-
New here? Register here now for access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Plus, stay connected and follow BP on Instagram @buckeyeplanet and Facebook.
- Thread starter osugrad21
- Start date
Dispatch
Web Xtra
Transcript of OSU football online chat with Tim May
The Columbus Dispatch
Friday, November 10, 2006 1:15 PM
Log on to Dispatch.com/buckeyes or BuckeyeXtra.com/buckeyes every Friday at noon during Ohio State's football season for a live chat with either Ken Gordon or Tim May, OSU football reporters for The Dispatch.
Below is a transcript of Tim's chat before the Buckeyes' game against Northwestern:
Let's be realistic here. Ohio State has not faced a top-class opponent since Texas. Is that a concern for the Buckeyes? -- Mike F. in Wesley Chapel, Fla.
TIM: OK, let's be realistic -- considering Texas probably is going to be the No.3 team in the nation on Sunday afternoon, you're right: OSU has not played anyone to that caliber since then. Hardly anyone else has either, though. I don't buy into the argument you've got to fight a Mike Tyson (of old) every week just to get better. Penn State has shown it has a high-quality defense. Iowa was riding high until pushed off the road by the Buckeyes. Illinois is 2-8, but has played within a touchdown or so of its last six opponents. Michigan State was in an all-or-nothing mode when the Buckeyes came to town. What I'm saying is the Buckeyes haven't exactly stepped on creampuffs since that hot night in the heart of Texas either
What's your take on how Rutgers fits into the BCS picture? -- Fred in Canton
TIM: As a deserving outsider looking in, at least at the moment. One of the main problems with college football is it's not just about what have you done for me lately. It's tough for an upstart to muscle its way in among the blue-bloods in the two major polls. And that's where Rutgers will find itself lacking, because if it goes on to run the table, including a win at West Virginia on Dec.2, it should have decent computer poll numbers. But it might have to do with the Big East's guaranteed berth in one of the four BCS bowls.
Has Beanie Wells played himself into a situation where he won't be called on much against Michigan? Do you think Saturday will be his chance to "make-good" on his fumbling problems? -- Heath Q. in Mansfield
TIM: We might get that answer at Northwestern. Four lost fumbles is a glaring stat. But also glaring is a 6-foot-2, 235-pound man who calls himself Beanie bearing down on you in the gap. Illinois didn't want continual doses of him. You could tell. But then he put the cap on his own medicine bottle by simply dropping the ball. That was very unfortunate. You can tell that everyone on the team, including starting tailback Antonio Pittman, wants a Beanie with his mojo intact. So how he plays against Northwestern -- a team the Buckeyes rushed on for 317 yards last year -- will be critical.
With the Louisville loss last night, is the door open any wider for the loser of the Michigan game to get a rematch? -- Brian in Reynoldsburg
TIM: Yeah, that opened the door a little more, and mainly if Michigan is the loser. The reason being, Michigan is hands down the No.1 team among the computer polls, whose average makes up one third of the BCS formula. The key would be Michigan losing a very close game, and not plummeting past fourth in polls, probably. Then it must keep its fingers crossed for other teams to lose, because almost everyone else in the top five will have at least two more games to play. Right now, it appears Florida and Texas will be the primary suitors. And don't discount Southern Cal, which closes with Oregon, Cal, Notre Dame and UCLA.
I thought the BCS was brought in to make sure that 2 unbeaten teams play each other for the title. Why is it no one is saying Rutgers should play if they run the table? I think they should get to go to the title game. -- Matt H.
TIM: The noise I hear, plenty of people are saying it. But the formula is what the formula is, and it is heavily reliant on the two human polls -- USA Today coaches' vote and Harris Interactive mish-mash vote. The idea of the BCS was to match the two teams which are judged by an average of human opinion and cold-blooded computer rankings to be the top two in the country at regular-season's end. Now, will Rutgers gain a huge bump in the human polls on Sunday? Let's see. Being undefeated helps, but it's not the only factor, not by any means.
Why is Ohio State behind Michigan in the computer ratings? -- Bill in Randolph, N.J.
TIM: Because E=mc(squared). I don't know, man, because pie are squared. It is pretty obvious, though, that Michigan dumping on Notre Dame was considered a more important win that OSU's victory at defending national champion Texas. Remember, as far as most of the computer ratings are concerned, it's not just about who you beat, but also about who you beat beats. As for pie are squared, I've always thought pies were round.
We keep hearing about how deep the offensive line, but how can you explain rushing for a little more than 100 yards against Illini with Alex Boone out of the lineup? -- Andre in Indianapolis
TIM: I'll try. Ohio State actually had a nice mix going until Beanie Wells fumbled and was benched. The Buckeyes had almost 200 yards of offense by halftime. Then in the second half it buttoned up, Illinois sensed that, and it sent the house against the line, stoning the run and harassing Smith on the few times he tried to throw. But you're right, the offensive line couldn't get a handle on it. And remember, four of those five guys were the regular starters.
How bad is Troy Smith's thumb injury? Could this be the true reason why the Bucks did not pass so much in the second half against Illinois? What "panic level" should Buckeye fans be at about this? -- Scott in Seoul, South Korea
TIM: Personally, Scott, if I was where you are at the moment, I'd be more worried about Kim Jung Il. But hey, that's just me. As for Smith, he admitted this week it does bother him a little, but that it shouldn't take away from what he wants to do. That's all I can tell you. As for panic level, I don't know, DefCon 2? But aren't most OSU fans at some level of panic about this time in a promising season?
What is the status of tackle Alex Boone? Any other Bucks who are hurting? -- Jim in Cincinnati
TIM: We were told by head coach Jim Tressel yesterday that Boone (knee) not only won't play, he won't make the trip. Ray Small will make the trip, though, and is expected to play. Backup defensive back Kurt Coleman is questionable with an undisclosed injury. That's about it.
We heard so many good things about Nader Abdallah when he was recruited, but even though this is his third year, he's languishing behind younger players on the defensive line such as Wilson, Worthington and Denlinger. Are you aware of anything in particular that's been holding him back?
TIM: The reason is pretty simple when you think about it. The coaches have judged he's not quite as effective as those fellows. He was bothered by some nagging injuries, too. But you also have to remember that just those three fellows you named were considered among the top 10 in their positions nationally when they signed on with the Buckeyes. That's the challenge almost every player faces every day in practice at Ohio State.
Thanksgiving is around the corner, and I'll be cooking for my husband's family -- a bunch of Badgers fans claiming their team could have beaten the Bucks this year. What would your answer be to this nuisance of a turkey dinner conversation? -- Louanne in Montomery, Ill.
TIM: First of all, you need to find yourself a good "wild game" cookbook, and for the snacks before the main event, pass around a platter heaped high with fresh-fried badger. Actually, I'm told it is best served on a stick. Then as dinner begins, stuff the earbuds from your Ipod deep into your ears, smile at the flapping lips around you and enjoy your well-cooked meal. Talk about a moot point ... then again, just ask in a calm voice, "Who would you take first? Troy Smith or John Stocco?" And if you're lucky, maybe they'll all leave early.
With the way Illinois played OSU last week, and the Northwestern victory over Iowa last week, what kind of surprise package do you think Wildcats will bring to the table saturday after watching the game films? -- Chuck in Westerville
TIM: I think they will be on the attack defensively with a lot of stunts and twists and blitzes, if they copy what Illinois did. And why not? What have the Wildcats got to lose? But somebody better cover Ted Ginn Jr., Anthony Gonzalez and Brian Robiskie. I'm telling you, it might not make a difference, but the OSU offense was embarrassed by what happened in the second half at Illinois.
Is Kirk Herbstreit a Buckeye hater or does he just bend over backwards to make sure he appears unbiased? -- Terry in Marion
TIM: Uh-oh. What did he say? I personally think Herbstreit plays it right down the middle in terms of his analysis. But right down the middle obviously doesn't always sit well with people sitting on just one side of the stadium.
Is there a chance that coach Tressel will make Ted Ginn the starting quarterback for next season
TIM: No.
From what you hear players and coaches say, which stadium is the worst in the Big Ten? -- Dean in Denver
TIM: It depends on what you mean by "worst." Worst atmosphere? I don't think many like playing in the dome at Minnesota, which is why the Gophers are building a new stadium. Worst structure? Illinois' Memorial Stadium, aka, the Wind Tunnel, is the last in the league to undergo a major renovation, which will start in earnest once the season is done. And Michigan Stadium, which also is being renovated, is nothing but a big hole with massive stands around it. In fact, have you ever noticed that from the air, Michigan Stadium actually looks like the world's largest Block O. Interesting.Worst, as in architectural nightmare? Penn State. No doubt about it. It was added on to in hodge-podge fashion with the massive end zone structures probably being the most appealing. But they're in the end zone, for goodness sakes. And worst, as in sun in your eyes? That would have to be Wisconsin, which put its new, humongous suites array on top of the east side of the stadium. That means the rich folk are all staring into sun on those mid-afternoon games in the fall.
In regards to the game plan for tomorrow: Will we see the tortoise or the hare from coach Tressel? -- Martin P.
TIM: Funny, I asked him that very thing yesterday, though not in those exact words. He indicated that the Buckeyes plan to go full bore, from the time they step off the bus until the time they step back on. I guess we'll see. I do know he wasn't very happy about the way they exited last week, that's for sure.
Do you see any obvious advantages that the Michigan team has over Ohio St.? -- David G.
TIM: No. Many experts are pointing to the Wolverines' defensive front, headed by end Lamarr Woodley. But the deep OSU defensive front, headed by Quinn Pitcock and accented by Jay Richardson, Vernon Gholston, Lawrence Wilson, David Patterson, et al, matches up at least as well. Especially that et al fellow. He's sneaky. Otherwise, the teams are fairly different in their offensive approach, with the Wolverines leaning on Michael Hart and the running game while the Buckeyes seem more comfortable letting Troy Smith do his thing throwing it. I just think overall it is going to be a collision of historical proportions. But then, you already knew that.
Lloyd Carr is 1-4 vs. OSU ever since Jim Tressel took over. Should Carr lose again to OSU, regardless of his overall record, could he be shown the door? The Buckeyes did the same to John Cooper because he couldn't beat Michigan. -- Ed H. in Cleveland
TIM: Anything can happen, I guess. But let's set the record straight. John Cooper had a lot of great qualities, as far as I'm concerned, but he was 2-10-1 against Michigan. In other words, if his job relied on the result of that game, he never would have seen the 1991 season. As for Carr, man, he had his team in the Rose Bowl just two years ago, losing to Texas on a weak field goal at the end. And after a star-crossed 2005, his team is 10-0 and ranked No.2 in the country this season. That's not the resume of a man who should be "shown the door." Besides, in 1997 he did something Bo Schembechler never did. He won the national championship. And as of this moment, he still has an overall winning record (6-5) over Ohio State. Overall, that's pretty good stuff.
MODERATOR: Tim, readers, thanks again for a great chat. That's a wrap. Eight more days.
Web Xtra
Transcript of OSU football online chat with Tim May
The Columbus Dispatch
Friday, November 10, 2006 1:15 PM
Log on to Dispatch.com/buckeyes or BuckeyeXtra.com/buckeyes every Friday at noon during Ohio State's football season for a live chat with either Ken Gordon or Tim May, OSU football reporters for The Dispatch.
Below is a transcript of Tim's chat before the Buckeyes' game against Northwestern:
Let's be realistic here. Ohio State has not faced a top-class opponent since Texas. Is that a concern for the Buckeyes? -- Mike F. in Wesley Chapel, Fla.
TIM: OK, let's be realistic -- considering Texas probably is going to be the No.3 team in the nation on Sunday afternoon, you're right: OSU has not played anyone to that caliber since then. Hardly anyone else has either, though. I don't buy into the argument you've got to fight a Mike Tyson (of old) every week just to get better. Penn State has shown it has a high-quality defense. Iowa was riding high until pushed off the road by the Buckeyes. Illinois is 2-8, but has played within a touchdown or so of its last six opponents. Michigan State was in an all-or-nothing mode when the Buckeyes came to town. What I'm saying is the Buckeyes haven't exactly stepped on creampuffs since that hot night in the heart of Texas either
What's your take on how Rutgers fits into the BCS picture? -- Fred in Canton
TIM: As a deserving outsider looking in, at least at the moment. One of the main problems with college football is it's not just about what have you done for me lately. It's tough for an upstart to muscle its way in among the blue-bloods in the two major polls. And that's where Rutgers will find itself lacking, because if it goes on to run the table, including a win at West Virginia on Dec.2, it should have decent computer poll numbers. But it might have to do with the Big East's guaranteed berth in one of the four BCS bowls.
Has Beanie Wells played himself into a situation where he won't be called on much against Michigan? Do you think Saturday will be his chance to "make-good" on his fumbling problems? -- Heath Q. in Mansfield
TIM: We might get that answer at Northwestern. Four lost fumbles is a glaring stat. But also glaring is a 6-foot-2, 235-pound man who calls himself Beanie bearing down on you in the gap. Illinois didn't want continual doses of him. You could tell. But then he put the cap on his own medicine bottle by simply dropping the ball. That was very unfortunate. You can tell that everyone on the team, including starting tailback Antonio Pittman, wants a Beanie with his mojo intact. So how he plays against Northwestern -- a team the Buckeyes rushed on for 317 yards last year -- will be critical.
With the Louisville loss last night, is the door open any wider for the loser of the Michigan game to get a rematch? -- Brian in Reynoldsburg
TIM: Yeah, that opened the door a little more, and mainly if Michigan is the loser. The reason being, Michigan is hands down the No.1 team among the computer polls, whose average makes up one third of the BCS formula. The key would be Michigan losing a very close game, and not plummeting past fourth in polls, probably. Then it must keep its fingers crossed for other teams to lose, because almost everyone else in the top five will have at least two more games to play. Right now, it appears Florida and Texas will be the primary suitors. And don't discount Southern Cal, which closes with Oregon, Cal, Notre Dame and UCLA.
I thought the BCS was brought in to make sure that 2 unbeaten teams play each other for the title. Why is it no one is saying Rutgers should play if they run the table? I think they should get to go to the title game. -- Matt H.
TIM: The noise I hear, plenty of people are saying it. But the formula is what the formula is, and it is heavily reliant on the two human polls -- USA Today coaches' vote and Harris Interactive mish-mash vote. The idea of the BCS was to match the two teams which are judged by an average of human opinion and cold-blooded computer rankings to be the top two in the country at regular-season's end. Now, will Rutgers gain a huge bump in the human polls on Sunday? Let's see. Being undefeated helps, but it's not the only factor, not by any means.
Why is Ohio State behind Michigan in the computer ratings? -- Bill in Randolph, N.J.
TIM: Because E=mc(squared). I don't know, man, because pie are squared. It is pretty obvious, though, that Michigan dumping on Notre Dame was considered a more important win that OSU's victory at defending national champion Texas. Remember, as far as most of the computer ratings are concerned, it's not just about who you beat, but also about who you beat beats. As for pie are squared, I've always thought pies were round.
We keep hearing about how deep the offensive line, but how can you explain rushing for a little more than 100 yards against Illini with Alex Boone out of the lineup? -- Andre in Indianapolis
TIM: I'll try. Ohio State actually had a nice mix going until Beanie Wells fumbled and was benched. The Buckeyes had almost 200 yards of offense by halftime. Then in the second half it buttoned up, Illinois sensed that, and it sent the house against the line, stoning the run and harassing Smith on the few times he tried to throw. But you're right, the offensive line couldn't get a handle on it. And remember, four of those five guys were the regular starters.
How bad is Troy Smith's thumb injury? Could this be the true reason why the Bucks did not pass so much in the second half against Illinois? What "panic level" should Buckeye fans be at about this? -- Scott in Seoul, South Korea
TIM: Personally, Scott, if I was where you are at the moment, I'd be more worried about Kim Jung Il. But hey, that's just me. As for Smith, he admitted this week it does bother him a little, but that it shouldn't take away from what he wants to do. That's all I can tell you. As for panic level, I don't know, DefCon 2? But aren't most OSU fans at some level of panic about this time in a promising season?
What is the status of tackle Alex Boone? Any other Bucks who are hurting? -- Jim in Cincinnati
TIM: We were told by head coach Jim Tressel yesterday that Boone (knee) not only won't play, he won't make the trip. Ray Small will make the trip, though, and is expected to play. Backup defensive back Kurt Coleman is questionable with an undisclosed injury. That's about it.
We heard so many good things about Nader Abdallah when he was recruited, but even though this is his third year, he's languishing behind younger players on the defensive line such as Wilson, Worthington and Denlinger. Are you aware of anything in particular that's been holding him back?
TIM: The reason is pretty simple when you think about it. The coaches have judged he's not quite as effective as those fellows. He was bothered by some nagging injuries, too. But you also have to remember that just those three fellows you named were considered among the top 10 in their positions nationally when they signed on with the Buckeyes. That's the challenge almost every player faces every day in practice at Ohio State.
Thanksgiving is around the corner, and I'll be cooking for my husband's family -- a bunch of Badgers fans claiming their team could have beaten the Bucks this year. What would your answer be to this nuisance of a turkey dinner conversation? -- Louanne in Montomery, Ill.
TIM: First of all, you need to find yourself a good "wild game" cookbook, and for the snacks before the main event, pass around a platter heaped high with fresh-fried badger. Actually, I'm told it is best served on a stick. Then as dinner begins, stuff the earbuds from your Ipod deep into your ears, smile at the flapping lips around you and enjoy your well-cooked meal. Talk about a moot point ... then again, just ask in a calm voice, "Who would you take first? Troy Smith or John Stocco?" And if you're lucky, maybe they'll all leave early.
With the way Illinois played OSU last week, and the Northwestern victory over Iowa last week, what kind of surprise package do you think Wildcats will bring to the table saturday after watching the game films? -- Chuck in Westerville
TIM: I think they will be on the attack defensively with a lot of stunts and twists and blitzes, if they copy what Illinois did. And why not? What have the Wildcats got to lose? But somebody better cover Ted Ginn Jr., Anthony Gonzalez and Brian Robiskie. I'm telling you, it might not make a difference, but the OSU offense was embarrassed by what happened in the second half at Illinois.
Is Kirk Herbstreit a Buckeye hater or does he just bend over backwards to make sure he appears unbiased? -- Terry in Marion
TIM: Uh-oh. What did he say? I personally think Herbstreit plays it right down the middle in terms of his analysis. But right down the middle obviously doesn't always sit well with people sitting on just one side of the stadium.
Is there a chance that coach Tressel will make Ted Ginn the starting quarterback for next season
TIM: No.
From what you hear players and coaches say, which stadium is the worst in the Big Ten? -- Dean in Denver
TIM: It depends on what you mean by "worst." Worst atmosphere? I don't think many like playing in the dome at Minnesota, which is why the Gophers are building a new stadium. Worst structure? Illinois' Memorial Stadium, aka, the Wind Tunnel, is the last in the league to undergo a major renovation, which will start in earnest once the season is done. And Michigan Stadium, which also is being renovated, is nothing but a big hole with massive stands around it. In fact, have you ever noticed that from the air, Michigan Stadium actually looks like the world's largest Block O. Interesting.Worst, as in architectural nightmare? Penn State. No doubt about it. It was added on to in hodge-podge fashion with the massive end zone structures probably being the most appealing. But they're in the end zone, for goodness sakes. And worst, as in sun in your eyes? That would have to be Wisconsin, which put its new, humongous suites array on top of the east side of the stadium. That means the rich folk are all staring into sun on those mid-afternoon games in the fall.
In regards to the game plan for tomorrow: Will we see the tortoise or the hare from coach Tressel? -- Martin P.
TIM: Funny, I asked him that very thing yesterday, though not in those exact words. He indicated that the Buckeyes plan to go full bore, from the time they step off the bus until the time they step back on. I guess we'll see. I do know he wasn't very happy about the way they exited last week, that's for sure.
Do you see any obvious advantages that the Michigan team has over Ohio St.? -- David G.
TIM: No. Many experts are pointing to the Wolverines' defensive front, headed by end Lamarr Woodley. But the deep OSU defensive front, headed by Quinn Pitcock and accented by Jay Richardson, Vernon Gholston, Lawrence Wilson, David Patterson, et al, matches up at least as well. Especially that et al fellow. He's sneaky. Otherwise, the teams are fairly different in their offensive approach, with the Wolverines leaning on Michael Hart and the running game while the Buckeyes seem more comfortable letting Troy Smith do his thing throwing it. I just think overall it is going to be a collision of historical proportions. But then, you already knew that.
Lloyd Carr is 1-4 vs. OSU ever since Jim Tressel took over. Should Carr lose again to OSU, regardless of his overall record, could he be shown the door? The Buckeyes did the same to John Cooper because he couldn't beat Michigan. -- Ed H. in Cleveland
TIM: Anything can happen, I guess. But let's set the record straight. John Cooper had a lot of great qualities, as far as I'm concerned, but he was 2-10-1 against Michigan. In other words, if his job relied on the result of that game, he never would have seen the 1991 season. As for Carr, man, he had his team in the Rose Bowl just two years ago, losing to Texas on a weak field goal at the end. And after a star-crossed 2005, his team is 10-0 and ranked No.2 in the country this season. That's not the resume of a man who should be "shown the door." Besides, in 1997 he did something Bo Schembechler never did. He won the national championship. And as of this moment, he still has an overall winning record (6-5) over Ohio State. Overall, that's pretty good stuff.
MODERATOR: Tim, readers, thanks again for a great chat. That's a wrap. Eight more days.
Upvote
0
Dispatch
Web Xtra
Transcript of OSU football online chat with Tim May
BuckeyeXtra.com
Monday, January 15, 2007 8:17 PM
Dispatch OSU football beat writer Tim May answered readers' questions about the Buckeyes, NFL draft and whatever else was on their minds Monday night. Here's a transcript of his online chat:
Web Xtra
Transcript of OSU football online chat with Tim May
BuckeyeXtra.com
Monday, January 15, 2007 8:17 PM
Dispatch OSU football beat writer Tim May answered readers' questions about the Buckeyes, NFL draft and whatever else was on their minds Monday night. Here's a transcript of his online chat:
Upvote
0
23Skidoo
It's so Japaneasy
osugrad21;718808; said:
I think he's a little obsessed with the Hall - Ginn incident. It's like he tries to mention it in every single response. I'm sure Hall feels horrible about what happened -- cut the guy some slack. He's been a great team player for this team and I appreciate everything he's done for us fans.
Upvote
0