I implore the Michigan athletic administration to find a remedy for the Michigan football program ... quick.
THE Game has lost something in the 7-0 run Jim Tressel has put on the Wolverines in the past seven years. I've lost the nervousness in the pit of my stomach that comes just before kickoff. I no longer spend the week worrying about the outcome. The Vegas line has been ridiculous over the past several years, indicating that even the book-makers see no drama in the outcome.
I miss the drama.
And frankly, the mediocre football program that has become Michigan football does nothing to benefit the Big Ten or the Buckeyes in particular. Strength of schedule does matter in the current BCS math. Sure, Michigan is bowl eligible this season ... and while that is an improvement, 6 wins is nothing to brag about. Six wins does nothing to bolster the reputation of the Big Ten as "big, slow, and good-but-not-great" as conferences go.
Gordon Gee might even be including Michigan football in the "little sisters of the poor" soon if nothing is done.
I think the conclusion that should be made by the Michigan administration is that the Big East brand of football has no place in the Midwest (listening Notre Dame?) and that the spread can be defeated. Sure, Denard Robinson is a phenom, but he can't hold up against the 300+ pound linemen of Wisconsin, the hard-hitting secondary of the Buckeyes, or the chill in the air that is Big Ten football in October and November. I'll be surprised if Robinson can walk when he's 50 having taken this year of punishment alone. And as for his NFL future, he's not the quintessential NFL QB. He throws a nice ball, but he stands little chance of surviving the pounding in the NFL when he can barely finish a game in the Big Ten.
I miss the years of Bo followed by Lloyd Carr. The games were exciting, competitive, and meant something. The winner often won the Big Ten championship and went on to the Rose Bowl. I miss the feeling in the pitt of my stomach prior to kickoff. I miss the drama and the build-up to THE Game.
Michigan ... do something!
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
7 in a Row
Greetings from chilly C-bus:
Where there are nothing but warm feelings for the Buckeyes today.
First, the Block O controversy. The 1942 tribute uniforms came with specially designed gloves that Nike manufactured to make an "O" when the hands are placed together in the manner demonstrated by a number of Buckeyes Saturday. When the uniforms were passed out last week, Coach Tressel even demonstrated to the team how to make the "O" with the gloves. My guess is that the gloves were trashed following the two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties assessed following two of the Buckeye touchdowns. However, two early Buckeye TDs also were followed by the Block O without penalty - one was by Dane Sanzenbacher, clearly caught on televised coverage. The still photos in today's Columbus Dispatch actually show the "O" quite clearly. The concept is pretty innovative ... good thing the game was not in doubt at the time the penalties were assessed, for the most part.
I am personally tired of the slow-start offense we've seen in the past several games. I know that Michigan tried to commit an extra man to the box to stop the run and that some early completions in the passing game would have forced Michigan to get honest on defense a lot earlier in the game. But we couldn't connect early. I continue to marvel at the Buckeyes inability to get things going early.
But when it came down to it, the Buckeyes rolled up 478 yards in total offense and they converted 10 of 18 third downs in the final tally.
Didn't feel like it.
Props to Boom Herron who amassed over 1000 yards on the season and finished with 175 yards on 22 carries including the long 89 that should have been 98. The 89 yards ties Gene Fekete for the longest run from scrimmage by a Buckeye. Should have been 98. The passing game was fairly evenly distributed among 5 receivers - Posey caught 5 for 82 yards and a TD, Saine had 4 catches for 11 total yards, and Sanzenbacher and Stoneburner had 3 apiece for 71 and 33 yards, respectively. Zach Boren had 2 for 10 yards ... and the fullback actually had a carry!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, for 2 yards. I still call for Zach to get the hand off much more often, but I still love zeroing in on his blocking. He gets more pancakes than Ihop.
Pryor was a respectable 18 of 27 for 220 yards passing and 2 TDs. He had 1 INT that Tressel took credit for in the interview at the half saying that he (Tress) was greedy going for the TD rather than the FG. Pryor also had 12 carries for 49 yards.
On the defense, Cam Heyward seemed to be under the skin of the Michigan offensive line all day. Cam actually had just 6 tackles but there were a lot of near-calls by the officials headed in his direction. Chimdi Chekwa, Ross Homan, Brian Rolle, and Jermale Hines - 4 seniors - had 8 tackles each. Rolle's speed was no match for Michigan's O line and he had 2 TFLs for 9 yards lost. Nathan Williams was also wreaking havoc and he had 2 TFLs for 12 yards. John Simon had another TFL and LB Andrew Sweat actually had 5 TFLs for a total of 2 yards (let's call those a few inches behind the line each). The list of defensive players with tackles in the game totals 24. It's great when the defense can go that deep into the roster in a Michigan game. Pretty much tells you that while the game at times felt closer, it was rarely in doubt.
And props to the defense for forcing three turnovers.
Special teams was special ... Jordan Hall's TD on the kickoff following Michigan's only score was probably the turning point in the game. The game was suddenly close and then, it wasn't. Michigan had just gone 80 yards in 11 plays for a score and Hall returns one 85 to immediately answer. That single play shut down any momentum that UM might have generated. Also, punter Ben Buchanan had a career long punt of 59yards and in 4 punts, he averaged a respectable 44.5 yards per punt.
So what does it all mean ... it means we win a stellar 6th Big Ten conference title. And it means, we wait. We wait about 2 weeks for a bowl bid and an opponent. The Rose Bowl seems unlikely. The Sugar Bowl, somewhat likely. The Orange Bowl, remote.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Where there are nothing but warm feelings for the Buckeyes today.
First, the Block O controversy. The 1942 tribute uniforms came with specially designed gloves that Nike manufactured to make an "O" when the hands are placed together in the manner demonstrated by a number of Buckeyes Saturday. When the uniforms were passed out last week, Coach Tressel even demonstrated to the team how to make the "O" with the gloves. My guess is that the gloves were trashed following the two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties assessed following two of the Buckeye touchdowns. However, two early Buckeye TDs also were followed by the Block O without penalty - one was by Dane Sanzenbacher, clearly caught on televised coverage. The still photos in today's Columbus Dispatch actually show the "O" quite clearly. The concept is pretty innovative ... good thing the game was not in doubt at the time the penalties were assessed, for the most part.
I am personally tired of the slow-start offense we've seen in the past several games. I know that Michigan tried to commit an extra man to the box to stop the run and that some early completions in the passing game would have forced Michigan to get honest on defense a lot earlier in the game. But we couldn't connect early. I continue to marvel at the Buckeyes inability to get things going early.
But when it came down to it, the Buckeyes rolled up 478 yards in total offense and they converted 10 of 18 third downs in the final tally.
Didn't feel like it.
Props to Boom Herron who amassed over 1000 yards on the season and finished with 175 yards on 22 carries including the long 89 that should have been 98. The 89 yards ties Gene Fekete for the longest run from scrimmage by a Buckeye. Should have been 98. The passing game was fairly evenly distributed among 5 receivers - Posey caught 5 for 82 yards and a TD, Saine had 4 catches for 11 total yards, and Sanzenbacher and Stoneburner had 3 apiece for 71 and 33 yards, respectively. Zach Boren had 2 for 10 yards ... and the fullback actually had a carry!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, for 2 yards. I still call for Zach to get the hand off much more often, but I still love zeroing in on his blocking. He gets more pancakes than Ihop.
Pryor was a respectable 18 of 27 for 220 yards passing and 2 TDs. He had 1 INT that Tressel took credit for in the interview at the half saying that he (Tress) was greedy going for the TD rather than the FG. Pryor also had 12 carries for 49 yards.
On the defense, Cam Heyward seemed to be under the skin of the Michigan offensive line all day. Cam actually had just 6 tackles but there were a lot of near-calls by the officials headed in his direction. Chimdi Chekwa, Ross Homan, Brian Rolle, and Jermale Hines - 4 seniors - had 8 tackles each. Rolle's speed was no match for Michigan's O line and he had 2 TFLs for 9 yards lost. Nathan Williams was also wreaking havoc and he had 2 TFLs for 12 yards. John Simon had another TFL and LB Andrew Sweat actually had 5 TFLs for a total of 2 yards (let's call those a few inches behind the line each). The list of defensive players with tackles in the game totals 24. It's great when the defense can go that deep into the roster in a Michigan game. Pretty much tells you that while the game at times felt closer, it was rarely in doubt.
And props to the defense for forcing three turnovers.
Special teams was special ... Jordan Hall's TD on the kickoff following Michigan's only score was probably the turning point in the game. The game was suddenly close and then, it wasn't. Michigan had just gone 80 yards in 11 plays for a score and Hall returns one 85 to immediately answer. That single play shut down any momentum that UM might have generated. Also, punter Ben Buchanan had a career long punt of 59yards and in 4 punts, he averaged a respectable 44.5 yards per punt.
So what does it all mean ... it means we win a stellar 6th Big Ten conference title. And it means, we wait. We wait about 2 weeks for a bowl bid and an opponent. The Rose Bowl seems unlikely. The Sugar Bowl, somewhat likely. The Orange Bowl, remote.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Whew!
Greetings from Cbus,
It's a bright, sunny fall day in C-bus. Were it not for bare trees, one might think of the spring as lawn mower sounds abound as the lazy use their mowers to take down the last of the leaves. It's November and that's not a month when the Tressel-led Buckeyes surrender the Big Ten championship easily.
I was experiencing another torturous weekend of ACC football in BB&T stadium when the Bucks kicked off at 3:30. Thanks to technology (Slingbox), I was watching the Buckeye game and my daughter at the same time. And yes, being the superstitious type, I had my Buckeye gear on ... in part because my daughter's team wears Iowa colors. I stood out enough that the team mascot was agasp ... but mostly out of jealousy because my team stands to play another game after next weekend, while the mascot (and his two other costume inhabitants) only has basketball after Nov. 27. In fact, many in the stands were pretty well-educated when it came to Big Ten football ... and they had plenty of opinions (mostly positive) about the football played up north of the Mason-Dixon line.
I have to say that going into yesterday's game, I had taken something that Chris Spielman had said earlier to heart ... he apparently had in his TV broadcast a week ago cited Adrian Clayborn for taking plays off, stating that Clayborn had his head in the NFL already. This might explain Iowa's 4th (counting yesterday) loss this season after having led or been tied going into the fourth quarter. I was pretty confident that we might be able to win a dogfight. I think Tressel puts it best when he talks about a team that "never stops fighting". Apparently Ferentz needs to drill the same into his team's heads.
At the same time, DeVier Posey's drop made me think that he had his head in the NFL already ... too.
The game was a defensive battle for the most part. However, the team that led the NCAA in net turnovers (the Bucks) posted a -2 for the game. In most games against a strong contender, the team that wins the turnover battle wins the game. Not so yesterday ... luckily ... or perhaps it was just a matter of talent and (unexpected) play calling that won out.
Who'd a thought that the Bucks would leave behind their recent modus operandi coming into the game of Boom first, pass second to Posey and Dane. The Bucks game in with a completely unexpected game plan ... and the sputtering offense appeared to show how uncomfortable the team was with spreading the field, throwing to the TE's, the swing passes, and some bombs down field. What did seem to make the team relax was putting the ball in Terrelle Pryor's hands 15 times from where he gained 78 yards ... and a critical 14 when it counted. The steady Dane Sanzenbacher, however, was not going to be silenced. Terrelle Pryor apparently called the 24 yard pass play that led to the critical final drive completion. It was the same play called as the one at the end of the first half when, looking for Taurian Washington, TP threw his first of 2 INTs. On that play, Sanzenbacher had been covered by a linebacker and TP knew that the same play would likely draw the same coverage. All on the sideline liked their chances of Dane vs an Iowa LB and the acrobatic Sanzenbacher did not disappoint. Sanzenbacher finished the game with 6 catches for 102 yards.
And Sanzenbacher was quick not to point a finger at Posey. He too owned up to a missed catch during the game. In fact, the second INT came on a pass attempt to Dane.
While ABC coverage did not allow me to see the Tressel-to-Pryor flying chest-bump, my favorite TV coverage came when we saw sophomore Zach Boren, clearly a firey combatant, in the grille of senior captain Cam Heyward who almost immediately proceeded to make the critical sack of the game that all but ended Iowa's hopes of a comeback. Heyward is often criticized locally for not making the showy plays - the big sacks, the bone-jarring hits so much so that letters to the editor have often called his year "disappointing". Any informed viewer of football can see that Cam draws double- and triple-teams from opponents on nearly every play and that he is disruptive even if he doesn't get credit for the tackle. That being said, I was calling for a key stop at the time and no one better than Cam to deliver the blow.
Any observer could also see that Brian Rolle was a key element of the Buckeye D yesterday. It was not clear if that was by Buckeye design or based on what Iowa was dishing and, yes, there were some mistakes, but he seems to have the ability to turn right around and make amends with his next play. Rolle finished with 10 tackles including 3 TFLs for a total loss of 12 yards. The emotional Rolle is a contrast to the steady, quiet Homan who had a good though not great game. Homan had 7 tackles.
And yup, not one pick or fumble recovery. Clearly Iowa was intent on not giving the Bucks anything easy. The difference might have been in the matchup between Iowa's receivers and the Buckeye secondary, particularly in the second half when the Bucks dialed up some tigher coverage and dropped away from the all-out blitz of the first half that allowed Stanzi to dump the ball into the gap formed by the blitzing LB or DB. To me it seemed that the Bucks were over-running the plays and watching the RB run past or seeing the ball fly over their heads. In the waning minutes of the game when forced to pass Stanzi could not find an open receiver when we dropped 7 and 8 and forced the less-mobile Stanzi to flee the pocket. He's no TP on the ground.
The difference might too have been in the play of the Buckeye O-line which did a better-than-average job of handling the beefy Iowa D-line and stars like Clayborn. Iowa seemed more content to try to match up with the speedy Buckeye receivers and, in so doing, the LB-match ups were inevitable and in the favor of the Bucks. The TE match-ups favored the likes of Stoneburner and Fragel in size. And, I like the odds of any Buckeye receiver covered by any LB.
A little postgame ... not one of the 105 teammates are talking about Tress's half time pep talk from the Penn State game. No, Tress has not cracked or become the reincarnation of Woody Hayes, even though there was a bit of testiness in the Buckeye postgame presser yesterday and more arguments with the referees than I've seen in a long time from Tress in the Iowa game (I think a flag on the coach when he's about 20 yards on field was a definite possibility). Rather, Tress has shown that he's not 100% buttoned up. He's about 95% tight with about 5% of the rest of us in there. He's such a disciplined person, however, that it takes 211 degrees for the steam to start to show before he goes into full boil. The rest of us show a bit of simmer before we bubble and boil ... only to boil over rather predictably. The only leaks from last week have stated that there was a bit of "salty" language but also that Tressel was never out of control. Almost as though it was just as calculated as one would expect from the Senator. As someone mentioned, you really get a team's attention when the boil-overs are few and far between. I don't put it past Tressel to have completely planned and engineered last week's half time explosion for just the purpose of getting the team's attention. They were sleepwalking.
But, not yesterday. That team fully understood the urgency. One only need see the faces of the team in that final quarter and following the game. It was on the line.
And speaking of "on the line", the annual tussle with "the team up north" looms large. Plenty is riding on this game ... for the Bucks, an unprecedented 6th straight Big Ten title share and a likely BCS bowl bid (with an outside shot at the Rose Bowl). For Meeechigan, RichRod's time as coach likely hangs in the balance. Sure, I'd like to see RichRod stay at Meeechigan for the foreseeable future, but there's a certain coach in Stanford, Cali that appears to be the next savior of the program. I'm pretty sure that he was darn hard on the myth of the "student" part of "student-athlete" during his years at UM, but I'm also pretty sure that his resume is ripe for an "all is forgiven if you win" outreach should UM fail to come out of Cbus with a victory. The "he's our coach" mantra appears to be wearing thin in Ann Arbor and with the toried alumni. How's that Big East offense looking now (RichRod? ND's Coach Kelly?). I give props to LSU for their comeback and am rooting for Alabama vs Auburn this Friday ... their teams look a whole like they could play with the big boys of the Big Ten any day. And did Coach Pelini go all Woody on his QB last night? Nebraska will fit right in next year.
So it's Beat Meeechigan Week again! The annual showcase of all that is good with college football kicks at noon this Saturday!
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
It's a bright, sunny fall day in C-bus. Were it not for bare trees, one might think of the spring as lawn mower sounds abound as the lazy use their mowers to take down the last of the leaves. It's November and that's not a month when the Tressel-led Buckeyes surrender the Big Ten championship easily.
I was experiencing another torturous weekend of ACC football in BB&T stadium when the Bucks kicked off at 3:30. Thanks to technology (Slingbox), I was watching the Buckeye game and my daughter at the same time. And yes, being the superstitious type, I had my Buckeye gear on ... in part because my daughter's team wears Iowa colors. I stood out enough that the team mascot was agasp ... but mostly out of jealousy because my team stands to play another game after next weekend, while the mascot (and his two other costume inhabitants) only has basketball after Nov. 27. In fact, many in the stands were pretty well-educated when it came to Big Ten football ... and they had plenty of opinions (mostly positive) about the football played up north of the Mason-Dixon line.
I have to say that going into yesterday's game, I had taken something that Chris Spielman had said earlier to heart ... he apparently had in his TV broadcast a week ago cited Adrian Clayborn for taking plays off, stating that Clayborn had his head in the NFL already. This might explain Iowa's 4th (counting yesterday) loss this season after having led or been tied going into the fourth quarter. I was pretty confident that we might be able to win a dogfight. I think Tressel puts it best when he talks about a team that "never stops fighting". Apparently Ferentz needs to drill the same into his team's heads.
At the same time, DeVier Posey's drop made me think that he had his head in the NFL already ... too.
The game was a defensive battle for the most part. However, the team that led the NCAA in net turnovers (the Bucks) posted a -2 for the game. In most games against a strong contender, the team that wins the turnover battle wins the game. Not so yesterday ... luckily ... or perhaps it was just a matter of talent and (unexpected) play calling that won out.
Who'd a thought that the Bucks would leave behind their recent modus operandi coming into the game of Boom first, pass second to Posey and Dane. The Bucks game in with a completely unexpected game plan ... and the sputtering offense appeared to show how uncomfortable the team was with spreading the field, throwing to the TE's, the swing passes, and some bombs down field. What did seem to make the team relax was putting the ball in Terrelle Pryor's hands 15 times from where he gained 78 yards ... and a critical 14 when it counted. The steady Dane Sanzenbacher, however, was not going to be silenced. Terrelle Pryor apparently called the 24 yard pass play that led to the critical final drive completion. It was the same play called as the one at the end of the first half when, looking for Taurian Washington, TP threw his first of 2 INTs. On that play, Sanzenbacher had been covered by a linebacker and TP knew that the same play would likely draw the same coverage. All on the sideline liked their chances of Dane vs an Iowa LB and the acrobatic Sanzenbacher did not disappoint. Sanzenbacher finished the game with 6 catches for 102 yards.
And Sanzenbacher was quick not to point a finger at Posey. He too owned up to a missed catch during the game. In fact, the second INT came on a pass attempt to Dane.
While ABC coverage did not allow me to see the Tressel-to-Pryor flying chest-bump, my favorite TV coverage came when we saw sophomore Zach Boren, clearly a firey combatant, in the grille of senior captain Cam Heyward who almost immediately proceeded to make the critical sack of the game that all but ended Iowa's hopes of a comeback. Heyward is often criticized locally for not making the showy plays - the big sacks, the bone-jarring hits so much so that letters to the editor have often called his year "disappointing". Any informed viewer of football can see that Cam draws double- and triple-teams from opponents on nearly every play and that he is disruptive even if he doesn't get credit for the tackle. That being said, I was calling for a key stop at the time and no one better than Cam to deliver the blow.
Any observer could also see that Brian Rolle was a key element of the Buckeye D yesterday. It was not clear if that was by Buckeye design or based on what Iowa was dishing and, yes, there were some mistakes, but he seems to have the ability to turn right around and make amends with his next play. Rolle finished with 10 tackles including 3 TFLs for a total loss of 12 yards. The emotional Rolle is a contrast to the steady, quiet Homan who had a good though not great game. Homan had 7 tackles.
And yup, not one pick or fumble recovery. Clearly Iowa was intent on not giving the Bucks anything easy. The difference might have been in the matchup between Iowa's receivers and the Buckeye secondary, particularly in the second half when the Bucks dialed up some tigher coverage and dropped away from the all-out blitz of the first half that allowed Stanzi to dump the ball into the gap formed by the blitzing LB or DB. To me it seemed that the Bucks were over-running the plays and watching the RB run past or seeing the ball fly over their heads. In the waning minutes of the game when forced to pass Stanzi could not find an open receiver when we dropped 7 and 8 and forced the less-mobile Stanzi to flee the pocket. He's no TP on the ground.
The difference might too have been in the play of the Buckeye O-line which did a better-than-average job of handling the beefy Iowa D-line and stars like Clayborn. Iowa seemed more content to try to match up with the speedy Buckeye receivers and, in so doing, the LB-match ups were inevitable and in the favor of the Bucks. The TE match-ups favored the likes of Stoneburner and Fragel in size. And, I like the odds of any Buckeye receiver covered by any LB.
A little postgame ... not one of the 105 teammates are talking about Tress's half time pep talk from the Penn State game. No, Tress has not cracked or become the reincarnation of Woody Hayes, even though there was a bit of testiness in the Buckeye postgame presser yesterday and more arguments with the referees than I've seen in a long time from Tress in the Iowa game (I think a flag on the coach when he's about 20 yards on field was a definite possibility). Rather, Tress has shown that he's not 100% buttoned up. He's about 95% tight with about 5% of the rest of us in there. He's such a disciplined person, however, that it takes 211 degrees for the steam to start to show before he goes into full boil. The rest of us show a bit of simmer before we bubble and boil ... only to boil over rather predictably. The only leaks from last week have stated that there was a bit of "salty" language but also that Tressel was never out of control. Almost as though it was just as calculated as one would expect from the Senator. As someone mentioned, you really get a team's attention when the boil-overs are few and far between. I don't put it past Tressel to have completely planned and engineered last week's half time explosion for just the purpose of getting the team's attention. They were sleepwalking.
But, not yesterday. That team fully understood the urgency. One only need see the faces of the team in that final quarter and following the game. It was on the line.
And speaking of "on the line", the annual tussle with "the team up north" looms large. Plenty is riding on this game ... for the Bucks, an unprecedented 6th straight Big Ten title share and a likely BCS bowl bid (with an outside shot at the Rose Bowl). For Meeechigan, RichRod's time as coach likely hangs in the balance. Sure, I'd like to see RichRod stay at Meeechigan for the foreseeable future, but there's a certain coach in Stanford, Cali that appears to be the next savior of the program. I'm pretty sure that he was darn hard on the myth of the "student" part of "student-athlete" during his years at UM, but I'm also pretty sure that his resume is ripe for an "all is forgiven if you win" outreach should UM fail to come out of Cbus with a victory. The "he's our coach" mantra appears to be wearing thin in Ann Arbor and with the toried alumni. How's that Big East offense looking now (RichRod? ND's Coach Kelly?). I give props to LSU for their comeback and am rooting for Alabama vs Auburn this Friday ... their teams look a whole like they could play with the big boys of the Big Ten any day. And did Coach Pelini go all Woody on his QB last night? Nebraska will fit right in next year.
So it's Beat Meeechigan Week again! The annual showcase of all that is good with college football kicks at noon this Saturday!
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Props to the Bucks!
First off, a special "props" to Tyler Moeller who was just awarded a 6th year of eligibility last night. This guy endured an entire year out of football last season due to a head injury suffered in his "civilian life" when he was jumped in a bar in Florida with his family more than a year ago. Then, after delivering standout performances early in the season, a re-torn pectoral muscle ended his year. His was the first among a series of injuries in the Buckeye secondary.
Next, props to the Buckeye women's basketball team. The women are 3-0 with Sammy Prahalis on the bench through her 3 game suspension for secondary NCAA violations. She rejoins the team just as they are about to head to the Meadowlands for a hook-up with the UConn women. Tayler Hill has been given the point duties in Sammy's absence. And no cupcakes here ... the last win was last night against the always tough LSU women.
Finally, what can you say about the early prognosis for the men's basketball team. All I can say is WOW. I still remember seeing Jared Sullinger as a high school sophomore during the basketball playoffs. He looked like he was having a blast with his friends and there was nary a team in Central Ohio who could match up with Northland. Add to his legend a dynamite cast of superstars from all over Ohio and nearby and we have what is certainly shaping up like a terrific team for Thad and staff. Sully has certainly gotten the props from local and now national media, but the standout for me in Wednesday's game against Florida was David Lighty. He has waited to get revenge on the 2007 finals loss, but his game has developed so much over the years as well. He went from a role-player in the 2007 final - a situational sub on defense - to a well-rounded player on both ends. Add to that his leadership with 6 freshmen on the team and hardly enough playing time to go around and we see the real David Lighty emerging. What we always thought was there. Sure, his name is not on any Naismith list, but I guarantee that Thad Matta would not have wanted to go into this season without David. He is likely the glue that will help this team mesh. Certainly with this many stars and future stars on this team, the chemistry could certainly be an issue, along with playing time, roles, etc. Thad has his hands full - and the 2011 class is also emerging as one of the tops in the country - but David (and fellow seniors) can set the tone - and so far, they appear to have set the tone. I look for really great things from this team if the injury bug can stay clear.
Billy Donovan might be right ... this team might be better without Evan Turner. It sure is deeper in talent.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Next, props to the Buckeye women's basketball team. The women are 3-0 with Sammy Prahalis on the bench through her 3 game suspension for secondary NCAA violations. She rejoins the team just as they are about to head to the Meadowlands for a hook-up with the UConn women. Tayler Hill has been given the point duties in Sammy's absence. And no cupcakes here ... the last win was last night against the always tough LSU women.
Finally, what can you say about the early prognosis for the men's basketball team. All I can say is WOW. I still remember seeing Jared Sullinger as a high school sophomore during the basketball playoffs. He looked like he was having a blast with his friends and there was nary a team in Central Ohio who could match up with Northland. Add to his legend a dynamite cast of superstars from all over Ohio and nearby and we have what is certainly shaping up like a terrific team for Thad and staff. Sully has certainly gotten the props from local and now national media, but the standout for me in Wednesday's game against Florida was David Lighty. He has waited to get revenge on the 2007 finals loss, but his game has developed so much over the years as well. He went from a role-player in the 2007 final - a situational sub on defense - to a well-rounded player on both ends. Add to that his leadership with 6 freshmen on the team and hardly enough playing time to go around and we see the real David Lighty emerging. What we always thought was there. Sure, his name is not on any Naismith list, but I guarantee that Thad Matta would not have wanted to go into this season without David. He is likely the glue that will help this team mesh. Certainly with this many stars and future stars on this team, the chemistry could certainly be an issue, along with playing time, roles, etc. Thad has his hands full - and the 2011 class is also emerging as one of the tops in the country - but David (and fellow seniors) can set the tone - and so far, they appear to have set the tone. I look for really great things from this team if the injury bug can stay clear.
Billy Donovan might be right ... this team might be better without Evan Turner. It sure is deeper in talent.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
I have returned ...
Greetings from C-bus and sorry for my absence ...
I have found it difficult to keep up with the blog as my travel schedule has taken me from weekends in Columbus so often this season. So sorry.
But I'm back to writing. And not too late ...
The even-keeled Jim Tressel apparently blew his stack at halftime and woke up the Buckeyes who appeared to have extended the bye-week through the first half of yesterday's game with the Nittany Lions. It is probably a good thing that Tress is not one of those firey, short-tempered coaches (Woody?) because his rare outburst apparently got the team's attention. And they reacted with the greatest turnaround of Tress' tenure to score 35 unanswered points. As Tress said in the postgame, "The halftime locker room was not a fun place."
Tress also credited the week's work with the military in honor of Veteran's Day of reminding the team to never give up. Tress told the skull session crowd (me included) that the team would "play like soldiers". I'm pretty sure he intended they'd play like soldiers for 60 minutes, not just 30.
Boom Herron has become a mainstay of the offense. I think he was the only guy on offense to play a solid first half of football. I fail to understand why, when Zach Boren has proven to be an NFL-quality fullback, he is not the lead blocker in every running play. That being said, Herron got a new career high 190 yards on 21 carries. That's a 9-yard per carry average. He's nearing the 1,000 yard mark for the season and has passed Terrelle Pryor on total rushing yards. In the first half, there were some attempts to get around the ends with both Boom and TP, but Penn State had come out with a spread strategy on defense. They intended for our offense to not exploit the ends. To some extent, the lead blocker was able to diffuse the PSU strategy, but just about as often that lead blocker was ineffective. B Saine's attempt to block for Boom on one play, comes to mind. The TE was also mildly effective. Rather, the off-tackle and Iso plays were more effective ... since the defense was spread ... and have been more effective all season ... with the FB lead blocker. Keep in mind that Boom's just a junior.
TP said in the post-game that he "played terrible". He was 8 of 13 for 139 yards. The TD pass to Sanzenbacher was an ill-advised pass to the double-covered DeVier Posey. The tipped ball was caught by the trailing "Great Dane" Sanzenbacher who was wide-open on the play. In fact, Sanzenbacher had not seen a ball tossed his way the entire game until he was the beneficiary of kismet. That INT in the third quarter might have been intended for Sanzenbacher, though it was clearly short of any Buckeye target. While ill-advised, it ended up putting Penn State deep in a hole. The turnover could have been disasterous given the tenuous hold the Bucks had clawed into the game at that point.
TP came out this week telling the press that he intends to come back for his senior season. Tress during his Thursday radio call-in show remarked that TP is close to graduation and staying for a 4th year would get him to his educational goals. My husband is convinced that it's about TP not being in the Heisman talk this season. Personally, I only believe these lines following a bowl game when the talk counts. I do believe TP when he says he wants to "leave a legacy" at OSU and another season will solidify him in the record books assuming he plays a full, uninjured season.
What was most puzzling to me was the defense in the first half of yesterday's game. I turned to my husband and uttered "oh no - it's Wisconsin again". The cover 3 defense the Bucks opted for left the slants and quick outs wide open due to the zone coverage applied by the DBs. It looked like Devon Torrence had suddenly become some sort of idiot, when, in fact he was just the victim of a poorly designed defense and a defense that was not adapted quickly enough to what Penn State had decided to exploit. The halftime adjustments brought the Bucks back out in cover 2 and suddenly Devon Torrence had a pick-6. Essentially the DBs were able to roll down and cover the WR on the slants and quick outs while the LB provided some back up from their second level, and the safeties were there for support too. It suddenly appeared like the receivers were all double-covered and point of fact, they were in some respects. The D line suddenly got mean too and showed success at shutting down the run.
I'm not sure why adjustments weren't made earlier, but the last Penn State drive before the half was the turning point in the game per Tress. The stop on 4th and 1 gave the Bucks some momentum. It was nearly lost when the coaching staff called 2 straight draws and ended up punting back to the 'Nits just before the half. But apparently that defensive success was leveraged into the 2nd half. Penn State came out and their first drive was stuffed. The Bucks had a 5 1/2 min 96-yard drive for a score in the third quarter and the Bucks were back in the game.
For one week, the special teams played the opponent to a draw ... which this season counts as a win. There was nothing to report which means special teams made no news and, while I crave a Buckeye runback for TD, not letting the other team make a significant runback is a victory.
The game as a whole was bizarre. It went from dismal, horrible and boo-filled at the half to a crazy party in the second half, especially after Devon Torrence got the first pick-6. And about the boos - okay - I boo'd and this is why. Are you serious about winning when you are running 2 straight draws after you just stopped the PSU offense for the first time in the first half of play? There was plenty of time on the clock for a drive for at least another FG. It was as though no one was trying - including the coaches. I expected real effort or at least more effort. That drive told me that the coaches weren't dialed in either.
Next week the Bucks travel to Iowa City. The pink locker rooms and fans always make Iowa a challenge. I'm not sure what to expect of the Hawkeyes. They rolled over for Wisconsin, then were flat versus a good NW team yesterday. With 3 losses (2 in conference), the Hawks are on the outside of any title hopes. So, do they come in intending to play the role of spoiler? And, while taking out another contender for the Big Ten title, the Iowa loss to NW actually damages the Bucks' strength of schedule in the BCS poll significantly. That being said, the Bucks must beat Iowa as the entire title race is outside of the Bucks' control (i.e. in the hands of Mich State and Wisky).
The Buckeye game is at 3:30 eastern on ABC next Saturday (Michigan game is at noon 11/27 by the way, also ABC).
I have found it difficult to keep up with the blog as my travel schedule has taken me from weekends in Columbus so often this season. So sorry.
But I'm back to writing. And not too late ...
The even-keeled Jim Tressel apparently blew his stack at halftime and woke up the Buckeyes who appeared to have extended the bye-week through the first half of yesterday's game with the Nittany Lions. It is probably a good thing that Tress is not one of those firey, short-tempered coaches (Woody?) because his rare outburst apparently got the team's attention. And they reacted with the greatest turnaround of Tress' tenure to score 35 unanswered points. As Tress said in the postgame, "The halftime locker room was not a fun place."
Tress also credited the week's work with the military in honor of Veteran's Day of reminding the team to never give up. Tress told the skull session crowd (me included) that the team would "play like soldiers". I'm pretty sure he intended they'd play like soldiers for 60 minutes, not just 30.
Boom Herron has become a mainstay of the offense. I think he was the only guy on offense to play a solid first half of football. I fail to understand why, when Zach Boren has proven to be an NFL-quality fullback, he is not the lead blocker in every running play. That being said, Herron got a new career high 190 yards on 21 carries. That's a 9-yard per carry average. He's nearing the 1,000 yard mark for the season and has passed Terrelle Pryor on total rushing yards. In the first half, there were some attempts to get around the ends with both Boom and TP, but Penn State had come out with a spread strategy on defense. They intended for our offense to not exploit the ends. To some extent, the lead blocker was able to diffuse the PSU strategy, but just about as often that lead blocker was ineffective. B Saine's attempt to block for Boom on one play, comes to mind. The TE was also mildly effective. Rather, the off-tackle and Iso plays were more effective ... since the defense was spread ... and have been more effective all season ... with the FB lead blocker. Keep in mind that Boom's just a junior.
TP said in the post-game that he "played terrible". He was 8 of 13 for 139 yards. The TD pass to Sanzenbacher was an ill-advised pass to the double-covered DeVier Posey. The tipped ball was caught by the trailing "Great Dane" Sanzenbacher who was wide-open on the play. In fact, Sanzenbacher had not seen a ball tossed his way the entire game until he was the beneficiary of kismet. That INT in the third quarter might have been intended for Sanzenbacher, though it was clearly short of any Buckeye target. While ill-advised, it ended up putting Penn State deep in a hole. The turnover could have been disasterous given the tenuous hold the Bucks had clawed into the game at that point.
TP came out this week telling the press that he intends to come back for his senior season. Tress during his Thursday radio call-in show remarked that TP is close to graduation and staying for a 4th year would get him to his educational goals. My husband is convinced that it's about TP not being in the Heisman talk this season. Personally, I only believe these lines following a bowl game when the talk counts. I do believe TP when he says he wants to "leave a legacy" at OSU and another season will solidify him in the record books assuming he plays a full, uninjured season.
What was most puzzling to me was the defense in the first half of yesterday's game. I turned to my husband and uttered "oh no - it's Wisconsin again". The cover 3 defense the Bucks opted for left the slants and quick outs wide open due to the zone coverage applied by the DBs. It looked like Devon Torrence had suddenly become some sort of idiot, when, in fact he was just the victim of a poorly designed defense and a defense that was not adapted quickly enough to what Penn State had decided to exploit. The halftime adjustments brought the Bucks back out in cover 2 and suddenly Devon Torrence had a pick-6. Essentially the DBs were able to roll down and cover the WR on the slants and quick outs while the LB provided some back up from their second level, and the safeties were there for support too. It suddenly appeared like the receivers were all double-covered and point of fact, they were in some respects. The D line suddenly got mean too and showed success at shutting down the run.
I'm not sure why adjustments weren't made earlier, but the last Penn State drive before the half was the turning point in the game per Tress. The stop on 4th and 1 gave the Bucks some momentum. It was nearly lost when the coaching staff called 2 straight draws and ended up punting back to the 'Nits just before the half. But apparently that defensive success was leveraged into the 2nd half. Penn State came out and their first drive was stuffed. The Bucks had a 5 1/2 min 96-yard drive for a score in the third quarter and the Bucks were back in the game.
For one week, the special teams played the opponent to a draw ... which this season counts as a win. There was nothing to report which means special teams made no news and, while I crave a Buckeye runback for TD, not letting the other team make a significant runback is a victory.
The game as a whole was bizarre. It went from dismal, horrible and boo-filled at the half to a crazy party in the second half, especially after Devon Torrence got the first pick-6. And about the boos - okay - I boo'd and this is why. Are you serious about winning when you are running 2 straight draws after you just stopped the PSU offense for the first time in the first half of play? There was plenty of time on the clock for a drive for at least another FG. It was as though no one was trying - including the coaches. I expected real effort or at least more effort. That drive told me that the coaches weren't dialed in either.
Next week the Bucks travel to Iowa City. The pink locker rooms and fans always make Iowa a challenge. I'm not sure what to expect of the Hawkeyes. They rolled over for Wisconsin, then were flat versus a good NW team yesterday. With 3 losses (2 in conference), the Hawks are on the outside of any title hopes. So, do they come in intending to play the role of spoiler? And, while taking out another contender for the Big Ten title, the Iowa loss to NW actually damages the Bucks' strength of schedule in the BCS poll significantly. That being said, the Bucks must beat Iowa as the entire title race is outside of the Bucks' control (i.e. in the hands of Mich State and Wisky).
The Buckeye game is at 3:30 eastern on ABC next Saturday (Michigan game is at noon 11/27 by the way, also ABC).
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Players of the Week
Tressel gave only two POW awards: On Offense, Boom Herron who had a "whale of a game" and Mike Adams was given the lineman of the week award. There were no other awards.
Ross Homan and Christian Bryant are both doubtful for the upcoming Purdue game. It appeared Ross Homan rolled an ankle during the game. Christian Bryant has an infected toe and is spending most of the week in the hospital.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Ross Homan and Christian Bryant are both doubtful for the upcoming Purdue game. It appeared Ross Homan rolled an ankle during the game. Christian Bryant has an infected toe and is spending most of the week in the hospital.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Players of the Week
In Jim Tressel's weekly press conference, he announced the following awards: Player of the Week on Offense - Terrelle Pryor who nearly graded a "winning" performance. Pryor also shares the Big Ten POW award on offense with Wisconsin's Clay. On defense, the POW was Devon Torrence. Torrence has proven himself to have great coverage skills this season, but perhaps more importantly, he has shown strong tackling skills. For a guy who came to OSU as an offensive player, this is particularly important. Often the catch cannot be prevented, but the YAC (yards after catch) can. The Attack Force player was Nate Williams. During the game, I noted to my husband how Indiana had no answer for Williams. Many of the opponents are doubling on Cam Heyward, but that provides opportunities to other linemen. Nate has taken advantage of single coverage all season - I'm not sure anyone can cover Nate. The Jim Parker Lineman of the Week was Mike Adams. Mike has been something of an enigma in previous seasons. While he still appears to me to "take some plays off", he has shown improvement this season over past seasons and appeared to have a relatively good game vs. Indiana. It is telling overall, however, that the coaching staff a week ago chose to name Zach Boren, a fullback, as lineman of the week. The real test this Saturday will be for the O line to give TP plenty of time to throw the ball and to create that crease for the Buckeye RBs.
On to Wisconsin! GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
On to Wisconsin! GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Week 2 Big Ten Season
Here's hoping that the Illinois game is nothing like the rest of the Big Ten season. Way too much drama against an opponent that doesn't deserve to be in the game that long! And with Indiana coming off of a near-victory against UM, ugh.
The weekly awards went to Zach Boren (yes, the FB) for OLine, Boom Herron on Offense, and Brian Rolle on Defense. The Attack Force player was Cameron Heyward and special teams POW was Ben Buchanan. Only 3 defensive players and 2 on offense graded out winning performances.
With great anguish, Jim Tressel announced what we had feared - Tyler Moeller will miss the remainder of the season with a torn pectoral muscle. He will have (or has had) surgery this week. Tressel noted that they already filed preliminary paperwork to get him a 6th year (hardship) explaining that an earlier injury to Tyler's pec muscle did not properly heal while he re-habbed from the head injury. Moeller will be sorely missed.
Tressel also reported that the quad injury of TP continues to heal/improve, noting that probably no player with the ball in his hands that much is 100% after 5 games. That might be coach-speak for a more serious injury - or less. I take news on the quad with a grain of salt given last season where the "knee" led to the eventual news that TP needed knee surgery. It will be telling how often TP carries the ball in the next game - Tressel continues to say that TP is scripted to carry the ball maybe 8-10 times per game. Makes me wonder also how Denard Robinson will hold up throughout the season carrying the ball probably 75% of the time (or more).
This week's Indiana squad should come in confident on offense, but devastated on defense. With the game in-hand, the Hoosiers could not hold off Robinson who clearly was going to tote the rock on the final drive. His one 40+ yard pass play was key, however. I continue to wonder if Robinson is that good or his opponents to-date, that bad. I'd like to see him rack up 100-200 yards on the ground against a stout rushing defense. Then, we will know a heck of a lot more.
The game vs Indiana tees up at noon eastern this Saturday.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
The weekly awards went to Zach Boren (yes, the FB) for OLine, Boom Herron on Offense, and Brian Rolle on Defense. The Attack Force player was Cameron Heyward and special teams POW was Ben Buchanan. Only 3 defensive players and 2 on offense graded out winning performances.
With great anguish, Jim Tressel announced what we had feared - Tyler Moeller will miss the remainder of the season with a torn pectoral muscle. He will have (or has had) surgery this week. Tressel noted that they already filed preliminary paperwork to get him a 6th year (hardship) explaining that an earlier injury to Tyler's pec muscle did not properly heal while he re-habbed from the head injury. Moeller will be sorely missed.
Tressel also reported that the quad injury of TP continues to heal/improve, noting that probably no player with the ball in his hands that much is 100% after 5 games. That might be coach-speak for a more serious injury - or less. I take news on the quad with a grain of salt given last season where the "knee" led to the eventual news that TP needed knee surgery. It will be telling how often TP carries the ball in the next game - Tressel continues to say that TP is scripted to carry the ball maybe 8-10 times per game. Makes me wonder also how Denard Robinson will hold up throughout the season carrying the ball probably 75% of the time (or more).
This week's Indiana squad should come in confident on offense, but devastated on defense. With the game in-hand, the Hoosiers could not hold off Robinson who clearly was going to tote the rock on the final drive. His one 40+ yard pass play was key, however. I continue to wonder if Robinson is that good or his opponents to-date, that bad. I'd like to see him rack up 100-200 yards on the ground against a stout rushing defense. Then, we will know a heck of a lot more.
The game vs Indiana tees up at noon eastern this Saturday.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Record-setter
Greetings from C-bus!
Fall has emerged from days and days of 90 degree heat just in time for another scorcher in the 'Shoe (supposedly it was 70 degrees about game time but with the sun, it felt hotter) ... oh, the Bucks scorched another opponent yesterday too.
I don't know what it is about the scheduler, but the Bucks seemed to have had an abundance of green-clad opponents in the first 4 games ... who walked with little more than a stack of green and a loss on their record. But the nonconference season has come and gone, and the Bucks are 4-0.
It was the first time since 1950 when the Bucks ran 83 points up on Iowa that the Bucks have scored as many points and there were more than 100 points combined scored in yesterday's contest. It's enough to make the Vegas bookies head spin. For a while there, I thought the Bucks weren't even going to cover the spread.
Dane Sanzenbacher tied a record with 4 TD catches in the game - the most recent was Terry Glenn with Bobby Hoying at the helm. In that game, Hoying had 6 TD passes, something Terrelle Pryor has not yet achieved. But TP had 6 TDs in the game - 4 passing, 1 rushing, and 1 receiving. The statistics seem to suggest that TP was the first to achieve this feat. TP also accounted for 348 total yards of offense (not a record) in a game where TP played a few more minutes than anyone imagined he might. Good thing.
On offense, 12 different Buckeyes caught passes, including TP. Sanzenbacher led all receivers with 9 catches for 108 yards and the 4 TDs. Herron, Saine, and Posey had 3 each. On the pass from Jordan Hall to TP, Pryor later recounted tales of their high school days, telling the reporters that Tressel called the play telling TP that if he didn't catch the pass to just keep running out of the stadium. In high school, Hall and Pryor hooked up several times including one in the state championship when TP went for 55-60 yards on a Hall-thrown bomb. TP apparently out-jumped three defenders and told the assembled that they could catch it on YouTube. Pryor remarked that Hall has a good arm.
The running game sans Pryor still gives me worries. The morning radio call-in shows this morning were calling Tressel too loyal to Boom and Zoom, particularly since Jordan Hall continues to show promise. Add to the mix the Jamaal Berry 67 yard run and Carlos Hyde's play in shortened time and one can sympathize. I'm just not sure what Boom and Zoom lack and it is hard to tell if yards gained in mop-up duty, granted before a 2nd and even 3rd team line, are a result of talent or fatigue (and give-up) in the opponent at that point. Hall did get some time with the 1's in the game and did not disappoint. I hate that stutter-step that I see in both Boom and Zoom vs the burst I see in the young guys.
The defense let up on the pedal Saturday ... and they knew it. Brian Rolle in particular seemed to capture the theme by saying that the Bucks did not play Buckeye D in the first half of the game and after EMU's third score mid-way through the 3rd period, the defense seemed to wake up. That being said, the Buckeye secondary was full of opportunities for freshman and real-game experience for the back-ups. Prior to the game, Chimdi Chekwa experienced some soreness in his back and attempted to loosen up on the sidelines. He got in to the lineup late in the game, finally, only to get into a rough tackle with his own teammate. EMU to its credit found a weakness in our secondary, sliding the TE into space on all 3 of the pass completions, getting match ups with our linebackers and safeties on the plays. Not sure that Chekwa would have prevented the completions, but the inexperience on the part of Devon Torrence and Orhian Johnson getting just his second start showed. The Bucks had Andrew Sweat back at LB, but on nickel downs, Sweat rotates out in favor of Tyler Moeller, who continues to impress.
I would imagine that our Big Ten opponents will use more of the LB/safety match-ups one-on-one on big TEs and receivers, seeing this weakness. I would also expect that the Bucks may zone up a bit more and personally, I hate the zone because it can be exploited for that short, underneath stuff that works effectively as part of a time-consuming drive. While I don't think IL has the talent to exploit this, no doubt a more experienced QB and offensive scheme will want to find more of these match-ups. I continue to worry about the plethora of injuries on the Bucks D, in particular.
Among those injured yesterday were Jake Stoneburner who rolled an ankle. While Stoneburner tweeted after the game that the ankle was nothing, today he tweeted that it was sore. I like the way the offense has exploited Jake this season, but missing IL might be good given the larger tests upcoming.
Many around C-bus have been abuzz today about the "run-up" in the score yesterday. In fact, Tressel has put up 50 or more points 5 times since coming to OSU. And of course, Wisky put up 70 yesterday too. Tressel did not seem to intentionally run up the score - the long run by Berry was a nice bonus and Kenny Guiton's TD was a good play by the popular back-up QB. That being said, TP's 6th TD of the day was on a trick play. Sure it gives the opponent something to think about and Posey threw a TD pass last season but I do wonder if Tressel isn't trying to "pad the stats" of his young charge, Terrelle. I'm okay with that if he is ...
Next up ... Illinois. Illinois is 2-1 and did not play Saturday. The game is at noon eastern on Big Ten network. While the Purdue loss last season taught us to never look too far ahead (hear that Texas!), I do expect that the next two games (Illinois and Indiana) will be speed bumps on the road leading to the next big showdown - at Wisconsin 10/16 (night game). The Big Ten season starts today! There are no small games!
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Fall has emerged from days and days of 90 degree heat just in time for another scorcher in the 'Shoe (supposedly it was 70 degrees about game time but with the sun, it felt hotter) ... oh, the Bucks scorched another opponent yesterday too.
I don't know what it is about the scheduler, but the Bucks seemed to have had an abundance of green-clad opponents in the first 4 games ... who walked with little more than a stack of green and a loss on their record. But the nonconference season has come and gone, and the Bucks are 4-0.
It was the first time since 1950 when the Bucks ran 83 points up on Iowa that the Bucks have scored as many points and there were more than 100 points combined scored in yesterday's contest. It's enough to make the Vegas bookies head spin. For a while there, I thought the Bucks weren't even going to cover the spread.
Dane Sanzenbacher tied a record with 4 TD catches in the game - the most recent was Terry Glenn with Bobby Hoying at the helm. In that game, Hoying had 6 TD passes, something Terrelle Pryor has not yet achieved. But TP had 6 TDs in the game - 4 passing, 1 rushing, and 1 receiving. The statistics seem to suggest that TP was the first to achieve this feat. TP also accounted for 348 total yards of offense (not a record) in a game where TP played a few more minutes than anyone imagined he might. Good thing.
On offense, 12 different Buckeyes caught passes, including TP. Sanzenbacher led all receivers with 9 catches for 108 yards and the 4 TDs. Herron, Saine, and Posey had 3 each. On the pass from Jordan Hall to TP, Pryor later recounted tales of their high school days, telling the reporters that Tressel called the play telling TP that if he didn't catch the pass to just keep running out of the stadium. In high school, Hall and Pryor hooked up several times including one in the state championship when TP went for 55-60 yards on a Hall-thrown bomb. TP apparently out-jumped three defenders and told the assembled that they could catch it on YouTube. Pryor remarked that Hall has a good arm.
The running game sans Pryor still gives me worries. The morning radio call-in shows this morning were calling Tressel too loyal to Boom and Zoom, particularly since Jordan Hall continues to show promise. Add to the mix the Jamaal Berry 67 yard run and Carlos Hyde's play in shortened time and one can sympathize. I'm just not sure what Boom and Zoom lack and it is hard to tell if yards gained in mop-up duty, granted before a 2nd and even 3rd team line, are a result of talent or fatigue (and give-up) in the opponent at that point. Hall did get some time with the 1's in the game and did not disappoint. I hate that stutter-step that I see in both Boom and Zoom vs the burst I see in the young guys.
The defense let up on the pedal Saturday ... and they knew it. Brian Rolle in particular seemed to capture the theme by saying that the Bucks did not play Buckeye D in the first half of the game and after EMU's third score mid-way through the 3rd period, the defense seemed to wake up. That being said, the Buckeye secondary was full of opportunities for freshman and real-game experience for the back-ups. Prior to the game, Chimdi Chekwa experienced some soreness in his back and attempted to loosen up on the sidelines. He got in to the lineup late in the game, finally, only to get into a rough tackle with his own teammate. EMU to its credit found a weakness in our secondary, sliding the TE into space on all 3 of the pass completions, getting match ups with our linebackers and safeties on the plays. Not sure that Chekwa would have prevented the completions, but the inexperience on the part of Devon Torrence and Orhian Johnson getting just his second start showed. The Bucks had Andrew Sweat back at LB, but on nickel downs, Sweat rotates out in favor of Tyler Moeller, who continues to impress.
I would imagine that our Big Ten opponents will use more of the LB/safety match-ups one-on-one on big TEs and receivers, seeing this weakness. I would also expect that the Bucks may zone up a bit more and personally, I hate the zone because it can be exploited for that short, underneath stuff that works effectively as part of a time-consuming drive. While I don't think IL has the talent to exploit this, no doubt a more experienced QB and offensive scheme will want to find more of these match-ups. I continue to worry about the plethora of injuries on the Bucks D, in particular.
Among those injured yesterday were Jake Stoneburner who rolled an ankle. While Stoneburner tweeted after the game that the ankle was nothing, today he tweeted that it was sore. I like the way the offense has exploited Jake this season, but missing IL might be good given the larger tests upcoming.
Many around C-bus have been abuzz today about the "run-up" in the score yesterday. In fact, Tressel has put up 50 or more points 5 times since coming to OSU. And of course, Wisky put up 70 yesterday too. Tressel did not seem to intentionally run up the score - the long run by Berry was a nice bonus and Kenny Guiton's TD was a good play by the popular back-up QB. That being said, TP's 6th TD of the day was on a trick play. Sure it gives the opponent something to think about and Posey threw a TD pass last season but I do wonder if Tressel isn't trying to "pad the stats" of his young charge, Terrelle. I'm okay with that if he is ...
Next up ... Illinois. Illinois is 2-1 and did not play Saturday. The game is at noon eastern on Big Ten network. While the Purdue loss last season taught us to never look too far ahead (hear that Texas!), I do expect that the next two games (Illinois and Indiana) will be speed bumps on the road leading to the next big showdown - at Wisconsin 10/16 (night game). The Big Ten season starts today! There are no small games!
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Weekly Awards
The coaches have released their list of weekly award winners:
Safety Tyler Moeller, with an interception, a forced fumble, three tackles and a TFL, is the defensive player of the week. Tight End Jake Stoneburner, who had five catches for 61 yards and a touchdown reception, is the offensive player of the week.
There was no player of the week selected on the special units. D'oh!
Mike Adams was named as the Jim Parker lineman of the week. Ross Homan received the Attack Force award on defense. The Jack Tatum big hit of the week will be decided Tuesday by player vote.
Players of the week on the scout teams: QB Kenny Guiton (offense); Dionte Allen (defense); Julian Vann (special units).
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Safety Tyler Moeller, with an interception, a forced fumble, three tackles and a TFL, is the defensive player of the week. Tight End Jake Stoneburner, who had five catches for 61 yards and a touchdown reception, is the offensive player of the week.
There was no player of the week selected on the special units. D'oh!
Mike Adams was named as the Jim Parker lineman of the week. Ross Homan received the Attack Force award on defense. The Jack Tatum big hit of the week will be decided Tuesday by player vote.
Players of the week on the scout teams: QB Kenny Guiton (offense); Dionte Allen (defense); Julian Vann (special units).
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Ho-Hum
Greetings from sunny C-bus:
It is said that the important thing when you play a less-talented opponent is to not let them hang around and think they can compete (hear that UM?).
In fact, the best OU tackle of the day might have been when the OU Bobcat mascot made a surprise attack on Brutus when the teams ran out to start the game. It had 105,000 fans rolling in laughter.
But, for the Bucks, it was no laughing matter but it was all business.
Clearly, the Bucks heard the message to take out OU early, loud and clear and clamped down on OU early and often. The first half was about as perfect a game as the Bucks have played this year, save the INT at the end of the half - the first turnover of the season. Pryor had a period of 16-straight completions, a new OSU record easily passing the previous 13 straight (Bellisari and Boeckman shared the record) and Pryor was throwing the ball to a number of receivers across a number of routes.
But all was not perfect ...
The Bucks gave up another kick-off return TD - but for a penalty. The Bucks had little ground game in the first half - or the game for that matter - against an inferior opponent.
But some things are better upon further review ...
The re-loaded defense is as tenacious a defense as the Bucks have fielded since 2002. The Bucks' d-line is just loaded with a mix of experienced talent - Cam Heyward, Nathan Williams and Dexter Larimore - and young talent - Johnathan Hankins and John Simon, for example. Heyward sets the tone for the defensive line and the defense for that matter. He is a well-known perfectionist. He was upset apparently in the first half when a sack eluded him, but he made up for it with the fumble recovery and short run following. The linebackers are a mix of run-stoppers and speed. Ross Homan is a sure tackler that can cover. Brian Rolle has speed and tenaciousness. He's firey and hits like a safety. Tyler Moeller can tee it up on anyone. With Andrew Sweat out with injury, we had a mixture of bodies. All made stops. Then the walking wounded in the secondary. Joining Moeller is the steady Jermale Hines and experienced Chimdi Chekwa who did not disappoint coming off of a career game vs. Miami. CJ Barnett is now out for the season and Orhian Johnson filled in ably. Devon Torrence has been a stud in the secondary all season, but there were a number of injuries in the secondary in particular: Torrence, Travis Howard, Donnie Evege, and Dorian Bell. Howard appears to have the worst of the injuries though Evege appeared to have a broken arm, perhaps.
The offensive unit has dazzled with TP's new command of the passing game and inserted into the mix has been Jake Stoneburner. A local Dublin kid (Dublin Coffman HS), Stoneburner moved from WR to TE and has gotten a lot of looks this season with the ball. Stoneburner has shown the receiver's ability to get open and has the size of a TE. Stoneburner caught 3 passes vs Marshall and the rumor that the Bucks were going to throw to the TE appeared to be amazingly true. But yesterday, Stoneburner caught 5 to join Posey and Sanzenbacher with 5 a piece. And Jake got his first TD catch in his OSU career. Stoneburner has 9 catches on the season for 110 yards. Compare this to Jake Ballard who had 14 catches in all of last season's 13 games.
The offense has yet to really hit the ground running, so to speak. I spoke too soon annointing Brandon Saine as the answer. He seems unable to be the consistent go-to guy and the coaches seem to be trying to keep the carries between Boom and Zoom relatively equal. Jordan Hall again showed some pizzazz, mostly on special teams and perhaps the best rusher of all is still TP.
And the special teams remain the weak link. While the Buckeye returns on punt and kick-off have actually looked solid with Hall and Jamaal Berry back there on returns, coverage remains problematic. A few changes were made in the mix of personnel yesterday - Jordan Hall was out there on coverage and there were other first-teamers out there from time to time. The lane discipline remains the issue and the inconsistency in the kickoffs and punts is not helping matters. The short kickoffs immediately expose the Bucks to a run-back and solid punts have resulted in the speedy Bucks over-running the returner. A slight miss on a lane assignment can spring a returner. But, in the course of yesterday's games, I saw a phenomenal number of run-backs. Are the returners all just too fast for a coverage unit?
So, if we were to click down through the team's attributes through three games, I'd probably point to the following: defensive line - check; linebackers - check; secondary - check with an injury caveat; offensive line - improved with room for improvement; passing game - check; running game - incomplete; kickoff and punt returns - adequate; kickoff and punt coverage - failing grade.
And I would also say that we are seeing a more open playbook than a year ago, for sure.
Next up: Eastern Michigan. This is a team that did not win a game all of last season and is 0-3 coming into next Saturday. The game is at 3:30 eastern on ABC.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
It is said that the important thing when you play a less-talented opponent is to not let them hang around and think they can compete (hear that UM?).
In fact, the best OU tackle of the day might have been when the OU Bobcat mascot made a surprise attack on Brutus when the teams ran out to start the game. It had 105,000 fans rolling in laughter.
But, for the Bucks, it was no laughing matter but it was all business.
Clearly, the Bucks heard the message to take out OU early, loud and clear and clamped down on OU early and often. The first half was about as perfect a game as the Bucks have played this year, save the INT at the end of the half - the first turnover of the season. Pryor had a period of 16-straight completions, a new OSU record easily passing the previous 13 straight (Bellisari and Boeckman shared the record) and Pryor was throwing the ball to a number of receivers across a number of routes.
But all was not perfect ...
The Bucks gave up another kick-off return TD - but for a penalty. The Bucks had little ground game in the first half - or the game for that matter - against an inferior opponent.
But some things are better upon further review ...
The re-loaded defense is as tenacious a defense as the Bucks have fielded since 2002. The Bucks' d-line is just loaded with a mix of experienced talent - Cam Heyward, Nathan Williams and Dexter Larimore - and young talent - Johnathan Hankins and John Simon, for example. Heyward sets the tone for the defensive line and the defense for that matter. He is a well-known perfectionist. He was upset apparently in the first half when a sack eluded him, but he made up for it with the fumble recovery and short run following. The linebackers are a mix of run-stoppers and speed. Ross Homan is a sure tackler that can cover. Brian Rolle has speed and tenaciousness. He's firey and hits like a safety. Tyler Moeller can tee it up on anyone. With Andrew Sweat out with injury, we had a mixture of bodies. All made stops. Then the walking wounded in the secondary. Joining Moeller is the steady Jermale Hines and experienced Chimdi Chekwa who did not disappoint coming off of a career game vs. Miami. CJ Barnett is now out for the season and Orhian Johnson filled in ably. Devon Torrence has been a stud in the secondary all season, but there were a number of injuries in the secondary in particular: Torrence, Travis Howard, Donnie Evege, and Dorian Bell. Howard appears to have the worst of the injuries though Evege appeared to have a broken arm, perhaps.
The offensive unit has dazzled with TP's new command of the passing game and inserted into the mix has been Jake Stoneburner. A local Dublin kid (Dublin Coffman HS), Stoneburner moved from WR to TE and has gotten a lot of looks this season with the ball. Stoneburner has shown the receiver's ability to get open and has the size of a TE. Stoneburner caught 3 passes vs Marshall and the rumor that the Bucks were going to throw to the TE appeared to be amazingly true. But yesterday, Stoneburner caught 5 to join Posey and Sanzenbacher with 5 a piece. And Jake got his first TD catch in his OSU career. Stoneburner has 9 catches on the season for 110 yards. Compare this to Jake Ballard who had 14 catches in all of last season's 13 games.
The offense has yet to really hit the ground running, so to speak. I spoke too soon annointing Brandon Saine as the answer. He seems unable to be the consistent go-to guy and the coaches seem to be trying to keep the carries between Boom and Zoom relatively equal. Jordan Hall again showed some pizzazz, mostly on special teams and perhaps the best rusher of all is still TP.
And the special teams remain the weak link. While the Buckeye returns on punt and kick-off have actually looked solid with Hall and Jamaal Berry back there on returns, coverage remains problematic. A few changes were made in the mix of personnel yesterday - Jordan Hall was out there on coverage and there were other first-teamers out there from time to time. The lane discipline remains the issue and the inconsistency in the kickoffs and punts is not helping matters. The short kickoffs immediately expose the Bucks to a run-back and solid punts have resulted in the speedy Bucks over-running the returner. A slight miss on a lane assignment can spring a returner. But, in the course of yesterday's games, I saw a phenomenal number of run-backs. Are the returners all just too fast for a coverage unit?
So, if we were to click down through the team's attributes through three games, I'd probably point to the following: defensive line - check; linebackers - check; secondary - check with an injury caveat; offensive line - improved with room for improvement; passing game - check; running game - incomplete; kickoff and punt returns - adequate; kickoff and punt coverage - failing grade.
And I would also say that we are seeing a more open playbook than a year ago, for sure.
Next up: Eastern Michigan. This is a team that did not win a game all of last season and is 0-3 coming into next Saturday. The game is at 3:30 eastern on ABC.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
CJ Barnett - Out for the Season?
OSU safety C. J. Barnett is out for the season most likely, but against Miami, he made his presence felt. In fact, Barnett was awarded the Jack Tatum Hit if the Week award for his performance against the Hurricanes.
Weekly Awards
Jim Tressel handed out his weekly awards at his traditional Monday luncheon: Terrelle Pryor was the offensive player of the game. On defense, the highly lauded Chimdi Chekwa was recognized. He was also the Walter Camp defensive player of the week and the Big Ten defensive player of the week. On special teams, Devin Barclay was recognized for his 5 field goals. Barclay also shared Big Ten special teams recognition. The Parker Lineman of the week was Justin Boren. Attack Force player of the week was Dexter Larimore. There was no Tatum hit of the week.
Tressel was somewhat sarcastic at his weekly presser - he tongue-in-cheek chastised the media for their lack of innovation in their questions. Many times he was asked about OU and the constant theme seemed to be that this is the classic "trap game". Of course it is. And yes, teams slip up against lesser opponents every year - just ask Purdue. But I think this team has a maturity and charisma about it that won't let that happen. Frankly, too many of the guys certainly on offense know how that loss to Purdue felt.
Tressel also let slip, if you will, that TP got about 12 carries in the game vs. Miami and that 12 carries is kind of a magic number. Interesting.
The game time for the Eastern Michigan game on 9/25 has been announced as 3:30. ABC has opted to pick up the coverage.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Tressel was somewhat sarcastic at his weekly presser - he tongue-in-cheek chastised the media for their lack of innovation in their questions. Many times he was asked about OU and the constant theme seemed to be that this is the classic "trap game". Of course it is. And yes, teams slip up against lesser opponents every year - just ask Purdue. But I think this team has a maturity and charisma about it that won't let that happen. Frankly, too many of the guys certainly on offense know how that loss to Purdue felt.
Tressel also let slip, if you will, that TP got about 12 carries in the game vs. Miami and that 12 carries is kind of a magic number. Interesting.
The game time for the Eastern Michigan game on 9/25 has been announced as 3:30. ABC has opted to pick up the coverage.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
And he might go all the way ... not
Greetings from sunny C-bus:
Cameron Heyward's highlight reel interception had those of us wondering if the Miami Hurricanes were on the road to a comeback emitting a huge sigh of relief ... bullet dodged ... and Heyward might still be panting. The entire defense was trying to clear room for the big man who was trying to score ... or perhaps he just wanted to get tackled to end the struggle. Clearly, Heyward is built for bursts of speed; he's no 100 yard dash sprinter by any means. But for those season-end rewards, the interception will prove useful.
The player of the game - Terrelle Pryor. He proved himself worthy of the Heisman-hype on the big stage. His all-around game was not perfect but it had plenty of highlights and more importantly, no mistakes. Pryor led all rushers with 113 yards on 20 carries for a 5.7 yard/carry average and 1 TD. Pryor also had a workmanlike 12 of 27 for 233 yards and 1 TD. Posey had 4 catches for 105 followed by Sanzenbacher and Saine with 3 catches each and Saine had a TD. Herron had 66 yards on 14 carries. The rushing game was disappointing, particularly from Saine who had over 100 yards a week ago, yet seemed stuffed on every carry this week. At the same time, Saine the receiver was unwrapped for all to see.
Surprice of the game - 4 INTs from Jacory Harris. Harris had nearly the preseason hype of Pryor and had about the same experience level, yet Harris seemed to have not matured his game to Pryor's level. Harris seems to still believe, as young QBs often do, that a ball thrown harder into coverage is somehow a better pass than one thrown out of bounds. Four INTs hampered an otherwise talented Miami offense. Hankerson is a talented receiver - and one that Tressel apparently recruited - yet he had to battle for nearly every catch.
Passing the test - the Buckeye secondary. I thought the question mark coming into the season for the Bucks would be the secondary. The loss of Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russel concerned me - both were experienced and sure tacklers. But Devon Torrence and CJ Barnett looked every bit as capable and frankly more athletic. Torrence had a huge game with 7 solo tackles and 1 assist. He was a ball hawk. Add to Torrence's play the huge hits by CJ Barnett (ankle injury to be determined) and I was breathing easier. Chimdi Chekwa has often been criticized by this reporter for his pass interference calls - his seeming inability to turn his head on tight coverage. But I take it all back if Chekwa's 2 INTs are any measure of the rest of his season. Sure, both were the result of being in the right place at the right time, but I will take a DB with his eyes on the ball every play. He has shown strong improvement this season after two games.
Defensive tackle leader - no surprise, Ross Homan with 10 overall. But it seemed like he had a quiet game.
Surprise offensive player(s) - the O line. Much-maligned last season, the O line has given TP a lot of freedom to run or to pass. They allowed just one sack this week and the 2 offensive tackles were lauded by Jim Lachey during the radio call of the game for shutting down Miami's talented DEs - Vernon and Ojomo - for most of the game. Now, I'm not going to give them too much praise - the lack of an overall running game gives me the jitters.
Praise to the D line - wow. That D line set the tempo of the game. And I also credit Moeller and Hines for being as disruptive this week as last week, given a much different schemed opponent. Heyward, Simon, Williams, Larimore - all were man handling the Miami O line. Heyward was double teamed on almost every snap. Nathan Williams made a statement early - welcome back from your injury Nathan. John Simon flat out loves to bull rush. Larimore was blocking up that middle running lane on nearly every snap. The huge true freshman Johnathan Hankinson - Big Hank - is the first true nose tackle the Bucks have had in a while. You see glimpses of greatness in an 18-19 year old kid. He's a true wide-body but he can move.
Failing grade - special teams. Okay, this was not a reach and props to the blocked FG and to what was nearly a back-to-back runback TD by Jordan Hall. Sadly the turf monster reached up and grabbed Jordan Hall's shoe to stop him after a 47 yard return. But there is no excuse after last week to have not worked through kickoff return coverage. Then to give up a punt. Puleeze. On the kickoff, it was a lack of discipline. Guys out of their lanes, missing coverage and assignments. On the punt, it appeared as though the Bucks overran it. But that's not an excuse.
Worry of the season - RichRod might have something (or someone) in Denard Robinson. He reminds me of Troy Smith his junior year. But hopefully a real defense comes up with some solutions.
Next up - the OU Bobcats. The Marching 100 might be the highlight of the game for OU as they lost to Toledo yesterday 20-13 on 4 turnovers and seven penalties committed. The game is at noon Eastern - weather so far appears nice for next Saturday.
No let up Bucks ... GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Cameron Heyward's highlight reel interception had those of us wondering if the Miami Hurricanes were on the road to a comeback emitting a huge sigh of relief ... bullet dodged ... and Heyward might still be panting. The entire defense was trying to clear room for the big man who was trying to score ... or perhaps he just wanted to get tackled to end the struggle. Clearly, Heyward is built for bursts of speed; he's no 100 yard dash sprinter by any means. But for those season-end rewards, the interception will prove useful.
The player of the game - Terrelle Pryor. He proved himself worthy of the Heisman-hype on the big stage. His all-around game was not perfect but it had plenty of highlights and more importantly, no mistakes. Pryor led all rushers with 113 yards on 20 carries for a 5.7 yard/carry average and 1 TD. Pryor also had a workmanlike 12 of 27 for 233 yards and 1 TD. Posey had 4 catches for 105 followed by Sanzenbacher and Saine with 3 catches each and Saine had a TD. Herron had 66 yards on 14 carries. The rushing game was disappointing, particularly from Saine who had over 100 yards a week ago, yet seemed stuffed on every carry this week. At the same time, Saine the receiver was unwrapped for all to see.
Surprice of the game - 4 INTs from Jacory Harris. Harris had nearly the preseason hype of Pryor and had about the same experience level, yet Harris seemed to have not matured his game to Pryor's level. Harris seems to still believe, as young QBs often do, that a ball thrown harder into coverage is somehow a better pass than one thrown out of bounds. Four INTs hampered an otherwise talented Miami offense. Hankerson is a talented receiver - and one that Tressel apparently recruited - yet he had to battle for nearly every catch.
Passing the test - the Buckeye secondary. I thought the question mark coming into the season for the Bucks would be the secondary. The loss of Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russel concerned me - both were experienced and sure tacklers. But Devon Torrence and CJ Barnett looked every bit as capable and frankly more athletic. Torrence had a huge game with 7 solo tackles and 1 assist. He was a ball hawk. Add to Torrence's play the huge hits by CJ Barnett (ankle injury to be determined) and I was breathing easier. Chimdi Chekwa has often been criticized by this reporter for his pass interference calls - his seeming inability to turn his head on tight coverage. But I take it all back if Chekwa's 2 INTs are any measure of the rest of his season. Sure, both were the result of being in the right place at the right time, but I will take a DB with his eyes on the ball every play. He has shown strong improvement this season after two games.
Defensive tackle leader - no surprise, Ross Homan with 10 overall. But it seemed like he had a quiet game.
Surprise offensive player(s) - the O line. Much-maligned last season, the O line has given TP a lot of freedom to run or to pass. They allowed just one sack this week and the 2 offensive tackles were lauded by Jim Lachey during the radio call of the game for shutting down Miami's talented DEs - Vernon and Ojomo - for most of the game. Now, I'm not going to give them too much praise - the lack of an overall running game gives me the jitters.
Praise to the D line - wow. That D line set the tempo of the game. And I also credit Moeller and Hines for being as disruptive this week as last week, given a much different schemed opponent. Heyward, Simon, Williams, Larimore - all were man handling the Miami O line. Heyward was double teamed on almost every snap. Nathan Williams made a statement early - welcome back from your injury Nathan. John Simon flat out loves to bull rush. Larimore was blocking up that middle running lane on nearly every snap. The huge true freshman Johnathan Hankinson - Big Hank - is the first true nose tackle the Bucks have had in a while. You see glimpses of greatness in an 18-19 year old kid. He's a true wide-body but he can move.
Failing grade - special teams. Okay, this was not a reach and props to the blocked FG and to what was nearly a back-to-back runback TD by Jordan Hall. Sadly the turf monster reached up and grabbed Jordan Hall's shoe to stop him after a 47 yard return. But there is no excuse after last week to have not worked through kickoff return coverage. Then to give up a punt. Puleeze. On the kickoff, it was a lack of discipline. Guys out of their lanes, missing coverage and assignments. On the punt, it appeared as though the Bucks overran it. But that's not an excuse.
Worry of the season - RichRod might have something (or someone) in Denard Robinson. He reminds me of Troy Smith his junior year. But hopefully a real defense comes up with some solutions.
Next up - the OU Bobcats. The Marching 100 might be the highlight of the game for OU as they lost to Toledo yesterday 20-13 on 4 turnovers and seven penalties committed. The game is at noon Eastern - weather so far appears nice for next Saturday.
No let up Bucks ... GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Doubts May Linger
Greetings from C-bus:
It took fans just 3 plays on offense to know that Tressel and the team took the "silence the doubters" banner seen outside Skull Session very seriously through spring and fall practice. The playbook remained relatively wide open from the Rose Bowl preparation through Thursday night's game and Terrelle Pryor seemed to have matured a decade between the Rose Bowl and 9/2/10.
Welcome back to Tyler Moeller! Moeller lost a year due to a head injury suffered in a FL bar more than a year ago while on vacation with his family. Moeller however led the team in tackles Thursday night and he looked to be back to form from nearly 2 seasons ago. His lateral speed kept Marshall from turning the corner and he anchors a relatively young and somewhat inexperienced secondary - a point of worry of mine. While Chekwa is the veteran back there, he was the same Chekwa who has lockdown capabilities but he's making the same mistakes - not turning his head to the ball and leaving himself open to the almost certain interference call. Frustrating.
The 3rd receiver position remains open. Sanzenbacher and Posey have locked down the first 2 receiver spots with both making a clear statement in the game Thursday. Perhaps the 3rd receiver might really be Jake Stoneburner? I think that depends on the strength of the opponent's defensive line and whether we need a TE for blocking or in the passing game. And certainly a quick view of Zack Boren as fullback eases your fears when it comes to blowing up holes for the RBs - Zoom and Boom (and definitely in that order). Grant Schwartz caught some balls out there Thursday and it was nice to see the senior get in there but all eyes during preseason were on Philly Brown and Chris Fields and neither showed too much Thursday. Taurian Washington was said to be #3 but he was quiet Thursday.
And boy ... work needs to be done on that special teams unit. Sure, the opening fumble recovery was their work, but the blocked field goal was a missed blocking assignment combined with a low, line drive and coverage of the opponent returns was lacking - blocking assignments missed no doubt. Some discipline is needed in keeping guys in their lanes. I'd also like to see some more consistency in kick off depth and punt distance. Good coverage on the punt with the near-stop just short of the goal line. There's definite speed on those squads. Appears they need discipline.
For Miami, the game Saturday might be like playing a 4th OT although no one on that squad was part of the 2002 game. At least the media is trying to build the game up to be some sort of re-match. Bahhhh. But it is a chance for Miami to prove that they are "back" in primetime, on a big stage. The Bucks must come out prepared to sling it around with some very good athletes and we must be prepared to stop a talented QB in Jacory Harris. I saw him play in person last season at Winston-Salem, a game that Wake should have won. But the thing about Harris is that he's a competitor and has a will to win. A final drive in the waning minutes of the game propelled Miami to the victory when the receiver got behind a Wake DB into the endzone on a long, risky pass play. The Miami team roster is full of Harris' high school teammates. The squad is loaded with speed. Harris was a risk-taker last season - my guess is that Coach Randy Shannon has him more disciplined this year. Miami put the hurt down on their opening opponent Florida A&M. Miami did not fare well against Wisconsin in last year's bowl game, however, which makes me think that Miami will not fare well against a tough, disciplined defense like OSU and the physical play of the Big Ten. That being said, Harris is a gun-slinger. Our secondary had better be ready.
Keep in mind that the early weather forecast for Saturday calls for rain showers. That might favor a ground game from Zoom and Boom ... but it's too early to forecast Ohio weather with any certainty ... in fact the morning of the game might be too early.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
It took fans just 3 plays on offense to know that Tressel and the team took the "silence the doubters" banner seen outside Skull Session very seriously through spring and fall practice. The playbook remained relatively wide open from the Rose Bowl preparation through Thursday night's game and Terrelle Pryor seemed to have matured a decade between the Rose Bowl and 9/2/10.
Welcome back to Tyler Moeller! Moeller lost a year due to a head injury suffered in a FL bar more than a year ago while on vacation with his family. Moeller however led the team in tackles Thursday night and he looked to be back to form from nearly 2 seasons ago. His lateral speed kept Marshall from turning the corner and he anchors a relatively young and somewhat inexperienced secondary - a point of worry of mine. While Chekwa is the veteran back there, he was the same Chekwa who has lockdown capabilities but he's making the same mistakes - not turning his head to the ball and leaving himself open to the almost certain interference call. Frustrating.
The 3rd receiver position remains open. Sanzenbacher and Posey have locked down the first 2 receiver spots with both making a clear statement in the game Thursday. Perhaps the 3rd receiver might really be Jake Stoneburner? I think that depends on the strength of the opponent's defensive line and whether we need a TE for blocking or in the passing game. And certainly a quick view of Zack Boren as fullback eases your fears when it comes to blowing up holes for the RBs - Zoom and Boom (and definitely in that order). Grant Schwartz caught some balls out there Thursday and it was nice to see the senior get in there but all eyes during preseason were on Philly Brown and Chris Fields and neither showed too much Thursday. Taurian Washington was said to be #3 but he was quiet Thursday.
And boy ... work needs to be done on that special teams unit. Sure, the opening fumble recovery was their work, but the blocked field goal was a missed blocking assignment combined with a low, line drive and coverage of the opponent returns was lacking - blocking assignments missed no doubt. Some discipline is needed in keeping guys in their lanes. I'd also like to see some more consistency in kick off depth and punt distance. Good coverage on the punt with the near-stop just short of the goal line. There's definite speed on those squads. Appears they need discipline.
For Miami, the game Saturday might be like playing a 4th OT although no one on that squad was part of the 2002 game. At least the media is trying to build the game up to be some sort of re-match. Bahhhh. But it is a chance for Miami to prove that they are "back" in primetime, on a big stage. The Bucks must come out prepared to sling it around with some very good athletes and we must be prepared to stop a talented QB in Jacory Harris. I saw him play in person last season at Winston-Salem, a game that Wake should have won. But the thing about Harris is that he's a competitor and has a will to win. A final drive in the waning minutes of the game propelled Miami to the victory when the receiver got behind a Wake DB into the endzone on a long, risky pass play. The Miami team roster is full of Harris' high school teammates. The squad is loaded with speed. Harris was a risk-taker last season - my guess is that Coach Randy Shannon has him more disciplined this year. Miami put the hurt down on their opening opponent Florida A&M. Miami did not fare well against Wisconsin in last year's bowl game, however, which makes me think that Miami will not fare well against a tough, disciplined defense like OSU and the physical play of the Big Ten. That being said, Harris is a gun-slinger. Our secondary had better be ready.
Keep in mind that the early weather forecast for Saturday calls for rain showers. That might favor a ground game from Zoom and Boom ... but it's too early to forecast Ohio weather with any certainty ... in fact the morning of the game might be too early.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
D Line Shuffles - Will It Be As Deep?
Greetings from C-bus:
Today on Jim Tressel's call-in radio show, Tressel stated that Nathan Williams, the budding young D-lineman, will be out of Thursday's line-up. The usually deep rotation will probably be limited to 7 for Thursday unless a decision is made to play true freshman JT Moore. Moore is a redshirt candidate but if injuries continue to limit play among the starters and if conditions require Thursday, a decision to put JT Moore in the rotation will be made. The game-time temperature is expected to be in the upper 80s and conditions on the field will be some 20 degrees warmer. While Cbus experienced a particularly hot August (with record levels of humidity), it is unclear how those conditions might affect Thursday's game and the players in particular. Maybe they are used to the heat - maybe not. The Buckeye D-line has been particularly known for its rotation and Jim Heacock has been particularly pleased with this class of D-linemen, calling it perhaps his best ever. Surprising many with the kudos given the stars of the past, it has been unusual for any D-lineman to get many more than 50% of the snaps at a position as Heacock loves to bring in fresh bodies and substitute liberally.
A challenge before Cameron Heyward is whether he can/will take the majority of snaps at the DE/DT positions. It will be necessary for Cam to get more plays if he expects to be on the final ballots at season's end for major defensive awards. If he's going to be an every-play guy, it will be a test of his stamina. The rotation might include Cam moving back and forth between the more familiar DE position to the inside where Cam has shown he can be equally disruptive, ala Vernon Gholston.
Injuries have also cropped up in the secondary with Chimdi Chekwa now confirmed as available for Thursday along with Orhian Johnson. Both may split time, however, with a back-up or two as opportunity presented by the injuries among the starters has brought along some "youngsters".
Did you know there are two Corey Brown's on the Buckeye roster?
And both will likely play Thursday. The rising star is "Philly" Brown who has been turning heads at the WR spot as a freshman. He has flat-out burner speed. Expect to see him as a 3rd receiver and on special teams as a receiver. The other is "Pittsburgh" Brown who plays DB for the defense. He too has been working his way into the rotation. Good thing they don't play on the same side of the ball.
Props to Terrelle Pryor. If TP has improved and matured as all of the interviews with coaches and players indicate, this guy could be a legit Heisman prospect. The transformation in Troy Smith between his year 2 and 3 was nearly legendary ... did Tress do it again? Well, it remains to be seen but per Tress, TP has become a gym- and film-rat, has been drafting new plays, and is engaging with the center in calling protection schemes. Per receivers' coach Hazell last night in an interview, TP has all the throws and great accuracy. And per Tress, TP has plenty of weapons. Expect pass plays to Brandon Saine, who Tress today called the best receiving RB in college football. Jake Stoneburner has also progressed nicely as a legit receiving TE. Expect even passes to the fullback! That being said, Tress on-air today speculated whether TP will remember how to take off and run. Tress also noted that TP has played with the black no-contact jersey all spring and all fall and that with that jersey comes the tendency to hold the ball too long knowing that you, as the QB, can't get hit. He speculated that TP could get a wake-up call in Thursday's game as he will get hit if he holds the ball too long.
Weather for Thursday? Hot with a chance of showers. Hurricane Earl has the possibility of keeping the rain at bay through most of the game Thursday night as it will slow down the progression of a cold front. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the rain holds off.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Today on Jim Tressel's call-in radio show, Tressel stated that Nathan Williams, the budding young D-lineman, will be out of Thursday's line-up. The usually deep rotation will probably be limited to 7 for Thursday unless a decision is made to play true freshman JT Moore. Moore is a redshirt candidate but if injuries continue to limit play among the starters and if conditions require Thursday, a decision to put JT Moore in the rotation will be made. The game-time temperature is expected to be in the upper 80s and conditions on the field will be some 20 degrees warmer. While Cbus experienced a particularly hot August (with record levels of humidity), it is unclear how those conditions might affect Thursday's game and the players in particular. Maybe they are used to the heat - maybe not. The Buckeye D-line has been particularly known for its rotation and Jim Heacock has been particularly pleased with this class of D-linemen, calling it perhaps his best ever. Surprising many with the kudos given the stars of the past, it has been unusual for any D-lineman to get many more than 50% of the snaps at a position as Heacock loves to bring in fresh bodies and substitute liberally.
A challenge before Cameron Heyward is whether he can/will take the majority of snaps at the DE/DT positions. It will be necessary for Cam to get more plays if he expects to be on the final ballots at season's end for major defensive awards. If he's going to be an every-play guy, it will be a test of his stamina. The rotation might include Cam moving back and forth between the more familiar DE position to the inside where Cam has shown he can be equally disruptive, ala Vernon Gholston.
Injuries have also cropped up in the secondary with Chimdi Chekwa now confirmed as available for Thursday along with Orhian Johnson. Both may split time, however, with a back-up or two as opportunity presented by the injuries among the starters has brought along some "youngsters".
Did you know there are two Corey Brown's on the Buckeye roster?
And both will likely play Thursday. The rising star is "Philly" Brown who has been turning heads at the WR spot as a freshman. He has flat-out burner speed. Expect to see him as a 3rd receiver and on special teams as a receiver. The other is "Pittsburgh" Brown who plays DB for the defense. He too has been working his way into the rotation. Good thing they don't play on the same side of the ball.
Props to Terrelle Pryor. If TP has improved and matured as all of the interviews with coaches and players indicate, this guy could be a legit Heisman prospect. The transformation in Troy Smith between his year 2 and 3 was nearly legendary ... did Tress do it again? Well, it remains to be seen but per Tress, TP has become a gym- and film-rat, has been drafting new plays, and is engaging with the center in calling protection schemes. Per receivers' coach Hazell last night in an interview, TP has all the throws and great accuracy. And per Tress, TP has plenty of weapons. Expect pass plays to Brandon Saine, who Tress today called the best receiving RB in college football. Jake Stoneburner has also progressed nicely as a legit receiving TE. Expect even passes to the fullback! That being said, Tress on-air today speculated whether TP will remember how to take off and run. Tress also noted that TP has played with the black no-contact jersey all spring and all fall and that with that jersey comes the tendency to hold the ball too long knowing that you, as the QB, can't get hit. He speculated that TP could get a wake-up call in Thursday's game as he will get hit if he holds the ball too long.
Weather for Thursday? Hot with a chance of showers. Hurricane Earl has the possibility of keeping the rain at bay through most of the game Thursday night as it will slow down the progression of a cold front. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the rain holds off.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Six seniors will lead the Buckeyes!
Ohio State has announced that 6 seniors - 3 on offense and 3 on defense - will lead the team for the 2010 season. The 2010 captains are Bryant Browning, Brandon Saine, and Dane Sanzenbacher on offense and Cameron Heyward, Ross Homan, and Brian Rolle on defense. I think Buckeye observers will find no surprise - other than the shear number - among the names. And those who thought that Terrelle Pryor might be among the captains must remember the infrequency of a junior among the captains in the history of OSU football.
In other somewhat related Buckeye news, Maurice Clarett has been given permission by the court to travel to Omaha to tryout for the Omaha UFL team. Clarett has apparently been working out at the WWHayes while attending classes at OSU now that he's been released from jail and claims to be in good football shape. He remains on probation and needs the court's approval to travel outside Columbus.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
In other somewhat related Buckeye news, Maurice Clarett has been given permission by the court to travel to Omaha to tryout for the Omaha UFL team. Clarett has apparently been working out at the WWHayes while attending classes at OSU now that he's been released from jail and claims to be in good football shape. He remains on probation and needs the court's approval to travel outside Columbus.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Fall is in the Air
Okay, it is 90+ degrees here in Columbus but in one week, the Bucks report back for fall camp and the football season is just around the corner! Hard to believe.
It has become known that while the running back stable has been thought to be stuffed to the gills, two RBs expected to compete for playing time remain questionable for camp. Jermil Martin, the beefy RB who was among my personal favorites last season is currently academically ineligible. He is in summer school but reports do not sound promising. Earlier this summer it was widely rumored that he wanted to transfer, but his academic issues would also keep him from other NCAA rosters. Martin is a 3rd year sophomore. Incoming freshman Rod Smith is working on finishing a class at his high school, Fort Wayne (IN) Harding. At 6'3", some thought that Smith could have contended immediately for playing time for the Buckeyes this fall. If he misses fall camp, he will be behind the 8-ball.
The Bucks do come to camp loaded in the back field with returners Boom Herron and Brandon Saine and newcomers Jamaal Berry who flashed greatness in preseason last year before contending with injuries resulting in a redshirt year and Carlos Hyde, a highly touted incoming freshman this fall.
Talk around the possible Heisman run of Terrelle Pryor has been relatively quiet ... a wait and see approach from most fans. Was the Rose Bowl Pryor's coming out party or an aberration? While Florida State is actively promoting Christian Ponder for the Heisman, for example, the Buckeye camp seems rather quiet on this front. Pryor will not be at the Big Ten luncheon next week.
Big news in C-bus is the return of Maurice Clarett to OSU ... no, his football eligibility is gone ... he's going to class to attempt to finish his degree. See the story at the following link for more on Jim Tressel's involvement with (and forgiveness of) Mo-C. Tressel apparently had a hand in Mo-C's return to class. Interesting, to say the least. Response from OSU campus has been mixed.
http://www.theozone.net/football/2010/summer/clarett_Tressel.htm
And Buckeyes everywhere mourn the passing of Jack Tatum. One of the Buckeye greats, Tatum's passing was worthy of national coverage by NBC's regular evening news program yesterday (7/27/10). That surprised me a little, but of course, they had to focus in on his "hit" in the NFL. Tressel began his head coaching career paying homage to Tatum by naming a weekly award for Tatum (hit of the week). No word yet from OSU or the Athletic Department on how his career will be celebrated, but expect something at a game this fall. Long-time friend of Jack Tatum, John Hicks, was widely interviewed locally last night indicating that Tatum's passing was a surprise despite Tatum's well-known health problems. At 61, it was far too early.
"We have lost one of our greatest Buckeyes," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said in a statement. "When you think of Ohio State defense, the first name that comes to mind is Jack Tatum. His loss touches every era of Ohio State players and fans."
As much as I think I know about OSU football, I did not know that Tatum was originally recruited as a running back. Assistant coach Lou Holtz almost immediately saw Tatum's talent and asked Coach Woody Hayes to have Tatum moved to safety. Tatum was a 3-year starter who played on the 1968 national championship team. In the Rose Bowl, he ran down OJ Simpson from behind, as then-Assistant Coach Earle Bruce remembers.
He will always be a Buckeye!
Well, hold on to your Woody hats, Buckeye fans! The season is about to get underway.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
It has become known that while the running back stable has been thought to be stuffed to the gills, two RBs expected to compete for playing time remain questionable for camp. Jermil Martin, the beefy RB who was among my personal favorites last season is currently academically ineligible. He is in summer school but reports do not sound promising. Earlier this summer it was widely rumored that he wanted to transfer, but his academic issues would also keep him from other NCAA rosters. Martin is a 3rd year sophomore. Incoming freshman Rod Smith is working on finishing a class at his high school, Fort Wayne (IN) Harding. At 6'3", some thought that Smith could have contended immediately for playing time for the Buckeyes this fall. If he misses fall camp, he will be behind the 8-ball.
The Bucks do come to camp loaded in the back field with returners Boom Herron and Brandon Saine and newcomers Jamaal Berry who flashed greatness in preseason last year before contending with injuries resulting in a redshirt year and Carlos Hyde, a highly touted incoming freshman this fall.
Talk around the possible Heisman run of Terrelle Pryor has been relatively quiet ... a wait and see approach from most fans. Was the Rose Bowl Pryor's coming out party or an aberration? While Florida State is actively promoting Christian Ponder for the Heisman, for example, the Buckeye camp seems rather quiet on this front. Pryor will not be at the Big Ten luncheon next week.
Big news in C-bus is the return of Maurice Clarett to OSU ... no, his football eligibility is gone ... he's going to class to attempt to finish his degree. See the story at the following link for more on Jim Tressel's involvement with (and forgiveness of) Mo-C. Tressel apparently had a hand in Mo-C's return to class. Interesting, to say the least. Response from OSU campus has been mixed.
http://www.theozone.net/football/2010/summer/clarett_Tressel.htm
And Buckeyes everywhere mourn the passing of Jack Tatum. One of the Buckeye greats, Tatum's passing was worthy of national coverage by NBC's regular evening news program yesterday (7/27/10). That surprised me a little, but of course, they had to focus in on his "hit" in the NFL. Tressel began his head coaching career paying homage to Tatum by naming a weekly award for Tatum (hit of the week). No word yet from OSU or the Athletic Department on how his career will be celebrated, but expect something at a game this fall. Long-time friend of Jack Tatum, John Hicks, was widely interviewed locally last night indicating that Tatum's passing was a surprise despite Tatum's well-known health problems. At 61, it was far too early.
"We have lost one of our greatest Buckeyes," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said in a statement. "When you think of Ohio State defense, the first name that comes to mind is Jack Tatum. His loss touches every era of Ohio State players and fans."
As much as I think I know about OSU football, I did not know that Tatum was originally recruited as a running back. Assistant coach Lou Holtz almost immediately saw Tatum's talent and asked Coach Woody Hayes to have Tatum moved to safety. Tatum was a 3-year starter who played on the 1968 national championship team. In the Rose Bowl, he ran down OJ Simpson from behind, as then-Assistant Coach Earle Bruce remembers.
He will always be a Buckeye!
Well, hold on to your Woody hats, Buckeye fans! The season is about to get underway.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
A little controversy ... though I see none
A few local sports radio jocks were trying to make something of Tressel's announcement that Terrelle Pryor would not be among the three players he is taking to the Big Ten luncheon the first week in August. He's taking 3 seniors ... I see no controversy.
Going are Cameron Heyward, consensus top 5 pick in next year's draft and hands down captain; Dane Sanzenbacher, likely a solid NFL prospect and likely captain; and Bryant Browning, senior linemen. I feel sorry for Browning because he is a bit of a fish out of water ... I mean who wants to talk to an O-lineman. He will probably field a lot of questions about Terrelle, as will Sanzenbacher. But here's the thing ... the three Tress is bringing are proven to be articulate, reserved, concise in their comments, and team-guys. None of these guys is going to stray from the script. Cameron is actually quite engaging and Dane, well he's darn hot.
So why is Terrelle staying in C-bus? Well, short of Tress or the SID sitting next to Terrelle at every interview with a hand firmly planted on his thigh such that if he even breathes off script he feels a sharp pain, he's still a loose cannon. Take his pre-Rose Bowl interview. Did anyone need to know about his knee injury? And you know that the questions will be filled with pre-season team hype, Heisman hype, and attempts to get him to tell us again that "everyone murders" ...
So Terrelle is continuing to stay tight to the weight room at the Woody Hayes while his three teammates head to Chicago. And there will be no shortage of questions ...
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Going are Cameron Heyward, consensus top 5 pick in next year's draft and hands down captain; Dane Sanzenbacher, likely a solid NFL prospect and likely captain; and Bryant Browning, senior linemen. I feel sorry for Browning because he is a bit of a fish out of water ... I mean who wants to talk to an O-lineman. He will probably field a lot of questions about Terrelle, as will Sanzenbacher. But here's the thing ... the three Tress is bringing are proven to be articulate, reserved, concise in their comments, and team-guys. None of these guys is going to stray from the script. Cameron is actually quite engaging and Dane, well he's darn hot.
So why is Terrelle staying in C-bus? Well, short of Tress or the SID sitting next to Terrelle at every interview with a hand firmly planted on his thigh such that if he even breathes off script he feels a sharp pain, he's still a loose cannon. Take his pre-Rose Bowl interview. Did anyone need to know about his knee injury? And you know that the questions will be filled with pre-season team hype, Heisman hype, and attempts to get him to tell us again that "everyone murders" ...
So Terrelle is continuing to stay tight to the weight room at the Woody Hayes while his three teammates head to Chicago. And there will be no shortage of questions ...
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Spring Game 2010
A spring game star emerged on April 24, 2010 - Kenny Guiton. The 3rd-string QB appeared to be a viable alternative to even TP to read the bloggers following the game Saturday. Will Guiton turn into the next Bam Childress who seemed to blossom every April only to wilt like my un-watered garden come fall? Or will Guiton truly emerge to fill the shoes of Joe Bauserman, who's 2nd-string status seemed increasingly troubled even before the spring game through tidbits coming from practice. Kenny Guiton showed a nice, accurate arm and the moves to elude tacklers. He led the Gray to a 17-14 victory over the TP-led Scarlet with TP playing sparingly.
And also emerging on the offense was Taurian Washington, a receiver who considered transferring after last season due to a bit of a logjam at the position. Well, with Duron Carter sitting in the stands, still trying to get his academic house in order, it looks like T-Wash, as he's known, is trying to secure the #3 receiver spot behind Dane Sanzenbacher and Devier Posey.
And TP did show flashes ... he was orders to limit his scrambling and was limited to playing only in the first quarter. He led the Scarlet for 2 touchdowns, including a crisp 4-play, 78-yard drive - all passing. The TD was to Sanzenbacher. TP was 8 of 12 on the day.
But who is the best player on the Buckeye team going into the fall ... his initials are not TP but rather CH - Cameron Heyward. He was a consensus late 1st round pick had he opted to skip his senior season but there is something so compelling about this young man. You need only hear him speak to know that he is a man and a leader on this team. And while many worried that the cupboard might be bare on the D after losing so many to graduation including leaders like Kurt Coleman, Doug Worthington, and Lawrence Wilson, one only need watch a replay yesterday to know that Cam Heyward anchors a D-line that will have a lot to say this fall, in front of 3 linebackers who are ready to play.
On the D-line, Nathan Williams emerged last year and flashed at various times, but he was a beast taking on Mike Adams much of the game one-on-one (more on Big Mike later). Among the LBs, you know that Brian Rolle and Ross Homan mean business but who would emerge to replace Austin Spitler? The answer appears to be Etienne Sabino who led both squads with 7 tackles yesterday. The secondary remains in the hands of Chimdi Chekwa and a supporting cast. The drama might be in the secondary, but overall, the defense is loaded. Again.
Great drama has emerged in the battle for the decidedly critical position of left tackle. Many observers think that Big Mike Adams made a bit of a statement yesterday, but one couldn't help notice that Nathan Williams had his way with Big Mike on more than a couple of occasions. Big Mike is battling Andrew Miller and the battle will likely extend into the fall. Also emerging on the line was Jack Mewhort at right guard. While Shugarts, Browning, Brewster and Boren appear pretty set with the LT spot up for grabs, it was good to *finally* see some depth emerge on the O-line.
And speaking of O-line, another name that has come up plenty from spring practice observers has been Jake Stoneburner. Now say what you want about Tight Ends getting involved in the offense outside of the spring game, but those here who have been fans of suburban C-bus high school football, knew Stoneburner could be a star. A lot depended on Stoneburner giving up his dream of becoming a wide receiver and accepting his natural role as Tight End. The kid can catch. Can he block? And can the other starting 5 on the O-line gel enough to give that chapter in the offensive playbook an opportunity?
And speaking of hands and seldom-used pages in the playbook, another suburban C-bus kid, Zack Boren, showed that he too can catch the ball from the fullback spot. Again, will this part of the playbook be dusted off in the fall?
The running back stable is full, but banged up ... again. Plenty of Brandon Saine and Boom Herron will hopefully be on the menu in the fall but crowd-favorite from last season, Jordan Hall continues to impress as does Jaamal Berry who appeared to have been held out for precautionary reasons. He's had a hamstring issue that sidelined him all of 2009 but again spring practice observers rave about the kid. In addition, Jermil Martin was an early pick by the team seniors on "draft day" which says something for what the teammates see in practice. Carlos Hyde showed a bit Saturday, as well. Many are liking Jordan Hall as a returner. It might be an option to get him more touches in a crowded backfield where he has some room to show his burst.
The main worry coming from spring has been the kicking game, specifically punting. And Saturday did not give anyone comfort. Between Ben Buchanan and Derek Erwin, it was pretty ugly in the kick scrimmage 2 weeks ago. And the more seasoned Buchanan did nothing Saturday to establish a starting role for himself.
Based on my observations following spring practices and the spring game, it appears to me too that several solid leaders have emerged in Dane Sanzenbacher, Justin Boren, and Devier Posey on the offense and Cam Heyward on the defense. It will be interesting to see how the team vote goes for captain and how Terrelle Pryor fares and where the defense goes for a 2nd guy - I'd guess Brian Rolle or Ross Homan but Chekwa might be right in there. There is a certain maturity in this team that reminds me a lot of 2002 ... no worries, I am not getting ahead of myself ... but I see similarities ... and there is the enigma (much as 2002 had its enigma in MoC) in TP. I am not yet convinced that what we saw in the Rose Bowl will carry through the season to come. If it does ... well, it will be a very successful season.
The first game approaches - the rare Thursday night game vs. Marshall awaits (Big Ten network). I trust I will see you all in August as fall camp gets underway!
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
And also emerging on the offense was Taurian Washington, a receiver who considered transferring after last season due to a bit of a logjam at the position. Well, with Duron Carter sitting in the stands, still trying to get his academic house in order, it looks like T-Wash, as he's known, is trying to secure the #3 receiver spot behind Dane Sanzenbacher and Devier Posey.
And TP did show flashes ... he was orders to limit his scrambling and was limited to playing only in the first quarter. He led the Scarlet for 2 touchdowns, including a crisp 4-play, 78-yard drive - all passing. The TD was to Sanzenbacher. TP was 8 of 12 on the day.
But who is the best player on the Buckeye team going into the fall ... his initials are not TP but rather CH - Cameron Heyward. He was a consensus late 1st round pick had he opted to skip his senior season but there is something so compelling about this young man. You need only hear him speak to know that he is a man and a leader on this team. And while many worried that the cupboard might be bare on the D after losing so many to graduation including leaders like Kurt Coleman, Doug Worthington, and Lawrence Wilson, one only need watch a replay yesterday to know that Cam Heyward anchors a D-line that will have a lot to say this fall, in front of 3 linebackers who are ready to play.
On the D-line, Nathan Williams emerged last year and flashed at various times, but he was a beast taking on Mike Adams much of the game one-on-one (more on Big Mike later). Among the LBs, you know that Brian Rolle and Ross Homan mean business but who would emerge to replace Austin Spitler? The answer appears to be Etienne Sabino who led both squads with 7 tackles yesterday. The secondary remains in the hands of Chimdi Chekwa and a supporting cast. The drama might be in the secondary, but overall, the defense is loaded. Again.
Great drama has emerged in the battle for the decidedly critical position of left tackle. Many observers think that Big Mike Adams made a bit of a statement yesterday, but one couldn't help notice that Nathan Williams had his way with Big Mike on more than a couple of occasions. Big Mike is battling Andrew Miller and the battle will likely extend into the fall. Also emerging on the line was Jack Mewhort at right guard. While Shugarts, Browning, Brewster and Boren appear pretty set with the LT spot up for grabs, it was good to *finally* see some depth emerge on the O-line.
And speaking of O-line, another name that has come up plenty from spring practice observers has been Jake Stoneburner. Now say what you want about Tight Ends getting involved in the offense outside of the spring game, but those here who have been fans of suburban C-bus high school football, knew Stoneburner could be a star. A lot depended on Stoneburner giving up his dream of becoming a wide receiver and accepting his natural role as Tight End. The kid can catch. Can he block? And can the other starting 5 on the O-line gel enough to give that chapter in the offensive playbook an opportunity?
And speaking of hands and seldom-used pages in the playbook, another suburban C-bus kid, Zack Boren, showed that he too can catch the ball from the fullback spot. Again, will this part of the playbook be dusted off in the fall?
The running back stable is full, but banged up ... again. Plenty of Brandon Saine and Boom Herron will hopefully be on the menu in the fall but crowd-favorite from last season, Jordan Hall continues to impress as does Jaamal Berry who appeared to have been held out for precautionary reasons. He's had a hamstring issue that sidelined him all of 2009 but again spring practice observers rave about the kid. In addition, Jermil Martin was an early pick by the team seniors on "draft day" which says something for what the teammates see in practice. Carlos Hyde showed a bit Saturday, as well. Many are liking Jordan Hall as a returner. It might be an option to get him more touches in a crowded backfield where he has some room to show his burst.
The main worry coming from spring has been the kicking game, specifically punting. And Saturday did not give anyone comfort. Between Ben Buchanan and Derek Erwin, it was pretty ugly in the kick scrimmage 2 weeks ago. And the more seasoned Buchanan did nothing Saturday to establish a starting role for himself.
Based on my observations following spring practices and the spring game, it appears to me too that several solid leaders have emerged in Dane Sanzenbacher, Justin Boren, and Devier Posey on the offense and Cam Heyward on the defense. It will be interesting to see how the team vote goes for captain and how Terrelle Pryor fares and where the defense goes for a 2nd guy - I'd guess Brian Rolle or Ross Homan but Chekwa might be right in there. There is a certain maturity in this team that reminds me a lot of 2002 ... no worries, I am not getting ahead of myself ... but I see similarities ... and there is the enigma (much as 2002 had its enigma in MoC) in TP. I am not yet convinced that what we saw in the Rose Bowl will carry through the season to come. If it does ... well, it will be a very successful season.
The first game approaches - the rare Thursday night game vs. Marshall awaits (Big Ten network). I trust I will see you all in August as fall camp gets underway!
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Big Ten All-Tournament Team
David Lighty - dissed by media and coaches but his actions answered ...
Here is the 2010 Big Ten Men's Basketball
All-Tournament Team:
Demetri McCamey, Illinois
Devoe Joseph, Minnesota
William Buford, Ohio State
David Lighty, Ohio State
Evan Turner, Ohio State
No surprise ..........
Most Outstanding Player
Evan Turner, Ohio State
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Here is the 2010 Big Ten Men's Basketball
All-Tournament Team:
Demetri McCamey, Illinois
Devoe Joseph, Minnesota
William Buford, Ohio State
David Lighty, Ohio State
Evan Turner, Ohio State
No surprise ..........
Most Outstanding Player
Evan Turner, Ohio State
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Lighty Dreams of the Shoe
Today, Thad Matta and selected ballers met with the media. David Lighty talked about his anti-Mich sentiments.
Lighty said he feels a little something extra going against Michigan. Maybe its the football player in him, but he said "they will always be that school up north to me." Said he wished he could play against them on Saturdays in the fall and would love to catch a touchdown pass in front of 100,000 fans at the Shoe.
For your knowledge, David Lighty was an All-State WR at Cleveland Villa Angela - St. Joseph High School.
Shhhhh .... don't tell Coach Tressel.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Lighty said he feels a little something extra going against Michigan. Maybe its the football player in him, but he said "they will always be that school up north to me." Said he wished he could play against them on Saturdays in the fall and would love to catch a touchdown pass in front of 100,000 fans at the Shoe.
For your knowledge, David Lighty was an All-State WR at Cleveland Villa Angela - St. Joseph High School.
Shhhhh .... don't tell Coach Tressel.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
C'mon People
You'd think that they really did discover that Dan Brown had the whole Holy Grail story correct for all the hub-bub in C-bus over opening the football season in 2010 on a Thursday! Sacreligious! Sacre' bleu! OMG!
Seriously, a guy called into the local sports radio station today and complained that a Thursday game would cut into his party schedule because if he did his usual tailgate pre-game, he'd be too hung over for work the following day, a Friday. Another called in and thought for sure that the traditional TBDBITL quad-script would be ruined because the alumni band could not possibly get off work to march on a Thursday. The radio host rightly suggested that giving notice in January to an employer might ensure someone could get a random Thursday in September off work, and maybe even the following Friday.
So it's a Thursday night game. It is not unprecedented. The game will be a night game on a summer evening. It will be warm, but probably not as hot as those early season afternoon games where we roast in the heat of the day. The students will be off campus (the game is the week after summer quarter ends), so parking will be relatively ample. The game will be among maybe a handful of games so it will be a highlight game and likely picked up by major media.
C'mon People!
Have you not figured it out?
It's all about the bucks ($) Bucks!
Putting an Ohio State football game on a Thursday night is sure to attract the ESPN crew to C-bus to broadcast, particularly as the Bucks will be coming off of a big Rose Bowl win. And, yes, Marshall is not exactly like playing USC, but Marshall does bring tradition and a new coach and plenty of banter for the likes of the ESPN crew! Frankly, the risk is to the Buckeyes - if they lay an "egg" or play below expectations, they do so before a national audience!
So Buckeye Nation, accept the inevitable. The game will go on ... and you best get prepared now. Request the day off if you need to (and the day after). Prepare your best scarlet attire for the lights of Ohio Stadium. And prepare to bring home an opening game victory.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Seriously, a guy called into the local sports radio station today and complained that a Thursday game would cut into his party schedule because if he did his usual tailgate pre-game, he'd be too hung over for work the following day, a Friday. Another called in and thought for sure that the traditional TBDBITL quad-script would be ruined because the alumni band could not possibly get off work to march on a Thursday. The radio host rightly suggested that giving notice in January to an employer might ensure someone could get a random Thursday in September off work, and maybe even the following Friday.
So it's a Thursday night game. It is not unprecedented. The game will be a night game on a summer evening. It will be warm, but probably not as hot as those early season afternoon games where we roast in the heat of the day. The students will be off campus (the game is the week after summer quarter ends), so parking will be relatively ample. The game will be among maybe a handful of games so it will be a highlight game and likely picked up by major media.
C'mon People!
Have you not figured it out?
It's all about the bucks ($) Bucks!
Putting an Ohio State football game on a Thursday night is sure to attract the ESPN crew to C-bus to broadcast, particularly as the Bucks will be coming off of a big Rose Bowl win. And, yes, Marshall is not exactly like playing USC, but Marshall does bring tradition and a new coach and plenty of banter for the likes of the ESPN crew! Frankly, the risk is to the Buckeyes - if they lay an "egg" or play below expectations, they do so before a national audience!
So Buckeye Nation, accept the inevitable. The game will go on ... and you best get prepared now. Request the day off if you need to (and the day after). Prepare your best scarlet attire for the lights of Ohio Stadium. And prepare to bring home an opening game victory.
GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!
Friday, January 8, 2010
'Nuf Said
Remember Buckeye fans, when you are talking about college football coaches and Tressel, since coming to OSU in 2001, we've had eight straight years in the top 20, seven of those years in the top 10, with six of those years finishing in the TOP 5! WOW
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