Mike Adams
Although the recent Sports Illustrated cover says the Buckeyes have the defense to win it all, it’s probably safe to say that most of us in Buckeye Nation are more excited about the 2010 offense. It’s not that we don’t have a great defense. We do. Great defenses have become the norm at Ohio State. But a high powered offense, that’s a treat. And with all the talk about Pryor, Boom and Zoom and the rest of the big play makers, it’s important not to forget the offensive line.
Justin Boren
Unlike last year, 2010 brings a solid group of experienced veterans to the front. Other than Jim Cordle, who graduated last year, all have been there before most have starting experience. Justin Boren, Andrew Miller and Bryant Browning are seniors. Mike Adams, Michael Brewster, and J.B. Shugarts are juniors.
Andrew Miller, who weighs in at a mere 288 lbs, is the only linemen checking in at under 290 lbs. Meanwhile Justin Boren who tops the scales at 320 (the heaviest on the line) is the shortest of the group vertically challenged at only 6’3″.
Yeah…I know football players are big but when you look at those numbers, it’s sort of mind boggling. Any other context and we’d be checking them into the local health clinic.
And while size is impressive, it’s how they work together that will be important. As we all so painfully know, these guys had a little difficulty finding their groove during the first half of the season. However, after the slap in the face that was Purdue, they finished the second half of the season strong capping the season with a good performance against Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
In all, they let the opposing D get to Pryor a total of 24 times. Considering Pryor’s ability to scramble, it’s a stat that they’d probably like to forget.
If Tressel is going to unleash Pryor and create the high-flying offense we’d all love to see, the front will need to pick up right where they left off in Pasadena. It doesn’t matter how much talent you have in the backfield if the front line can’t protect them. According to Boren, the goal is to be the top line in the country and although I don’t know how they stack up against the rest of college football, I like what I see.
If the second half of last season is any indication, these guys have the ability to step up. I don’t know what went down after the Purdue game. Maybe it was the coaching. Maybe it was the leadership within the team. Whatever it was, these guys managed to pull themselves together after what could have pushed them beyond repair. You could see the chemistry coming together as they finally started working as a team.
MIchael Brewster
Of course, their first real test will be against Miami. Never short on hype, Miami defensive players have been described as “Freak. Beast. Animal.” (Allen Bailey), or “a terror” (Adewale Ojomo) by none less than their own media hype machines (spare me please). Of course, it’s hard to tell what Ojoma will bring to the table. In typical UM fashion, Ojoma was forced to sit out last season after his jaw was broken when a teammate punched him in the locker room. He spent the better part of the 2009 season drinking his lunch through a straw as he watched the games from the sideline.
Objoma told the Miami Herald that when he get’s the chance to make his first sack, he “…might take the quarterback’s head off.” I’ll give Miami this, they always are a classy bunch. Something tells me it won’t be Pryor’s head he takes off — as much as he may want it to be.
And although the Miami propaganda machine may tell you different, mid-level defensive play against ACC teams isn’t really all that impressive. If last year’s “Champs Sports Bowl” is any indication, they’re going to need to show some serious improvement if they’re going to get past the Buckeye offensive front. Wisconsin moved the ball 170 yards on the ground and put up another 260 in the air. Most telling though was the way Wisconsin physically dominated Miami on both sides of the ball. The Wisconsin line was able to open holes for the Badger running game and manged to keep the Miami offense off the field. Expect the Buckeyes to do the same — unless of course they truly are the high-flying offense we’re all hoping to see and actually start running the score.
And although the Miami game will set the tone for the coming season, it will be the Big Ten games down the road that will provide the real test. Away games at Wisconsin and Iowa is where the front will really need to shine.
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Agreed.. The defence will be good.. if not dominating.
but…
The season will not be determined by Pryor’s play.
The O-Line sets the tone. They can make great players look mediocre and good players looks great.
Jim Tressel teams will win if they can get to 30 points. If the O-Line performs well, they will get to 30 a lot!
I caught the Big Ten Network preseason special on Ohio State last night. They also pointed out the importance of the o-line and the general consensus was that these guys should be up to the task.
One good thing, they face a defense in practice that is probably better than almost anything they’ll face this season.
I like to start every season on the optimistic side. I can see the Buckeyes going to the Big Dance
this year. Yes, Miami will be a big test early in the season. Randy Shannon does not have the talent level yet to be winning games against the likes of OSU. Harris is a good quarterback if he has time to throw. They have decent speed at running back , but, but, but. It’s early, how ready either team will be by the second game is anyones quess. Look at last year Navy almost be us.
I can’t wait for it to begin.
Go Bucks
suckeyes are gonna get slaughterd by the CANES
DCB —
Awesome. Beautiful sentiments. Ask another Donald Duck-looking mascot team what it REAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALy feels like ……………
I’ll give the Oregon fans this much — class acts before and after the game at our tailgate zone. They even thought it clever and humbling that I brought, and served cold, Foie Gras to my Buckeye Faithful (with a champagne chaser) for our victory celebration!
What an embarrassment for Canes fans. Sorry OSU fans. You know how it is, living in a large metropolitan area. Educate yourself Dade County Bitch or don’t write on these blogs.
Speaking of unchecked optimism. I have no idea why ESPN or Miami fans have such confidence in the Hurricanes. They sort of sound like Oregon fans last December.
Oregon……Miami……….in the same sentence? Are you kidding me?
Oregon National Championships? ZERO.
Miami Hurricanes National Championships: 5 (since 1983)
Obviously, there is no comparison. Miami fans & ESPN have good reason to believe in the Canes.
OSU’s only advantage is 100,000 drunk fans. As a true Canes fan who experienced many great games with 80,000 drunk Miami fans in the Orange Bowl (God rest her soul), I can truly appreciate this advantage (just ask Bobby Bowden, Lou Holtz, Barry Switzer, and Tom Osborne) . Another 20,000 fans would have been pure bliss or the “U”.
I hope all of the OSU fans think that Miami i s another Oregon. They’ll be in for a big shock. A Hurricane does a lot more damage than a duck.
The Shoe, and a large quantity of liquor for the Buckeye faithful is your best weapon.
At least DCB came out swinging. But without much to back his punch. Maybe he’ll be like “Enjoy it. Because it’s gone” from last December?
Oregon fans were able to discuss why they thought they would beat us in the Rose Bowl. At least DCB will have an opportunity to root for another Florida school after we beat them in The Shoe.
Waaaahhhh… http://home.earthlink.net/~ohiobort/Cryami.html
Let’s discuss why Miami could win….
Reason #1: Miami has a Better Passer
Jacory Harris 24 TD 3,352 Yards 140 Passer Rating (2009)
Terrelle Pryor 18 TD 2,094 Yards 128 Passer Rating (2009)
Reason #2:
Pryor will be facing a great secondary and team speed that will close his gaps much quicker than Oregon or any Big, Slow Big-10 Teams. A good example is OSU and Pryor’s performance against a team with speed like USC.
Reason #3: Miami’s O-Line is bigger and healthier than last year (they were missing 2 starters in the Wisconsin game). The coaches have made the O-line the primary focus in the off-season (as illustrated by the signing of Henderson (6’8″- 330+ lbs.))
Reason #4: Miami will run some no-huddle offense to challenge OSU’s defense.
Reason #5: No one expects them to win. Miami loves to play the giant killer and thrives off of disrespect(especially since they are a legendary program as well). They have nothing to lose, while OSU has everything to lose with such high expectations, a #2 Ranking, and Boise State nipping at your heals with one else on their schedule.
Summary:
Miami Advantages: Quarterback, Speed, Improved O-Line, No-huddle, Underdog role, OSU lack of respect for Canes.
OSU’s Advantages: 105,000 Fans, Mobile Quarterback, Good Running Game, Good Defense. (great formulas for ball control and winning).
OSU should be favored, but the reasons above should be evidence that Miami could definitely spoil OSU’s expected party in the Shoe.
I can’t wait to take on that so-called mascot that looks like a black-eyed pea with legs. Brutus, this is all about you and me baby! Get ready for a smackdown. I’m going to boil you and serve you with some cornbread. Oh by the way OSU fans, Oklahoma was mighty confident last year too. And what do you call your own media…..it looks like hometown propaganda to me. By the way, Lebron is lovin’ South Florida!
StI —
Swell. Calling out a Mascot.
Let the Men of The Scarlet and Gray decide the ‘Canes fate.
By the way, I have a NCAA Authenticated film clip for your viewing pleasure, to show the ‘rape in the end zone’, compliments of the gentlemen in your defense squad (something I’m sure they learned in the State pen).
And be sure to have a medical team ready for another ‘Cane “running back orthopedic emergency.”
Hugs & Kisses from BuckeyeCountry
No worries. I can understand why you want to avoid a conversation about your mascot, especially since he looks like a goat turd with legs. How embarrassing. There is just nothing you can say to explain it. It’s like trying to explain the Syracuse mascot….It just can’t be done. “Hugs & Kisses”???? Sounds like you might have spent some time in the State Pen yourself. Were they gentle with you?
Kilt1iron’s got a good point. If the Miami fans are so confident, tell us why. As I mention in the original post, if recent history is anything to go on, what is it about a 9-4 record with losses to Clemson, North Carolina and Wisconsin that says Miami is going to beat the Buckeyes.
Yeah, they beat Oklahoma and ever since, ESPN et all seem to think it’s the second coming of the Miami Hurricanes. We beat Wisconsin 31-13 with pretty much the same offense that returns this year. And unlike Miami, this offense has proven that they just keep getting better and better.
Add to that a home town crowd that really really doesn’t think to highly of Miami (at least we respect Michigan) and even if I were a neutral party, I wouldn’t put my money on Miami.
If you’ve got something, let us know. Until then, we’ll just have to be so afraid of those big tropical storms and the damage they can do to our Buckeye trees. Ooooo….scary.
Yahoo is looking for ratings or I’m just going to be pissed off.
Ohio State vs. michigan in seperate divisions? Bull Dung!
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news;_ylt=AmkvlmH70TZsTHyt4n0yJec5nYcB?slug=dw-umosu082310
Sebastian the Ibis —
The Buckeye Tree is a member of the Chestnut tree family. The nut looks like a buck’s eye, hence the nickname and the mascot.
Okay, so on to the discussion of Buckeyes-Hurricanes (Bucks-Canes) game on Saturday, September 11th.
I really want your team to play it’s best that day, so the Buckeyes can see where they syand against a name program. Likewise, you may want the same.
For us, we should have home field advantage. For you, a road trip where ‘underdog’ sympathies lend moral support.
When teams, coaches, and player performances are reviewed, what does decade of analysis render? Where does Vegas put it’s money? I don’t gamble, as this is a sport where men barely out of high school have to harness power and training together to adapt and produce, and that sure as heck ain’t no “given.”
I say the past performances of past teams with seasoned players’ knowledge brought forward will win those early games.
We have more than you do, at least this year.
All I ask is that BOTH teams show up, and take whatever a$$-kicking they get with a little class.
I think the Ibis is a little more interesting then that poopball on a stick Brutus.
Miami adopted a native marsh bird called the Ibis as the official mascot in 1926. The Ibis is known for its bravery as a hurricane approaches. Folklore maintains that other birds look to the Ibis for leadership. The Ibis uses its instinct to detect danger. It is the last sign of wildlife to take shelter before a hurricane hits, giving warning that danger is imminent. As the storm passes the Ibis is the first to reappear, a sign that clear skies are approaching.”[1
Ahh…and if you will remember, the Ibis is also a metaphor in the famous story in which the brother leaves his younger, helpless brother to die in the rain. As I recall, both the Ibis and the boy come to a tragic end.
And what color was that Ibis? Hmm…
I’ll give you this, in the story, it does arrive with the storm — battered and broken though.
Now see, you had to go spin the whole thing in a negative manner.
Those Donald Duck fans never won anything. Can you say that you honestly respected them. Come on. And on the subject of mascots, I’d rather look like a duck, than a goat turd with legs. At least you can identify the species of the Oregon mascot.
Let’s all sit around the chestnut tree and talk football. The only advantage (8.5 spread) is your 100,000 home fans. Why would anyone want to travel to Ohio? I’d much rather stay in sunny South Florida, and watch the game. Besides, we have a decent NFL team to watch on Sunday too. Indeed, the Hurricanes have much to prove, but don’t forget that Miami was rated the #1 recruiting class of 2008. At some point, it pays dividends. As a realistic football fan and student of the game, OSU has every reason to be confident, but so does Miami. Again, the wildcard is the Shoe, and how Miami will handle the hostile environment. Last year, they handled it very well in a very hostile Doak Campbell Stadium against another Heisman Candidate (Christian Ponder). This year, they are healthier, hungrier, and more experienced. Their problem against Wisconsin….Offensive Line. They are healthy again on the o-line. The Hurricanes (as OSU) have All-Americans on both sides of the ball. The winner will be the team that doesn’t turn the ball over. Period. So in a “Nutshell”……. Both teams are evenly matched…Turnovers and the Home Crowd are the two biggest variables. That’s why we play the games. Go Canes!
I agree that the Miami O-line will be a big factor in this game. Can they hold up to the Ohio State defense. For that matter, both offensive lines will be crucial. If Ohio State can provide the protection needed to let Pryor work and open the holes for Sane, then the Canes are in trouble. If not, then we’ve got a game on our hands.
And what’s the word on Henderson? Is he ready to go and is he living up to the hype?
And it’s good to hear from a Miami fan who can go beyond “luckeyes.” Glad to hear from you Scarlett…I mean Sebastian Ibis.
AB-Just got 5 tix to the Shoe for the Miami game via alumni. Apparently Miami fan didn’t buy enough of their allocation so good for me. That’s just 5 less Miami fans in the stands. They really don’t travel well, do they?
Are you going?
Really, this is the best you could do?????? You people don’t think that OSU has their own “media hype machines” (spare me too) or “propaganda machine”? In “typical OSU fashion” yet another worthless blog by someone who thinks they can write actually shows just how ignorant they are. You write about a past history that was over 15 years ago that isn’t relevant today. I guess you haven’t checked your own OSU closet for skeletons because I’m sure you will find many if you just open that door. I could spell it out for you but if you are such a fan then you know what I’m talking about.
Please don’t tell me about fans and class, OSU fans are the most obnoxious, arrogant, self-entitled and classless fans. BTW, guess you all have short memories. LSU 38 osu 24 and my all time favorite FLORIDA 41 osu 14!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
O.K. I’ll give you the drunk fans. Only problem is that we tend to sober up come third quarter.
Pleasantries to all above sports fans.
Now, I stipulate to the serious “no-show” posted by the Buckeyes against Florida, and then next to LSU.
Very hard lessons to learn.
In between, adjustments to mentality, and to the recruits the coaches determined would correct the problem, has delivered to the Buckeye Faithful ——— the 2010 Ohio State University Buckeye Football Team.
September 11 the Buckeyes host the Hurricanes …….. it’s “Bucks v. Canes in the ‘Shoe.”
I know the Vest prepared for this. I know the team did what they thought best to prepare for the game. Same goes for Miami.
Kids are prone to wild emotions, which influences the swings in momentum during the contest. We are all aware, the Vest is anything but emotional …..
I love Ohio State….great post!