The Buckeye Blog

Even from high in C-deck, we instantly knew that something was wrong. There was the slow motion, akward slide with the foot extended, the roll to onto the side, knee coming up to chest, grabbing at the ankle, and the silent gasp of 100,000+ fans before the play was even over. No one had noticed, nor did they care that the ball was loose and the Buckeyes had fumbled on the five yard line.

While Youngstown players scrambled against themselves for the loose ball, all eyes were on the fallen Wells. Buckeye players formed a circle of protection around him as Youngstown players, oblivious to the drama unfolding on the field, celebrated their small victory. For what they thought was a forced turnover was much bigger than anything the Penguins could have thrown at Ohio State that day.

And there he was, the hopes of an entire season, writhing in pain on the field. What should have been a touch down run up the middle had turned into something much more. You could tell almost instantly that he wasn’t going to get up and jog off the field. At the 40 yard line, a group of Buckeye players dropped on one knee, heads bowed, taking a moment to pray for their fallen comrade and the crowd drew silent.

And then there was the wait. Fans could be heard whispering through the stands. No, not this, not in a game like this. It just couldn’t be. But it was. And the crowd looked on in stunned silence.

Eventually, Wells was helped to the sideline and it was obvious to all, that although he wasn’t carried off the field, he wasn’t putting any weight on the injured foot. The game resumed but all eyes were on the group of trainers huddled on the sidelines working on the fallen Buckeye. Eventually, he was loaded on the cart and taken off the field.

And so the game went on. And so this season will go on. As for the extent of the injury, at this point, we just don’t know. It could be nothing, it could be much more but whatever the circumstances, the Buckeyes must go on. And while there is nothing we want more than a healthy Beanie Wells at the helm of the Ohio State running game, the Buckeyes have the depth and the talent to continue and to be the top team in the country.

So for now we wait to hear word. And we probably won’t hear anything until well into the week if then. If there is any chance of linguring injury, Wells won’t play next weekend. His strength is needed for the big one week three.

And while the complaints about the Buckeye performance are already coming in, there is very little we can determine from this game. You could feel it in the atmosphere in the stadium, the game against Youngstown was little more than an extended practice - a no win game for the Buckeyes. Even in a 43-0 blowout, fans were concerned that the Buckieyes didn’t look better or that the offensive line couldn’t put up a better front against such a mismatched opponent.

One thing I did see though was Terrell Pryor. And yes, Pryor is everthing he is hyped up to be. He towers above the field and floats across the field like a gazelle. It was as though he was moving five yards with every stride. And you will notice that when he stepped in, the offensive line gave him much more time to do what needed to be done. They will step up when needed.

Prior is not there yet but he will be soon. As he matures, he is going to be one of the best. He has the height of Vince Young and to see him run is a thing of beauty. Yesterday, we caught a glimpse of the future of Ohio State football.

I only hope that Wells returns at full strenght to stand by his side. A Pryor/Wells running attack has the potential to become a force unmatched in college football.

Nearly nine months ago today, four young men stood together, facing their destiny. Beaten but not defeated, their futures were laid out before them. They could easily choose to part ways and pursue the fame and fortune that was theirs for the taking. But in these waining moments of what could have been, they knew that their quest was not complete. They for the second time, they had climbed the mountain and tasted the glory yet failed to claim the summet for which they so yearned.

So in that moment, the choice was clear. Together, the would climb the mountain one more tiem. Once more, together, they would reach for the summit which so many could only look to from a distance. For they were Buckeyes and their mission was incommplete.

And so the sun breaks this morning on these brave young men as they step forward once again on a glorious and mighty quest. They will face many of the same challenges but they have grown, they know the destinay that lays before and they know that it will not come easy. Their leader is strong and they will guide some of the most talented young men in college football along the way.

Today, the 2008 Buckeyes will begin their quest for the BCS Championship title against Youngstown. And while no, Youngstown is not the biggest hurdle they will face, it this game serves as an excellent launching point to the season ahead. As the Buckeyes take the field against the team Coach Tressel once lead to national championships, brother will face brother as Ohio State defensive coach Jim Heacock will face his brother, Youngstown State head coach John Heacock. Their will also be a Griffin on the field as Tyler Griffin, nephew to Archie, will be playing for Youngstown.

We will also get the chance to see the future of Buckeye football as Tryell Pryor will take more than a few snaps. The Wells/Pryor running attack should be worth the price of admission in and of itself.

So in a few hours, I will climb that mountain myself (my tickets are in C Deck and yes, I did make it back for the game). While none of us expects a close contest, it will be good to see what Ohio State has to offer as this will probably be more of an exhibition game.

Go Buckeyes, Bring on the 2008 Season

If things had gone according to plan, instead of writing this post, I would be in Columbus by now counting down the hours to my first pregame festivities of the season. However, as these things tend to go, my son spent most of the day pushing a fever above 104 and at this point, there are two tickets to the game sitting on a dining room table in Maryland not doing anyone any good.

So, seeing as I’m in a holding pattern until we determine the state of the boy’s health, I find myself yearning. Yearning for that first glimpse of morning light to come shining over the Schottenstein Center and yield it’s warmth on the growing sea of scarlet and gray as it winds its way down Lane Ave. toward St. John’s for the first skull session of the year. I find myself yearning for the endless climb to my trusty seats in C Deck, yearning for the tears that flow when once again, I see the alumni band form Script Ohio’s on all sides of the field. And yes, I yearn to be there when the Buckeyes kick off what will be yet another, glorious season in these renaissance years of Ohio State football.

To help cure this insufferable yearning, I’m offering a copy of the A&E dvd Woody Hayes’ Ohio State Buckeyes; The Greatness of the Man, the Coach, and the Legacy to the person who’s comment below best captures the yearning of Ohio State fans everywhere who cannot make it to the game.

Since I’m keeping the criteria somewhat loose, this can take any of a number of forms. Tell the story of your greatest Ohio State memory. Write a piece of prose that captures the essence of an Ohio State Football Game. Tell the world what it means to you to be a Buckeye. Whatever it is, bring us to that place that lives deep within every Buckeye fan. Help those of us who can’t be there live vicariously through you. Take us to that shining moment of Buckeye Glory which you were there to witness first hand. Bring me back to those Sat. mornings of my freshman year looking out of my fifth floor dorm window in Taylor Tower and help me feel the passion of the day rising from the growing festivities below.

It can take the form of glorious prose or maybe, it’s just a story that your grandfather used to tell about Woody or a tidbit of Ohio State history that you were there to experience first hand — something that most of us don’t know about.

The comment that best quells, or better yet, exacerbates the yearning of all of us who cannot be there or were not there for that great Ohio State moment, will get a copy of the A&E Woody Hayes dvd. Be sure to include your email in the proper space below (will be kept private) so I can contact the winner.

Some samples from past posts of the type of thing I’m thinking might work:

What it means to me to be a Buckeye

Buckeyes Face Historic Rematch in Iowa

Ohio State Buckeyes not rebuilt, reloaded

For Some Ohio State Fans, Watching Game in Public Not an Option

That should get you started. I await your comments below.

(Please note that by participating, you are granting The Buckeye Blog permission to publish your story for use on The Buckeye Blog)

With only four days to go and counting, it’s time to get those picks in. So for those of you who are getting desperate, and you’ve got to be if you’re following my picks, here we go…

Syracuse vs Northwestern (Northwestern by 11.5)

I like this as an opener for NU. Although Syracuse is getting pretty good at losing lately, there’s enough of a legacy there to make you think that maybe they will give somebody a fight. However, this isn’t the year for the Orangeman.

Northwestern brings back 19 starters this year including Tyrell Sutton who should be healthy. As for Syracuse, it could be a long day.

If they can air out the big pass, then they may be able to get something going but that chances aren’t good. Northwestern just brings too much to the table.

Northwestern to beat the spread.

W Kentuckey vs. Indiana (Hoosiers by 20)

With less than a week to go, it appears that Indiana quarterback Kellen Lewis has matured to a level worthy of his talent. At least enough for Indiana coach Bill Lynch to name his starting quarterback. Lewis, who has started 21 consecutive games for the Hoosiers spent spring practice in time out giving him a chance to think about how he’d been acting.

Ragardless, Lewis has got talent and knows how to rack up the yardage. Indiana’s no huddle offense should render the soon-to-be div. I A Hilltoppers beaten.

Twenty points is a lot but if Lewis still has his game, and I’d wager he does, they should break the spread.

Penn State vs. Coastal Carolina (no line)

You know, I really don’t know anything about Coastal Carolina but I do know that Penn State has those really cool white t-shirts. When the Nitany Lions bring their first of way too many “Whiteouts” of the season, Coastal Carolina won’t know what hit them.

Penn state if you can find a line.

Wisconsin vs. Akron (Wisconsin by 26.5)

While I like Akron, in order to get the respect they are hoping for, Wisconsin needs to make any and every statement they can. The Badger defense should shut down the Zips while the Wisconsin O runs the score.

I hate the early season big spreads and even though I think Wisconsin should clobber the Zips, they may tend to overlook this game. I’m going with the Zips to keep it within the spread.

Main vs. Iowa (no line)

Main? But then again, Iowa hasn’t had much to write home about as of late. Iowa needs any win they can get and they should get this one. Iowa to win - just be glad there isn’t a spread.

Mich St vs. Cal (Cal by 4.5)

After Michigan/Utah, Ill/Miz, this is the most important opener in the Big Ten.

I liked Michigan State’s potential last year and I like it again this year and one of these days I’m going to be right. Mark my words, Michigan is a sleeper team in the Big Ten. They’ve got a coach that knows defense and they’ve got talent on offense. I think it will be close but a solid ground attack will put MSU on top in a close one.

Northern Ill vs. Minnisota (Minn by 8.5)

Does anyone remember way back in the 80s I think it was when the Gophers had a decent team? Whenever it was, it was a long time ago. I’m going with NIU to win straight up.

For the rest, I covered Ill/Mizz and Michigan/Utah yesterday. and we’ll get to OSU/Youngstown in a separate post.

The Balitmore Sun is reporting that Troy Smith was “really, really sick” before last Saturday’s game and he missed practice yesterday due to ongoing complications.

In a related story, the Sun commented that the quarterback position is between Boller and Smith. I missed last Saturday’s game but all reports are that Flacco is having trouble dealing with the speed of the NFL.

After a successful career at Delaware…say it isn’t so.

I love the smell of a burning couch in the morning. It smells like…victory.

After a long hot summer of worthless polls, mind numbing ESPN predictions and sports commentators (yours truly included) desperately struggling to pound out something of value about the upcoming season, I finally have a weekend full of real live college football games on which to pontificate. The Vegas bookies have posted their odds, so the season must be under way.

Without further adieu, I bring you as many predictions as I can tolerate for one night. What we don’t finish tonight, we’ll get tomorrow or the next day.

Lets start with probably the most interesting game of opening weekend:

Illinois vs. Missouri (Missouri by 8.5, over under 50.5):

With all the expected blowouts and opening weekend 1-AA games, I really like this year’s Ill/Miss matchup. These guys first played each other in 1896. Seriously. Looking at past scores, there doesn’t look like a lot of close games and there have been a couple of trouncing including a 42-0 win in 1994 by the Illini.

This year will prove to be different. It is the first time in the meeting of these two teams that they are both ranked in the top 15 and they bring a couple of exciting quarterbacks to the field. Chase Daniels of Missouri has been mentioned more than once as a potential Heisman candidate and Juice Williams…well he’s Juice Williams.

What may be something of a surprise is the Illinois defense. Last year, Missouri pretty much walked all over these guys scoring almost 40 points in the first half. The Illinois return many of the same players and although you would think the offense would give coach Ron Zook something to brag about, according to Big Ten Blogger Adam Rittenburg over at ESPN, Zook seems to like this year’s defense.

And that’s what it’s going to come down to for Illinois. If the Illini D can bring the speed and keep the pressure on Daniel. If they can keep him from finding the yards to scramble, then they’ve got a game on their hands. Add another year of maturity and maybe, just maybe the Juice Williams that played against Ohio State and not the Juice Williams that we saw back in October will show up. Put those two together and you’ve got a win for Illinois. Without either of the two, and it’s too close to call.

I’ve got to go with my Big Ten team here and I’m picking Illinois to cover the spread. I’m not even going to think about the over under on this one.

—

You want more? I’ll give you more:

Appalachian State vs. LSU (LSU by 24)

Two years ago and this game wouldn’t even have risen an eyeball. Yet here we are, one big Michigan loss and two national championships later and we’ve got something to think about. I don’t know if this has ever happened before but both LSU and App. State arrive as reigning national champions.

The biggest difference in this year’s LSU game as opposed to last year’s Michigan upset, everybody knows about last year’s Michigan upset. Last year, the Wolverines were walking around the preseason like the big man on campus. They were talking smack and way, way overconfident. In typical Michigan fashion, the sleep walked through most of the game and when they finally woke up, it was too late. History was written and the Wolverines through their national championship hopes out the window before the regular season even started.

This year however, LSU has seen the worst case scenario. And you can be sure, LSU knows that the college football world is watching that little school in Boone, NC. And there is now way, I repeat, no way that LSU wants the blotch in their history books that Michigan will face over, and over again (don’t worry, I’m here to help keep the memory alive).

Neither LSU nor App State will bring the same teams that we saw last year. There’s a lot of new talent on both sides of the ball and don’t know App. State. They picked up some good recruits off last year’s win.

But this year LSU will be expecting them and probably would like to be the ones to put an end to the Appalachian State miracle. So no matter how badly I want App. State to be the first to knock a beloved SEC team out of the BCS hunt, I don’t think it’s going to happen. Twenty-four points is a lot. If Appalachian State is going to beat the spread, they are going to need to play some seriously inspired football.

But isn’t that what we were saying around this time last year?

–

What you want one more? But it’s late and really, you’ve read this far?

Michigan vs. Utah (Michigan by 4.5)

I know what you’re all thinking here. It doesn’t matter who Michigan is opening against, most of us are expecting them to blow it and blow it big. I’m not going to argue with you here. If a team ever had a point to prove, Michigan is the game. The problem is, do they have it in them.

Utah returns something like 14-15 starters after going 9-4 last season. Michigan can’t decide on a quarterback, not only that, but they can’t decide on the quarterback who will run coach Rich Rodregeuz’s beloved spread offense. Oh, and he’s going to run that spread offense behind an offensive line of sophmores. Heck, if I were looking at the quarterback position, I might be a little nervous also.

Now this is not to say that Michigan can’t win it. No matter what I anyone says, they’re still Michigan and I’m not ready to give up on their legacy entirely…yet (ok, maybe a little).

The entire state of Utah is excited about this game. They are excited for all the reasons people are going to watch LSU/App. State that I mentioned above. They see a window of opportunity that may not open again.

Meanwhile, Michigan needs this win more than they’ve needed almost any win in a long, long time. If they lose this weekend to Utah, all the nightmares will come pouring back. The questions will be answered and no matter what they do the rest of the season, perhaps for the next few seasons, the opening games of 2007 and 2008 will be remembered.

Can Michigan win this? At this point, I don’t think anyone knows. Can Utah? Yep.

Obviously, the bookies aren’t sure. If I were passing out the spreads, I’d give Utah a touchdown just because Michigan has the fan base and the legacy to pull up the bets. Personally, if I were a betting man, I’d stay away from this one.

Wow, you made it to the end — for now. I’ll be back tomorrow with more. More of what, I’m not sure. As I wrote this I kept finding other, probably more important Ohio State news I should be writing about. The Buckeye Depth Chart came out today and there were a couple of interesting points.

In all, it looks like it’s going to be a busy week.

In the now we’ve seen everything department, Studer Imports will be releasing a limited edition Bo Merlot named after the famed Ohio State Rival, Bo Schemblecher.

Marleana Studer, owner of Studer Imports and Michigan grad, told the Anne Arbor News, “the Bo Merlot offers an ‘intense fruit forwardness with a luscious berry concentration … a rich presentation on the palate with a lovely, lingering finish. It’s not a wine you chug down, but one you sip slowly and enjoy.”

Feel free to submit your Michigan jokes below.

Since the p.r. machine for these things is well underway, we might as well jump on the bandwagon and take a look at at what could be. And while we’ve all heard the talk about Chris Wells as a top Heisman contender, there are a couple of other Buckeyes who in November, could find themselves in the running.

My top Ohio State Heisman candidates other than Wells:

1) James Laurinaitis

If Laurinaitis continues to improve at the rate he has the past few years, no question he could be in the hunt for the Heisman. Voters at the Big Ten Network have him as the top candidate other than Benie Wells in Big Ten. For Laurnaitis to be seriously considered though, the Buckeye defense is going to have to be incredible. One long drive like Illinois last year or a game like last year’s BCS and he’s out of the running.

However, if the Buckeyes can play Tressleball style defense like the did in 2002, if we can return to the days when a punt was an offensive play or an interception results in positive yardage, then you won’t be able to overlook Laurinaitis. Granted of course, he continues to be the defensive leader he has shaped up to be.

2) Todd Beockman

In order for Boeckman to have a shot he needs to come out of the gate hitting it and he needs to hit it hard. If Beockman can be on from day one and lead the Buckeyes to a BCS Championship, then yeah, I think he’s got a shot. A few less turnovers and an increase the yardage by a just a small percentage over last year and he’s in the hunt.

A warning to Beockman though — hesitate for a minute and there’s a young freshman waiting in the wings for his chance. Give it to him and you may not get it back.

USA today has Beockman as a sleeper.

3) Brian Robiskie

Yeah, it’s a long shot but I like the way Robiskie plays. He’s got speed up the middle and he sure can seem to pull them out from between a couple of defenders. The thing is, he’s going to need some impressive long balls to get a Heisman nod and if he’s getting the long balls, it’s probably because Beockman is throwing them. If Beockman is throwing them, Beockman will be the Heisman candidate getting the attention.

4) Malcom Jenkins

When Laurinaitis pressures the quarterback, Jenkins is there to pick up the bad pass that follows. He’ll need some impressive interceptions and forced turnovers to find his way into the Heisman hunt but that’s not to say it’s completely out of the question. An exceptional season on a BCS Championship taem, along with a few impressive gaffes among other more anticipated Heisman favorites and he Jenkins could get a look.

When it comes down to it, face it, all this speculation gives us something to do during the waining months of August. However, it does show us one thing — Ohio State is absolutely loaded with talent. It’s pretty safe to say that the Buckeyes have about the most talent in college football. Regardless of what may have happened the past two years, it’s going to be a good season for Ohio State football.

I received a press release this morning from The Sporting News announcing their annual “college football special” which hits the news stands this week. And while I haven’t actually seen the magazine, I got a preview of their rankings and predictions along with teasers for other features in this week’s issue.

From what I see, I think I like the looks of their top ten better than the USA Today/Coaches Poll which came out a week or two ago. Here’s the top 10 according to The Sporting News:

1. Georgia (USA/coaches 1)
2. Ohio State (USA/Coaches 3)
3. USC (USA/Coaches 2)
4. Oklahoma (USA/Coaches 4)
5. LSU (USA/Coaches 6)
6. Missouri (USA/Coaches 7)
7. Clemson (USA/Coaches 9)
8. West Virginia (USA/Coaches 8
9. Florida (USA/Coaches 5)
10. Illinois (USA/Coaches 19)

For the most part, the list looks like a fairly insignificant scramble of the USA/Coaches poll until you get to Illinois at #10 which USA/Today ranked at 19. Personally, I agree with them 100%. Last year, Ron Zook only gave us a preview of the team that Illinois may become. Unfortunately, Illinois doesn’t have a big test until Ohio State to push them up the rankings. Their biggest opponents before Ohio State are Penn and Michigan but blowouts at those games could set the stage for a great rematch in Illinois.

As for Georgia, enjoy it while you can. With the pending #2/#3 Ohio State/USC matchup early in the season, the winner should jump over Georgia to the number 1 spot and that’s the way it should be. The problem with preseason polls is that it is nothing but pure speculation. Anyone can put together a top ten list and it gives us a starting point but until teams take the field, we really don’t know anything. The early season matchup against USC gives both USC and Ohio State the opportunity to set the record straight. Winner belongs at the top, loser doesn’t.

Unlike Ohio State/USC, who test their mettle early, the media darlings of the SEC don’t see any games of substance until at least October. Georgia doesn’t play a ranked team until the 8th week of the season when they take on Florida. Not only will they have time to work out the kinks against teams like Central Michigan, they’ve got a bye before facing off against Tenn — a team that could bring almost anything to the table.

Regardless, the Sporting News predicts a BCS Championship between Georgia and Ohio State. While I think the Buckeyes will get a shot at another BCS Championship, I’m not convinced Georgia will. However, since the SEC has pretty much convinced both the media and the voters that they deserve an automatic berth in the BCS Championship, why not give Georgia a turn.

LSU opens against Appalachian State (will history repeat itself?) then take on Troy who also plays Ohio State (why, I don’t know) and it is not until week 6 that they take on their first ranked team in Florida.

Of the SEC ranked teams, I’m liking Florida’s schedule. They open against Hawaii, but without Colt Brennan, I’m not expecting much there, then Miami and Tennessee. October 11 they’ve got LSU and Georgia on Nov. 1. Of the teams out there, I think Florida’s got the best shot at a BCS run. With media love child Tim Tebow at the helm, a chance for a BCS rematch against Ohio State is their’s to lose.

I’m not convinced Florida will be able to get there without at least one loss but thankfully for them, they’re in the SEC. At this point, they can probably lose three games and still make it to the BCS Championship.

Other Sporting News predictions

USC vs Illinois in the Rose Bowl (I like the matchup but I don’t know if this is Illinois’ year. However, I’d love to see two Big Ten teams stomp on ESPN’s beloved USC)

After a somewhat lackluster performance by Baltimore quarterbacks Kyle Boller and Joe Flacco in the Raven’s preseason opener last Thursday, Troy Smith got the nod to start in Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Last Friday, the Baltimore Sun went so far as to say that Smith might be the Raven’s “best option to open at quarterback.”

The reports out of training camp seem to suggest that Smith is carrying a poise and confidence that serves him well but this morning, the old doubts seem to be coming back. A simple post on the “Ravens Insider” said that the last two days in practice, Smith has looked “bad.”

It is interesting to note though that the blame isn’t being put on Smith entirely. Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun goes so far as to suggest that Smith has possibly lost confidence in his offense. And yeah, that is probably Smith’s biggest problem. The Ravens have lost most of what was an already questionable offensive line and if you’ve ever followed the Ravens, let’s just say their offense can be a little “challenged” at times.

Who knows what’s going on with Smith. After being named starter for the first half against the Vikings, Smith said that the start is “vital” for both his own development and for the progression of the team.