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OL Carson Hinzman (National Champion)

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Carson Hinzman Returns to Home State of Wisconsin With “A Lot More Confidence” Than Two Years Ago

A look back at Ohio State’s game film from when it last played Wisconsin showed Carson Hinzman just how far he’s come over the past two years.

“It was rough,” Hinzman said, laughing and shaking his head. “I had no idea really what I was doing. I was just kind of playing ball and hoping stuff didn't go wrong.”

While Hinzman was Ohio State’s starting center for the Buckeyes’ October 2023 game at Camp Randall Stadium, that 24-10 win in Madison came amid a roller-coaster first season in the lineup for the Wisconsin native. Thrust into starting duty a year earlier than expected after Luke Wypler entered the NFL draft, Hinzman struggled throughout the 2023 season, ultimately leading to his benching for the season-ending Cotton Bowl.

Now that he’s the experienced veteran of Ohio State’s offensive line, Hinzman returns to his home state as a far more confident player this time around.

“Two years ago, I mean, playing a lot more reactionary. I didn't really fully understand why things were going on or what was happening. I kind of had to rely a lot more on the guys around me,” Hinzman said. “But now it's a different position where I get to kind of step into a little bit more of a leadership role and have a lot of the guys kind of rely on me and what I'm looking at and how I can see what's happening and kind of diagnose that. So it's the same position, but completely different feel for the game.”
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Game Thread THE GAME: tOSU at tCun, Sat. Nov. 29th, 12 pm ET, FOX

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USC success vs. Michigan​

  1. Attack the interior, force the defense to overcommit, then work outside Because Michigan gave up so many rushing yards, USC used gap-run schemes to test the defensive line and linebackers. Once Michigan’s front seven had to lean into run support, USC could threaten to stretch toward the edges or with RPOs.
  2. Use misdirection, counters, and cutbacks Big rushing yards often come when defenders are pulled one way and then the play cuts back. The 49-yard 3rd-down run indicates that Michigan’s pursuit, containment, or alignment was thrown off. USC used counter to really exploit Michigan’s run defense.
  3. Leverage QB reads/RPOs to freeze defenders USC used RPO plays (or at least had a threat of QB run), and defenders became conflicted. If a linebacker or safety cheats toward the run, you throw; if they drop or stay, you run. That hesitation in the defense is gold.
  4. Maximize protection, delay pressure, and neutralize blitzes Because Michigan got zero sacks, USC’s protection must have been solid. They used slide protections, chip blocks, or quick-release route concepts (e.g. short throws, screens, check-downs) whenever Michigan showed blitz or pressure.
  5. Scripted early drives/tempo to exploit soft spots before adjustments Many offenses script their first 10–15 plays knowing the defense has limited time to adjust. USC likely ran a strong early script to test Michigan’s run fits and coverage matchups. Also, the tempo or cadence changes can prevent the defense from substituting or aligning perfectly.
  6. Isolate matchups in space USC’s receivers and backs could take advantage of Michigan’s second-level defenders or safeties. If Michigan had to bring linebackers into coverage, USC could send a back or a receiver to exploit that matchup. The pass-yielding numbers in the game (USC 265 passing yards) suggest Michigan’s coverage was punished.
  7. Sustain drives, convert third downs, wear down defense Converting 50% of third downs shows USC’s offense didn’t settle. They likely kept moving the chains (a mix of runs, passes, intermediate routes) so Michigan’s defense couldn’t rest or rotate. The cumulative effect of long drives wears down front-line defenders.

How Michigan’s defensive scheme may have failed

Even the best schematic offense can fail vs a disciplined defense, but in this case, based on film, Michigan’s struggles weren’t just about bad plays — they were also scheme-related or caused by being forced into reactive positions.
Here are likely failure points on Michigan’s side:
  • Poor tackling/missed angles: 14 missed tackles is a lot. Even if your scheme is tight, missed fundamentals kill your defense.
  • Inability to generate pressure /pass rush breakdowns: Without pressure, USC’s QB and receivers had time. Michigan didn’t convert that schematic edge into execution.
  • Overcommitment to the run or misread reactions: USC may have baited Michigan into overpursuit or misalignment, then punished with cutbacks or play-action.
  • Fatigue on the front lines/ personnel rotation: If USC sustained long drives, Michigan’s defensive front could have worn down, losing leverage on blocks and gap control.
  • Rigid assignments/inability to adjust in-game: USC adjusted mid-game (e.g. adding screens, changing run directions) and Michigan’s defense couldn’t counter quickly.
  • Suboptimal matchups in coverage: If Michigan put linebackers or safeties in coverage on faster receivers or backs, USC likely schemed to target those mismatches (e.g. crossing routes, drag routes, option routes).
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Cleveland Guardians (2026 Season Thread)

Most people know this, but with new “challenge” rules, catchers who can “frame” will be less important.

Hedges is nasty as a pitch caller and defensively, but even $4M on a tight budget seems excessive to me……but I trust Vogt signed off on it, so I’m good.

…..I don’t think I’ll ever get over the awful trade of Josh Naylor that cost us more $$$ to bring Carlos Santana in….Still at a loss.

Apparently Jose Ramirez wanted him in the clubhouse, so I don't mind keeping that man happy.

I think the Naylor trade was the right one....one year of Naylor versus 6 for Cecconi. We weren't going to pay him, so we were going to lose him, and not even get the high comp pick in return.
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