2022 tOSU Offense

[RB07OSU]

Usually approaching game week I put out my projected 2-3 deep on both sides of the ball. Before the team beats me to it, here is my projected depth chart (much of this was actually pretty easy with so many top guys returning):

QB: Stroud, McCord, Brown
RB: Henderson, M. Williams, Hayden
WR: JSN, Ballard, Grayes (Grayes is a freshman with enough polish to play if the opportunity arises, his skillset screams Olave)
WR: Harrison Jr, X. Johnson, Babb (put him on here bc he plays if healthy imo)
WR: Fleming, Egbuka
TE: Stover, Royer, Rossi, Scott (odd position just because I think Stover is the clear starter, but Royer will likely play in passing situations and Rossi will be more of a FB/utility guy in primarily run situations...then Scott is going to play as more of a jumbo WR kind of like Noah Brown imo)
LT: P. Johnson, Michalski, Toutant
LG: D. Jackson, Fryar
C: Wypler, J. James (M. Jones could slide into center if something happens to Wypler, I like our backup guards over James at center)
RG: M. Jones, Vimahi
RT: D. Johnson, Christman (could also play guard), Leroux

- Stacked at every position, only potential concern is depth at tackle if something happens to PJ or Dawand...we have no idea what is behind Door #2 in that scenario with Michalski, Christman, Leroux and Toutant...and there really isn't a freshman on the OL that I think will be remotely ready to play if needed, with the only exception possibly being Tshabola. Depth on the interior is looking really good and while I am not saying there isn't depth at tackle, we just really don't know at this point.

After the ND game, I am hoping PJ and Dawand can make some quick exits against Arkansas State and Toledo before we hit the B1G stretch of the schedule. Not only does that preserve health on the OL, but it allows guys like Michalski, Christman, Leroux and Toutant to get meaningful PT to hopefully prep them if their number does have to get called.

 

[pnuts34]

Usually approaching game week I put out my projected 2-3 deep on both sides of the ball. Before the team beats me to it, here is my projected depth chart (much of this was actually pretty easy with so many top guys returning):

QB: Stroud, McCord, Brown
RB: Henderson, M. Williams, Hayden
WR: JSN, Ballard, Grayes (Grayes is a freshman with enough polish to play if the opportunity arises, his skillset screams Olave)
WR: Harrison Jr, X. Johnson, Babb (put him on here bc he plays if healthy imo)
WR: Fleming, Egbuka
TE: Stover, Royer, Rossi, Scott (odd position just because I think Stover is the clear starter, but Royer will likely play in passing situations and Rossi will be more of a FB/utility guy in primarily run situations...then Scott is going to play as more of a jumbo WR kind of like Noah Brown imo)
LT: P. Johnson, Michalski, Toutant
LG: D. Jackson, Fryar
C: Wypler, J. James (M. Jones could slide into center if something happens to Wypler, I like our backup guards over James at center)
RG: M. Jones, Vimahi
RT: D. Johnson, Christman (could also play guard), Leroux

- Stacked at every position, only potential concern is depth at tackle if something happens to PJ or Dawand...we have no idea what is behind Door #2 in that scenario with Michalski, Christman, Leroux and Toutant...and there really isn't a freshman on the OL that I think will be remotely ready to play if needed, with the only exception possibly being Tshabola. Depth on the interior is looking really good and while I am not saying there isn't depth at tackle, we just really don't know at this point.

After the ND game, I am hoping PJ and Dawand can make some quick exits against Arkansas State and Toledo before we hit the B1G stretch of the schedule. Not only does that preserve health on the OL, but it allows guys like Michalski, Christman, Leroux and Toutant to get meaningful PT to hopefully prep them if their number does have to get called.

Love the depth chart! But I thought that Fryar was OT and Christman and Touant were OG.

 

[RB07OSU]

Love the depth chart! But I thought that Fryar was OT and Christman and Touant were OG.

I think Christman is a guard but can play tackle, you could be right on Fryar and Toutant though. Any could play guard, just may be more needed at tackle.

 

[billmac91]

Usually approaching game week I put out my projected 2-3 deep on both sides of the ball. Before the team beats me to it, here is my projected depth chart (much of this was actually pretty easy with so many top guys returning):

QB: Stroud, McCord, Brown
RB: Henderson, M. Williams, Hayden
WR: JSN, Ballard, Grayes (Grayes is a freshman with enough polish to play if the opportunity arises, his skillset screams Olave)
WR: Harrison Jr, X. Johnson, Babb (put him on here bc he plays if healthy imo)
WR: Fleming, Egbuka
TE: Stover, Royer, Rossi, Scott (odd position just because I think Stover is the clear starter, but Royer will likely play in passing situations and Rossi will be more of a FB/utility guy in primarily run situations...then Scott is going to play as more of a jumbo WR kind of like Noah Brown imo)
LT: P. Johnson, Michalski, Toutant
LG: D. Jackson, Fryar
C: Wypler, J. James (M. Jones could slide into center if something happens to Wypler, I like our backup guards over James at center)
RG: M. Jones, Vimahi
RT: D. Johnson, Christman (could also play guard), Leroux

- Stacked at every position, only potential concern is depth at tackle if something happens to PJ or Dawand...we have no idea what is behind Door #2 in that scenario with Michalski, Christman, Leroux and Toutant...and there really isn't a freshman on the OL that I think will be remotely ready to play if needed, with the only exception possibly being Tshabola. Depth on the interior is looking really good and while I am not saying there isn't depth at tackle, we just really don't know at this point.

After the ND game, I am hoping PJ and Dawand can make some quick exits against Arkansas State and Toledo before we hit the B1G stretch of the schedule. Not only does that preserve health on the OL, but it allows guys like Michalski, Christman, Leroux and Toutant to get meaningful PT to hopefully prep them if their number does have to get called.

Good depth chart….I’m curious about JSN who is lethal in slot. I actually think Emeka will see a lot of time in slot as well….so might arrange the WR depth chart a bit differently.

If I had to guess….I think Emeka ends up seeing more snaps than Fleming on the season at WR. Not a knock on Fleming…..just think Emeka is that good.

I’ll be honest….I think Fleming was prob offered a similar role as to what we are seeing with Gee Scott….

I know we say it every year, but I’m pretty excited to see how the TE is involved this year. Everyone is so focused on Cade Stover, they aren’t seeing the other options situationally when Day wants (2) TE sets. I think we are going to see one of our best years ever at TE production. Save this post…lol.

 

[Go Bucks!!!]

Here's hoping that 1) everyone mentioned lives up to their hype; 2) no significant injuries to key players. OL will be key to successful season, with the DL close behind. On paper, the OL looks more solid (actual guards on the field), but am believing that the depth players are more than capable of fillng the holes if the 1's are hurt/gassed. The DL was uncharacteristically quiet last year. Again, am betting the Coach J is espousing that 'get after qb if you want to play', which the fanbase didn't see as much as in prior years. Big assumption that the QB that went from not tossing a football in a game to heading to NY for the Heisman presentation, can/will equal or exceed what he did last year. As always am super excited to tee it up against the Domers in the opener. Go Bucks!

I completely agree. I really hope the O-line can move the line of scrimmage on 3rd and two and they can grind out the clock in the 4th quarter. This may be sacrilege, but I’d gladly give up some of those massive passing yards for balance with a soul crushing rushing game.

 

[pnuts34]

Good depth chart….I’m curious about JSN who is lethal in slot. I actually think Emeka will see a lot of time in slot as well….so might arrange the WR depth chart a bit differently.

If I had to guess….I think Emeka ends up seeing more snaps than Fleming on the season at WR. Not a knock on Fleming…..just think Emeka is that good.

I’ll be honest….I think Fleming was prob offered a similar role as to what we are seeing with Gee Scott….

I know we say it every year, but I’m pretty excited to see how the TE is involved this year. Everyone is so focused on Cade Stover, they aren’t seeing the other options situationally when Day wants (2) TE sets. I think we are going to see one of our best years ever at TE production. Save this post…lol.

IMO, Egbuka will be used similar to how Olave and Wilson were early on in their careers, inside and outside. Hartline likes versatile WRs who he can move around, that's why I also envision JSN playing outside as well at times. Egbuka reminds me of Wilson, just get him on the field and he'll make plays. MHjr and Fleming I can see primarily outside to use their size and strength.
And you're right, Egbuka is that good, they will find PT for him.
But I don't think the staff approached Fleming about a position change. They know what he can do when healthy, and that resembles Anquan Boldin.
I hope you're right about the TEs, but I'm not holding out hope for anything more than 300yds from the group. I'm willing to eat all types of crow

 

[RB07OSU]

Good depth chart….I’m curious about JSN who is lethal in slot. I actually think Emeka will see a lot of time in slot as well….so might arrange the WR depth chart a bit differently.

If I had to guess….I think Emeka ends up seeing more snaps than Fleming on the season at WR. Not a knock on Fleming…..just think Emeka is that good.

I’ll be honest….I think Fleming was prob offered a similar role as to what we are seeing with Gee Scott….

I know we say it every year, but I’m pretty excited to see how the TE is involved this year. Everyone is so focused on Cade Stover, they aren’t seeing the other options situationally when Day wants (2) TE sets. I think we are going to see one of our best years ever at TE production. Save this post…lol.

On JSN, I am sure he will line up in the slot some but I expect him to be outside more now with Olave and Wilson gone. I agree that Egbuka is the other natural slot and I would be surprised if he didn't get significant PT there this season. If Egbuka plays more than Fleming, it would not surprise me, especially as the season goes on and you see the types of plays that Egbuka can make.

On TEs, while we have a good group, it is not the best group we've had in recent years. But the WRs are going to get so much attention that I think it will give the TEs way more opportunities. Stover is going to be good and I think Royer has a ton of potential as a pass catcher (not sure if his blocking is up to snuff though?). As for Scott, it seems like the staff really wants to get him the ball and has a specific role in mind for him, I think he will mostly flex out into the slot and rarely play straight up off the line. In any event, I would think no TE has more than 10-15 catches individually, but that the group produces more as a whole than it has recently.

 

[ScriptOhio]

 

[calibuck]

Heck RB, you've given away the game plan! Have the WRs go fly, and drag the TEs across the middle, outrunning the LBs for 10-15 yard gains......especially if a more nimble TE such as Gee can turn it upfield. Do have to admit, our OL vs their DL, and vice versa will be keys to the game. Hope our guys live up to their hype. If so, (and they can keep it up - and not read all their press clippings), and the skill players do their dance, tOSU could be looking at a memorable season. Go Bucks!

 

[RB07OSU]

Heck RB, you've given away the game plan! Have the WRs go fly, and drag the TEs across the middle, outrunning the LBs for 10-15 yard gains......especially if a more nimble TE such as Gee can turn it upfield. Do have to admit, our OL vs their DL, and vice versa will be keys to the game. Hope our guys live up to their hype. If so, (and they can keep it up - and not read all their press clippings), and the skill players do their dance, tOSU could be looking at a memorable season. Go Bucks!

That could very well be how the game starts imo, they will lock in on JSN and it will create opportunities for others, especially the TEs who I think will get little attention. Now you bring up a good point on the line of scrimmage...ND does have a very good OL and our DL is really going to have to step up. Good chance we might have to bring at least 5 every time, I don't see us winning the LOS on defense straight up. However, I give the clear advantage to our OL vs their DL...ND should be solid up front on defense and Isiah Foskey at DE (really a hybrid Viper position) is very good, but we should have the advantage up front. Not to say they might bring a scheme that gives our OL some trouble at times, but man on man we should have the advantage.

 

[MGMT]

I really struggle with this; there is some stud individual talent on this unit but collectively I feel there are some serious gaps — if they close them (short yardage, consistent push in rushing) I’ll align. Not that my opinion about anything matters but that’s just one top ranking I can’t support

 

[Onebuckfan]

On JSN, I am sure he will line up in the slot some but I expect him to be outside more now with Olave and Wilson gone. I agree that Egbuka is the other natural slot and I would be surprised if he didn't get significant PT there this season. If Egbuka plays more than Fleming, it would not surprise me, especially as the season goes on and you see the types of plays that Egbuka can make.

On TEs, while we have a good group, it is not the best group we've had in recent years. But the WRs are going to get so much attention that I think it will give the TEs way more opportunities. Stover is going to be good and I think Royer has a ton of potential as a pass catcher (not sure if his blocking is up to snuff though?). As for Scott, it seems like the staff really wants to get him the ball and has a specific role in mind for him, I think he will mostly flex out into the slot and rarely play straight up off the line. In any event, I would think no TE has more than 10-15 catches individually, but that the group produces more as a whole than it has recently.

I think any pass too a tight end is a win for ND. I pray the TE catch it. I like throwing to Henderson than the tight ends.

 

[calibuck]

RB, agree with your position. Both Johnson (tOSU LT) and Foskey (ND DE), are pre-season All-Americas, at least in Lindy's eyes. However, Foskey did his by year-over-year performance. Johnson (our guy) by his 5* ranking as a tackle in HS. He's not played a single game at LT during his career, so will be intrigued to see the match-up there. Foskey MIGHT be fast enough to get around Dawand, but do think the big fella will use those basketball feet to keep him in check. Goal is to keep CJ upright, and unhurt. Lindy's also has ND OL as #2 (behind the Buckeyes) in the land. If I read the tea leaves somewhat correctly, Coach LJ had better have our guys primed and ready to get after it. If we were in the stadium, believe we'd hear the pads a-popping. Then the sideshow becomes ND QB finding some running room, after finding his WRs are completely covered. Hope our (2) two LBs 'stay home' and/or key on QB and the TE (one of the nations best) cutting across the line of scrimmage. Another worry (to my glass half-full outlook) is that tOSU offense will score too quickly, not giving our D some time to get a blow. Great on the scoreboard, but may be a long term disadvantage. Fortunately, also believe that tOSU has some depth, and LJ will rotate that very deep DL. Go Bucks!

 

[buchtelgrad04]

 

[DaddyBigBucks]

Just watched the defense in the other thread. That beautiful sack was the last defensive play because the offense killed the last 4 and a 1/2 minutes by running at a good defense that knew it was coming.

First game of the season, and the biggest questions seem to have been answered, but the things we thought we knew about this team are now the biggest questions.

If only we had a coaching staff with a track record of coaching up the passing game I’d feel a lot better about it