2008 Buckeye Football Season

[generaladm]

I have heard several analysts say that the south produces an unusual number of dominant D-linemen. I think the game may be evolving from having DTs who are mountainous gap pluggers to an entire line that is fast and strong. It would allow for a much more aggressive front four strategy. By amping up the pressure on QBs, the field is effectively shortened, allowing the DBs to play tighter coverage, expecting a quick pass. Watching the LSU game, the DBs were freed to aggressively jam the receivers off the line (borderline holding or pass interference). By disrupting the timing of the QB, the D-line has a little extra time to harass the QB. Often the LBs and safeties can be added to the bullrush. I believe USF and Auburn use a similar scheme. It can be risky if a RB or WR manages to get free, as there really isn't any contain. If the rush and the disruption of WR routes are executed effectively, even quick slants, screens, and dump offs are hard to complete.

Last year's D-line was certainly not the most talented we've had. Injuries played a part in that, and I suspect that recruiting did as well. Doug Worthington was highly recruited, but has been playing out of position at DT. Rob Rose is another who was signed as a DE but has been asked to move inside. I expect that means that the past classes have been light on DTs or players just didn't work out. Lack of depth no doubt played a part in the NC, but penalties causing sustained drives didn't help either. I would love to see some freshmen be able to make an immediate impact, even if it's just in cleanup time. Goebel, Mobley and Williams are possibilities, but I think Wells needs a year to bulk up. In addition, Cam could play some inside with Gibson playing opposite Wilson. It should be noted that the core of the DTs are just coming into their Jr years, the year where most players begin to make an impact.

 

[Jaxbuck]

I have heard several analysts say that the south produces an unusual number of dominant D-linemen. I think the game may be evolving from having DTs who are mountainous gap pluggers to an entire line that is fast and strong. It would allow for a much more aggressive front four strategy. By amping up the pressure on QBs, the field is effectively shortened, allowing the DBs to play tighter coverage, expecting a quick pass. Watching the LSU game, the DBs were freed to aggressively jam the receivers off the line (borderline holding or pass interference). By disrupting the timing of the QB, the D-line has a little extra time to harass the QB. Often the LBs and safeties can be added to the bullrush. I believe USF and Auburn use a similar scheme. It can be risky if a RB or WR manages to get free, as there really isn't any contain. If the rush and the disruption of WR routes are executed effectively, even quick slants, screens, and dump offs are hard to complete.

Last year's D-line was certainly not the most talented we've had. Injuries played a part in that, and I suspect that recruiting did as well. Doug Worthington was highly recruited, but has been playing out of position at DT. Rob Rose is another who was signed as a DE but has been asked to move inside. I expect that means that the past classes have been light on DTs or players just didn't work out. Lack of depth no doubt played a part in the NC, but penalties causing sustained drives didn't help either. I would love to see some freshmen be able to make an immediate impact, even if it's just in cleanup time. Goebel, Mobley and Williams are possibilities, but I think Wells needs a year to bulk up. In addition, Cam could play some inside with Gibson playing opposite Wilson. It should be noted that the core of the DTs are just coming into their Jr years, the year where most players begin to make an impact.

I can agree with al that especially about the JR year leap.

I just rewatched the whole spring game again looking solely at the DT's and mybe I was being too critical. The scarlet teams DT's (3/4 of the starters) had some moments.

I dunno, I'm still skeptical but Denlinger looked really freakin good. It only takes one to dominate and make life easier on the others.

 

[generaladm]

I think Denlinger and Larimore are ready to make contributions this year. I forgot about Rowell. Considering he had to work himself down to 305lbs, he should be a handfull. It's a year off, but the hype about Fellows has me excited. I read one analysts description of him as "a DT you can build a NC team around". DL looks like an area where the staff has been concentrating on in the last two classes.

 

[krazeyk]

It's a year off, but the hype about Fellows has me excited. I read one analysts description of him as "a DT you can build a NC team around". DL looks like an area where the staff has been concentrating on in the last two classes.

Fellows is a DE as far as I know...could they be talking about Simon or is DT a typo?

 

[generaladm]

Fellows is a DE as far as I know...could they be talking about Simon or is DT a typo?

You're right about Fellows listed as DE. I can't recall if I'm confusing him with someone else, or just his position. I'm pretty sure when I read the article it was a player that was ours. Either way, Fellows is supposed to be a difference maker.

 

[OregonBuckeye]

I think Denlinger and Larimore are ready to make contributions this year. I forgot about Rowell. Considering he had to work himself down to 275lbs, he should be a handfull. It's a year off, but the hype about Fellows has me excited. I read one analysts description of him as "a DT you can build a NC team around". DL looks like an area where the staff has been concentrating on in the last two classes.

FIFY.

 

[Gatorubet]

.
I do think the worm will turn though. I desperately want a rematch with Florida.

Your mouth to God's ears....

 

[Cajunbuck]

Your mouth to God's ears....

Gatorubet, it must be almost as much fun to be a Gator in NO as it is to be a Buckeye in Lake Charles.

I've been taking a BEATING for 2+ years now. I pray nightly for redemption.....well actually revenge.

No disrespect but every time I see or hear Urban Meyer I have to shower.

The dirty feeling is overwhelming.

Good luck next year.

 

[Buckeye86]

Football: Boeckman, Laurinaitis, Jenkins to Represent Ohio State at 2008 Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon Courtesy: OhioStateBuckeyes.com
Release: 07/10/2008


PARK RIDGE, Ill. ? The Big Ten Conference announced Wednesday the 33 student-athletes scheduled to attend the 2008 Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon, held Friday, July 25, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The annual event, which also features all 11 conference head coaches, begins at 10 a.m. CT with the players and coaches autograph and photo session for fans attending the luncheon. The luncheon is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. CT with Brent Musburger of ABC and ESPN serving as the master of ceremonies.

cont.

I am really starting to crave some football news, so this should help a little bit.

Does anyone know when the players check in for practice?

 

[DaddyBigBucks]

CFN asks:

I'm not buying into:

The talk that Ohio State has no shot at playing in the BCS title game. If they go to USC and beat the Trojans and then win out, I couldn?t see people keeping them out of the title game because going to the coliseum and beating USC would be more impressive than anything a Big 12 team does. In a sense I feel like the Big Ten is dealing with some of the perception problems the Pac-10 had for a while when every year they had a different top team. The trouble with OSU holding that spot of course is that they?ve been handled in the last two title games. Still, they did go to Austin and beat a very good Texas team.

 

[Buckeye Nut]

The Big Ten Blue Ribbon Previews are up on ESPN. Ohio State's is the FREE one!

Ohio State Blue Ribbon Preview

 

[Dryden]

The Big Ten Blue Ribbon Previews are up on ESPN. Ohio State's is the FREE one!

Ohio State Blue Ribbon Preview

Uhh ... somebody failed copy & paste 101. Seriously?

Ohio State
Offense C
Special teams B+
Defense C+
Intangibles A-

Michigan
Offense A+
Special teams C
Defense B-
Intangibles B

Notre Dame
Offense B-
Special teams B-
Defense B+
Intangibles B-

All of these letter grades HAVE to be a misprint.

 

[Blackburn]

The Big Ten Blue Ribbon Previews are up on ESPN. Ohio State's is the FREE one!

Ohio State Blue Ribbon Preview

Wow! I would have thought Henton transferring would have taken him completely out of the QB race. According to ESPN, he's still in the thick of things!

Good Job with the "Insider" material.

 

[ScarletStorms]

The final sentence of that article confirmed for me that those are their honest opinions. Best defense in the nation returning virtually everyone. Good for a C+.

Went the entire article without a predictable jab but they really laid it on at the end.

PS

They wrote a fairly objective preview. Then they turned around and graded in complete contradiction. Article explains that our only weakness is special teams and then they give it a significantly higher grade than the O or D. It was like I was watching their SEC bias overpower their logic refusing to give us what they clearly know we deserve.

PSS

I figured it out. The article is for the literates. The letter grades are for the SEC.

 

[OregonBuckeye]

ESPN - Big Ten

Top three must-see games in the Big Ten
July 15, 2008 12:47 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

If this list were longer, it would include Penn State's attempt to break a nine-game losing streak to Michigan and Illinois' matchups against Missouri and Ohio State. Oh well, here goes:

1. Ohio State at USC, Sept. 13 -- Unless your favorite college team is playing at the same time, you have no excuse to miss this one. The game has it all -- national championship implications, brutalizing defenses, rival leagues, dynamic running backs, no shortage of pro prospects and two coaches with different personalities but similar track records of success. After being ripped for its title game flops, Ohio State can regain national respect. With a win, USC will only get more.

2. Ohio State at Wisconsin, Oct. 4 -- The Buckeyes' road tour reaches Madison, where they haven't been since 2003. Wisconsin's four-pack of running backs go against arguably the nation's best front seven, while Heisman contender Beanie Wells faces a formidable defensive line led by end Matt Shaughnessy. It's a game that will delight Big Ten purists and could decide the conference title.

3. Michigan at Ohio State, Nov. 22 -- A new chapter in the league's premier rivalry begins as Rich Rodriguez tries to do what his predecessor didn't do enough -- beat Ohio State. Michigan might be a year away from a BCS run, but a win in Columbus to snap a four-game losing streak would highlight Rodriguez's first season. Ohio State likely will be looking to wrap up its third consecutive conference title and, possibly, another trip to the BCS National Championship game.