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2006 Buckeyes Forecast, Recruiting, and The Game (Merged)

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DDN

1/17

Tressel says defense will be OK

Nine starters leaving, but coach believes others will step up

By Doug Harris
Dayton Daily News
COLUMBUS | Ashton Youboty and Donte Whitner have not only contributed to a dearth of returning starters on Ohio State's defense by bolting to the NFL, but their departures have also created a leadership vacuum.
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<!-- inset --> <!--begintext--> The Buckeyes will have to replace nine regulars on the unit, leaving a pair of defensive linemen as the lone holdovers. But OSU coach Jim Tressel believes he can find enough dynamic players to fill the void.
"They could have been good leaders," he said of Youboty and Whitner. "But David Patterson, Quinn Pitcock, Jay Richardson, Mike D'Andrea, Marcus Freeman, Brandon Mitchell — we've got some guys who can be leaders."
Tressel, though, isn't exactly relishing the task of rebuilding his defense, which was rated first in the Big Ten and fifth nationally in yards and points given up.
"Obviously, we'd rather not lose nine starters, but it shows we have good players," he said. "Most of those nine are going to be in the NFL. We've got to replace them. But that's college football."
The Buckeyes have few worries about their offense, though. They averaged 38.3 points and 470.1 yards while finishing the season with a seven-game winning streak, and quarterback Troy Smith and a vast arsenal will be back to pick up where they left off.
"We've just got to put the pieces of the puzzle together," Smith said.
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OZone

1/16

Football
Buckeye Football 2006 - Special Teams and Freshmen
By John Porentas​
The day Jim Tressel took the job at Ohio State he started talking about special teams. Tressel's mantra on special teams since that day has been that Ohio State will emphasize that phase of the game and will be strong in that area. ​
Tressel, it turns out, was not engaging in coach-speak. Clearly, he believes in that proposition and has worked hard at making OSU's special teams a strength. ​
Punting Game ​
Tressel has enjoyed a succession of capable punters in his five seasons; Andy Groom, B. J. Sander, Kyle Turano and most lately, A. J. Trepasso. ​
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A. J. Trepasso [/FONT]​
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Trepasso will return in 2006 as a redshirt sophomore after averaging 40.4 yards per kick on 43 punts. His longest boot of 76 yards was the longest of the season in the Big Ten in 2005. ​
Kicking the ball is just part of the equation in the punting game. Somebody has to snap it, and 11 guys have to cover punts, and Ohio State seems well-stocked in both of those categories.​
After waiting in the wings behind the ultra-reliable Kyle Andrews, Drew Norman had a fine season as a long-snapper in 2005. Norman will be a redshirt senior in 2006 and will return with valuable experience. Norman is not only a reliable snapper, but brings good size to the position at 6-0, 230 pounds.​
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Drew Norman[/FONT]​
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OSU's punt coverage was excellent in 2005 and should be as good in 2006. The Buckeyes were second in the Big Ten in net punting at 39.0 yards per attempt, just behind Wisconsin who averaged 39.3. The average punt return against the Buckeyes in 2005 was 1.4 yards per punt.​
Comprising the coverage teams is a horde of young linebackers and defensive backs eager to make plays. Chad Hoobler, Kurt Lukens, Nick Patterson, Anderson Russell, Antonio Smith, Curtis Terry, Austin Spitler, Donald Washington and Sirjo Welch are all names that come quickly to mind as possible cover team standouts in 2006. The Buckeyes have used cover teams as a place to get talented freshmen on the field, and 2006 should be no exception. Look for any number of incoming freshmen to show up on coverage teams in 2006.​
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Antonio Smith [/FONT]​
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Two of the key performers on any punt coverage team are the gunners, the outside guys whose responsibility it is to get down field first, and Ohio State will return two players who have proven their ability. Both Sirjo Welch and Antonio Smith are proven playmakers in kick coverage, and both will return in 2006.​
Kickoffs and Place Kicking ​
As in the punting game, Tressel has had a succession of outstanding kickers. Mike Nugent and Josh Huston have been ultra reliable and strong-legged during Tressel's tenure, but with the departure of Huston this season, OSU will be looking for a replacement in 2006​
The leading candidate is Ryan Pretorius. Pretorius will be a redshirt sophomore next season and comes to Ohio State via Durban, S. Africa.​
Pretorious had a career a professional Rugby player in both South Africa and in Europe. Pretorius' specialty was kicking and he decided to pursue a college football career in the US as a result of his ability. NCAA rules permit professionals in one sport to compete as amateurs in another sport, so Pretorius is eligible for football at Ohio State, but not rugby.​
Pretorious will be the oldest Buckeye player on the roster in 2006. He will turn 27 this May. That maturity and his experience a professional athlete should serve him well in 2006.​
Pretorious is an unproven commodity, but we think he will be an adequate replacement for Huston. He should not be as affected with the jitters that younger, less-experience players often feel. Pretorious reportedly has a strong leg and is an accurate kicker. How strong and how accurate remain to be seen, but we feel confident he will not be a limp-leg and scatter-gun.​
As in the punting game, Drew Norman returns as the snapper, and A. J. Trepasso will handle the holding duties after doing so in 2005. OSU's kickoff coverage should mirror it's punt coverage as well and be very solid. The pieces seem to be in place for OSU to have a good place kicking game again in 2006.​
The Return Game ​
Spearheaded by Santonio Holmes and Ted Ginn Jr., OSU return game has been excellent over the past two seasons. Holmes has moved on to the NFL, but Ginn will return for his junior year.​
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Ted Ginn Jr. [/FONT]​
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As a punt returner, Ginn returned 25 kicks in 2005 for 250 yards and one touchdown with a long of 62 yards . His average of 10 yards per return was good for fifth in the Big Ten. As a kickoff returner, Ginn led the league with a 29.0 yards per return average in 2005. His longest was a 100 yard touchdown return for his only TD kickoff return of the year.​
Ginn's punt return numbers were down in 2005 after an amazing debut as a freshman in 2004. Despite that fact, Ginn will remain a lethal weapon in the return game in 2006.​
The Buckeyes at times employed twin safeties on punts in 2005 with both Ginn and Holmes back. The second return man is yet to be determined if the Buckeyes wish to continue that scheme, but the leading candidate is probably Anthony Gonzalez.​
The Buckeyes used a triangle formation on kickoff returns at the end of the season with three returners, Holmes, Ginn and Gonzalez. Gonzalez will likely be the second return man with Ginn, but OSU will have to find a third if they are to continue that formation.​
There are a number of candidates for that position, but at this point, any guess would be just that, guess work. Likely candidates, however, might be WR Albert Dukes, CB Malcolm Jenkins, RB Maurice Wells, and DB Jamario O'Neal. Any of that group could also serve as a second punt returner as well. Also in that mix could be an incoming freshman, though we could not at this time hazard a guess on who that could be.​
Coaching​
Almost every OSU assistant coach has a hand in coaching the special teams, but in 2005 one really illustrated how a coach can make a difference.​
Wide receivers coach Darrell Hazell handles OSU return game, and it was Hazell's idea to deploy his returners in a triangle on returns. That pretty much nullified the pooch kick against the Buckeyes. If the opposition didn't kick deep to Ted Ginn, they were going to kick it short to Santonio Holmes or Anthony Gonzalez. Talk about a pick-your-poison situation.​
Tressel's obvious dedication to special teams and OSU's success over the last few years in that area are testament to the entire staff, from the head coach on down. OSU's special teams are well coached and effective.​
Freshman​
If you scrolled down to this section looking for a list of names, you're going to be disappointed. We don't think there is any way of knowing which freshmen could be in the lineup next fall without them arriving on campus and competing at the collegiate level. What we are willing to say is that freshmen will probably contribute to the 2006 team.​
Tressel has a history of playing outstanding freshmen and 2006 should be no exception. In 2005, Malcolm Jenkins and James Laurenitis played key roles for OSU as true freshmen. In 2004, Ted Ginn Jr., Antonio Pittman, Steve Rehring and Rory Nicol all played. In 2003 Tony Gonzalez, David Patterson, Donte Whitner, Ashton Youboty and Louis Irizzary saw the field, and in 2002, Maurice Clarett, A. J. Hawk, Nick Mangold, Rob Sims and Mike D'Andrea all contributed. ​
Given the depth and strength on offense, it not very likely that a freshman will make much impact on that side of the ball. The possible exceptions are at running back where Chris Wells could definitely have an impact, and perhaps at wide receiver where the departure of Holmes leaves an opening for a bona fide play maker as either a wide receiver or even a returner.​
Ohio State will replace nine starters on defense in 2006, and that is the most likely place where a freshman might have a chance to break into the two-deep. Defensive backs and linebackers will definitely get a look, and don't be surprised if there are some unfamiliar names in the two-deep at those positions in 2006.​
As we said before, Tressel has a history of using freshmen on special teams, and we doubt that trend will stop in 2006. Any freshman who earns a spot in the two-deep at linebacker or in the defensive backfield will likely also find himself on at least one special team where he will get valuable experience in what it is like to compete on the college level in front of big, and sometimes hostile, crowds and in televised games.​
 
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Pre-Season #1

I didn't see this posted yet... Rivals giving us some love:

<TABLE class=fixed id=belowheader cellSpacing=0><TBODY><TR><TD id=content>The first Rivals.com Preseason National College Football Top 25 is being released today after digesting what has transpired with early departures for the NFL. We'll revisit this list during and after spring ball and then again prior to the season, given that injuries, academics and recruiting attrition can play a role in the rankings. But it's never too early to begin the debate about who's No. 1.
Perhaps no team is more devastated than Texas, which is losing Vince Young after his virtuoso Rose Bowl performance. Had Young returned, the Longhorns would have been a sure No. 1. As it is they fall only to sixth, but it's hard to imagine them making another run at the title in 2006.
Despite only two returning starters on defense, our panel voted Ohio State into the top spot by a large margin. The Buckeyes looked every bit the '06 national championship contender with their thorough destruction of Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. Troy Smith and Ted Ginn Jr. will lead what could be one of the nation's most explosive offenses.
Speaking of explosive offenses and the Irish, Charlie Weis' team is our panel's pick to meet the Buckeyes in, of all things, a Fiesta Bowl rematch.
The Southeastern Conference tops our poll with six representatives, including four of the top 11.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#896d45 colSpan=2>Rivals.com 2006 Preseason Top 25</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#896d45>2005 Record</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="5%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>1.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="80%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>Ohio State</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="15%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>10-2</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#dbcfc7 colSpan=3>
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The losses on defense are heavy, but quarterback Troy Smith won over a lot of experts with his Fiesta Bowl performance. All-around threat Ted Ginn Jr. also returns, and he and Smith seemed to develop the kind of chemistry over the second half of the season that will be needed to make a national championship run. But can the Buckeyes replace one of the nation's best linebacking corps? What of the depleted secondary? And who will emerge opposite Ginn with Santonio Holmes leaving early for the NFL? Our panel believes Jim Tressel's team has the depth to answer all of these questions.</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>2.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>Notre Dame</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>9-3</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3 colSpan=3>
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Anyone for a Fiesta Bowl rematch? The Irish return 17 starters including Heisman Trophy candidate Brady Quinn and his favorite target, wide receiver Jeff Samardzija. The Irish secondary was overwhelmed by the Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl, so expect changes there by Charlie Weis and staff. Notre Dame also looks to add more team speed in a highly touted recruiting class.</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="5%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>3.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="80%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>West Virginia</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="15%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>11-1</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#dbcfc7 colSpan=3>
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Sugar Bowl residual effect? A lofty preseason ranking and the knowledge you won't be sneaking up on anybody and may, instead, be wearing the target. But with freshman sensations Pat White and Steve Slaton in the backfield and offensive whiz Rich Rodriguez at the coaching helm, what have the Mountaineers to worry about?</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>4.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>Southern Cal</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>13-1</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3 colSpan=3>
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A lot of great players are leaving early for the pros, but there is still plenty of talent on the shelves in Los Angeles. John David Booty and Mark Sanchez will duel to replace Matt Leinart, and it's possible a freshman or two steps in for Reggie Bush and LenDale White. Everyone will gear up for the Trojans, looking for their shot at redemption against a team that probably has routed them for three years running. Yes, the task will be easier, but any team that believes it's a given better think again.</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="5%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>5.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="80%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>LSU</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="15%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>11-2</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#dbcfc7 colSpan=3>
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The resounding victory over Miami in the Peach Bowl and the play of quarterback Matt Flynn showed the public the Tigers have plenty of talent on the bench. Les Miles needs to replace three starters on the offensive line, but LSU has plenty of talent at the skill positions. There also are holes to fill throughout the defense, but there are underclassmen who saw some playing time who are eager for more.</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>6.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>Texas</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>13-0</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3 colSpan=3>
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There's little doubt the ranking of the Longhorns depended upon Vince Young's decision about the NFL. With his departure, sixth might be a lofty goal. But the cupboard is hardly bare and the recruiting class once again will be chock full of more blue chips than a rerun of the World Series of Poker.</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="5%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>7.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="80%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>Auburn</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="15%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>9-3</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#dbcfc7 colSpan=3>
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The Tigers garnered one first-place vote in our poll thanks to the prowess that returns on offense at the skill positions. Coach Tommy Tuberville will look to address some key graduation and/or early entry losses on his offensive and defensive lines, but Auburn figures to be in the mix battling LSU and Alabama in the SEC West.</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>8.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>Florida</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>9-3</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3 colSpan=3>
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At his past two posts, year two is when the Urban Meyer offense took off and put up stratospheric numbers. It doesn't hurt (does it?) that quarterback Chris Leak has returned for his senior season, not to mention Meyer has a class that at this time is listed No. 1 by Rivals.com and is chock full of breakaway wide receivers.</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="5%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>9.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="80%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>Oklahoma</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="15%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>8-4</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#dbcfc7 colSpan=3>
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Rhett Bomar has a much-needed year of experience. The key for the Sooners will be a healthy-from-start-to-finish Adrian Peterson. Anytime he's 100 percent OU is a threat to win. The problem will be finding replacements on an offensive line that loses four starters.</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>10.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>Miami</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>9-3</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3 colSpan=3>
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The Hurricanes will have a lot of questions to answer next season after overhauling virtually the entire of Larry Coker's staff. Kyle Wright will be expected to develop more rapidly, but he has some excellent targets returning.</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="5%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>11.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="80%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>Georgia</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="15%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>10-3</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#dbcfc7 colSpan=3>Big holes to fill at quarterback and along the offensive line. </TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>12.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>Michigan</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>7-5</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3 colSpan=3>Offense should be fine with Michael Hart and Chad Henne, but defense must be fixed. </TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="5%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>13.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="80%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>Oregon</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="15%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>10-2</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#dbcfc7 colSpan=3>Young quarterbacks gained experience, but Ducks will have to settle on one. </TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>14.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>Florida State</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>8-5</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3 colSpan=3>Gave Penn State everything it could handle in Orange Bowl, but questions abound on offense. </TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="5%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>15.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="80%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>Louisville</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="15%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>9-3</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#dbcfc7 colSpan=3>Brian Brohm and Michael Bush could be every bit as good as WVU's backfield tandem. </TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>16.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>Penn State</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>11-1</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3 colSpan=3>Huge influx of talent from last two recruiting classes, but huge question at quarterback as well. </TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="5%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>17.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="80%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>California</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="15%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>8-4</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#dbcfc7 colSpan=3>Another team with QB questions, but the Bears can run it with anyone. </TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>18.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>South Carolina</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>7-5</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3 colSpan=3>Ol' Ball Coach must find a running game to complement Sidney Rice. </TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="5%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>19.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="80%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>Virginia Tech</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="15%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>11-2</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#dbcfc7 colSpan=3>No Marcus Vick, but Hokies always about winning with defense, special teams. </TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>20.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>Nebraska</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>8-4</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3 colSpan=3>Big 12 North is there for the taking, Huskers could run away with it. </TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="5%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>21.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="80%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>UCLA</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="15%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>10-2</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#dbcfc7 colSpan=3>Lots of production to replace as Maurice Drew and Drew Olson have moved on. </TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>22.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>Clemson</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>8-4</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3 colSpan=3>Won six of last seven, freshman sensation James Davis can carry the load. </TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="5%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>23.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="80%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>Iowa</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="15%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>7-5</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#dbcfc7 colSpan=3>Drew Tate and Albert Young return to key offense, but big holes to fill at linebacker. </TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>24.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>Alabama</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>10-2</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3 colSpan=3>Will be breaking in a new quarterback on an offense that struggled even with Brodie Croyle. </TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="5%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>25.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="80%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>Boston College</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" width="15%" bgColor=#dbcfc7>9-3</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#dbcfc7 colSpan=3>Quarterback Matt Ryan and one-two RB punch of L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callender return. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Also receiving votes: Texas Tech, TCU, Boise State, Arizona State, Fresno State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Utah, Iowa State, N.C. State, Arizona and Navy.


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Upvote 0
I normally don't care about such things, but if we're #1, or even 2, I will be very interested to see the spread on the Texas game.

That said, Oklahoma 9? Miami 10? Michigan #12? Dunno about those...
 
Upvote 0
Honestly I think we can take Texas with ease this upcomming year...Our Offense will be stronger this upcomming year than what it was this past year against UT. Plus IMO if Troy Smith doesnt get in trouble and plays this whole year we beat Texas, but that's just my opinion!
 
Upvote 0
I at least like that it's a poll, even if only of their in-house staff, rather than just one random dude's forecast. But as has been said many times, the polls definitely always love offense.

Of course, I would love to see OSU open as the real polls' #1, so we could make up for 1998 with a wire-to-wire run. :biggrin:
 
Upvote 0
OSU and ND eh? Just proves the media loves offense. No way a team losing 9 starters on D should be a pre-season #1. If we get through Texas and hold them under 28pts then I'll start drinking the kool-aid. My pick for #1 preseason would probably be LSU. Florida has the potential to amaze if Leak puts it all together...
I also think alabama is underrated at 24.
 
Upvote 0
</TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>16.</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>Penn State</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3>11-1</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px" bgColor=#ebe6e3 colSpan=3>Huge influx of talent from last two recruiting classes, but huge question at quarterback as well. </TD>
Click to expand...

Not showing a lot of love for JoPa here. Wasn't it all the talk that he did it with an infusion of Freshmen? I can easily see PennSt. 2006 with only 2 losses. And from 2 losses to no losses is not a big stretch. Not by any means.
 
Upvote 0
How to finish strong.(Recruiting)

I am just amazed at how the OSU staff is putting on a clinic."How to close the last few weeks of the recruiting season"! I didn't feel it was right to place this in a recruitments thread, so I started this one. Sound off buckeye fans! I am in shock at what has been happening since the Army All Star game. It is a work of art. Nice Job!:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:
Moose
So, how many more recruits can Tressel and company pull in? We have 17 right now. How many schollies are left?
Moose
 
Upvote 0
cincibuckeyenut said:
Just out of curiousity. Why are we throwing everything but the kitchen sink into this thread? I know we want to keep the forum clean but it really makes things tough to follow and IMO really limits any sort of discussion from getting started.
Click to expand...

All of the topics concern next year...recruiting overviews, team forecasts, etc. If we let the dozen personal assessments of the state of recruiting stand, we would have a dozen separate conversations going regarding the same subject. Based on the response to this thread, there isn't much of a desire to discuss people's personal takes. The individual recruiting threads are receiving much more attention.
 
Upvote 0
I think Texas should be the preseason #1. Their only question is QB, and even still they got McCoy and the very impressive incoming freshmen Jevon Snead. But when you got Jamaal Charles, Ramonce Taylor, and Henry Melton in the backfield, and essentially the same receiving corps they will be very good on O. Their defense is essentially the same as well. Their only tough games are us and OU. If we go into that game favored, I'd be worried.
 
Upvote 0
R0CK3TM4NN said:
I think Texas should be the preseason #1. Their only question is QB, and even still they got McCoy and the very impressive incoming freshmen Jevon Snead. But when you got Jamaal Charles, Ramonce Taylor, and Henry Melton in the backfield, and essentially the same receiving corps they will be very good on O. Their defense is essentially the same as well. Their only tough games are us and OU. If we go into that game favored, I'd be worried.
Click to expand...
I agree! I would go with Tejas or ND for #1. I like us being in the top three and working our way up to the top spot!
 
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