Can the D-Line Deliver?
April 15, 2009 by feed · Leave a Comment
An upright Wilson would help the cause (Davidson)
With a wealth of depth returning on the defensive front, big things are expected from a group comprised of ends Thaddeus Maximus, Cameron Heyward, Lawrence Wilson, Nathan Williams and Rob Rose joined by interior returnees Doug Worthington, Dexter Larimore and Todd Denlinger. Throw …
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FB Spring Profile: Wilson Staying Postive Despite Setbacks
April 8, 2009 by feed · Leave a Comment
Lawrence Wilson's last two seasons haven't exactly gone according to plan.
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FB Audio/Video: D-Linemen Talk Spring Practice
April 8, 2009 by feed · Leave a Comment
Watch interviews with defensive coordinator Jim Heacock and players Todd Denlinger, Lawrence Wilson, Doug Worthington and Thaddeus Gibson
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Dave’s IMO: Sneak Peek at 2009 for Ohio State Football
December 2, 2008 by feed · Leave a Comment
David Thurman (4:46 pm)
Is it too early begin thinking about the 2009 Buckeye football team, just a week removed from “The Game”? Of course not!
At least if you are an obsessed Ohio State fan like me, and you are probably are if you’re reading this column! So let’s take a look at a projected roster and a way-too-early prediction on next season’s record:
QB: Terrelle Pryor starts and with a month of bowl game practices and a full spring to work on mechanics, he might become a true superstar. Behind him is a talented but unproven commodity in Joe Bauserman.
HB: Dan Herron looks ready to be a big-time player, and with Jaamal Berry and Carlos Hyde on the way, this may be tailback by committee. There’s no Beanie (who will definitely go pro) but this group might cause big problems for defensive coordinators.
FB: Lots of youngsters like Martin, Boren, and Homan will throw their names into the hat, and Brandon Saine may play some at fullback as well, providing a pass threat out of the backfield. Truth is, though, I see a lot of ace formation in 2008.
WR: Brian Hartline (complaining aside) is an excellent big-play receiver who can catch the tough passes, too, and hopefully he will return for his senior year. Dan Sazenbacher is quickly becoming a fan favorite with his hands of glue and his willingness to take the big hit.
Beyond those two, Ray Small might finally shine if he can get his act together off the field, and DeVier Posey got some helpful experience this year and has the tools to be special. Plus, don’t discount Lamaar “Flash” Thomas, Jake Stoneburner, or the four incoming freshmen. Once again, this is a good if not great group.
TE: I love Jake Ballard, and like most Buckeye fans think he has been underutilized. However, behind him there is no experience and either Nic DiLillo, who redshirted this season, or incoming freshman Reid Fragel, will have to step up quickly, at least to block!
OL: Possibly the biggest question for 2009 is can a line that loses three senior starters get better? I think the answer may be yes.
Obviously, Alex Boone will be missed, though he never maximized his immense talent. I’m not sure that Steve Rehring or Ben Person will be, since they often whiffed on blocks and had trouble remembering the snap count.
Here’s who I am betting on when we open up next year against Navy: J.B. Shugarts (LT); Jim Cordle (LG); Mike Brewster (C); Justin Boren (RG); Bryant Browning (RT). Personally, I would prefer Browning at guard, and if Mike Adams comes on, that might happen.
Beyond those six, only Conner Smith has much experience, and if Marcus Hall commits, he might see some immediate playing time.
In my opinion, the line will be about equal to this year, unless a new coach is hired to teach better fundamentals and put a fire under the big guys.
Overall, I think the offense scores more points due to the progression of Pryor, and the fact that the play calling almost has to get more creative without Beanie.
DL: The weakest link in 2008, the line did get better as the year went on, and I look for more improvement in 2009. At end, Gibson is ready to become dominant, and Nathan Williams might be special, too, if he can gain a little bit more strength to go along with his quickness and tenacity.
Lawrence Wilson will probably return, and he is solid, and Solomon Thomas is making strides. The player that really causes me consternation is Rob Rose, who I thought would be a superstar.
He’s not, and probably never will be, but the light may go on for him in his senior season. This could be a really good group.
At tackle, we still need some big, mean run-stoppers but have a good group returning in Cameron Heyward (could 2009 be his year?), Dexter Larimore and Todd Denlinger. I am also excited to see Garrett Goebel get his first snaps next year.
Of course, I am not discounting the possibility of Melvin Fellows or Johnny Simon making a big splash. Regardless, the line will be improved from this year’s version and that is a good thing.
LB: Saying goodbye to James Laurinaitis and buddy Marcus Freeman is tough, because they made a lot of tackles in their career, and provided plenty of highlights. But the cupboard is not bare. Ross Homan was finally healthy in ‘08, played well, and could move to the middle.
Austin Spitler has waited his chance, and is a good run stuffer, but may lack the speed to play every down. Of course some Florida seed is waiting in the wings, in the person of Etienne Sabino and Brian Rolle.
Both are hard hitters, and I project Sabino as a sure starter and future star. Beyond those four, are two guys who can play outside linebacker or nickel back in Tyler Moeller and Jermale Hines.
I love Hines, who is listed as a safety, and was also impressed in Moeller in the last two games of the season. Of course, all of these guys know there will be a fight with potential superstars Dorian Bell and Storm Klein among four incoming linebackers in the class of ‘09.
Plus, don’t forget Andrew Sweat, who was too good to redshirt this season, as the real Linebacker U keeps churning them out! Personally, I think this group will give up a few more big plays than the past couple of years due to inexperience, but may be better in coverage and against the spread, due to increased speed.
I hope Heacock doesn’t put Homan and Spitler on the field together, however, or the speed factor goes out the window. My early prediction is Sabino, Homan, and Moeller in the opener.
DB: There is a lot to like about this group, but the loss of Malcolm Jenkins is a tough pill to swallow. He ranks up there with Shawn Springs and Antwon Winfield in my book, and will be missed.
The starters seems obvious; rapidly improving Chimdi Chekwa and Donald Washington at cornerback, and ready-for-prime-timer Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russell at safety.
Washington worries me a little, since he seemed to digress after his off-the-field problems which sent him to the doghouse, but he has plenty of talent and experience (supposedly he he is contemplating going pro which would be a big mistake).
Losing 2007 recruits Eugene Clifford and James Scott thins the ranks at corner, where healthy Andre Amos would help, but some believe he may leave school.
At nickel, the aforementioned Hines us a hitting machine, and I love his nasty attitude. Further depth will come from Aaron Gant, and there is plenty of room for redshirts like Travis Howard and Orhian Johnson to get into the rotation, but they may be quickly passed by the boatload of talent Tressel has recruited this year.
A guy like C.J. Barnett may see the field immediately due to lack of numbers here. On paper this is the strength of the ‘09 defense if everyone returns, and should make passing a dangerous proposition for the opposition.
So, the defense should be about equal to this year’s squad if some leaders emerge from the senior class to fill the shoes of Jenkins and Laurinaitis.
What about special teams? A Tressel led team never considers this an afterthought, and with departure of Trapasso and Pretorius some might be concerned, but not me.
I think Pettrey is a superior kick to Pretorius right now, and feel confident that either Jon Thoma or Ben Buchanan can be a solid punter. Long-snapper Jake McQuaide did a nice job this year and he has two years of eligibilty left.
As for returns, I think we may have two special players in Ray Small and Lamaar Thomas, and once again, if Small doesn’t get in his own way, he might put some real fear into opposing punters in ‘09.
Well, that’s a look position by position but what about the final record? My way-to-early prediction is 11-1 in the regular season with a loss coming to USC (home) or Penn State (away).
We could easily lose another one, as upsets happen with young teams, but I am optimistic, at least for now, with months to go before I start worrying!
What do you think? Let us know, as we all gaze into the looking glass wearing our Scarlet and Gray-colored glasses!
Final Big Ten injury report: Week 13
November 22, 2008 by feed · Leave a Comment
Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg
Courtesy of collegeinjuryreport.com and some of my own research.
ILLINOIS (at Northwestern)
- QB Eddie McGee, toe, probable
- LB Martez Wilson, out, suspension
- DT Josh Brent, knee, questionable
- RB Mikel LeShoure, jaw, questionable
- FB Rahkeem Smith, suspension, questionable
- S Garrett Edwards, shoulder, questionable
- OT Ryan Palmer, foot, questionable
- CB Miami Thomas, knee, out (season)
- DT Sirod Williams, knee, out (season)
INDIANA (at Purdue)
- RB Zach Davis-Walker, thumb, questionable
- S Jerimy Finch, ankle, questionable
- RB Bryan Payton, ankle, questionable
- CB Richard Council, knee, questionable
- LB Will Patterson, knee, questionable
- CB Richard Council, knee, doubtful
- OL Andrew McDonald, undisclosed, questionable
- S Nick Polk, knee, out (season)
- TE Brian Zematis, ankle, out (season)
- S Austin Thomas, knee, out (season)
- OL Dennis Zeigler, knee, out (season)
- CB Chris Phillips, knee, out (season)
IOWA (at Minnesota)
- OG Andy Kuempel, muscle pull, doubtful
- OL Wes Aeschliman, hip, out (season)
- S Harold Dalton, suspension, out
- TE Tony Moeaki, leg, questionable
- OL James Ferentz, suspension, out
MICHIGAN (at Ohio State)
- WR Zion Babb, dismissal, out (season)
- RB Sam McGuffie, shoulder/personal, questionable
- OT Stephen Schilling, knee, questionable
- RB Carlos Brown, foot, questionable
- WR Junior Hemingway, mononucleosis, out
- QB Steven Threet, shoulder, doubtful,
- LB Kevin Leach, ankle, questionable
- T Mark Huyge, ankle, out
- WR Terence Robinson, knee, doubtful
- S Brandon Smith, appendix, out (season)
- G Cory Zirbel, knee, out (season)
MICHIGAN STATE (at Penn State)
- WR Keshawn Martin, undisclosed, questionable
- CB Chris L. Rucker, leg, questionable
- WR Mark Dell, knee, questionable
- S Roderick Jenrette, personal, out (season)
MINNESOTA (vs. Iowa)
- WR Eric Decker, ankle, probable
- S Kyle Theret, leg, probable
- LB Lee Campbell, questionable, hamstring
- RB Duane Bennett, knee, out (season)
NORTHWESTERN (vs. Illinois)
- DT Corbin Bryant, knee, out (season)
- LB Malcolm Arrington, knee, out (season)
- QB Mike Kafka, concussion, probable
- DE Vince Browne, knee, out
- RB Omar Conteh, knee, out (season)
- TE/FB Drake Dunsmore, knee, out (season)
- DE Rejaie Johnson, shoulder, out (season)
- RB Tyrell Sutton, wrist, out
- CB Justan Vaughn, shoulder, out (season)
OHIO STATE (vs. Michigan)
- WR Ray Small, suspension, questionable
- CB Jermale Hines, leg, doubtful
- OL Ben Person, leg, out
- OL Connor Smith, undisclosed, questionable
- DE Curtis Terry, undisclosed, out (season)
- OL Mike Adams, ankle, out (season)
- OL J.B. Shugarts, shoulder, out (season)
- DE Lawrence Wilson, knee, out (season)
- CB Andre Amos, knee, out (season)
PENN STATE (vs. Michigan State)
- DE Josh Gaines, ankle, questionable
- OL Ako Poti, knee, out (season)
- DT Devon Still, ankle, out (season)
- RB Brent Carter, knee, out (season)
- OL Doug Klopacz, knee, out (season)
- DE Jerome Hayes, knee, out (season)
PURDUE (vs. Indiana)
- TE Kyle Adams, knee, doubtful
- LB Jason Werner, back, out
- OL Justin Pierce, groin, questionable
- OT Sean Sester, knee, probable
- G Eric Hedstrom, knee, probable
- QB Joey Elliott, shoulder, out (season)
- T Garrett Miller, knee, out (season)
- RB Jaycen Taylor, knee, out (season)
WISCONSIN (vs. Cal-Poly)
- T Eric Vanden Heuvel, foot, probable
- WR Kyle Jefferson, concussion, out
- TE Lance Kendricks, leg, out (season)
- WR Maurice Moore, leg, doubtful
- TE Travis Beckum, leg, out (season)
- DE Brendan Kelly, thumb, out (season)
- CB Aaron Henry, knee, out (season)
- DE Kirk DeCremer, back, out (season)
Final Big Ten injury report: Week 12
November 15, 2008 by feed · Leave a Comment
Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg
Courtesy of collegeinjuryreport.com and some of my own research. Michigan State has a bye this week.
ILLINOIS (vs. Ohio State)
- RB Mikel LeShoure, jaw, doubtful
- FB Rahkeem Smith, suspension, probable (suspension lifted)
- S Garrett Edwards, shoulder, questionable
- OT Xavier Fulton, shoulder, probable
- OT Ryan Palmer, foot, probable
- CB Miami Thomas, knee, out (season)
- DT Sirod Williams, knee, out (season)
INDIANA (at Penn State)
- RB Zach Davis-Walker, thumb, questionable
- S Jerimy Finch, ankle, questionable
- RB Bryan Payton, ankle, out
- QB Kellen Lewis, ankle, probable
- QB Ben Chappell, probable, head
- LB Will Patterson, knee, out
- CB Richard Council, knee, doubtful
- S Joe Kleinsmith, undisclosed, questionable
- OL Pete Saxon, undisclosed, questionable
- OL Mike Reiter, abdominal, questionable
- OL James Brewer, ankle, questionable
- OT Rodger Saffold, knee, probable
- OL Andrew McDonald, undisclosed, questionable
- S Nick Polk, knee, out (season)
- TE Brian Zematis, ankle, out (season)
- S Austin Thomas, knee, out (season)
- OL Dennis Zeigler, knee, out (season)
- CB Chris Phillips, knee, out (season)
IOWA (vs. Purdue)
- OG Andy Kuempel, muscle pull, doubtful
- OL Wes Aeschliman, hip, out (season)
- S Harold Dalton, suspension, out
- TE Tony Moeaki, leg, doubtful
- OL James Ferentz, out, suspension
MICHIGAN (vs. Northwestern)
- RB Brandon Minor, shoulder/wrist/ribs, doubtful
- RB Carlos Brown, foot, questionable
- OL David Molk, toe, probable
- WR Junior Hemingway, mononucleosis, out
- QB Steven Threet, concussion, probable
- LB Kevin Leach, ankle, questionable
- T Mark Huyge, ankle, questionable
- WR Terence Robinson, knee, questionable
- S Brandon Smith, appendix, out (season)
- G Cory Zirbel, knee, out (season)
MINNESOTA (at Wisconsin)
- WR Eric Decker, ankle, out
- RB Duane Bennett, knee, out (season)
NORTHWESTERN (at Michigan)
- LB Malcolm Arrington, knee, out (season)
- QB C.J. Bacher, hamstring, probable
- DE Vince Browne, knee, out
- RB Omar Conteh, knee, out (season)
- TE/FB Drake Dunsmore, knee, out (season)
- DE Rejaie Johnson, shoulder, out (season)
- RB Tyrell Sutton, wrist, out
- CB Justan Vaughn, shoulder, out (season)
OHIO STATE (at Illinois)
- WR Ray Small, out, suspension
- OL Ben Person, leg, out
- DE Thaddeus Gibson, ankle, probable
- DE Curtis Terry, undisclosed, out(season)
- OL Mike Adams, ankle, out (season)
- OL J.B. Shugarts, shoulder, doubtful
- DE Lawrence Wilson, knee, out (season)
- CB Andre Amos, knee, out (season)
PENN STATE (vs. Indiana)
- CB Drew Astorino, thumb, probable
- DE Josh Gaines, ankle, probable
- OL Ako Poti, knee, out (season)
- DT Devon Still, ankle, out (season)
- RB Brent Carter, knee, out (season)
- OL Doug Klopacz, knee, out (season)
- DE Jerome Hayes, knee, out (season)
PURDUE (at Iowa)
- QB Curtis Painter, shoulder, probable
- TE Kyle Adams, knee, doubtful
- LB Jason Werner, back, doubtful
- OL Justin Pierce, groin, questionable
- OT Sean Sester, knee, questionable
- G Eric Hedstrom, knee, questionable
- QB Joey Elliott, shoulder, out (season)
- T Garrett Miller, knee, out (season)
- RB Jaycen Taylor, knee, out (season)
WISCONSIN (vs. Minnesota)
- T Eric Vanden Heuvel, foot, doubtful
- LB Jaevery McFadden, concussion, probable
- TE Lance Kendricks, leg, out (season)
- WR Maurice Moore, leg, questionable
- TE Travis Beckum, leg, out (season)
- DE Brendan Kelly, thumb, out (season)
- CB Aaron Henry, knee, out (season)
- DE Kirk DeCremer, back, out (season)
Final Big Ten injury report
October 25, 2008 by feed · Leave a Comment
Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg
Courtesy of collegeinjuryreport.com (Iowa has a bye this week):
ILLINOIS (at Wisconsin)
- T Ryan Palmer, foot, doubtful
- CB Miami Thomas, knee, out (season)
- DT Sirod Williams, knee, out (season
INDIANA (vs. Northwestern)
- QB Kellen Lewis, high ankle sprain, questionable
- DT Deonte Mack, undisclosed, questionable
- WR Andrew Means, hand, doubtful
- OL Dennis Zeigler, knee, out (season)
- G Andrew McDonald, undisclosed, questionable
- G Cody Faulkner, undisclosed, questionable
- CB Chris Phillips, knee, out (season)
- WR Tandon Doss, knee, probable
MICHIGAN (vs. Michigan State)
- WR Greg Mathews, undisclosed, questionable
- RB Carlos Brown, foot, doubtful
- QB Steven Threet, bruised elbow, probable
- WR Junior Hemingway, mononucleosis, doubtful
- LB Austin Panter, shoulder, questionable
- T Mark Huyge, ankle, questionable
- WR Terence Robinson, knee, out
- S Brandon Smith, appendix, out
- G Cory Zirbel, knee, out
MICHIGAN STATE (at Michigan)
- QB Brian Hoyer, head/hand, probable
- S Roderick Jenrette, leave of absence, out
MINNESOTA (at Purdue)
- CB Marcus Sherels, shoulder, probable
- RB Kevin Whaley, abdominal, doubtful
- C Trey Davis, hand, questionable
- RB Duane Bennett, knee, out (season)
NORTHWESTERN (at Indiana)
- LB Malcolm Arrington, knee, out (season)
- G Keegan Grant, ankle, questionable
- CB Justan Vaughn, shoulder, out (season)
- DE Rejaie Johnson, shoulder, out (season)
- TE/FB Drake Dunsmore, knee, out (season)
OHIO STATE (vs. Penn State)
- RB Dan Herron, head/concussion, probable
- CB Chimdi Chekwa, shoulder, probable
- WR Dane Sanzenbacher, head/concussion, questionable
- T Mike Adams, ankle, out (season)
- T J.B. Shugarts, shoulder, out (season)
- DE Lawrence Wilson, knee, out (season)
- CB Andre Amos, knee, out (season)
PENN STATE (at Ohio State)
- S Anthony Scirrotto, head/concussion, probable
- T Ako Poti, knee, questionable
- DT Devon Still, ankle, out
- RB Brent Carter, knee, out (season)
- T Doug Klopacz, knee, out (season)
- DE Jerome Hayes, knee, out (season)
PURDUE (vs. Minnesota)
- TE Kyle Adams, knee, doubtful
- LB Jason Werner, back, out
- QB Joey Elliott, shoulder, out (season)
- S Frank Duong, knee, questionable
- T Garrett Miller, knee, out (season)
- RB Jaycen Taylor, knee, out (season)
WISCONSIN (vs. Illinois)
- WR Maurice Moore, leg, out (season)
- CB Mario Goins, head/concussion, questionable
- T Gabe Carimi, knee, doubtful
- RB P.J. Hill, leg, probable
- G Kraig Urbik, knee, doubtful
- LB Blake Sorensen, hamstring, probable
- RB John Clay, toe, probable
- LB Jonathan Casillas, hand, questionable
- DE Brendan Kelly, thumb, out (season)
- CB Aaron Henry, knee, out (season)
- DE Kirk DeCremer, back, out (season)
Penn State Offense Vs. Ohio State Defense Highlights Prime Time Matchup
October 22, 2008 by feed · Leave a Comment
The “Spread HD” offense run by the Penn State Nittany Lions and PSU QB Daryll Clark can be described in several ways. “It’s a spread offense in high-def is what our quarterbacks coach Jay Paterno had named it. It’s ‘high-definition’ or ‘highly diverse.’ And so far it hasn’t been ‘huge dud,’ said Clark.
The new offensive scheme designed by offensive coordinator Galen Hall and quarterbacks coach Jay Paterno has the Nittany Lion offense scoring at will on opponents, averaging over 45 ppg, good enough for seventh in the nation.
Penn State is led by Clark, a first-year starter who has thrown for 1,531 yards and 11 TDs. He has also run for another 190 yards with eight TDs.
Clark will be challenged this weekend by an Ohio State defense (ABC, 8 pm) that ranks 10th in the nation in total defense.
When Daryll Clark steps under center on Saturday night, his first job will be to find Ohio State’s ball-hawking cornerback Malcolm Jenkins. Jenkins is tied for the team lead in interceptions with three, along with safety Kurt Coleman.
The Ohio State secondary has been the strong point of a team allowing 265 ypg. They have accounted for nine of the team’s 11 INTs and have also recovered two fumbles.
While OSU’s secondary has been their strong point this season, the Buckeyes are led by their linebackers and All-American James Laurinaitis. Laurinaitis, Ross Homan, and Marcus Freeman are the team’s three leading tacklers. Freeman leads the team in sacks and tackles for loss.
The weak point of the Buckeye defense to this point has been the defensive line. The OSU coaches have rotated a number of players into the lineup but with limited success. The loss of Lawrence Wilson has caused the team to go to backups in key situations.
One player who has stepped up has been DE Thaddeus Gibson. Gibson recovered a fumble and returned it 69 yards for a touchdown in a blowout win against Michigan State.
The Buckeye defense will be on its heels this weekend when it faces a veteran offensive line and RS sophomore RB Evan Royster. Royster leads the Big Ten with 7.7 ypc.
Royster is relieved by RS freshman Stephfon Green. Green’s speed (4.24/40 time) compliments Royster’s power and provides the breakaway speed Royster lacks.
In previous years, Penn State has lacked a playmaker at quarterback. The strong OL and ground game would often be shut down and the offense forced to throw.
This season, if you stop the rushing game, then Daryll Clark can beat you with the pass.
If you stop the passing, then Evan Royster and Stephfon Green will run right by you.
Come Saturday, will the “Spread HD” offense be in High-Definition, or will the Buckeyes unplug the TV?
My latest report card
October 21, 2008 by feed · Leave a Comment
OFFENSIVE LINE
Terrelle Pryor might think twice next time before masquerading as Orlando Pace. He had his head snapped back like a rock ’em, sock ’em robot, trying to throw a downfield block for Beanie Wells. As least he showed the kind of fire that had mostly been missing this season from the guys who actually earn their scholarships playing offensive line. Saturday, thankfully, the front five took their cue from Pryor. Don’t want to jinx things, but it looks like the Buckeyes might have found their best combo: Alex Boone at left tackle, Jim Cordle at left guard, Mike Brewster at center, Steve Rehring at right guard and Bryant Browning at right tackle. But let’s hold off on a coronation until after the Penn State game.
GRADE: A
RUNNING GAME
Still waiting for someone to show they can stop the Beanie-Terrelle Express. With the Spartans buying the fake, Terrelle Pryor ambled for 72 yards on 12 carries. And Beanie Wells was even more of a load, rushing for 140 yards on 31 carries. The only thing slowing Beanie was his own teammates. A chop block penalty on Mike Brewster and Steve Rehring cost him a third touchdown.
GRADE: A
PASSING GAME
Yes, Terrelle Pryor’s passing skills still leave a lot to be desired. His 56-yard completion to Brian Hartline was more of an artistic success on the receiving end and his seven-yard TD to Brian Robiskie was thrown off his back foot. But Pryor was able to get away with it because he bought extra time with his feet, allowing Robiskie time to get wide open in the back of the end zone. My fear is that he won’t have enough passing reps when the time comes to really throw the ball with authority. What will OSU do then, page Todd Boeckman?
GRADE: B minus
DEFENSIVE LINE
Is it just me, or is Thaddeus Gibson coming up with a big play every week? His 69-yard fumble return TD on Saturday was the longest in the Tressel Era. The pressure up front has never been better than the last two weeks. Tackles Todd Denlinger, Nader Abdallah and Dexter Larimore have shown signs of life playing alongside Cameron Heyward, and Rob Rose couldmake us forget end Lawrence Wilson (season-ending knee injury). Personally, I’ve already forgotten him.
GRADE: A minus
LINEBACKERS
It’s hard to say who got more face time Saturday on ABC, James Laurinaitis or daddy Joe, the former pro rassler. With his parents watching from the stands, Laurinaitis (11 tackles, one sack) had one of his best games of the season, leading the charge against Javon Ringer. Actually, the best defense against the nation’s top rusher was OSU’s offense. By jumping out to a 28-0 lead, the Buckeyes essentially took Ringer out of the picture. When he did carry the ball, Laurinaitis was usually there to greet him with a bearhug and playful tap on the helmet. Ringer finished with 67 yards on 16 carries, saying goodbye to his Heisman hopes.
GRADE: A
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Nobody is playing better on defense right now than Malcolm Jenkins. His strip sack of backup Kirk Cousins led to Thaddeus Gibson’s 69-yard fumble return TD, one week after Jenkins blocked a punt (resulting in a TD) and intercepted a pass against Purdue. Jenkins was still in at the end, flying downfield to stop a punt returner cold with an ankle tackle. “He won’t let me take him out,” coach Jim Tressel said. Donald Washington, back in the flow after an early-season suspension, returned a fumble 44 yards to set up a TD and nickel back Jermale Hines scored on a 48-yard fumble return in the closing seconds that pained Tressel almost as much as his close friend, MSU coach Mark Dantonio. The last thing Tress wanted to do was pile on, but his team needs all the style points it can get.
GRADE: A
SPECIAL TEAMS
Couple of close scares here. After making a splashy debut on special teams last week, Lamaar Thomas dropped the opening kickoff and got tackled at the 8. Worse was Ray Small’s decision to field a punt inside the 10, compounded by his fumble. Austin Spitler, out most of the season because of injury, recovered the loose ball and saved Small from another trip inside Jim Tressel’s doghouse. Aaron Pettrey made a 40-yard field goal, but his kickoffs have lost their oomph this season. On average, only one out of four have resulted in touchbacks.
GRADE: C
COACHING
Up 28-0 at halftime, the Buckeyes threw only two passes in the second half. Hey, you didn’t expect Jim Tressel to turn into a Big 12 coach overnight, did you? Give him credit for throwing the ball deep on first down on the play where Brian Hartline pinballed off two defenders. And, in fairness, although it won’t show up on the stat sheet, he did have Terrell Pryor throw long for Brian Robiskie in the second half, resulting in pass interference. But I’m still not convinced Ohio State can win a shootout with Penn State, if it comes to that. Maybe the defense should have saved Saturday’s two scores for next week.
GRADE: B
Deja Vu All Over Again?
October 13, 2008 by feed · Leave a Comment
BREAKING NEWS: An inside source has told us that Lawrence Wilson, who left the game limping in the third quarter on Saturday, has been diagnosed with a torn ACL. Wilson, who missed all of last season with a broken leg, was supposed to have a break out season this year, and was a candidate to be an early entry to the NFL draft this spring. “Lo-Wo” will be returning next season and we wish him well in his recovery.
DTI will have more on this as we hear more of the details, but for now, our already feeble defensive front just got a little weaker.