crazybuckfan40
Head Coach
Cbf40's BGSU/Midseason Breakdown.
Well since this game wasnt the best game to watch and breakdown I figured I would do a little something different this week. I will give a little writeup on the game and then my midseason review and grades.
BGSU Game: Overall it wasnt a bad game, but it was one of those games that leave you with an empty feeling in your stomach, feeling like we could of won by 50 and that BGSU had way too many yards than they should of. But not to worry I think we only ran 3 plays today. The swing pass, the ISO and the deep pass. On a positive note we scored 35 points and the game was never in doubt.
As for the Defense they just looked like they were out there to be out there and were just going thru the motions at times. Not a great performance, but what do you say to the best Scoring defense in the country???
In a way this is just another game where the team feels like they have plenty of room to improve and they can't get complacent and just show up. Look at Auburn today. They know they have to improve and they will continue to get better.
And the last thing I will say about today is that I feel bad for Zwick, I mean there is never a right time to put a backup QB in, b/c the fans are always going to want more points especially only up 21. The poor kid still doesnt throw a spiral to save his life and when he comes in and throws a couple bad passes the crowd starts to boo. He did have a couple of balls that were dropped on him while he was in there tho. He is a buckeye and will always be a buckeye and should not be booed by his own.
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Midseason Grades:
QB's - A++
Troy Smith - Troy is on track to win the Heisman if he keeps his team undefeated for the year. He has improved so much as a QB and he is the leader of this team. He is taking us places and I am glad I am here for the ride.
Justin Zwick - I hinted on it above, but this kid is a buckeye and even tho his career didnt turn out like we all envisioned it too, he has stuck thru the hard times and has taken shots in the gut, but he is still standing.
Todd Boeckman - I think at the moment he would be the guy to take over for Troy next year. He has been in the system for over 3 years now, and he is another one with great leadership qualities being a coaches son. He has been knicked up this year, but hopefully he comes back and can get some snaps in some of our future games against Indian, Ill, NW, etc.
Robbie S. - Havent heard too much, but when he has been in there he has struggled some. I think he will be ok, but right now Boeckman is ahead of him.
A. Henton - Have heard some real good things about him, as being the next Troy Smith(if that is possible). He might push for the job next year, but that is a wait and see.
RB's - A
Pittman - He has been a stud, if this grade was just for him it would be an A+. He has really taken his game to a whole new level. He just does not go down and gets the most out of every run. I see his draft stock really rising, but I really hope that he stays for another year.
Beanie Wells - He had a big game against Iowa and is a great short yardage back, besides for the going east and west run he had today on 4th and 1. There have been glimpses and he is going to emerge, but I think it has just been him unable to get in a rhythm, but he will be fine.
Mo Wells - I think in a way he is a great back stuck in the wrong situation. Not that he can't play in this offense, but right now when we want to run the ball we are more of a power team with Pittman and Wells, and with them being the first two back Mo has to run those sames types of plays and that is not really working to his stregths. He is also here when two of the better backs in tOSU history are here. He has drawn rave reviews from practices so lets hope that either next year if Pittman leaves or his senior year that we can have the Wells and Wells show.
TE's/FB's - B+
Rory Nicol - He has really gotten involved in the passing game in the past couple weeks and even tho he has had a couple drops he got in the endzone today and he can really help out in the offense down the stretch run of the season. Also his blocking is second to none, he does a hell of a job run blocking.
Stan White - He has had a very solid season and seems to really be a leader for this team. He is also a force blocking in the running game.
Jake Ballard - In limited action he has had a catch or two and has been solid blocking. I know there was talk about him moving to tackle in his later years, but unless a huge need would arise and with the limited number of TE's we have I think he stays there for his career.
Dionte Johnson - Havent really heard his name a lot, but he has been in there, so I guess for a lead back if you arent hearing his name a whole lot he must be doing his job.
Aram Olson/Andy Miller - both redshirting and really havent heard much about them other than Olson's injury.
WR's - A+
Teddy Ginn - He is just plain and simply too fast for teams to cover one on one and he is opening up the whole offense for the other receivers, making it easier on Smith and the running game. He has turned his game around so much and is becoming a complete receiver. He already has 6 tds to his 4 all of last year. I know the return game hasnt been there, but teams arent giving him the chances that they used too. I also believe that we are only going to see Teddy in a buckeye uni for 7 more games so we better enjoy it while it lasts.
Gonzo - He has been a real treat to watch this year. He is putting up numbers just like Ginn and has become a very good number two receiver. He has really benefitted from single coverage and having Ginn on the other side of him. I look for him to continue to put up big numbers the rest of the season and should be on some all big ten ballots.
Roy Hall - He has been down most of the season, but I think he is goign to step it up the rest of the season and have that Tressel type senior season. It was also nice to see him get a td last week against Iowa.
Robo - He has done a great job at the number 3 receiver with Hall out and still plays there even tho Hall is back. We are watching a star be born here, he his probably one of the most technically sound receivers that we have ever had here. He has great hands, he works the sidelines well, and can go up and get the ball. I don't think there is anything that he does wrong. I guess it helps having your dad as an nfl receivers coach.
Brian Hartline - He is another one that has had some big catches. He had the first one of the season against NIU. He is going to be a main fixture in the offense in his time here.
Albert Dukes - Kind of dissapointing that he hasnt stepped up. He has all the potential in the world and all kinds of athletic ability. I realize that he is stuck behind some good receivers, but lets hope that he shows up somewhere in the second half of the season.
Ray Small - Just another one in a line of Glenville kids that are very good. I honestly think that he has been the most college ready player to come from Glenville. It took Teddy till midseason to make a splash and everyone else has taken a year or two. Ray Ray as I like to call him has played since game one and could very easily be a 3 and done player if he continues to progress on top of his already impressive game.
O-Line - A
- Not going to break everyone down just an overview... The starting o-line has really opened up some huge holes all season and been giving Smith all kinds of time to throw. As we all know to succeed on offense you have to control the LOS and win the game up front and this group has done that. We have tons of depth right now with 11 guys already getting snaps in the season and all of them have gotten meaningful snaps. The first score against Texas came with the whole second string o-line in. Also Browning has gotten some good reviews about being impressive in camp and up till now. Havent heard a whole lot about Smith, but I think the understanding is that once his pass blocking gets down he is going to be a stud. Kinda how Boone has had to develop his pass blocking.
Offense - A+
- Not saying there isnt room for improvement because there always is, but they have put the points on the board against every team they have faced. They have so many weapons and can do so many different things. They can run it up in there at ya, they can beat you over the top or they can methodically just move the ball down the field. Like I have been saying from the beginning of the year, No one can stop us we can only stop ourselves.
Defense:
DT's - A+
Pittcock - He has made more plays in the backfield from a dt spot than just about anyother DT we have had here for a while. He is a for sure first round draft pick and is going to continue to have a great senior season.
Patterson - He has also been in the backfield alot. He has made the transition from DE to DT very well. I also think he could be a fairly high draft pick next year.
Penton - He has done a great job as a third dt. Filling in for guys when they need breaks, and he has made some plays of his own.
Denlinger - He is a future AA in the making. He has made some very big plays and is only going to continue to get better. He is explosive off the ball and can wreck havoc in the backfield. Keep in mind he is very young.
Abdallah - He has gotten some meaningful snaps, but hasnt really had the big plays. I just hope that eventually the light clicks on and he can contribute, because we are going to really need him next year.
Dexter Larimore - He has drawn a ton of comparison to Tim Anderson. He is redshirting but I think he is going to be a mainstay ont he d-line for the next 4 years and be a stud. Hopefully he is eating those weights all offseason.
DE's - A-
JRIch - He has had a very solid season so far. He hasnt really had the big sacks or plays like that but he has been solid.
Gholston - He has been great so far. He is so strong and fast that he is a force. he is also only a sophmore so he is going to be here for a while.
L. Wilson - He has had some games where he gets more pt than others, but he has been in the backfield while in there and I think next year is going to be where he really steps it up to the next level.
Rob Rose - I think everytime he gets in there he gets a sack. I believe he has 3 already on the season. He is a stud, but he is going to need to learn his reads before he takes it to that level. Right now when he is in he just pins his ears back and goes after the QB.
Alex Barrow - He has played very good ball when he has been in there. He has some TFL early in the season. I think he is going to follow the David Patterson role and will play a little outside and a little inside and then eventually stay inside.
Doug Worthington - He has played sparingly, mostly in mop up. I think he is still struggling coming back from the knee injury and it is going to take soem tiem. I still think he might be one that gets moved down inside next year.
Ryan Williams - Besides pt, you could say the same exact thing about him.
Walter Dublin - Last I heard he was still struggling to adjust, but I think he has the ability to be great, might just take some time.
LB's - B
Animal Jr. - He has been great. His weekly INT streak ended today, but he has been the one lb that has stepped up and made big play after big play. Not just his INT's, but his FF's, sacks and TFL. At times he has struggled, but he is coming along nicely and by next year, could be AA and be one of the front runners for the Butkus if he doesnt end up there by the end of the year.
John Kerr - Some thought he might be a very solid player for us this year having played in the big ten at Indiana and having lots of time practicing in our scheme, but it hasnt really worked out like that for him. He has been solid at times and not so at other times. We have also played a lot of Nickel meaning that he would not be in the games.
Marcus Freeman - He has kind of been a dissapointment. He was looked at to be the stud of the group. They were just looking for ways to get him on the field last year. He has great athletic ability, but just doenst make the big play. I think he is just coming along slower than we were expecting.
Ross Homan - He is another one in the freshmen class that is a stud in the making. He struggled coming out of the gates in the fall ball with the hammy injury, and has gotten some pt, but they have been giving some to Kerr while in the 4-3 and pt has been hard to come by for him, but by the end of this year and into next he is going to be a mainstay for 3 more years.
Larry Grant - We all knew he was physically gifted, but it was just a matter of time tillhe picked up the D-I game. I think at times he is still adjusting, but he has had some big plays.
Curtis Terry - He has been the suprise of the defense this year. He came from out of nowhere to step up and won the starting job last week, but I believe he was dinged up this week. Lets hope he comes back strong for us down the stretch. With everything he has had happen to him in his life all the success he is having couldnt happen to a better person.
Gibson/Moeller - Both have been given rave reviews in practice and fall camp. Moeller has one the scout team player of the week honor. Both of them are just a matter of adding the weight to get big enough to be out on the field. These two and Homan are goign to be hell for opposing defenses in the future.
Mark Johnson - He is still injured and hasnt practiced.
CB's - A
Jenks - He is quickly becoming one of the best CB's in the country. I just don't see him staying for more than 3 years. He has the size and speed combo of a prototypical first round nfl corner, and if he keeps up what he is doing now he will go in the top 10. He is just lockdown on the other teams number one.
Yao Smith - What a great story. Everyone kept saying it was just a matter of time until someone beat him out of his spot, but he is still standing and doing a great job.
Donald Washington - What a great find he was for the staff two years ago. He is quickly becoming lockdown #2. He also has great size and speed combo. He has been beaten a couple times but nothing that has hurt us.
Andre Amos - He has gotten some meaninful pt the past couple weeks and seems to really make the most of his time breaking up passes while in there. Just another great corner here.
Kurt Coleman - He has also got some meaningful pt, and even blocked a fg today. I think he could be the best one of all these guys in the future.
Chimdi Chekwa - Has drawn some good reviews from practice and camp, but just needs to get bigger.
S's - B
BMitch - He has really came on the last couple of weeks. I thought he would have a breakout year and at times he has been real good coming up with teh pick last week against Iowa but as also been gone from the picture at times.
ARus - His injury was just too bad, but next season he will be back and he showed in his time this year the playmaker that he is.
JamO - Think Donte Whitner and how he struggled early and then turned it on. Same situation here. Just another one of those all world athletes from the Ville' that take a little while to put the mental game with the physical game.
Nick Patterson - Boy he just dissapeared. I think alot of it is mental and lets hope that he recovers.
Gant/Schwartz - They were going to burn Gant's redshirt, not sure if they did today or not, but I think both he and Schwartz will be great safeties before they leave here.
Defense A-
- They give up the fewest amount of points in the nation, and force all them to's, so what is wrong one might ask. They still give up too many yards at times. I know bend but dont break, but at times that can bite you in the ass. Lets just hope it doesnt and they continue to get better for the rest of the season.
Kicking game:
Petrey - after early in the season he has got over those problems and has been solid. I think by the time he leaves here he will go down as one of the better kickers here.
Ryan P. - He has also been solid, but right now it looks like he is behind a freshmen so he might never get his shot at having the job at full time, but Tress has done a great job of getting both of them times to kick. Maybe he will eventually give one the FG's and one the kickoffs.
Trappasso - He has just been unbelieavable. I mean his 50+ avg against Texas was awesome and he has been really good at putting them inside the 20, and he is only a sophmore and is only going to continue to get better.
Top 5 Plays of the season so far:
1. Troy Smith to Robo - That play is going to be cemented in tOSU history forever.
2. Gonzo's catch and td run against Iowa.
3. Jenks INT against PSU - That play put the game away for good and it was such an impressive run back.
4. Insert any Smith to Ginn over the top here. They have all been very impressive and worth watching over again.
5. Gholston's clothesline on Albert Young.
Outlook:
Overall we have been thru our toughest stretch of the season. We have 6 games left and we will be favored pretty heavily in all of them except the last one. I trully expect us and scUM to be undefeated and staring each other down in one of the most hyped games ever in college sports. The greatest rivalry ever, both undefeated with a chance to go to the NC game. How much better can it get. We have to take one game at a time and not have any hiccups like Auburn today or like us in 98. I honestly think next week is going to be our toughest challenge just b/c MSU seems to pull an upset just when least expected.
I couldnt be happier than the way the season has went so far. Lets just hope that it finishes as good as it started.
Bring on the Spartans!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well since this game wasnt the best game to watch and breakdown I figured I would do a little something different this week. I will give a little writeup on the game and then my midseason review and grades.
BGSU Game: Overall it wasnt a bad game, but it was one of those games that leave you with an empty feeling in your stomach, feeling like we could of won by 50 and that BGSU had way too many yards than they should of. But not to worry I think we only ran 3 plays today. The swing pass, the ISO and the deep pass. On a positive note we scored 35 points and the game was never in doubt.
As for the Defense they just looked like they were out there to be out there and were just going thru the motions at times. Not a great performance, but what do you say to the best Scoring defense in the country???
In a way this is just another game where the team feels like they have plenty of room to improve and they can't get complacent and just show up. Look at Auburn today. They know they have to improve and they will continue to get better.
And the last thing I will say about today is that I feel bad for Zwick, I mean there is never a right time to put a backup QB in, b/c the fans are always going to want more points especially only up 21. The poor kid still doesnt throw a spiral to save his life and when he comes in and throws a couple bad passes the crowd starts to boo. He did have a couple of balls that were dropped on him while he was in there tho. He is a buckeye and will always be a buckeye and should not be booed by his own.
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Midseason Grades:
QB's - A++
Troy Smith - Troy is on track to win the Heisman if he keeps his team undefeated for the year. He has improved so much as a QB and he is the leader of this team. He is taking us places and I am glad I am here for the ride.
Justin Zwick - I hinted on it above, but this kid is a buckeye and even tho his career didnt turn out like we all envisioned it too, he has stuck thru the hard times and has taken shots in the gut, but he is still standing.
Todd Boeckman - I think at the moment he would be the guy to take over for Troy next year. He has been in the system for over 3 years now, and he is another one with great leadership qualities being a coaches son. He has been knicked up this year, but hopefully he comes back and can get some snaps in some of our future games against Indian, Ill, NW, etc.
Robbie S. - Havent heard too much, but when he has been in there he has struggled some. I think he will be ok, but right now Boeckman is ahead of him.
A. Henton - Have heard some real good things about him, as being the next Troy Smith(if that is possible). He might push for the job next year, but that is a wait and see.
RB's - A
Pittman - He has been a stud, if this grade was just for him it would be an A+. He has really taken his game to a whole new level. He just does not go down and gets the most out of every run. I see his draft stock really rising, but I really hope that he stays for another year.
Beanie Wells - He had a big game against Iowa and is a great short yardage back, besides for the going east and west run he had today on 4th and 1. There have been glimpses and he is going to emerge, but I think it has just been him unable to get in a rhythm, but he will be fine.
Mo Wells - I think in a way he is a great back stuck in the wrong situation. Not that he can't play in this offense, but right now when we want to run the ball we are more of a power team with Pittman and Wells, and with them being the first two back Mo has to run those sames types of plays and that is not really working to his stregths. He is also here when two of the better backs in tOSU history are here. He has drawn rave reviews from practices so lets hope that either next year if Pittman leaves or his senior year that we can have the Wells and Wells show.
TE's/FB's - B+
Rory Nicol - He has really gotten involved in the passing game in the past couple weeks and even tho he has had a couple drops he got in the endzone today and he can really help out in the offense down the stretch run of the season. Also his blocking is second to none, he does a hell of a job run blocking.
Stan White - He has had a very solid season and seems to really be a leader for this team. He is also a force blocking in the running game.
Jake Ballard - In limited action he has had a catch or two and has been solid blocking. I know there was talk about him moving to tackle in his later years, but unless a huge need would arise and with the limited number of TE's we have I think he stays there for his career.
Dionte Johnson - Havent really heard his name a lot, but he has been in there, so I guess for a lead back if you arent hearing his name a whole lot he must be doing his job.
Aram Olson/Andy Miller - both redshirting and really havent heard much about them other than Olson's injury.
WR's - A+
Teddy Ginn - He is just plain and simply too fast for teams to cover one on one and he is opening up the whole offense for the other receivers, making it easier on Smith and the running game. He has turned his game around so much and is becoming a complete receiver. He already has 6 tds to his 4 all of last year. I know the return game hasnt been there, but teams arent giving him the chances that they used too. I also believe that we are only going to see Teddy in a buckeye uni for 7 more games so we better enjoy it while it lasts.
Gonzo - He has been a real treat to watch this year. He is putting up numbers just like Ginn and has become a very good number two receiver. He has really benefitted from single coverage and having Ginn on the other side of him. I look for him to continue to put up big numbers the rest of the season and should be on some all big ten ballots.
Roy Hall - He has been down most of the season, but I think he is goign to step it up the rest of the season and have that Tressel type senior season. It was also nice to see him get a td last week against Iowa.
Robo - He has done a great job at the number 3 receiver with Hall out and still plays there even tho Hall is back. We are watching a star be born here, he his probably one of the most technically sound receivers that we have ever had here. He has great hands, he works the sidelines well, and can go up and get the ball. I don't think there is anything that he does wrong. I guess it helps having your dad as an nfl receivers coach.
Brian Hartline - He is another one that has had some big catches. He had the first one of the season against NIU. He is going to be a main fixture in the offense in his time here.
Albert Dukes - Kind of dissapointing that he hasnt stepped up. He has all the potential in the world and all kinds of athletic ability. I realize that he is stuck behind some good receivers, but lets hope that he shows up somewhere in the second half of the season.
Ray Small - Just another one in a line of Glenville kids that are very good. I honestly think that he has been the most college ready player to come from Glenville. It took Teddy till midseason to make a splash and everyone else has taken a year or two. Ray Ray as I like to call him has played since game one and could very easily be a 3 and done player if he continues to progress on top of his already impressive game.
O-Line - A
- Not going to break everyone down just an overview... The starting o-line has really opened up some huge holes all season and been giving Smith all kinds of time to throw. As we all know to succeed on offense you have to control the LOS and win the game up front and this group has done that. We have tons of depth right now with 11 guys already getting snaps in the season and all of them have gotten meaningful snaps. The first score against Texas came with the whole second string o-line in. Also Browning has gotten some good reviews about being impressive in camp and up till now. Havent heard a whole lot about Smith, but I think the understanding is that once his pass blocking gets down he is going to be a stud. Kinda how Boone has had to develop his pass blocking.
Offense - A+
- Not saying there isnt room for improvement because there always is, but they have put the points on the board against every team they have faced. They have so many weapons and can do so many different things. They can run it up in there at ya, they can beat you over the top or they can methodically just move the ball down the field. Like I have been saying from the beginning of the year, No one can stop us we can only stop ourselves.
Defense:
DT's - A+
Pittcock - He has made more plays in the backfield from a dt spot than just about anyother DT we have had here for a while. He is a for sure first round draft pick and is going to continue to have a great senior season.
Patterson - He has also been in the backfield alot. He has made the transition from DE to DT very well. I also think he could be a fairly high draft pick next year.
Penton - He has done a great job as a third dt. Filling in for guys when they need breaks, and he has made some plays of his own.
Denlinger - He is a future AA in the making. He has made some very big plays and is only going to continue to get better. He is explosive off the ball and can wreck havoc in the backfield. Keep in mind he is very young.
Abdallah - He has gotten some meaningful snaps, but hasnt really had the big plays. I just hope that eventually the light clicks on and he can contribute, because we are going to really need him next year.
Dexter Larimore - He has drawn a ton of comparison to Tim Anderson. He is redshirting but I think he is going to be a mainstay ont he d-line for the next 4 years and be a stud. Hopefully he is eating those weights all offseason.
DE's - A-
JRIch - He has had a very solid season so far. He hasnt really had the big sacks or plays like that but he has been solid.
Gholston - He has been great so far. He is so strong and fast that he is a force. he is also only a sophmore so he is going to be here for a while.
L. Wilson - He has had some games where he gets more pt than others, but he has been in the backfield while in there and I think next year is going to be where he really steps it up to the next level.
Rob Rose - I think everytime he gets in there he gets a sack. I believe he has 3 already on the season. He is a stud, but he is going to need to learn his reads before he takes it to that level. Right now when he is in he just pins his ears back and goes after the QB.
Alex Barrow - He has played very good ball when he has been in there. He has some TFL early in the season. I think he is going to follow the David Patterson role and will play a little outside and a little inside and then eventually stay inside.
Doug Worthington - He has played sparingly, mostly in mop up. I think he is still struggling coming back from the knee injury and it is going to take soem tiem. I still think he might be one that gets moved down inside next year.
Ryan Williams - Besides pt, you could say the same exact thing about him.
Walter Dublin - Last I heard he was still struggling to adjust, but I think he has the ability to be great, might just take some time.
LB's - B
Animal Jr. - He has been great. His weekly INT streak ended today, but he has been the one lb that has stepped up and made big play after big play. Not just his INT's, but his FF's, sacks and TFL. At times he has struggled, but he is coming along nicely and by next year, could be AA and be one of the front runners for the Butkus if he doesnt end up there by the end of the year.
John Kerr - Some thought he might be a very solid player for us this year having played in the big ten at Indiana and having lots of time practicing in our scheme, but it hasnt really worked out like that for him. He has been solid at times and not so at other times. We have also played a lot of Nickel meaning that he would not be in the games.
Marcus Freeman - He has kind of been a dissapointment. He was looked at to be the stud of the group. They were just looking for ways to get him on the field last year. He has great athletic ability, but just doenst make the big play. I think he is just coming along slower than we were expecting.
Ross Homan - He is another one in the freshmen class that is a stud in the making. He struggled coming out of the gates in the fall ball with the hammy injury, and has gotten some pt, but they have been giving some to Kerr while in the 4-3 and pt has been hard to come by for him, but by the end of this year and into next he is going to be a mainstay for 3 more years.
Larry Grant - We all knew he was physically gifted, but it was just a matter of time tillhe picked up the D-I game. I think at times he is still adjusting, but he has had some big plays.
Curtis Terry - He has been the suprise of the defense this year. He came from out of nowhere to step up and won the starting job last week, but I believe he was dinged up this week. Lets hope he comes back strong for us down the stretch. With everything he has had happen to him in his life all the success he is having couldnt happen to a better person.
Gibson/Moeller - Both have been given rave reviews in practice and fall camp. Moeller has one the scout team player of the week honor. Both of them are just a matter of adding the weight to get big enough to be out on the field. These two and Homan are goign to be hell for opposing defenses in the future.
Mark Johnson - He is still injured and hasnt practiced.
CB's - A
Jenks - He is quickly becoming one of the best CB's in the country. I just don't see him staying for more than 3 years. He has the size and speed combo of a prototypical first round nfl corner, and if he keeps up what he is doing now he will go in the top 10. He is just lockdown on the other teams number one.
Yao Smith - What a great story. Everyone kept saying it was just a matter of time until someone beat him out of his spot, but he is still standing and doing a great job.
Donald Washington - What a great find he was for the staff two years ago. He is quickly becoming lockdown #2. He also has great size and speed combo. He has been beaten a couple times but nothing that has hurt us.
Andre Amos - He has gotten some meaninful pt the past couple weeks and seems to really make the most of his time breaking up passes while in there. Just another great corner here.
Kurt Coleman - He has also got some meaningful pt, and even blocked a fg today. I think he could be the best one of all these guys in the future.
Chimdi Chekwa - Has drawn some good reviews from practice and camp, but just needs to get bigger.
S's - B
BMitch - He has really came on the last couple of weeks. I thought he would have a breakout year and at times he has been real good coming up with teh pick last week against Iowa but as also been gone from the picture at times.
ARus - His injury was just too bad, but next season he will be back and he showed in his time this year the playmaker that he is.
JamO - Think Donte Whitner and how he struggled early and then turned it on. Same situation here. Just another one of those all world athletes from the Ville' that take a little while to put the mental game with the physical game.
Nick Patterson - Boy he just dissapeared. I think alot of it is mental and lets hope that he recovers.
Gant/Schwartz - They were going to burn Gant's redshirt, not sure if they did today or not, but I think both he and Schwartz will be great safeties before they leave here.
Defense A-
- They give up the fewest amount of points in the nation, and force all them to's, so what is wrong one might ask. They still give up too many yards at times. I know bend but dont break, but at times that can bite you in the ass. Lets just hope it doesnt and they continue to get better for the rest of the season.
Kicking game:
Petrey - after early in the season he has got over those problems and has been solid. I think by the time he leaves here he will go down as one of the better kickers here.
Ryan P. - He has also been solid, but right now it looks like he is behind a freshmen so he might never get his shot at having the job at full time, but Tress has done a great job of getting both of them times to kick. Maybe he will eventually give one the FG's and one the kickoffs.
Trappasso - He has just been unbelieavable. I mean his 50+ avg against Texas was awesome and he has been really good at putting them inside the 20, and he is only a sophmore and is only going to continue to get better.
Top 5 Plays of the season so far:
1. Troy Smith to Robo - That play is going to be cemented in tOSU history forever.
2. Gonzo's catch and td run against Iowa.
3. Jenks INT against PSU - That play put the game away for good and it was such an impressive run back.
4. Insert any Smith to Ginn over the top here. They have all been very impressive and worth watching over again.
5. Gholston's clothesline on Albert Young.
Outlook:
Overall we have been thru our toughest stretch of the season. We have 6 games left and we will be favored pretty heavily in all of them except the last one. I trully expect us and scUM to be undefeated and staring each other down in one of the most hyped games ever in college sports. The greatest rivalry ever, both undefeated with a chance to go to the NC game. How much better can it get. We have to take one game at a time and not have any hiccups like Auburn today or like us in 98. I honestly think next week is going to be our toughest challenge just b/c MSU seems to pull an upset just when least expected.
I couldnt be happier than the way the season has went so far. Lets just hope that it finishes as good as it started.
Bring on the Spartans!!!!!!!!!!!!
