 Decker's new look. (H/T Alex from 11W) Drew Thurman (7:10 am) It seems you can't click the refresh button quick enough these days, as Buckeye football news is just pouring in. Again yesterday, we got major news pertaining to what this team will look like in 2012 and beyond, both good and bad. Buckeye Nation not only can welcome some new faces, but also has to say it's goodbyes to several players and coaches. Let's take a look at the additions and the unfortunate attrition. Addition - Taylor DeckerThere arguably isn't a bigger need left in the 2012 recruiting class than offensive tackle. That void got smaller as Vandalia Butler offensive tackle Taylor Decker committed to Buckeyes yesterday. Decker originally committed to Notre Dame back in March, and seemed to have little interest in Ohio State in the midst of all of the turmoil. Meyer's hiring in November seemed to peak Decker's interest and at least made him evaluate his options again. Then when Notre Dame coaches Tim Hinton and Ed Warriner joined Meyer's staff, Decker's public shock made most believe the switch was imminent. His visit this weekend sealed the deal. Decker is the 20th member of the 2012 class and the third offensive lineman with Jacoby Boren and Pat Elflein. He's listed at 6-8 315 pounds, and is ranked as a four star prospect by all the major recruiting services. Between Kyle Dodson, Jordan Diamond, and Joey O'Connor the staff will be looking to add at least one more offensive lineman in this class. O'Connor was the only one of the three without an offer, but he finally got that offer extended this weekend on his visit to Columbus. Attrition - Jeremy Cash, Dominic Clarke, and Derjuan Gambrell The Buckeyes have lost a lot of depth in the defensive backfield in the last 48 hours. First news was released that safety Jeremy Cash is seeking a transfer. Cash played in five games last year as a freshman, and it appeared he had a bright future. While no reason has been given as to his motivation to transfer, the combination of a new coaching staff and the entire defensive backfield returning next season would seem to be likely explanations. No schools have been named as his possible destination.
 Ken Kohl (12:41pm) [Ed. Note] We are in the process of adding several writers here at The Silver Bullet, and growing beyond just being a father-son operation. This means more content for you. So we would like to introduce Ken Kohl. Ken's been around the blog for awhile now, and we got smart and finally asked him to write. You can read all about him here. I’ve wanted to do this for some time, probably going back 6-8 years, but it was brought to a head for me this year. In the last decade or so, I’ve been uncomfortable with Ohio State’s offensive line play. I just haven’t bought into linemen sporting the "belly-over-belt" look that we’ve seen under Bollman. For background, I’m a Baby Boomer, and my earliest recollections of Ohio State football are Bob Ferguson and Tom Matte. In terms of offensive linemen, the pinnacle was Dave Foley and Rufus Mayes. So aside from the play calling this year, I was curious about Bollman’s performance in his stated responsibility: offense line. Unlike Marc Antony, I come not to bury Bollman, nor to praise him. This must have crossed a few folks minds, because their have recently been two excellent posts related to this as Ramzy at 11W and Scott Dame at The O-Zone have recently written excellent articles related to this. This post takes a look at Ohio State linemen that have been drafted into the NFL. This is based on the assumption that NFL GM’s have some idea of talent, and regardless of college performance these players were thought highly enough of for a GM to spend a draft pick to acquire. To do this comparison, I looked at some “horizontal” and “longitudinal” numbers to see how Bollman compared against his contemporaries and his predecessors as an offensive line coach. I had two “measures of success”: number of linemen drafted and number of linemen drafted in the 1st round. This may quantify and qualify the end results. Regardless of how “good” a recruit was going into the system, did he emerge “good enough” that an NFL GM would draft him? I want to stress that this is a comparison, not an analysis.
 Senior John Simon leads the D-line Dave Thurman (3:14 pm) Previously we looked at what to expect from the Ohio State offense in 2012. Now we move to the prospects for the 2012 defense. After a very disappointing 2011 when the Silver Bullets seemed to stay in the revolver most of the year, Ohio State hopes to rebound in a big way. Opponents managed 323.5 yards and 21.0 points per game against the Buckeyes, and while those numbers are acceptable at a lot of schools, they don't cut it in Columbus. With a new head coach in place, and a lot of returning talent, hopes run high for major improvement. Below is an early look at what I expect will be the pecking order, although it is bound to change as more high school seniors commit to Ohio State, and as some of the present players transfer or are given the boot by Urban Meyer and his staff. It is fun to guess, though, and try and get a grasp of who will be on the field in scarlet and gray this September.
Defensive Line:
Returning: Nathan Williams (Sr.), John Simon (Sr.), Garrett Goebel (Sr.), Johnathan Hankins (Jr.), Adam Bellamy (Jr.), J.T. Moore (Soph.), Michael Bennett (Soph.), Joel Hale (Soph.), Steve Miller (Soph.), Chase Farris (R-Fr.) & Ken Hayes (R-Fr.)
Departing: Melvin Fellows (Medical redshirt), Solomon Thomas & Evan Blankenship
Moving: Darryl Baldwin (Likely moving to OL)
Arriving: Noah Spence, Adolphus Washington, Se'Von Pittman & Tommy Schutt
You want reason to be excited about 2012? Take a look at the guys who will be playing in the trenches for the Buckeye D. The starters will likely include Nathan Williams at weakside end (Leo) and John Simon at strongside end, with big Johnathan Hankins and Garrett Goebel inside. That is a very experienced and talented group that should dominate most games. It will be a fight for playing time behind them, with Adam Bellamy, Michael Bennett and Joel Hale getting the rest of the minutes at the defensive tackle positions. Any of them could potentially move outside and play a little end (especially strongside), but with Ohio State looking to establish an increased pass rush, look for Hayes, Miller, Spence and Washington to all battle for playing time. Of that group I like Washington to make the most noise in 2012. Getting Nathan Williams back should help immediately, and if one or two of the youngsters can also get consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks it will cause headaches for offensive coordinators. Guys like Farris, Pittman, and Schutt all bring a ton of talent to the table as well, but may have to wait a year to play. I can't ever remember seeing this kind of depth on the defensive line in my years of following the Buckeyes.
 Miller will again be the focal point in 2012 Dave Thurman (8:23 pm)
Out with the old and in with the new. A whole lot is about to change, as the Walrus cleans out his office and Tressel Ball kicks the bucket for good. A new coaching staff not only brings in a new philosophy but a whole different way of evaluating talent. So we can be confident that the OSU offense in 2012 will look very different than it did this year, or at any time in recent memory for that matter.
Below is an early look at what I expect will be the pecking order, although it is bound to change as more high school seniors commit to Ohio State, and as some of the present players transfer or are given the boot by Urban Meyer and his staff. It is fun to guess, though, and try and get a grasp of who will be on the field in scarlet and gray this September.
Quarterback:
Returning: Braxton Miller (Soph.) & Kenny Guiton (Jr.)
Departing: Joe Bauserman & Taylor Graham (transfering)
Arriving: Cardale Jones
This one is easy. Outside of a catastrophe Braxton Miller will be the starter next year, as Meyer is salivating over his talent. Miller improved throughout the season and has sick skills but needs to expand his vision and develop better mechanics. Still, he is the focal point around which this squad will build. Behind him is little used Kenny Guiton, who has toyed with leaving but should stay as he is all but guaranteed the number two job heading into fall. He can do some similar things as Braxton and might be better than fans expect. Cardale Jones arrives this winter from Fork Union, and has talent, but there are whispers that he faces an uphill battle to stay eligible and to grasp the mental elements of the game. Call it the Glenville curse if you like and stay tuned to see how this one unfolds. If either Guiton or Jones would depart of become ineligible it would be a major problem, especially since Miller likes to run and takes a great deal of contact. Although the staff has looked at some quarterbacks in the class of 2012 it would be a surprise if anyone else is signed.
 Dave Thurman (4:20 pm)
As January 2nd draws closer Buckeye nation is beginning to warm up to the idea of playing the Florida Gators. Although both teams are a disappointing 6-6, it is still a compelling matchup, made all the more interesting because of the Urban Meyer connection with both programs. And it is always fascinating to see which team in a bowl game has made the most changes and adjustments since the end of the regular season. Astute fans also watch with hopes of picking up clues in regard to the next season, as young players start to get more playing time.
Although there are many things I will be watching for in this game, I have to confess that my focus will be on the defense, first and foremost. Don't get me wrong, I will also be observing the OSU offense. I am interested to see if Braxton Miller has continued to progress, and will do a better job of reading the opposing defensive schemes now that he has more practices and film analysis under his belt. And, it will be exciting to see if any of the young receivers has stepped up and is ready to become a big time player in the future. But, it is the defense that tuly has my attention.
So what exactly will I be watching for as my eyes fix on the Ohio State defensive unit?
1) Will the team do a better job of playing in space and tackling in the open field? As the Silver Bullets were repeatedly gashed this year the most glaring problem was tackling, with both the linebacking corp and secondary whiffing on opposing ball carriers over and over again. Some of it was due to poor spacing, and some was due to poor tackling form, but is has to be corrected if this team is going to move forward. Maybe the past six weeks has given coaches a chance to teach fundementals and improve technique. I know that I'll be watching.
 _Family Feud is a feature where Dave and Drew throw their opinions in on various Buckeye football subjects, which like most father and sons, are quite opposite. This edition takes a detour as they look at the B1G as a whole and the upcoming bowl schedule.
Buckeye Nation isn't exactly as wired for the bowl season as in past years. The matchup of two 6-6 teams in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl hardly compares to the BCS battles that Ohio State has been through over the last decade. While some have tried to use the Urban Meyer angle to gain interest in this game, it hardly does enough to make things meaningful. Meyer isn't coaching in the game, and instead fans get one last chance to see Bollman's play calling.
So while the major drama may be missing for the Buckeyes, there is plenty to keep you interested in the bowl season thanks to the Big Ten. The conference has a record 10 teams playing in bowls, including some pretty compelling matchups.
Conference bragging rights will also be at stake again this year, as the Big Ten tries to rebound from 3-5 record from a season ago. Let's take a close look at these games and give some predictions.
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl - Purdue (6-6) vs. Western Michigan (7-5)
TV Details: Today, Dec 27; 4:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
Game Outlook: The Boilermakers find themselves in their first bowl game in four years after winning two of their final three games. They make the trip to Ford Field without their top tackler on defense, Dwayne Beckford (suspended), as well as OJ Ross (suspended) and Ralph Bolden (injured).
On the other side, Western Michigan is trying to win the first bowl game in school history. They rank 22nd in total yards in the country and 18th in points scored on offense mostly thanks to quarterback Alex Carder (3434 yards, 28 touchdowns). In their first two meetings against Big Ten schools this year they fell short, Michigan (34-10) and Illinois (23-20).
Prediction: Dave - Purdue 24, Western Michigan 20; Drew - Purdue 35, Western Michigan 31
 Dave Thurman (2:45 pm)
On paper it looks great. Ohio State versus Florida. Two of the premier programs in the nation. One is Urban Meyer's previous team and the other one his next gig. Sounds like a made for television matchup. But like most of Buckeye Nation, I am anything but enthused by this contest, and it's not just because both schools are 6-6. Truth is the NCAA sanctions that were handed down this week, adding a bowl ban for the 2012 season, have taken any excitement away from this game. At this point there seems to be little good that OSU can glean from the Gator Bowl, other than managing a winning season.
I have already gone on record as saying that I don't think 6-6 teams belong in bowl games, so I have never embraced this contest. I also felt it would be advantageous to turn it down and tell the NCAA it was a self-imposed bowl ban. That way the team would have been free and clear in 2012. But Gene Smith didn't see it that way and now has egg on his face...again!
However there are a few compelling questions to consider as we move toward this January 2nd contest:
1. Will the senior class play with pride and try and end their careers on a positive note? Obviously the "Block O" class of 2008 has enjoyed some success during their stay in Columbus, although they never achieved all that was anticipated. So how will Brewster, Adams, Posey, Shugarts, Sweat and the boys end their playing days in scarlet and gray? Add in the 5th year seniors like Boom Herron and Tyler Moeller and there are quite a few guys who have something to prove. Hopefully they won't merely go through the motions but will play with pride and purpose.
 Dave Thurman (8:06 pm)
Noah Spence, considered by most every recruiting services to be the top weakside defensive end in the class of 2012, gave a verbal commitment to Ohio State this evening following his weekend visit. Spence, a 6'3" 240 pound specimen from Harrisburg, Pennslyvania (Bishop McDevitt), is a pass rush specialist who has started since his freshman season. As a junior in 2010 he registered 22 sacks, and is a five-star prospect who will play in the Under Armour All-American game in Orlando on January 5th.
Spence chose Ohio State over scholarship offers from LSU, Florida, Maryland, Penn State, USC, Notre Dame, Michigan, and many others. Combined with the verbals from Adolphus Washington and Se'van Pittman it is safe to say that the Buckeyes will bolster their pass rush in a big way in the next few years.
Welcome aboard Noah!
 Dave Thurman (6:43 pm)
Gimme back my bullets,
Put 'em back where they belong.
-Lynard Skynard, 1976
As a long, painful year comes to a close and we look ahead to 2012, most fans are talking about offense. Not me. I think the Buckeye offense is in good hands. Urban Meyer and boy wonder, Tom Herman, will employ the spread and move the ball up and down the field in a fashion few of us will recongnize. Sure, I'm concerned about the offensive line which may need to be held together with duct tape. But Braxton Miller and a young stable of talented skill players have the potential to light up the scoreboard. Just watch how many catches Jake Stoneburner winds up with, and how much the backs , like Jordan Hall, are employed swinging out of the backfield. It should be fun.
No, I am more concerned with the Buckeye defense which was gashed far too often in 2011. Truth is, The Silver Bullets had become a source of pride for me the past decade. Whenever idiot fans of teams that played "basketball on grass" would taunt me and make fun of Tressel's conservative ways I would answer, "Yeah, but have you seen our D?" When they took the field I saw swagger, bone-rattling tackling, and firece pride. Year after year they were ranked among the elite defensive units in America. Then came 2011, and there were games when it appeared the only way to keep a team from moving right down the field was to force a turnover. I began praying for inerceptions and fumbles each time an opponent had the ball. Even third and long brought no comfort or confidence as teams converted as if they were facing a Mountain West defense. And so my plea going into 2012 is simple:Gimme back my Bullets!
Is there any credible reason for optimism? Let's take a brief look at our prospects.
 Newest Buckeye Se'Von Pitman Dave Thurman (8:20 am)
Urban Meyer might be better with flips than the cook at IHOP. A few hours after receiving a verbal from Tommy Shutt (who flipped to the Buckeyes from Penn State), the new head coach at OSU received another commitment from defensive end Se'von Pittman (flipping to Ohio State from MSU). The 6'5", 245-pound Pittman hails from Canton McKinley and was a high school teammate of current Buckeye Steve Miller. During a fine senior season he made 102 tackles including 20 tackles for loss and 8 sacks, forcing two fumbles and recovering one.
Pittman is rated as a top 100 national player by Rivals who has assigned him four stars. Scout and 247 Sports also list Se'von as a four-star player, Like Adolphus Washington, Pittman is considered a weakside end and is being brought in to bring more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In addition to OSU and Michigan State he had received offers from Michigan, Florida, Alabama, Nebraska and others. He brings the number of verbal commitments in the class of 2012 to eighteen.
With two big commitments to begin the week, the question on everyone's mind is who's next?
Welcome home Se'von!
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