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Film Study: Re-Watching Wisconsin for the Key Plays October 31, 2011 Source: The Ozone - Saturday night’s stunning upset of Wisconsin was as exciting a game as Ohio State has played in a long time. We decided to take a look back at the film for a breakdown of all the excitement from the Buckeyes’ 33-29 victory at Ohio Stadium...
Ohio State football: Suddenly, it’s not a lost season October 31, 2011 Source: Columbus Dispatch - Ohio State saved its season Saturday night on a wink and a prayer. Technically, it wasn’t a Hail Mary that Braxton Miller threw to Devin Smith to beat Wisconsin 33-29. The play wasn’t the game’s final one and wasn’t thrown into a cluster of receivers. Ohio State still could have gotten in range for a game-tying field goal if Miller had thrown an incompletion or taken off with the ball from the Wisconsin 40-yard line with 30 seconds left...
Win over Wisconsin bolsters the Buckeyes October 31, 2011 Source: Toledo Blade - There is no parade scheduled, no one has made reservations for Indianapolis or Pasadena and they have not rearranged the trophy case yet, anticipating a new arrival. But the mood around the Ohio State football program has clearly changed, bolstered by an unexpected infusion of street cred from two straight wins over teams that had both gone through the first half of the season unbeaten and earned national rankings...
AD says he wants Ohio State to play two home games a year after dark October 31, 2011 Source: Columbus Dispatch - Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith believes the time has come for the Buckeyes to make home night games like last night’s against Wisconsin more than a once-a-year occurrence. The Buckeyes have never played more than one night game a season in Ohio Stadium. Before last night, the last Big Ten night home game was in 2008 against Penn State. Smith said he has suggested to school officials that OSU play host to two night games a year if circumstances permit...
OSU Insider October 31, 2011 Source: Columbus Dispatch
Who’s hot? Miller and Daniel Herron. Miller delivered two of the bigger plays in recent memory for the Buckeyes, and those plays — a 44-yard touchdown run and the 40-yard scrambling TD pass to Smith — came within 41/2 minutes of each other and sandwiched Wilson’s two TD passes that had rallied the Badgers. Herron rushed for 160 yards on 33 carries, including a 57-yard pop on the first play of the second half that showed the underdog Buckeyes were in it to win it.
What’s not hot? Letting a wide receiver run wild and free with the game on the line. First, Ohio State safety Christian Bryant allowed Jared Abbrederis to be wide open for a 49-yard TD pass that appeared to win the game with 1:18 left. Then, Wisconsin’s Marcus Cromartie returned the favor when he let Smith get wide open in the end zone for the winning score with 20 seconds left.
What went right? On Wisconsin’s final play, an untimed bonus after Bryant was called for a face-mask penalty on the previous play, the Buckeyes didn’t mess around with a mere three-man rush backed by a prevent umbrella. Linebacker Andrew Sweat’s assignment was to bump the running back and then spy Wilson and press the attack. As Fickell explained, it was a matter of not giving Wilson the rest of the night to throw it. Sweat’s hit forced a bad throw. Ryan Shazier’s textbook punt block could have been the turning point of the game, but way too much happened after that.
Drawing board Now that offensive coordinator Jim Bollman and his staff have started packing the Pistol formation, they need to keep firing it. Miller looks a little more comfortable from one to play to the next. The short-snap formation showed its promise in the first 21/2 quarters at Nebraska before Miller’s injury and the collapse. Then came Miller’s 44-yard TD run from the Pistol on an option keeper in the fourth quarter. The run was successful because of key blocks by left tackle Mike Adams, tight end Jake Stoneburner and left guard Andrew Norwell.
Catch that? Miller got up slowly after a keeper late in the fourth quarter when he was tackled just short on third down. But unlike at Nebraska when he tweaked his right ankle and thought it was more serious than it turned out to be, he limped slightly on his right ankle, then returned to deliver the play of the season for the Buckeyes
Up next Indiana, which apparently is football Latin for "no defense." In their past two games, the Hoosiers scored 24 points against Iowa and got beat by 21 and scored 38 points against Northwestern on Saturday and got beat by 21. The move of freshman Tre Roberson to quarterback has invigorated the offense. They apparently don’t have any such players for the defense.
"The Wisconsin loss last year, that hurts. I wouldn't say we're going out for revenge. It's more we're going out to beat them. Put all that together, it's going to be one crazy atmosphere, and our team is definitely going to be more than energized and ready to play that game." - Jake Stoneburner
Johnathan Hankins shapes up for OSU October 26, 2011 Source: ESPN - Not only is Ohio State defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins a big man on campus, but at 335 pounds, Hankins is one of the biggest men defensive players in the nation, writes ESPN's Adam Rittenberg...
Two-Minute Drill: Post-Practice Updates October 25, 2011 Source: The Ozone - Ohio State has been waiting a year for this rematch with Wisconsin, but the players are not calling it a revenge game. See what else they had to say after Tuesday’s practice as the Buckeyes prepare for a primetime matchup with the Badgers under the lights at Ohio Stadium...
Fired-up Buckeyes can't wait for Wisconsin (but not for revenge, of course) October 25, 2011 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - There's no reason to really buy the Buckeyes downplaying the revenge angle. It's clear that directive came from Fickell, and it made sense. Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema isn't afraid to stir the pot at times, and he did at the Big Ten preseason meetings when he remembered and brought up former OSU quarterback Terrelle Pryor's quote that the Buckeyes would have beaten Wisconsin nine times out of 10 last season...
Buckeyes seek better balance October 25, 2011 Source: Toledo Blade - OSU uses bye week to try and invigorate air attack...
Ohio State line OK with physical strategy October 25, 2011 Source: Columbus Dispatch - Run-dominated image has a real Wisconsin feel to it...Since Mike Adams returned from a five-game suspension, there has been an uptick in the running game. The Buckeyes rushed for 243 yards in a loss at Nebraska and backed it up with 211 yards in a win at Illinois a week later...
Buckeyes Ready for Slugfest with Bucky October 25, 2011 Source: The Ozone - “It's going to be unreal. I know a bunch of us are excited. I hope the fans help us out because when we went up there last year the atmosphere was crazy,” Boren said. “The fans were yelling and you could barely hear yourself think. We're hoping it's like that this year.”...
Wrapping up the 2012 Recruiting Class October 25, 2011 Source: The Buckeye Battle Cry - The key will be finishing strong, and the Buckeyes look to be in a great position to do just that. The biggest concern, as it has been for months, continues to be along the offensive line. Regardless of how the ’12 class finishes, the depth issues there may not be resolved until the ink is dry on the ’13 class...here is a look at how the 2012 class will wind down...
Ohio State's Berry a suspect in another altercation October 25, 2011 Source: Columbus Dispatch - For the second time in four weeks, Ohio State running back Jaamal Berry has been named a suspect in an altercation. The latest incident occurred Downtown early Friday morning. Berry is accused of having struck a 21-year-old man with a fist...
"Obviously, we’ve got to get more balance and we’ll do a better job at that. There were more passes called and there were some situations that obviously didn’t end up being a pass, but we know there’s got to be more balance but we’re excited about the result. And that’s the most important thing." - Luke Fickell
Luke Fickell spoke with reporters following an abbreviated practice on Tuesday. Source: The Ozone
Luke Fickell, Big Ten Teleconference October 11, 2011
Roby shows he’s fast learner at cornerback October 21, 2011 Source: Columbus Dispatch -"I watch every little thing, because I want to be perfect. So every little thing I mess up on, I look at and take notes on, and I try to fix it the next practice or the next game." Thus continues the education of Roby, a first-year starting cornerback. He’s catching on fast. A year ago he was redshirting, a member of the 2010 recruiting class who originally had committed to Vanderbilt as a receiver before co-defensive coordinator Paul Haynes convinced him he had the makings of a cornerback.
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Hankins Becoming ‘Dominant Force’ Up Front October 20, 2011 Source: The Ozone - Amidst all the bad news surrounding the OSU football program there are few rays of sunshine. One of those is the development of defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins...
Ohio State v. Illinois: Offensive Analysis October 20, 2011 Source: Along The Olentangy - The 2011 Ohio State offense finally (and fully) established their identity against Illinois. After compounding problems against Miami and Nebraska by throwing the football in situations where the opposition had failed to stop the Buckeye run game, Ohio State took no chances with such an occurrence Saturday. Ohio State ran, ran, and ran some more...
Zach Boren, junior fullback On the offense: "We have great running backs that make great plays. Our offensive line is clicking right now and I think our communication throughout the entire offense is the biggest part of that."...
Storm Klein, junior linebacker On Ohio State-Wisconsin: "We both smash the ball between the tackles and I'm definitely expecting it to be a ground game. We'll watch them during our bye week this Saturday and try to pick up on some tendencies then."...
C.J. Barnett, sophomore safety On Wisconsin:
"I don't think there is any extra pressure when preparing for a team like Wisconsin. We will keep working hard this week into next week. They will be coming in pretty high and coach told us today to not cruiseduring practice this week. There is always room for improvement."...
Johnathan Hankins, sophomore defensive linemanOn preparing for Wisconsin:
"Our number one goal for the rest of the season is to win out and Wisconsin is in front of us. We will be studying more film this week, but we've been watching them all season long. They are the team to watch this year. We are excited for a game against them under the lights."...
Football Midseason Report Card October 19, 2011 Source: The Buckeye Battle Cry - The real question is where the Ohio State Buckeyes grade out for the first half of the season and keys to improvement. Players and coaches will be broken down and evaluated on their performance so far. So, listen up scarlet and gray clad coaches and players...
Luke Fickell says experience will smooth out Braxton Miller's rough passing edges October 18, 2011 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - The ducks have been obvious. Ohio State coach Luke Fickell has seen some of the wobbly passes thrown by freshman quarterback Braxton Miller. So, with a smile, he agreed that not all of Miller's 51 aerials this season have been spirals...
Michael Thomas will very likely be a Buckeye!! October 18, 2011 Source: The Buckeye Battle Cry - Thomas has excellent size at 6’4? and as Keyshawn Johnson’s nephew, playing wide receiver runs in his family. He was a highly rated recruit in the 2011 class, and this is clearly an exciting development for Ohio State...
What Happened to the Linebackers? October 17, 2011 Source: The Ozone - Do you remember when the Buckeyes were loaded at linebacker? Now all of sudden they're not...
OSU gets chance to catch breath October 18, 2011 Source: Toledo Blade - Buckeyes have bye to prepare for Badgers...“We’ve been through a lot, no question about it,” defensive lineman John Simon said after the Buckeyes appeared to right the ship in a 17-7 win over previously unbeaten Illinois on Saturday. “But I never saw anyone give up or back off a bit. We took each day as it came, and we kept on fighting. We won this game by just fighting through a lot of things.”...
Vrabel Learning, Imparting Wisdom on Young Buckeyes October 17, 2011 Source: The Ozone - Vrabel’s on-field coaching has been a work in progress, but his presence in the locker room has been a reality check for a team that is not used to struggling and not used to losing the way they have through the first seven games of the 2011 season. “You realize people have gone through bad games, people have gone through bad losses,” said Vrabel, who was one of the first to address the team after their devastating 21-point letdown at Nebraska in week six. “A lot of people haven't been part of something like that, and I told them that, unfortunately, I had.” On a much bigger stage...
Carlos Hyde's unhappiness over playing time no surprise October 16, 2011 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - Running back Carlos Hyde wrote on Twitter after the Buckeyes' win Saturday, "Guess I'm not good enough. Take myself elsewhere." Hyde later deleted the tweet and wrote that he wasn't going anywhere. On Sunday, Hyde posted some Twitter messages from fans who understood his frustration and thought people shouldn't make a big deal out of it.
Taking the "O" Out of It October 17, 2011 Source: Along the Olentangy - While reading my "Coaching Football For Dummies" how-to guide and doodling in my very own Crayola playbook for toddlers, I frequently stood on my soapbox admonishing the archaic simplicity of Tresselball and its dearth of offensive creativity. Now that Ohio State's offense is setting football strategy back 30 years, I find myself yearning for the days of slow-developing power being the worst of times...
Northwestern vs Iowa Hawkeyes Card Stunt National Anthem
Luke Fickell earns a B-minus grade so far, says Doug Lesmerises (SBTV)Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer
"We needed it. We needed a boost. Being 3-3 wasn't the greatest feeling but we felt like we were a better team than 3-3, but we just haven't showed it. Coming here to undefeated Illinois, we're starting to be a very good team at Ohio State and we have a lot of momentum going into Wisconsin." - TE Jake Stoneburner on bouncing back from the past two losses.
Strange win at Illinois: Doug Lesmerises' video analysis Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer
OSU Insider October 17, 2011 Source: Columbus Dispatch
Who’s hot? Daniel Herron. During his six-game suspension, the senior tailback found a way to stay sharp, because he made the same smooth moves against the Illini that he used in the latter half of his 1,000-yard season last year. He had 114 yards on 23 carries, including a 12-yarder for a touchdown. Cornerback Bradley Roby delivered the play of the game, an interception and 36-yard return at the start of the second half to put OSU in control.
What’s not hot? Confidence in the passing game. With the wind making Memorial Stadium a swirl palace as usual, coach Luke Fickell said he was content to see offensive coordinator Jim Bollman not take chances with freshman quarterback Braxton Miller in the passing game. It wasn’t just the wind, though — the first three times Ohio State called pass plays, Miller never got the passes off, either because of a sack or scrambling. For a team that only threw four passes, completing just one, it still couldn’t stop the Illinois pass rush.
What went right? OSU’s defensive mission, which was twofold: contain Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase, because his scrambling could be lethal; and contain receiver A.J. Jenkins, because he had proved in the two prior games that he could go off if left attended by a single defender. The Buckeyes did a decent job on the Scheelhaase challenge, because he did get loose at times, but they did a great job on Jenkins.
Drawing board Granted, it’s difficult to find ways to get three tailbacks involved, but the Buckeyes now have a week to try. Making Carlos Hyde the forgotten man at Illinois bordered on unfair. His physical approach the week before at Nebraska was one of the bright lights, and if they hadn’t forgotten about him during that fourth-quarter collapse, things might have been different. Jordan Hall offers versatility, and he runs hard, too, as a counter-punch to Herron. But Hyde’s strides make him worthy of being a full-time member of the 3H Club.
Dinged up Miller said his right ankle, which he sprained at Nebraska, was about 95 percent healthy on Saturday. He expects it to be close to 100 percent after getting to rest it a little extra this week. Cornerback Travis Howard suffered an ankle tweak when a teammate stepped on it in the celebration after his interception, but he too expects to be fine by the Wisconsin game.
Catch that? Jenkins had one big play, a spectacular catch at the sideline for a 21-yard gain with Roby in coverage in the first half. A play later, when a pass went another direction, Jenkins got into it verbally with Roby, who earlier in the week had said the receiver was “nothing special, really.” But Roby got the last word. His interception of an overthrow toward Jenkins changed the game.
Up next Wisconsin, but that’s two weeks away. In between, the Badgers, unchallenged and impressive under transfer quarterback Russell Wilson, take on their biggest challenge to date, Michigan State. Not that Nebraska was milquetoast, but this game will be the first real challenge on the road for the Badgers, and MSU’s defense will be the best they’ve faced so far.
Don't count them out against No. 16 Illinois Fighting Illini, says Doug Lesmerises (SBTV)
Fickell must still shuffle OSU lineup October 12, 2011 Source: Toledo Blade - Luke Fickell is playing poker with a deck of cards that gets shuffled on every hand. He is playing chess in a format where some pieces are added to the board and others are removed with every move that is made.
Miller ‘should be fine'; Guiton will get more practice reps (with two videos) October 12, 2011 Source: The News Herald - Kenny Guiton, currently No. 3 on Ohio State's quarterback depth chart, is going to get more repetitions in practice this week, Coach Luke Fickell said at Tuesday's news conference. Fickell said starter Braxton Miller "should be fine" to play on Saturday against 15th-ranked Illinois, and Joe Bauserman remains listed as the second-string signal-caller for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State Players’ evidence ignored, attorney says October 11, 2011 Source: Columbus Dispatch - Tailback Daniel Herron should have been available to play for Ohio State last Saturday night, and receiver DeVier Posey should have been available this week, according to calculations their attorney made on the proper NCAA punishment for being overpaid at part-time jobs.
Miller gives Buckeyes building block at QB October 11, 2011 Source: ESPN - Lost amid the chaos of Ohio State's stunning collapse Saturday night in Lincoln -- overshadowed by the second-guessing of Luke Fickell and his staff, the hatred directed toward quarterback Joe Bauserman and the disbelief of what Fickell called "an unbelievable snowball effect" -- was an important fact. Ohio State found its quarterback. His name is Braxton Miller. He's young, but he's got plenty of game.
Rushers starting to gain ground on Buckeyes October 11, 2011 Source: Dayton Daily News - Ohio State has allowed nine players to rush for 100 yards or more in a game since 2007, tying them for third best among FBS schools. Three of those players, though, have come this season and Ohio State still has to contain three of the Big Ten’s top five leading rushers by season’s end.
Earle's thoughts, Miller scheduled to play, lots of Ohio ties in Big Ten honors October 10, 2011 Source: Franklin Daily Journal - On the Buckeyes' emphasis on a passing-intensive attack when Bauserman is in the game: "I've seen him throw more balls out of bounds than to his teammates yet they throw constantly with him. Run the ball!" On the severity of Posey's penalty: "Ten games? ... Teach him a lesson but don't destroy him. They're destroying him!"
Hiring Meyer is only way OSU's Gee, Smith can survive October 10, 2011 Source: CBSSports.com - Only Urban Meyer can save them now, and by "them" I don't just mean the Ohio State Buckeyes -- the football team. Them also includes the two people in charge of this debacle in Columbus, president Gordon Gee and athletics director Gene Smith, who have mishandled a smallish scandal to the point where it has blown up, mushroom-cloud like, into something that threatens to blot out everything else, including the future.
A special-team debate highlights how ordinary the Buckeyes have become October 9, 2011 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - Leading 27-20 in the fourth quarter, with a defense that had just given up touchdowns its last two times on the field, the Buckeyes had the ball for a second-and-13 at the Nebraska 32. A 49-yard field goal try was on the table, and even two 3-yard runs would have made it a more manageable 43-yarder. Going ahead by two scores, with a reeling and tiring defense, was crucial for Ohio State. Kicker Drew Basil already had made a 41-yarder the same direction earlier in the game, and overall Basil had kicked seven straight field goals, with a long of 47 yards. Every fiber of Tresselball called for two runs.
Key to Ohio State's season is a healthy Braxton Miller October 10, 2011 Source: The News Herald - Ohio State probably can't win without Braxton Miller. That much we do know about the Buckeyes following their 34-27 loss at Nebraska on Saturday.
OSU at loss for words over loss to Nebraska October 10, 2011 Source: Toledo Blade - The Ohio State Buckeyes decided to play their best half of football and their worst half of football, both on the same night.
Collapse leaves Buckeyes stumped October 10, 2011 Source: Columbus Dispatch - Afterward, they were almost dazed. A game that had gone according to script — heck, Ohio State couldn’t have dreamed a better 21/2 quarters — disintegrated in stunning fashion.
Some questions for the Buckeyes October 9, 2011 Source: Dayton Daily News - Question One - If the most potent part of your offense is the running of talented quarterback Braxton Miller, how long can the sometimes-fragile freshman last before disaster strikes…as it did on two of his final carries Saturday?
OSU Insider October 10, 2011 Source: Columbus Dispatch
What’s hot?
For two quarters and change, the offensive play-calling led by coordinator Jim Bollman was smoking, at least while Braxton Miller was doing the dealing. The occasional move to the pistol formation allowed Miller to run and gave him more options. The wide screen pass to Jake Stoneburner for a touchdown worked just the way it was drawn, with left tackle Mike Adams and center Michael Brewster getting great blocks. And the 62-yard TD romp by Carlos Hyde off the right side behind a massive block by TE Reid Fragel was brilliant in the call and the execution.
What’s not hot?
The play-calling once Miller suffered a right ankle sprain midway through the third quarter. Conservative should have been the way to go, as the Buckeyes nursed a 14-point lead. But backup QB Joe Bauserman was sent in throwing, and as has been the case since his opening performance against Akron, he seemed uncomfortable and hesitant, and he almost always missed high and outside. Hyde especially seemed willing and able to pound the ball and eat a lot of clock, but that wasn’t on the menu.
What went right?
The defensive stifling of Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez and the Cornhuskers in the first two quarters and change. The Buckeyes, led by linebacker Andrew Sweat, the line and cornerback Bradley Roby, had the Huskers on the ropes, blocking every counterpunch.
Back to drawing board
The recipe said to get the Huskers down by multiple scores, and Martinez wouldn’t be able to throw them back into it. Wrong. The catalyst was Nebraska linebacker Lavonte David’s rip of the ball from Miller at the end of a run that would have gained a first down with OSU up 27-6. The Huskers went to the full-house pistol formation, Martinez streaked to the end zone against the confused Buckeyes, and the defense never regained its grip. Martinez made the Buckeyes look silly as he wheeled some, dealt some to running back Rex Burkhead, and hit huge passes.
Dinged up
Miller’s right ankle will top the discussion all week. Insiders said yesterday he probably will be good to go come Saturday. But what sets him apart is his ability to juke on the run. A dodgy ankle could impair that ability.
Catch that?
At game’s end, up-till-now third-string quarterback Kenny Guiton was warming up in the bullpen. Bollman said the coaches would have gone to him had the Buckeyes gotten the ball back, which didn’t happen. Guiton appears to be the logical backup option now because he offers at least the potential of being able to do some of the same things as Miller.
Plain Dealer Ohio State reporter Doug Lesmerises talks Buckeye football Oct 5, 2011 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer
Ohio State football: Who's to blame? October 6, 2011 Source: Columbus Dispatch Ohio State’s awful offense has critics pointing fingers at young players and second-guessing play-calling
Offense knows work needed October 6, 2011 Source: Columbus Dispatch Coaches know they also must do better job
OSU players trying to keep chins up despite bad news October 6, 2011 Source: Bucyrus Telegraph Mike Brewster: "We've gone through so much, at this point it's kind of like ... just keep going, keep going, keep going," he said.
Ohio State Buckeyes center Mike Brewster knows redemption is on the line against Nebraska's Jared Crick October 5, 2011 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer Mike Brewster knew months ago that Jared Crick was on the horizon. Football is a team game, but often you have to beat your guy for your team to win. The Ohio State center and the Nebraska defensive tackle should be knocking heads Saturday night, maybe both with something to prove. Crick was viewed by some draft analysts as a potential top-10 NFL Draft pick coming into the season...
Luke Fickell, Big Ten Teleconference October 5, 2011
OSU Insider October 3, 2011 Source: Columbus Dispatch
What’s hot?
Let’s make it what’s warm — the Ohio State defense. It found ways to keep the game from being a runaway, like the Bradley Roby-to-C.J. Barnett tip drill for an interception at the back of the end zone. The defense also stuffed the MSU running attack. But a couple of pick-six opportunities fell out of the hands of Christian Bryant and Travis Howard on a day when the defense also needed to be the offense.
What’s not hot?
Ohio State’s pass protection. It hasn’t been this bad since Ryan Kerrigan and his Purdue teammates ripped through, around and over the Buckeyes line in an upset win in 2009. To say the MSU defense had the Buckeyes’ number is an understatement; at times the Spartans even seemed to have the snap count down better than the Buckeyes’ offensive linemen. And an OSU line that thought it had turned the corner in the running game could do little against MSU’s front. Perhaps the return of suspended left tackle Mike Adams this week will provide a needed booster shot.
What went right?
The Buckeyes’ attitude. That, of course, seems trivial compared with the final result. But as bad as things got offensively, Ohio State kept fighting, something Luke Fickell has stressed in his first year as head coach. The touchdown pass from reliever Joe Bauserman to Evan Spencer with 10 seconds left was too little, too late.
Back to drawing board
Fickell’s most insightful comment after the game came when he was asked whether freshman Braxton Miller was still his starting quarterback. “Uh, yeah,” was his reply. But, as he pointed out, it’s wrong to lay the offensive catastrophe solely at the feet of the quarterbacks. For starters, neither has the physical ability to make something out of nothing, as predecessor Terrelle Pryor did. They need a supporting cast, and the focus this week should be on finding ways to get the young receivers into open spaces faster. OSU is 108th in the nation in total offense, 111th in passing. No matter the opposition, that’s inexcusable.
This week’s challenge
The Buckeyes must figure out a way to field some semblance of a passing game. Nebraska — playing at home and hosting Ohio State for the first time — is expected to sell out against the run to stem its defensive woes. OSU’s defense looks as if it has a manageable matchup, as long as somebody remembers to tackle Martinez. The must-win situation for both teams should at least yield some desperate entertainment.
Offense: Not as hard as Jim Bollman makes it look October 4, 2011 Source: The Buckeye Battlecry Here are a list of things that everyone who has played college football on a video game system in the last five years knows about calling plays on offense, but apparently Ohio State offensive coordinator Jim Bollman does not.
Bob Hunter commentary: Sorry, Ohio State, but things have gotten out of hand
October 4, 2011 Source: Columbus Dispatch This individual stuff is wearing pretty thin. And isn’t that what every rules violation is? A football team is made up of lots of individuals. So is a university, a coaching staff and even a fan base.
How to Fix Ohio State Football in Five Easy Steps October 3, 2011 Source: Off Tackle Empire STEP 1: Fire Offensive Coordinator Jim Bollman...STEP 2. Fire Head Coach Luke Fickell...STEP 3: Hire a Nationally Recognized Head Coach...STEP 4: Fire Athletic Director Gene Smith...STEP 5: Promote Ohio State's New Compliance Protocol Nationally
Ohio State Buckeyes' Marcus Hall, Dan Herron, DeVier Posey suspended for improper work payments October 3, 2011 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer Three Ohio State football players were suspended Monday for being overpaid while working summer jobs for Cleveland-area booster Bobby DiGeronimo, whose involvement with the program has complicated -- and could worsen -- Ohio State's pending case before the NCAA.
My Buckeye heart aches October 3, 2011 Source: Men of the Scarlet and Gray I can only hope that when all is said and done the NCAA will decide to wipe this entire year off their record books just like last year so I can pretend that this season never happened on the field or off of it. For the first time in this whole thing I am really unsure what to do or feel. I can’t find a way to defend the players or the AD or the coaches.
Three Buckeyes Suspended Indefinitely October 3, 2011 Source: BuckeyeSports.com Ohio State will be without running back Boom Herron, receiver DeVier Posey and offensive lineman Marcus Hall indefinitely as part of an NCAA investigation into a summer employment issue. OSU athletic director Gene Smith said the three are out for the Nebraska game.
Help coming for Ohio State, but not enough October 3, 2011 Source: Mansfield News Journal But unless a new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach saddle up and ride in on that white horse, don't expect miracles when the Buckeyes hit the road this week to play equally distressed Nebraska...An Ohio State official confirmed that Jim Bollman, entrusted by the defensive-weaned Fickell to run the offense, was not asked to come to the interview room after Saturday's loss. No excuse. He should have taken it upon himself to face the music like both of his quarterbacks and a couple of his besieged linemen.
Jack Mewhort Shout Out (and More) October 3, 2011 Source: Duane Long Report Jack Mewhort is really good. Jerel Worthy abused Marcus Hall so badly that I'm not sure that's not the real reason Hall is suspended for next week.
What we learned in the Big Ten: Week 5 October 2, 2011 Source: ESPN Ohio State's offensive problems run deep: Some Buckeyes fans were hopeful that freshman quarterback Braxton Miller would solve the team's inability to move the ball against good defenses. Miller looked like a true freshman against Michigan State, which got in his face and put him in a phone booth to limit his running abilities. Joe Bauserman actually outplayed Miller while coming on in relief in the fourth quarter, possibly creating some controversy there. Buckeyes fans now must hope the return of running back Dan Herron, receiver DeVier Posey and Mike Adams will turn things around. They should help, but the truth is Ohio State is limited at quarterback and will be hard pressed to change that this month against Nebraska, Illinois and Wisconsin. Unless the defense and special teams come through in a big way, this team is going to continue to struggle.
