Where's The Defense?

zimbio.com

Just when I thought we were making strides on the defensive side of the ball and had written so, Indiana hangs 49 points on the Buckeyes.  What in the world is that about?  A Buckeye would be hard pressed to remember when any team scored 49 points against us let alone the Hoosiers.  Indiana’s spread offense was a nightmare for the Buckeyes.  They moved the ball without hesitation and had there been more clock available to them, there just might have been a different outcome. 

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Luke Fickel’s defensive squad needs to make some adjustments in a hurry.  It was interesting that Zack Boren was delegated to the defensive squad late in the game.  Injuries are playing their part in the defensive scheme of things but there are larger problems that must be addressed.  The lack of tackling continues to plague the Buckeyes.   For most observers, this is a question of discipline for the defensive squad.  Either Fickel isn’t sharing the get serious about tackling message or the players are not responding. 

Somebody better answer the phone; pick-up the message or Luke Fickel will be out of a job as Defensive Coordinator.  You have to wonder if Urban Meyer isn’t questioning his decision to keep Fickel around.  Meyer may not be thinking that way but Buckeye fans sure are.  Week after week, the defensive squad is getting exposed and eventually the offensive side of the ball will not be able to overcome the defensive weakness. 

There was no pass rush on Saturday against the Hoosiers.  Even more of a problem was the return of the big play.  Who can remember a year when the Buckeyes gave up more big plays than this year?  Gains of 15 yards plus are now the norm against us.  These problems must be addressed or it will be a quick fall off the undefeated list as the Buckeyes are just coming to the meat of their schedule. 

The offense continues to move forward.  The passing game was better on Saturday but dropping two passes for certain touchdowns hurt.  Carlos Hyde continues to develop as a powerful runner with defenses now having to worry about not only Braxton Miller but also Hyde.  I was delighted to see Miller running the ball in the first series.  It seems to help remove some of the early game jitters for him.  One had to be impressed with the shovel pass.  Each week, Meyer adds one more wrinkle to a growing offensive scheme. 

Another blocked punt and resulting touchdown was great to see but having it happen again to the Buckeyes was disheartening.  Special teams continue to get the job done for the Buckeyes.  On the other hand, we take way too much time punting the ball.  A blocked kick at the wrong time could spell doom for this undefeated Buckeye squad.

Purdue is coming off two disappointing performances against Michigan and Wisconsin.   They would like nothing more than to knock off the Buckeyes in Columbus.  Not going to happen of course but the Buckeyes need to continue to improve.   Look for the Buckeye defense to step it up this Saturday. 

BUCKEYE FOOTBALL - FUN AGAIN!

bleacherreport.com

Like most in the Buckeye Nation, I was more than disappointed with the sanctions placed on our football program.  Losing scholarships, vacating wins and paying money all seemed plenty to punish the program for the sins of the few.  Losing the opportunity to play in the conference championship, a bowl game and perhaps even the National Championship game was more than I cared to consider.  A season with little reward other than winning games and watching players mature and become better didn’t seem to be enough.



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I remember last season how conflicted I felt going into Ann Arbor for the first time ever.  If we beat Michigan, we would be bowl-eligible.  What an awful thought given the season we were experiencing.  What Buckeye fan wanted to see our team playing in the Tonka Truck Bowl game in the middle of December in the middle of the State of Idaho?  Losing to Michigan is never something you want to have happen but last year’s loss carried very little of what I remember to be heartache of losing during the John Cooper era.

Buckeye football in 2012 is fun again.  Of course, we’re winning and that makes all the difference in the world.  It’s more than that though.  Something about this team is special, magical almost.  Part of it is the influence of Coach Urban Meyer.  Perhaps more than I even realize.  This team keeps getting better week in and week out.  They seem to be making huge strides, not small ones but significant ones across the board.  What looked like a poor defensive unit at the beginning of the season now looks like what Buckeye fans have come to know in their defense. 

The defensive unit still does not tackle well but think about how good this defensive unit will be when they master the art of tackling and grow in their experience and skills.  They have speed at nearly every position.  I keep thinking about how special this defensive team could be once they have a full group of hard-hitting linebackers.  The group in the secondary is about as good as I can remember with nearly all of them being new to the program. 

Offensively, I can never remember an Ohio State team where you knew they were going to score before they did.  As I watch the games, I can almost predict which drives will result in touchdowns and which ones will fall short.  It’s almost uncanny with this team.  There is definitely something very special about them.  The Braxton Miller show is nothing short of spectacular but watching the emergence of other skilled players such as Devin Smith and Carlos Hyde is fun. 

Coach Meyer keeps saying that this team is really coming together as a unit.  A family if you will.  Coaches say this sort of thing all the time but it really seems to be true with this team.  They are playing well across the board as a team.  This team keeps getting better and better.  They are so young, enthusiastic and talented.  I had predicted this team would go undefeated long ago.  I continue to believe that this will be the case.  As each week comes and goes, this team shows one more dimension that makes it even stronger. 

Our Big Ten Championship Game, our bowl game and anything else of consequence for this team comes down to that fateful day in November when the Wolverines visit the Horseshoe.  It should be interesting to see where this team of youngsters is in their development come that Saturday.  I’m thinking it will be a game we all will remember for a long time.  It will be fun! 

Ohio State Football - Urban Meyer Style



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bleacherreport.com

Catching an early glimpse of what can be expected is on everyone's mind when Ohio State's spring football game rolls around.  This year's game held even more interest with the start of the Urban Meyer era.  Everyone was wondering what to expect.  Would Meyer launch his vaulted spread offense?  If so, would the Horseshoe be able to sustain itself from the obvious shock?

Over 80,000 Buckeye faithful showed up to welcome Urban Meyer and the 2012 team.  It was far and away the largest crowd ever to see a spring game at the Horseshoe.  Obviously, a great sign for a team that will not be able to play for a Big Ten Championship or post season bowl game.  Not sure anyone in attendance even cared about the score but for the record, the Scarlet won 20-14 over the Gray.

Those in attendance could tell that a new day had dawned in Ohio State football.  The energy and enthusiasm was rampant.  Meyer's two-man drills kicked off the day and provided the spark to get players, coaches and fans alike ready to play.  Watching Braxton Miller face off against Kenny Guiton in the two-man drill was not something anyone was expecting, including the players.  The energy created by the two-man drill spilled right over into the spring game.

Watching the early going of the game, one had to wonder if those in the Scarlet and Gray were in fact other teams disguised in our Buckeye colors.  Long gone is the three yards and a cloud of dust.  Long gone is the idea that three things can happen when you use the forward pass and two of them are bad.  .  Saturday's game was all about the pass and both Miller and Guiton did not disappoint.  Miller went 24-31 and Guiton was 16-24.  Both had one interception but through for a total of 443 yards.  The offense was indeed Meyer's spread with four and five spread sets included throughout the game. 

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It was a very different offense that what we Buckeye fans are accustomed to.  There is no question that this new Buckeye team will be airing it out.  Braxton Miller is going to be the quarterback and he appears to be improving dramatically.  The question remains however, whom will he have to throw to.  Freshman receiver Michael Thomas looked great catching 12 passes for 131 yards.  Thomas will certainly be in the mix.  One has to think that Jordan Hall will get some passes thrown his way coming out of the backfield. 

All in all, an entertaining and hopeful spring game.  In spite of the sanctions and a team that will have no reward for a great season, this Buckeye team will be fun and exciting to watch.  The fast pace offense will catch all of us by surprise come September when Meyer unleashes this new look offense.  Like so many Buckeye fans, I am anxious, excited and hoping that the summer flies by.  Bring on Miami of Ohio, I'm ready to watch some Buckeye football. 

NBA & Union Need To Act, Let's Keep These Kids In School

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As Kentucky was crowned King of NCAA basketball for the 2011-2012 season, hardly had the dust settled when college freshmen and sophomores across the country started announcing their intentions to leave school and head for the NBA payday.  Our NCAA champion Wildcats face the prospect of losing five underclassmen to the NBA draft including their superstar, Anthony Davis, a freshman.  The One And Done is alive and well and only hurting these young men and the universities they attend. 

The NCAA has no control over the young men who attend their schools to play basketball and then leave to head to the NBA after one or two years in school.  The NBA does have control over this situation and should put forth some new rules and guidelines encouraging these young men to stay put and earn their degree.  The big schools all have experienced the short-term student-athlete and for all practical purposes, the basketball programs at these schools are nothing more than farm systems for the NBA.

The NBA does have alternative programs for young men wishing to develop their game and should encourage these players to pursue these alternative development programs rather than taking away scholarships for young men who want to attend college to receive a degree and play basketball as part of the college experience.  The NBA Union must step up also with the NBA and create new guidelines that encourage college players to stay in college and earn their degree.  So many of the young players who opt out early from college to join the NBA are unable to make it professionally.  Their quick payday is gone along with the cash they received for signing.

Minimally, the NBA and the Union should put forth some standard mandating at least three years of college for those who choose to be student athletes.  Use the development programs for those not wishing to attend college.  The NFL has done better with their program with universities and it has not hurt their game at all.  Kentucky potentially stands to lose five players from the recent national championship team including Anthony Davis, Terrence Jones, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Doron Lamb and Marquis Teague. 

Our Buckeyes have experienced the same over the last five years losing outstanding players to the NBA early.  Sullinger being the most recent having announced only a week ago that he would be leaving to begin his NBA career.  One cannot fault the young men wishing for the payday.  Striking when the opportunity arises makes all the sense in the world.  Why risk potential injury or some other calamity and find yourself without an NBA payday.  At the same time, the development leagues would answer this dilemma. 

The college experience is an important one for those young men wishing to have it.  It provides a clear path once one's playing days come to an end.  It just does not seem fair to provide a full-ride scholarship for young men who will only attend one or two years of college taking away the opportunity for someone wishing to earn a college degree and participate in basketball while doing so. 

As long as the rule is in place, young men and their respective college coaches will take advantage of it.  Why not change the eligibility requirements and reestablish the real reason one chooses higher education.  It will never change without the NBA and the players Union making the change.           

Scarlet and Gray versus The Orange

ohiostate.247sports.com

Just hours away now from the Elite Eight and the Buckeyes participation against the Orangemen of Syracuse.  Truth be told, the jitters are setting in.  Ordinarily, I haven't felt this way about Ohio State basketball.  Generally, the jitters only come with the football team no matter who we play.  However, this year is different.  This is the third consecutive year that the Buckeyes have advanced to at least to the Sweet Sixteen and now are within one game of making it to New Orleans for the Final Four.

Reading the opinions online and in the papers, it is clear that many pundits, analysts and experts if you will, have picked the Buckeyes to advance over Syracuse.   Most note that Ohio State's offense will be too much for the zone of Syracuse.  They all speak of the inside game of Sullinger and the stifling defense of Aaron Craft, the Big Ten's defensive player of the year.  Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, they are not the three-point shooting team of last year.  The Buckeyes will face a Syracuse team that only knows how to play zone defense and the three-point shot can make the difference.

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Then again, it did not make a difference for Wisconsin which banged in 14 three-point shots against the Orangemen.  One has to wonder what it takes to beat Syracuse when you are able to shoot the lights out like the Badgers did but still come up short.  The difference for Ohio State in this evening's game will come down to three key factors. 

Ohio State plays great defense.  Arguably the best defense of any college team.  Especially, half-court defense.  Syracuse will face a team that is relentless on the defensive end.  Ohio State does give up some easy baskets and they often can be hurt in the transition game.  However, their aggressive and relentless style of defense, specifically from Craft will cause the Orange some serious trouble. 

Secondly, William Buford, the Buckeyes standout scorer needs to shoot and score for the Buckeyes to effectively beat Syracuse's zone defense.  Buford, who has not scored well in any of his Sweet Sixteen performances over the last two years, needs to have a big night.  He needs to hit three, four or five 3-point shots.  He needs to hit them early.  If Ohio State hits some threes early, it will relax the middle where Sullinger can do some real damage.  The Buckeyes should match up well on the boards and will have some second effort opportunities.

The third area of consideration is the foul line.  Ohio State needs to own the foul line.  They need to make their free throws and they need to keep their key players out of foul trouble.  Both Craft and Sullinger need to stay in the game and not lose valuable minutes sitting on the bench.  The Buckeyes have grown accustomed to playing long periods without Sullinger but losing minutes for Craft would be a significant blow on both ends of the court. 

Two final points that give me pause about this Buckeye team.  When this team gets comfortable, they start launching shots from all over the court without their usual discipline in finding the open man.  They need to stay disciplined in this fashion throughout the game not opening the door for Syracuse to make big runs.  Secondly, they love to relax when they get a 8-12 point lead in a game allowing their opponent to make a solid run at them.   This just happened in their most recent win against the Bearcats of U.C.

If you are anything like me, you're probably happy that the Buckeyes are playing Syracuse, the number one seed in the East.  Gonzaga, Ohio, Norfolk State and others like them have a way of ruining one's tournament.  It's time for the Buckeyes to return to the Final Four.  Tonight is the night!  Buford will light it up, the defense will be great and Sullinger will stay out of foul trouble.  Look for the Scarlet and Gray to be the first team penciled in for the Final Four.          

Sweet Sixteen - Will The Third Time Be The Charm For The Buckeyes?

bleacherreport.com

The Sweet Sixteen has become a familiar feeling for the Ohio State Buckeyes as they opened up with wins over Loyola of Maryland and Gonzaga to move on to the second weekend for the third consecutive year.  As the number two seed in the East Region, the Buckeyes handled number 15 seeded Loyola 78-59.  Deshaun Thomas had a career-high 31 points and added 12 rebounds to lead the Buckeyes to a comfortable victory. 

Most Buckeye fans had to be concerned going into the Gonzaga game as they have built a reputation for upsetting far stronger opponents in the NCAA tournament.  Gonzaga did not disappoint as they played even with the Buckeyes from beginning to end.  Fortunately, Ohio State had a great shooting performance with standout efforts by Jared Sullinger (18 Points), Deshaun Thomas (18 points) and Aaron Craft (17 point)  Craft played brilliantly on both ends of the court adding 10 assists to his 17 points. 

The Buckeyes will now travel to Boston to play a familiar opponent, the Cincinnati Bearcats.  Familiar in that both schools are in Ohio.  Not familiar in that they never play against each other.  The last game between the Buckeyes and Bearcats was in December of 2006 when the Buckeyes won handily in Indianapolis as part of the Wooden Tradition.  Prior to 2006, you have to return to the glory days of Ohio college basketball when Oscar Robertson led the Bearcats to back to back National Championships beating Ohio State both years, 1961 and 1962. 

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Amazingly, this year's Sweet Sixteen has four Ohio schools including Xavier and Ohio along with Ohio State and Cincinnati.  The Bearcats two tournament wins have been impressive against two very good opponents, Texas and Florida State.  Cincinnati had a huge lead over Texas only to hang on to win in the last few minutes.  The Florida State game was much closer throughout with the Bearcats prevailing in the last minute. 

Common opponents for the teams this year were Wright State and Miami of Ohio.  Both the Bearcats and Buckeyes won each game.  Sweet Sixteen opponents for both squads have presented challenges with the Bearcats holding a 3-4 record versus Sweet Sixteen opponents and the Buckeyes holding a 3-5 record.  The Bearcats losses were to Syracuse, Marquette, Xavier and Louisville.  Ohio State losses coming against Michigan State, Wisconsin, Kansas and Indiana.

The winner of the Ohio State-Cincinnati game will face the winner of the Syracuse-Wisconsin game.  Both teams have split games with their conference opponents Wisconsin and Syracuse.   Ohio State and Cincinnati are scheduled to tip-off at 9:45 pm on Thursday, March 22.  Sure would be nice to see the "Big O" on the sidelines along with Buckeye great, Jerry Lucas.  Go Bucks!           

Fast Out Of The Gate - Urban Meyer & The Buckeyes

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Given his reputation and track record of putting together great college football teams, Ohio State fans everywhere captured a first-hand glance of what to expect from Urban Meyer’s Ohio State Buckeyes.  Signing 25 players this college signing day with a significant emphasis on defense, Meyer’s game plan and emphasis will continue the great tradition of outstanding Buckeye team defense.  Choosing three top-notch defensive lineman and five linebackers, it appears that the emphasis for the Buckeyes will continue to be on stopping the other team. 

No matter what recruiting concern you follow, all agree that Meyer delivered in his first efforts at Ohio State.  Some have the class as high as third in the nation and all have the class in the top ten.  Meyer did not win a whole lot of friends among Big Ten coaches as he convinced several notable recruits to de-commit from their intended school and commit to Ohio State.  Both Michigan State and Penn State saw losses of a recruit to Meyer and the Buckeyes.  Meyer also shored up the offense with a number of offensive linemen.

In addition to strengthening the offensive line, Meyer recruited two wide receivers and several other skill positions including a running back and quarterback.  A number of the recruits are already enrolled at Ohio State and will be eligible to participate in spring practice.  Losing three scholarships for this year’s recruiting class apparently did not hurt the Buckeye’s overall rating.  Two more years of fewer scholarships will take their toll on the program but arguably the greatest detriment of the NCAA violations will be the loss of post season practice in anticipation of a bowl game. 

The Buckeyes are not eligible to play in the post season in 2012 and missing those extra six to eight weeks of practice, game preparation and the bowl game itself will ultimately hurt the team.  Most Buckeye fans will also reluctantly be happy that Michigan is back in the hunt with another top ten recruiting class.  Although we always want to win “The Game”, we want it to be competitive.  A strong Michigan team only helps the Buckeyes.      

Although football has run its course for the 2011 season, spring practice is not all that far off.  It will be interesting to see how Urban Meyer’s first spring practice shapes up.  All eyes will be on Braxton Miller and the passing game.  Should be an interesting spring.  

National Signing Day - Looking Good In Columbus

sportstalkbyzach.com

Even though the Ohio State Buckeyes and new coach, Urban Meyer, are facing serious sanctions over the next several years, this year's signing day is looming as one of the best years for the Buckeyes.  Three days prior to National Signing Day and the Buckeyes have 23 committed recruits coming to Columbus.  Of the 23 committed high school seniors, 6 are on most recruiting services top 100 lists. 

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Currently, the Buckeyes 2012 class is rated anywhere from 3rd to 8th depending upon what rankings you follow.  ESPN's ranking has the Buckeyes at 8th where Rivals and Scout.com have the Buckeyes at third in the nation.  Out of the Top 200 players coming out of high school, 11 student athletes still have the Buckeyes listed as one of the schools they are considering.  Most will announce their decisions on Wednesday, February 1, National Signing Day. 

Meyer, good to his word, is making strong efforts to fence in the State of Ohio signing all of the big names so far.  Adolphus Washington out of Cincinnati, the big defensive end.  Two others already committed from Ohio are Sevon Pittman, defensive line, and Bri'onte Dunn, running back,  out of Canton, Ohio.  These three are in the Top 200 players.  Two of the biggest names for the Buckeyes are Noah Spence out of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Tommy Schutt out of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, both defensive players. 

So far, out of the 23 players committing to Ohio State, the split between offense and defense is fairly equal.  It will be interesting to see what happens over the course of the next three days as the remaining high school athletes make their selection. 

Ohio State and Michigan are leading the way in the Big Ten and the better class among the two is still up for grabs.  Most analysts feel that Ohio State and Urban Meyer will come out on top but like always, the real proof of who has the best class will be played out on the field in another year or two at The Horseshoe and The Big House. 

Losing scholarships and not being able to compete for a Big Ten Championship and Bowl Game in 2012 will impede Meyer and the Buckeyes to some degree.  However, it appears that most Buckeye candidates are looking beyond that knowing that in 2013, the Buckeyes will be competing for both, a Big Ten Championship and National Championship. 

Like all Buckeye faithful, I will be watching closely to see if Meyer is able to rope in one, possibly two more Top 200 recruits pushing the 2012 Buckeye class to the top of the list.     

No Joy For The Buckeyes!

It appeared that the Buckeyes were playing with the same level of enthusiasm as I had in anticipation for the game.   It’s been an unfortunate and sad year for the Buckeye nation and today’s game against Florida we saw first-hand the impact and pain of NCAA sanctions.  The Scarlet and Gray were on the field but their hearts did not appear to be in the game.  I do not wish to diminish Florida’s win however as their special teams played exceptionally well against the Buckeyes.

First of all, like many of you, I really find fault with a bowl system that awards two 6-6 teams with a bowl game, no matter that they are two of the very best college football programs.  Neither team was very good in 2011.  Both benefit from the extra game and all the practice leading up to it but still, 6-6, even 7-5 should stay home in December and January. 

This was a difficult year to be a Buckeye player and fan.  Seven losses in one season is beyond the pale.  They were reporting during the game that Ohio State hasn’t had a 7-loss season for over 100 years.   My heart goes out to Coach Luke Fickel.  Not fair for him to be stuck with such a tag given all that he had to endure this long season of Ohio State Football.  I am sure he does not regret the opportunity. 

New Coach, Urban Meyer, will have to determine what it is that the 2012 Buckeyes will be playing for.  I am confident he will figure it out but I believe that will be his single biggest challenge in moving forward with this team.  Meyer may want to consult with Southern Cal and their coaching staff and players to determine how they managed to compete so well with no hope of playing for post-season honors.  Of course for the Buckeyes, there is The Game, which is always the most important game of the year anyway.  Not sure I would want to be in Michigan’s shoes in 2012.   

Losing seven games in one season was not the only milestone in today’s game against Florida.  Today was the end of an era of Ohio State Football.  I am not writing of the NCAA sanctions or even the loss to Florida.  No, today was the end of a style of Ohio State Football that I suspect we will never see again.  Today’s game once again illustrated how a one-dimensional team is not competitive.  Although I would not say that Jim Tressel’s offense and that of Fickel’s compares to all the years of Woody Hayes and his three yards and a cloud of dust.  I would say that the unimaginable offensive schemes that we have been accustomed to for the last ten years are gone forever.

If you’re like me, kissing goodbye to the conservative play-calling is long overdue.  I welcome the spread offense and Urban Meyer’s brand of it.  I can’t wait to see it.  If you think Ohio State Football has been exciting as I have, it is hard to imagine what scoring points will be like again.  The Big Ten will change forever when the Buckeyes take the field next September.  We won’t be playing for the Big Ten Championship, National Championship or some BCS Bowl game but the 2012 edition of The Ohio State Buckeyes will be unlike any Ohio State team we have ever seen.  I’m ready for it.  I hope you are.  Go Bucks.