a. What’s up Holmes? – Since the Jim Tressel era began back in 2001, the Buckeyes have had some good receivers, but the best of the lot may be Santonio Holmes, who’ll be a key figure in Saturday’s game in Raleigh. From the midway point of last year, he has just exploded on the scene, even in what most of us would call a conservative offense. He registered over 200 yards receiving against Marshall and against the much-maligned Pack secondary, that’s not an unapproachable number. The Pack must find a way to slow Holmes down, whether that’s doubling him downfield or being physical with him at the line of scrimmage. The X factor for the Pack is Andre Maddox. The senior safety from Miami can play at the LOS and also play in coverage. So, new Pack DC Reggie Herring can utilize #36 to ‘float’, so to speak to look up #4 in pass coverage. With a maturing young quarterback like Justin Zwick at the helm, when it gets ‘tight’ on Saturday, he’ll most definitely look up Holmes. But, in that regard, so will the Wolfpack ‘D’.<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /><O:P> </O:P><O:P></O:P>
b. What a Hall of a player – Reggie Bush at USC gets a ton of publicity for what he has done and will continue to do in the USC offense. Whether it’s running the ball out of the backfield or running routes from the slot, Bush is the epitome of dual threat. But, Tramain Hall runs a close second to the President, you just don’t know that much about him. Hall is utilized much the same way that Bush is used – lining up as a running back in the gun, but also as the #3 receiver (slot). He mentioned earlier this summer that he ran the ball a lot more out of the gun in the spring, lining up right next to TA McClendon. Regardless if it’s the perpetually injured McClendon or whippet quick youngsters Bobby Washington and Darrel Blackmon, Hall in the backfield with anyone, makes offense as dangerous as any in the ACC. Because he has running back skills, you can’t see him come into the game and automatically play nickel or dime. Defensive coordinators must respect what he can do as a tailback when he’s lined up as such. But, he’s equally as tough to cover when he’s in the slot. Last year, linebackers tried to cover this kid early on in the season, and, well, suffice it to say, that didn’t work well. So, how do you cover him – safety? Corner? Then, how do you adjust when he goes in motion? A lot of questions for new Buckeye co-DC Mark Snyder and Mel Tucker to try and answer. Either way, the presence of Hall makes it real easy for Philip R….oops, got to break that habit – Jay Davis, new starting QB for the Pack, who played very well in the season opener.<O:P> </O:P><O:P></O:P>
c. Well, isn’t that special? – If there was ever a game that the Church Lady would have a field day, it’s this one. There’s no question that the special teams aspect of the game has reared its head throughout the early season. Oregon State. Clemson. Arkansas. Marshall. Special teams have cost them dearly, and there have been others. So, going into this game, you’d expect the kicking game to have a profound effect due to the focus these teams have on that aspect of the game. Both States have been equally proficient blocking punts and kicks and gaining good field position on kickoff returns throughout the two head coach’s reign at their respective university. The only distinct advantage that OSU may have is their field goal kicking game, where all-american Mike Nugent has already hit a clutch 55-yard field goal to beat Marshall last week. And, in this game last year, the kickoff team cost NC State an early touchdown when Richard Washington and Hall collided on a kickoff return, with the Buckeyes recovering and going in for six early in the game. Take that special teams snafu away, and it’s plausible that the game wouldn’t have even gone into overtime. Regardless, both punt team units need to be on full alert as these are two of the best in the nation at blocking punts.<O:P> </O:P><O:P></O:P>
Conclusion: Even with losing 14 players to the NFL, the Buckeyes still possess as talented a group of players as any team in the country. But, the loss of Dustin Fox, not only as the starting corner, but as leader and captain of the defense is enormous. Going against the Pack, it’s paramount that the corners be at the top of their game, and that they have the proper depth to be able to play nickel and dime coverage. One less corner, not to mention how valuable Fox is, is not the optimum situation. On the other side of the ball, Zwick has shown why he was such a highly touted recruit, but the Pack defense is a sterner test than Cincinnati or Marshall. DE Mario Williams and Manny Lawson must get upfield pass rush on Zwick to force poor decisions and possible turnovers. That can happen, so roll with the Pack – NC State – 24 vs. Ohio State - 21
