Ohio State Football 2014

[gonelong]

2014 Recruiting class wrap-up (http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2014/02/33072/ohio-state-football-recruiting-meet-the-buckeye-football-recruiting-class-of-2014)

Real Nice class Meyer picked-up and lots of possibilities for immediate help as well as a number of high profile Redshirts from last year. The talent infusion really begins this year.

GL

/realized I posted this in the wrong forum

[gonelong]

The Buckeyes take a pretty serious hit this week as 4-star/5-star LB Mike Mitchell (2013 class/redshirt) reports he will Transfer to a Texas college to be closer to his ailing father.

Mitchell was expected to challenge for a starting LB spot this spring.

I wish Mike and his family the best of luck.

GL

[LoganBuck]

The Buckeyes take a pretty serious hit this week as 4-star/5-star LB Mike Mitchell (2013 class/redshirt) reports he will Transfer to a Texas college to be closer to his ailing father.

Mitchell was expected to challenge for a starting LB spot this spring.

I wish Mike and his family the best of luck.

GL

Probably a double whammy for Thad Matta too. His younger brother Mickey Mitchell is a high ranking 2015 commitment.

[villain612]

Hopefully the defense improves this season.

As a lifelong Buckeye, its very strange to see the defense as the team's worst unit.

[oregonred]

The defense can only get better after the last 2-3 seasons with possibly the worst defensive back 7 production in decades.

Time for all the 4* and 5* recruits from the last few years to step up. Also the coaching changes on defense look to be a net positive with Ash taking over the defense and replacing Whiters and Larry Johnson Sr added to the staff. From all accounts, Ash will call the plays on defense not Fickell.

[gonelong]

2015 class heating up ...

Meyer received two pledges today from two five-star defensive players. Linebacker Justin Hilliard, out of St. Xavier in Cincinnati, and defensive end Jashon Cornell, out of Cretin Derham Hall in St. Paul, Minnesota, both committed to Ohio State this morning.

Five-star linebacker (247) Justin Hilliard commits to Ohio State. He becomes 11th member of Buckeyes’ 2015 class.
5-star defensive end (247) Jashon Cornell commits to Ohio State. He becomes 12th member of Buckeyes’ 2015 class.


I found this amuzing ...

This does not please Chris Clark, a five-star tight end in the 2015 class committed to Michigan.

Damn ohio state had a day

— Chris Clark (@Clark8Chris) July 2, 2014


GL

[Red Buckeye]

I am giddy that the Buckeyes have a 10 star Wednesday.

Chris Clark, OSU tried to get him to become a Buckeye, but I guess the idea of playing for 7-5 teams and not playing in B1G Title games was appealing for him.

Clark, still time to flip and become a Buckeyes if you want.

[RedFanT]

I just hope the defense gets better. That bowl game was painful to watch. As great as that offense was, the defense was almost as bad. So antithetical to past Buckeye championship teams.

[gonelong]

Edwards de-commits from Auburn - http://auburn.247sports.com/Board/42/Contents/Ben-Edwards-Auburn-still-in-play-30031493

That puts the Bucks back in play, but you have to wonder about a guy that has de-committed twice.

GL

[BuckeyeRed27]

Urban has been upbeat, but it's hard to not be concerned about how limited Braxton has been in practice.

[RedTeamGo!]

@TIM_MAYsports: Sources tell me @BraxtonMiller5 reinjured right shoulder in practice this p.m., in jeopardy for season. Check http://t.co/x610tIPgiy

[BuckeyeRed27]

MRI tomorrow, will know more them but left practice today after tweaking his shoulder on a non contact drill.

Crap.

[RedTeamGo!]

I heard he is already out officially

[LoganBuck]

Crap

[BuckeyeRed27]

I heard he is already out officially

Haven't seen that yet. Where did you see it?

[Reds Fanatic]

Haven't seen that yet. Where did you see it?

A few of the writers that cover Ohio State have tweeted things they have heard but you won't hear anything official yet until they get more results back.

This story sounds like a decision on whether surgery is needed may take a few days.

http://buckeyextra.dispatch.com/content/stories/2014/08/18/braxton-miller-injury-update.html

The scary thing is he was hurt just throwing a routine pass.

[RedTeamGo!]

Haven't seen that yet. Where did you see it?

A friend of mine. I know that certainly is not a legit source, but he is the biggest buckeyes fan I know and seems to know this kind of stuff as early as possible.

[RedTeamGo!]

The scary thing is he was hurt just throwing a routine pass.

Yep, I read this morning he was on the ground with his head face down for quite awhile and the team had to move practice while he was attended to.

He is toast.

[CoachBombay]

Go Bearcats!

[RedTeamGo!]

Go Bearcats!

Weak. :thumbdown:

[*BaseClogger*]

Go Bearcats!

bUCkeye state, amirite u guys!?!?

[Stray]

Tough break if he's out for the season, but Urban Meyer is great at getting the most out of QBs. I think whoever it is behind center will have a big year.

[RedTeamGo!]

bUCkeye state, amirite u guys!?!?

It's going to be embarrassing when the bearcats get slammed by a backup QB.

[jojo]

Sorry to hear this news....it's never pleasant to see a top athlete struggle through injuries.

[RedTeamGo!]

Sorry to hear this news....it's never pleasant to see a top athlete struggle through injuries.

Yep, and it stinks for the first year of the college football playoff. No way OSU makes it there now. I think OSU will be lucky to win 9 games this year if Braxton is out the whole season.

[CoachBombay]

It's going to be embarrassing when the bearcats get slammed by a backup QB.

yea it will be really embarrassing to lose a game youre supposed to lose in the first place? Im already embarrassed.

[RedTeamGo!]

yea it will be really embarrassing to lose a game youre supposed to lose in the first place? Im already embarrassed.

Not the same team. UC will be against a backup, RS Freshman QB.

But, please, continue celebrating an injury to a player.

[CoachBombay]

Not the same team. UC will be against a backup, RS Freshman QB.

But, please, continue celebrating an injury to a player.

I will, thanks

[RedTeamGo!]

call me classless, call me whatever you want, can care less. I always celebrate bad news for the hairless nuts

Cool, bro, enjoy celebrating an injury to a young man that may cost him and his children's future.

It is "cannot care less" by the way.

Saying you "can care less" implies that you can indeed care less than you do currently do, which is not what you are trying to convey.

[reds44]

Yep, and it stinks for the first year of the college football playoff. No way OSU makes it there now. I think OSU will be lucky to win 9 games this year if Braxton is out the whole season.

LOLLLL are Ohio State fans really that self serving? The CFB will be fine without Ohio State.

[CoachBombay]

Cool, bro, enjoy celebrating an injury to a young man that may cost him and his children's future.

It is "cannot care less" by the way.

Saying you "can care less" implies that you can indeed care less than you do currently do, which is not what you are trying to convey.

Cool, bro....correct my grammar all you want, youre still out a QB. Anything to make yourself feel better about losing to both Michigan teams this year I suppose

[jojo]

LOLLLL are Ohio State fans really that self serving? The CFB will be fine without Ohio State.

I think he was saying it stinks for OSU because the new system increased the Buckeye's odds and heir schedule lines up well for such a system.

Concerning UC though, Tuberville is the real problem... He is a molder of clay.

[RedTeamGo!]

LOLLLL are Ohio State fans really that self serving? The CFB will be fine without Ohio State.

Top College Football Teams by TV Ratings

Rank Team Avg Viewers Avg Rating # of Rated Gms
1 Alabama 6,465,000 3.9 10
2 Texas A&M 5,263,900 3.3 10
3 Michigan 5,257,381 3.3 7
4 Ohio State 5,240,455 3.2 11
5 Auburn 5,216,500 3.2 10
6 Georgia 4,832,300 3.0 10
7 LSU 4,531,818 2.7 11
8 Missouri 3,991,500 2.4 8
9 Notre Dame 3,906,364 2.5 11
10 Michigan St 3,769,111 2.4 9

http://www.goodbullhunting.com/2013/12/17/5216550/college-football-tv-ratings-2013-regular-season-final-sec

Every year OSU is one of the biggest television draws in college football. This is not breaking news. It has nothing to do with being "self serving"

Of course CFB will move on without Braxton Miller. But it is a bummer that in it's first year OSU will be a non-factor. I guarantee you NCAA Football, sponsors, ABC, ESPN would rather he be playing.

[RedTeamGo!]

Cool, bro....correct my grammar all you want, youre still out a QB. Anything to make yourself feel better about losing to both Michigan teams this year I suppose

As you edit your post to delete the poor grammar.

[RedTeamGo!]

I think he was saying it stinks for OSU because the new system increased the Buckeye's odds and heir schedule lines up well for such a system.


This is true, and not just because it increased the buckeye's odds, but because for the first year of the playoff system OSU is going to be a non-factor. Will be a lame season entertainment wise.

[CoachBombay]

As you edit your post to delete the poor grammar.

Actually, I was editing my post to not sound like the giant dick that I am...But you caught me.

[jojo]

This is true, and not just because it increased the buckeye's odds, but because for the first year of the playoff system OSU is going to be a non-factor. Will be a lame season entertainment wise.

Outside of Columbus, the mourning would be much more subdued than those inside Columbus apparently would expect. Of the many criticisms of the BCS system, the lack of OSU being in every one wasn't one of them.

[RedTeamGo!]

Outside of Columbus, the mourning would be much more subdued than those inside Columbus apparently would expect.

I didn't mean it that way. I understand OSU is hated nationally, etc. I just meant OSU in a playoff game over, lets say Wisconsin would be more of a tv draw.

- - - Updated - - -


Actually, I was editing my post to not sound like the giant dick that I am...But you caught me.

haha

[BuckeyeRed27]

I can't believe there are people that actually celebrate an injury. Some pretty poor moments for a few people in this thread so far.

It sounds like he seperated the shoulder and they should know more by tomorrow in terms of possible recovery time.

JT Barrett was very highly recruited, but tore his ACL his senior year of high school and basically hasn't played in about 2 years. He isn't as good as a runner as Braxton, but was supposed to be a more polished passer coming in, but that's not to say he is at this point. He would need to show tremendous growth in order to beat Michigan State at night on the road and there are several tough games before that one. At this point I think you'd have to say 9 wins would be an accomplishment.

[Boston Red]

I just meant OSU in a playoff game over, lets say Wisconsin would be more of a tv draw.


Doubtful, at least in year 1. People are going to watch this year no matter who is in it.

[RedTeamGo!]

Doubtful, at least in year 1. People are going to watch this year no matter who is in it.

OSU vs Oklahoma will get a bigger TV draw than Wisconsin vs Oklahoma.

Every time.

[Boston Red]

Perhaps marginally in a playoff. But only marginally.

[*BaseClogger*]

Perhaps marginally in a playoff. But only marginally.

What makes you say that? I'm genuinely curious, college football TV ratings aren't something I follow closely. But it's pretty clear Ohio State has a larger fanbase than Wisconsin, so is that just not a factor in national ratings the way it is with every single other sport?

[Boston Red]

What makes you say that? I'm genuinely curious, college football TV ratings aren't something I follow closely. But it's pretty clear Ohio State has a larger fanbase than Wisconsin, so is that just not a factor in national ratings the way it is with every single other sport?

Because it's the first year of the playoffs. People are going to watch. Ohio State fans are going to watch even if their team isn't in it.

[*BaseClogger*]

I wanna see Barrett on the field before I start saying "9 wins would be an accomplishment". With college football, you just never know about these guys. I loved Braxton Miller, but even before the injuries I had my doubts he was ever going to get OSU over the hump. Just like Pryor, a very special athlete, but I don't know if his legs alone were going to get it done. He came a long way as a passer, but we don't know that he was ready to take the next step to elite. If tOSU's defense is as improved as they think it could be then they still have lots of potential...

[*BaseClogger*]

Because it's the first year of the playoffs. People are going to watch. Ohio State fans are going to watch even if their team isn't in it.

With the most passionate fans I agree, but the casual fan (and tOSU does have some of those, I swear) is only watching their favorite team...

[RedTeamGo!]

Because it's the first year of the playoffs. People are going to watch. Ohio State fans are going to watch even if their team isn't in it.

Eh, I will watch because I like to watch sports, but I think you are underestimating how self centered OSU fans are in general.

I know a lot of fans that will definitely not watch.

[Boston Red]

With the most passionate fans I agree, but the casual fan (and tOSU does have some of those, I swear) is only watching their favorite team...

I think it will be like the basketball Final Four. Sports fans watch that. A lot of people don't watch the championship game, but most sports fans are going to watch the Final Four if they can.

[*BaseClogger*]

yea it will be really embarrassing to lose a game youre supposed to lose in the first place? Im already embarrassed.

Btw, this is the paradox that UC fans seem to conveniently only understand when it supports their side of the argument.

"WHY WON'T OSU SCHEDULE UC!?!?"

"Oh, we lost? Well we were supposed to lose!!"

[jojo]

With the most passionate fans I agree, but the casual fan (and tOSU does have some of those, I swear) is only watching their favorite team...

Good luck escaping it. It's gonna take a lot of effort. There are already commercials about the playoffs. It'll be easier to avoid Christmas next December.

[RedTeamGo!]

Good luck escaping it. It's gonna take a lot of effort. There are already commercials about the playoffs. It'll be easier to avoid Christmas next December.

Ha, you are right about the christmas comparison, but I don't know if that shows how much exposure the playoffs will have or how much people are increasingly ignoring christmas.

[CoachBombay]

Btw, this is the paradox that UC fans seem to conveniently only understand when it supports their side of the argument.

"WHY WON'T OSU SCHEDULE UC!?!?"

"Oh, we lost? Well we were supposed to lose!!"

If the Bearcats win this year its not like Ohio state is ever going to schedule them again anyways. Well unless Tuberville gets a DUI, gets fired, the football team has basketball players playing filling in and a spot on ohio states schedule just happens to open up

[reds44]

I wanna see Barrett on the field before I start saying "9 wins would be an accomplishment". With college football, you just never know about these guys. I loved Braxton Miller, but even before the injuries I had my doubts he was ever going to get OSU over the hump. Just like Pryor, a very special athlete, but I don't know if his legs alone were going to get it done. He came a long way as a passer, but we don't know that he was ready to take the next step to elite. If tOSU's defense is as improved as they think it could be then they still have lots of potential...
Whaaaa? They went 24-0 in the regular season the last 2 years.

[RedTeamGo!]

Whaaaa? They went 24-0 in the regular season the last 2 years.

0-2 in big games in that time.

The defense's fault, but simply saying 24-0 in the regular season doesn't paint the whole picture when you lose the Big 10 championship and then lose to Clemson in the BCS bowl.

Braxton is a huge loss, one I do not think OSU will be able to recover from this season, but it will be refreshing to watch a pocket passer this year.

[kbrake]

UC fans have one hell of a little brother complex.

[reds44]

0-2 in big games in that time.

The defense's fault, but simply saying 24-0 in the regular season doesn't paint the whole picture when you lose the Big 10 championship and then lose to Clemson in the BCS bowl.

Braxton is a huge loss, one I do not think OSU will be able to recover from this season, but it will be refreshing to watch a pocket passer this year.
There's no doubt last season didn't end well, but they won 24 games in a row with him as the QB and a lot of that was played with a really bad defense. Give me a break.

[BuckeyeRed27]

0-2 in big games in that time.

The defense's fault, but simply saying 24-0 in the regular season doesn't paint the whole picture when you lose the Big 10 championship and then lose to Clemson in the BCS bowl.

Braxton is a huge loss, one I do not think OSU will be able to recover from this season, but it will be refreshing to watch a pocket passer this year.

Hopefully it will be more refreshing that when we were watching Joe Bauerman and Todd Boeckman.

There is certainly enough talent for this team to still be very good. However the defense wasn't good last year and while improvement is expected, I don't think we are going to see the 84 Bears out there. The whole offensive line is being replaced and is now protecting a passer that isn't going to be able to run away from their mistakes. Our best offensive player from last year is gone (Hyde) and his replacement is also hurt and hasn't practiced in 2 weeks. There is a lot of unknown running back depth, but it is that unknows.
Braxton Miller was about the only thing on either side of the ball that was known and could be relied on. This could all come together great and the team could jell and JT could be the real deal and we will be right there competing for trophies. Or it could be a freaking disaster with losses to one of two of the nonconference teams and Penn St, Michigan State and Michigan. I don't think it will get to that point because Urban is one of the best coaches in college football, but I don't think its unrealistic either.

[Reds Fanatic]

It is official now. The MRI results have come back and he is out for the season

[RedTeamGo!]

There's no doubt last season didn't end well, but they won 24 games in a row with him as the QB and a lot of that was played with a really bad defense. Give me a break.

Give you a break on what? I said Braxton is a huge loss.

I was simply saying 24-0 does not paint the whole picture. Also, nitpicking, but he was not the QB for all 24 of those games, Guiton started 2 games last year, and played most of the game against SDSU. In fact Kenny Guiton came in against Purdue last year to lead OSU to an overtime victory. Braxton was a fantastic player, this year is going to be really tough without him, but he was certainly not without faults.

[schmidty622]

I will, thanks

Can I join you? GO TERPS!

[HeatherC1212]

Wow, I can't even come over here to read non Reds related news without reading garbage. What is with this place lately? :bang: :eek:

Anyway, I'm very bummed to hear the news about Braxton Miller and OSU definitely has a lot more question marks than ever before in this upcoming season. I'll still be rooting for them and watching all the games but man, this year has been brutal for me and my favorite sports teams/people. There was a hip injury to my favorite pairs team, other skating teams have broken up or retired or just aren't competing this year, and of course you have the MASH unit that is this year's Reds team and that's just to name a few of them. Sports wise I am emotionally exhausted and it's only August. :eek:

Best wishes to Braxton for a speedy recovery. :(

[*BaseClogger*]

Whaaaa? They went 24-0 in the regular season the last 2 years.

Great college QB. Wasn't convinced he was an elite college QB who could win a National Championship while paired with a mediocre defense. As bad the defense was in 2013, it wasn't the defense alone that ultimately cost them against MSU.

But my bigger point was we haven't seen JT Barrett on the field yet so lets reserve judgement. What if he's this season's Jameis Winston?

[*BaseClogger*]

Hopefully it will be more refreshing that when we were watching Joe Bauerman and Todd Boeckman.

What did Braxton Miller ever accomplish that Todd Boeckman did not?

(I LOVE BRAXTON MILLER. THIS IS NOT A DUMP ON BRAXTON MILLER.)

[Redsfaithful]

Big challenge ahead for Urban Meyer, will be interesting.

Hope some of the UC fans stick their heads back in after they lose.

I actually pull for UC generally (my wife's cousin played for them the last few years), but man, they have some terrible fans. I guess all fanbases do, but they seem to show up here an awful lot.

[BuckeyeRed27]

What did Braxton Miller ever accomplish that Todd Boeckman did not?

(I LOVE BRAXTON MILLER. THIS IS NOT A DUMP ON BRAXTON MILLER.)

Is this a serious question? I assume you are referring to Braxton not winning a Big 10 Title, which has more to due with circumstance than anything else.

But to answer your question he was named the best played in the Big 10 twice, won numerous other awards. He also accomplished to not lose his starting job to a freshman after getting blown out by 5 TDs on the road.

I don't mean to bag on Todd Boeckman, he sacrificed and did everything he could to be the QB at OSU, but he is no where near the player Braxton Miller is.

[cincrazy]

I think this may be a blessing in disguise. And hear me out here before you think I'm crazy. Braxton Miller is ridiculously talented and one of the best players in college football. So talented that Urban and Herman relied on him WAY too much the last two years. And when we faced good teams and they got Braxton off his game, our gooses were cooked. We had no way of moving the ball in the air, and I blame that more on the coaching staff than I do Miller.

This will force the coaches to diversify the offense and get more players involved. This team still has a TON of offensive talent. I think the play-calling and the defense will decide our fate this year, and I felt that way before news of Braxton's injuries came forth. Tee Martin replaced PEYTON MANNING in 1998, and led Tennessee to a national title (something Peyton never did accomplish). College isn't the pros. College backups are often times super talented guys just biding their time. I'm not saying Barrett will lead us to new heights, but would I rule it out? No way.

[paintmered]

Big challenge ahead for Urban Meyer, will be interesting.

Hope some of the UC fans stick their heads back in after they lose.

I actually pull for UC generally (my wife's cousin played for them the last few years), but man, they have some terrible fans. I guess all fanbases do, but they seem to show up here an awful lot.

One poster doesn't speak for the whole lot of us.

OSU will be 18 point favorites instead of 23 now. Miller going down doesn't change much for the likely outcome of the game or the outcome I want to see. And from a fanbase that's dealt with plenty of heartbreak from the loss of a key player (and more than our fair share of QBs), this is nothing to celebrate.

[Roy Tucker]

Braxton isn't elite pro material, but he is an elite college player. Like an Archie Griffin. Miller probably wins you 1-2 games that you'd normally lose. So I think they go from a top 5 to a top 15 team.

But like others say, you don't know till the games get played.

[wolfboy]

UC fans have one hell of a little brother complex.

No, one UC fan came to troll and a bunch of Ohio State fans couldn't resist the bait. Personally, I think most UC fans understand that this could be a potential cloud on our season. It's kind of a lose-lose for UC. Lose the game and you can't win against a big time program. Win and you can only win against a big time program without one of its best players. Win or lose, I'd rather face OSU without any potential for excuses.

Back on topic: I wish Miller the best in his recovery.

[Boss-Hog]

As a general warning, I want to point out that the trash talking exhibited in this thread today isn't within the spirit of this board - whether the discussion is baseball related or not.

[RiverRat13]

I think this may be a blessing in disguise. And hear me out here before you think I'm crazy. Braxton Miller is ridiculously talented and one of the best players in college football. So talented that Urban and Herman relied on him WAY too much the last two years. And when we faced good teams and they got Braxton off his game, our gooses were cooked. We had no way of moving the ball in the air, and I blame that more on the coaching staff than I do Miller.

This will force the coaches to diversify the offense and get more players involved. This team still has a TON of offensive talent. I think the play-calling and the defense will decide our fate this year, and I felt that way before news of Braxton's injuries came forth. Tee Martin replaced PEYTON MANNING in 1998, and led Tennessee to a national title (something Peyton never did accomplish). College isn't the pros. College backups are often times super talented guys just biding their time. I'm not saying Barrett will lead us to new heights, but would I rule it out? No way.

I agree it might be a blessing in disguise, but for a much different reason. Outside of Braxton, I think that OSU's roster is a year away from being really special. The one chink in the armor would have been an inexperienced QB in '15. Now with Braxton's injury, they'll either have him coming back next year or Barrett with a year under his belt.

[wolfboy]

Big challenge ahead for Urban Meyer, will be interesting.

Hope some of the UC fans stick their heads back in after they lose.

I actually pull for UC generally (my wife's cousin played for them the last few years), but man, they have some terrible fans. I guess all fanbases do, but they seem to show up here an awful lot.

:rolleyes:

[Redsfaithful]

:rolleyes:

Fair enough, I guess it's never gotten to the level of cheering injuries before this thread, but Ohio State threads here have always been full of trolling UC and SEC fans at every opportunity.

Like I said, I pull for UC when they aren't playing Ohio State, so I find it bizarre. The schools aren't rivals. I actually wish they were.

[bucksfan2]

I think this may be a blessing in disguise. And hear me out here before you think I'm crazy. Braxton Miller is ridiculously talented and one of the best players in college football. So talented that Urban and Herman relied on him WAY too much the last two years. And when we faced good teams and they got Braxton off his game, our gooses were cooked. We had no way of moving the ball in the air, and I blame that more on the coaching staff than I do Miller.

This will force the coaches to diversify the offense and get more players involved. This team still has a TON of offensive talent. I think the play-calling and the defense will decide our fate this year, and I felt that way before news of Braxton's injuries came forth. Tee Martin replaced PEYTON MANNING in 1998, and led Tennessee to a national title (something Peyton never did accomplish). College isn't the pros. College backups are often times super talented guys just biding their time. I'm not saying Barrett will lead us to new heights, but would I rule it out? No way.

Most of what has come out about Barrett has been very positive. But I attribute that mostly to preseason fluff. Like in the NFL when you hear about how an undrafted rookie is making headway. Sometimes that player sticks, most of the time they may be a practice squad guy or special teamer. I think Barrett can lead this team to wins and to a successful season. I also think that OSU will be the most talented team on the field in every game they play. It doesn't mean that they will win all of the games, MSU is still the better overall team, but IMO OSU has more talent. This season was shaping up to be one of those seasons where all the chips were falling right, the schedule while being played up as only one top 25 rated team, stacks up pretty compared to most other schools.

While I think this will make Herman and Urban diversify, I think the lack of skill players on the outside really has plagued this team during Braxton's tenure. Going back OSU has had a stable of WR's be drafted and have stable NFL careers. Jenkins, Gamble, Santonio, Ginn, Gonzales, Hall, Robiske, and Hartline were all guys who played and were drafted in the NFL. Braxton's best WR has been Philly Brown. His top skill player other than Hyde was Wilson, a guy who didn't know the playbook in his freshman season. The lack of talent in the WR has been surprising considering their success in years past.

[Sea Ray]

No, one UC fan came to troll and a bunch of Ohio State fans couldn't resist the bait. Personally, I think most UC fans understand that this could be a potential cloud on our season. It's kind of a lose-lose for UC. Lose the game and you can't win against a big time program. Win and you can only win against a big time program without one of its best players. Win or lose, I'd rather face OSU without any potential for excuses.

Back on topic: I wish Miller the best in his recovery.

I don't see any downside to UC winning in Columbus to OSU sans Braxton Miller. He, along with a lot of other OSU starters, represent a group of talented players that UC has no chance of recruiting. Just because OSU lost one player doesn't make the talent even with UC. OSU still has the horses and the home field to pummel UC. If that doesn't happen then there's something wrong

[RedTeamGo!]

I don't see any downside to UC winning in Columbus to OSU sans Braxton Miller. He, along with a lot of other OSU starters, represent a group of talented players that UC has no chance of recruiting. Just because OSU lost one player doesn't make the talent even with UC. OSU still has the horses and the home field to pummel UC. If that doesn't happen then there's something wrong

The something wrong is that their best player, who happens to be the QB is not playing.

UC absolutely has the chance to recruit someone of JT Barrett's ilk. If you look at the teams that offered him when he was in high school it is really not that impressive:

OSU
Arizona
Kansas St
Illinois
Baylor

He was a decent prospect, but nothing really special, and he also missed his entire senior season with a bad knee injury.

[Sea Ray]

The something wrong is that their best player, who happens to be the QB is not playing.

UC absolutely has the chance to recruit someone of JT Barrett's ilk. If you look at the teams that offered him when he was in high school it is really not that impressive:

OSU
Arizona
Kansas St
Illinois
Baylor

He was a decent prospect, but nothing really special, and he also missed his entire senior season with a bad knee injury.

I agree with you there on JT Barrett. So the Miller injury evens the playing field at the QB position. But what about the other players on the field? Wouldn't you say that OSU outclasses UC elsewhere?

[RedTeamGo!]

I agree with you there on JT Barrett. So the Miller injury evens the playing field at the QB position. But what about the other players on the field? Wouldn't you say that OSU outclasses UC elsewhere?

I don't know. OSU lost Carlos Hyde and Ezekial Elliot is a question mark and just had his wrist cast removed.

The defense is a huge question mark and lost 2 of their best to the NFL.

The offensive line is returning 1 player that has played before.

Sure, OSU has way more talent than UC, but there are a lot of question marks.

[IslandRed]

The something wrong is that their best player, who happens to be the QB is not playing.

UC absolutely has the chance to recruit someone of JT Barrett's ilk. If you look at the teams that offered him when he was in high school it is really not that impressive:

OSU
Arizona
Kansas St
Illinois
Baylor

He was a decent prospect, but nothing really special, and he also missed his entire senior season with a bad knee injury.

If you're a spread QB and you're being offered by Urban Meyer, Rich Rodriguez and Art Briles, you're about as highly recruited as a spread QB can get.

[jimbo]

I really don't get all of the doom and gloom coming from Buckeye fans. I get the it coming from media types, critics, and SEC fans, they're going to pounce on this and claim it's the end of the season for the Bucks, blah, blah, blah.

I just think Ohio State is one of the few programs in the country who are capable of replacing seasoned talent with younger talent and not missing a beat. Now, I'm not saying there isn't going to be growing pains, but with the favorable schedule I think there is room for Barrett and the obvious learning curve that is facing him, while still competing for a playoff spot. There is a lot of talent surrounding him, and I'm expecting the defense to be much better this season and we will not see the offensive shootouts we saw last year.

I feel bad more for Miller than I do the team. This team will survive this. In Urban I trust!

[jojo]

I really don't get all of the doom and gloom coming from Buckeye fans. I get the it coming from media types, critics, and SEC fans, they're going to pounce on this and claim it's the end of the season for the Bucks, blah, blah, blah.

I just think Ohio State is one of the few programs in the country who are capable of replacing seasoned talent with younger talent and not missing a beat. Now, I'm not saying there isn't going to be growing pains, but with the favorable schedule I think there is room for Barrett and the obvious learning curve that is facing him, while still competing for a playoff spot. There is a lot of talent surrounding him, and I'm expecting the defense to be much better this season and we will not see the offensive shootouts we saw last year.

I feel bad more for Miller than I do the team. This team will survive this. In Urban I trust!

With their schedule, they could win 9 games solely running the wildcat.

[RedTeamGo!]

With their schedule, they could win 9 games solely running the wildcat.

I agree, but I wonder how many times this is going to be said this season about OSU.

I am going to guess 120,020,186,482 times

[jojo]

I agree, but I wonder how many times this is going to be said this season about OSU.

I am going to guess 120,020,186,482 times

Without knowing zip doodle about who is returning, Navy could be stout. Va tech and Cincy could be "on any given day" scenarios. But the reality is that for me at least, there are only two games that I'd buy tickets to and both are road games-PSU and MSU.

[bucksfan2]

Without knowing zip doodle about who is returning, Navy could be stout. Va tech and Cincy could be "on any given day" scenarios. But the reality is that for me at least, there are only two games that I'd buy tickets to and both are road games-PSU and MSU.

Navy, Va Tech, Cincy, and PSU are all teams that could find themselves ranked at some point this season. Throw in a Michigan team that almost beat OSU last season and this schedule has the potential to be tougher than in years past.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Navy, Va Tech, Cincy, and PSU are all teams that could find themselves ranked at some point this season. Throw in a Michigan team that almost beat OSU last season and this schedule has the potential to be tougher than in years past.

Totally agree. People keep talking about the schedule being a benefit and I don't see that at all. It is nice we don't have to play LSU or Florida State in Week 1 or 2, but all three of those teams are capable of winning. I don't except any of the first three games to be comfortable any more, although I do expect to win them.

[WMR]

Totally agree. People keep talking about the schedule being a benefit and I don't see that at all. It is nice we don't have to play LSU or Florida State in Week 1 or 2, but all three of those teams are capable of winning. I don't except any of the first three games to be comfortable any more, although I do expect to win them.

Wanna trade schedules? ;)

[jojo]

Wanna trade schedules? ;)

Yours actually looks manageable.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Wanna trade schedules? ;)

I would glady change with UK. Opening with directional Tennessee and Ohio (that's the Bobcats for you Michigan fans) is exactly the kind of start I would like a brand new QB to have. After that it looks pretty comparable to OSU's anyways.

[WMR]

I would glady change with UK. Opening with directional Tennessee and Ohio (that's the Bobcats for you Michigan fans) is exactly the kind of start I would like a brand new QB to have. After that it looks pretty comparable to OSU's anyways.

Http://fbschedules.com/2014/04/2014-college-football-strength-of-schedule-ncaa-method/

6 vs. 35 according to NCAA.

[LoganBuck]

The something wrong is that their best player, who happens to be the QB is not playing.

UC absolutely has the chance to recruit someone of JT Barrett's ilk. If you look at the teams that offered him when he was in high school it is really not that impressive:

OSU
Arizona
Kansas St
Illinois
Baylor

He was a decent prospect, but nothing really special, and he also missed his entire senior season with a bad knee injury.

This is so full of inaccuracy that I have to go line by line.

#1 Ohio State's best player is Joey Bosa. This really isn't up for debate. He is #1 pick in the draft good.
#2 JT Barrett was an Elite 11 QB. These don't grow on trees. Ohio State has 3 of them. Miller, Barrett, and the lesser acclaimed true freshman Stephen Collier. At the time of his commitment he was being recruited by the spread offense gurus from around the country. His ranking took a dip because of his injury, not his onfield performance.
#3 He was injured half way through his senior season. Unless this video is from the matrix, which it could be because the date on it is wrong. Barrett played big boy football in Texas, this was at the top level.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmVKQlTbwlc

Also this: http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/recruiting/eye-on-recruiting/19627083/ohio-state-commit-jt-barrett-bonding-with-fellow-elite-11-quarterbacks

[Sea Ray]

I don't know. OSU lost Carlos Hyde and Ezekial Elliot is a question mark and just had his wrist cast removed.

The defense is a huge question mark and lost 2 of their best to the NFL.

The offensive line is returning 1 player that has played before.

Sure, OSU has way more talent than UC, but there are a lot of question marks.s
Without getting into particulars it appears to me that OSU had had top 5 recruiting classes in recent years while UC is in the 50s and 60s. With disparities like that I bet almost all of UC's recruits were not even considered by OSU

[Sea Ray]

I really don't get all of the doom and gloom coming from Buckeye fans. I get the it coming from media types, critics, and SEC fans, they're going to pounce on this and claim it's the end of the season for the Bucks, blah, blah, blah.

I just think Ohio State is one of the few programs in the country who are capable of replacing seasoned talent with younger talent and not missing a beat. Now, I'm not saying there isn't going to be growing pains, but with the favorable schedule I think there is room for Barrett and the obvious learning curve that is facing him, while still competing for a playoff spot. There is a lot of talent surrounding him, and I'm expecting the defense to be much better this season and we will not see the offensive shootouts we saw last year.

I feel bad more for Miller than I do the team. This team will survive this. In Urban I trust!

The favorable schedule is an example of how it's easier to be in the Big Ten than the SEC. I do think UC is a worthy opponent but the Big Ten generally spends the first month of the season playing MAC teams and that serves as a preseason of sorts

[bucksfan2]

The favorable schedule is an example of how it's easier to be in the Big Ten than the SEC. I do think UC is a worthy opponent but the Big Ten generally spends the first month of the season playing MAC teams and that serves as a preseason of sorts

OSU's non conference schedule stacks up there with what the big boys in the SEC do. Alabama's top non conference opponent is WVU, very similar to Va Tech. While the B1G may spend time playing MAC foes the SEC spends time playing Sunbelt foes. Alabama has doormat Western Carolina the 2nd to last game of the season. Looking at a few of the SEC's top teams, only Georgia plays two non conference powers this season in Clemson and GT. Florida used to but dropped Miami, SC used to but now only plays Clemson. You don't have a leg to stand on talking about how the B1G plays the MAC as preseason while the SEC somehow only plays their version of dregs.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Http://fbschedules.com/2014/04/2014-college-football-strength-of-schedule-ncaa-method/

6 vs. 35 according to NCAA.

I think you would understand the obvious flaws in basing schedule strength in college football on last year's final records alone. UK may have a marginally more difficult schedule than OSU, but like I said it is more about the order of opponents that I would prefer that schedule.

[wolfboy]

Fair enough, I guess it's never gotten to the level of cheering injuries before this thread, but Ohio State threads here have always been full of trolling UC and SEC fans at every opportunity.

Like I said, I pull for UC when they aren't playing Ohio State, so I find it bizarre. The schools aren't rivals. I actually wish they were.

I assume you're talking about last year's discussion about how the B1G matches up against other power conferences? You aren't the first to call me (and others) a troll over the comments I made there. I really have zero interest in rehashing that discussion, but I'm not gonna lie: I take offense at the fact that you'd compare me (and others) discussing the relative strength of the B1G and Ohio State to someone applauding an injury.

[WMR]

I think you would understand the obvious flaws in basing schedule strength in college football on last year's final records alone. UK may have a marginally more difficult schedule than OSU, but like I said it is more about the order of opponents that I would prefer that schedule.

Does Phil Steele suit you? According to him, it's 15 vs. 36.

I'm frankly sort of amazed you'd even argue the relative strength of the two schedules as being close to on par.

If you think the odds are good that Ohio State would have the same record playing UK's schedule as they would their own, I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree. :)

[jimbo]

Why does every OSU football thread turn into a lecture by SEC fans telling us how great they are and how much the Buckeyes schedule sucks?

The season hasn't even started and it's begun already.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Does Phil Steele suit you? According to him, it's 15 vs. 36.

I'm frankly sort of amazed you'd even argue the relative strength of the two schedules as being close to on par.

If you think the odds are good that Ohio State would have the same record playing UK's schedule as they would their own, I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree. :)

15 and 36 isn't that much of a difference. I already said that Kentucky's schedule is marginally better. And yes I think Ohio State's record would be about the same with either schedule. I think OSU could lose 3 games on either slate and should win the rest. I think Kentucky will be terrible with either schedule.

[WMR]

Why does every OSU football thread turn into a lecture by SEC fans telling us how great they are and how much the Buckeyes schedule sucks?

The season hasn't even started and it's begun already.

Never talked about or claimed to be great.

He made a claim and I was merely responding to his assertion, no offense intended.

[WMR]

15 and 36 isn't that much of a difference. I already said that Kentucky's schedule is marginally better. And yes I think Ohio State's record would be about the same with either schedule. I think OSU could lose 3 games on either slate and should win the rest. I think Kentucky will be terrible with either schedule.

Notice who the second most successful school recruiting the state of Ohio is these days? :)

The state of Ohio produces the most d1 prospects of any state in the country after TX, CA, and FL. Glad that UK finally has a staff with Ohio roots capable of taking advantage of that.

[RiverRat13]

Does Phil Steele suit you? According to him, it's 15 vs. 36.

I'm frankly sort of amazed you'd even argue the relative strength of the two schedules as being close to on par.

If you think the odds are good that Ohio State would have the same record playing UK's schedule as they would their own, I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree. :)

Certainly one thing that helps Kentucky's strength of schedule is that they don't get to play Kentucky.

[RedTeamGo!]

Certainly one thing that helps Kentucky's strength of schedule is that they don't get to play Kentucky.

7799

[cincrazy]

Pretty sure the Wildcats and SEC football both have their own separate threads. So why do I have to read about that crap here?

[WMR]

Pretty sure the Wildcats and SEC football both have their own separate threads. So why do I have to read about that crap here?

I just honestly enjoy talking football. I think it's a shame that so many of us who have known each other for years get hung up on conference BS when the real goal is to enjoy football.

Anyway, I would welcome any OSU perspective on UK recruiting in Ohio.

[LoganBuck]

I just honestly enjoy talking football. I think it's a shame that so many of us who have known each other for years get hung up on conference BS when the real goal is to enjoy football.

Anyway, I would welcome any OSU perspective on UK recruiting in Ohio.

UK recruits players that Urban Meyer and by extension the big 4 allow them to recruit. UK is not beating Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan, or even Michigan State(notice the rise of MSU has been at the expense of Penn State)for the players that those schools want. Now the rest of the BigTen and UC, UK is certainly out hustling them. Which is a definite boon to Kentucky.

[WVRed]

UK recruits players that Urban Meyer and by extension the big 4 allow them to recruit. UK is not beating Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan, or even Michigan State(notice the rise of MSU has been at the expense of Penn State)for the players that those schools want. Now the rest of the BigTen and UC, UK is certainly out hustling them. Which is a definite boon to Kentucky.

UK is not going to beat Ohio State for a player Ohio State really wants. Same could go for the other schools listed. But tapping into the rest of Ohio is a better strategy than fighting for lower recruits in SEC territory.

The best thing Stoops can do first is keep Kentucky on lockdown for the Big Blue. Keep players like Damien Harris, Drew Barker, and Matt Elam home.

[sonny]

Now that it's game week, maybe we can put conference talk aside and talk a little Buckeye football.

Game week. Feels good to say.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Offensive line isn't good enough. Some really questionable play calling. Barrett has been ok other than the awful and costly interception.

[Roy Tucker]

Offensive line needs a lot of work. Navy's defense isn't very good but OSU is making them look good.

[Roy Tucker]

I'm stunned. Gary Danielson is saying good things about OSU.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Second half was very solid. Offense was solid and JT needs to throw more. Offensive line needs work and I think will be the unit that decides how good this version of the Buckeyes is going to be. Good win though.

[BillDoran]

I'd say this is more or less what you'd expect against a team like Navy. It was definitely more of a fight that the final score indicates, and I don't think Ohio State played particularly well, but you take the W and look to improve next week. Offensive line needs to jell. All kinds of weapons on offense, but no hammer or superstar. Defensive line will likely be dominant. Linebacker play looks improved. Still no idea on the DBs.

I like what I saw from Barrett. He's certainly not as elusive as Miller, but, just as obviously, he's going to be a more accurate passer. When he got a chance to read and throw, which wasn't often, he looked decisive and true. Bit worried though that despite the fact that the offense was sputtering in the first half, they didn't look to loosen the reins on him. Perhaps Herman and Meyer don't have a great deal of faith in him yet? We're going to need to throw the ball to win this year. Should be a fun season.

[Roy Tucker]

Kudos to both teams for the post-game alma maters and good sportsmanship. Don't see that all that often these days. Nice.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I'd say this is more or less what you'd expect against a team like Navy. It was definitely more of a fight that the final score indicates, and I don't think Ohio State played particularly well, but you take the W and look to improve next week. Offensive line needs to jell. All kinds of weapons on offense, but no hammer or superstar. Defensive line will likely be dominant. Linebacker play looks improved. Still no idea on the DBs.

I like what I saw from Barrett. He's certainly not as elusive as Miller, but, just as obviously, he's going to be a more accurate passer. When he got a chance to read and throw, which wasn't often, he looked decisive and true. Bit worried though that despite the fact that the offense was sputtering in the first half, they didn't look to loosen the reins on him. Perhaps Herman and Meyer don't have a great deal of faith in him yet? We're going to need to throw the ball to win this year. Should be a fun season.

I bet we see him throw more going forward. Combination of none of the backs looking dominate and his good decision making (other than the pick).

[LoganBuck]

I saw a young team that will be very different in a month. The Oline needs to gel, and Barrett will need to get more comfortable but dang do they have some speed. We will see what the secondary looks like next week. The Dline was good today.

[GAC]

I didn't really expect much being it was our first game. As Meyers said ... "The best thing about this game is we won it and it's in our rearview mirror."

You got 9 new starters on offense, and one of those is an inexperienced redshirt freshman QB. I thought Barrett did a solid job in his first start. I don't know what many expected at this point? The kid has got to be given a chance to get comfortable back there and learn. But I think he will be OK.

Like last year, I think our defense is still a huge question mark..... 370 yds rushing by Navy? Wow!

The offensive line wasn't good yesterday against an under-sized Navy, but I'll give it time and reserve judgment at this point.

[BillDoran]

Like last year, I think our defense is still a huge question mark..... 370 yds rushing by Navy? Wow!


I've seen this comment a number of places, and while 370 is a boatload of yards, I'm not sure the number is indicative of much going forward. First, that's a pretty solid Navy team that may well push double-digit wins. Second, that offense is a gimmick (a pretty enjoyable one, mind you). We'll see nothing remotely close to it on the schedule. More concerned about the pass D than the run D at this point.

[jojo]

I've seen this comment a number of places, and while 370 is a boatload of yards, I'm not sure the number is indicative of much going forward. First, that's a pretty solid Navy team that may well push double-digit wins. Second, that offense is a gimmick (a pretty enjoyable one, mind you). We'll see nothing remotely close to it on the schedule. More concerned about the pass D than the run D at this point.

When the passing D is more concerning than a run D that just gave up 370 yds, Houston, we may have a problem.

[BillDoran]

When the passing D is more concerning than a run D that just gave up 370 yds, Houston, we may have a problem.

We certainly don't have all the returns yet, but it's hard to make too much of one anomalous game. Grade A trolling though. :thumbup:

Navy ran the ball 63 times (and threw only four passes). The average yards/rush was 5.9, which gives one a slightly different perspective. Certainly not ideal, but again we're not going to encounter another team that sells-out in the run game like the Midshipmen. Chris Ash, the new DC, suggested that none of this week's effort translate going forward.

It looks like now that Urban has stocked the cupboard, we're going to see him spread the ball around like his UF days. It looks like Elliott is the first-team back, but he doesn't look to have an iron-tight grip on the role. It'll be interesting to see who leads the team in carries and yards this year. Samuel looks like a comer. Dontre Wilson looks like a clone of Brandon James/Chris Rainey/Jeff Demps.

[jojo]

We certainly don't have all the returns yet, but it's hard to make too much of one anomalous game. Grade A trolling though. :thumbup:.

Grade A trolling is when a poster responds to a valid comment made in perfect context by accusing the commenter of trolling.

One can be a closed minded, biased fan, just don't be a jerk.

[Hillsdale87]

When the passing D is more concerning than a run D that just gave up 370 yds, Houston, we may have a problem.

Certainly not a good performance, but the run D was very good last year and returns quite a few from that unit, although losing Shazier is obviously a big loss. OSU's strength is on the D Line, and Navy did a great job of taking them out of the game, but in a way that most teams won't be able to do. I'm sure teams will try to incorporate part of what Navy did, but OSU won't face anybody that can run the triple option like that all year. I still expect he D Line to be strong enough to hold the running game in check, but the play of the linebackers was concerning and could keep the defense from being an elite run stopping unit.

The defense is likely to be an issue all year though, just hopefully less of an issue than it was last year. It was a pretty bad week for a lot of defenses though, as even teams like Alabama and FSU looked pretty bad. Next week's game should provide a better barometer for projecting the rest of the seasson

[cincrazy]

Navy's a tough matchup. And in fairness to OSU, Navy's also a team that many big name schools aren't scheduling on opening weekend at a neutral site every year. In 2009 they damn near beat us, and torched us on the ground AND through the air. That same 2009 team won the Big Ten and smacked Oregon around in the Rose Bowl.

It's tough to read anything from the Navy game because it's such a different team than any we'll face the rest of the year. The one thing that concerns me however is the offensive line. A pretty dismal performance. Navy has tons of heart, but lack size, and we weren't able to take advantage of that.

[RedTeamGo!]

OSU looked like crap in the first half and much better in the second half. When you play a team like Navy with the triple option, you win and you move on. You are not going to see an offense like that again this season, so start preparing for a normal offense against Va Tech and go.

PS: The Navy uniforms and helmets were completely awesome.

7854

[bucksfan2]

That was a big phew game. Navy is a pretty good team, a team that runs a gimmick offense unlike many in football. They run a gimmick offense that has players stay 4 years over and over again. They are schooled from day one in that offense. 370 is impressive, a little scary when you think that OSU's DLine is supposed to be their strength. However one thing to consider is Navy does a lot of diving at the knees of the DLine. You can't practice that, you don't want to practice that, you have to react on game day. It seemed after the first half that the Defense got a little more comfortable on defense.

I really want to know what runs through Tom Herman's mind from time to time. Running an option on 4th and short was a terrible call on level with the option against MSU in the B1G title game. The hurry up to run a 4th and short play was stupid when it was pretty apparent that the runner had gained the 1st down and the officials made a terrible call. A brief pause by Urban, Herman or OSU's replay guy, or even the replay guy in the booth should have stopped OSU before the snap was taken. As for the rest, Barret looked ok, made some good throws, made a bad decision, but overall won his first start on the road. OSU's skill players resemble what they had a number of years ago, explosive. They will be fun to watch as things begin to click on offense.

[BillDoran]

That was a big phew game. Navy is a pretty good team, a team that runs a gimmick offense unlike many in football. They run a gimmick offense that has players stay 4 years over and over again. They are schooled from day one in that offense. 370 is impressive, a little scary when you think that OSU's DLine is supposed to be their strength. However one thing to consider is Navy does a lot of diving at the knees of the DLine. You can't practice that, you don't want to practice that, you have to react on game day. It seemed after the first half that the Defense got a little more comfortable on defense.

I really want to know what runs through Tom Herman's mind from time to time. Running an option on 4th and short was a terrible call on level with the option against MSU in the B1G title game. The hurry up to run a 4th and short play was stupid when it was pretty apparent that the runner had gained the 1st down and the officials made a terrible call. A brief pause by Urban, Herman or OSU's replay guy, or even the replay guy in the booth should have stopped OSU before the snap was taken. As for the rest, Barret looked ok, made some good throws, made a bad decision, but overall won his first start on the road. OSU's skill players resemble what they had a number of years ago, explosive. They will be fun to watch as things begin to click on offense.

Should learn a lot more about the defense this week, especially the run D. The Hokies will run the ball consistently, albeit much more conventionally than Navy. They have two big freshman backs (220+) that look likely to get the bulk of the carries. Shai McKenzie spurned offers from Florida State and Oklahoma, among others, to come to Blacksburg. They have former-Texas Tech QB Michael Brewer stepping in as well, and he'll spread it around like a Red Raiders QB. Should be a fun game. At the very least, we'll have a benchmark for defensive expectations after this one.

[medford]

week 1 observations. The offensive line struggled with assignments in the 1st half. I think that should be expected anytime you are breaking in 4 new lineman, they appeared to be much more cohesive in the 2nd half. A weeks worth of game film should show improvement in that area. Physically they looked dominate, as they should have, but very inexperienced. good news, they are errors that can be easily corrected and should be expected thru the course of the season. Same story with the QB play. I would have liked to have seen them open it up a bit more in the 1st half, but JT Barret looked very hesitant at times, both in the passing and the running games. Again the good news is that this are areas that will improve with experience and studying game film of actual play. Physically he looked the part, solid over the top pass to a wide open guy, decent enough arm strength, good accuracy, not the runner that Miller is, but certainly better than most. He's got the tools, just needs the time.

Defensively its impossible to judge the pass defense; middle of the defensive line was as good as advertised, however it appears that the linebacker play is substandard once again. A lot of missed assignments, and guys not playing their role. I suppose that is the intent of Navy's triple option which has a lot of misdirection, and they are very good at it as evidence of their #2 ranking in rushing attack last season (obviously every team knew what was coming, yet nobody could stop it).

As many have said, we should get a better understanding of this team this week. They won't be as physically overpowering as they were against Navy, and they'll see a much larger variety of looks. IIRC Navy returned 9 starters on offense, they may have ran for a lot of yards, but I think they'll do that to most everyone. We'll see how they handle the transition to a more traditional offense this week.

[RedTeamGo!]

I haven't seen an offensive line as bad as the current OSU unit in years, maybe ever. The young QB makes it appear even worse. The defense can't get off the field on 3rd down. The offense is predictable and there is no running game from anyone but the QB. Urban has been completely outcoached in 3 of the last 4 games.

I place the blame on Urban and the coaching for lack of adjustments, terrible defense, and predictable offense.

As I said 2 weeks ago when Braxton went out, this is going to be a very long season.

[jojo]

I haven't seen an offensive line as bad as the current OSU unit in years, maybe ever. The young QB makes it appear even worse. The defense can't get off the field on 3rd down. The offense is predictable and there is no running game from anyone but the QB. Urban has been completely outcoached in 3 of the last 4 games.

I place the blame on Urban and the coaching for lack of adjustments, terrible defense, and predictable offense.

As I said 2 weeks ago when Braxton went out, this is going to be a very long season.

I honestly think Va Tech was a terrible matchup because their biggest strength could expose an early season buckeye concern. There probably aren't many teams on OSU's schedule that will be able to get after the QB like what we saw Saturday night.

[RedTeamGo!]

I honestly think Va Tech was a terrible matchup because their biggest strength could expose an early season buckeye concern. There probably aren't many teams on OSU's schedule that will be able to get after the QB like what we saw Saturday night.

Isn't Va Tech's biggest strength their secondary? But yeah, I think they were a bad matchup for a very inexperienced QB and line.

[jojo]

Isn't Va Tech's biggest strength their secondary? But yeah, I think they were a bad matchup for a very inexperienced QB and line.

Their secondary is very, good. Which allowed the very fast front 7 to do what it did.

[BillDoran]

I thought the key to the game was Michael Brewer. He's got a moxie you don't see a lot of at the college level. Doesn't look like he's got the arm or feet to play in the NFL, but he's the type of QB that can win you a bunch of college games. I'm not sure many other QBs step up and convert as many third-won conversions, nor answer with that game-winning drive late. Certainly Ohio State's vaunted d-line could have made him a bit more uncomfortable, but Beamer looks like he has a keeper in Brewer.

[RedTeamGo!]

Brewer is done after this season. He is a grad student transfer from Texas Tech IIRC.

He played fine, but OSU's linebackers and secondary play is awful.

Luke Fickel needs to be fired 2 years ago.

[BillDoran]

Brewer is done after this season. He is a grad student transfer from Texas Tech IIRC.

He played fine, but OSU's linebackers and secondary play is awful.

Luke Fickel needs to be fired 2 years ago.

Think Brewer's got two years of eligibility remaining. Graduated from Texas Tech in three years, one in which he redshirted.

I didn't think the defense looked atrocious. I thought it was interesting though that Ash dialed up so many blitzes, what with the best defensive line ever.

The knee-jerk "Fire Coach X!1!!!1" stuff gets old fast. Let's give it a few weeks. Then we'll have a better idea of who's to blame.

[RedTeamGo!]

Think Brewer's got two years of eligibility remaining. Graduated from Texas Tech in three years, one in which he redshirted.

I didn't think the defense looked atrocious. I thought it was interesting though that Ash dialed up so many blitzes, what with the best defensive line ever.

The knee-jerk "Fire Coach X!1!!!1" stuff gets old fast. Let's give it a few weeks. Then we'll have a better idea of who's to blame.

Fickel has been bad for some time. I have been watching him ruin OSU defense for about 5 years now.

[jojo]

Brewer transferred this spring and has two years of eligibility remaining.

[IslandRed]

I honestly think Va Tech was a terrible matchup because their biggest strength could expose an early season buckeye concern. There probably aren't many teams on OSU's schedule that will be able to get after the QB like what we saw Saturday night.


Isn't Va Tech's biggest strength their secondary? But yeah, I think they were a bad matchup for a very inexperienced QB and line.

Yep. VT's defense loves to blitz and feasts on inexperience. If Frank Beamer could ever find someone who coaches offense nearly as well as Bud Foster coaches defense, they'd be one of those national-contender usual suspects.

[bucksfan2]

JT Barret is a freshman, the line is replacing 4 starters off one of the best in college last season, the bell cow RB who was the best RB in football last season is gone. OSU's expectations are always going to be high, probably a little too high this season, especially after Miller went down. The best players on the team are young, they have yet to get that explosive play from WR's that are expected. And their schedule didn't exactly set up right to break in a freshman QB. I think most OSU fans said that three of the first 4 games were troubling even before Miller went down.

Barret will get better as the season progresses, this entire team will. I think you will see a big boost over the next 2 games where they have a MAC team to beat up on and then a bye week before UC. The team we saw Sat will look completely different than what they will look like at the end of the year. We just aren't going to see the types of plays were Braxton will take a sure fire loss and turn it into a big play.

[LoganBuck]

We just aren't going to see the types of plays were Braxton will take a sure fire loss and turn it into a big play.

That was what I said about it to a salesman today. One of those plays where Barrett nearly was sacked, and took off to scramble and picked up 4 yards, Braxton may have gone to the house.

[RedTeamGo!]

I am not saying Barret is a failure or anything, but I wonder how long Urban will give him if he continues to play like he did against Va Tech.

[bucksfan2]

I am not saying Barret is a failure or anything, but I wonder how long Urban will give him if he continues to play like he did against Va Tech.

You seem to forget Braxton's freshman year.

[RedTeamGo!]

You seem to forget Braxton's freshman year.


Quote Originally Posted by RedTeamGo! View Post
I am not saying Barret is a failure or anything

[jojo]

Not good news on Spence.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/11514470/noah-spence-fails-drug-test-second-suspended-indefinitely-ohio-state-buckeyes

[RedTeamGo!]

This season continues to just keep getting better and better

[Sea Ray]

A 66-0 win and no comments? What's going on?

[jimbo]

A 66-0 win and no comments? What's going on?

I think more and more Buckeye fans are refraining my commenting here because it always seems to end in SEC fans bashing the Big 10 and the Buckeyes scheduling.

[Sea Ray]

I think more and more Buckeye fans are refraining my commenting here because it always seems to end in SEC fans bashing the Big 10 and the Buckeyes scheduling.

I don't disagree with that and I'd even add that Va Tech's ugly loss yesterday might even come up, but those kinds of things never kept me from posting in a thread

[LoganBuck]

A 66-0 win and no comments? What's going on?

They beat a hopelessly outmanned and outclassed Kent State team? I would have preferred to play a patsy like that the first game out of the gate, than the mess that is triple option Navy, which I doubt taught the defensive coaching staff anything. I am very curious to see what Ohio State looks like against Cincinnati. Make no mistake, Ohio State has serious talent, but the lack of experience, coupled with the lingering questions about the defense, makes for a subdued fanbase.

[jojo]

A 66-0 win and no comments? What's going on?

Imagine most of the buckeye fans are sleeping in after staying up last night to watch the Volunteers embarrass the SEC.

[Sea Ray]

UC's defense looked horrible. I think OSU will outclass them with skills although they will have to put up points in order to do so. UC's only played one game but so far it looks like a team like Ohio St will be able to run the ball at 5+ yards/carry and that should lead to victory

[Sea Ray]

Imagine most of the buckeye fans are sleeping in after staying up last night to watch the Volunteers embarrass the SEC.

That's a blatant attempt at baiting on your part so I won't get into that but if you seriously want to discuss embarrassing a conference, I'd say losing to Central Mich by 3 TDs, getting shut out by ND and losing to the likes of Bowling Green is about as bad as it gets.

OSU is not going to play for the national championship this year but they'll still win a lot of games and go to a decent Bowl. All is not lost for Buckeye fans

[jojo]

That's a blatant attempt at baiting on your part so I won't get into that but if you seriously want to discuss embarrassing a conference, I'd say losing to Central Mich by 3 TDs, getting shut out by ND and losing to the likes of Bowling Green is about as bad as it gets.

OSU is not going to play for the national championship this year but they'll still win a lot of games and go to a decent Bowl. All is not lost for Buckeye fans

It's just kinda of confusing that you're not in the SEC thread talking UT football this morning.

[Reds4Life]

UC's defense looked horrible. I think OSU will outclass them with skills although they will have to put up points in order to do so. UC's only played one game but so far it looks like a team like Ohio St will be able to run the ball at 5+ yards/carry and that should lead to victory

I think the game will be closer than most people expect it to be. It wouldn't be wise for. OSU to look past it.

[Roy Tucker]

I was hoping that Va. Tech was going to prove out to be a top 10 team but a loss to Eastern Carolina put the kibosh on that. So that wasn't a very good loss.

Pretty obvious that Kent State was outmanned everywhere so it was an easy win. Crowing about it would be poor form. Like someone else said, it would have been a good first game to give Barrett, the OL, and this new defensive scheme a little experience. But things are what they are.

I think the UC game will be a true test of how good the Bucks pass defense is. Kiel looks like an NFL QB and he's got the receivers to go with it. But UC's defense looked pretty awful so I think it will be a track meet.

[wolfboy]

I was hoping that Va. Tech was going to prove out to be a top 10 team but a loss to Eastern Carolina put the kibosh on that. So that wasn't a very good loss.

Pretty obvious that Kent State was outmanned everywhere so it was an easy win. Crowing about it would be poor form. Like someone else said, it would have been a good first game to give Barrett, the OL, and this new defensive scheme a little experience. But things are what they are.

I think the UC game will be a true test of how good the Bucks pass defense is. Kiel looks like an NFL QB and he's got the receivers to go with it. But UC's defense looked pretty awful so I think it will be a track meet.

I expect a track meet as well. Should be a fun game.

[RedTeamGo!]

That's a blatant attempt at baiting on your part so I won't get into that but if you seriously want to discuss embarrassing a conference, I'd say losing to Central Mich by 3 TDs, getting shut out by ND and losing to the likes of Bowling Green is about as bad as it gets.

OSU is not going to play for the national championship this year but they'll still win a lot of games and go to a decent Bowl. All is not lost for Buckeye fans

BGSU consistently fields competitive football teams and is normally around the top of the MAC.

[Sea Ray]

BGSU consistently fields competitive football teams and is normally around the top of the MAC.

That's true. Similar things could be written about Appalachian St. What does the above have to do with the Big Ten?

[RedTeamGo!]

That's true. Similar things could be written about Appalachian St. What does the above have to do with the Big Ten?

Indiana losing to "a team the likes of bowling green is about as bad as it gets" is not true. I wasn't very surprised, honestly. The MAC is d1, app st is not. Honestly, bg probably wouldn't have lost to Oklahoma by much more than the Vols did. You were the one talking about bowling green in the big 10 thread, so I don't understand why you are surprised I responded.

[GAC]

They beat a hopelessly outmanned and outclassed Kent State team?

I had to work, but would have turned the game off at halftime anyhow (LOL).

In the last decade the MAC has vastly improved. And that's probably because more of your major schools are scheduling them, throwing money at their programs and helping them improve. And that's a good thing IMO. But you also end up with some match-ups where the results are predictable and blowouts simply because they are out-matched.

This past weekend, in the entire schedule, their was only one match-up of two teams in the top 25 (Georgia-S.Carolina). People like to complain about the scheduling, and especially enjoy giving it to OSU. Personally, I think they just hate OSU. Oh sure, there are some solid match-ups; but for the most part, in this first month of the season, they're all doing it. I didn't care that I missed the OSU-Kent State game. But are those same people who are giving it to OSU, also giving it to #1 Florida State for playing Citadel, Florida playing E. Michigan, Texas A&M playing Lamar, LSU playing Sam Houston State, Alabama playing Florida Atl, etc, etc?

Now on to the B10.....

I'm a huge B10 fan, and always have been (over 40 years). IMO, it's become a weakened conference. Indiana is Indiana (sorry Hoosier fans). But you've got programs like Purdue, Iowa, and Illinois, that have fallen on hard times for the most part. Even Michigan has struggled in recent times. Northwestern has been good, but they're in for a rough year. When you have that many programs "struggling" that hurts a conference overall IMO.

To further show how "weakened" some of these B10 programs have gotten..... even though a majority of schools are scheduling these cupcake games, they are at least winning and blowing them out..... not so when some B10 programs play the MAC anymore (LOL).

OSU hosts the Bearcats in a couple weeks. I think Cincy will give the Buckeyes, especially their secondary, a solid test IMO. We'll see.

[Sea Ray]

I had to work, but would have turned the game off at halftime anyhow (LOL).

In the last decade the MAC has vastly improved. And that's probably because more of your major schools are scheduling them, throwing money at their programs and helping them improve. And that's a good thing IMO. But you also end up with some match-ups where the results are predictable and blowouts simply because they are out-matched.

This past weekend, in the entire schedule, their was only one match-up of two teams in the top 25 (Georgia-S.Carolina). People like to complain about the scheduling, and especially enjoy giving it to OSU. Personally, I think they just hate OSU. Oh sure, there are some solid match-ups; but for the most part, in this first month of the season, they're all doing it. I didn't care that I missed the OSU-Kent State game. But are those same people who are giving it to OSU, also giving it to #1 Florida State for playing Citadel, Florida playing E. Michigan, Texas A&M playing Lamar, LSU playing Sam Houston State, Alabama playing Florida Atl, etc, etc?

Now on to the B10.....

I'm a huge B10 fan, and always have been (over 40 years). IMO, it's become a weakened conference. Indiana is Indiana (sorry Hoosier fans). But you've got programs like Purdue, Iowa, and Illinois, that have fallen on hard times for the most part. Even Michigan has struggled in recent times. Northwestern has been good, but they're in for a rough year. When you have that many programs "struggling" that hurts a conference overall IMO.

To further show how "weakened" some of these B10 programs have gotten..... even though a majority of schools are scheduling these cupcake games, they are at least winning and blowing them out..... not so when some B10 programs play the MAC anymore (LOL).

OSU hosts the Bearcats in a couple weeks. I think Cincy will give the Buckeyes, especially their secondary, a solid test IMO. We'll see.

It seems to me that you're seeing ghosts. I haven't read anyone here anyone complaining about OSU's schedule this year. As a matter of fact, I'll pipe up and claim that they have a very decent non conference schedule. Kent St will probably be at the bottom of the MAC but so what? Navy and Va Tech are legitimate foes.

[Hoosier Red]

hey man I'm against the baiting of fans from other conferences as well, but IU's loss to BGSU was abysmal.
The MAC is 3-5 against the B1G this year, and Ball State let a game against Iowa get away or they'd be 4-4.

That same Ball State team just lost to FCS Indiana State as well.

The B1G is down, there's no doubt about it. This is probably good news for tOSU. THey weren't going to make the playoff this year anyway. So this let's The Ohio State University shine even in a bad year. In the same way that Oregon remained relevant as the Pac 8-10-12 was going through it's weak years, Ohio State will stay relevant now and be ready to assume the top when the B1G comes back to at least middle of the pack.

[GAC]

It seems to me that you're seeing ghosts. I haven't read anyone here anyone complaining about OSU's schedule this year.

I don't believe in ghosts..... and wasn't referring to this thread in general as far as the attitude towards OSU.

[wolfboy]

I don't believe in ghosts..... and wasn't referring to this thread in general as far as the attitude towards OSU.

A friend told me Ohio State doesn't play any decent competition in September. I need to ask him how that's working out.

[RedTeamGo!]

hey man I'm against the baiting of fans from other conferences as well, but IU's loss to BGSU was abysmal.
The MAC is 3-5 against the B1G this year, and Ball State let a game against Iowa get away or they'd be 4-4.

That same Ball State team just lost to FCS Indiana State as well.

The B1G is down, there's no doubt about it. This is probably good news for tOSU. THey weren't going to make the playoff this year anyway. So this let's The Ohio State University shine even in a bad year. In the same way that Oregon remained relevant as the Pac 8-10-12 was going through it's weak years, Ohio State will stay relevant now and be ready to assume the top when the B1G comes back to at least middle of the pack.

What is going on right now is not good for anyone in the B1G, especially OSU

[Sea Ray]

I don't believe in ghosts..... and wasn't referring to this thread in general as far as the attitude towards OSU.

That fine. I just don't know who you're referring to. Personally I'm not familiar with anyone who's criticized OSU's non conference schedule this year. Just about everyone allows a Kent St as one of the 4 non conference games.

[Hoosier Red]

What is going on right now is not good for anyone in the B1G, especially OSU

I disagree, in the short term it doesn't matter because the weak conference won't keep them from playing in a playoff.
In the long term, it's a blip on the radar if the other programs pick it up.

THat's obviously a big IF but we're talking about a 1-2 year cycle being below the B1G 12 and PAC-12.

[Roy Tucker]

Ohio State is playing pretty well but Maryland has made some really dumb mistakes.

[JaxRed]

Biggest mistake was those helmets.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I went to the game this weekend which was a good time. It was hard to tell the breakdown because everyone was in red, but the crowd was at least 40% OSU I'd guess. The section I was in was 95% OSU and the first 5 or 6 sections on the sideline were that way.

Nice to see the offense keep rolling. There isn't a really good defense on the schedule until MSU so no reason to believe they won't keep throwing up 5 or 6 TDs for a while.

I thought after the VT game that we just weren't very good, but watching this team progress over the last month has just made me mad that we let that one get away.

[Roy Tucker]

Looks like OSU didn't make a lot of headway in the polls. Frankly, with a bad VT defeat on their resume, I can't blame the pollsters.

The 11/8 game with Mich. State is looming large. But even then, a win might pop them back in the top 10 but I can't see a top 4 playoff slot. And winning at East Lansing will be very difficult.

Play out the season, win the rest of your games, and see where the chips fall I s'pose.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Looks like OSU didn't make a lot of headway in the polls. Frankly, with a bad VT defeat on their resume, I can't blame the pollsters.

The 11/8 game with Mich. State is looming large. But even then, a win might pop them back in the top 10 but I can't see a top 4 playoff slot. And winning at East Lansing will be very difficult.

Play out the season, win the rest of your games, and see where the chips fall I s'pose.

Exactly. There are so many games to be played that it is a little pointless to discuss now. If OSU ran the table they would have a win on the road over Michigan St and a win over either Nebraska or Wisconsin. No matter what ESPN wants you to believe they will have a good shot at the top 4, but it all depends on what the other teams do.

[bucksfan2]

Exactly. There are so many games to be played that it is a little pointless to discuss now. If OSU ran the table they would have a win on the road over Michigan St and a win over either Nebraska or Wisconsin. No matter what ESPN wants you to believe they will have a good shot at the top 4, but it all depends on what the other teams do.

OSU got hammered for one loss, it has been the motto for a while now in regards to them. Its unfortunate for OSU and their fans but that is the reality right now. Va Tech will go down as a bad loss when everything is said and done, but the timing of that game was poor in regards to a freshman starting QB and an OLine still working with 4 new starts. I would imagine right now OSU plays that game and it is an entirely different story and probably even more so with each additional week. There will be carnage down the stretch, especially in the SEC West where the winner of that side may be lucky to escape with one win.

Saturday's game was the first time in a long time that I saw a defense that was flying all over the place. They aren't there yet, and have a propensity for giving up the big play, but they are close.

[RedTeamGo!]

OSU is finally starting to look like OSU.

If JT Barrett plays at this level the rest of the season and either runs the table or only loses one game I just don't see how you can go into next season with him on the bench. It hurts his development as a QB and frankly I think he is a better QB than Miller.

[RedFanAlways1966]

I think it is a bit early to be calling Barrett better than Miller. It will be a great problem to have for OSU if the discussion becomes "who do we start at QB". Make no mistake that Miller will start next year if he is physically able (he has been in the Heisman talk for a couple of years, agree or not). And I can bet Barrett will see much more playing time than he would gotten this season if Miller were healthy. And it makes this OSU fan feel better not only about next year (if Miller gets hurt), but the year or two after next year.

[RedTeamGo!]

I would put Miller at WR, Barrett at QB and go win a national championship.

[RedFanAlways1966]

I would put Miller at WR, Barrett at QB and go win a national championship.

I'd guess you are too young to remember, RTG. The old-school Woody Hayes did this once. As a matter of fact it was the only time Woody started/played a freshman QB in his long coaching career. The QB-to-WR was named Rod Gerald. The freshman QB? Art Schlichter. The same QB that threw the last pass (an INT vs Clemson) in Woody's long career. I was young at the time and I remember it being a big secret as to whether Woody would start/play this outstanding freshman QB. No one knew until the team came on the field for that 1st game.

[bucksfan2]

I think it is a bit early to be calling Barrett better than Miller. It will be a great problem to have for OSU if the discussion becomes "who do we start at QB". Make no mistake that Miller will start next year if he is physically able (he has been in the Heisman talk for a couple of years, agree or not). And I can bet Barrett will see much more playing time than he would gotten this season if Miller were healthy. And it makes this OSU fan feel better not only about next year (if Miller gets hurt), but the year or two after next year.

There are plays each week that Barrett makes that Miller would take to the house. Miller is an elite level runner regardless of the QB position. He also has a stronger arm than Barrett. I think this is the first season under Urban that OSU actually has skill players who are difference makers. It has been a while now since OSU had a NFL caliber WR or a guy who was a threat to take it to the house anytime he stepped on the field.

Championship caliber seasons come around every once in a while. Most of the time it takes a dominant skill player, but a lot of it depends on the status of the OLine and DLine. I don't think that OSU loses to Va Tech if Miller is in the game, but also realize that that OLine was raw. They are getting better, and will continue to get better as the season goes along. That OLine should be very good come next season and that defense should be very very good next season. McMillon in the middle and Bosa on the line could be a two headed monster next year. Looking at the schedule with the exception of MSU which could be a dog fight, the only other tough games are @ PSU and home vs a bad Michigan team.

[Roy Tucker]

I think Spielman said that Braxton graduates in December and would be eligible as a grad student to transfer. Like Russell Wilson.

Lots of games to play though.

[Sea Ray]

Looking at the schedule with the exception of MSU which could be a dog fight, the only other tough games are @ PSU and home vs a bad Michigan team.

That's an incredibly easy schedule. As things stand now, OSU will play 12 games this yr and only face one team ranked in the top 25. That's hard to do in a major conference. In fact it really can only be accomplished in the Big Ten and ACC.

[RedTeamGo!]

There are plays each week that Barrett makes that Miller would take to the house. Miller is an elite level runner regardless of the QB position. He also has a stronger arm than Barrett. I think this is the first season under Urban that OSU actually has skill players who are difference makers. It has been a while now since OSU had a NFL caliber WR or a guy who was a threat to take it to the house anytime he stepped on the field.

Championship caliber seasons come around every once in a while. Most of the time it takes a dominant skill player, but a lot of it depends on the status of the OLine and DLine. I don't think that OSU loses to Va Tech if Miller is in the game, but also realize that that OLine was raw. They are getting better, and will continue to get better as the season goes along. That OLine should be very good come next season and that defense should be very very good next season. McMillon in the middle and Bosa on the line could be a two headed monster next year. Looking at the schedule with the exception of MSU which could be a dog fight, the only other tough games are @ PSU and home vs a bad Michigan team.

Miller has a stronger arm that Barrett, but it is not nearly as accurate.

I will take Phillip Rivers over Michael Vick any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

[bucksfan2]

Miller has a stronger arm that Barrett, but it is not nearly as accurate.

I will take Phillip Rivers over Michael Vick any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Not in college.

[bucksfan2]

That's an incredibly easy schedule. As things stand now, OSU will play 12 games this yr and only face one team ranked in the top 25. That's hard to do in a major conference. In fact it really can only be accomplished in the Big Ten and ACC.

They do have to play SEC slayer Indiana.

[RedTeamGo!]

Not in college.

College is different now compared to when Vick played.

Miller is the type of QB that destroys bad teams, but when in big games against elite defense (Michigan St) his poor-to-average accuracy hurts. Barrett is the type of QB you need against an elite defense, he doesn't make many mistakes and can fit passes into tight spots.

I have had enough of these running QBs, give me an accurate passer. Barrett is the guy, Miller's gaudy numbers come from playing garbage teams.

[bucksfan2]

College is different now compared to when Vick played.

Miller is the type of QB that destroys bad teams, but when in big games against elite defense (Michigan St) his poor-to-average accuracy hurts. Barrett is the type of QB you need against an elite defense, he doesn't make many mistakes and can fit passes into tight spots.

I have had enough of these running QBs, give me an accurate passer. Barrett is the guy, Miller's gaudy numbers come from playing garbage teams.

The mobile QB still dominates college football. Probably even more so than when Vick played. Give me Miller over Barnett every day and twice on Saturday's.

[BuckeyeRed27]

The mobile QB still dominates college football. Probably even more so than when Vick played. Give me Miller over Barnett every day and twice on Saturday's.

Miller individually is a better player than Barett. I think Barett does a better job of getting everyone involved. Someone else made the point that this is the first time in a couple years that there have been weapons to throw to. Either that is true or Barett is just better at getting them the ball. I look at the TD throw to Devin Smith against Maryland and I'm not sure that is a throw Braxton Miller can make. However I don't think we lose to VT with Miller because he would have been able to escape that pressure and win the game with his feet.

I'm very happy with Barett's growth and skill, but I don't see any way you keep a healthy Braxton Miller on the sideline next year. I really hope JT makes that a hard choice.

[RedTeamGo!]

B-A-R-R-E-T-T

Sorry, was getting annoying.

[BuckeyeRed27]

B-A-R-R-E-T-T

Sorry, was getting annoying.

Haha thanks. I knew something was wrong when I was typing it.

[*BaseClogger*]

Meyer had some success at Florida with a two QB system. I know we're getting ahead of ourselves, but could that work in 2015? Imagine the defense having to prepare for not only two different styles of QB, but two completely different offensive schemes. You wouldn't have to protect Miller by holding him back as a runner--you could let him run free knowing you have Barrett on the sideline. This would keep Barrett sharp too for big games and 2016 & beyond...

[bucksfan2]

Miller individually is a better player than Barett. I think Barett does a better job of getting everyone involved. Someone else made the point that this is the first time in a couple years that there have been weapons to throw to. Either that is true or Barett is just better at getting them the ball. I look at the TD throw to Devin Smith against Maryland and I'm not sure that is a throw Braxton Miller can make. However I don't think we lose to VT with Miller because he would have been able to escape that pressure and win the game with his feet.

I'm very happy with Barett's growth and skill, but I don't see any way you keep a healthy Braxton Miller on the sideline next year. I really hope JT makes that a hard choice.

The best WR that Miller has had to throw to is Philly Brown. Barrett is getting the guys one year more advanced than what Miller had last season.

Barrett may have better touch than Miller but so did Kenny Guiton, but right now it is silly to say replace the two time B1G player of the year, one of the most dynamic players in college football. Go back and watch some of the highlights against Wisconsin or Nebraska or PSU and think how many QB's can do that.

[*BaseClogger*]

The best WR that Miller has had to throw to is Philly Brown. Barrett is getting the guys one year more advanced than what Miller had last season.

Which receiver on this year's team is better than Philly Brown (who is playing on Sundays right now, I might add)?

[*BaseClogger*]

Beyond accuracy, two attributes of Barrett's game that I think are already well ahead of Miller include: 1) the read-option and 2) possessing a quick release (important on quick passes especially)...

[Roy Tucker]

A question in my mind is will the 2015 Braxton be the same player as the 2-time B1G player of the year Beaxton. Shoulders can be problematic.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Which receiver on this year's team is better than Philly Brown (who is playing on Sundays right now, I might add)?

I think Thomas is better than Philly. Barett's also getting a much better version of Dontre Wilson.

[cincrazy]

I think it's very possible that by the end of the year, OSU may be one of the top 4 teams in college football.

That being said, even as a Buckeye fan, I can't ignore the fact that they lost to a crap Va. Tech team AT HOME under the lights. True, we may very well be a different team by the end of the year. But you can't take that loss away. It's a terrible loss, and if Bama or FSU or someone similar suffered that fate, we would scream from the hills what an injustice it was if they got in.

We very well may get in. But if we do, we're going to need a lot more help. Either that, or a generous committee.

[bucksfan2]

One thing to consider for those on the Barrett over Miller bandwagon. The one good defense Barrett played against made him look foolish. Granted it was his second start but he did not play well at all. All the accolades he is getting now have come against Kent St, a Cincinnati team who couldn't stop Memphis, and an ok Maryland. Lets wait and see what he does against better competition. For as much maligned as OSU was in the B1G title game, they did put up 24 points against that MSU defense.

[Kilgore_Trout]

I think it's very possible that by the end of the year, OSU may be one of the top 4 teams in college football.

That being said, even as a Buckeye fan, I can't ignore the fact that they lost to a crap Va. Tech team AT HOME under the lights. True, we may very well be a different team by the end of the year. But you can't take that loss away. It's a terrible loss, and if Bama or FSU or someone similar suffered that fate, we would scream from the hills what an injustice it was if they got in.

We very well may get in. But if we do, we're going to need a lot more help. Either that, or a generous committee.

It'll take both.

If the Buckeyes stand any chance at making the playoff, an awful lot will have to go their way. Minnesota needs to be ranked by the time they travel to Columbus, the o-line will have to show up against MSU, and Nebraska will likely need to win out and be in the top 10 when they meet in the B1G championship game. That'd make Ohio State 3-0 against top 25 teams, and 2-0 against top 10 teams... at that point, it'd be hard to not include the Buckeyes, but it certainly wouldn't be a guarantee.

I think all of Buckeye nation took that VT loss right in the gut. It was paralyzing. It was embarrassing. Even more, it was sobering. They appear to have been jolted awake following that loss, and I hope their current run continues. The offense looks more cohesive, the o-line has played better, and Barrett appears to be improving week-by-week. Those are all positives.

I don't think VT is THAT bad. Their two losses have come against solid opponents, and they've all been close. There's a real possibility they win out. Still, no way our guys should have lost that game at home.

[*BaseClogger*]

One thing to consider for those on the Barrett over Miller bandwagon. The one good defense Barrett played against made him look foolish. Granted it was his second start but he did not play well at all. All the accolades he is getting now have come against Kent St, a Cincinnati team who couldn't stop Memphis, and an ok Maryland. Lets wait and see what he does against better competition. For as much maligned as OSU was in the B1G title game, they did put up 24 points against that MSU defense.

You left out Navy. I thought he played quite well in that game too. But obviously those of us speaking positive of Barrett are projecting a bit, assuming some progression...

[bucksfan2]

You left out Navy. I thought he played quite well in that game too. But obviously those of us speaking positive of Barrett are projecting a bit, assuming some progression...

It isn't that I am not positive about where Barrett is going, its just the reality of what Miller is. It happens almost every game where Barrett makes a play, or fails to make a play, that Miller would have turned into a big play. Against Va Tech there was a play where Barrett broke containment and gained about 5 yards, had Miller been there that may have been 50. Against Maryland there was a play where Barrett got into the secondary and had about a 25 yard run but allowed a DB to get the angle and run him out of bounds (or tackle him). Miller would have taken that one to the house.

I like Barrett and like his progress. I do not think he played well against Navy, part of that was first start jitters as well as a bland game plan, and think he has played better since the Va Tech game. But I also think we fail to remember how dynamic of a player Miller was. I think that for the majority of his career at OSU, Miller's WR's have been less than stellar. I also think that Herman became too conservative relying on Miller and Hyde to run the ball instead of opening up the offense more. I think Barrett right now is a Kenny Guiton light who has the ability to be a more athletic Guiton, I don't think he has the raw skill set to be as dangerous as Braxton is.

[RedTeamGo!]

It isn't that I am not positive about where Barrett is going, its just the reality of what Miller is. It happens almost every game where Barrett makes a play, or fails to make a play, that Miller would have turned into a big play. Against Va Tech there was a play where Barrett broke containment and gained about 5 yards, had Miller been there that may have been 50. Against Maryland there was a play where Barrett got into the secondary and had about a 25 yard run but allowed a DB to get the angle and run him out of bounds (or tackle him). Miller would have taken that one to the house.

I like Barrett and like his progress. I do not think he played well against Navy, part of that was first start jitters as well as a bland game plan, and think he has played better since the Va Tech game. But I also think we fail to remember how dynamic of a player Miller was. I think that for the majority of his career at OSU, Miller's WR's have been less than stellar. I also think that Herman became too conservative relying on Miller and Hyde to run the ball instead of opening up the offense more. I think Barrett right now is a Kenny Guiton light who has the ability to be a more athletic Guiton, I don't think he has the raw skill set to be as dangerous as Braxton is.

Barrett cannot do things that Miller did...on the ground. Miller cannot do things Barrett can do in the air, though. Miller has never had as good of a passing game as Barrett has had against Cinci or Maryland.


In Ohio State's first four games, Barrett averaged 271.8 passing yards per game. Miller's career-best passing performance came last year against Penn State, when he threw for 252 yards (almost 20 yards shy of Barrett's average) in a 63-14 rout of Penn State.

[*BaseClogger*]

Barrett cannot do things that Miller did...on the ground. Miller cannot do things Barrett can do in the air, though. Miller has never had as good of a passing game as Barrett has had against Cinci or Maryland.

You're going to be told it's because he has a better receiving corps (even though it's nearly identical to what Miller had last season), or because Herman is more willing to open it up (what does that say about Miller that he is more willing to open it up with a freshman QB than he was with a third year starter?), and they will ignore the fact that Miller worked with a much better offensive line and had another Heisman candidate in the backfield.

Miller is a great college player. Terrelle Pryor was too. They won Ohio State a lot of games over the course of their career. Were they victims of their situation that neither won many big games? Probably. All we're saying is that Barrett's style has us a lot more optimistic about our chances against a top tier defense...

[*BaseClogger*]

I do not think he played well against Navy

He had a 84.8 QBR in that game. Miller's 2013 QBR was 81.3. I mean, seriously?

[bucksfan2]

http://www.landgrantholyland.com/2014/10/8/6941679/ohio-state-football-quarterback-controversy-braxton-miller-j-t-barrett

[*BaseClogger*]

http://www.landgrantholyland.com/2014/10/8/6941679/ohio-state-football-quarterback-controversy-braxton-miller-j-t-barrett

I don't really disagree with any of this, although I would like to point out that Miller played a similarly soft schedule in his time at Ohio State and still never put up the sort of passing numbers Barrett is collecting. We'll know more in a few weeks...

[RiverRat13]

You're going to be told it's because he has a better receiving corps (even though it's nearly identical to what Miller had last season)

They might be the same guys but IMO it isn't fair to say they are identical. They are all a year older with several being sophomores instead of freshmen, which is usually the biggest jump in a college player's career.

[bucksfan2]

I don't really disagree with any of this, although I would like to point out that Miller played a similarly soft schedule in his time at Ohio State and still never put up the sort of passing numbers Barrett is collecting. We'll know more in a few weeks...

Did Barrett put up the same rushing numbers?

Look I want Barrett to so good that this question is being asked throughout the season and into next year. I also acknowledge that Barrett is tearing up bad defenses. But at the same time Tubberville gave him a great compliment that in 2nd and medium he is very dangerous with the play action.

[Roy Tucker]

Yep, lots of football to be played yet. I'm just glad Barrett has looked good. We could have a Todd Boeckman or a Justin Zwick. Let's see where this season goes.

Barrett seems to be able to come off the primary receiver and hit secondary guys pretty well. Miller isn't as good at that. But Braxton is a fabulous college running QB. He makes guys miss all the time and will win you games with that.

[sonny]

I know some people within the OSU program, and what they're saying is that Braxton is leaning toward going pro. Better to be a 4th rd draft pick than re-injure his shoulder and sell insurance. He's open to becoming a wide receiver as well. Don't take this as gospel, but I'm just relaying what I've been told.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I know some people within the OSU program, and what they're saying is that Braxton is leaning toward going pro. Better to be a 4th rd draft pick than re-injure his shoulder and sell insurance. He's open to becoming a wide receiver as well. Don't take this as gospel, but I'm just relaying what I've been told.

I think WR is his best chance at having a decent nfl career, but if he does that he should come back for a year and learn the position.

[BillDoran]

I think WR is his best chance at having a decent nfl career, but if he does that he should come back for a year and learn the position.

Not necessarily a novel idea, but it's fun to think about using Braxton in a slash role as a senior. What makes it particularly enticing is you wouldn't necessarily need to substitute. J.T. Barrett is athletic enough to split out and present a credible WR (though he wouldn't be much of a threat). The possibilities would give defensive coordinators nightmares.

Regarding Braxton's pro prospects, I think Denard Robinson's career (though his organization isn't helping matters) might be instructive. If you don't have the toughness to carry the load as an NFL RB and you aren't explosive enough to be a slot or wide out, I think we'll see many of these run-first college QBs quickly washout in the NFL. The easy analogy is all those old option QBs that never amounted to much in the pros.

[RedTeamGo!]

Halfway through the 2014 season JT Barrett is 2nd in the country in pass efficiency in the country behind only Marcus Mariota

http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/national/player/split20/category02/sort02.html

[BuckeyeRed27]

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/jt-barrett-ohio-state-buckeyes-big-ten-playoff-race/

Nice write up on the Buckeyes and Barrett that touches on a lot of what has been discussed in this thread.

[RedTeamGo!]

Va Tech keeps losing and looking like garbage while doing it. That loss is going to single-handedly keep them out of the playoff even if they run the table. Honestly, it should. Inexcusable loss.

I would have rather lost to Rutgers or Maryland.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Va Tech keeps losing and looking like garbage while doing it. That loss is going to single-handedly keep them out of the playoff even if they run the table. Honestly, it should. Inexcusable loss.

I would have rather lost to Rutgers or Maryland.

It happened early enough that it can be explained, but it will certainly hurt if there are 6 or 7 teams in the conversation. It certainly has turned into perhaps the most bizarre loss since probably the 2008 Illinois game.

[RedTeamGo!]

Since beating OSU here is Va Tech's record:

East Carolina (Home): L 21-28
Georgia Tech (Home): L 24-27
W Michigan (Home): W 35-17
UNC: (Away): W 34-17
Pitt: (Away): L 16-21
Miami FL: (Home): L 6-30

:barf::owned:

[Redsfaithful]

They have a pretty good excuse if it comes down to it. Breaking in a freshman QB after losing a Heisman candidate.

I'm not saying it'll work, but if they run the table they'll have a case to make based on that.

[Roy Tucker]

That's a really big if about running the table. A very difficult away game at Mich. St. and a B10 championship game. Not to mention a night game at Happy Valley. Even though PSU is down, it's not an easy game.

IF they run the table, then maybe the stinky Va. Tech loss can be explained away. But I still think it will be fatal.

[Redsfaithful]

I can't really see them beating Michigan State (hope I'm wrong of course) but I figured we were talking hypotheticals.

[GAC]

They have a pretty good excuse if it comes down to it. Breaking in a freshman QB after losing a Heisman candidate.

I'm not saying it'll work, but if they run the table they'll have a case to make based on that.

I'm in agreement. I have to admit that I have been absolutely impressed with how much OSU's offense has grown, come around, as Barrett has matured back there. This kid is the real deal, and has a lot of Buckeye fans saying "Braxton who?"

But even if OSU runs the table the rest of the way ... and yes, I do think it is possible. I think they can beat MSU .....they're still going to have an uphill battle IMO winning that #4 spot in the play-offs vs all those other one-loss teams, simply due to WHO they lost to compared to WHO those other one-loss teams lost to (quality of the team).

The top 3 teams are undefeated, but that's going to change November 29th when Ol' Miss and Mississippi State square off. And it could happen before then too, because both have a couple tests left on their remaining schedule. Mississippi State beat Auburn, but still has Alabama left. Ol' Miss beat Alabama, but has Auburn left. And Ol' Miss can't look past their opponent today either (LSU). If both of these teams make it to Nov. 29th undefeated, and play a solid, close game, then, IMO, even the loser, now a one-loss team, should still hold one of those play-off spots.

Obviously, if they both make it to that point, that means both Alabama and Auburn will be teams with two losses and out of it. But the question is.... at that point, should any of those other ranked one loss teams (Oregon, ND, MSU, Georgia), if they maintain their one-loss status, leapfrog whichever Mississippi team suffers that first loss?

But looking at the above just shows how much of an uphill battle OSU has to get in this thing even if they win out. They're SoS just isn't there IMO.

[Roy Tucker]

Whew.

[RedTeamGo!]

Barrett got exposed against a good D

Buckeyes lucky they got away with a W there. Joey Bosa is an animal.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Barrett didn't play well but I still put a lot on play calling. Very poor second half coaching.

[RedTeamGo!]

Coaches didn't throw those terrible INTs

[traderumor]

Barrett got exposed against a good D

Buckeyes lucky they got away with a W there. Joey Bosa is an animal.

What was exposed? That the PSU D-line adjusted and beat the OSU O-line in the 2nd half? The first int. was a Defender making a play, the second one admittedly was a bad throw, but it really doesn't "expose" anything other than sometimes QBs try to force balls. His running was as good as its been all year, and in OT he calmly led the team to two touchdowns.

I do agree with you on Bosa, no way we see four years of that guy in Scarlet and Gray.

In this game, much like the VT game, the offensive game plan/play calling was very frustrating. Perhaps its more the offensive coordinator talents of Herman are exposed against good defenses. But then, if the defense is good, its like pitching in baseball, good defense will usually beat good offense.

[jojo]

For what it's worth, on the outside looking in, this looks like a quality road win in a tough, hostile environment against a stout rival.

I think sometimes people get so focused on margin of victory, that they lose sight of the actual context. A conference win on the road in a hostile environment is a big deal IMHO. If last night was played in West Lafayette or Champaign Urbana, maybe some kvetching would be in order. Unless your conference is total crap, it is becoming unreasonable to expect total domination every week. OSU smoked the month of crap teams they played and passed the test of playing a stouter team on the road last night.

They are doing what they are supposed to do. I think the take home message from the VA Tech and PSU games is that OSU is a good team but probably isn't going to exert it's will against better competition. They are a fringe top 10 team but not a legit playoff contender. But they've largely done what they are supposed to do and basically, their whole argument for this season rests on the MSU game, but frankly, I don't think passing that test is enough to allow them to control their destiny to any extent.

[BillDoran]

What was exposed? That the PSU D-line adjusted and beat the OSU O-line in the 2nd half? The first int. was a Defender making a play, the second one admittedly was a bad throw, but it really doesn't "expose" anything other than sometimes QBs try to force balls. His running was as good as its been all year, and in OT he calmly led the team to two touchdowns.

I do agree with you on Bosa, no way we see four years of that guy in Scarlet and Gray.

In this game, much like the VT game, the offensive game plan/play calling was very frustrating. Perhaps its more the offensive coordinator talents of Herman are exposed against good defenses. But then, if the defense is good, its like pitching in baseball, good defense will usually beat good offense.

I think Herman shoulders some of the blame, but Barrett and the OL are certainly at fault too. It' pretty clear that when Barrett is given enough time and comfortable, he's composed, makes good reads and delivers fairly accurately; but when he starts feeling some heat, he gets happy feet, fails to progress through his reads and the offense looks like a circus. I think a lot of this can be put on the game-calling (there seem to be no adjustments), but ultimately I think we're seeing a young QB and young OL being exposed for being just that, inexperienced.

I'll take any win in Happy Valley (especially against the abominable James Franklin), but I think yesterday's action (including the Nebraska-Rutgers and Wisconsin-Maryland results) gives us clearer expectations going forward.

[Roy Tucker]

For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why OSU didn't throw downfield more. I thought they had the advantage at WR all night. I think they took 2 shots, both in the first half. And no jet sweeps. Just option handoffs to Elliott. Plus some wildcats at really screwy times. I just didn't get the offense at all.

I expected to see Tressel on the sidelines.

[LoganBuck]

Billy Price at LG was having his lunch taken all game. Everytime Barrett stepped up he had someone in his face, which obviously is bad. Go back and watch some of it. Price was just miserable. Makes you wonder if he was sick or something. He tried to pull once, got through the hole and then didn't try to block anyone, but his own running back. Other times he couldn't decide who to block, and left his guy unblocked. It was brutal. Something was up there.

[bucksfan2]

For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why OSU didn't throw downfield more. I thought they had the advantage at WR all night. I think they took 2 shots, both in the first half. And no jet sweeps. Just option handoffs to Elliott. Plus some wildcats at really screwy times. I just didn't get the offense at all.

I expected to see Tressel on the sidelines.

That is Herman's MO. He did it several times last year where he pulled in the reins and started to call a very predictable game. OSU's offense is at its best when it is open, creating mismatches. They have enough skill players that when they open the offense up they create a ton of mismatches, and Barrett is good at going though his reads. But in the second half it became, zone read for 3 yards, zone read for 2, trying to fool the defense on 3rd and 5. Barrett may have thrown 5 INT's in the second half, but if I were a betting man, if they opened the game up, i would bet they would have scored more than 0 points.

[RedTeamGo!]

I despise the wildcat. It is so predictable, when the RB or WR lines up in the shotgun like a QB it is like walking over to the linebackers and saying "hey, Jalin Marshall is going to run." When you try this crap against good linebackers like PSU has on 3rd and 5 it is a recipe for punting the ball.

Wildcat works against bad defenses.

[bucksfan2]

I despise the wildcat. It is so predictable, when the RB or WR lines up in the shotgun like a QB it is like walking over to the linebackers and saying "hey, Jalin Marshall is going to run." When you try this crap against good linebackers like PSU has on 3rd and 5 it is a recipe for punting the ball.

Wildcat works against bad defenses.

Wildcats work, they work quite a bit in college where there is a talent differential. You just don't do wildcats on 3rd and 5.

[gonelong]

For what it's worth, on the outside looking in, this looks like a quality road win in a tough, hostile environment against a stout rival.
Agreed. Any time you can win in front of 100,000+ in a hostile environment you take it. I got the generally feeling (nothing specific) from PSU fans that this was "the game" for them.


I think sometimes people get so focused on margin of victory, that they lose sight of the actual context. A conference win on the road in a hostile environment is a big deal IMHO. If last night was played in West Lafayette or Champaign Urbana, maybe some kvetching would be in order. Unless your conference is total crap, it is becoming unreasonable to expect total domination every week. OSU smoked the month of crap teams they played and passed the test of playing a stouter team on the road last night.

Agreed. I'll take the win.


They are doing what they are supposed to do. I think the take home message from the VA Tech and PSU games is that OSU is a good team but probably isn't going to exert it's will against better competition. They are a fringe top 10 team but not a legit playoff contender. But they've largely done what they are supposed to do and basically, their whole argument for this season rests on the MSU game, but frankly, I don't think passing that test is enough to allow them to control their destiny to any extent.

If they somehow managed to convincingly handle MSU and the B1G championship game they will probably be in the thick of it. They will need some other teams to lose to have any real shot at the playoff IMO. Frankly, I don't see a clear path to how I think they might beat MSU outside of a high turnover margin.

tOSU is simply significantly more athletic than a number of teams they have played at this point. The team is growing as the season goes along, but I don't think they will be "there" by the end of the season. If you flip-flop the PSU and VaTech games on the schedule I highly suspect they would have lost to PSU and drilled VaTech.

I think the next 2 years are going to be very interesting for tOSU, but don't see how they get there this year. Here is hoping they prove me wrong.

This year in college football is a great argument for having one representative from the Power 5 join other selected schools to have an 8 team playoff. Nobody is dominating.

Over the past 20 years pretty much every conference can lay claim to having teams wrongly overlooked for a chance to win the championship. Its pretty hard to make that claim when a conference championship gets you in. Everybody in the Power 5 would consistently control their own destiny in that situation. The 3 voted on schools would then allow for non-traditional schools, independents, etc. to crash the party or reward teams that play a tougher schedule, etc.

The upshot to this is that I suspect teams would schedule much better out of conference games when losing them has little to no bearing on making the playoffs. If you have the top 4 seeds host the first round you also get teams to play in venues they have never (or rarely) visited.

GL

[jojo]

If they somehow managed to convincingly handle MSU and the B1G championship game they will probably be in the thick of it. They will need some other teams to lose to have any real shot at the playoff IMO. Frankly, I don't see a clear path to how I think they might beat MSU outside of a high turnover margin.

tOSU is simply significantly more athletic than a number of teams they have played at this point. The team is growing as the season goes along, but I don't think they will be "there" by the end of the season. If you flip-flop the PSU and VaTech games on the schedule I highly suspect they would have lost to PSU and drilled VaTech.

I think the next 2 years are going to be very interesting for tOSU, but don't see how they get there this year. Here is hoping they prove me wrong.

This year in college football is a great argument for having one representative from the Power 5 join other selected schools to have an 8 team playoff. Nobody is dominating.

Over the past 20 years pretty much every conference can lay claim to having teams wrongly overlooked for a chance to win the championship. Its pretty hard to make that claim when a conference championship gets you in. Everybody in the Power 5 would consistently control their own destiny in that situation. The 3 voted on schools would then allow for non-traditional schools, independents, etc. to crash the party or reward teams that play a tougher schedule, etc.

The upshot to this is that I suspect teams would schedule much better out of conference games when losing them has little to no bearing on making the playoffs. If you have the top 4 seeds host the first round you also get teams to play in venues they have never (or rarely) visited.

GL

There are probably ten teams that basically just need to win out let the chips fall where they may (and winning out probably takes care of them). OSU is one of them.

[Roy Tucker]

There are probably ten teams that basically just need to win out let the chips fall where they may (and winning out probably takes care of them). OSU is one of them.

Yep. But even then, I think they miss out. But let's play the games and see how it sorts out.

One thing I will say is they can't win against MSU with the conservative play calling they had Sat. night. The offense has a lot of weapons. They gotta use them to win.

[Sea Ray]

The nice thing is that OSU can build up for games like MSU since that's the only ranked team they have on their schedule. Very few teams have that luxury. I doubt OSU has any chance of losing this week

[RedTeamGo!]

Tennessee would go undefeated in the Big Ten

[bucksfan2]

The nice thing is that OSU can build up for games like MSU since that's the only ranked team they have on their schedule. Very few teams have that luxury. I doubt OSU has any chance of losing this week

When all is said and done your SEC East champs Georgia won't exactly have had a murders row schedule either.

[Sea Ray]

When all is said and done your SEC East champs Georgia won't exactly have had a murders row schedule either.

You're absolutely right but even as easy as their schedule is, OSU's is easier. What does that say about the Buckeyes?

[Sea Ray]

Tennessee would go undefeated in the Big Ten

Is that the best you can do?

Do you have any idea how weak you come across? Do you really want to look sophomoric?

[BuckeyeRed27]

You're absolutely right but even as easy as their schedule is, OSU's is easier. What does that say about the Buckeyes?

08/30/14 vs. Clemson Athens, Ga. W, 45-21
09/13/14 at South Carolina * Columbia, S.C. L, 38-35
09/20/14 vs. Troy Athens, Ga. W, 66-0
09/27/14 vs. Tennessee * Athens, Ga. W, 35-32
10/04/14 vs. Vanderbilt * Athens, Ga. W, 44-17
10/11/14 at Missouri * Columbia, Mo. W, 34-0
10/18/14 at Arkansas * Little Rock, Ark. W, 45-32
11/01/14 at Florida * Jacksonville, Fla. 3:30 p.m. ET
11/08/14 at Kentucky * Lexington, Ky. TBA
11/15/14 vs. Auburn * Athens, Ga. TBA
11/22/14 vs. Charleston Southern Athens, Ga. TBA
11/29/14 vs. Georgia Tech Athens, Ga. TBA

I would say that schedule pretty comparable.

[jojo]

Is that the best you can do?

Do you have any idea how weak you come across? Do you really want to look sophomoric?

Actually, you're in an Ohio State thread making like monkey buttcheeks as the monkey farts.

[Sea Ray]

08/30/14 vs. Clemson Athens, Ga. W, 45-21
09/13/14 at South Carolina * Columbia, S.C. L, 38-35
09/20/14 vs. Troy Athens, Ga. W, 66-0
09/27/14 vs. Tennessee * Athens, Ga. W, 35-32
10/04/14 vs. Vanderbilt * Athens, Ga. W, 44-17
10/11/14 at Missouri * Columbia, Mo. W, 34-0
10/18/14 at Arkansas * Little Rock, Ark. W, 45-32
11/01/14 at Florida * Jacksonville, Fla. 3:30 p.m. ET
11/08/14 at Kentucky * Lexington, Ky. TBA
11/15/14 vs. Auburn * Athens, Ga. TBA
11/22/14 vs. Charleston Southern Athens, Ga. TBA
11/29/14 vs. Georgia Tech Athens, Ga. TBA

I would say that schedule pretty comparable.

Where I was coming from is that Clemson trumps any non conference game OSU had and Auburn trumps MSU. There's also the intangible that Georgia did have to play that powerhouse from Knoxville...

[BuckeyeRed27]

Where I was coming from is that Clemson trumps any non conference game OSU had and Auburn trumps MSU. There's also the intangible that Georgia did have to play that powerhouse from Knoxville...

Clemson is better than any of OSU's nonconference. I would say Auburn and MSU is a toss up. Also Georgia has games against Troy and Charleston Southern. The only real gimme game for OSU was Kent State. So you know pretty comparable.

[kaldaniels]

I'm in agreement. I have to admit that I have been absolutely impressed with how much OSU's offense has grown, come around, as Barrett has matured back there. This kid is the real deal, and has a lot of Buckeye fans saying "Braxton who?"

But even if OSU runs the table the rest of the way ... and yes, I do think it is possible. I think they can beat MSU .....they're still going to have an uphill battle IMO winning that #4 spot in the play-offs vs all those other one-loss teams, simply due to WHO they lost to compared to WHO those other one-loss teams lost to (quality of the team).

The top 3 teams are undefeated, but that's going to change November 29th when Ol' Miss and Mississippi State square off. And it could happen before then too, because both have a couple tests left on their remaining schedule. Mississippi State beat Auburn, but still has Alabama left. Ol' Miss beat Alabama, but has Auburn left. And Ol' Miss can't look past their opponent today either (LSU). If both of these teams make it to Nov. 29th undefeated, and play a solid, close game, then, IMO, even the loser, now a one-loss team, should still hold one of those play-off spots.

Obviously, if they both make it to that point, that means both Alabama and Auburn will be teams with two losses and out of it. But the question is.... at that point, should any of those other ranked one loss teams (Oregon, ND, MSU, Georgia), if they maintain their one-loss status, leapfrog whichever Mississippi team suffers that first loss?

But looking at the above just shows how much of an uphill battle OSU has to get in this thing even if they win out. They're SoS just isn't there IMO.

Is it me, or is there a pretty likely scenario that the Iron and Egg Bowls feature 4 1-loss teams?

Now that would be an interesting Saturday.

Strike that - Auburn and Ole Miss play Nov 1

[Sea Ray]

Clemson is better than any of OSU's nonconference. I would say Auburn and MSU is a toss up. Also Georgia has games against Troy and Charleston Southern. The only real gimme game for OSU was Kent State. So you know pretty comparable.

I'd love to see Auburn and MSU in a Bowl game

[jojo]

I'd love to see Auburn and MSU in a Bowl game

Auburn would torch them in a bowl game.

How long till Butch Jones moves to Michigan?

[RedTeamGo!]

Is that the best you can do?

Do you have any idea how weak you come across? Do you really want to look sophomoric?

Lol, what?

[RedTeamGo!]

Auburn would torch them in a bowl game.

How long till Butch Jones moves to Michigan?

I think auburn would be favored against Michigan state, but they would certainly not "torch them"

I guess we may find out in January.

[jojo]

I think auburn would be favored against Michigan state, but they would certainly not "torch them"

I guess we may find out in January.

I forgot what thread I was in...i was thinking Miss. State rematch. I haven't contemplated a match up with Sparty.

[cincrazy]

Love my Buckeyes, and was happy to come away from Death Valley at night with a win. The team showed heart, and didn't fold in OT like they easily could have.

But if I'm being objective, I don't think this team has a current argument to be included in the 4 team playoff. Maybe that changes between now and the end of the year, but they're going to need to destroy MSU and Nebraska in order to make a strong enough argument. This is a good team. And it's trending up, and by next year it will be likely be deadly. But this season, I don't think it's a national championship-caliber team.

[Sea Ray]

Auburn would torch them in a bowl game.

How long till Butch Jones moves to Michigan?

I'd have to think that Mich can do better than Butch Jones. Quite frankly I don't think Butch has earned the Mich job yet. Think this is the year Les Miles will take it? If I were setting odds I'd say the favorite is Jim Harbaugh

[Chip R]

Rod Smith dismissed from the team.

http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2014/10/42511/rod-smith-dismissed-from-ohio-state