Martinez is a 50% passer and is prone to making mistakes (5 interceptions this year).
What I would like to see: I am hoping to see Ohio State's defensive line dominate this game. The buckeye defense needs to stop the Nebraska running game, and force them into obvious passing downs. I then want to see the DB's make plays. I want at least 2 interceptions, including a much needed defensive touchdown. They have been close a few times this year to getting Int's that would have turned into pick 6's. This is the game they need to convert some of those Int's.
What I expect to see: I expect to see Nebraska play fairly conservative offensively. They have to know that Ohio State's offense is going to have trouble scoring any points, so they will not too many chances.
Advantage: Ohio State Defense
Advantages
QB: Nebraska
RB: Nebraska
WR: Nebraska
TE: Ohio State
OL: Nebraska
DL: Ohio State
LB: Nebraska
DB: Ohio State
Special Teams: Nebraska
Coaching: Nebraska
Predicion: Both teams will come out conservative on offense and aggressive on defense. This will be another low scoring game. Ohio State's only chance is to get the lead early and try to hang on. It will also be important to get some big defensive and special teams plays. I see the defense keeping it close, but I can't see our offense being able to do enough in a hostile environment to win the game. I see it as Nebraska: 20 Ohio State: 13
Can Ohio St. do anything on offense? That is the key to the game. The good news is that this is not a vintage "Black Shirts" defense for Nebraska. They got completely manhandled by Wisconsin, though our offense is definitely not Wisconsin. Nebraska is 64th if the FBS in Total Defense and 73rd in Points Against. This should give Ohio State's offense a little better chance than against Michigan State.
The big question to me is how conservative will Ohio St be. If they come out playing predictably conservative, like they have all year, then this is going to be another long night. Nebraska is going to stack the box all night to stop the run and will blitz Miller at every chance. Will Ohio St be able to pass the ball to keep Nebraska's defense honest?
What I would like to see: Everyone assumes Ohio St will come out very conservative, so I would like to see Ohio St. come out in the "I" formation and run a play action deep ball the first play of the game. Then, I would like to see a heavy dose of play action bootlegs, WR screens, and RB screens throughout the first few possessions to hopefully keep the defense honest, so they cannot tee off on the running game and blitzing Miller.
What I expect to see: I expect to see a lot of the same. I expect to see Ohio St come out running the ball and playing very conservatively. Most likely, Ohio St will run almost every first and second down, leaving Miller in tough 3rd and longs all night.
Advantage: Nebraska Defense
Nebraska Offense vs Ohio St. Defense
The key to this matchup is whether Ohio St. can stop Nebraska's running game. Ohio St. needs to be able to stop the run and force Martinez to try to win the game through the air. Martinez is a 50% passer and is prone to making mistakes (5 interceptions this year).
What I would like to see: I am hoping to see Ohio State's defensive line dominate this game. The buckeye defense needs to stop the Nebraska running game, and force them into obvious passing downs. I then want to see the DB's make plays. I want at least 2 interceptions, including a much needed defensive touchdown. They have been close a few times this year to getting Int's that would have turned into pick 6's. This is the game they need to convert some of those Int's.
What I expect to see: I expect to see Nebraska play fairly conservative offensively. They have to know that Ohio State's offense is going to have trouble scoring any points, so they will not too many chances.
Advantage: Ohio State Defense
Advantages
QB: Nebraska
RB: Nebraska
WR: Nebraska
TE: Ohio State
OL: Nebraska
DL: Ohio State
LB: Nebraska
DB: Ohio State
Special Teams: Nebraska
Coaching: Nebraska
Predicion: Both teams will come out conservative on offense and aggressive on defense. This will be another low scoring game. Ohio State's only chance is to get the lead early and try to hang on. It will also be important to get some big defensive and special teams plays. I see the defense keeping it close, but I can't see our offense being able to do enough in a hostile environment to win the game. I see it as Nebraska: 20 Ohio State: 13
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Second thoughts on why offense isn't working
I couldn't get over the lack of offense, so I decided to go back over some tapes of games over the last 10 years to compare the offenses. Some of what I found was expected, but there were a few unexpected things. Here is a comparison of factors in the offenses I saw:
Wide Receiver talent
The talent at wide receiver right now is the worst in over 10 years. Here is a list of receivers over the past 10 years:
2001-2003: Michael Jenkins (WR for Minnesota Vikings) Chris Gamble, Drew Carter
2004-2005: Santonio Holmes (#1 receiver for NY Jets) Ted Ginn (WR for San Francisco) Anthony Gonzalez (starter for Colts until injuries)
2006: Ted Ginn and Anthony Gonzalez
2007-2008: Brian Robiskie (contributor on Cleveland Browns) Brian Hartline (starting WR for Miami Dolphins)
2009-2010: Posey and Sanzenbacher (contributor on Chicago Bears in rookie season)
That is some serious talent. Every year we have been fortunate enough to have at least 2 NFL receivers. Now compare that to this year....YIKES! The only receiver on the depth chart right now that I can see ever having a shot at making it in the NFL is Devin Smith, but he is not at that level right now. When you watch the games so far this year, our receivers can't get any separation and they lack any playmaking ability. Posey's suspension and Philly Brown's injury were devastating to this team. Our receiving core still would not have been great, but they would have been pretty good with Posey and Brown outside with Devin Smith in the slot.
Playcalling:
I never thought I would find myself longing for Jim Tressel calling the plays. Tressel was conservative, but he always had a plan with the playcalling. Even when we couldn't run in the past, he would continue to call running plays to keep defenses honest when he did want to pass. The lone exception I found while watching tapes was the Florida game, and our offense this year actually looks very similar to that game. In that game, we gave up on the run very early in the game (even before the game was getting out of hand). This allowed the defense of Florida to pin their ears back and just go after Troy Smith. No adjustments were made and the rest is history that I'd like to forget.
If you watch the playcalling this year, it is very similar. When we have gotten behind or when the run doesn't seem to be working, we give up on the run and put Miller back in Shotgun with 1 back. This has allowed the defense to rush Miller without any regard to much running threat. We should be running our offense primarily out of the "I" formation. Boren is probably the best player on this offense, so we should have him in the game. Playing out of the "I" forces the defense to always have to account for the run. This should allow us to run effective play action passes and boot legs for Miller that will give him some time to throw or run without everyone on the defense focusing on him.
I also noticed that when we have had what appeared to be bad offensive lines in the past, we also had QB's who held onto the ball too long. When we are going to have Miller pass, we need to call passing plays that are simple and quick developing. We need more WR screens, quick slants, and then every now and then mix in a deep thrown to keep the safeties honest.
QB Coaching
I miss Joe Daniels as the QB coach. Since Nick Siciliano has become the QB coach, I have seen no development of out quarterbacks. Bauserman has obviously not improved, Pryor never really developed as a QB, and Miller is still looking as lost as he did his first game. Go back to previous QB's and look at the development. Look at the progression that Krenzel, Smith, and Boeckman made over their careers. I understand it is very early to look for any development of Braxton Miller, but I get so upset when I look at the sideline after the offense comes off the field and Miller is standing there by himself just watching the game. There needs to be a coach down there going over the previous series with him and discussing the next drive.
Final Thoughts
Of course the suspensions are the main reason this offense is so pathetic. Miller, Devin Smith, and Evan Spencer were all forced into action a year earlier than they should have been. Having Pryor, Posey, and Adams would have made a world of difference, but we can't dwell on that because nothing is going to change for the better with that situation. All we can hope for is that the playcalling gets better, and that Miller and the young WR's develop quickly.
The talent at wide receiver right now is the worst in over 10 years. Here is a list of receivers over the past 10 years:
2001-2003: Michael Jenkins (WR for Minnesota Vikings) Chris Gamble, Drew Carter
2004-2005: Santonio Holmes (#1 receiver for NY Jets) Ted Ginn (WR for San Francisco) Anthony Gonzalez (starter for Colts until injuries)
2006: Ted Ginn and Anthony Gonzalez
2007-2008: Brian Robiskie (contributor on Cleveland Browns) Brian Hartline (starting WR for Miami Dolphins)
2009-2010: Posey and Sanzenbacher (contributor on Chicago Bears in rookie season)
That is some serious talent. Every year we have been fortunate enough to have at least 2 NFL receivers. Now compare that to this year....YIKES! The only receiver on the depth chart right now that I can see ever having a shot at making it in the NFL is Devin Smith, but he is not at that level right now. When you watch the games so far this year, our receivers can't get any separation and they lack any playmaking ability. Posey's suspension and Philly Brown's injury were devastating to this team. Our receiving core still would not have been great, but they would have been pretty good with Posey and Brown outside with Devin Smith in the slot.
Playcalling:
I never thought I would find myself longing for Jim Tressel calling the plays. Tressel was conservative, but he always had a plan with the playcalling. Even when we couldn't run in the past, he would continue to call running plays to keep defenses honest when he did want to pass. The lone exception I found while watching tapes was the Florida game, and our offense this year actually looks very similar to that game. In that game, we gave up on the run very early in the game (even before the game was getting out of hand). This allowed the defense of Florida to pin their ears back and just go after Troy Smith. No adjustments were made and the rest is history that I'd like to forget.
If you watch the playcalling this year, it is very similar. When we have gotten behind or when the run doesn't seem to be working, we give up on the run and put Miller back in Shotgun with 1 back. This has allowed the defense to rush Miller without any regard to much running threat. We should be running our offense primarily out of the "I" formation. Boren is probably the best player on this offense, so we should have him in the game. Playing out of the "I" forces the defense to always have to account for the run. This should allow us to run effective play action passes and boot legs for Miller that will give him some time to throw or run without everyone on the defense focusing on him.
I also noticed that when we have had what appeared to be bad offensive lines in the past, we also had QB's who held onto the ball too long. When we are going to have Miller pass, we need to call passing plays that are simple and quick developing. We need more WR screens, quick slants, and then every now and then mix in a deep thrown to keep the safeties honest.
QB Coaching
I miss Joe Daniels as the QB coach. Since Nick Siciliano has become the QB coach, I have seen no development of out quarterbacks. Bauserman has obviously not improved, Pryor never really developed as a QB, and Miller is still looking as lost as he did his first game. Go back to previous QB's and look at the development. Look at the progression that Krenzel, Smith, and Boeckman made over their careers. I understand it is very early to look for any development of Braxton Miller, but I get so upset when I look at the sideline after the offense comes off the field and Miller is standing there by himself just watching the game. There needs to be a coach down there going over the previous series with him and discussing the next drive.
Final Thoughts
Of course the suspensions are the main reason this offense is so pathetic. Miller, Devin Smith, and Evan Spencer were all forced into action a year earlier than they should have been. Having Pryor, Posey, and Adams would have made a world of difference, but we can't dwell on that because nothing is going to change for the better with that situation. All we can hope for is that the playcalling gets better, and that Miller and the young WR's develop quickly.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Update: Posey, Herron, and Hall are all out for Nebraska game
Gene Smith just announced that Posey, Herron, and Marcus Hall are out for the Nebraska game. He is applying for reinstatement for the players, but he doesn't know if or when they will be reinstated.
Smith said this will delay the NCAA decision on punishment and he doesn't believe a lack of institutional control and failure to monitor will result because everything so far has been individual and separate violations. My question is how many individual violations happen before it is considered institutional. I hope the answer is more than what Ohio State has been found guilty of. I am also wondering why Gene Smith has his job still. I think Smith and the entire football staff needs cleaned out at the end of the season. I would also kick Posey and Herron off the team for rest of the year. I would give Hall another chance because this is the first violation I am aware of with him, but the other 2 are repeat offenders and should be kicked off the team.
Smith said this will delay the NCAA decision on punishment and he doesn't believe a lack of institutional control and failure to monitor will result because everything so far has been individual and separate violations. My question is how many individual violations happen before it is considered institutional. I hope the answer is more than what Ohio State has been found guilty of. I am also wondering why Gene Smith has his job still. I think Smith and the entire football staff needs cleaned out at the end of the season. I would also kick Posey and Herron off the team for rest of the year. I would give Hall another chance because this is the first violation I am aware of with him, but the other 2 are repeat offenders and should be kicked off the team.
Herron or Posey might not be cleared for Nebraska game
Yahoo sports is reporting one of the suspended players may not be cleared for Saturday night's game against Nebraska. The Columbus Dispatch says that Herron and Posey are under investigation for receiving improper benefits for work done over the summer, so it looks like it will be one or both of them. Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith is scheduled to make an announcement on the situation at 3:30 this afternoon.
Ohio State - Michigan State Grades
QB - F
I understand the O-Line and Playcalling were horrendous, but the QB's still have to be able to do something. Neither QB could even throw a spiral. Bauserman missed a lot of open receivers. He just doesn't seem to have the arm strength to make throws to the outside. Braxton still looks like a deer in the headlights.
RB - C
Average game by the Running Backs. A lot of this has to do with pathetic blocking, poor play calling, and inability to pass, but I would still have liked to see a few broken tackles or another big play.
WR - D-
Yet again they couldn't get any separation until the defense was in prevent. Also saw some very costly dropped passes and a lack of effort by Devin Smith on Miller's interception might have been the play of the game.
OL - F
I would give them lower if I could. This was one of the worst performances I have ever seen. Penalties, missed blocks, etc.
DL - B+
Great against the run. The only thing more I can ask for is a consistent pass rush. That is not going to happen though with the lack of speed on this line.
LB - C-
More missed tackles and still no linebackers making any plays. Can't remember the last time we haven't had any playmakers at linebacker.
DB - B
Played solid, but not great. This game should put to rest any thoughts of Travis Howard going pro after this year. He got schooled by Cunningham.
Special Teams - B-
Kick coverage was outstanding. Returns were below average. Punting was average.
Coaching - F
A better grade might be 'What Coaching'. Offensive playcalling was horrible as usual. There is no gameplan and no offensive identity (other than bad). There are almost no quick hitting passes to help get the ball out quickly. There is also absolutely no coaching on the sidelines. If you watched Florida-Alabama when Florida had to put their freshman QB in the game, you would have seen Charlie Weiss talking to the QB after every series. Braxton Miller comes off the field and stands by himself. Need to have someone going over the plays with him to tell him what he did right, wrong, and what he can do differently next time.
I understand the O-Line and Playcalling were horrendous, but the QB's still have to be able to do something. Neither QB could even throw a spiral. Bauserman missed a lot of open receivers. He just doesn't seem to have the arm strength to make throws to the outside. Braxton still looks like a deer in the headlights.
RB - C
Average game by the Running Backs. A lot of this has to do with pathetic blocking, poor play calling, and inability to pass, but I would still have liked to see a few broken tackles or another big play.
WR - D-
Yet again they couldn't get any separation until the defense was in prevent. Also saw some very costly dropped passes and a lack of effort by Devin Smith on Miller's interception might have been the play of the game.
OL - F
I would give them lower if I could. This was one of the worst performances I have ever seen. Penalties, missed blocks, etc.
DL - B+
Great against the run. The only thing more I can ask for is a consistent pass rush. That is not going to happen though with the lack of speed on this line.
LB - C-
More missed tackles and still no linebackers making any plays. Can't remember the last time we haven't had any playmakers at linebacker.
DB - B
Played solid, but not great. This game should put to rest any thoughts of Travis Howard going pro after this year. He got schooled by Cunningham.
Special Teams - B-
Kick coverage was outstanding. Returns were below average. Punting was average.
Coaching - F
A better grade might be 'What Coaching'. Offensive playcalling was horrible as usual. There is no gameplan and no offensive identity (other than bad). There are almost no quick hitting passes to help get the ball out quickly. There is also absolutely no coaching on the sidelines. If you watched Florida-Alabama when Florida had to put their freshman QB in the game, you would have seen Charlie Weiss talking to the QB after every series. Braxton Miller comes off the field and stands by himself. Need to have someone going over the plays with him to tell him what he did right, wrong, and what he can do differently next time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)