Week Two: No. 1 Ohio State vs. Hawaii—Week One Quick Recap, History Lesson, Trends, and Prediction

By HD Handshoe — BlockONation.com Founder

The No. 1 Buckeyes look to improve to 2-0 on the young season against the Rainbow Warriors during this extremely short week after their 42-24 primetime "revenge" win on Monday night at Virginia Tech.

Late in the third quarter,the #Braxspin became a BIG thing, and the Buckeyes never looked back, enroute to their 18-point victory.

There are very few questions surrounding the Buckeyes outside of Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett being listed as co-starters on this weeks depth chart. Also this week the depth chart gets deeper as Joey Bosa, Jalin Marshall, Dontre Wilson, and Corey Smith all return from their one game suspensions.

Both the offense and defense already looked solid and very capable in the tough Lane Stadium environment against assumingly a better opponent than Hawaii and the old adage says the biggest leap for a team is from game one to game two, That's a potentially horrible nightmare and lopsided blowout awaiting Hawaii.

The top three things I can say about the Rainbow Warriors are one, they have former USC QB Max Wittek as their starting quarterback (there are a few reasons why Wittek is a former USC QB, so don't be too overly concerned), two, they'll be sporting these sweet throwback jerseys (pictured below) in The Shoe, and three, their pregame ritual dance known as "The Hata" definitely gives "Quick Cals" a run for the money.


Here are this weeks historical-data-tidbits and a few recent and/or ongoing trends for your consideration that might be of interest.

Ohio State—Hawaii History Lesson And Recent Trends

• Urban Meyer coached teams are 100-17 when ranked in the Top 25.

• Ohio State is 81-8 at Ohio Stadium since the start of the 2002 season.

• Ohio State is an astounding 296-1-1 all-time when scoring 35+ points.

• Head coach Urban Meyer is 52-5 in his career in games played in August/September.

• Ohio State's defense has held opponents to 10 points or less 42 times since 2006.

• Ohio State looks to extend the nation's longest FBS winning streak, currently 14 games.

• Ohio State has held 85 opponents to 21 points or less since the start of the 2005 season.

• Ohio State is 67-1 in the last 68 regular-season non-conference home games against unranked opponents.

• Ohio State is 8-1 all-time vs. current Mountain West Conference teams, but this is the first meeting vs. Hawaii.

Final Thoughts and Score Prediction

I don't intend or view the following statement as underestimating or disrespecting Hawaii in any way, but the Buckeyes should be able to play their second team the entire game and get a comfortable win here. Since the starters are going to go ahead and play, I'll offer up this semi-conservative game prediction.

Ohio State 62
Hawaii 17

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Ohio State vs. Purdue — Week 11 (Game 10) Outlook, History Lesson, and Prediction

OSU/Purdue—A Few Opening Thoughts...

Ohio State visits Purdue this Saturday for the first time since the then-seventh-ranked Buckeyes left West Lafayette, a 26-18 loser in 2009.


2010 Flashback: Dan "Boom" Herron stretches for the goaline vs. Purdue.
In the last five meetings, the Buckeyes are just 2-3 against Purdue -- a recent trend they most certainly want to reverse this weekend -- especially if they hope to preserve their chances of playing for the 2011 Big Ten crown in December.


Team Rankings / Players of Note

Purdue

The Purdue offense ranks 83^rd nationally at 367 yards per game. They are 74^th in total defense (43^rd vs. the pass, 92^nd vs. the run), allowing an average of 400 yards per game, and rank 58^th in points allowed per game (26.4).

Quarterback Caleb TerBush has thrown for 1,386, with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. His passer efficiency rating is 130. He also has 183 yards rushing and one touchdown.

At running back, Ralph Bolden leads the team with 469 yards and three touchdowns, followed closely by Akeem Shavers, who has gained 338 yards on the ground and scored five times.

The Boilermakers have a trio of wide receivers with over 25 receptions and 300-plus yards. Antavian Edision has 26 catches for 367 yards and two touchdowns -- Justin Siller has 34 catches for 342 yards and one touchdown -- and O.J. Ross has 29 catches for 326 yards and three touchdowns.


Ohio State

Ohio State is 106^th in total offense (319 yards per game) nationally. They are 16^th in total defense (29^th vs. the pass, 27^th vs. the run), allowing an average of 312 yards per game, and rank 14^th in points allowed per game (18.1).

The Silver Bullets have 21 sacks and 10 interceptions through nine games.

On the season, QB Braxton Miller has 547 passing yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions. He also has 447 yards on the ground and four rushing touchdowns. His current passer efficiency rating is 132.

Jordan Hall may play this week after missing the Indiana game. In his absence, team rushing leader Carlos Hyde broke the 100-yard barrier and now has 513 yards and six touchdowns. Dan Herron also broke the 100-yard barrier (as did Braxton Miller) and now has 415 yards and two scores.

Devin Smith leads the team in yardage with 227 yards on 10 catches, including four for scores. TE Jake Stoneburner is second on the team with 150 yards, and still leads in receptions and touchdowns, with 12 and six respectively. Neither had a reception against Indiana, but the fact that the Buckeyes had well over 300 yards rushing in the game is directly attributable to that.


Ohio State—Purdue History Lesson And Trends

• Ohio State is 38-13-2 all-time vs. Purdue.

• Ohio State is 18-1 in all November games since 2005.

• Ohio State is 108-54-8 all-time in November road games.

• Ohio State is 12-7 all-time vs. Purdue in West Lafayette.

• Ohio State is 9-0 on the road in November games since 2005.

• Ohio State is 2-3 vs. Purdue in the last five games at West Lafayette.

• Ohio State is now 4-2 with Braxton Miller as their starting quarterback.

• Ohio State is 21-1 when running back Dan Herron rushes for at least 55 yards.

• Ohio State has won 13 of their last 16 games against Purdue, dating back to 1989.

• Ohio State's defense has allowed just nine 100-yard rushers in their last 59 games.

• In the last 10 meetings between Ohio State and Purdue, the visiting team is just 2-8.

• Ohio State has held 67 opponents to 21 points or less since the start of the 2005 season.

• Ohio State's defense has held their opponent to fewer than 10 points 31 times since 2006.

• Ohio State has lost just two games in the month of November since their last loss to Michigan on November 22^nd, 2003 (@ Purdue 2004, vs. Illinois 2007).

• Purdue is 11-4 all-time on games played on November 11th.

• Purdue is 1-1 against Ohio State under head coach Danny Hope.

• Purdue has outgained Ohio State in seven of the last 10 meetings.

• Purdue has won three of the last five meetings at home against Ohio State.

• Purdue is third nationally and first in the Big Ten in kickoff return average (27.3).

• Purdue has not had a 100-yard rusher since 9/03/11 (Ralph Bolden) vs. Middle Tennessee State.

• Purdue's defense surrendered 605 total yards to Wisconsin last week (11/05/11), including 223 yards on the ground and three touchdowns to RB Montee Ball.


Final Thoughts and Score Prediction

It would seem obvious to me that another big week for the Buckeye running game in on tap.

Nothing personal against Jordan Hall, but I kind of hope he misses again this week so we can all see more of Carlos Hyde. I love this kid -- he's the next Beanie Wells!


Carlos Hyde has a mean stiffarm and he just looks the part of a brusing-Buckeye-back, don't you think?
The defense must play better -- Purdue is most definitely better than Indiana -- but Ohio State has plenty of motivation in this game.

What, with revenge for the 2009 loss in Ross-Ade Stadium, not to mention, a shot at the 2011 title game and a potential Rose Bowl berth hanging in the balance.

Something tells me it could be close into the third quarter, but the Bucks will get separation in the end, and a win for the good guys should be in order this time in West Lafayette.


Ohio State 41
Purdue 20


"To be a champion, you have to believe in yourself when no one else will" - Sugar Ray Robinson

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Ohio State vs. No. 14 Illinois: Week 7 Game Outlook, History Lesson, and Prediction

I have been super-busy this week at home and in the Pharmacy, but fear-not my loyal BlockONation posse', for here is this weeks feature (well, part of it anyway).

The rest should be finished sometime Friday evening/night.

I at least wanted to post the History and Trends ASAP as I know many of my blog and Twitter followers look forward to that section immensely!

Chew on this for now gang -- the rest will be updated with links posted on Twitter and Facebook tonight when it's 100% done -- thanks!



OSU/Ill—A Few Opening Thoughts...

Gameplan: You play, to win, the game...


Brief Game Outlook / Players of Note

Three yards and a cloud of dust.

O-line, Boom Herron, Jordan Hall


Ohio State—Illinois History Lesson And Trends

• Ohio State last lost to Illinois in Champaign in 1991.

• Ohio State is 114-64-8 all-time in October road games.

• Ohio State is 34-17 vs. opponents ranked in the top 25 since 2001.

• Ohio State is 0-2 in the Big Ten for just the second time since 1993.

• Ohio State is 62-30-4 overall vs. Illinois and 33-12 all-time in Champaign.

• Ohio State defense has held opponent to fewer than 10 points 30 times since 2006.

• Ohio State defense has allowed just seven 100-yard rushers in their last 40 games.

• Ohio State has held 65 of 79 opponents to 21 points or less since the start of the 2005 season.

• Ohio State has won 5 of the last 6 overall meetings, and has won 8 games in a row on the road vs. Illinois.

• Since 1990, the visiting team is 14-5 in the OSU-ILL series.

• Illinois is just 1-5 against Ohio State under coach Ron Zook.

•.Illinois is 18-32 vs. Big Ten opponents since 2005 under Zook.

• Illinois has 1,357 rushing yards through 6 games while holding opponents to just 478 yards rushing.

• Illinois, is 9-4-1 vs. Ohio State and have won the last 5 meetings against OSU when ranked in the AP top 25.

• Illinois is 6-0 for the first time since 1951, when it finished 9-0-1 to earn a share of the national championship.

• Illinois has won 7 games in row dating back to 2010, their longest winning streak since the 2001 season -- The last time an Illinois team won 8 games in a row was 1983.


Final Thoughts and Score Prediction

Low scoring, defensive battle was expected, and that's exactly what happened.

Pre-game prediction would have been:

Ohio State 23
Illinois 16

For the record, BlockONation guaranteed an Ohio State win over Illinois via Twitter at 11:13AM Saturday morning -- more than 4 hours before the game...


"To be a champion, you have to believe in yourself when no one else will" - Sugar Ray Robinson

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Ohio State vs. No. 25 Michigan State -- Week 5 Game Preview, History Lesson, and Prediction

The Buckeyes officially began the Braxton Miller era last Saturday in Ohio Stadium -- and in a way -- hit the reset button on their 2011 season.


Better late than never as they say...

After three weeks of indecision that culminated with an embarrassing loss in Miami to the now 1-2 Hurricanes, coach Luke Fickell and offensive coordinator Jim Bollman finally pulled the plug and took the failed Joe Bauserman, starting-quarterback-experiment, off of life support in favor of Miller.

The week five depth chart no longer lists the starting QB as Joe Bauserman OR Braxton Miller -- but just Miller. After his showing against Colorado, the coaching staff has finally made it official -- This is his team now.

Miller's debut against the Buffaloes was far from perfect, but the offense moved the ball -- often literally on the legs of Miller -- and scored 37 points -- which could have actually been 45, but unlike Miami against OSU the previous week, Ohio State instead showed class and ran out the clock rather than going for a touchdown to run-up-the-score in the final seconds.

Buckeye fans got a promising glimpse into the future (and the present) as Miller hooked up with wide receiver, and fellow true freshman, Devin Smith for two touchdowns in the win.

Miller needs to play within himself, protect the football, and do a lot less of this, and a lot more of this and this instead -- and the Buckeyes should definitely be in the mix for the Leaders division crown and another Big Ten title.


Brief Game Outlook / Players of Note

Ohio State and Michigan State have each lost their only road games so far this season -- both to teams they probably should have beaten (Miami-Fl and Notre Dame respectively) -- but, those losses are in the past, and there's no time to dwell on those defeats as the two rivals kick off inter-divisional conference play this week in The Horseshoe.

The Spartans currently lead the nation in total and pass defense, giving up just 172 yards per game and 101 yards through the air (albeit against a fairly weak OOC schedule).

They also rank eighth in fewest points allowed per game (11.0) and the defense leads the Big Ten with six interceptions in four games.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins has thrown for 935 passing yards, with five touchdowns and two interceptions. His passer efficiency rating is 148.

Wide receiver and Biletnikoff Award candidate B.J Cunningham (pictured at left) leads the Big Ten with 29 catches for 428 yards and has scored once.

The running back duo of Le'Veon Bell and Edwin Baker have combined for 433 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.

Ohio State is currently 16^th in the nation in total defense. They rank 18^th in fewest points allowed per game (15.8). The defense has four interceptions and 10 QB sacks through four games.

In a little over two games, Miller has 235 passing yards with three touchdowns and one interception. He also has 145 yards rushing with a current passer efficiency rating of 147.

Smith appears to be everything Duron Carter was supposed to be at wide receiver. He leads the Buckeyes with eight receptions for 183 yards and three scores.

TE Jake Stoneburner has been quiet the last two weeks, but is still second on the team with eight catches for 94 yards and four touchdowns.

Carlos Hyde leads the team in rushing with 263 yards and three touchdowns, but Jordan Hall is close behind with 171 yards rushing and a touchdown in just two games since coming off a two-game suspension to open the season.

Ohio State and Michigan State both play traditional Big Ten football -- they like to run the ball and mix in the pass. Bell and Baker vs. the Buckeye defense and Hyde and Hall vs. the Spartan defense could decide this game.

Both defenses will be challenged, but the team whose defense can best limit and contain the opposing running backs (and the occasional dual-threat QB) will likely win the game.


Ohio State—Michigan State History Lesson

• Ohio State is 67-7 in Ohio Stadium since 2001.

• Ohio State is 27-12 all-time vs. Michigan State (14-7 at home).

• Ohio State has won the last seven meetings against Michigan State.

• Ohio State is 70-23-4 in Big Ten openers since joining the conference in 1913.

• Ohio State defense has held opponent to fewer than 10 points 30 times since 2006.

• Ohio State's defense has allowed just five 100-yard rushers in their last 38 games.

• Ohio State has held 64 of 77 opponents to 21 points or fewer since the start of the 2005 season.

• Ohio State's defense has allowed just one 100-yard rusher in the past 25 games at Ohio Stadium.

• Michigan State is 10-10 on the road since 2007 under coach Mark Dantonio.

• Michigan State is 20-12 overall vs. conference opponents since 2007 under Dantonio.

• Michigan State last beat Ohio State in Columbus over the then-No. 1 Buckeyes in 1998.

• In the most recent meeting, then-No. 12 Ohio State dominated then-No. 20 MSU, 45-7, in East Lansing in 2008.


Final Thoughts and Score Prediction

In the 24-6 loss at Miami, Ohio State didn't have a passing game or a quarterback -- now, all indications are that they do (even if he is a work-in-progress).

In the loss at Notre Dame, Michigan State did have a passing game and a quarterback (Cousins threw for 329 yards and a touchdown) -- but, they still lost 31-13.

The Spartans could only muster 29 rushing yards against ND, while their own defense yielded 114 rushing yards to the Irish.

The Ohio State defense all-but-NEVER gives up 100 yards rushing at home, and the Buckeye "O" is averaging 184 yards rushing per contest. Those trends should continue on Saturday.

So, what do you get when you put together everything you just read?

This.

Ohio State 34
Michigan State 20


"To be a champion, you have to believe in yourself when no one else will" - Sugar Ray Robinson

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Ohio State—Akron: Week 1 Preview, History Lesson, and Prediction

The bad news may not be completely behind Ohio State, but with the start of the 2011 season just a mere 5 days away, the ongoing NCAA investigation, and possible additional pending sanctions the committe on infractions may still levy on the University and its football program are, at least temporarily, on the back burner for now.

After a tumultuous off-season for the ages -- [/understatement] -- the season is finally set to kickoff this Saturday, September 3rd, 2011, as the No. 18 Buckeyes host in-state foe Akron at Noon. The game can be seen on ESPN or online at ESPN3.com.

These aren't your Dad's Buckeyes...given how much has changed from just one season ago, they're barely even your Buckeyes.

Head coach Jim Tressel and starting QB Terrelle Pryor are both gone.

Tressel was essentially fired for his post-email/tatgate cover-up, and Pryor decided to leave OSU and enter his name into the NFL supplemental draft once Tressel "resigned".

Enter interim new head coach, Luke Fickell.

Fickell is a true Ohio State man. He's from Columbus and was a 4-year-starter for the Buckeyes in the mid-1990's. He has been on the Ohio State coaching staff since 2002 as the linebackers coach and then as the co-defensive coordinator.

The biggest decision looming for Fickell early on this season will be who to start at quarterback. The first handful of games are sure to feature both sixth-year-senior Joe Bauserman and true freshmen Braxton Miller under center, though Bauserman has been given the nod.

Is Fickell right to go with an experienced but average veteran, over a promising but young and inexperienced potential superstar?

Ultimately, Miller could take over in his first season, just as Pryor did as a true freshman in 2008.

Once the QB issue is resolved, the Bucks still have to overcome the five game suspensions of three starters — WR DeVier Posey, OL Mike Adams, and RB Dan Herron.

But remember, despite the various changes and suspensions, THIS IS STILL OHIO STATE, with a roster that's chock-full of blue-chippers ready to step in.

The old cliche' we always hear is "Any Given Saturday", but realistically the first five games of the 2011 season (starting with the Zips) shouldn't provide that much in the way of underdog theatrics, so rest (somewhat) easy until week six, Buckeye fans.

Oh, and no worries, this isn't Michigan, so don't expect any Appalachian State shockers!


Brief Game Outlook

Second year coach Rob Ianello and the Zips are replacing eight starters (five on offense and three on defense) this season. It might have actually been a bigger blessing if they were replacing 22, considering the 1-11 season Akron suffered through in 2010.

The good news is there's nowhere to go but up. The bad news is they must start the season in Columbus at "The Shoe".

Offensively, Ohio State will treat this game as a glorified scrimmage, looking to find which QB, RB, and WRs appear ready to assume the full-time starting roles, respectively.

In the QB battle, as previously mentioned, it's going to either be Bauserman or it's Miller time.

Backup running backs Rod Smith and Carlos Hyde will be looking to increase their chances of (temporarily) being named the No. 1 tailback while Jaamal Berry just hopes to get healthy. He too has his sights set on the starting job, at least until Herron returns in week 6.

Jordan Hall is expected to start against Akron, but Berry is the front-runner to take over if he can overcome the injury bug that has continually bitten him. Smith and Hyde aren't far behind.

At receiver, Corey Brown and Verlon Reed, along with Hall, Chris Fields, and T.Y. Williams will look replace Posey (5-game-susp.) and offensive POY Dane Sanzenbacher (NFL). Bauserman and Miller need someone to make plays for them if either is going to separate himself from the other as the clear No. 1 QB.

Even though OSU lost seven starters from their defense that was ranked in the top 5 statistically in most every key category, that's nothing new here.

The Buckeyes are constantly sending defensive playmakers to the NFL, and then consistently replacing them with a new crop of future NFL draftees on the defensive line, the secondary, and at linebacker.

If Akron gains more than 150-200 total yards, both sidelines might likely be surprised. In fact, as far as expectations go, most will be surprised if this game doesn't get ugly for the Zips.

However, there are a couple silver linings for Akron. First, their players are getting the experience of playing in front of 102,000+ fans and on national TV, and second, there's that nice payday for their trip down I-71.

So, despite what happens on the field, it's not all bad news for the kangaroos...


Ohio State—Akron History Lesson

• This will be the 8th all-time meeting between Ohio State and Akron.

• The last 20 Ohio State coaches are 19-0-1 in their debuts.

• Ohio State is 6-1 all-time vs. Akron, with the lone loss coming in 1894.

• Ohio State has won 32 straight home openers, by an average of 21 ppg.

• Ohio State has won 54 consecutive regular-season non-conference home games against teams not ranked in the AP Top 25.

• Ohio State is 108-8-4 all-time in home openers.

• Ohio State's defense has allowed just three 100-yard rushers in their last 35 games.

• Ohio State has allowed their opponent to fewer than 10 points 29 times since 2006.

• Ohio State is 27-1 all-time vs. MAC schools.

• Ohio State is 40-8 vs. non-conference opponents since 2001.

• Ohio State is 64-7 at home since 2001.

• Akron is 10-28 vs. non-conference opponents since 2001.

• Akron is 16-49 in road games since 2001.


Final Score Prediction

The bottom line in this one is Akron just isn't very good on either side of the ball right now, and the Buckeyes are overloaded every year with talent no matter their personnel losses.

Given the high level of motivation these coaches and players undoubtedly have from endlessly dealing with the negative headlines and doomsday predictions leading into this season, the following quote comes to mind:

"To be a champion, you have to believe in yourself when no one else will" - Sugar Ray Robinson

Ohio State 42
Akron 7

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Tressel to Announce Resignation From Ohio State Today at Noon

Two days ago, Jim Tressel said he has never once considered stepping down as the Ohio State Buckeyes football coach.

Today, he appears to have had (a forced) change of heart...

With all the turmoil and controversy regarding his actions over the past 12 months, this ultimately comes as no surprise.

His legacy at OSU and the football program are tarnished, both with black eyes and each are a national punchline and media punching bag.

So, the time has finally come to part ways. I wish Tress all the best.

Let the Urban Meyer watch officially begin in a little over 5 hours from now...


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GOTCHA -- APRIL FOOL'S!

Ohio State Football LIVE Chat - Tressel, The Tat5, Pending NCAA Sanctions? Anything Goes!

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Jim Tressel and Ohio State Admit Wrongdoing—It's a Sad Day For Buckeye Football

The news that first broke on Yahoo Sports is true—Coach Jim Tressel knew about the violations that at least two of his top players had been / still were committing as early as April, 2010.

Originally, Tressel and the University said they knew nothing prior to December, after the season, and before the Sugar Bowl.

Sadly, they lied.

I'd like to believe that Tressel and Ohio State are above this, but alas they are not. In fact, similar situations very likely exist in almost every big-time DI college football program, but it should not have happened here, period.

Tressel is facing a two-game suspension to start the 2011 season and a $250,000 fine. These are self-imposed sanctions. The NCAA will get involved, and could also increase the punishment for Tressel and the program.

Further sanctions may include more suspension time, loss of scholarships, and probation. A bowl ban, however, would seem excessive at this point, but perhaps we don't know everything yet. Hopefully we do, but there's no way to be sure as of now.

Here is video from ESPN about the story and the press conference Ohio State held Tuesday evening.




Personally, I have got to be honest...I am surprised and very disappointed in Tress.

Obviously he didn't give the players money, but he knew they did this and basically said nothing...

That being said, this is nothing like the USC situation, which I only mention because I have already been hearing comparisons to USC in terms of what violations were committed and in terms of what punishment OSU should receive.

That is beyond absurd. Ohio State / Tressel did not pay the players or buy them hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of gifts (cars, homes, etc...)

They turned a blind eye to what THE PLAYERS THEMSELVES DID, and that was wrong, but many people (fans, haters, and the media) are way overstating the "crimes" committed and the punishment that should and will be handed down by the NCAA.

I'm embarrassed and ashamed of the black eye this has given to our program, but I am also optimistic that this will not happen here ever again, at least as long as JT is at the helm.

Lesson learned?

Let's hope so.


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Photo Copyright: Terry Gilliam/AP
Video Copyright: ESPN/ESPN.com

National Signing Day 2011: Ohio State Adds QB Jones, LB Grant

With the additions of Cleveland Glenville QB Cardale Jones and LB Curtis Grant (pictured at right), Ohio State's 2011 recruiting class moved up from fourth to third according to Scout.com.

Jones, a three-star recruit, will likely follow in the footsteps of Eddie George and Carlos Hyde by gray-shirting to attend a prep school for six months before arriving on campus. He will then be expected to red-shirt as a member of the 2012 class, allowing for a year or two of separation from 2011 top QB recruit Braxton Miller.

With the loss of Ross Homan and Brian Rolle, five-star and No. 1 OLB prospect Grant could immediately find himself in the two-deep for the 2011 Buckeyes.

In 2008, Etienne Sabino came to Ohio State under similar circumstances as the top-rated MLB prospect in the nation. He has two years of eligibility remaining so he may still eventually live up to the expectations he arrived with, but it does go to show that not every highly-touted guy makes an immediate impact on a program from day one.

It would be great to see Sabino have huge years in 2011 and 2012 and hopefully, Grant will have at least three huge years for Ohio State as well. He certainly has all the physical tools to succeed at Ohio State and potentially be one of the next great linebackers to come through Columbus.

Coach Tressel and his staff have once again assembled a great recruiting class and heading into 2011, the excitement as Spring ball and Fall camp near will be electric.



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(Photo copyright: Tim Casey - GatorCountry.com)

National Signing Day 2011: Florida Verbal Commit Ja'Juan Story Hits Ohio State Campus for Official Visit

For years, there have been rumblings from the Buckeye fanbase about Jim Tressel's "inability to close" down the stretch leading up to National Signing Day.

Anyone suggesting that this year might just be completely out of their gourd.

Ohio State's highly-rated 2011 recruiting class (3rd via Scout, 7th via ESPN, 11th via Rivals) is nearly full with very few slots left.

One of those remaining scholarships could end up going to Brooksville, Florida wide receiver Ja'Juan Story, a (apparently soft) verbal commit to UF.

According to Laura McKeeman of Scout/FoxSports, "Story is still committed to Florida but says his final decision will be between the Gators and the Buckeyes."

She also noted via Twitter that Story referred to his weekend visit to Columbus as "amazing" so far.

Story, who is listed at 6'4, 192 pounds and runs a 4.5 40-yard dash, is a four-star prospect who is ranked the No. 33 overall wide receiver in the nation by Scout.com.

With the five-game suspension of No. 1 Ohio State wide receiver DeVier Posey looming, the loss of Dane Sanzenbacher to graduation, and the overall youth and inexperience the Buckeyes have on the roster heading into 2011, Story could be the big story if he follows in the footsteps of linebacker Ryan Shazier and jumps ship from UF, preferring to head North to Columbus instead—stay tuned!


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(Photo copyrights: Tressel/Getty, Story/FoxSports)

2011 Recruiting Class Gets Huge Boost: 5-Star Cornerback Doran Grant Commits to Ohio State

Live during Wednesday's Under Armour All-American game, which was broadcast on ESPN, Doran Grant chose Ohio State and Buckeye Nation over his Dad's Alma mater, Michigan State.

“I will be attending The Ohio State University,” Grant said. “My relationship with the coaches was the greatest, I’m ready to be a part of the Buckeye family and do my part in Columbus.”

Grant is an Ohio native and has maintained close ties to the Buckeyes for years, but his family also has a legacy at Michigan State, where his father starred for the Spartans.

He consistently maintained that both schools remained on an equal plain, but after tonight it became clear that his heart was with the Buckeyes all along.

“I’ve been ready to make this decision for a long time,” Grant said.

Grant is the best cornerback prospect in the country, rated No. 1 by Rivals and No. 2 by Scout. He's even better than advertised, and definitely fits the bill at a generous 5'10" and 175 lbs.

He's lighting-fast, tests off the charts athletically, tackles with a lot of power, and has a great nose for the ball.

According to Scout.com, Ohio State now has the No. 2 overall 2011 recruiting class in the country, and Grant arguably becomes one of the school’s top prospects alongside 5-star quarterback, Braxton Miller.

Updated 2011 Recruiting Class

    PLAYER     POSITION    STARS

BRAXTON MILLER    QB     *****
STEVE MILLER      DE     *****
DORAN GRANT       CB     *****
RYAN SHAZIER      LB     ****
MICHAEL BENNETT   DT     ****
BRIAN BOBECK       C     ****
EVAN SPENCER      WR     ****
DERJAUN GAMBRELL  DB     ****
DEVIN SMITH       WR     ****
KENNY HAYES       DE     ****
JEREMY CASH        S     ****
ANTONIO UNDERWOOD OL     ****
NICK VANNETT      TE     ****
CHASE FERRIS      DE     ****
RON TANNER         S     ****
CONNER CROWELL    LB     ***
TOMMY BROWN       OL     ***
JOEL HALE         DT     ***
JEFF HEUERMAN     TE     ***
CHRIS CARTER      OL     ***

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Original article by Michael Pinto. Edited, revised, and reposted by HD Handshoe

Ohio State Football: Silver Lining for 2011 Despite Suspensions, Rumors

The previously insignificant blog ChicagoNow posted a story that so far seems completely false and unfounded in which its' author suggests Buckeye coach Jim Tressel will step down after the Sugar Bowl.

It would be shocking if this had any basis in fact and it would seem very unlikely that an unknown blog (at least outside of the greater Chicago-land area) would have the inside track on such a potential huge story out of Columbus, while the Columbus TV stations nor the Columbus Dispatch have made any mention of it.

Therefore, it should be considered phooey until proven otherwise. Tressel's contract runs through 2014 and the odds of him resigning prior to the end of the 2014 season are practically nil, so don't hold your breath.

Now, as for the suspensions that were levied by the NCAA against Terrelle Pryor, Dan Herron, DeVier Posey, Mike Adams, and Soloman Thomas—they (the NCAA) are a joke. Five games for selling your own property to help your family?

The punishment does not fit the crime, and while the suspensions could be reduced to three or four games, it's still is unfair to the individual players.

Hopefully the NCAA takes a log hard look at itself in the mirror after this and removes the rule that prevents players from making a little money to help their families, but don't hold your breath on that one either...

That being said, here's where the silver lining comes in for the 2011 Buckeyes.

Some would say Tressel is often considered loyal to a fault when it comes to his upperclassmen, even when there may be a younger, more talented player behind an upperclassman on the depth chart.

With the loss of skill-position players Pryor, Herron, and Posey for at least a handful of games, Tressel will be forced to evaluate some younger guys and give them a shot sooner than he otherwise normally would have.

Joe Bauserman has been the No. 2 QB for the Bucks the last two seasons but it has to be painfully obvious to everyone including JT that he is not even a DI-level backup, let alone starter.

Quarterback is obviously the most important offensive position.

Ohio State has Braxton Miller, the No. 2 rated high school QB in the nation, signed to their 2011 class.

Many experts believe the dual-threat Miller is very comparable to Pryor, except he actually can throw the ball and has the mechanics of a pure passer. The knock on Pryor has always been his below-average mechanics, so this could open the door for Miller.

The Buckeyes could also turn to redshirt sophomore Kenny Guiton or redshirt freshman Taylor Graham.


Guiton, a less-heralded dual-threat QB, was the winning quarterback in the 2010 Scarlet and Gray spring game. While Bauserman struggled (as usual), Guiton completed 11 of 21 passes for 167 yards with two touchdown tosses.

Graham, son of former-Buckeye QB Kent Graham, is more of a prototypical pocket QB.

His Scout.com profile says of him, "Has prototypical size for the position. He stands tall in the pocket, has good mechanics and has solid arm strength, although adding velocity is something which could really help him in college. He is accurate and throws the ball on time, displaying the ability to hit receivers in stride. He makes quick decisions, showing good football acumen. He is not a running quarterback by any stretch, but does show the ability to throw on the move."

The fear in this situation is that Tressel might still go with Bauserman, the upperclassmen who has put in the most time, a la Todd Boeckman in 2008, but we all know how that turned out after just three games, so let's hope JT selects his QB based on ability, not seniority.

When it comes to running back, Tressel won't have much choice but to play some of the guys the fans have been wanting to see and that could be the biggest silver lining of all to come-about from the tat-gate fallout.

Senior Brandon Saine will be gone and Herron may elect to turn pro, leaving Jordan Hall, Jaamal Berry, Carlos Hyde, and Rod Smith to choose from.


Hall has seen the most playing time to date so he is probably the leading candidate at this point—however—Berry displayed flashes of great potential while averaging 8.3 ypc in 2010—Hyde saw some game action in 2010 as well and has been compared to Beanie Wells—and Smith has been turning heads during the Sugar Bowl practices, earning praise from the staff and his teammates, while garnering comparisons to Eddie George.

The biggest hurdle the 2011 Buckeyes will face is replacing senior Dane Sanzenbacher, who led the team in receiving, and Posey, the second leading receiver.

There are a slew of young wideouts on the roster, but very few have had much of an opportunity to play thus far.

Corey Brown (pictured at right), James Jackson, Chris Fields, TY Williams, James Louis, and Verlon Reed are all recruits from either 2009 or 2010. Brown is really the only one who has seen much playing time as a WR.

The 2011 recruiting class includes four-star receivers Devin Smith and Evan Spencer.

Perhaps they get an early shot at earning some playing time.

There are a lot of questions as the 2010 season winds down, and as the off-season is nearly upon us.

Are there any truth to the rumors about Tressel considering retirement?

In the face of their pending suspensions, will Pryor, Herron, Posey and the others jump ship in hopes of NFL fortune and fame?

Is it Miller time in 2011, as in Braxton Miller, or does BM redshirt in favor of Bauserman while Tressel rebuilds for 2012?

Which of the young running back(s) will emerge as "the guy" in 2011?

Will whomever ends up as the starting quarterback have anyone worth a hill of beans to throw the ball to?

The only thing for sure right now is these questions will be answered eventually, and it's going to be a long off-season until they are...


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Ohio State "D" Overrated, Buckeyes to Drown in the River Knile… ?

Hey gang, HD here again.

Another "writer" named Brad Audrain (what is it with that site and guys named Brad hating on OSU?) on the SEC Football Blog, Saturday Down South has posted yet another gem of an article that we felt needed some attention and rebuttal from Buckeye fans.

Please forward a link to this article to every Ohio State football fan you know!

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Copyright Brad Audrain / Saturday Down South


Since Knile Davis arrived on campus at the University of Arkansas, life has been frustrating for the 4-star back from Texas.

Soon after committing to be a Razorback, his entrance was trumped by the transfer of Broderick Green from USC, and the signing of a more highly touted running back in Ronnie Wingo Jr.

Davis graduated early and moved to Fayetteville in January to be ready for Spring practice. Unfortunately, after a week of practice, Davis broke his collar bone and had to sit out until the fall.

Davis never wavered in his decision to be a Hog, but with Michael Smith, Wingo, Green, De’Anthony Curtis, and Dennis Johnson all sharing time in the backfield with him, Davis knew it would be very difficult to see much playing time in his freshmen campaign.

Davis played through some more injuries his freshmen year and always ran hard when his number was called, but he received only 33 carries and averaged right around five yards a pop.

Once Michael Smith had graduated, the backfield opened up a little more. Dennis Johnson was lost for the season only a few games in, and Knile Davis was finally able to get his much needed carries.

For some reason, Bobby Petrino stuck with Broderick “chubby” Green for the first half of the season, and it ultimately cost the Razorbacks at least one win (possibly two because Green had a miserable game against Auburn that included a game altering fumble that lead to an Auburn TD return).

Davis did not complain even though anyone that watched Green take 8 seconds to hit the hole, knew he wasn’t worth the “charmin that he wipes his butt with.”

Knile finally had a big run against Texas A&M, and he never slowed down. After compiling 82 yards on 10 carries against the Aggies, Petrino continued adding to his work-load with fourteen carries for 91 yards at Auburn and 22 carries for 176 against that sweaty son of a bitch Houston Nutt.

Knile finished the season with 4 straight games gaining over 100 yards against some of the nations' top teams (3 of these 4 teams are currently ranked in the BCS Top 25, and they were all ranked in the Top 18 when the game was played).

The Buckeyes and E. Gordon Gee believe that they have faced a real schedule this season, and that their defensive statistics aren’t a complete joke to this point.

Ohio St. continues to brag about their defense against the pass and how it’s so highly ranked.

Well, Ryan Mallett and crew are up for the challenge, but the two-headed monster directed by Bobby Petrino is more than Ryan Mallett, Joe Adams, Greg Childs, Cobi Hamilton, and DJ Williams.

Ask LSU and their number one ranked run defense, which saw Arkansas two days after Thanksgiving. Knile Davis compiled 152 yards on 30 carries only one week after thrashing Mississippi St. for 187 on the same number of touches.

Arkansas finally has its' running back, and that is not good news for the Buckeyes and their overrated defense.

Arkansas does not intend to drop the ball on the SEC’s undefeated record against Ohio St. in bowl games, and Knile Davis is the reason the Hogs are confident.

The Sugar Bowl will be rocking on January 4th, and the River Knile will be running all over those Buckeyes.

I just wish E. Gordon Gee were on the field to take a stiff arm from the River Knile on his way to the end zone.

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As we stated before, we'll keep an eye out for any future garbage from either of the Brads and Saturday Down South. We can always use, and share, a few more good laughs. It should also prove GREAT to revisit these articles AFTER the January 4th Sugar Bowl...


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