2016 tOSU Offense Discussion

[Jaxbuck]

I feel like the same thing was said after losing Braxton to the year and losing Hyde to the NFL in 2014, yet we won an NC. Urban has shown a great ability to simply reload. I have a lot of faith in Weber and Dunn to get it done on the ground. It'll be a different style than what Zeke brought to the table, and fewer long HR runs, but I think it'll be successful nonetheless. And also throw in JT's running the ball which is a big threat as well.

Beat me to it. I had a hard time seeing how our run game (and offense) would be better without Brax and Hyde. Then JT went on to break a couple of B1G records.

They reloaded after Hyde with Zeke. That's my point. Chances are about 100% against the next guy being better than Zeke.

I think an Urban Meyer offense with the kind of talent he has on hand and JT at QB will be very good. Just not sure it's going to be any better than what we saw last year. Next guy just isn't going to do all the things without the ball that Zeke could do, let alone be as productive with the ball.

 

[pnuts34]

They reloaded after Hyde with Zeke. That's my point. Chances are about 100% against the next guy being better than Zeke.

I think an Urban Meyer offense with the kind of talent he has on hand and JT at QB will be very good. Just not sure it's going to be any better than what we saw last year. Next guy just isn't going to do all the things without the ball that Zeke could do, let alone be as productive with the ball.

And our point is that, most of our fanbase said the same thing when Hyde left and Braxton went down, that there was no way that the next guy after Hyde could be better... We don't know what will happen,but I see a more balanced offense this coming year. The offense was a complete cluster at times, we had a QB that only played in the red zone because the starting QB couldn't put points on the board, the offense was too reliant on Zeke, and the passing game tried to force balls to Braxton at times to get him involved which never got the passing game moving fluidly like in 2014. JT fits the offense much better than Cardale did, in turn, his arm and legs can make whomever is at RB a very dangerous force. I don't see a workhorse RB like in years past, but a RBBC with Weber, Dunn, Samuel and other HBs in conjunction with JT, which will make it every bit as productive.

 

[ShowMeBuck]

I don't think we will see any RB be like Zeke. But maybe we have a Chris Carter type WR...who knows? The roster is stacked with talent so the next superstar is probably waiting in the wings ready to break out.

My original point was simply that, despite a loaded roster last year it was the worst offense under Meyer. That's very interesting.

As discussed, any offense when missing some key pieces, falters. It can't be overstated how important down field blocking is to this scheme. *put Evan Spencer in the Sparty game and maybe Zeke busts a long run? My bet is this function improves this year. And playcalling will be better, most assuredly. *insert TH in the Sparty game and I guarantee a W.

Plus, JT can run the show like a surgeon and he won't be looking over his shoulder. We probably don't have anyone who will be Zeke at RB, Decker at LT, etc. But if talent alone was only factor then last years squad would have broke all offensive records instead of being the worst. It's the right combination of talent and the right use of that talent by play calling. Oh, and there is a good chance this years squad is a little more motivated as a whole. All of that makes just as much of a difference as individual talent. Besides, as an extra X factor, this roster is loaded with talent and we don't know yet which player is the next superstar.

I predict an offense slightly better than last years but a D a few notches below last year which equals a 2 loss season. Hope I'm wrong of course.

 

[Jaxbuck]

I don't think we will see any RB be like Zeke. But maybe we have a Chris Carter type WR...who knows? The roster is stacked with talent so the next superstar is probably waiting in the wings ready to break out.

My original point was simply that, despite a loaded roster last year it was the worst offense under Meyer. That's very interesting.

As discussed, any offense when missing some key pieces, falters. It can't be overstated how important down field blocking is to this scheme. *put Evan Spencer in the Sparty game and maybe Zeke busts a long run? My bet is this function improves this year. And playcalling will be better, most assuredly. *insert TH in the Sparty game and I guarantee a W.

Plus, JT can run the show like a surgeon and he won't be looking over his shoulder. We probably don't have anyone who will be Zeke at RB, Decker at LT, etc. But if talent alone was only factor then last years squad would have broke all offensive records instead of being the worst. It's the right combination of talent and the right use of that talent by play calling. Oh, and there is a good chance this years squad is a little more motivated as a whole. All of that makes just as much of a difference as individual talent. Besides, as an extra X factor, this roster is loaded with talent and we don't know yet which player is the next superstar.

I predict an offense slightly better than last years but a D a few notches below last year which equals a 2 loss season. Hope I'm wrong of course.

I could see a 1996 type thing where the offense was really good in aggregate but Pepe Pearson was not Eddie George.

So much untested young talent it's just impossible to predict really. JT being back is what makes me bullish overall on their chances.

Given track records in Urbans offense though, at some point chances are we see the back up QB in meaningful game action.

If you could guarantee me right now the young OL would perform up to the standards set the past few years and JT would be healthy all year I'd say 2 loss team at absolute worst and very likely they could do better.

 

[sparcboxbuck]

Y'all kidd'n me right? Young and hungry Bucks getting ready to take their rightful time in the spotlight with a smart vet QB? This is a 17-0 team I tell ya.

Serously, aside from OK pre-B1G, the run they table... to and trough CFP... the only thing that I have reservations about is picking OK over us.

This team will be a plesant surprise if it stays healthy.

 

[ShowMeBuck]

I could see a 1996 type thing where the offense was really good in aggregate but Pepe Pearson was not Eddie George.

So much untested young talent it's just impossible to predict really. JT being back is what makes me bullish overall on their chances.

Given track records in Urbans offense though, at some point chances are we see the back up QB in meaningful game action.

If you could guarantee me right now the young OL would perform up to the standards set the past few years and JT would be healthy all year I'd say 2 loss team at absolute worst and very likely they could do better.

^^^^THIS^^^
(Been a while since I've pulled one of those but you nailed it)

 

[ShowMeBuck]

I'll also add that I think a healthy Dontre and Samuel isn't given nearly enough credit.

Both those dudes are potential game breakers and neither have really become household names outside of Buckeye Nation. I'm holding out hope that they are ready to beat the door down on a national level. If just one of those guys explodes.....look out.

 

[pnuts34]

I don't think we will see any RB be like Zeke. But maybe we have a Chris Carter type WR...who knows? The roster is stacked with talent so the next superstar is probably waiting in the wings ready to break out.

My original point was simply that, despite a loaded roster last year it was the worst offense under Meyer. That's very interesting.

As discussed, any offense when missing some key pieces, falters. It can't be overstated how important down field blocking is to this scheme. *put Evan Spencer in the Sparty game and maybe Zeke busts a long run? My bet is this function improves this year. And playcalling will be better, most assuredly. *insert TH in the Sparty game and I guarantee a W.

Plus, JT can run the show like a surgeon and he won't be looking over his shoulder. We probably don't have anyone who will be Zeke at RB, Decker at LT, etc. But if talent alone was only factor then last years squad would have broke all offensive records instead of being the worst. It's the right combination of talent and the right use of that talent by play calling. Oh, and there is a good chance this years squad is a little more motivated as a whole. All of that makes just as much of a difference as individual talent. Besides, as an extra X factor, this roster is loaded with talent and we don't know yet which player is the next superstar.

I predict an offense slightly better than last years but a D a few notches below last year which equals a 2 loss season. Hope I'm wrong of course.

I don't think we need any player anyone but themselves. Like I've said before, we didn't know Zeke would be THAT good until after the season started, going into the season there was a lot of worry over losing Hyde, and then losing Braxton and then JT stepped up. We lost Mewhort and didn't know just how good Decker would be. And Urban just keeps reloading, and I have little worry that what he saw in guys like Prince, Weber, Samuel, etc should make us worry about much of a drop off. I can see our passing game surely improving as we have a QB who fits the system, no QB controversy, and young and hungry players all over the team with a lot to prove. I'm sure the coaches and upperclassmen remind the rest of team constantly that they're expected to fall off, kind of like that 2014 team, that was filed with hungry and doubted players... Kind of like this 2016 team. The names have changed, but this team now has a hunger that 2015 didn't have throughout the year. Thats what delights me most about this team.

And I totally agree about Samuel and Wilson, as they are dangerous in any capacity.

 

[jwinslow]

There is no chance of replacing Zeke. He's the best rb draft prospect since Peterson.

Fortunately, they have to replace the offense, which was often very spotty with Zeke.

If the msu Barrett can return, or Burrow can provide that balance, they only need a solid tailback. If the run heavy, pass challenged Barrett returns, it won't matter who is at rb

 

[Bestbuck36]

If we finally figure out how to incorporate the short passing game and some timing routes such as slants and pop passes the offense should be very good because JT can be very accurate. Takes a lot of pressure off when we run. Just keep the opponents guessing and we'll be more than fine.

 

[Hstead]

I very much expect we will see something very similar in 2016 that we saw the last two games of last season. Just reloading with a million times better play calling. I am not worried about the defense in the least.

 

[Jaxbuck]

I very much expect we will see something very similar in 2016 that we saw the last two games of last season. Just reloading with a million times better play calling. I am not worried about the defense in the least.

there was some pretty head scratching play calling in the Fiesta Bowl.

I'm not quite ready to proclaim that aspect "fixed" just yet personally.

 

[Systems_id]

there was some pretty head scratching play calling in the Fiesta Bowl.

I'm not quite ready to proclaim that aspect "fixed" just yet personally.

There's been head scratching playcalling since Urbz took over at times. Even Herman had games where we were like "WTF ARE YOU DOING?!" One thing I'm hoping is that our passing game returns to 2014 form or even surpasses it.

 

[calibuck]

Well, without the WR coming back inside to seal off the outside LB, then Zeke doesn't break several looooong runs. Without that knowledge and ability, then y'all are right, no one can replace Zeke. Same with the OL, blocking, sliding, and picking off the late penetrator LBs aiming at the QB. Have no doubt that each one of the Buckeye young'uns have great basic skills, but time and teaching will show up later, not sooner. That said, I, too, like tOSU's chances this year. If the DBs can man up against the Okie receivers long enough for the DEs to move Maysfield out of comfortable position, AND the tackles get a push on the OL, with the LBs sealing off the gaps and shooting them, then there could be enough firepower in the early stages of tOSU offense to win the day. By the time MSU and the school up north come a'calling, the coaches will have had plenty of time (we all hope) to instill some of the nuances of college football and Urb's offense. Biggest test should be Meatchicken, due to the strength of returning starters. Would love to see tOSU beat Kyle Kalis four straight times (maybe give him a pair of coal pants as a consolidation prize?). Plenty of talent, not so much experience. The coaches are going to earn their salaries this year. Those practice passes being thrown by Dwayne to Victor, are fine, but teaching him to use his body to block off the DB (ala Devin Smith) will be more useful than running straight down the field. Go Bucks

 

[jwinslow]

Well, without the WR coming back inside to seal off the outside LB, then Zeke doesn't break several looooong runs. Without that knowledge and ability, then y'all are right, no one can replace Zeke. Same with the OL, blocking, sliding, and picking off the late penetrator LBs aiming at the QB. Have no doubt that each one of the Buckeye young'uns have great basic skills, but time and teaching will show up later, not sooner. That said, I, too, like tOSU's chances this year. If the DBs can man up against the Okie receivers long enough for the DEs to move Maysfield out of comfortable position, AND the tackles get a push on the OL, with the LBs sealing off the gaps and shooting them, then there could be enough firepower in the early stages of tOSU offense to win the day. By the time MSU and the school up north come a'calling, the coaches will have had plenty of time (we all hope) to instill some of the nuances of college football and Urb's offense. Biggest test should be Meatchicken, due to the strength of returning starters. Would love to see tOSU beat Kyle Kalis four straight times (maybe give him a pair of coal pants as a consolidation prize?). Plenty of talent, not so much experience. The coaches are going to earn their salaries this year. Those practice passes being thrown by Dwayne to Victor, are fine, but teaching him to use his body to block off the DB (ala Devin Smith) will be more useful than running straight down the field. Go Bucks

That was the problem last year. Evan Spencer would not be recruited by Meyer today but they missed him badly last year. Worse yet, they also lost Corey Smith and Noah brown, two other key role players.

Then there's the matter of the line and te position not blocking within miles of their former selves.

OSU has plenty of talent. Do they have consistent receivers and blockers? If so, they can reach the playoffs. If not, they'll only look good on highlight reels.