TheMile said:
I'm going to have to call bullshit on this. I just got back from a brief visit there after tsteele's thread. They don't call it BuckeyePlanet, they call it "another site" as if they are afraid to say it lest they be bannished. They gleam all their info from here, then they do the typical bucknuts bullshit where the sky is falling and so-and-so recruit isn't coming here blah blah blah.Misanthrope said:
scarletngrey77 said:
Buckeyes Defend Remarks Made by Carpenter
By John Porentas
Words, they say, are like bullets. Once you let them go, it's pretty hard to get them back.
A minor furor erupted this week when OSU linebacker Bobby Carpenter was quoted as saying that it is the intent of the Buckeye defense to end Vince Young's Heisman candidacy. The quote aired on Columbus area radio, and eventually in Texas as well.
The wisdom of providing that kind of bulletin board material is open to debate, but according to Carpenter's teammates, the comment was not one that disrespected Young. It simply reflected a long-standing philosophy held by the Buckeye defense; that you must stop the oppositions biggest offensive weapon. <TABLE width=120 align=left><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD>
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Anthony Schlegel[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Photo by Jim Davidson [/FONT]
"Coach Dantonio always used to say 'Don't let them leave being a Heisman candidate. That's what he always said, so it's nothing new," said linebacker Anthony Schlegel.
"If you have a defense, that's your mentality. We're not putting out bulletin board material, but it's a true statement, you never want anybody leaving here a front runner (for the Heisman)," Schlegel said.
"Coach Dantonio always said he didn't want anybody leaving Ohio Stadium as Heisman Trophy candidate. Even if they weren't candidates, he always said that. That's what Bobby was saying.
"If a guy left here as a front-runner, that means he smoked us and had a great game. You don't ever want that to happen," said Schlegel.
That might be the case, but like those bullets, the words were let loose, evil intent or not. There's no taking them back. Schlegel said that leaves the Buckeyes just one course of action.
"Now we have to walk the walk. He's talked it," Schlegel said.
Senior Buckeye safety Nate Salley was on the same page.
"We've got a guy coming in here who everybody is preaching about he's so great. We going to try and prove that he's not so great, that's our goal, to try and prove that they're wrong. That's what we've done in the past, that's what we're going to try and do Saturday," Salley said.
ScarletInMyVeins said:
Night Game Makes for Long Afternoon for Players
By John Porentas
A preseason matchup between number two Texas and number four Ohio State is a yummy proposition. Add in the fact that the game will be played at night in Ohio Stadium, and you have the makings of a truly remarkable and memorable evening.
Buckeye and Longhorn fans will be able to party all day long, watch college football, and get themselves into the proper frame of mind for the clash under the lights. The people who run Hineygate should sell about a zillion Brats and two zillion gallons of beer during the afternoon before the game. For the participants, however, it is definitely a different story.
"For me the bad news is that when you wake up in the morning you have to wait all day," said OSU Head Coach Jim Tressel.
"The worst part about the game is that you have to wait for it. When you play at noon you wake up, you're ready to play."
While the fans are hooting and hollering all afternoon, the Buckeyes will be trying to fill their time before the game. For some, that time span will seem like an eternity, especially for the early risers on the team. <TABLE width=120 align=left><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD>
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Anthony Gonzalez [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
"I'm dreading all day," agreed fellow early riser Anthony Gonzales.
"I wake up very early in the mornings, whether I have a game or not. I'm a 6:00 AM, 5:30 AM guy, so I'm going to be up forever."
Gonzalez will be looking for ways to fill his day before the game.
"Maybe we'll get some card games going. I'm sure we'll watch football. I'll probably take an extra-long look at my scouting report," said Gonzalez.
"It's long, because you're looking forward to arguably the biggest four hours of your year. You just know it's on its way but it seems like time moves at a snails pace. It's tough sometimes." <TABLE width=120 align=right><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD>
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mike Kudla[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
"I definitely like to get up early and start the day running. I like getting up early," said OSU defensive end Mike Kudla.
"You kind of wake up and take your mind away from the game. You can't wake up and start thinking about playing.
"When we have a noon game you wake up and you're ready to go. Pretty much you have to wake up and relax. As the day wears on you sit back, watch a couple of games and relax. We can't get too tense," Kudla said. <TABLE width=120 align=left><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD>
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Antonio Pittman [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Running back Antonio Pittman also claims to be an early riser and has a plan for his afternoon on game day.
"Watch football games, play video games, listen to some music, get focused, get in the mind set of the game," said Pittman.
Not all the Buckeyes will be up with the sun on Saturday. Defensive lineman Marcus Green says he'll take advantage of the late start to get some extra rest.
"When I can, I try and sleep in," said Green.
"I try to get as much rest as possible before a game. I'm definitely going to get me a nap."
When he's not napping, Green will spend his time before the game thinking about football.
"I'll watch games, maybe talk to my parents, look over my playbook and scouting report. You can never over prepare," he said.
Green may get some shuteye before the Texas game, but Pittman definitely will not take a trip to dreamland before making the trip to the stadium.
"No, never, I never sleep before a game," said Pittman, "Never."
Buckeye86 said:drove down to Columbus yesterday, gonna pick up my tickets today
<TABLE width="75%" align=center><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Buckeyes vs. Longhorns
By Tony Gerdeman
The first meeting of two storied programs couldn't come at a better time. Texas comes into this game ranked second in the AP and Coaches' poll. In fact they have received first place votes in both polls. (I'm assuming the two votes in the Coaches' poll come from a hopeful Mack Brown and a playful Bob Stoops.) Ohio State comes into the game ranked fourth in the AP poll and seventh in the Coaches' poll.
Historically, there are eighty bowl game appearances, ten national championships, fifty-five conference titles and eight Heisman Trophies between the two schools. To say that this is a match up of monumental proportions would be a tremendous cliché.
When Texas Has The Ball
Vince Young will have the ball in his hands more than Michael Jordan with the shot clock winding down. Or, for you younger readers, Vince Young will have the ball in his hands more than Allen Iverson at any random point in any random game.
The Longhorns will will run most of their plays from the shotgun, and most plays will have two or three different options from which Young will choose.
They will run inside option handoffs in which Young will either give the ball to the running back or keep it and run outside. They will also run play action along with the typical outside option from both the shotgun and the I formation.
Regardless of what formation the Longhorns use, the Buckeyes will have somebody spying Young. The Buckeyes will no-doubt change up the spy in an effort to confuse Young. Seemingly, everybody on defense is looking forward to doing it and willing to step up if called upon.
Comparisons to their previous experience in spying a running quarterback in a game against Ell Roberson a couple of years ago may not, however, be valid. If I had a Yugo, I could walk around town saying I have a European car, but that doesn't make it a Ferrari.
The Ohio State defense wants to turn Young into a passer. To do that, they have to contain the run. Texas has four very good running backs. They will most likely start Selvin Young, but Jamaal Charles will get some carries too. Quite the hubbub was made about Henry Melton, the 270 lb freshman running back. Last week he made Louisiana-Lafayette look like...well, Louisiana-Lafayette. His biggest impact in this game could come in the second half if Texas is able to wear down Ohio State's run defense.
Then there is Texas' version of Ted Ginn: running back Ramonce Taylor. It seems that every school now has their "Ted Ginn". Michigan has Steve Breaston, Texas has Taylor, Indiana has...well, okay, so I've just disproven my own statement. It's not the first time. Taylor is similar to Ginn in that he'll line up everywhere on the field. He'll line up out wide, he'll go in motion, he'll line up in the slot, and he'll line up in the backfield. He will also carry the ball or catch the ball from all of these formations. He is fast and has terrific moves. He definitely needs to be watched-and preferably not by a linebacker.
The Texas wide receivers corps is talented, but under utilized, kind of like your wedding china. Most of the game, they are stuffed in the cupboard or in some hope chest on the sideline while Texas continues to dine on the fake ceramic dinner plates known as tight end David Thomas. Whoever is assigned to Thomas will be a busy man Saturday night.
Of the sixteen passes Young threw last week, less than six were thrown more than eleven yards down field. Most of the passes to wide receivers are curl routes to the outside. Young will, however, go downfield when there is one-on-one coverage. Given defensive coordinator Jim Heacock's newly-aggressive defense, we may see some of those downfield opportunities for Young. It will be up to the Buckeye defensive backs to negate these opportunities.
If OSU fails to contain Young he could end up running for days (Fortunately, Ohio State isn't Michigan.). If the Buckeyes can get any push up front from Quinn Pitcock, it could make Vince Young breakdown and look to scramble sooner he wants. And with blitzes coming from all over the place, and threats of blitzes and hints of blitzes and smolderings of blitzes and wisps (?) of blitzes, Young may get a bit jittery back there.
The Longhorn offensive line is a veteran unit with tons of individual accolades. They may prevent the Ohio State defense from getting pressure on the quarterback without blitzing linebackers and defensive backs. Of course, it only takes one hit from Mike Kudla coming around the edge to change everything.
If Texas controls the line of scrimmage, they will wear down the Ohio State defense and be able to pick and choose how they want to run the ball. It will be up to Jim Heacock and the Buckeyes to dictate what Texas can do.
The Texas special teams weren't exactly a shining beacon of adequacy last Saturday. Starting kicker Richmond McGee was four of seven on extra points, having two blocked. Don't excuse those two blocks, however, as the kicks were so low they probably would not have cleared the goal posts anyway.
The Longhorns have some very capable return men. Aaron Ross averaged twenty yards per punt return last weekend, and Taylor could see some time returning kickoffs.
When Ohio State Has The Ball
The key to the entire game is Texas' defensive line. If they are neutralized, Ohio State will win.
We expect Justin Zwick to start the game, and if the Ohio State offensive line gives him time, he will be able to do much of what he did against the RedHawks. Despite the different levels of talent between the two opponents, crossing routes and flat routes are open against all teams, no matter the talent.
Twenty of the Buckeyes twenty-two completions went to wide receivers, and while Zwick didn't go downfield much, he didn't need to. The Buckeyes stretched the field wide last week, and don't be surprised to see it stretched vertically this week.
When Troy Smith comes into the game as Tressel has promised, expect more of the same, except with an added threat of superior mobility.
We're not convinced that the Buckeyes are going to have much success running the ball out of the I formation against Texas' front. Most of their rushing yards will come from the spread. Because of the spread, if the offensive linemen can hold their man just long enough, Antonio Pittman will be four yards downfield before anybody can get to him. By the time they tackle him, he's got a nice six yard gain on first down. Then on second down you can do whatever you want.
Much of the offensive success last week was due to the gains on first and second down. The playbook was almost never condensed because of down and distance. If they can continue the first down dominance, they will control the clock and keep the ball away from Vince Young.
The Longhorn linebackers haven't blitzed much, as they just wait to clean up what the defensive line leaves behind. Middle linebacker Aaron Harris will be keyed in on Antonio Pittman, especially when there is no fullback to blow up. They have lost Derrick Johnson, and they've moved former safety Drew Kelson to linebacker to try and get more speed there. While not a weakness, they can be exploited with the Buckeyes spread offense.
The Texas secondary seems very confident going into this game, citing their experience defending Roy Williams. That's fine if you choose to believe that. I can believe I can take a kick from a donkey in the gut, but I don't think I can take three or four of them all at once.
Texas' secondary is helped greatly by their defensive line. Texas rarely needs to blitz because of the tremendous pressure from their front four. There are playmakers two-deep in that line. They wreak havoc on the passing game more than the defensive backs do.
Ohio State will have to pass to run. I don't think it will take Zwick and Smith long to begin to open up those running lanes.
Keep in mind that while the offense looked like it showed a lot last week, there is still plenty more to see. We haven't seen Ted Ginn at quarterback yet, and I think we will at some point Saturday night. There have been end arounds, but no reverses yet. They only went downfield a couple of times, choosing instead to keep it a controlled passing game, which is what Justin Zwick grew up in. It was a very basic offense that Ohio State showed Miami (Ohio). Expect a few new wrinkles, but nothing that will put the Buckeyes in a bad situation.
Buckeye kicker Josh Huston has picked up right where Mike Nugent left off- on kickoffs, anyway. We haven't seen how he does when the pressure is on him like a t-shirt on a fat man in the deep end of the pool.
This will also be punter A.J. Trapasso's first real game situation. He didn't punt against Miami until the second half last week. His composure is key.
And is it really necessary to say anything about Holmes and Ginn returning kicks? Saying they're dangerous is like saying, "Hey, the Bee Gees sure sound like girls." You're not saying anything new.
How It'll End Up
If Texas just goes out and does what they've done for the past two years on offense, they will not win. The Ohio State coaches have probably watched the last two Oklahoma games seventy-five times and have plenty of ideas on how to stop Young.
If the Ohio State offensive line cannot give Justin Zwick time, look for Troy Smith to play a majority of the game and keep plays alive. So would Texas consider this a bad thing or a good thing?
Good question.
Last year, Texas played against four "running-capable" (that's a new politically correct term that I just created) quarterbacks. How'd they do?
Against Matt Jones and Arkansas, they gave up 175 yards rushing.
Against Joel Armstrong (yes, THAT Joel Armstrong) and Rice, they gave up 172 yards rushing.
Against Brad Smith and Missouri, they gave up 173 yards rushing.
Against Donovan Woods and Oklahoma State, they gave up 178 yards rushing.
Oh, and even though Jason White could no longer run, the Longhorns also gave up 301 yards rushing to the Sooners.
Antonio Pittman may not get another 100 yards rushing, but the Buckeyes as a team will rush for over 150.
With the quick passing offense, Zwick will have enough time to get rid of the ball. When they have a bit more time, he'll look downfield. I don't think the Longhorn secondary will be able to stay with the Buckeye receivers.
I do think at some point, an OSU defensive back will get complacent and get beat deep. Perhaps against 6'5" Limas Sweed.
Vince Young will be held under fifty yards rushing and will have to win the game with his arm.
He won't.
Ohio State 27 - Texas 14
ScarletInMyVeins said:
