Looking forward to the UT-tOSU game! (long)

[Piney]

EH - We don't lose much at all. We lost 2 starters each on offense & defense. We lose our senior Running Backs(Lydell Ross, Maurice Hall & Brandon Joe), but by the end of the season a true freshman was getting playing time over them all and one of our Guards, who was also losing playing time last year is leaving.

Then on defense we only lose Dustin Fox and Simon Fraser. Everyone else comes back. That is why we are so excited about next year because of the amount of returning starters coming back is sick. And when you really think about it when your biggest loss is your kicker... scary. But then again Nugent is just not your average kicker.

So the team you saw against Michigan & Oklahoma State will be the same team you see in September.

 

[BucksinFL]

Holy Crap, I'm the offensive coordinator????

Then you know what to do muahahahahaha.....

 

[martinss01]

I can say that will the utmost confidence...it hasn't failed in how many years in the shoe when a top notch offensive player in the country comes in and get his ass handed to him and his heisman hopes diminished or totally lost!

HAYN

said it before and ill say it again. as far as the defense is conscerned, next year look for the shoe to once again be referred to as "the house where heisman hopes die".


EngineerHorn, welcome to the site and great post :). good info on your team. im anything but in the know but do enjoy rambling incoherently from time to time. soooo...

you know about teddy ginn. he has great hands, incredible moves, and theres that whole speed thing. id hype him, but there really is no point. i will pay you money if you convince your special teams coach to punt to him.

moving right along! :p you really need to worry about gonzo and holmes. holmes is all around the best wideout we have. he's the total package. runs great routes, great speed, increadible hands and conscentration. this guy is going to be a braylon edwards kind of guy. you put the ball anywhere near him and he has a very good shot of coming down with it. gonzo, might be the second fastest guy on the team. his routes have improved greatly over the year and his success has shown that. his score against oosu is a perfect example of why putting all your attention on ginn is a bad thing. and yet, not putting your full attention on ginn... likely worse. glade i don't have to scheme against him :p

our running game will likely be by committee as well and shouldn't be a viable threat on its own. our ol vrs. your dl should be an interesting matchup. but look for us to run the spread and lead with the pass to open up the run. i expect zwick to start over smith. but smith has a huge fan base on this board so expect to hear a lot of different opinions on that situation. both smith and zwick are good qb's and worthy starters. smith is a run first pass second type of guy with good moves and sub par speed. zwick throws an ugly ball but very catchable and is far less interested in running. whoever starts, they likely won't be the focus of your frustrations.

our d is going to be very very dangerous. we replace 2 starters and only 1 had any significant impact and that was mostly in a leadership role. not talent wise. frasier and fox will both go into the nfl, but talent wise we shouldn't have any drop off. leadership and experience maybe. but more at corner than d line. hawk is argueably the best lb in the country and the other 2 would start at any school in college football. look for hawk or carpenter to be a spy. both are sure taklers in space have unreal speed and can scrape like no ones buisness for their size. vy isn't going to tear up the field like he did against scum's horribly slow lb's and safties. our safties are solid and youboty at corner is becoming a lock down corner. there is a lot of speculation who will take fox's spot, but the list is full of guys will raw talent though no quality experience. we will likely play soft on that side with alot of help.

though a lot can change between now and game time. expect a score around 24 to 17 in what would seem like a close game that in reality is anything but. that isn't because i don't think your team is any good. its just as others have said, the big 12 always seems to get a good beat down in these games. id say i hope that isn't the case... but im really pulling for history to hold true. sorry :p.

 

[DiHrdBucki45]

E-Horn,

Thank you for the comments, I can't help but keep up with the horns living here in Austin. We do have large Buckeye contingency here in Texas as we found out in the Alamo bowl. Even our local radio sports guy in the morning on "1300 the zone" (Erin Hogan) is a Buckeye fan. I'm sure he's going to take allot of ribbing this fall. I hope all this Clarett and NCAA stuff is over by then. I can hear the "Buckeye flaming" already.

HineyBuck is on the mark. The game will boil down to VY <vs> OSU's LB's and which team can establish a running game with their young RB's.

All in all, I can't wait for this game!

 

[kn1f3party]

I'm just so excited to have tickets!

I'm boasting ... you can have the thread back.

In all seriousness. Ohio State is 21-3-1 against the Big XII all-time with the last loss dating back to 1977. That was probably the last great matchup with the Big XII for Ohio State. Oklahoma finished 10-2 but that game was won by a single point.

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

Our Defense and LB's especially will shut down Vince Young!

I can say that will the utmost confidence...it hasn't failed in how many years in the shoe when a top notch offensive player in the country comes in and get his ass handed to him and his heisman hopes diminished or totally lost!

HAYN

Let me summarize the fates of bona fide Heisman offensive candidates that ventured into The Shoe during Tressel's reign:

2002

Kliff Kingsbury, Texas Tech: Lost 45-21 (two of his TDs came in the last half of the 4th qtr against 2nd/3rd teamers)

Jason Gesser, Washington State: Lost 25-7 (scored on first drive of game, shut down the last 3 1/2 qtrs)

Larry Johnson, Penn State: Lost 13-7. Had 66 yards on 16 carries (4.1 ypc), but had 35 of those on one carry. Otherwise he had 31 yards on 15 carries (3.1 ypc).

Chris Perry, Michigan: Lost 14-9. Had 92 yards on 28 carries (2.7 ypc).

2003

Cody Pickett, Washington: Lost 28-9. Didn't score their lone TD until 3:27 left in the game.

Phillip Rivers, NC State: Lost 44-38 (3OT). They scored only 24 points in regulation, and 7 of those came when we fumbled away a punt inside our 17. Rivers was the only great offensive player to have a decent, productive game against us in The Shoe.

2004

Michael Hart, Michigan: Lost 37-21. Had 61 yards on 18 carries (3.4 ypc). However, 27 yards came on his first four carries in Michigan's first two possesions, after which OSU adjusted to hold him to 34 yards on 14 carries (2.4 ypc).

No opposing big-name offensive player has had a huge game in The Shoe since Tressel took charge.

 

[EngineerHorn]

Piney and martin, thanks for the info about the Bucks next season. That's exactly what I was looking for. I seem to remember something about Troy Smith's eligibility. Is he cleared to play now?

DiHrd, i had no idea about Erin. Seems like I should have picked up on that by now. And oh yes, I would expect a bunch of flaming too, but not so much because of the Buckeyes. That dude is a lightning rod for heated arguments as it is!

And scary stats for Heisman candidates against the Bucks. That's not very good news for Vince. But, if anyone were to break that trend, it is Vince. I'm not saying he will, but based on his performance during the last part of the year, the guy just has an innate ability to make plays when they need to be made. Call it heart, determination, (over)confidence, whatever. I'm not sure what it is, but it's there. Much like, dare I say, Craig Krenzel? I was always amazed at Krenzel's poise and his ability to pull something out of his ass when the game was on the line. That's Vince.

A few more questions/observations:

Sorry to bring this up, but I watched y'all's game with Northwestern this year. Zwick looked amazing at times, horrible at others. I guess it just boils down to inconsistency. That's freshmen quarterbacks for you. So this guy really has a shot at being the starting quarterback? I just assumed it was Smith's to lose.

Spread offense. Pardon my ignorance, but when the hell did this happen? I didn't see any tOSU games between Northwestern and Michigan, so you can imagine my shock to see a mobile quarterback lining up in the gun with 4 receivers. On first down no less. Then I saw a typically stagnant, conservative offense throwing the ball all over the place and lighting up the scoreboard against a defense with 2 first team All Americans and blue chip recruits at every position.

Ginn and the spread. I could be wrong, but I think he was lining up as kind of a slot back, or wing back. 4-5 yards off the line of scrimmage, but outside the tackle. Genius! The perfect position to take option pitches/end arounds OR run a quick slant, seem pattern, etc. It was at that moment that I began campaigning that our own speedy freshman, Ramonce Taylor, be used in the same manner.

EH

 

[WoodyWorshiper]

I truly see this is the biggest OOC game to me as a Buckeye fan since 1977 OKlahoma. That game never seems to get the recognition on this or any other site as being one of the most bitter losses in TOSU history. Not just because we lost the game but HOW we lost the game.

Since the majority of us look at the scUM game as a "season" in itself, this game pretty much is the entire "1st season." Let's face it, we are all "homers" and wear the "scarlet colored glasses" but be realistic. If we win this game we run the table to the Pig House. Iowa will be a worthy opponent but we beat them in Columbus. This game just sets the tone for the whole year. It's gonna be hyped as a Vince Young vs. Teddy Ginn matchup, but we all know what the keys will be. Our outstanding LB crew can take Young out of the game. They may not be the best crew we ever had here(or they might be) but they will be one of the most "athletic."

Our OL will determine the outcome of the game. The thing is, they don't have to get any better than they are today. Play as they did against scUM and OKlahoma State and we win this game by 10 points. If by chance they can improve on those performances, we could win this game in a blowout.

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

Sorry to bring this up, but I watched y'all's game with Northwestern this year. Zwick looked amazing at times, horrible at others. I guess it just boils down to inconsistency. That's freshmen quarterbacks for you. So this guy really has a shot at being the starting quarterback? I just assumed it was Smith's to lose.

That was his first road game, under hostile conditions, with our OL not playing well that game. Even so, he did rally the game from 10 down in the fourth to tie the game. By the way, he's a 3rd year sophomore, not a freshman. Zwick will indeed be the starting Qb for our opener, since Smith has one more game to serve under suspension. If Zwick plays as well as he did against Oklahoma State, he will no doubt keep the starting job.

 

[jimotis4heisman]

Let me summarize the fates of bona fide Heisman offensive candidates that ventured into The Shoe during Tressel's reign:

2002

Kliff Kingsbury, Texas Tech: Lost 45-21 (two of his TDs came in the last half of the 4th qtr against 2nd/3rd teamers)

Jason Gesser, Washington State: Lost 25-7 (scored on first drive of game, shut down the last 3 1/2 qtrs)

Larry Johnson, Penn State: Lost 13-7. Had 66 yards on 16 carries (4.1 ypc), but had 35 of those on one carry. Otherwise he had 31 yards on 15 carries (3.1 ypc).

Chris Perry, Michigan: Lost 14-9. Had 92 yards on 28 carries (2.7 ypc).

2003

Cody Pickett, Washington: Lost 28-9. Didn't score their lone TD until 3:27 left in the game.

Phillip Rivers, NC State: Lost 44-38 (3OT). They scored only 24 points in regulation, and 7 of those came when we fumbled away a punt inside our 17. Rivers was the only great offensive player to have a decent, productive game against us in The Shoe.

2004

Michael Hart, Michigan: Lost 37-21. Had 61 yards on 18 carries (3.4 ypc). However, 27 yards came on his first four carries in Michigan's first two possesions, after which OSU adjusted to hold him to 34 yards on 14 carries (2.4 ypc).

No opposing big-name offensive player has had a huge game in The Shoe since Tressel took charge.

johnson ran for negative one yard in the second half if i recall correctly

 

[EPBucks]

Mililani, that wasn't Zwicks first road game. His first was the game against NCST. He didn't play that well in the NCST game though but it wasn't necessary for us to win the game.

 

[biobuck]

chris perry in 2002, mike hart can hardly be called heisman candidates..kliff kingsbury was a long shot...

 

[DiHrdBucki45]

Troy Smith's eligibility

OSU voluntarily suspended Smith for his poor judgement. The NCAA seems happy with OSU actions thus far. The word is that Smith may indeed miss the first game against Miami, Oh but should be able to return for the UT game. Again, that's speculation.

i had no idea about Erin. Seems like I should have picked up on that by now. And oh yes, I would expect a bunch of flaming too, but not so much because of the Buckeyes. That dude is a lightning rod for heated arguments as it is!

Buck-e and e-Hogan are both riots in the morning. Buck-e ribs e-Hogan often about our beloved Buckeyes! E-Hogan isn't an OSU "Homer" on the air. We'll see where stands this fall.

Zwick looked amazing at times, horrible at others. I guess it just boils down to inconsistency. That's freshmen quarterbacks for you. So this guy really has a shot at being the starting quarterback? I just assumed it was Smith's to lose.

Some back ground first. Both Smith and Zwick were "elite 11" QB's when they were recruited. Zwick has sorta been the crowd fav early on and Tressel made it fairly obvious that Zwick was his guy. Smith, was reported to be eratic at times and he didn't fit the "Krenzel" mode that Tressel seemed to prefer. Tressel tends to favor a very conservative ball control offense that doesn't make mistakes. Short passes, no gimmicks, and lots of running up the middle and off tackle play. Force the other team to make mistakes and play excellent "D". Our offensive talent isn't geared for this type offense. in Zwick's defense the entire offense was TERRIBLE in the first few games. The O-line was really bad to say the least and we had no proven power TB. I don't believe Smith would have faired any better in some those losses (N/W, Iowa).

When Zwick went down in the Iowa loss, Smith came in and added a much needed spark to the "O". As the weeks went by Tressel started changing the offensive personnel (More Gonzo and Ginn, moving and switching out linemen) as well as the scheme to fit the athletes on the field. Viola! We have "Teddy Ball". As Zwick proved in the Alamo bowl, the offensive improvements are due to the fact that the team has come together as a unit and has found their "niche" on "O" rather than who is quarterbacking. Both Zwick and Smith have grown throughout the season to be excellent field generals. I'd be happy with either one starting. However, if I had to pick, I'd would prefer Smith for 2 reasons.

1- he adds a running threat
2- he can throw the deep ball better than Zwick.

With the advent of "Teddy Ball", improved "O" line play and if we can land 5* rb Gwaltney and maybe get Haw up to speed we'll have a little of the old and the new "O" by UT game time.:)

 

[Xevious]

I'm just so excited to have tickets!

I'm boasting ... you can have the thread back.

In all seriousness. Ohio State is 21-3-1 against the Big XII all-time with the last loss dating back to 1977. That was probably the last great matchup with the Big XII for Ohio State. Oklahoma finished 10-2 but that game was won by a single point.

I'm almost certain the Bucks are 27-3-1 (.887) vs. the B12, not 21-3-1. That's easily our best winning percentage vs. a major conference.

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

I'm almost certain the Bucks are 27-3-1 (.887) vs. the B12, not 21-3-1. That's easily our best winning percentage vs. a major conference.

28-3-1.

Mililani, that wasn't Zwicks first road game. His first was the game against NCST. He didn't play that well in the NCST game though but it wasn't necessary for us to win the game.

You're right...I switched their order in my head. Good catch.

chris perry in 2002, mike hart can hardly be called heisman candidates..kliff kingsbury was a long shot...

Wrong. Kingsbury was in the top 5 of the HT candidates at the beginning of 2002...he wasn't after the season opener against us. Perry was also a oft-mentioned candidate in 2002, up until The Game. Hart was in the top 10 of HT candidates this past year, especially after he had three straight 200+ yard games in mid-season.