Freshman Lamaar Thomas could challenge Brandon Saine for title of fastest Buckeye August 12, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Elwanda Thomas showed up at Ohio State's team photo day last week wearing a No. 7 OSU jersey with the name "Flash" on the back. She must know a Buckeye. She actually gave birth to and helped develop one of the fastest Buckeyes. Freshman receiver Lamaar "Flash" Thomas, a state champion in Maryland in the 55 meters and 100 meters, is challenging sophomore running back Brandon Saine, an Ohio state champion in the 100 and 400 meters, for the title of fastest Buckeye..."
The Buckeyes are loaded for 2008 August 12, 2008 Source: Associated Press - "In the midst of the dog days of summer, a popular sports blog ran its predictions for the upcoming college football season...'National championship game prediction: (insert random SEC team here) 49, Ohio State 10.'...Yet Ohio State may get the last laugh. Here's some particularly bad news for the haters: Don't be surprised if the Buckeyes make it to their third-straight national title game and fourth in seven years. Ohio State is loaded, with almost everybody back from last year's first unit...The long list of returning stars includes...So, America, be prepared for more Buckeyes, all day, all night, all the time..."
Butch Reynolds might work with entire Ohio State athletic department August 12, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "...Five months after resigning as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Ohio State, the former Olympic gold medalist from Akron said Monday that he is talking with Athletic Director Gene Smith about returning to OSU as a speed coach working with the entire athletic department. He'd be welcomed by his football students, who miss his smile as much as his speed. 'I think anybody on this team would go to Butch and just talk to him. He made everyone laugh,' senior safety Jamario O'Neal said. 'When we were in the weight room, he could be singing a song and not know one word. That's what we love about Butch. He is definitely missed around here.'...Without Reynolds, the Buckeyes don't have a pure speed coach..."
On the goals for this season: "It is always our goal to get back to the national championship game (and be) Big Ten champions and national champions. We have not beat Michigan five times in a row and being Big Ten champs outright three times in a row is a goal. It is going to be an exciting season and we are looking forward to it." August 11, 2008 Source: OSU Official Site
Football To Hold Open Practice August 18 at Ohio Stadium August 11, 2008 Source: OSU Official Site - "The Ohio State football team will hold an open practice in Ohio Stadium on Monday evening, August 18. Admission is free to the public. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. for admission to the stadium. The 2008 Buckeyes are expected to arrive at 7:30 p.m. for their preseason practice under the lights beginning at approximately 8:00 p.m. There will not be an autograph session prior to practice..."
From Big Ten Network: Buckeyes practice footage
The Great Conference Debate August 11, 2008 Source: SI.com - "Using empirical data, SI.com developed a Conference Power Index...The SEC has been the nation's top conference over the past five years...The Big Ten has taken the biggest tumble in that same time period...The Big Ten took the biggest tumble of any league from the first period to the second, slipping from first to fourth. A 14-22 bowl record (including 3-6 in BCS games) from 2003 to '08 -- down from 17-12 (5-3 BCS) in '98 to '03 -- was a primary factor..."
SI.com's Conference Power Index
(Based on a highest possible score of 42)
2003-08
1998-'03
1.
SEC (40)
1. Big Ten (35)
2.
Pac-10 (29)
2. SEC (31)
3.
ACC (23)
3. Big 12 (25)
4.
Big Ten (22)
4. Pac-10 (21)
5.
Big 12 (19)
5. Big East (18)
6.
Big East (16)
6. ACC (17)
SI.com Conference Power Index: Big Ten "In the late '90s and early 2000s, the Big Ten sat atop the conference pecking order. The league posted an impressive 17-12 bowl record, including 5-3 in BCS games (tied for first with the SEC), produced one national champion (Ohio State in 2002) and four top-five teams. Something went awry, however, as the Big Ten tumbled from first to fourth in the more recent five-year span, marked most notoriously by an ugly 14-22 bowl record, including 3-6 in BCS games..."
Doug Lesmerises analyzes the 2008 Ohio State football team in a weekly series:
Redshirting is often a freshman's only course August 11, 2008 Source:Columbus Dispatch - "'For any freshman to play this year would be truly a remarkable accomplishment,' (Jacob Stoneburner) said, 'because there's so much talent out here.' The Buckeyes have 26 seniors and return 18 starters. With very few holes to fill, the freshmen find themselves not competing for starting jobs but hoping to find a niche and avoid redshirting. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor is in a separate category..."
Ready, or redshirt? August 11, 2008 Source:Columbus Dispatch - "Here is a look at the three freshmen most likely to play, and the three most likely to be redshirted..."
Ohio State adds pistol formation to offensive arsenal August 10, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "It was just a question about an offensive formation, yet it made Todd Boeckman forget how to speak. 'Uhh-aaah-eeeeh,' Boeckman groaned. The pistol formation. Modified shotgun, with the running back behind the quarterback. Ohio State was running it in practice when the Big Ten Network cameras were there Tuesday. 'It's something we're trying to add,' the Buckeyes' senior quarterback finally admitted during Thursday's team photo day, which served as the backdrop for what turned into a pistol investigation..."
Offensive schemes offer various themes August 10, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Listening to the offseason buzz, one might think the Ohio State offense this year will resemble a three-ring circus...Cue the calliope. Ponies (The Pony backfield) and pistols (The Pistol formation) and Pryor (Terrelle Pryor), oh my!..."
Defensive Coordinator Jim Heacock answers questions from The Ozone's John Porentas during Media Day at Ohio Stadium
Scott misses Ohio St. camp August 10, 2008 Source: Daytona News Journal - "If he were in preseason camp with the 105 players at Ohio State, former Seabreeze standout James Scott might be preparing for his first start as a Buckeye. But Scott is missing in action and no one at Ohio State will say why. With the Buckeyes down three defensive backs for the first two games, Scott would've gotten serious consideration for his first start if he were in camp. But right now it is unknown if and when he'll return..."
Buckeyes' Wells evokes memories of best August 10, 2008 Source: Toledo Blade - "...What Wells is can best be described as the drive train that makes the Ohio State offense go. He is the ultimate merger of size, strength, and speed. Beanie runs over people, he runs through people, and he runs away from people. 'Chris Wells is the closest thing to Jim Brown I've seen,' said Archie Griffin, the only two-time winner of the Heisman Trophy, college football's highest award...Terry Bowden, the former coach at Auburn and a college football analyst, came out of the gate earlier this summer and christened Wells as the favorite in this year's Heisman race. That's a robust endorsement, especially considering that the incumbent Heisman holder, last year's winner Tim Tebow, is still the quarterback at Florida...'I think Beanie has a chance to become one of the all-time great running backs," (Mark) Rea (the managing editor of Buckeye Sports Bulletin) said about the Wells chapter in OSU history, which is conceivably just half-written..."
Top contenders for national title all have negatives in some form August 10, 2008 Source: Associated Press - "Every team has a weak spot, an Achilles' heel, a tragic flaw. And every team save one is going to fall short of the national title. Here's some likely causes for the top contenders to stumble:...6. OHIO STATE'S RECENT, PERFORMANCES IN NATIONAL TITLE GAMES..."
Controversial ref won't work Big Ten games August 9, 2008 Source: Chicago Tribune - "The Big Ten official whose history of bankruptcy, casino gambling and child abuse was detailed in a Yahoo! Sports article late last year will not work any more football games for the conference..."
More from Delany on Pamon, officiating August 9, 2008 Source: ESPN - "Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany spoke at length with me Friday afternoon about longtime league official Steve Pamon, the Big Ten's investigation into two games he officiated last fall, and the league's more stringent approach to conducting background checks of its officials..."
Big Ten says refs dropped the ball July 30, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Big Ten officials said last week that a controversial noncall on a fumble by Illinois against Ohio State last season should have been reviewed, and it appears the referee in charge of that crew likely will not be working conference games this fall...The crew working the game, headed by referee Steve Pamon, had come under criticism for its work the previous week when Purdue played Penn State. After the season, a Yahoo Sports investigation revealed Pamon had a history of bankruptcy, casino gambling, child abuse and allegations of sexual harassment. Several sources have said the Big Ten did not renew Pamon's contract for this season..."
Terrelle Pryor and Todd Boeckman do not watch Project Runway together August 8, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Jim Tressel has been speaking for Terrelle Pryor for months, because nobody could talk to Ohio State's No. 1 recruit. Pryor was working out, taking summer classes and, according to Tressel, soaking up the wisdom of senior quarterback Todd Boeckman. 'One of the first things he did after he commited to Ohio State, he said, 'Can I have Todd's number? Because I want to text him and tell him I can't wait to come learn from him,'' Tressel said. 'And since this summer, Terrelle has been his shadow and Terrelle has a real passion to learn from Todd Boeckman.'..."
Despite hype, OSU freshman eager to learn August 10, 2008 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "Ohio State coach Jim Tressel feigned surprise when some reporters scooted by him during media day Thursday, as they headed toward the student section. 'Where you going?' Tressel said. It was a rhetorical question. Humorous, but rhetorical nonetheless. He knew exactly where they were headed — right to the guy in the No. 2 jersey: Terrelle Pryor, the prized recruit whom the Buckeyes landed last spring after some now-forgotten drama...Still, for a young man who spent a lot of time in the glare of the spotlight because of his football and basketball prowess, Pryor seems bewildered by all of the attention. But when he responds that he wonders why he's getting so much attention, it sounds like a genuine sentiment. In case he needs a refresher course, here's why:..."
Under the microscope August 9, 2008 Source: The Morning Journal - "It's not an open competition. Starting quarterbacks who go 11-2 and lead their team to the national championship game generally get their jobs back the next fall, no questions asked. But there is this unspoken anticipation surrounding Ohio State as to what Terrelle Pryor will do once Todd Boeckman is out of the way. It was the same way two years ago, when Antonio Pittman was the starter, but the only running back anyone wanted to talk about was Beanie Wells...'I feel bad for the guy,' senior Brian Hartline said. 'He's going to be the most scrutinized player to ever be here.''..."
Smarts are just the start for tackle August 9, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Intelligence helps Browning to fill opening on line...In the mind of Bryant Browning, playing offensive line is nothing more than an interactive game of applied mathematics...(Browning) continued to grow and grow, putting him in position to become the starter at right tackle for Ohio State. A third-year sophomore who was the sixth man for the line a year ago, he's in the only spot that needed filling this season, the hole left by Kirk Barton, now with the Chicago Bears..."
No autographs, please For the third straight year, the Buckeyes will stage a public practice in Ohio Stadium on the evening of Aug. 18, but there will be a major change. An athletic department spokesperson said yesterday there will be no autograph session.
Check out Columns and Features to find out how we filled in that blank with the name of the Buckeye who just doesn't get much respect...except in the places where it counts..."
OSU's Bauserman a hit as backup QB August 10, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "The old baseball player showed up last summer and you wondered why Ohio State needed a 21-year-old fourth-string freshman quarterback...Without him, the Buckeyes would be remarkably thin at quarterback...."
Vying To Be No. 2 QB August 9, 2008 Source: Bucknuts.com - "Quarterback Joe Bauserman was originally expected to be a scholarship member of Ohio State's 2004 recruiting class. He chose the professional baseball route after high school, but Bauserman returned to football last year. Now as a redshirt freshman at OSU, he is penciled in as the Buckeyes' No. 2 QB behind Todd Boeckman. However, can he hold off freshman phenom Terrelle Pryor? We checked in with Bauserman for more..."
Central star gets better at Ohio State August 9, 2008 Source: Toledo Blade - "Speed has always been a critical part of football for Dane Sanzenbacher...But Sanzenbacher, a wide receiver preparing for his sophomore season with Ohio State, places an even higher value on that attribute now than he did a few years ago when he was leading Central Catholic High School to a state championship...'You hear that the college game is so much faster, and that the hardest adjustment for a lot of players coming out of high school is the speed - getting used to playing against so many fast guys,' Sanzenbacher said...'It was a big adjustment, and there are a ton of really fast guys playing in the Big Ten, but after you experience it for a while you do adjust, and the other aspects of the game become more critical. You learn the importance of running precise routes, studying the defenses, and doing everything you can out on the field to try and gain a little advantage so you can make a play.'..."
New Buckeye Boren doesn't regret his departure from Michigan August 8, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Justin Boren didn't stand out. He blended right in Thursday at Ohio State's team photo day, a Wolverine in scarlet clothing. Actually, at 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, the player who started every game for Michigan in 2007 is noticeably smaller than at least eight Buckeyes offensive linemen. People found him, though, in his No. 56...Defensive tackle Todd Denlinger's mom swatted him on the shoulder pad and smiled. 'Welcome to the Buckeyes. We're so glad you're here.'..."
Jim Tressel spoke with reporters in Ohio Stadium during the annual "Media Day" event. August 7, 2008
August 7, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Interview with Cameron Heyward, Ohio State defensive end, at Thursday's media day in Columbus. Comments about how he has prepared for the season and his thoughts on the defensive line...Interview with James Laurinaitis, OSU linebacker. He talks about the damaged reputation of the Big Ten, and a paper he wrote about the legacy of great linebackers at Ohio State..."
Buckeyes Hold Annual Photo Day Thursday August 7, 2008 Source: OSU Official Site - "The Buckeye football team enjoyed a gorgeous day inside Ohio Stadium Thursday evening as Ohio State held its annual photo day. Media members from all around the state showed up to get their first glance at the 2008 Buckeyes..." Includes audio from: Todd Boeckman, Brian Robiskie, Malcolm Jenkins, Marcus Freeman, Ryan Pretorius, Steve Rehring and Terrelle Pryor, plus player quotes and video clips of Curtis Terry and Terrelle Pryor
Media Day Note, Quote And Photo Book August 8, 2008 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Ohio State football Media Day is a day to collect pictures, quips, stories and anecdotes that are otherwise nearly impossible to get any other day of the year. What follows is a look into the notebook of staff writer Jeff Svoboda on one of the busiest days on the OSU football calendar..."
From the Big Ten Network: Talking With Tressel OSU Practice August 5, 2008
Washington, O'Neal suspended for first two games August 7, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Ohio State defensive backs Donald Washington and Jamario O'Neal are both suspended for the first two games of the season. Both players confirmed their status this evening after months of speculation dating back to off-field matters in the spring...Sophomore Chimdi Chekwa is the most likely candidate to replace Washington at corner for the first two games, while the nickelback job should be up for grabs during the preseason..."
On Ohio State being "hated" across the country: "That is just a sign of succcess. This university has been successful for many years. A lot of people envy that. They might be sick of us in the championship game, but that is what we want. That is what we are expecetd to do here." August 7, 2008 Source: OSU Official Site
Sustained success breeds outrageous expectations August 7, 2008 Source: ESPN - "The Ohio State record books reveal that legendary coach Woody Hayes won nearly 76 percent of his games, 13 Big Ten titles and three national championships. But if you believe the expectations surrounding Ohio State's football team each season, you might think Hayes won much more often. 'The general feeling you have at Ohio State is you're expected to win every game,' Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel said. 'It's like Woody never lost a game.' ...'Sometimes we're held to a higher standard than other schools. It's good because you're in the spotlight and get a lot of attention. It's hard because the expectations are always so high. That's Ohio State's tradition.' --Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins..."
Game versus USC likely to determine Ohio State's fate August 7, 2008 Source: ESPN - "...Ohio State has college football's third-best winning percentage for the past six years and is expected to contend for the national title again this season. But whether that gaudy record says more about the Buckeyes than their past two bowl results is a topic of much debate...So, what if OSU is back in the mix for a spot in the national title game at the end of this season? How many more voters might consider ranking a team with more losses ahead of the Buckeyes, and could there be enough of those votes to make a difference this time around?..."
From the Big Ten Network: Exclusive Video of the OSU Practice August 5, 2008
On his final camp as a Buckeye: "This is probably the only camp I have ever been excited for. Me and my roommate (Kyle Mitchum) were talking this morning. It should be a lot of fun. It is the last one and after this it is on to something else. This is the last time with the guys and this is when you get close to them." August 6, 2008 Source: OSU Official Site
On facing the many weapons on Ohio State's offense in practice: "It is hard to defend and you cannot specialize on one person. You have to make sure you study every person because it is always a different package. It makes game planning that much harder in stopping it." August 6, 2008 Source: OSU Official Site
The Coaches Top 5 August 6, 2008 Source: Sporting News - How they got here...Why They Will Win it...Why They Won’t...3.) OSU How they got here: The return 20 starters (plus their punter, kicker & water boy) from a team that has been to national title games. Why They Will Win it: Resolve. Everyone came back to finish the job. While the title game losses were certainly lopsided, they did loss in the national title game, not to 40 point under dog Stanford at home or by 35 to Tennessee. The Buckeyes have lost to 13-1 UF, 12-2 LSU, 9-4 Illinois, 11-1 PSU & 13-0 Texas in the past three years. I don’t see any App. States on that resume. Why They Won’t: The Big Ten is on the rise. OSU is 22-2 over the past 3 years in the Big Ten. While the conference wasn’t as awful as it’s been portrayed in the media, there hasn’t been a legitimate contender to their throne. This year Wisconsin, PSU and Ill make the top half of the league at least formidable. It’s hard to believe, even with all this talent, they’ll come through the league clean (which they’ll have to for the media to put them back in the title game..."
The-Ozone Note and Quotebook August 6, 2008 Source: The Ozone - "Personnel Updates, Vendetta, Loving the Hate, The Wrath of Eric, Special Upgrades and Not Fun; they're all covered in the-Ozone Note and Quotebook...In a depth chart related note, Tressel said that at the moment Ross Homan is the starter at the Will linebacker. Curtis Terry, who some thought would compete for that job, will concentrate on the fullback position according to Tressel..."
Ten Questions Facing The Buckeyes August 6, 2008 Source: Bucknuts.com - "Even though many people think the Buckeyes are the preseason No. 1 team, they are not without question marks. Bucknuts contributor Ben Koo takes a look at some of them today..."
Ohio State stands out in Big Ten race August 6, 2008 Source: Rivals.com - "If you're looking for drama, keep looking. This is Ohio State's league to win – again. The Buckeyes are gunning for their fourth title in a row and third outright in succession. No school has won three consecutive outright titles, so history beckons...BEST COACHING STAFF: Ohio State. It all begins with Jim Tressel, who is one of the best in the nation..."
From the above article: "In Three Years, Illinois Will Be The Best Team In The Conference: There's no denying the super talent that maniacal recruiter Ron Zook is reeling in for the Fighting Illini. Couple that with improving facilities and a top-notch staff, and you have the makings of a looming power filled with mojo."
Ohio State football: A practice peek August 5, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "The Big Ten Network aired two hours of Ohio State practice coverage on Tuesday night after recording it Tuesday morning...Some perhaps slightly more interesting observations from the show: It looks like the first-team defensive line is Lawrence Wilson and Cameron Heyward at end and Nader Abdallah and Todd Denlinger at tackle...Gerry DiNardo, on Terrelle Pryor: 'He's all arm,' noticing that Pryor was not striding toward his target on his passes...Curtis Terry, now at fullback for good, appeared to be working with the first-teamers on offense...It looked like the Buckeyes were working out of the pistol formation at times, a formation they haven't used in the past. It puts the quarterback in sort of a shortened shotgun, with the running back lined up behind the quarterback instead of next to him...Freshman J.B. Shugarts looked to be backing up Bryant Browning at right tackle..."
Rose ready to shoulder his role August 5, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Robert Rose's shoulders work again. So if you're searching for breakout candidates on an Ohio State team filled with veterans, look for need and potential, and a logical conclusion leads you to the junior defensive lineman from Glenville High..."
Freeman Just Wants To Produce August 5, 2008 Source: Bucknuts.com - "Marcus Freeman has been a productive player since he cracked Ohio State's starting lineup as a sophomore in 2006. The native of Huber Heights, Ohio, finished second on the team in tackles each of the past two seasons and wants to be even more produtive this year as a fifth-year senior. What improvements does he want to make? What about the defense in general? And does Freeman really think OSU is slower than SEC teams?..."
Buckeye Starting Units Beginning to Take Shape August 5, 2008 Source: Eleven Warriors - "The first day of fall practice saw the Buckeyes working in shorts and Tressel speaking to the press (video) for the first time since the Big Ten media event in Chicago. For a fanbase starving for information, today’s fix hit the spot...(Curtis) Terry was indeed permanently moved to fullback, opening the way for Ross Homan to grab an early lead in the WLB battle. With the quickness that this announcement was made, I’m envisioning Jamar the 2nd blowing holes in the line for Beanie all year long (he looks freakin’ huge). The Buckeye offense may look a lot like this when they line up for that first play of the opener..."
Tressel addresses not-so-special teams August 5, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Whatever new offensive wrinkles or defensive schemes Ohio State might be working on were put on ice yesterday. They can wait. The first practice of the 2008 season was devoted to something coach Jim Tressel considers much more important: special teams...Tressel said Curtis Terry has given up his defensive days to focus exclusively on fullback...Sophomore Devon Torrence is back playing his best high school position, cornerback, at least for the moment. Torrence was switched to receiver last season, then split time in spring ball..."
Past rulings offer Worthington hope August 6, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Based on recent history, chances are good that Ohio State defensive tackle Doug Worthington will avoid a fall-quarter suspension for drunken driving..."
Scott A No-Show For Preseason Camp August 5, 2008 Source: Bucknuts.com - "Ohio State sophomore cornerback James Scott is curiously absent from preseason camp. The scholarship player from Daytona Beach, Fla., was expected to make a push for the two deep this season. It is unclear why Scott is not practicing with the Buckeyes at this time, but an OSU spokesperson tried to shed some light on the matter..."
Debating a title game scenario August 6, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - Doug Lesmerises writes: "I'm here to quibble with a scenario, not necessarily the actual prediction, from Sports Illustrated's college football preview. The magazine, out today, not only has Ohio State ranked No. 2 behind Georgia, it has the Buckeyes meeting the Bulldogs in the national title game..."
Preseason Consensus Poll: Aug. 5 Update August 5, 2008 Source: Bucknuts.com - "We provide the second installment of our Preseason Consensus Poll for the 2008 college football season. We take all of the available national top 25 polls and average them out. Accordingly, we look at the possible BCS bowl projections. The 2008 season is just over three weeks away. Click this free link for more..."
2008 College Football Betting Predictions August 5, 2008 Source: OnlineSportsHandicapping.com - "...Ohio State Buckeyes – You can chalk the Buckeyes up for at least an 11-1 season in 2008. A matchup at USC on September 13th could decide if Ohio State makes its third straight title game. With Heisman Trophy candidate, running back, Chris "Beanie" Wells, efficient QB Todd Boeckman, and Defensive Player of the Year candidate James Laurinaitis, the Buckeyes look to be in good shape. 20 starters return in all and the Bucks landed highly touted recruit QB Terrelle Pryor. The Buckeyes have been spanked by Florida and LSU in each of the past two title games. There's a good chance they make it back so they are going to have to be better against the conference highly regarded as the nation's best. Bet Ohio State at 4-1 odds to win the BCS Championship at Sportsbook.com..."
All eyes are on Pryor August 5, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Before Jim Tressel the coach took the field to start his eighth preseason camp at Ohio State yesterday, Tressel the magician performed a trick. Informed that quarterback Terrelle Pryor, the nation's top prospect in the 2008 recruiting class, had just been seen warming up with starter Todd Boeckman and Joe Bauserman but wasn't wearing a no-contact black jersey, Tressel first joked. 'He's live. Even in shorts, he's live,' Tressel said. 'I'm gonna go hit him.' Laughs followed. But Tressel doesn't want anyone taking unnecessary shots at any of his quarterbacks the next few weeks. In the case of Pryor's jersey color, "I think Terrelle is wearing black," he said. When reporters insisted that he wasn't, Tressel retorted, "I think he's wearing black. You better check closer." Presto. Moments later, Pryor was in a black No. 2 jersey taking part in his first practice, Tressel was roaming the field, and work for the veteran-laden 2008 Buckeyes -- ranked No. 3 in the USA Today preseason poll behind Georgia and Southern California -- got under way..."
Jim Tressel, Ohio State football head coach, addressed media before leading the Buckeyes through their first practice of the 2008 season. Ohio State's camp will run through Aug. 22:
Ohio State football: The position battles August 4, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Ohio State starts practice today without a lot of intrigue. With 19 starters back, the competition is limited, no matter how much everyone says the young guys are pushing the old guys. The real jobs open are scarce. Here's a preview of what positions will garner the most interest over the next three weeks..."
Buckeyes Report for 2008 Fall Camp August 4, 2008 Source: OSU Official Site - "Ohio State football players reported to the University Plaza Hotel in Columbus around the noon hour Sunday for the official beginning of the 2008 season. The Buckeyes checked into their rooms before heading over to the Woody Hayes Athletics Center and the Wexner Football Complex for a team meeting. Prior to the meeting, seniors Alex Boone, Marcus Freeman and A.J. Trapasso and juniors Kurt Coleman and Chris "Beanie" Wells met with members of the media. Audio from the interview session also is available at the links (below)..."
ON THE EXPERIENCE OF STARTING FOR A FULL SEASON IN 2007: "It is great to have a year under my belt. Last year at the beginning of the season I was not confident at all. It was a big difference being on the field periodically and being on the field all the time. I felt a lot more confident and a lot more comfortable." August 4, 2008 Source: OSU Official Site
Wells' wrist set, kid gloves are off August 4, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "When No. 3 Ohio State takes the field for its first practice of the preseason this afternoon, Chris "Beanie" Wells plans to lead the way for the running backs...Being allowed to do everything everybody else does on the practice field will be a refreshing change, Wells said. He had been relegated to the no-contact end of the field during spring drills while recovering from surgery on his left wrist..."
All hands -- except one -- on deck August 3, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Fall camp starts Monday, and it appears the Buckeyes might be without the services of freshman defensive lineman Shawntel Rowell. Rowell, from Cleveland Glenville, did not report to the team hotel today. Team spokesperson Shelly Poe said it was because he had some 'things, paperwork-wise' to clear up, and that coach Jim Tressel might have more on the subject when he meets with reporters Monday afternoon. On the positive side for the Buckeyes, freshman Nathan Williams was on hand. He was the lone freshman who did not enroll in summer school, apparently to fulfill some academic requirements in a bid to be eligible this fall. He at least did enough to report with the team..."
From The Ozone: Buckeye's fall camp begins. Kurt Coleman and Marcus Freeman Interviews.
Buckeyes Report For Fall Camp August 3, 2008 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Expectations are running high for the Ohio State football team as the 2008 season gets underway. Find out what the mood was like for a team picked as the one of the favorites to win the national championship as the Buckeyes reported for fall camp Sunday afternoon..."
The arrival of the Buckeyes August 3, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Ohio State's players checked in to the University Plaza Hotel on Sunday to settle in before the start of preseason camp on Monday. None of them were forced to crawl into the hotel, which was an accomplishment after some of the horror stories they told from this summer's workouts. More on that in Monday's paper. The report was that all players were accounted for. Jim Tressel will talk with reporters before the start on practice at 4:30 on Monday afternoon. The Big Ten Network will offer a peak at Tuesday's practice, filming the morning session and then showing it on the network at 9 p.m. Tuesday night... Here are my highlights (at least the ones in focus on my camera) from Sunday's check-in..."
This certainly isn't America's team August 4, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "It's hard to believe that anyone would have the nerve to approach a 6-foot-8, 312-pound man/mountain and say anything negative, but Ohio State offensive tackle Alex Boone says it happens all the time. 'They always bring up the bad memories,' Boone said. 'Some people are nice, but a lot of times it's like, 'What was it like to lose to LSU or Florida?' and you're like, 'Really, dude?'' ESPN.com reporter Mark Schlabach imagined it recently, when he declared Ohio State was the nation's "most-hated" program, based mostly on the Buckeyes having lost the past two national championship games..."
OSU, Michigan workouts brutal August 3, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "The question of who worked harder can be better answered in 110 days, so for now, Ohio State and Michigan's Regurgitation Rivalry must be declared a draw. 'It was the most unbelievable thing I've ever seen,' Ohio State senior tackle Alex Boone said Sunday of the Buckeyes' summer routine. 'People keeling over, and just vomiting everywhere. It was sick. If people are going to say they outran us or outworked us, I don't believe that.' The Wolverines probably would disagree. In Ann Arbor, Mich., new strength coach Mike Barwis was called a genius by at least one player, and his workouts gained immediate legendary status, the summer called the Barwis School of Pukitude by the Detroit Free Press...In Columbus, OSU Director of Football Performance Eric Lichter, in his third season, sought new levels of agony..."
Grind of Fall Camp a Welcome Relief for Buckeyes August 4, 2008 Source: The Ozone - "So, you think Michigan strength coach Mike Barwis is grinding it out with Wolverines this summer? According to the Buckeyes he's got nothing on OSU strength coach Eric Lichter..."
My No. 1? No reason to doubt Ohio State August 3, 2008 Source: Austin American-Statesman - "If my initial Top 25 Associated Press ballot is correct — and it probably isn't — old standby Ohio State will be playing in its third straight national championship game come January. That's the bad news for all you Buckeyes-haters...But if you hadn't seen the last two national title games and known that Ohio State had given up 38 and 41 points in them, the Buckeyes, in my opinion, would be a consensus No. 1. They're that loaded. They can score, and they might have the best defense in the nation...Of the Buckeyes' 19 returning starters, five are potential No. 1 NFL draft picks. Tressel has the Big Ten's best cornerback (Malcolm Jenkins), linebacker (James Laurinaitis), running back (Beanie Wells) and offensive tackle (Alex Boone). According to Sporting News, the Buckeyes have five All-America candidates. The rest of the Big Ten has a total of nine. Here's another two reasons why I'm picking Ohio State. They're hungry. And embarrassed. Jenkins and Laurinaitis came back as seniors to complete unfinished business. That's pretty good leadership..."
Bucks belong at No. 1 August 3, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "...It won 11 games, including its rivalry game, although only three wins came against teams ranked at year's end - No. 19, No. 21 and No. 25. This team lost two games, to a team that finished No. 18 and to the eventual national champion. Now it's a new season and this team returns 19 of 22 starters on offense and defense, more than any other team from a BCS conference. That group includes arguably the best running back, linebacker and cornerback in the country, and seven of nine starters on the offensive and defensive lines, the heart of any team. If this team wasn't Ohio State, or if the Buckeyes had lost to national champion LSU in the third game of last season instead of in the 13th, there's little doubt in my mind that OSU would be a prohibitive No. 1 in the preseason polls..."
Bucks have it, but do they know it? August 3, 2008 Source: Mansfield News Journal - "Forget what the national media is selling. Ignore what the talking heads say. Ohio State has it. It is an elusive, fragile element with a vagabond personality. In recent years it found temporary residence in Tallahassee, Fla., Coral Gables, Fla., Gainesville, Fla., Austin, Texas, and Los Angeles. Today, it wears scarlet-colored glasses. It dons a gray sweater vest. It is an undefined feature that, in this case, makes a college football program the place to be..."
Captain's Corner: Keys To OSU's Offense August 3, 2008 Source: Bucknuts.com - "Ohio State football practice is about to get underway. Jerry Rudzinski gets ready today by taking a look at the keys to this year's Ohio State offense in this version of the Captain's Corner..."
Tressel's Great Wall of Ohio August 3, 2008 Source: The Morning Journal - "Two weeks after the loss to LSU, as Ohio State was sniffing around for more recruits for the 2009 class, Jim Tressel received an e-mail from a confidante. Eric Wolford, an Illinois assistant coach, was at a bar with the Garfield Heights coaching staff. It was Illinois' last-gasp effort to keep Melvin Fellows, a four-star defensive end prospect from Garfield Heights. 'Illinois is doing whatever it takes to keep Melvin,' according to the e-mail, obtained by The Morning Journal. 'Eric told me his (he) is prepared to fist fight (OSU coaches Jim) Heacock and Tavier Johnson for Fellows.' The fight Wolford joked about against the Ohio State coaches never occurred, nor will Fellows wind up on Illinois' campus. After verbally committing to the Illini in December, Fellows visited Ohio State's spring game in April. Shortly thereafter, he switched his commitment to the Buckeyes. And so ended another chapter in the new recruiting wars being waged in Ohio. The Buckeyes' biggest competitor for in-state talent used to be Michigan. Not anymore. With two Ohio natives and former Buckeye assistants now head coaches at Illinois and Michigan State, Jim Tressel and his staff are getting attacked from all angles..."
Google Maps: O-H-I-O - Over 700 photos Source: Google - "Ohio State students, alumni, faculty, and staff don't leave home without their Buckeye pride. They've taken "O-H-I-O" photos throughout the world, from campus to Cambodia and plenty of spots in between. Check out the worldwide locations where fellow Buckeyes have shown their school spirit..."
"O-H-I-O" Source: OSU.edu - "It started out as a simple football cheer, something for late 19th Century fans to shout during football games. But these days, "O-H-I-O" means the whole package: strong athletic traditions, major school spirit, and the academic achievements and outreach efforts that make The Ohio State University the great place it is..." (Submit your own photo)
Buckeyes want to get a look at prize recruit August 3, 2008 Source: Toldeo Blade - "Preseason camp is college football's purgatory. It is tortuous exertion in unbearable heat, normally accompanied by humidity that weighs on the participants like a cement jacket...Tomorrow they get their first in-person, up-close, live-action look at Terrelle Pryor, the quarterback of the future for the Buckeyes who might just be good enough to revamp the playbook of the present. 'He's a special player, a special talent, and since I haven't seen what he can do on the field yet, I'm kind of eager for camp to get started,' Ohio State senior quarterback Todd Boeckman said. 'I think everybody is looking forward to seeing what he can do, and we're excited about that.'..."
OSU jumps into mix August 3, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "In the past six years, Jim Tressel coached one Ohio State team to a national championship, took two more to the national title game and has won three straight Big Ten titles. His 2008 Buckeyes are picked to do at least some -- if not all -- of the above...The expectations, the pieces and even the schedule (a win in the Sept. 13 prime-time game at USC could propel them into the league race) are all there. As the Buckeyes -- top-heavy with upperclassmen and spiced by the arrival of a highly rated recruiting class -- report to camp today, the primary question is whether they can put all of those pieces together. Will this team find the chemistry to make another run?..."
August 1, 2008 Source: USA Today
Breakdowns of all the Top 25 teams August 1, 2008 Source: USA Today - "With the release of the preseason USA TODAY coaches' poll, USA TODAY's Jack Carey gives you an outlook of the Top 25 teams heading into the season.
...3. Ohio State (11-2) Points: 1,392 (14 1st place votes). Final 2007 rank: 4. Outlook: Buckeyes have come up short in consecutive national title games, but don't count them out of another. The return of LBs James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman, CB Malcolm Jenkins, QB Todd Boeckman, RB Chris Wells and WRs Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline makes them solid contenders. Freshman QB Terrelle Pryor could have an early impact..."
Buckeyes appear primed for payback against SEC August 2, 2008 Source: Springfield News Sun - "I've had it up to here with pundits clobbering the Big Ten as a football conference. I'm about to grab one of those little, half-jersey-wearing, eye shadow-wearing Southeastern Conference guys and throw him into the Gulf of Mexico..."
Coaches poll out, five Big Ten teams in:
No. 3 Ohio State
No. 12 Wisconsin
No. 19 Illinois
No. 22 Penn State
No. 24 Michigan
Who's taking it slow? Buckeyes don't hide eagerness to get Pryor involved in '08 offense August 1, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "...When the Buckeyes start preseason camp Monday and open the season against Youngstown State 26 days later, No. 2 (Pryor) is going to be in there for real. Since he finally became a Buckeye on March 19 after extending his recruitment an extra month, Pryor's role is the OSU '08 offense has provoked endless speculation. What's remarkable is how that has transformed into fact. Boeckman is the starter. But Pryor ... will ... play -- and should become the first freshman quarterback to make a difference at the school since Art Schlichter 30 years ago. 'I'm as anxious as everybody to see what it's going to look like,' coach Jim Tressel said..."
In talking about banners... August 1, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...that coaches have on display in the Ohio State football locker room, linebacker James Laurinaitis said one of them says that every time there has been a coaching change in the OSU-Michigan rivalry -- the latest being Michigan's hiring of Rich Rodriguez to replace Lloyd Carr -- the team that changed coaches has won. Whether reporters at the Big Ten media day misunderstood Laurinaitis or not, that has happened every time Michigan has changed coaches since Fritz Crisler took over from Harry Kipke in 1938. Crisler, Bennie Oosterbaan (1948), Bump Elliott (1959), Bo Schembechler (1969), Gary Moeller (1990) and Carr (1995) all defeated Ohio State in their first season. There is no such streak at Ohio State. Only two of the past six Buckeyes coaches, Earle Bruce and Jim Tressel, beat Michigan in their first season.
Ties that bind drive Ohio State's Laurinaitis to delay life in NFL August 1, 2008 Source: USA Today - "...So why did Laurinaitis, a two-time consensus All-American, decide to return to Columbus? He already is a Buckeyes legend. Last year, he won the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker and was a finalist for the Lombardi, Lott, Nagurski and Bednarik awards. He was the Big Ten defensive player of the year. Against LSU in the national title game, he set a championship game record with 18 tackles. The captain led Ohio State's top-ranked defense with 121 tackles...he made his decision based on three other factors: education, family and friendships..."
