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Troy accepts unprecedented task
QB vows to helm Buckeyes through full year at No. 1
By JON SPENCER
For The Advocate
COLUMBUS -- It should be comforting for Ohio State football fans to know that the Smiths are on the same page.
Athletic director Gene Smith kicked off fall camp with a mission statement. The basic message was this: Become the first band of Buckeyes to go wire-to-wire as the nation's No. 1 team.
"I've never mentioned that, but he talked about distinguishing yourself, and how do you do that at a place like Ohio State where there have been so many great teams?" coach Jim Tressel said. "He threw out the challenge to us that there is a way to distinguish yourself."
Quarterback Troy Smith, on the receiving end for once, fielded Gene Smith's challenge and vowed not to fumble away this opportunity. The quest for unprecedented success begins today at home against Northern Illinois and, if all goes according to plan, will end with a BCS championship on Jan. 8 in Glendale, Ariz."Who says we can't write our own ticket and make our place in history and do something no one else has done?" Troy Smith said. "That's a huge thing and takes a tremendous amount of focus, but I believe with our 18 seniors and great group of guys that we'll be able to do it."
This marks the sixth time the Buckeyes have opened the season ranked No. 1, but first since 1998. Not once in those other five seasons did they end up No. 1. The 1998 team, stunned at home by Michigan State after an 8-0 start, rebounded to finish No. 2.
Oh, how Ohio State would love to start a new trend. To win a title, the Buckeyes will have to run a gauntlet that includes three top 20 teams in the first five weeks: No. 2 Texas on Sept. 9, No. 19 Penn State on Sept. 23 and No. 17 Iowa on Sept. 30.
Waiting at the back end of the schedule is No. 15 Michigan on Nov. 18.
But the Buckeyes can't afford to get ahead of themselves. Mid-American Conference favorite Northern Illinois is a worthy tuneup for Texas, featuring the nation's top returning rusher in 5-foot-7 dynamo Garrett Wolfe. The Huskies have beaten four BCS conference schools since 2001, upsetting nationally ranked Maryland in the 2003 opener. That same season NIU went to Alabama and knocked off the nationally-ranked Tide.
"With our young guys, (overlooking the Huskies) will not be an issue," Tressel said. "Some of our older guys -- we've got 17 fifth-year seniors -- have more seniority than some of our coaches. So I'm hoping their maturity can handle that."
While nine new starters have put a strange face on the defense, a veteran offense with explosive capabilities might have an identity crisis of its own. Is this a wide-open attack that will revolve around the two Heisman candidates, Smith and wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., or is it a power attack that will lean on tailbacks Antonio Pittman and Chris Wells to move the chains, eat the clock and relieve pressure on the defense?
"We would like people to be nervous about us running by them," Tressel said. "We would like people to be nervous about us pounding them. We would like people to be nervous that we might run the option at them, or misdirection, or a control passing game. There's not much we don't want to be, but I don't know that we know for sure who we are right now.
"Everybody talks about all those defensive guys we lost, but (NFL draftees) Santonio Holmes and Nick Mangold and Robbie Sims ... they were part of our offense, so we have a lot to prove over there as well."
Northern Illinois coach Joe Novak is not so sure about that.
"If we start backpedaling (on defense) right now, hopefully by gametime our guys will be 40 yards deep," he joked about the futile attempt to simulate OSU's speed in practice. "We don't have anyone as fast as Ginn, let alone a scout player. We've tried to watch a lot of film, emphasizing the Notre Dame game (a 34-20 OSU win in the Jan. 2 Fiesta Bowl). We've tried to make our guys as aware as we can. Hopefully we'll keep the ball in front of us and not let them get behind us."
Five new starters on OSU's defense are sophomores: end Vernon Gholston, a converted linebacker; outside linebacker-turned middle linebacker James Laurinaitis; outside linebacker Marcus Freeman, sidelined all last year by a knee injury; cornerback Malcolm Jenkins and free safety Nick Patterson.
"A lot of these guys were top recruits, so that will help a lot," defensive tackle David Patterson, a senior captain, said. "The young guys watched Nate (Salley) and his swagger last year and that kind of thing rubs off.
"There's going to be time when you face adversity, times when somebody is going to have to make a big play. Experience being around older guys will help the young guys hang in and keep fighting."
Debuting on national TV should be powerful incentive to play well. Of course, Novak is counting on the same being true for his Huskies.
"We're going to be on ABC," Novak, a Mentor native, said. "That's great for our program and great for our school. That's advertising you can't put a price tag on."
Troy accepts unprecedented task
QB vows to helm Buckeyes through full year at No. 1
By JON SPENCER
For The Advocate
COLUMBUS -- It should be comforting for Ohio State football fans to know that the Smiths are on the same page.
Athletic director Gene Smith kicked off fall camp with a mission statement. The basic message was this: Become the first band of Buckeyes to go wire-to-wire as the nation's No. 1 team.
"I've never mentioned that, but he talked about distinguishing yourself, and how do you do that at a place like Ohio State where there have been so many great teams?" coach Jim Tressel said. "He threw out the challenge to us that there is a way to distinguish yourself."
Quarterback Troy Smith, on the receiving end for once, fielded Gene Smith's challenge and vowed not to fumble away this opportunity. The quest for unprecedented success begins today at home against Northern Illinois and, if all goes according to plan, will end with a BCS championship on Jan. 8 in Glendale, Ariz."Who says we can't write our own ticket and make our place in history and do something no one else has done?" Troy Smith said. "That's a huge thing and takes a tremendous amount of focus, but I believe with our 18 seniors and great group of guys that we'll be able to do it."
This marks the sixth time the Buckeyes have opened the season ranked No. 1, but first since 1998. Not once in those other five seasons did they end up No. 1. The 1998 team, stunned at home by Michigan State after an 8-0 start, rebounded to finish No. 2.
Oh, how Ohio State would love to start a new trend. To win a title, the Buckeyes will have to run a gauntlet that includes three top 20 teams in the first five weeks: No. 2 Texas on Sept. 9, No. 19 Penn State on Sept. 23 and No. 17 Iowa on Sept. 30.
Waiting at the back end of the schedule is No. 15 Michigan on Nov. 18.
But the Buckeyes can't afford to get ahead of themselves. Mid-American Conference favorite Northern Illinois is a worthy tuneup for Texas, featuring the nation's top returning rusher in 5-foot-7 dynamo Garrett Wolfe. The Huskies have beaten four BCS conference schools since 2001, upsetting nationally ranked Maryland in the 2003 opener. That same season NIU went to Alabama and knocked off the nationally-ranked Tide.
"With our young guys, (overlooking the Huskies) will not be an issue," Tressel said. "Some of our older guys -- we've got 17 fifth-year seniors -- have more seniority than some of our coaches. So I'm hoping their maturity can handle that."
While nine new starters have put a strange face on the defense, a veteran offense with explosive capabilities might have an identity crisis of its own. Is this a wide-open attack that will revolve around the two Heisman candidates, Smith and wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., or is it a power attack that will lean on tailbacks Antonio Pittman and Chris Wells to move the chains, eat the clock and relieve pressure on the defense?
"We would like people to be nervous about us running by them," Tressel said. "We would like people to be nervous about us pounding them. We would like people to be nervous that we might run the option at them, or misdirection, or a control passing game. There's not much we don't want to be, but I don't know that we know for sure who we are right now.
"Everybody talks about all those defensive guys we lost, but (NFL draftees) Santonio Holmes and Nick Mangold and Robbie Sims ... they were part of our offense, so we have a lot to prove over there as well."
Northern Illinois coach Joe Novak is not so sure about that.
"If we start backpedaling (on defense) right now, hopefully by gametime our guys will be 40 yards deep," he joked about the futile attempt to simulate OSU's speed in practice. "We don't have anyone as fast as Ginn, let alone a scout player. We've tried to watch a lot of film, emphasizing the Notre Dame game (a 34-20 OSU win in the Jan. 2 Fiesta Bowl). We've tried to make our guys as aware as we can. Hopefully we'll keep the ball in front of us and not let them get behind us."
Five new starters on OSU's defense are sophomores: end Vernon Gholston, a converted linebacker; outside linebacker-turned middle linebacker James Laurinaitis; outside linebacker Marcus Freeman, sidelined all last year by a knee injury; cornerback Malcolm Jenkins and free safety Nick Patterson.
"A lot of these guys were top recruits, so that will help a lot," defensive tackle David Patterson, a senior captain, said. "The young guys watched Nate (Salley) and his swagger last year and that kind of thing rubs off.
"There's going to be time when you face adversity, times when somebody is going to have to make a big play. Experience being around older guys will help the young guys hang in and keep fighting."
Debuting on national TV should be powerful incentive to play well. Of course, Novak is counting on the same being true for his Huskies.
"We're going to be on ABC," Novak, a Mentor native, said. "That's great for our program and great for our school. That's advertising you can't put a price tag on."
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Bob Buck
Buck Fanatic
First weekend down: Troy Smith > Brady Quinn.
After week 1: Troy Smith 5/5 and 3 touchdowns in first 3 drives. Threw 3 straight touchdown passes in first 3 drives. Has that EVER been done before? Finished 18/25 for 297 yards. QB rating of 162.7.
Brady Quinn a paltry 23 of 39 for 256 yards. QB rating of 114.11. 0 touchdowns through the air... and only one blown defensive coverage for a rushing touchdown.
162.7 > 114.11
After week 1: Troy Smith 5/5 and 3 touchdowns in first 3 drives. Threw 3 straight touchdown passes in first 3 drives. Has that EVER been done before? Finished 18/25 for 297 yards. QB rating of 162.7.
Brady Quinn a paltry 23 of 39 for 256 yards. QB rating of 114.11. 0 touchdowns through the air... and only one blown defensive coverage for a rushing touchdown.
162.7 > 114.11
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Did I miss something or did Troy run only once all game (1- or 2-yard loss inside the NIU five yard line or so)? Somehow I think he'll a few more times than that next week (by design).
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scooter1369
HTTR Forever.
Troy had the ball taken out o his hands in this one. Texas will see a completely different offense On Saturday.
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What he said. I think we see a much more mobile quarterback next week.
And, I think some young men in the defensive secondary will have learned something too. Which suggests that we will have a bit more of a time of possession strategy to work on.
I have only really seen bits and pieces and highlights but Troy looked very impressive to me behind an offensive line that appeared to do the job.
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ABJ
Buckeyes' Smith deserving of Heisman hoopla
By Tom Reed
COLUMBUS - Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith has become one of college football's best closers.
He is to late November what Mariano Rivera is to the ninth inning. What Seabiscuit was to the stretch run.
Think of what Smith has done to Michigan the past two years. How he launched a Heisman Trophy campaign with his brilliant performance against Notre Dame in last season's Fiesta Bowl.
In most sports, you want to play your best at season's end, but for Division I-A national title hopefuls, what you do at the beginning is just as important. The regular season is essentially a 12-game playoff.
The kid who knows how to finish proved Saturday afternoon he can be just as effective at the start. In his first season-opening starting assignment, Smith was superb in leading the Buckeyes to a 35-12 win over Northern Illinois at Ohio Stadium.
The nation's top-ranked team needed to be sharp in its lone dress rehearsal for No. 3 Texas, and Smith ensured it with ample support from fellow Heisman candidate Ted Ginn Jr., the offensive line and the running game.
Smith threw three first-quarter touchdowns and finished with 297 yards passing. His day began with a 32-yard strike to Brian Hartline (GlenOak) and ended with a 56-yard rainbow to Ginn. Smith demonstrated poise in the pocket and humility in the interview area.
``I won't take credit without giving it back,'' Smith said. ``It was a collaborative effort.''
We pause for a moment of perspective. The Buckeyes rolled up 488 yards against a defensively disabled Mid-American Conference opponent. The University of Akron, after all, averaged 44.5 points against NIU in two meetings last season.
The Huskies' defense operated in two gears Saturday, dumb and dumber. Against one of the nation's fleetest receiving corps, they often crowded the line of scrimmage, daring Smith to beat them.
He was much obliged.
In the first quarter, an NIU cornerback challenged Ginn at the line with no safety offering support behind him. Cuba has had more evenly run races for president. Ginn blew past the defender, and Smith hit him with a tight spiral for a 58-yard touchdown that made it 14-0.
Smith was 6-of-7 for 149 yards and three touchdowns in the first quarter.
``Troy did a great job putting the ball on the money,'' OSU coach Jim Tressel said.
Regardless of the opponent, the Buckeyes' offense needed a strong start with the Longhorns waiting for them in Austin next weekend. The OSU defense returns just two starters, and the Huskies moved the ball, thanks to their terrific running back Garrett Wolfe, who rushed for 171 yards and caught five passes for an additional 114 yards.
Smith, a co-captain, realizes the burden rests squarely with him and Ginn. He spent the offseason sequestered in the film room, forcing himself to take a more cerebral approach to the position.
His swing pass to Maurice Wells that produced a 30-yard gain was a prime example of the quarterback's evolution. Wells was the second or third option on the play. A season ago, Smith tucks and runs.
On Saturday, he was absolutely Kosarian in attempting only one rush for a minus-1 yard.
``The only time (Smith) had a chance to run he looked like me running,'' Tressel said jokingly.
Smith playfully glared at his coach after the zinger. The relationship between the two never has been stronger. The Cleveland Glenville graduate had been a one-man quarterback controversy through his first few seasons in Columbus.
His talent was undeniable; so was his penchant for saying or doing the wrong thing. Smith didn't play in last season's opener, because he was serving the second of a two-game suspension for taking money from a booster.
Tressel opted to rotate Justin Zwick and Smith in the Week 2 loss to Texas, and the lack of continuity was obvious. Smith deservedly took heat, his off-field missteps having contributed to a slow start.
An out-of-sync Ohio State offense didn't register its fourth passing touchdown until Week 4 last year. Smith, who enjoyed fine protection all afternoon, nearly equaled that feat by the third quarter Saturday.
And to think critics once labeled him a ``running quarterback.''
``I don't know what the classic dropback passer is, but I think Troy Smith can make all the different throws,'' said Tressel.
Now, he's doing it in all the different months, too.
Buckeyes' Smith deserving of Heisman hoopla
By Tom Reed
COLUMBUS - Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith has become one of college football's best closers.
He is to late November what Mariano Rivera is to the ninth inning. What Seabiscuit was to the stretch run.
Think of what Smith has done to Michigan the past two years. How he launched a Heisman Trophy campaign with his brilliant performance against Notre Dame in last season's Fiesta Bowl.
In most sports, you want to play your best at season's end, but for Division I-A national title hopefuls, what you do at the beginning is just as important. The regular season is essentially a 12-game playoff.
The kid who knows how to finish proved Saturday afternoon he can be just as effective at the start. In his first season-opening starting assignment, Smith was superb in leading the Buckeyes to a 35-12 win over Northern Illinois at Ohio Stadium.
The nation's top-ranked team needed to be sharp in its lone dress rehearsal for No. 3 Texas, and Smith ensured it with ample support from fellow Heisman candidate Ted Ginn Jr., the offensive line and the running game.
Smith threw three first-quarter touchdowns and finished with 297 yards passing. His day began with a 32-yard strike to Brian Hartline (GlenOak) and ended with a 56-yard rainbow to Ginn. Smith demonstrated poise in the pocket and humility in the interview area.
``I won't take credit without giving it back,'' Smith said. ``It was a collaborative effort.''
We pause for a moment of perspective. The Buckeyes rolled up 488 yards against a defensively disabled Mid-American Conference opponent. The University of Akron, after all, averaged 44.5 points against NIU in two meetings last season.
The Huskies' defense operated in two gears Saturday, dumb and dumber. Against one of the nation's fleetest receiving corps, they often crowded the line of scrimmage, daring Smith to beat them.
He was much obliged.
In the first quarter, an NIU cornerback challenged Ginn at the line with no safety offering support behind him. Cuba has had more evenly run races for president. Ginn blew past the defender, and Smith hit him with a tight spiral for a 58-yard touchdown that made it 14-0.
Smith was 6-of-7 for 149 yards and three touchdowns in the first quarter.
``Troy did a great job putting the ball on the money,'' OSU coach Jim Tressel said.
Regardless of the opponent, the Buckeyes' offense needed a strong start with the Longhorns waiting for them in Austin next weekend. The OSU defense returns just two starters, and the Huskies moved the ball, thanks to their terrific running back Garrett Wolfe, who rushed for 171 yards and caught five passes for an additional 114 yards.
Smith, a co-captain, realizes the burden rests squarely with him and Ginn. He spent the offseason sequestered in the film room, forcing himself to take a more cerebral approach to the position.
His swing pass to Maurice Wells that produced a 30-yard gain was a prime example of the quarterback's evolution. Wells was the second or third option on the play. A season ago, Smith tucks and runs.
On Saturday, he was absolutely Kosarian in attempting only one rush for a minus-1 yard.
``The only time (Smith) had a chance to run he looked like me running,'' Tressel said jokingly.
Smith playfully glared at his coach after the zinger. The relationship between the two never has been stronger. The Cleveland Glenville graduate had been a one-man quarterback controversy through his first few seasons in Columbus.
His talent was undeniable; so was his penchant for saying or doing the wrong thing. Smith didn't play in last season's opener, because he was serving the second of a two-game suspension for taking money from a booster.
Tressel opted to rotate Justin Zwick and Smith in the Week 2 loss to Texas, and the lack of continuity was obvious. Smith deservedly took heat, his off-field missteps having contributed to a slow start.
An out-of-sync Ohio State offense didn't register its fourth passing touchdown until Week 4 last year. Smith, who enjoyed fine protection all afternoon, nearly equaled that feat by the third quarter Saturday.
And to think critics once labeled him a ``running quarterback.''
``I don't know what the classic dropback passer is, but I think Troy Smith can make all the different throws,'' said Tressel.
Now, he's doing it in all the different months, too.
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STAYING HUMBLE
Buckeye quarterback Troy Smith, a preseason Heisman candidate, said the key to his season is to remain humble. How does one do that in Columbus, where Smith might be more popular than Tressel?
“It’s easy,” Smith said. “I keep a picture of my mother on my dresser, and that reminds me to stay humble. This is for her.”
Link
Buckeye quarterback Troy Smith, a preseason Heisman candidate, said the key to his season is to remain humble. How does one do that in Columbus, where Smith might be more popular than Tressel?
“It’s easy,” Smith said. “I keep a picture of my mother on my dresser, and that reminds me to stay humble. This is for her.”
Link
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DDN
Troy Smith will make the difference when OSU beats Texas
By Brian Kollars
Sports Editor
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Hey, the Reds did their job. They kept us interested until football season kicked off. By the way, here's another plug to put Tom Browning in the radio booth.
Edge to Buckeyes: They say quarterback is the most important position on the football field, and I tend to believe them. That's why Ohio State will get some sweet revenge on those snooty Longhorns this week.
OSU's Troy Smith looks like someone you'd want to draft on your fantasy football team. Texas, meanwhile, has a couple QBs that look like they shave once a week.
Another thing that gives OSU an edge: I question how loud the Longhorns' pad will be. Reports say that 20,000 Buckeyes fans are expected to get into the place. And the end-zone noise is useless because those seats are about a 7-iron from the playing field. Who designed that place?
Troy Smith will make the difference when OSU beats Texas
By Brian Kollars
Sports Editor
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Hey, the Reds did their job. They kept us interested until football season kicked off. By the way, here's another plug to put Tom Browning in the radio booth.
Edge to Buckeyes: They say quarterback is the most important position on the football field, and I tend to believe them. That's why Ohio State will get some sweet revenge on those snooty Longhorns this week.
OSU's Troy Smith looks like someone you'd want to draft on your fantasy football team. Texas, meanwhile, has a couple QBs that look like they shave once a week.
Another thing that gives OSU an edge: I question how loud the Longhorns' pad will be. Reports say that 20,000 Buckeyes fans are expected to get into the place. And the end-zone noise is useless because those seats are about a 7-iron from the playing field. Who designed that place?
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From the Ozone front page:
September 4, 2006 1:40 PM
Football: The Big Ten has announced their weekly awards. Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith has been named the Offensive Player of the Week.
Smith completed his first five passes on Saturday, three of them for touchdowns. For the game, he completed 18 of 25 passes for 297 yards, three touchdowns with no interceptions or sacks.
Smith completed his first five passes on Saturday, three of them for touchdowns. For the game, he completed 18 of 25 passes for 297 yards, three touchdowns with no interceptions or sacks.
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daddyphatsacs
Let the cards fall...
Thinking back to the game on Saturday, my only concern with Troy is that he seemed to lock in on his primary receiver the whole time. This is what got him into trouble last season. He can't do this against a good secondary, they'll pick him off........ Not saying that he will, but I really noticed this out of Troy during that game......and that was something that he did a lot last season when he struggled a bit. Not taking anything away from him, but he can't tip off the good DB's, they'll make him pay for it.
I'm sure that JT also noticed this, and they will get it corrected.....it was the first game and all.
I'm sure that JT also noticed this, and they will get it corrected.....it was the first game and all.
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Buckin Crazy
All-American
Ya I have no idea what your talking about but whenever his 1st option wasn't open(it happend to be open a lot) he looked everywhere on the feild. Like M.Wells was like what the 3rd option. It looks to me that Smith see's the feild MUCH more.
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