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.
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.
2) Will Andrew Sweat and Ryan Shazier see the field together? The best two linebackers this year in scarlet and gray were Sweat and Shazier. Of course, Ryan saw the field late due to Sweat's injuries, but was hobbled, himself, in the Michigan game. Reports from bowl practices indicate that Sweat is healthy enough to play and it may well be that he starts at middle linebacker, with Shazier at the Will. If they are both 85-90% healthy it would be a great boost to the team, and I think they will play well together. I am also anxious to see how Shazier does moving over to the Will, which would seem to be his more natural position, and the place he will occupy in 2012.
3) Can anyone get pressure on the Florida quarterbacks? Without Nathan Williams the Buckeyes struggled to get after opposing signal callers, although part of that was due to scheming, as few blitzes were used. The questions here are: a) whether or not Heacock will throw caution to the wind in his final game and send more guys, and b) whether some of the younger defensive lineman will get more playing time, and help bring more pressure. I, for one, would send Shazier off the edge from his linebacking position a number of times, and also feature more of Michael Bennett who showed a lot of potential this season. Add in a little of Moeller and Barnett blitzing at opportune times and I think it will cause havoc and aid a suspect defense.
4) How will the secondary do against a pass happy Florida team? While the Gators didn't throw the ball as well as in past seasons, they still love to pass and have plenty of talented receivers. Outside of Bradley Roby, the OSU secondary struggled in coverage, oftentimes resorting to zones that left lots of holes. Players like Christian Bryant, Tyler Moeller, and Orhian Johnson were out of position way too much, and big plays were surrendered with regularity. One wonders if time in the film room and on the practice field will help, and if the secondary can tighten up for this contest.
Those are just a few of the things I will be watching closely in the fianl game of the Jim Heacock era. Hopefully the defense will show improvement and help secure a second straight victory over an SEC team.
3) Can anyone get pressure on the Florida quarterbacks? Without Nathan Williams the Buckeyes struggled to get after opposing signal callers, although part of that was due to scheming, as few blitzes were used. The questions here are: a) whether or not Heacock will throw caution to the wind in his final game and send more guys, and b) whether some of the younger defensive lineman will get more playing time, and help bring more pressure. I, for one, would send Shazier off the edge from his linebacking position a number of times, and also feature more of Michael Bennett who showed a lot of potential this season. Add in a little of Moeller and Barnett blitzing at opportune times and I think it will cause havoc and aid a suspect defense.
4) How will the secondary do against a pass happy Florida team? While the Gators didn't throw the ball as well as in past seasons, they still love to pass and have plenty of talented receivers. Outside of Bradley Roby, the OSU secondary struggled in coverage, oftentimes resorting to zones that left lots of holes. Players like Christian Bryant, Tyler Moeller, and Orhian Johnson were out of position way too much, and big plays were surrendered with regularity. One wonders if time in the film room and on the practice field will help, and if the secondary can tighten up for this contest.
Those are just a few of the things I will be watching closely in the fianl game of the Jim Heacock era. Hopefully the defense will show improvement and help secure a second straight victory over an SEC team.
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