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!

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!