History Lesson
Urban Meyer doesn't want to become the second coach in history to lose his Ohio State coaching debut game. He doesn't want to become the next Jack Ryder, who lost his first game as an Ohio State coach in 1892. You history buffs may point out Jack Ryder's contributions to the football team as the first paid coach, or his long career as a sports reporter in Cincinnati, but for the purposes of this article he lost his first game. Urban Meyer did get a scare from Miami in his last year at Florida, and Miami did play a close game against Ohio State in 2000 under Coach Cooper.
More History
Ohio State has won its last 33 home opening games, with the last loss in 1978 to Penn State long before the team joined the Big Ten. Ohio State is 106-12-4 overall in opening weekend games, including games on the road.
The Future
On Saturday you can expect three things: (1) rain; (2) more rain; and (3) an OSU running game display. The forecast calls for a large amount of rain as the remnants of Isaac go throw the midwest. Fans will see Braxton Miller elude defenders and Carlos Hyde bulldoze over defenders. Braxton Miller will pass the ball, even with rain. Look for passes to Devin Smith, Corey Brown, Michael Thomas, Jake Stoneburner, Zach Boren, and Carlos Hyde. There is much anticipation over the no-huddle spread featuring a power running game. It is difficult to predict the offensive numbers under the new system, and based on the weather, but I anticipate 300 yards rushing and 250 passing yards. The potent passing game of Miami will get 200 passing yards, but the running game will be limited to 75 yards. Ohio State will win 42-17.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Things to Watch
Got BTN?
You should have the Big Ten Network this weekend as long as your provider is not Dish Network. The contact between BTN and Dish Network expires on Friday, August 31. It is no coincidence that the contract expires right before the first games on Saturday, as that puts pressure on the negotiations. In some cases there are last minute deals, but Time Warner customers remember not having BTN for an entire season as the two parties could not come to an agreement. If you have Dish Network, don't hold your breath on Friday.
Police Blotter
Senior receiver Jake Stoneburner and junior tackle Jack Mewhort made the news in early June when they were arrested outside a restaurant in the area of the Muirfield Golf Club. It was reported that the two football players, along with a friend, were spotted urinating outside of the building and they ran when confronted by police. Both players were suspended and have since been reinstated after completing a team punishment.
Running back freshman Bri'onte Dunn made news this summer as he was acquitted of disorderly conduct, connected to a traffic stop in which drugs were found in the vehicle. His mother later claimed the drugs belonged to her.
Senior Linebacker Storm Klein also made the news after an altercation with an ex-girlfriend and he was originally charged with domestic violence. He was suspended from the team, but Meyer said he would reconsider if charges were dropped. He plead guilty to reduced charges of disorderly conduct and he was reinstated on the team.
Quick Cals
Students will join the team with an "exercise" during pregame festivities. I am not sure what I think about this "new tradition" but I imagine the students will have fun. Click here for a video demonstration.
You should have the Big Ten Network this weekend as long as your provider is not Dish Network. The contact between BTN and Dish Network expires on Friday, August 31. It is no coincidence that the contract expires right before the first games on Saturday, as that puts pressure on the negotiations. In some cases there are last minute deals, but Time Warner customers remember not having BTN for an entire season as the two parties could not come to an agreement. If you have Dish Network, don't hold your breath on Friday.
Police Blotter
Senior receiver Jake Stoneburner and junior tackle Jack Mewhort made the news in early June when they were arrested outside a restaurant in the area of the Muirfield Golf Club. It was reported that the two football players, along with a friend, were spotted urinating outside of the building and they ran when confronted by police. Both players were suspended and have since been reinstated after completing a team punishment.
Running back freshman Bri'onte Dunn made news this summer as he was acquitted of disorderly conduct, connected to a traffic stop in which drugs were found in the vehicle. His mother later claimed the drugs belonged to her.
Senior Linebacker Storm Klein also made the news after an altercation with an ex-girlfriend and he was originally charged with domestic violence. He was suspended from the team, but Meyer said he would reconsider if charges were dropped. He plead guilty to reduced charges of disorderly conduct and he was reinstated on the team.
Quick Cals
Students will join the team with an "exercise" during pregame festivities. I am not sure what I think about this "new tradition" but I imagine the students will have fun. Click here for a video demonstration.
2012 Buckeye Special Teams
Kickers
This unit has two experienced kickers returning this season. Last year junior placekicker Drew Basil was 16 of 19, hitting all the kicks 40-49 yards, missing one at 50 yards. Holding on placekicks will be punter Ben Buchanan, but Kenny Guiton is available as a backup and possibly for trick plays. Punter Ben Buchanan had a long of 60 years last year against Miami (FL). Freshman Bryce Haynes earned the starting role of long snapper.
Return Team
Urban Meyer has promised that special teams will go at 100% all the time, so expect some impressive return yardage and touchdowns. Returning kickoffs are receiver Corey "Philly" Brown and running back Bri'onte Dunn. Returning punts are receiver Corey "Philly" Brown and receiver Devin Smith.
This unit has two experienced kickers returning this season. Last year junior placekicker Drew Basil was 16 of 19, hitting all the kicks 40-49 yards, missing one at 50 yards. Holding on placekicks will be punter Ben Buchanan, but Kenny Guiton is available as a backup and possibly for trick plays. Punter Ben Buchanan had a long of 60 years last year against Miami (FL). Freshman Bryce Haynes earned the starting role of long snapper.
Return Team
Urban Meyer has promised that special teams will go at 100% all the time, so expect some impressive return yardage and touchdowns. Returning kickoffs are receiver Corey "Philly" Brown and running back Bri'onte Dunn. Returning punts are receiver Corey "Philly" Brown and receiver Devin Smith.
2012 Buckeye Defense
D-Line
This unit appears to be solid and will anchor the defense, which should be very strong overall. The leaders on defense are John Simon and Johnathan Hankins. Senior captain Garrett Goebel impressed the coaches and earned a starting role. Also on the D-line will be sophomore Michael Bennett. Keep an eye on freshman Noah Spence and Adolphus Washington. Eventually we should see Nathan Williams on the D-Line, but Meyer said his time may be limited on Saturday. He is recovering from microfracture knee surgery.
Linebackers
In limited action last season it was obvious that Ryan Shazier could be a special linebacker. In the offseason he gained some muscle and all reports indicate that he will be a dominant force. A concussion in practice had limited him, but he is expected to start the game at OLB. Also at linebacker are Curtis Grant and Etienne Sabino. Sabino had 62 tackles last season and was the team MVP in the Gator Bowl.
Secondary
The leaders here are the familiar names of Bradley Roby and Travis Howard at the two corners. Roby now has #1 as his jersey number. At safety are C.J. Barnett and Christian Bryant. Barnett led the team with 75 tackles.
This unit appears to be solid and will anchor the defense, which should be very strong overall. The leaders on defense are John Simon and Johnathan Hankins. Senior captain Garrett Goebel impressed the coaches and earned a starting role. Also on the D-line will be sophomore Michael Bennett. Keep an eye on freshman Noah Spence and Adolphus Washington. Eventually we should see Nathan Williams on the D-Line, but Meyer said his time may be limited on Saturday. He is recovering from microfracture knee surgery.
Linebackers
In limited action last season it was obvious that Ryan Shazier could be a special linebacker. In the offseason he gained some muscle and all reports indicate that he will be a dominant force. A concussion in practice had limited him, but he is expected to start the game at OLB. Also at linebacker are Curtis Grant and Etienne Sabino. Sabino had 62 tackles last season and was the team MVP in the Gator Bowl.
Secondary
The leaders here are the familiar names of Bradley Roby and Travis Howard at the two corners. Roby now has #1 as his jersey number. At safety are C.J. Barnett and Christian Bryant. Barnett led the team with 75 tackles.
2012 Buckeye Offense
Quarterbacks
At QB, Braxton Miller returns for his sophomore year as a second year starter. Miller was pushed into the starting role last year, but he capped off the season with 335 offensive yards against Michigan. Kenny Guiton will get minutes as the back-up, as Coach Meyer is known for utilizing two quarterbacks.
Receivers
Junior Corey Brown will be the go-to number one receiver. Sophomore Devin Smith will be next in receptions. You may remember Devin Smith's game winning touchdown reception against Wisconsin last season. Senior Jake Stoneburner was converted from receiver to tight-end as a freshman, and now he comes full circle as he is converted back to a receiver. The other receivers will be sophomore Evan Spencer, sophomore Tyrone Williams, and freshman Michael Thomas. At tight end are sophomore Jeff Heuerman and red-shirt freshman Nick Vannett. Heuerman had one catch last year in the Gator Bowl, while Vannett sat out for the season.
Running Backs
The season will start with Carlos Hyde at RB, as Jordan Hall continues his recovery from a torn ligament. Freshman Bri'onte Dunn will share the backup role with Rod Smith. FB Zach Boren will have a different role this year, as he will have more carries and receptions.
O-Line
On the O-line the returning 13-game starters from last year are junior Jack Mewhort and junior Andrew Norwell. Also on the line is junior Marcus Hall and senior Reid Fragel. Fragel converted from tight-end to offensive tackle. At right tackle he beat out true freshman Taylor Decker for the starting role. You can expect to see Decker play at some point, as he made a big impression during practice.
At QB, Braxton Miller returns for his sophomore year as a second year starter. Miller was pushed into the starting role last year, but he capped off the season with 335 offensive yards against Michigan. Kenny Guiton will get minutes as the back-up, as Coach Meyer is known for utilizing two quarterbacks.
Receivers
Junior Corey Brown will be the go-to number one receiver. Sophomore Devin Smith will be next in receptions. You may remember Devin Smith's game winning touchdown reception against Wisconsin last season. Senior Jake Stoneburner was converted from receiver to tight-end as a freshman, and now he comes full circle as he is converted back to a receiver. The other receivers will be sophomore Evan Spencer, sophomore Tyrone Williams, and freshman Michael Thomas. At tight end are sophomore Jeff Heuerman and red-shirt freshman Nick Vannett. Heuerman had one catch last year in the Gator Bowl, while Vannett sat out for the season.
Running Backs
The season will start with Carlos Hyde at RB, as Jordan Hall continues his recovery from a torn ligament. Freshman Bri'onte Dunn will share the backup role with Rod Smith. FB Zach Boren will have a different role this year, as he will have more carries and receptions.
O-Line
On the O-line the returning 13-game starters from last year are junior Jack Mewhort and junior Andrew Norwell. Also on the line is junior Marcus Hall and senior Reid Fragel. Fragel converted from tight-end to offensive tackle. At right tackle he beat out true freshman Taylor Decker for the starting role. You can expect to see Decker play at some point, as he made a big impression during practice.
Scouting the Redhawks
Offense
At QB, senior Zac Dysert is poised to overtake Ben Roethlisberger in career passing yards at Miami this season. In fact he is third in the nation in active career passing yards with 8,530 yards behind Oklahoma's Landry Jones and Southern California's Matt Barkley. His career completion percentage is .641. Receiver Nick Harwell was second in NCAA last year with 129 yards/game. The running game for Miami is a bit of an afterthought, but senior Justin Semmes earned the starting spot. He had a 100-yard last year against Akron.
Defense
The defensive line has six returning lettermen. Linebacker Evan Harris has six interceptions including two defensive touchdowns. At cornerback, Dayonne Nunley has nine interceptions in two seasons.
At QB, senior Zac Dysert is poised to overtake Ben Roethlisberger in career passing yards at Miami this season. In fact he is third in the nation in active career passing yards with 8,530 yards behind Oklahoma's Landry Jones and Southern California's Matt Barkley. His career completion percentage is .641. Receiver Nick Harwell was second in NCAA last year with 129 yards/game. The running game for Miami is a bit of an afterthought, but senior Justin Semmes earned the starting spot. He had a 100-yard last year against Akron.
Defense
The defensive line has six returning lettermen. Linebacker Evan Harris has six interceptions including two defensive touchdowns. At cornerback, Dayonne Nunley has nine interceptions in two seasons.
The Series
This will be the fifth game between the two schools, with Ohio State winning the previous four matches, all in Columbus. Ohio State won the games in 1904 (80-0), 1911 (3-0), 2000 (27-16), and 2005 (34-14). Ohio State has won its last 37 games against Ohio teams, with the last loss to Oberlin in 1921.
The Coaches
Urban Meyer
In the 11th season of his coaching career his record is 104-23. He is 0-0 at Ohio State in his first season. After being a two-sport star in high school, he briefly played baseball for the Atlanta Braves farm system before he attended the University of Cincinnati. He earned his graduate degree from Ohio State and worked with the team as a graduate assistant under Earle Bruce from 1986-1987. He was an assistant coach at Illinois State under former OSU defensive coordinator Jim Heacock. He later re-joined Earle Bruce at Colorado St. In 1996 he was hired as an assistant coach under Lou Holtz at Notre Dame, and he remained with Notre Dame through 2000. In 2001 he started his head coaching career at Bowling Green and in two years he had a record of 17-6. He was hired at Utah in 2003. In his first year Utah won its bowl game, and during the second year the team was undefeated and won the Fiesta Bowl. He was 22-2 in two years at Utah. In 2005 he took the helm at Florida and immediately guided them to a 9-3 record and an Outback Bowl victory. In his second year he had a 13-1 record and a BCS National Championship victory over Ohio State. In his remaining four years he lost one bowl game, and also added another BCS National Championship and victories in the Sugar and Outback Bowl. He had a record of 65-15 during his six years at Florida.
Don Treadwell
In his second season as a head coach and at Miami his record is 4-8. Treadwell was a four year letterman at Miami as a receiver. He has been an assistant coach at Youngstown State, Miami, Cincinnati, Stanford, Boston College, North Carolina St., Michigan St., and Ball St.
In the 11th season of his coaching career his record is 104-23. He is 0-0 at Ohio State in his first season. After being a two-sport star in high school, he briefly played baseball for the Atlanta Braves farm system before he attended the University of Cincinnati. He earned his graduate degree from Ohio State and worked with the team as a graduate assistant under Earle Bruce from 1986-1987. He was an assistant coach at Illinois State under former OSU defensive coordinator Jim Heacock. He later re-joined Earle Bruce at Colorado St. In 1996 he was hired as an assistant coach under Lou Holtz at Notre Dame, and he remained with Notre Dame through 2000. In 2001 he started his head coaching career at Bowling Green and in two years he had a record of 17-6. He was hired at Utah in 2003. In his first year Utah won its bowl game, and during the second year the team was undefeated and won the Fiesta Bowl. He was 22-2 in two years at Utah. In 2005 he took the helm at Florida and immediately guided them to a 9-3 record and an Outback Bowl victory. In his second year he had a 13-1 record and a BCS National Championship victory over Ohio State. In his remaining four years he lost one bowl game, and also added another BCS National Championship and victories in the Sugar and Outback Bowl. He had a record of 65-15 during his six years at Florida.
Don Treadwell
In his second season as a head coach and at Miami his record is 4-8. Treadwell was a four year letterman at Miami as a receiver. He has been an assistant coach at Youngstown State, Miami, Cincinnati, Stanford, Boston College, North Carolina St., Michigan St., and Ball St.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Guest Panel-Week 1 Games
Welcome to Week 1 of the Guest Panel. Check back on Friday morning
for the picks and comments. Here are the games for the Guest Panel to
consider this week.
2. Michigan vs. Alabama
3. Boise St. vs. Michigan State (Friday)
4. Northwestern vs. Syracuse
5. Western Michigan vs. Illinois
And the oddball game this week is:
6. UTSA vs. South Alabama
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Guest Panel Introduction-Funtik the Hog
Funtik the Hog (also known asKhryak in his native Ukranian tongue), is the latest in a long line of prognosticating animals (following in the illustrious footsteps of Paul the Octopus, Paulus the Octopus [friggin’ poser!], Fred the Ferret, Citta the Elephant, amongst countless others) that have been anointed as fortune tellers of the highest order. Funtik was installed by his native country of Ukraine (one of the co-hosts of the Euro 2012 soccer tournament) to “forecast the outcome of matches in the Euro 2012 soccer championship,” and, as of June 11, had correctly predicted the outcome of four of six matches. Although not nearly as successful in his prognosticating skills as the dearly departed Paul the Octopus (may he rest in peace), Funtik the Hog made a name for himself with his “work hard, but play harder” approach to his predictions, even dismissing the advances of t**less female protesters (please see the attached photo) in pursuit of his fortune telling duties. Funtik’s “divination method” has been described as “clairvoyant snout bucket rummage,” whatever the heck that means.
After time spent earning street cred predicting “European football” matches, Funtik has crossed the pond and decided to follow in the footsteps of his idol Paul the Octopus and has joined the Buckeye Pregame Guest Panel. He has declared that it is his duty, nay, his DESTINY as a Ukranian hog of the highest order, to correctly predict (using his patened “clairvoyant snout bucket rummage” method), the outcome of 5-10 American college football games per week.
In terms of his predictions for the upcoming season, Funtik thinks that the Southeastern Conference will produce its seventh straight national champion, a quarterback will win the Heisman Trophy, and that the Arkansas Razorbacks is his favorite team of the 2012 season (after all, a Razorback is the close American cousin of the Ukranian hog).
Guest Panel Introduction-Big Dog
We are an INTERNATIONAL TEAM! BIG Dog, HOT Dog, BIG Dog Españoles, and BIG Dog Junior!
We have a BIG DOG (often call the OLD DOG too) who has years of picking experience. Mostly for fun, never for money though, not in the game for that purpose. A Buckeye Fan since birth! He often went with his mother as a child and tailgated next door to the varsity club (when parking was available there)!
Next, is team member: HOT DOG. She is the smoking hot pretty one in the group. Don't let her beauty fool you though, she has football in her blood. She he has followed many teams and the game for decades, since she was a child as well. She is proud to call the BUCKEYES, Patriots, and Bills some of her favorites!
Finally, we have the children (that's right, children) Numero uno: Españoles Future Big Dog OSU Súper Fan (AKA: Spanish Big Dog Future OSU Super Fan), and Numero Dos: BIG DOG JR.!! These young men will be the mortar that will hold this super hybrid-family together.
A hearty band of true fans (with one overwhelmed foreign exchange student from Spain), without the 'seasoning' to ruin the pure sport of college football. We look forward to a great BUCKEYE year and loads of fun! We need to train our new friend from Spain well!!
Guest Panel Introduction-Bowl Ban
Hey Buckeye fans. I'm your worst nightmare. Think you have a shot at a National Championship? How about a Big Ten Championship? Maybe just a consolation bowl game? NOPE! I'm here to stomp all over your dreams for this season....even though your team, under new coach Urban Meyer, will go undefeated and create one of the biggest bowl ban controversies in college football come season's end.
Guest Panel Introduction- Black Widow
I will be using my uncanny affinity for psychological manipulation to annihilate the competition. I will use my ability to quickly process multiple information streams and rapidly respond to changing tactical situations in choosing my picks each week. I am an expert tactician and an effective strategist who will continually extinguish my opponents.
Guest Panel Introduction- Spam Sandwichsan
Spam sandwichsan (also known as mr. spam sandwich) has no football skills. he doesn't even have eyes or ears to watch or listen to football, let alone a central nervous system to even comprehend simple games such as sheep or video olympics! but there is one trait that allows him to excel in gameday predictions... the theory of ones: 'a one that is not cold is scarcely a one at all.' and since football would not exist without cold beer, and cold beer would not prevail without football, spam sandwichsan has a direct and untainted view of all that is football! his smooth gel-like texture makes him a hit with the ladies, and he is well known around the globe! his major predictions for this year include a reality tv/prison break show featuring our favorite ex-buckeye and that 'team-up-north' getting another 'drug search' upon their arrival at the shoe! be sure to watch his mid-season antics as the theory of ones gets proven on the field and in the frying pan!
Guest Panel Introduction- Philly Cheese
![[philly+cheese.jpg]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SRcJdsfOlcUuy_dVNyKrZsmi66cLuqHoj2NRvFZ3zHDeGIvY9Uo-UNlToJ0LHqEsolK0EG2yny2wb_TpGJwa9Sw1xGTrbhckK_WVPS4Dq0o9Pz0ugASLegYUSf9X2VW7X2WRqA/s1600/philly+cheese.jpg)
Philly Cheese hails from the "City of Brotherly Love." He is used to seeing people cry when they cut the onions over at Pat's famous steak joint in Philly , so he will show no mercy for the panelists that cry when they lose each week.
Guest Panel Introduction- Old Bag of Man
Old Bag of Man hails from the Wal-mart in Southern Alabama. People thought he was just a wandering man of sorts talking to himself and shaking (thanks to being struck by lightning 46 times). But thanks to the lightning strike he was given the ability to predict football futures (and sh*t himself constantly, that's why he has chosen the bag to wear, its where you put dog sh*t anyways). People learned of this feat and betting circles starting using this "Swami" to make money. Obviously he hasn't received a dime of that money yet. So now he's moved up to the north, to try his luck north of the dixie line.
Guest Panel Introduction- Hudy the Dark Knight
Hudy Delights grew up on the western side of Cincinnati. Hudy loves his cheap beer, high school football, bengals and almost anything Cincinnati. When not found at the local watering hole discussing his beloved Elder Panthers or West High Mustangs, Hudy makes time to impart his vast college football knowledge to anyone who may be interested. Hudy, being the expert on high school sports in the area qualifies as a college expert because many of his favorite players got their start in high school.
Guest Panel Introduction- Batman
Batman
A tradition of success in crime fighting and football picking.
Overall record 474- 228 (67.5%)
2011-2012 Bowl Season - 1st (27-8)
2011 Regular Season - 1st (56-30)
2010-2011 Bowl Season - 4th (20-15)
2010 Regular Season - 4th (57-27)
2009-2010 Bowl Season - 2nd (22-12)
2009 Regular Season - 3rd (60-24)
2008-2009 Bowl Season - 1st (21-13)
2008 Regular Season - 2nd (59-30)
2007-2008 Regular Season and Bowls - 1st (72-36)
2006-2007 Regular Season and Bowls - 1st (80-33)
A tradition of success in crime fighting and football picking.
Overall record 474- 228 (67.5%)
2011-2012 Bowl Season - 1st (27-8)
2011 Regular Season - 1st (56-30)
2010-2011 Bowl Season - 4th (20-15)
2010 Regular Season - 4th (57-27)
2009-2010 Bowl Season - 2nd (22-12)
2009 Regular Season - 3rd (60-24)
2008-2009 Bowl Season - 1st (21-13)
2008 Regular Season - 2nd (59-30)
2007-2008 Regular Season and Bowls - 1st (72-36)
2006-2007 Regular Season and Bowls - 1st (80-33)
Guest Panel Introduction-Mel Kiper’s Hair
A well know component of the most famous and recognizable NFL Draft commentators, I've been the silent driving force on-top-of every Kiper insight including the Matthew Stafford call (that he would be the #1 overall NFL pick before he even left high-school – BOOYAAHH!!!). You can thank me for the first Mock Draft ever (and later this season for the money you made by putting your eggs in my prediction basket) So I might have bombed on a couple (Andre Ware/Mike Williams) but you can't dispute the startling accuracy I showed with Hall-of-Famer John Elway or the amazing Trent Dilfer. Mel might be credited with the Big Board but it was me who me who came up with the measuring system of vague and mostly incomprehensible statistics that cumulatively indicate who will be an all-star and who will be a thumb-sucker. This year I find myself selling my draft stock and moving down into the NCAA trenches where-by I'll put on my jock-strap, overcome my nerdy exterior, and bring the whompin-stick down on Grandpa Holtz and crotchety Lee Corso. Beware the Hair!!!