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2021 Fall Camp and Other Tidbits



OHIO STATE BUCKEYES


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THE LEAGUE’S BEST CLASS: To nobody’s shock, Ohio State landed one of the country’s top recruiting classes. The Buckeyes’ 2021 class was ranked second overall in the country and first in the Big Ten once again. Ohio State added plenty of talent that can come in from day one and either make an immediate on-field impact, or push older players in practice. The Buckeyes landed four five-star recruits, including quarterback Kyle McCord.

"Wide-shouldered frame with good height and size," 247Sports National Recruiting Analyst Brian Dohn wrote. "Strong arm and accurate. Spins ball well. Poised under pressure. Great leadership qualities. Plays with high IQ. Can throw 15-yard out on line. Touch to throw over linebackers on intermediate routes. Has quick release with good arm angle. Fits balls into tight windows. Accurate throwing on run. Moves in pocket. Extends plays. Needs to continue to develop escapability. More consistency needed on deep balls. Multi-year starter at top 15 program. Projects to be an early round NFL draft pick."
 
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2. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

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2020 season vs. Top 25: 4-1

Record vs. Top 25 since 2010: 39-11 (.780)

The word: Ohio State was among the best college football programs in the country during the 2010s, but the decade started negatively. Due to NCAA violations, the Buckeyes were forced to vacate all of their 12 wins the 2010 campaign under former head coach Jim Tressel. Urban Meyer was hired at Ohio State in 2012, and he immediately led the team to a 12-0 record, although the team was ineligible for the postseason due to the violations under Tressel. Ohio State won the national championship during the 2014 season, beating four ranked teams in the process. The Buckeyes also beat four ranked teams in 2016 and 2017, but they reached a high mark with five Top 25 wins in 2018, Meyer's final season. Ohio State beat five Top 25 opponents during Ryan Day's first season and four in 2021. The loss came to No. 1 Alabama in the finale.
 
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SKULL SESSION: HOW OHIO STATE CAN WIN THE TITLE

IF... "What does my team need to do to win a national title this season?" is without doubt the simplest, most universal offseason question a fan ponders during the offseason.

And I have to tip the cap, because ESPN did the glaringly obvious thing and turned that question into #content during the driest of times.

Here's what they came up with for The Local Team.

If ... [insert QB battle royal winner] is ready. It's a common theme: While more FBS teams than normal return their starting QBs in 2021, last year's four CFP teams don't.

Just like Alabama and Clemson, Ohio State has its choice of blue-chippers for replacing star Justin Fields. C.J. Stroud (No. 2 pocket passer in the 2020 recruiting class) appeared to be the top dog in spring ball, yet Kyle McCord (No. 5 in 2021) and Jack Miller III (No. 14 in 2020) weren't far behind. Whoever wins the job will likely play at a high level, but how quickly? With a trip to Minnesota and a visit from Oregon in the first two weeks, the Buckeyes could be vulnerable if their QB play is less than immediately excellent.

If ... Kerry Coombs adjusts. Like many first-year coordinators, Coombs struggled with all of the covid uncertainty and less in-person prep time in 2020. He deployed quite a bit of soft zone coverage, either because his personnel couldn't play the tight man coverage Ohio State is accustomed to or because he just didn't want to. Either way, five of eight opponents posted a passer rating over 145. (No opponents topped 140 in 2019.)

Corners Sevyn Banks and Marcus Williamson are back, and youngsters Ryan Watts and Lejond Cavazos (plus a couple of star freshmen) could play roles. Coombs spoke of more aggression this spring, but Ohio State's coverage needs to be both more aggressive and better.

If ... the pass rush hits fifth gear again. The Ohio State pass rush was still good in 2020 -- the Buckeyes ranked fifth in pressure rate, and the top three ends (Jonathon Cooper, Tyreke Smith and Zach Harrison) were credited with 37 forced incompletions and interceptions. But they ranked just 66th in actual sack rate and 79th in havoc rate (TFLs, passes defensed and forced fumbles per play). Smith and Harrison are back, and the latest star recruit, Jack Sawyer, is on the way. Time to dominate again.

Entire article: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/skul...of-michigan-football-and-a-top-five-pick-in-a
 
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So what does Ohio State need to go its way in order to lay claim to its ninth national title in program history? We give you five things that have to be colored with a scarlet and gray hue to get it done as we sit here just about six weeks out from the start of the 2021 season.

NEXT … Find a quarterback

NEXT … Solidify the linebacker room

NEXT … Get better in the secondary

NEXT … Stay healthy

NEXT … Get some good breaks


 
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Why am I picking up this vibe that there isn't going to be a "normal" 2021 season. Back to masks, day by day testing, limited crowds, missed games, and Michigan ducking another ass-beating.
 
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