Next Year

[SEREbuckeye]

I thing PG has indicated he will move on.
He never got his footing here.

Steele, Tommy, Wypler, Cade returning would be huge.

Austin Ward has said repeatedly that Cade, Tommy, and Steele will likely be all or none. Obviously that could change, but with all 3 being roommates and still something To prove, it would be awesome.

 

[Steve19]

They could roll into Ann Arbor undefeated or with 4 losses. I think more likely to be neither extreme.

 

[pnuts34]

I have learned not to worry about QBs under Day, just like I no longer worry about WRs under Hartline. This team will be fine next year, and I can see them back in the CFP. Like was said, need a few OL, and a DB and I think we’re set. Get this defense more acclimated, find someone to correct these DB’s coverage skills(whether that be with current staff or elsewhere). Frye is going to get this OL working even better next year, people are forgetting how good they looked last night against the best DL and defense in CFB(Carter was a non factor). I don’t see a CB in the country being able to cover MHjr, and idk of a defense being able to cover MHjr AND Egbuka(who people are sleeping on because MHjr is a generational talent). We will most likely have some WR attrition, but they’ll be replace by one of the best WR classes in history. The DL is where I worry, with LJsr’s status an unknown, and also if he were to leave his replacement(I know the same name that’s been mentioned, but he has to be offered AND accept the position…). Another group I worry about is the DBs, because the 3 S look didn’t look the best at the end of the year, was that due to talent or coaching ? And will OSU find 2-4 solid CBs that can actually consistently cover, and will they be put in spots to succeed?
After the way Day called the game last night, I’m feeling confident that he could beat scUM. Yes it was a loss, but it wasn’t the typical, WR screen, non creative play calling that he’s done in big games. The last drive could be argued, but most of the game could not be. He went right after UGA in the air like he should’ve against scUM and got up early and didn’t let his foot off the pedal. That’s the Day offense we all know and love. Wisky doesn’t scare, and ND scares me less. Fickell is a very good HC, but IMO he’s a retread of every other Wisky HC(run heavy, good defense, nothing great). Freeman was supposed to be a defensive genius, and ND looks average at best and could barely stop Spencer Rattler in their bowl game. Not to mention losing their best offensive weapon(TE-Mayer) and having mediocre offensive weapons. I see another 1 loss AT WORST season for the Buckeyes.

 

[billmac91]

Lol Western Kentucky lost to fucking Auburn 41-17. Panic over that game is comical.

There’s nuance here though.

The Buckeyes would typically eye a relatively non-descript non P5 OOC game with an eye towards installing the gameplan for ND.

WKU will have their full attention….it makes the ND game preparation that much harder.

 

[scarletngray]

I actually think Zen will be a stud, so I'm not too concerned at LT.

I also am a huge believer in Fryar, although I'm not sure where he ideally slots at.

If Wypler returns, that'd be huge. IMO, Zen/Fryar/Wypler/Jackson is a helluva start to a great line.....wait, can we play with only 4 OL?

If Wyp and Matt Jones return we should be good on the OL. Hope you are right about Zen. But Jackson could play LT and there is Enock Vihami (sp?) that is a veteran and could play one of the Guard positions. Or maybe one of the young guns can step up and play; Teshbola, Hinzman, etc.

 

[billmac91]

I have learned not to worry about QBs under Day, just like I no longer worry about WRs under Hartline. This team will be fine next year, and I can see them back in the CFP. Like was said, need a few OL, and a DB and I think we’re set. Get this defense more acclimated, find someone to correct these DB’s coverage skills(whether that be with current staff or elsewhere). Frye is going to get this OL working even better next year, people are forgetting how good they looked last night against the best DL and defense in CFB(Carter was a non factor). I don’t see a CB in the country being able to cover MHjr, and idk of a defense being able to cover MHjr AND Egbuka(who people are sleeping on because MHjr is a generational talent). We will most likely have some WR attrition, but they’ll be replace by one of the best WR classes in history. The DL is where I worry, with LJsr’s status an unknown, and also if he were to leave his replacement(I know the same name that’s been mentioned, but he has to be offered AND accept the position…). Another group I worry about is the DBs, because the 3 S look didn’t look the best at the end of the year, was that due to talent or coaching ? And will OSU find 2-4 solid CBs that can actually consistently cover, and will they be put in spots to succeed?
After the way Day called the game last night, I’m feeling confident that he could beat scUM. Yes it was a loss, but it wasn’t the typical, WR screen, non creative play calling that he’s done in big games. The last drive could be argued, but most of the game could not be. He went right after UGA in the air like he should’ve against scUM and got up early and didn’t let his foot off the pedal. That’s the Day offense we all know and love. Wisky doesn’t scare, and ND scares me less. Fickell is a very good HC, but IMO he’s a retread of every other Wisky HC(run heavy, good defense, nothing great). Freeman was supposed to be a defensive genius, and ND looks average at best and could barely stop Spencer Rattler in their bowl game. Not to mention losing their best offensive weapon(TE-Mayer) and having mediocre offensive weapons. I see another 1 loss AT WORST season for the Buckeyes.

I agree to a degree…

My only concern with that, is even in Spring games or limited reps, you could see the elite level that CJ could spin the ball. You could just tell his arm talent was elite.

In McCord’s limited reps we just haven’t seen that. He looked OK in the start against Akron last year but didn’t show anything resembling the arm talent of Stroud.

We’ll see…..this is the biggest question at QB we’ve had in a pretty long time IMO….Not necessarily in terms of who will start, but what that talent level looks like.

 

[cdiddy70]

Total confidence in Frye.
He is a boss.

But I don’t see many viable T options (certainly not enough for depth purposes) other the Zen & Friar.

I see D. Jackson mentioned but he lacks height. I’d rather be be an emergency T and an all-American G.

I don’t think Leroux or Toutant should be considered as options.

L. Montgomery and Miles Walker shouldn’t be counted on in year 1.

 

[OregonBuckeye]

This thread is not giving me the warm fuzzies I was hoping for

 

[jwinslow]

I agree to a degree…

My only concern with that, is even in Spring games or limited reps, you could see the elite level that CJ could spin the ball. You could just tell his arm talent was elite.

In McCord’s limited reps we just haven’t seen that. He looked OK in the start against Akron last year but didn’t show anything resembling the arm talent of Stroud.

We’ll see…..this is the biggest question at QB we’ve had in a pretty long time IMO….Not necessarily in terms of who will start, but what that talent level looks like.

CJ had talent but it wasn't exactly a given that he was the future. Probable but not definite.

The flip side of needing CJs arm talent is that Duggan and Bennett are about to play for a NC, and neither will have a prayer of sticking in the league with their pithy tools.

Brown presents a pretty big wildcard.

 

[cdiddy70]

There’s nuance here though.

The Buckeyes would typically eye a relatively non-descript non P5 OOC game with an eye towards installing the gameplan for ND.

WKU will have their full attention….it makes the ND game preparation that much harder.

By contrast ND has Navy, Tennessee St, and Central Michigan before us.

 

[billmac91]

CJ had talent but it wasn't exactly a given that he was the future. Probable but not definite.

The flip side of needing CJs arm talent is that Duggan and Bennett are about to play for a NC, and neither will have a prayer of sticking in the league with their pithy tools.

Brown presents a pretty big wildcard.

I guess some were skeptical on Stroud, especially after Oregon game.

Personally, I was not. He always had that arm talent. Certain guys just spin it differently and he’s one of them. His arm jumped off the tape. Not necessarily as a rocket, but the touch he threw it with, the spiral, and the ability to get it outside the hashes. I’d venture to say he has significantly more arm talent than anyone currently in tOSU QB room. But as you rightly point out, Stetson Bennett nor Max Duggan have his arm talent either and one will be a champion.

Getting into the weeds a bit as well too….but CJ could really throw receivers open at times too. Last night his deep cross to Julian Flemming was a thing of beauty…..Fowler incorrectly thought Stroud had underthrown and floated the pass…..he hadn’t…..he saw the safety closing over the top and the CB underneath trailing with his head turned away from him. So floated a dime to the sideline where only Fleming could make the catch. It was a thing of beauty. Scouts will drool over that throw.

Obviously over the course of last 2 years there were some bumps in road and head scratching moments. I think it’s pretty clear where CJ was coming up a bit short was likely a decision heavily influenced by a desire to keep CJ healthy……I hope Day is a bit more liberal going forward in allowing his QBs to use feet. Was a major factor.

 

[jwinslow]

I guess some were skeptical on Stroud, especially after Oregon game.

Personally, I was not. He always had that arm talent. Certain guys just spin it differently and he’s one of them. His arm jumped off the tape. Not necessarily as a rocket, but the touch he threw it with, the spiral, and the ability to get it outside the hashes. I’d venture to say he has significantly more arm talent than anyone currently in tOSU QB room. But as you rightly point out, Stetson Bennett nor Max Duggan have his arm talent either and one will be a champion.

Getting into the weeds a bit as well too….but CJ could really throw receivers open at times too. Last night his deep cross to Julian Flemming was a thing of beauty…..Fowler incorrectly thought Stroud had underthrown and floated the pass…..he hadn’t…..he saw the safety closing over the top and the CB underneath trailing with his head turned away from him. So floated a dime to the sideline where only Fleming could make the catch. It was a thing of beauty. Scouts will drool over that throw.

Obviously over the course of last 2 years there were some bumps in road and head scratching moments. I think it’s pretty clear where CJ was coming up a bit short was likely a decision heavily influenced by a desire to keep CJ healthy……I hope Day is a bit more liberal going forward in allowing his QBs to use feet. Was a major factor.

I meant your comment about his arm talent before he started. day has a very NFL approach to backups not getting snaps (unless they are iffy defenders), and the only thing we knew about CJ was he could run in a straight line well. maybe not the best prediction.

I think his approach to limit the year of costly amashes makes sense, vs Caleb or Max's severe roll physically. There is be a fine line.

use it sparingly early on to plant the seed of doubt and hesitation early with the LBs and safeties, and open things up. especially because they won't always be without a reliable running game.

 

[cdiddy70]

One thing that needs addressed because Hartline is viewed as unassailable.

He needs to do a better job of getting more receivers in the game/prepared.

As I mentioned many times we basically had 3 wrs this year who merited snaps. Inexcusable given how that position has been recruited.

When Marv went out our rotations were fubar.
Some combination of X, Rossi, Royer to go with EE & Fleming.
Contrast to Georgia who had 10 different players with receptions.
We desperately needed another WR to step up when Marv went out.
Instead we are asking X a former walk-on and Jack of all trades to win v Ringo a projected top 10 pick in the critical moments of the game.
I cannot believe Ballard or none of the freshmen wr’s were not able to give us anything.
For a pass first team without healthy TB’s and an elite thrower that is borderline malfeasance.
It needs to change next year even with our top 3 wrs back.
We can’t have 10 4&5 star wrs who never play.

 

[billmac91]

One thing that needs addressed because Hartline is viewed as unassailable.

He needs to do a better job of getting more receivers in the game/prepared.

As I mentioned many times we basically had 3 wrs this year who merited snaps. Inexcusable given how that position has been recruited.

When Marv went out our rotations were fubar.
Some combination of X, Rossi, Royer to go with EE & Fleming.
Contrast to Georgia who had 10 different players with receptions.
We desperately needed another WR to step up when Marv went out.
Instead we are asking X a former walk-on and Jack of all trades to win v Ringo a projected top 10 pick in the critical moments of the game.
I cannot believe Ballard or none of the freshmen wr’s were not able to give us anything.
For a pass first team without healthy TB’s and an elite thrower that is borderline malfeasance.
It needs to change next year even with our top 3 wrs back.
We can’t have 10 4&5 star wrs who never play.

It’s inarguable.

I mentioned Day in a different thread, but there absolutely needs to be a mentality of letting the starters dominate while they can, and let the depth get game reps. If it looks like running up the score, so be it. I’m tired of watching other teams put their backups in and continue to play competitive football while tOSU tends to go into a turtle shell and get out as quickly as possible. Literally, multiple times this year alone, I watched Kirby Smart and Nick Saban lose their fucking minds over special teams plays with backups in, while their teams were up 40+ points.

It’s how you get the depth behind starters game ready.

Whether we work them onto the field as subs or get them legit reps in blowouts, something needs to adapt.

Xavier Johnson legit went from our lead RB at time of Marvin’s concussion, to then taking his position at WR. I mean….I appreciate Xavier and his flexibility….but where is Ballard, Graves, etc.? It’s kind of strange…..

 

[Captain Buckeye]

It’s unarguable.

I mentioned Day in a different thread, but there absolutely needs to be a mentality of letting the starters dominate while they can, and let the depth get game reps. If it looks like running up the score, so be it. I’m tired of watching other teams put their backups in and continue to play competitive football while tOSU tends to go into a turtle shell and get out as quickly as possible. Literally, multiple times this year alone, I watched Kirby Smart and Nick Saban lose their fucking minds over special teams plays with backups in, while their teams were up 40+ points.

It’s how you get the depth behind starters game ready.

Whether we work them onto the field as subs or get them legit reps in blowouts, something needs to adapt.

Xavier Johnson legit went from our lead RB at time of Marvin’s concussion, to then taking his position at WR. I mean….I appreciate Xavier and his flexibility….but where is Ballard, Graves, etc.? It’s kind of strange…..

Agree with this. I know Day likes to make sure he's not running up the score but imagine going into this next season with a QB who's thrown another 100 passes in total. What purpose does it do handing the ball off up 49-10 in the 4th? Let the back ups execute the offense because one day you're going to need them.

As for the lack of depth being used at WR? Yeah I've complained about this a few times this year. We're going to have a ton of transfers if we don't start playing more kids.

I will say that I disagree with all the Xavier Johnson questions. He was great all year and IMO we would really benefit from him coming back next year. Guy was a weapon particularly out of the backfield.