Category: 1

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.

Gator Bowl: Early Look 12/22/2011

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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.

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Game Preview: Ohio State at Michigan 11/25/2011

Dave Thurman (12:36 pm)

The Ohio State Buckeyes head north to Ann Arbor carrying a seven game win streak in "The Game", their longest in the history of this intense rivalry. However they are also coming off two straight losses to Purdue and Penn State in which they appeared lackadaisical, unprepared and poorly coached. On the other hand, the 9-2 Wolverines are fresh off a 45-17 thrashing of Nebraska, and are fielding their best team in five years. With one team playing their worst football of the year, and the other playing their best, it would seem a foregone conclusion that Michigan will prevail at home. But this is a rivalry game when anything can happen.

Adding to the drama is the fact that every major media outlet is reporting that Luke Fickell is coaching his last game at Ohio State, at least as a head coach, with Urban Meyer about to be announced as the new top man in Columbus. One wonders how the players and coaching staff are dealing with this distraction, and if some have simply given up. As if OSU needed anything more going against them consider that Michigan is 7-0 at home this season while the Buckeyes are 1-3 on the road. It is an uphill battle for the young visitors to say the least.

When Michigan has the ball:

Everything starts with junior quarterback Denard Robinson and his shifty speed. Although first year coach Brady Hoke has tried to make Robinson a bit more of a pocket presence and hasn't run him as often as last year, Denard still does his greatest damage with his legs (183, 993, 14). He is very difficult to get an angle on, which could present huge problems for a Silver Bullet defense that has struggled to be in position to tackle all year. Robinson has really not improved as a passer (1889 yds, 53.1%, 15 tds, 14 int) and is prone to turnovers. Due to his reckless style and small stature, he has also been susceptible to injuries in his career, and if he is hurt, UM will turn to sophomore Devin Gardner, who is talented but has yet to put it all together. If Robinson runs wild, which seems highly possible, it will be a long day for the Buckeyes.

Game Preview: Penn State at Ohio State 11/18/2011

Both missing - who would have guessed it a year ago?

Dave Thurman (3:06 pm)

Penn State is coming to town in what may go down as the strangest Senior Day in history. Only someone holed up on a deserted island is unaware of the drama in Happy Valley, which has taken the focus of the sports world off of Ohio State and Tatgate. A year ago, the Buckeyes triumphed 38-14 in a game that was a whole lot closer than that, but was broken open in the second half by two pick sixes. At the time who would have guessed the following:

-Jim Tressel would resign under pressure and be replaced by Luke Fickell
-Terrelle Pryor would not take a snap in 2011, heading to the Oakland Raiders
-Joe Paterno would be fired right after becoming the winningest coach in college football history
-DeVier Posey would be playing his first game of the year after a 10 game suspension

So, what should we expect on Saturday? Nobody is really sure. The Nittany Lion program is in disarray, but PSU played an emotional game last Saturday and nearly knocked off Nebraska. They might be charged up and play with a chip on their shoulder or they might completely fold. And, who knows what to expect from this young Buckeye team that played with passion against Wisconsin, but did a lot of sleepwalking the last two weeks. So even if the game is missing Joe and Jim, there is plenty of reason to tune in.

When Penn State has the ball:

All year long Penn State has rotated two quarterbacks and although they have won eight games, the offense has not been overly strong, averaging a mere 21 points per game. However, last week interim coach Tom Bradley stuck with junior Matt "Moxie" McGloin, who played a great first half at Ohio Stadium last year before falling apart in the second stanza. If he falters, they could go to sophomore Rob Bolden, who was a highly ranked recruit but has yet to reach his potential. McGloin has hit on 54% of his passes with seven touchdowns and just three interceptions, while Bolden has only completed 43% of his throws with one touchdown and four picks. Of the two, Bolden is the better athlete, and is a threat to run the ball, although he doesn't have sterling rushing numbers. Look for McGloin to be the man Saturday, and while he won't wow anyone, he is steady and effective.

Game Preview: Ohio State at Purdue 11/11/2011

Part of the annoyance of West Lafayette

Dave Thurman (12:36 pm)

Coming off a less than inspiring win over one of the two B1G teams from the state of Indiana, the Buckeyes now head north to take on the Purdue Boilermakers at West Lafayette. Not only is it one of the more annoying venues in the conference with the loud train horn constantly blaring and fans shouting "Boiler Up!" (whatever that means), it is also the sight of a very painful loss in 2009. Most fans don't need to be reminded of that day when the offensive line collapsed, and Terrelle Pryor played his worst game as a Buckeye. The 2011 team hopes for a better outcome, but takes on a Purdue team that is 4-1 at home. While the Boilermakers are far from a good team, they have had their moments, and certainly pose a serious threat on their home turf.

During a week of great unrest in the B1G conference with the media attention all focused on Penn State and Joe Paterno, Ohio State has quietly prepared for this game with determination. Not only is it a chance to atone for the '09 debacle, it is also a step in a possible Leaders division title, setting up a huge contest against beleaguered Penn State next week in the Shoe.

When Purdue has the ball:

Known for their great quarterbacks, Purdue may not have an NFL caliber signal caller but they have found themselves a pretty good one this year in Caleb TerBush. He won the job from the more acclaimed Robert Marve earlier in the year and has done a nice job. The sophomore is big (6'5" 225) but also decently mobile. He has completed 61.3% of his passes with a solid 10 to 6 touchdown to interception ratio. TerBush has also scrambled for 183 yards and a touchdown. While he is unlikely to beat you on his own, he has been much better at home, and poses enough of a threat to keep the OSU defense on its toes. He is aided by two junior tailbacks in Robert Bolden (469 yds, 4.6 ypc, 3 tds) and Akeem Shavers (338 yds, 4.6 ypc., 5 tds). Of the two Bolden is the quicker and more dynamic while Shavers is more punishing. The tough Silver Bullet line shouldn't let either back have a big day, but both are capable of solid numbers.

Purdue receivers, like the other skill position players, are productive but not especially scary. Fifth year senior Justin Siller is a good possession receiver (34, 342, 1), while O.J. Ross is a bit more of a downfield threat (29, 326, 3), as is Antavian Edison. The Boilers usually have three wideouts on the field and sometimes four, and there is decent depth at the position. Like OSU they don't feature their tight end as much as the could.

Game Preview: Indiana at Ohio State 11/04/2011

Dave Thurman (2:27 pm)

After facing a murderous October (Michigan State, at Nebraska, at Illinois, Wisconsin), the Buckeyes get an opponent over whom they are heavily favored, as Indiana (1-8) comes to town. Although OSU fans have grown accustomed to having a half dozen games each year that are yawners, there have only been two in 2011 (Akron and Colorado) and this appears like the only other chance for an easy victory on the schedule. Despite Luke Fickell's warning about the potency of the Hoosiers offense, and the opportunity for a letdown after an emotional and hard-fought win against Wisconsin, it is still hard to see Indiana staying in this game for long. Their only victoy was against South Carolina State of the FCS. But in a eerily strange season, anything is possible.

Although there are few (if any) compelling story lines attached to this contest, it does provide Ohio State with the chance to play a lot of guys, and to polish up their offense, which is a work in progress. It would seem a perfect time to give Braxton Miller more opportunities to throw, and see if he and the receivers can make strides in the passing game. But all of that is dependent on getting a quick lead, and playing sharp, focused football.

When Indiana has the ball:

After auditioning no less than three players for the quarterback position, the Hoosiers have finally settled on athletic freshman Tre Roberson, He bears some similarity to Braxton Miller, and while more comfortable running the ball at this stage in his career (44.5 ypg, 4.3 ypc), he has shown signs of being a solid passer (59.7%). Last week against Northwestern, Roberson rushed for 121 and threw for 169, so he is a true dual threat, and the Silver Bullets need to take him seriously. Sophomore power back Stephen Houston (6-0, 228) has been a nice surprise for Indiana, rushing for 577 yards at 5.2 per carry, with 6 touchdowns. However he will be running right into the teeth of a tough, physical Buckeye line and it is hard to see Houston having a big day. Roberson would appear the bigger threat on the ground.

Game Preview: Wisconsin at OSU 10/28/2011

Bucky and the Badgers come to town Saturday

Dave Thurman (5:44 pm)

Ohio State, fresh off of a bye following a win that may have saved their season, prepares to host Wisconsin, whose hopes of reaching the National Championship Game came crashing down last weekend in East Lansing. This is a big game that will be played in prime time, and provides the Buckeyes a chance to salvage a "lost" season and reclaim some national swagger. Two teams that love to play old-fashioned smash-mouth football will take center stage in Columbus, and while it may not have the glamour some would have thought six months ago, it is still a big stage and a game that will have major implications in the newly formatted Big Ten Conference.

The most interesting facet of the game may be the irony. A few months ago Ohio State figured to have a huge advantage at quarterback with Terrelle Pryor at the helm, returning for his senior season. Wisconsin, on the other hand, had a large void at signal caller, as Scott Tolzien used up his eligibility. Who would have guessed, then, that the Badgers would have a senior at the helm in Russell Wilson, while OSU would turn to a freshman in Braxton Miller? The Scarlet and Gray hoped to have a Heisman candidate lining up behind center and instead that distinction belongs to Wisconsin.

The other thing I find to be ironic is that Ohio State can make their season with a victory, but not many expect them to win, whereas Wisconsin has to win or watch what they thought would be a special season go down in flames. The shoe is on the other foot from previous years, which is kind of fun if you are a Buckeye fan.

When Wisconsin has the ball:

The Badgers roll into town with one of the fiercest offensive units in the country, averaging 512 yards and over 47 points per game. True, some of their competition hasn't been strong, but last weekend they scored 31 points against a very stout Michigan State defense, albeit in a losing effort. As usual, UW runs the ball with great success, featuring two excellent backs behind their usual behemoth line. Monte Ball is the power back, and has run for 768 yards and an eye-popping 17 touchdowns. James White is more of a scatback, who relies on making cuts, and has another 458 yards. Defenses also need to beware of Russell Wilson, who averages 6.6 yards per carry when he decides to tuck it and run. Ohio State, which has struggled at times against the run, will have their hands full stopping the Badger running attack.

Game Preview: OSU at Illinois 10/14/2011

The chief won't be on the filed Saturday but boom Herron will be

The Chief won't be on the field Saturday but Boom will be

Dave Thurman (6:55 pm)

Buckeye players must wonder what they have done to deserve their fate in 2011. Not only have they dealt with losing a coach, player suspensions (some bordering on the bizarre), and a host of untimely injuries, but now they get to make the trip to flat, barren, windy Champaign, Illinois for the second straight year and third time in the past four seasons. What a prize!

No doubt about it, though, this is not your father's Illinois' squad. After years of squaring off against poor to average Illini teams, the Buckeyes will find the 2011 edition to be talented and tough, entering the contest undefeated and ranked sixteenth in the nation. They are also hungry for success against Ohio State, realizing it has been twenty years since they got the best of the Scarlet and Gray in Champaign. Not exactly what the doctor ordered. So how will it go?

When Illinois has the ball:

Any description of the Illinois offense begins with quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase, who was good last year as a freshman, but has become a force with the gained experience he received. He can throw (206 ypg, 66.7%, 10 tds, 3 ints) and run (347 yards and 4 tds) which should put the fear of God into a Buckeye D that has struggled mightily at times. Going into the season, opponents knew that Scheelhaase was going to be a handful, but figured that the Illini would struggle at tailback without Mikel Leshoure, who took his skills to the NFL. Well, guess again. Senior Troy Pollard is averaging 9.8 yards per carry, while freshman Donovan Young manages 6.7 each time he totes the rock. Together they run for more than 110 yards per game, and when you throw Scheelhaase into the mix, plus senior Jason Ford, you get a team that averages over 226 yards per game on the ground, to go with 222 per contest in the air. Pick your poison. However, before deciding to not even turn on the television, understand that the Illini have done all that against the likes of Arkansas St., South Dakota St., Western Michigan, Northwestern, and Indiana. Only Arizona State qualifies as a true quality opponent, and while that was an impressive victory, Illinois got them at home.

Obviously new offensive coordinator Paul Petrino is licking his chops after watching Nebraska slice apart the Silver Bullets in the second half of last week's contest in Lincoln. He also has to feel good about the fact that there is no true pass rush to worry about. But while an improved, athletic quarterback should strike some fear into OSU, this is still a decent defense, that is capable of putting up a fight.