No. 10 Ohio State Defeats Youngstown State, 38-6 September 1, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "The Ohio State Buckeyes kicked off their 118th season of football with a 38-6 victory over Youngstown State Saturday afternoon before 105,038 sun-drenched fans in Ohio Stadium. The win was Ohio State’s 29th-consecutive to open a season..."
Box Score September 1, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Scoring Summary, Team Statistics, Individual Statistics, Drive Chart, Defensive Statistics, Play-by-Play"
OSU Over YSU In The Shoe September 2, 2007 Source: The Palestra - Portion of Jim Tressel postgame press conference
Report card September 2, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "The true freshmen...Ohio State's defense...The quarterbacks other than Todd Boeckman...Ohio State's discipline...Ohio State's goal-line offense..."
The Bottom Line September 2, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "In Brutusville, it doesn’t get much better: a picture-postcard day, a meaty tailgate spread, an efficient-if-sleepy opening win and That Team Up North takes a haymaker to the jaw. Leaves are awarded on a zero-to-five basis, five being the best..."
Boeckman shows leadership skills September 2, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...All in all, Boeckman's 17-of-23, 225-yard, two-touchdown passing performance might have been the most impressive part of Ohio State's 38-6 win. While the Buckeyes' performance was spotty in some areas, as it often is in the first game, Boeckman's play erased a lot of doubts about OSU's inexperience at quarterback..."
New quarterback shines in opener for Ohio State September 2, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "Ohio State didn't miss the Heisman Trophy winner and all those NFL draft picks in its opener. Todd Boeckman played well in his first start replacing quarterback Troy Smith and the 11th-ranked Buckeyes rolled past Youngstown State 38-6 on Saturday. 'I've dreamed of this opportunity my whole life -- 23 years -- to start at quarterback for Ohio State,' Boeckman said..."
Boeckman up to the task in Buckeyes' romp September 2, 2007 Source: Cincinnati Enquirer - "Granted, the opponent was "only" Division I-AA Youngstown State, but new Ohio State quarterback Todd Boeckman had the Buckeye faithful asking "Troy Who?" three plays into it..."
OSU freshmen impressive as Buckeyes roll September 2, 2007 Source: Toldeo Blade - "Ohio State coach Jim Tressel hadn't seen that many whiskerless faces on his depth chart in a very long time...'As a group, they've been real solid, and they've gotten an opportunity to play,' Tressel said. 'And life is all about what you do with those opportunities.'..."
Freshmen Get Their Day In The Sun September 2, 2007 Source: Scout Ohio State - "Just as Jim Tressel predicted, eight of Ohio State's 15 freshmen saw the field in Saturday's opener against Youngstown State. What he probably did not predict was that three of them would find the end zone during their first games in Scarlet and Gray. Find out what the youngsters were saying afterward and whether or not their teammates and coaches were surprised by their strong play..."
Ohio State Report September 2, 2007 Source: Canton Repository - "In replacing RB Antonio Pittman, who rushed for 1,000-plus yards each of the previous two seasons, Beanie Wells didn't have the kind of coming out party he had hoped. Ohio State's big sophomore back gained just 46 yards on 16 carries, scoring one TD. He did break off a 20-yarder. 'I feel like trash,' Wells said. 'It took too long to get my brain into the mind-set of the game. The second half was better, but our fans deserve our and my best. I need to go into the film room and see what wasn't right.'..."
Saine has impact September 2, 2007 Source: Dayton Daily News - "Brandon Saine, a freshman from Piqua, was the only tailback to give the 105,038 fans a charge, getting 42 yards on 10 carries with one touchdown. He also had a dazzling 16-yard score wiped away because of a holding penalty on guard Ben Person, who protested the call. On the thrill meter, Saine put his first TD close to his state football crown at Piqua. 'The first touchdown at Ohio State and state title are pretty big in my mind,' he said. 'The touchdown was amazing. You're never going to have another first touchdown as a Buckeye again. I can't believe it.' Saine did most of his damage late in the first quarter behind the Buckeyes' second-string offensive line: tackles Josh Kerr and Bryant Browning, guards Connor Smith and Daniel Dye, and center Andrew Moses. 'I don't jump around a lot,' Saine said of his style. 'I make a cut and use my speed and get up the field.' As for the penalty, Person said: 'I don't really think I held him. But, obviously, I did something to make them think I held him or I actually DID hold him. I'd like to see it on film.'...'
Lack of focus slows Beanie September 2, 2007 Source: Mansfield New Journal - "Wells gained more yards (52) on one touchdown run against Michigan last season than he did on 16 handoffs against the Penguins. Incredibly, he was held to two yards on seven first-half carries inside the YSU 6. Say what you want about YSU's spunk, and its fine history at the 1-AA level, but ballyhooed battering rams aren't supposed to be repelled by a team looked upon as a season-opening patsy..."
All not Wells with OSU offense September 3, 2007 Source: Canton Repository - "The Buckeyes weren't perfect against Youngstown State. Most disconcerting was an anemic ground game against a new defense YSU employed to stop the run. Running room for Beanie Wells was virtually nonexistent. OSU's featured back finished with 46 yards on 16 carries and averaged less than 3 yards per carry..."
The-Ozone Note and Quotebook September 2, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "Eight of them played...Wilson Out...Todd Terrific...Biggest Critic..."
Wilson has surgery September 3, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Lawrence Wilson had surgery Sunday morning on the right tibia, or shin bone, he broke during the Buckeyes' 38-6 win over Youngstown State on Saturday. His father, Eugene Wilson, said doctors estimated his son will be sidelined for six to eight weeks, the same time frame OSU coach Jim Tressel provided, unofficially, immediately after Saturday's game..."
OSU defense loses an emotional leader September 2, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Lawrence Wilson was off to a flying start for his junior season yesterday in Ohio Stadium. The Ohio State defensive end already had a sack when, in an instant, he was on the shelf, likely for the duration of the season. He suffered a broken tibia, the weight-bearing bone, in his lower right leg after getting caught in a traffic jam in the backfield during the second quarter..." Wilson likely to miss a month or two September 2, 2007 Source: The Morning Journal
Bucks Roll, But Lose Wilson September 2, 2007 Source: Eleven Warriors - "There were some things that fans have to be absolutely thrilled about: a few of the freshman can ball, the team has a clear-cut #1 quarterback, the defense is fast and athletic and special teams performed well. There are also other things that have to be of some concern to Tressel’s squad: the power running game was anemic and the team made a lot of mistakes leading to a lot of yellow flags..."
Ohio State win no masterpiece September 2, 2007 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "Sometimes you can paint an unattractive picture and still call it art sort of like what Ohio State did for much of a 38-6 victory Saturday over Youngstown State at Ohio Stadium. Lackadaisical. Lethargic. Listless. Choose your adjective..."
Buckeyes Open With 38-6 Win Over YSU September 2, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "Quarterback Todd Boeckman throws for 225 yards, two TDs as Buckeyes cruise past Division I-AA Penguins in 2007 season opener. Freshmen Brandon Saine, Dane Sanzenbacher and Taurian Washington all scored touchdowns in the win. Click here for more...."
Receivers, not running backs, carry Buckeyes offense September 2, 2007 Source: Dayton Daily News - "Conversations about the Ohio State offense this offseason generally turned to one area of agreement: The running back corps was going to be strong. 'That's what I've been hearing a lot,' said OSU receiver Brian Robiskie..."
Captain's Corner: OSU-YSU Thoughts September 3, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "The captain is back for another season of analysis. 1998 OSU captain Jerry Rudzinski begins with his views on the OSU-YSU game and whether or not fans should be concerned about the running attack..."
The Buckeye Watch September 2, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "You saw the game.... well, maybe you didn't see the game, but Tony Gerdeman did! Check out his Buckeye Watch..."
Scarlet & Gray Matter September 2, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Block 'O' should have taken a page from Hilliard Darby fans in describing Buckeyes' running game; Penguins' plaything = stuffed Beanie, baby; Facing blitzing Penguins, Boeckman showed no Happy Feet; Robo cops nine catches for 153 yards; But Larry's leg? Sigh..."
Players of the Week: Offensive Player of the Week: Brian Robiskie. The junior had nine receptions for 153 yards, an average of 17 yards per catch.
Defensive Player of the Week: James Laurinaitis, with seven tackles against Youngstown State.
Special Units Player of the Week: Ryan Pretorius, connecting on 5-5 extra points and a 24-yard field goal. The junior also averaged 64 yards on seven kickoffs.
Scout Team Champions: Offense: Joe Bauserman; Defense: Ryan Lukens; Special Units: Dan Herron.
Attack Force Award: defensive tackle Dexter Larimore.
FIRST THINGS FIRST Ohio State opens the 2007 season against Youngstown State at Ohio Stadium (102,329) in a noon game Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007. The Buckeyes, with 11 returning starters from their 2006 team that played for the national championship, have won 28-consecutive home openers. Youngstown State is the two-time defending Gateway Conference champion and has 12 starters back from its 11-3 squad.
OHIO STATE DEPTH CHART as of August 27
OFFENSE LT 75 ALEX BOONE** 6-8 313 JR. 73 Josh Kerr 6-5 276 R-Fr. LG 71 STEVE
REHRING** 6-8 345 JR. 70 Bryant Browning 6-4 311 R-FR. 78 Dan Dye 6-3 277 5th/Sr. C 64 JIM CORDLE 6-4 302 SO. 66 Andrew Moses 6-3 272 So. RG 63
BEN PERSON** 6-4 321 JR. 77 Connor Smith 6-5 317 Rf-Fr. RT 74 KIRK BARTON*** 6-6 300 5TH/SR. 70 Bryant Browning 6-4 311 R-Fr. TE 88 RORY NICOL
** 6-5 250 JR. 86 Jake Ballard* 6-7 255 SO. 87 Brandon Smith** 6-3 240 Jr. FL 80 BRIAN ROBISKIE** 6-3 196 JR. 19 Taurian Washington 6-2 180 Fr. QB
17 TODD BOECKMAN 6-5 243 JR. 11 Robby Schoenhoft 6-6 244 So. TB 28 CHRIS WELLS* 6-1 235 SO. 34 MAURICE WELLS** 5-10 195 JR. 3 Brandon Saine 6-1 220
Fr. FB 49 DIONTE JOHNSON*** 6-0 242 SR. 16 Trever Robinson*** 6-0 225 5TH/SR. 42 Tyler Whaley 6-1 265 5th/Sr. SL 9 BRIAN HARTLINE* 6-3 180 SO.
12 Dane Sanzenbacher 5-11 178 Fr.
DEFENSE DE 87 LAWRENCE WILSON** 6-6 276 JR. 9 Rob Rose* 6-5 294 R-Fr. 97 Cameron Heyward 6-6 282 Fr. DT 84 DOUG WORTHINGTON 6-7 271
SO. 93 Nader Abdallah 6-5 297 Jr. DT 92 TODD DENLINGER* 6-3 286 SO. 72 Dexter Larimore 6-3 304 R-FR. 69 Bryan Gray 6-1 286 So. DE 50 VERNON
GHOLSTON* 6-4 264 JR. 78 Alex Barrow* 6-5 275 Jr. 9 Rob Rose* 6-5 294 R-Fr. WLB 1 MARCUS FREEMAN** 6-2 236 JR. 51 Ross Homan* 6-1 230 So. MLB
33 JAMES LAURINAITIS** 6-3 240 JR. 38 Austin Spitler* 6-3 234 So. SLB 6 LARRY GRANT* 6-3 226 SR. 26 Tyler Moeller 6-1 203 R-Fr. 37 Thaddeus Gibson 6-3
228 R-Fr. BC 2 MALCOLM JENKINS** 6-1 208 JR. 32 Eugene Clifford 6-2 191 Fr. FC 20 DONALD WASHINGTON* 6-1 188 SO. 5 Chimdi Chekwa 6-1 185 R-Fr. SS 4 KURT COLEMAN* 5-11 187 SO. 3 Jamario O’Neal** 6-1 199 Jr. FS 21 ANDERSON RUSSELL* 6-0 205 SO. 8 Aaron Gant* 6-0 201 So.
OSU Kicks Off Season Against YSU August 29, 2007 Source: CoachTressel.com - "Ohio State kicks off the 2007 season against Youngstown state at Ohio Stadium this Saturday, September 1st. There will be over 103,000 fans present as Coach Tressel faces the Penguins, a team he led to four national championships..."
Talkin' Tressel: Injuries And Freshman August 30, 2007 Source: Scout Ohio State - "Jim Tressel met with the media for the final time before Saturday's game, so it's time for the weekly Talkin' Tressel update. This time around, the seventh-year head coach discussed the injury status of several players, which freshmen are in line for playing time in 2007, and the readiness of his team heading into a meeting with Youngstown State Saturday..."
Ohio State football names Todd Boeckman Buckeyes' starting quarterback August 29, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Small changes seem to come every day. In the way Todd Boeckman speaks up in meetings, in the way he raises his voice in the huddle or instructs team mates more and more. It hasn't all happened over night. Even with the little alterations, Boeckman still isn't quite Troy Smith-like in the way last year's Heisman Trophy winner exuded an ef fortless confi dence off the field and a scrambling in stinct on it. With Ohio State coach Jim Tressel's official announcement Tuesday that Boeckman will be the starting quarterback Saturday against Divi sion I-AA Youngstown State - while still allowing that backup Rob Schoenhoft is part of the game plan - the burden of fighting for the top spot is gone, and the development can now begin..."
Hit ground running August 28, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Buckeyes don't necessarily slow down when they're breaking in a quarterback...Ohio State coach Jim Tressel says there is an evolution to every quarterback. In that case, Todd Boeckman is just now crawling out of the primordial ooze. Boeckman is expected to be named the starter today for the opener against Youngstown State on Saturday. The fourth-year junior has thrown 10 career passes, all in mop-up duty..."
Ohio State breaks in a new quarterback for the 12th time since Art Schlichter left in 1981. A new starter doesn't mean OSU's record will suffer, though. A strong ground game is a big help:
YEAR
NEW STARTER
RECORD
RUSHING AVG.
2004
Justin Zwick/Troy Smith
8-4
145.4
2002
Craig Krenzel
14-0
191.3
1999
Steve Bellisari
6-6
159.7
1996
Stanley Jackson/Joe Germaine
11-1
228.3
1993
Bob Hoying
10-1-1
198.4
1992
Kirk Herbstreit
8-3-1
186.0
1991
Kent Graham
8-4
217.9
1988
Greg Frey
4-6-1
192.4
1987
Tom Tupa
6-4-1
151.6
1985
Jim Karsatos
9-3
174.8
1982
Mike Tomczak
9-3
254.3
Source: Columbus Dispatch
No. 2 QB will play; Henton might not August 29, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "..coach Tressel confirmed that Boeckman will start Saturday...What was slightly eye-opening was Tressel's announcement that second-stringer Rob Schoenhoft will definitely get some playing time but that Antonio Henton might not...'You only have so many reps to get guys ready,' Tressel said. 'I'm not saying Antonio's not (ready); I just said I can't promise (playing time).'..."
Youngstown State Depth Chart Comments August 27, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "The depth chart for the opener against Youngstown State shows that some Buckeyes got bigger, some got smaller, and some newcomers have played their way onto the depth chart..."
OSU Releases Depth Chart For YSU August 27, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "On Monday, Ohio State released its depth chart for Saturday's season opener against Youngstown State. There were a number of changes from the depth chart published before preseason camp. It appears that junior Todd Boeckman will make his first career start at quarterback this Saturday..."
Buckeyes Host Youngstown State in 2007 Opener August 27, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Preview the football team’s 2007 opener vs. Youngstown State; Tressel to face team he directed to four national championships; Buckeyes open season ranked No. 10 with 11 starters back from 12-1 squad..."
Tressel: 'I'm concerned with us making a first down' August 28, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "It was no surprise to hear Ohio State coach Jim Tressel today talking up his 11th-ranked team's opener Saturday with Division I-AA Youngstown State...And when one reporter asked whether he plans to call off the dogs if it appears the Buckeyes are about to turn Saturday's game into a blowout, he took umbrage. 'I would be shocked, to start with,' he said of the possibility of the game turning that way. 'That is the least of my planning... I'm concerned with us making a first down.'...Tressel knows Penguins can play..."
Buckeye Assistant Coaches Hold Interview Session with Media August 29, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Ohio State assistant coaches met with media following practice Wednesday. Jim Heacock, defensive coordinator, Taver Johnson, corner backs coach, and John Peterson, tight ends coach, spoke with media about the upcoming match up with Youngstown State..."
"Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel talks about, among other things, who will start against Youngstown State on Saturday and what he expects to see out of his former team." (33:55) (Source: Columbus Dispatch)
Game Notes: Ohio State vs. Youngstown State Source: OSU Official Site - This 'Ohio State Football Release,' from Athletic Communications, is a 23 paqge pdf file that contains a myriad of information and facts.
Tressel Gives Details At First Press Luncheon, Big Ten Teleconference August 28, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel participated in his first Tuesday media sessions of the year today, including the press luncheon and the Big Ten teleconference. We have a wrap-up of his comments from both events..."
Game Data: Youngstown State at Ohio State August 29, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "We have the pertinent data, depth charts and a prediction for Ohio State's 2007 season opener against Youngstown State Saturday at Ohio Stadium (noon, Big Ten Network..."
YSU fan Tressel to take a day off August 29, 2007 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "OSU coach will keep his emotions in check, show Penguins respect...Tressel spent 15 years coaching the Division I-AA Penguins and elevated the program to a status many Division I-A schools envied. During his tenure at YSU, he amassed a record of 135-57-2. Apparently, the powers that be at OSU were envious, as well..."
Penguins want more than $650,000 payday August 27, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Youngstown State will take on Ohio State on Saturday, and if the dream scenario plays out for the Penguins, they will take home an upset victory for the ages. Short of that, Youngstown State will take home a huge check -- $650,000 this year and next to be the Buckeyes' home opener -- and what Penguins coach Jon Heacock hopes will be a building experience for his team..."
Don't expect opener to provide many answers August 27, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "It seems like only last week that Ohio State was licking its wounds following that 41-14 loss to Florida in the national championship game Jan.8. Actually, last week those wounds were still a factor; they were the driving force behind the Buckeyes' off-season workouts and preseason camp..."
Ohio State preview: Animal's house August 31, 2007 Source: CentralOhio.com - "James Laurinaitis is thankful for the bevy of awards and honors that came his way last season, including being named an All-American and winning the Nagurski Award. But as far as the Ohio State junior is concerned, the only attention they will draw this year is from the dust in his closet..."
Ohio State vs. Youngstown State Preview August 29, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "The season kicks off on Saturday, pitting the two winningest Division I programs in the state of Ohio since 1990. While that might sound intriguing, the real intrigue comes from Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel facing his former team for the first time. While at Youngstown State from 1986-2000, Tressel went 135-57-2, winning four national championships along the way. In his fifteen seasons, the Penguins made the playoffs ten times..."
Penguins need quick start with lots of help August 31, 2007 Source: Youngstown Vindicator - " Youngstown State senior quarterback Tom Zetts has never gone into a football game when he didn't feel his team had a chance of winning. That goes for Saturday afternoon's contest when the Penguins invade No. 10 ranked Ohio State in a noon kickoff at Ohio Stadium..."
2007 Ohio State Buckeyes Offensive Preview Source: Buckeye Planet "...Despite committing to Ohio State way back in August 2002, Todd is a 23-year old who still has 2 years of eligibility remaining, due to grayshirting in 2003 (not enrolling in Autumn) and then redshirting in 2004. He's the son of Tim Boeckman, the former coach at St. Henry, which also sent former QB Bobby Hoying to Columbus. As a freshman in 2005, Boeckman briefly saw the field against Miami of Ohio, and completed a 42-yard touchdown pass to Ted Ginn; but he has only thrown a total of 10 passes the last two seasons. Todd was a 3-sport star in high school, and has good athleticism for a quarterback his size. Although not as quick as Troy Smith, he did match his 40-time in practice drills. Todd looked confident in throwing a couple of deep balls in the spring game..."
OSU Football Notebook: Camp-Ending Edition August 27, 2007 Source: OhioStateScout.com - "As camp wound down, we learned more about how Todd Boeckman maintained his lead in the race to start under center for the opener, how deep the offensive line might to go and what Jim Tressel thinks of his team's schedule..."
YSU goal: Play it close and safe August 27, 2007 Source: Youngstown Vindicator - "Moral victories are something that nobody really likes to talk about, especially players and coaches. But for Youngstown State, a moral victory against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus wouldn't be all that bad. For anyone thinking that the Penguins have anything more than a chance at a moral victory Saturday can continue to dream on. Lets face it, the Buckeyes are probably as beat-able as they are ever going to be, losing most of their offense and half the defense from a year ago, and they are still listed as 32-point favorites..."
YSU's Irizarry set to return to Ohio State August 28, 2007 Source: Warren Tribune-Chronicle - "Youngstown State tight end Louis Irizarry might not want to talk about it, but this is the way it was supposed to be, with him running across the field at Ohio Stadium in Saturday’s season opener. However, everybody figured he’d be a star tight end for the Buckeyes, instead of taking the field for Youngstown State. Two years after leaving Columbus, Irizarry returns to campus as a fifth-year senior tight end for the I-AA Penguins. Irizarry had the whole package - size (6-foot-5, 255 pounds), speed and hands - when he signed with the Buckeyes out of Ursuline High School in the 2003 recruiting class..."
YSU Head Coach Jon Heacock is the brother of OSU defensive coordinator Jim Heacock Source: YSU Official Site - "Youngstown State University football coach Jon Heacock had a plan for success when he took over the program six years ago and through hard work, drive and determination, that has paid dividends the past two seasons. The past two years YSU has won the Gateway Football Conference championship and combined for a total of 19 victories. In 2006, the Guins posted an 11-3 overall mark advancing to the NCAA Playoffs semifinal round for the first time since 1999 and seventh time in school history..."
OSU-YSU splits the Heacocks August 28, 2007 Source: Canton Repository - "Facing the underdog role like a gnat against a windshield, Jon Heacock doesn’t believe he has the toughest job in the family Saturday....Another Heacock boy will be inside Ohio Stadium on Saturday. Jeff Heacock, who spent nearly three decades as Muskingum’s head coach, is the middle brother, six years younger than Jim, six older than Jon. Jeff will have to pick a side..."
What grudge? YSU still fond of Tressel August 28, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Somewhere exists an alternate universe where Glen Mason is the coach at Ohio State instead of a commentator for the Big Ten Network, and Jim Tressel, in his 22nd year at Youngstown State, is preparing the Penguins to face the Buckeyes on Saturday. Or maybe not. 'I doubt if he'd be leading the Penguins in here," said Tressel's brother, Dick, OSU's running backs coach. "Because [Ohio State] wouldn't have scheduled them. It would have been too scary. They might have gotten beaten by Youngstown.'..."
Saturday’s game between Ohio State and Youngstown State isn’t happening just because of Jim Tressel. With the advent of the 12-game regular season last year, major football programs are looking for small schools willing to come in for a payday without a return visit. Ohio State will turn a profit of a little less than $4 million Saturday, as it does with all home games. Youngstown State will take home a guarantee of $650,000. More and more, schools from the Football Championship Subdivision (the awkward new name for Division I-AA) are being called on for these games. Eight of the 11 Big Ten schools will play FCS schools this season, and last year, Ohio State and Michigan were the only conference schools not to take a step down. With Dayton and Youngstown State the only FCS schools in Ohio, the game makes sense in today’s college football - which is why the Penguins will open in Ohio Stadium next year as well. YSU: The Essentials August 30, 2007 Source: OhioStateScout.com - "Players to watch, themes to know -- its the essential guide to Youngstown State, the most important notes about the Penguins before the meeting in the Horseshoe..."Crunching The Numbers: Ohio State-YSU August 27, 2007 Source: OhioStateScout.com - "BuckeyeSports.com takes a look at some of the more interesting (or you might call them random) facts and figures surrounding Ohio State's season-opening gridiron contest with Youngstown State..."
On schedule, Tressel and Smith agree August 27, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "While Ohio State officials don't see the Buckeyes' nonconference slate and overall home schedule as anything to laugh at, many fans and critics do. 'Y-A-W-N' was the way one creative blogger summed up the first four games, by displaying the helmets of Youngstown State, Akron, Washington (away) and Northwestern. 'You know what I'm calling the home schedule this year?" one e-mailer asked. "Wisconsin and the seven dwarfs.'..."
Schedule should put you to sleep August 28, 2007 Source: The Morning Journal - "MAYBE it's not a coincidence the first letter in Ohio State's first four opponents spell Y-A-W-N. Or that the first letter in the three non-conference home games spell Y-A-K. Aside from a juicy date with Wisconsin the first Saturday in November, there will be plenty of yawning and yakking taking place in the Horseshoe this fall..."
OSU opener lacks pizzazz August 30, 2007 Source: CentralOhio.com - "Nobody has stormed the Ohio State ticket office demanding a refund or a hometown discount like the one being offered by that guilt-ridden football monolith to our north. But nobody is begging to carry my laptop into Ohio Stadium on Saturday, either. There's something unseemly about crossing the tracks to find a season-opening sacrificial lamb in Youngstown State, a Division I-AA school. Excuse me, Football Championship Subdivision member. Spin it any way you want, but a game carrying the banners of the BCS and FCS is still ACS in my book. A Crying Sham..."
Sacrificial lambs on NCAA altar in Week 1 August 27, 2007 Source: The Californian.com - "...Youngstown State does not need to play Ohio State, regardless of coach Jim Tressel's connection to both schools. While the result will have no bearing on YSU's chance for the national title, it can have a huge impact on the Buckeyes, last year's national runners-up. A blowout will draw yawns; a close win will bring snickers. At least that game makes geographic sense. Despite their two straight national titles at the lower subdivision, Appalachian State playing at Michigan is a horror movie waiting to happen. And is there any reason Northwestern is hosting Northeastern, besides the names looking cool together?..."
Buckeyes on bottom in 3-team race August 30, 2007 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "Michigan, Wisconsin seen as favorites to end OSU's reign in league ...However, ESPN analyst Craig James said OSU could be the conference's sleeper team.'If (quarterback Todd Boeckman) plays like we hear he has a chance to play, who says Ohio State doesn't win the conference?' he said. 'We know they're going to reload. They lost a lot of players, but they have a heck of a coach with a staff that's been together for a while.'..."
The CBSSports.com 120 rankings take into account the CBSSports.com strength of schedule ranking and votes from our staff of writers, editors and producers. All of these elements combine to give you the most authoritative, definitive ranking of all 120 Div. I-A teams in the nation.
Chris Wells (Ohio State) - Total Rushing Yards (2007 Regular Season Stats Only) The Over/Under: 1150 Chris Wells (Ohio State) - Total Rushing Touchdowns (2007 Regular Season Stats Only) The Over/Under: 12½ Brian Robiskie (Ohio State) - Total Receiving Yards (2007 Regular SeasonStats Only) The Over/Under: 675 Brian Robiskie (Ohio State) - Total Pass Receptions (2007 Regular Season Stats Only) The Over/Under: 52½
Wells worked out like no other Buckeye August 31, 2007 Source: Dayton Daily News - "OSU expects big, big things from talented tailback after summer of extra effort...Ohio State strength coach Eric Lichter normally left players panting and dragging during his summer conditioning program. But running back Chris 'Beanie' Wells always felt after one of those arduous sessions as if he were just getting started..."
Stronger Wells expected to shoulder heavy load August 19, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "There is a quarterback competition going on, and several receivers are vying to join Brian Robiskie in the mix. But any discussion of the offense usually starts with Wells and how the offense will lean on his powerful style as it finds its way. The question remains whether Wells is up to it..."
Wells ready to carry load August 17, 2007 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "After the stunning setback in Arizona, Ohio State coaches told the freshman tailback from Garfield they were expecting him to carry the offensive load in 2007. Even before he knew Antonio Pittman would leave early for the NFL, Wells vowed to himself he would step it up and be ready..."
Buckeyes will rely on 'Beanie' to spark offense August 16, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "There were moments during his freshman season at Ohio State when Chris "Beanie" Wells showed the breathtaking potential that marked him as one of the top high school recruits in the country. Seconds later, he'd fumble the ball away. But even when things went wrong, Wells turned it into a ray of sunshine. 'That wasn't bad to me,' he said of the case of fumbleitis that hit him midway through the year. 'That was a learning process and I moved forward from that.'...'We have a lot of guys in this world that have a lot of talent," coach Jim Tressel said. "But when you have guys that have the kind of talent that he has and have demonstrated the work ethic that he's demonstrated, he has a chance to do some great things.'..."
Brown has Beanie's ear, which isn't a bad thing August 19, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The man who slipped the grasp of Bears, Lions and, yes, Martians, has a message for nervous Ohio State football fans: 'Tell them not to worry,' Jim Brown said. The ubiquitous NFL Hall of Famer, social activist and part-time actor (Mars Attacks) is back at it, offering advice to an impressionable Ohio State running back from northeast Ohio..."
It's Not Measurable, but It's There August 31, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "You've read about the two-deep, who's standing out in practice, who's bigger, who's faster who's hurt, who's flashing in scrimmages. Sometimes, however, it's the things you can't quite put your finger on, the things the you can't measure or see that make the difference for a team. Does this team have those intangibles? We think so. Check out the-Ozone report..."
Russell recovered physically, mentally August 29, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Asked to predict a breakout player for Ohio State this season, Malcolm Jenkins didn't hesitate. 'Well, y'all kind of saw Anderson last year, but he is going to have a huge season,' he said. 'Anderson will be one of the impact players this year.'...'I actually feel like nothing ever really happened, because (the knee) doesn't bother me,' Russell said. 'I don't think twice about doing anything. It feels great.'...His dad, meanwhile, was walking-talking proof there could be football after such an injury. Kevin Russell suffered a blown knee his redshirt freshman season at Tennessee State in 1973 and went on to play for Philadelphia in the NFL...."
The-Ozone Note and Quotebook August 31, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "The Longest Hour, Possible Redshirts, Injury Updates, Scarlet and Gracie, Rooting Interest, Change for a Nickel, and Big Hitter; they're all covered ..."
The-Ozone Note and Quotebook August 29, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "How Many QBs, The Upside and the Downside, Freshmen Impressive, Brotherly Confrontations, Nickel Update,and It's Not Just the Freshmen; they're all covered..."
Mr. Bucknuts' Bucket Of Bullets August 29, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com - "Mr. Bucknuts goes off on one final pre-season rant and covers the idiocy of the polls, strength of schedule, the eventual college play-offs, Yogi Berra (!), and the first recruits for the class of 2009 in a widely ranging and complete-loss-of-focus Bucket of Bullets..."
Many more tailgaters cited near OSU in '06 August 29, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...At the seven home games in 2006, state liquor agents cited 410 tailgaters for open-container violations. In 2005, 204 fans were cited. And during the 2004 season, when there were six home games, agents wrote 323 citations..."
Don’t show up too early, OSU tells RV tailgaters August 26, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Faithful Buckeye fans won’t be able to park their RVs at Ohio State University the night before a home game and throw a few burgers on the barbecue anymore. Starting with Saturday’s matchup against Youngstown State, revelers who show up at the RV lots before 5 a.m. on game day will be directed to the state fairgrounds..."
New Look Buckeyes Part I - The Offense August 27, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "(This Saturday) we'll get our first glimpse of the Buckeyes this season, but don't hold your breath on seeing just what they have to offer this year. It isn't likely that the Buckeyes will show much of their hand against Youngstown State or for that matter, Akron....OSU Head Coach Jim Tressel tends to be conservative in games where 'his checkers are bigger than the other guy's checkers, and have the pedal to the metal in games where the checkers are more the same size.'..."
New Look Buckeyes Part II - The Defense August 27, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "The common thought is that the Buckeye defense will be very good in 2007. While we don't disagree with that, unlike some others, we still think there will be some growing pains. Heading into fall camp we felt that the safety positions and the interior line positions were spots that were questionable. The Buckeyes seem to have shored up both of those areas athletically..."
Secondary could be primary strength for OSU football August 28, 2007 Source: Mansfield News Journal - "There isn't one senior vying for playing time in the Ohio State secondary, but cornerback Malcolm Jenkins doesn't see that as a liability. The junior All-America candidate considers it a luxury...'Last year, we had (seniors) Brandon Mitchell and Antonio Smith, but they didn't come in with the rest of us,' Jenkins said. 'We all came in together, or hosted the younger guys (on recruiting visits), so there's a better relationship between us. It's a close-knit group.'..."
Sanzenbacher a likely starter for Buckeyes August 27, 2007 Source: Toledo Blade "Two weeks ago, Dan Sanzenbacher was cautiously optimistic about the progress he had made while working out at Ohio State University over the summer, and hopeful about his prospects for playing a role for the Buckeyes as a freshman in the 2007 football season..."
Lawrence Wilson ready for breakout season at OSU August 26, 2007 Source: Beacon Journal "'He's ready,' co-defensive coordinator Luke Fickell said recenty. 'It's his time. He's a penciled-in starter. Maturity, that's probably the biggest thing. He's always had the ability...Defensive coordinator Jim Heacock thinks the same and said Wilson took a leap last year, when he played in 12 games and had 17 tackles, five for losses, three sacks and a forced fumble..."
One-on-One with James Scott August 2007 Source: CoachTressel.com "Ranked as the number 10 cornerback in the Nation coming out of high school, James Scott is known to be a hard hitter. Since joining the buckeyes in the spring ’07, his reputation has stayed true. Although he only measures in at only 5’10 165 lbs, Coaches are impressed with his physical play during fall camp scrimmage..."
One-on-One with Cameron Heyward August 2007 Source: CoachTressel.com "Measuring in at 6’6-280, Cameron Heyward has the background to prove he’s more than your typical collegiate freshman. As a high school senior he racked up an unbelievable 120 tackles with 16 sacks. Heyward’s build, benching 340 and squatting 510 lbs, is combined with his physical agility that has earned him a spot on Thad Matta’s nationally ranked basketball team this winter..."
Freshmen join two-deep August 28, 2007 Source: Canton Repository - "...Redshirt freshman Bryan Browning is the backup at both guard positions, and Andrew Moses is the second-team center...Dan Sanzenbacher is Brian Hartline’s backup at one wide receiver position. Taurian Washington is backing up Brian Robiske at the other...Defensively, Cameron Heyward, another freshman, is behind Lawrence Wilson and second-teamer Rob Rose at defensive end. Eugene Clifford is the second-team boundary corner, behind Malcolm Jenkins..."
Ohio State football freshmen can expect to see playing time August 26, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "(Dane) Sanzenbacher could be playing on Ohio State's first offensive snap of the season Saturday, thanks to Ray Small's ankle injury, stepping in as the slot receiver next to Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline with the first team against Youngstown State...(on)Taurian Washington, (Rob) Schoenhoft dropped a comparison to Mario Manningham: 'I've never seen anyone catch a deep ball better than Mario, other than [former Buckeyes receiver] Teddy [Ginn],' Schoenhoft said. 'But Taurian catches the deep ball better than anyone I've seen in a while.'..." Fresh starts
Ohio State football team loaded at running back August 27, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Either there's something going on in the Ohio State backfield this preseason or the Buckeyes coaches are trying to make a point...both Jim Tressel and offensive coordinator Jim Bollman have used superlatives in discussing the depth of the current talent at tailback..."
Jim Tressel: "This Is Big Ten Country" August 25, 2007 Source: Big Ten Network - "The Big Ten Network continues its countdown to an Aug. 30 kickoff with the launch of an advertising campaign built on the tagline 'This is Big Ten Country.' The television, radio, print, outdoor and online campaign will initially reach 30 Midwestern markets and include university-specific creative in addition to general Big Ten Network branding..."
"This Is Big Ten Country" Campaign Launched Television commercials all schools; "Be sure to check back with BigTenNetwork.com on the following days to check out the indivdual school ads as they're unveiled."
Interview with BTN's Mark Silverman August 25, 2007 Source: Buckeye Commentary - "Fans, especially those of teams whose football and basketball games were always on, are a little irritated that once available games aren't now for the most part, unless you have DirecTV. Silverman says: 'I think the one piece people haven’t fully realized is how much of their games were moving to lesser distributed platforms. For example, in 2005 there were 10 games on ESPNU and 5 games on ESPN360. Last year, those 5 games on ESPN360 increased to 10. The 10 games that were on ESPNU increased to 17.' ..."
The-Ozone Note and Quotebook August 25, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "Doing the Shuffle, Another Law Firm, Long Days, The Great Dane and It's a People Problem; they're all covered..."
After the Wait, It's Finally Boeckman's Turn August 25, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "There's a new day dawing in Ohio State football this Saturday. It's the start of the Todd Boeckman era..."
10 big questions face Buckeyes August 22, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "Here’s 10 questions facing the 2007 Ohio State Buckeyes as they prepare for their Sept. 1 opener against I-AA Youngstown State: 1, Who’s the QB? 2, How good’s the D? 3, What’s the O look like? 4, How hard is the schedule? 5, Is there a Florida hangover?..."
5 keys to successful OSU season August 23, 2007 Source: Canton Repository - "How will the Buckeyes fare in 2007? Here are five keys to their season..."
