The Buckeye BCS Jokes Are Over: 2009 Buckeye Season Outlook

Article written by Cooper Ledford. He's a big Buckeye fan and BlockONation.com supporter.


In the upcoming 2009 season, the Ohio State Buckeyes will try to return to their bowl winning ways. The last time the Buckeyes won a bowl game was in 2005 in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl versus the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

Ohio State plans on winning a BCS bowl game with the help and talent of their true sophomore quarterback, Terrelle Pryor.

Also some keys to winning will be upcoming wide receivers Jake Stoneburner and Duron Carter (son of Cris Carter). Corey Brown is also projected to be an outstanding WR. Veterans Ray Small and Dane Sanzenbacher will return at WR too.

Even with the loss of star running back Chris "Beanie" Wells (he decided to enter the NFL Draft a year early), there is still hope in the running game.

Jamaal Berry and Carlos Hyde will most likely see action in the back field along with Dan "Boom" Herron.

Also, with a lot of seniors leaving on defense, it may be difficult for the Buckeyes to be as good as they were last year but there is hope.

Potential impact players such as Etienne Sabino and Kurt Coleman return and should fill in well as the Buckeyes head for the "09" season.

Good Luck to the 2009 Ohio State Buckeyes!

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Cup Runneth Over: Ohio State Players to Watch in 2009

by HD Handshoe
Founder
BlockONation.com



The "09" Ohio State Buckeyes will have a very different look compared to the 2008 team.

Gone are running back Chris 'Beanie' Wells, safety Malcolm Jenkins, linebackers James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman, and wide receivers Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline.

So 2009 will SURELY be a rebuilding year in Columbus....

In the famous words of Lee Corso, "Not so fast my friend!"

With back to back top three recruiting classes, the Buckeyes have loads of talented players ready to 'RELOAD' into their starting lineup!


Quarterback:

In case you were living under a rock last year, Terrelle Pryor, the No. 1 H.S. recruit in the nation, committed to Ohio State. After Ohio State lost decisively in Week three to USC, Pryor was named the starter (replacing Senior captain Todd Boeckman) for the rest of the year. The 6'6 speedy QB led the Buckeyes to an (8-2) record in his ten games and most importantly, gained priceless experience that will most certainly pay off in 2009.


Running Back:

While the loss of Wells can't be ignored, there's plenty in the cupboards to help ease the pain. Daniel 'Boom' Herron filled in admirably last season when Wells missed time due to injury. Even after Wells came back, Herron had impressed the coaches enough to earn more playing time and will most likely be the starter to open the 2009 season.

Freshmen recruits Jamaal Berry and Carlos Hyde will also look to push for immediate backfield playing time should Herron falter. The 5-11, 190 pound Berry is a 5-star speed back and game-breaking threat any time he touches the ball.

Hyde (6-1, 225) is fast for his size, but is more of a power back possessing a stiff-arm comparable to the one Wells made famous in Columbus!

Even if Herron plays great, expect Berry and Hyde to both get their fair share of looks in relief.


Wide Receiver:

In recent years, WR "U", as Ohio State has been called in the past, has still had a talented receiver or two in any given season, but not a whole lot of depth.

That WILL NOT be the case in 2009! So much so that at this point, even attempting to project the starters would be a complete crap shoot.

Ray Small, Dane Sanzenbacher, Taurian Washington, DeVier Posey and Lamaar Thomas headline the list of returning veteran receivers. It has also been rumored that Brandon Saine may be moving to wideout.

WR/TE Jake Stoneburner will join the team in 2009 after red-shirting his freshman year, along with new recruits Duron Carter, James Jackson, Chris Fields, and dual-threat Corey Brown. Brown was a two-way star in H.S. who may potentially play both WR and CB for the Buckeyes.


Offensive Line:

The much-hyped O-line hasn't been as horrible as some pessimists will tell you, but it has been disappointing nonetheless.

That should be a thing of the past going forward for the next several seasons.

Michael Brewster leads the way after taking over as starting center last year as a freshman.

Sophomores J.B Shugarts and Mike Adams, along with freshmen Marcus Hall, Jack Mewhort, Sam Longo and Corey Linsley are practically a "Who's who" of four and five star linemen that will each look to earn their place in the starting lineup alongside veterans Bryant Browning and Jim Cordle.


Defense:

Rather than list position by position, I'll instead offer an overview of the defense as a whole.

As I already mentioned, there are big shoes to fill at safety and linebacker. As I also already mentioned, the cupboard is not bare!

Etienne Sabino played mainly on special teams in 2008 but with the departure of Laurinaitis and Freeman, expect to see him step into that role of stud LB at tOSU!

Other possible candidates for that title include Andrew Sweat, Austin Spitler, Dorian Bell and Storm Klein.

Kurt Coleman, Chimdi Chekwa, Anderson Russell and Jermale Hines are a solid four-some for the Bucks at the safety/cornerback positions. Former WR turned DB Devon Torrence, along with Zach Domicone and the aforementioned Corey Brown should also see the field in 2009.

Along the defensive front, the Buckeyes are loaded as well. I can't attempt to predict all the starters but a few key guys and probable starters include Cameron Heyward, Thaddeus Gibson and Lawrence Wilson.


Others worth mentioning:

Garrett Goebel, Willie Mobley, Dexter Larimore, Keith Wells, Solomon Thomas, Rob Rose and Nathan Williams. (We should know more about who will be the twenty-two starters after the Spring game on April 25th.)

Ohio State will undoubtedly be locked and reloaded in 2009 and we won't have to wait long to see just how big their bullets are, as they play host to the USC Trojans in Week 2.

If the talent on paper translates to the field, Ohio State could make their fourth trip to the BCS title game in eight seasons under Tressel and their eighth BCS bowl appearance in the eleven years since the inception of the BCS.

Either way, this season will be exciting to witness and if the Buckeyes can get past USC, don't be surprised if I'm right about them running the table and playing for the BCS title!

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I'm So Sick Of Hearing About Tim Tebow's "You'll Never See A Player..." Speech

by HD Handshoe
Founder
BlockONation.com



To borrow a line from Around The Horn host Tony Reali, "So that happened!"

The University of Florida decided it was a good idea to create a wall memorial in tribute to Tim Tebow for his speech after the Florida home loss to Ole Miss last season.

I mean seriously—could this Tim Tebow love-fest get any more ridiculous?

I already know at least three things that people who disagree with me and have no problem with this are going to say...

1. You're just a jealous Ohio State "Suckeye" fan (Which most likely will include a 41-14 reference).

2. SEC SEC SEC SEC (The annoying conference piggy-backing chant those of us who actually pick one team instead of the entire conference have to hear most every Saturday whenever an SEC game is on TV).

3. He deserves it. He led the Gators to the title after he promised he wouldn't let them lose again! (Of course he did--look at the overrated "good" teams and doormats they played the rest of the season).

I'm sure he's a decent person, but nobody is ever as perfect as they are made out to be.

This kid has been crowned God of Florida and the sports media, specifically ESPN, have fanned the flames of this total nonsense.

In my humble opinion, a program taking this sort of action should reserve it for an all-time great a few years after they graduate.

If Florida wanted to do this, why not wait until 2011 or 2012?

Right now, if I am any of the other 21 starters from the Gator team from last season, I'm wondering where's my individual monument? Where's my individual tribute?

Yes, Tebow is the face of the Florida team, as generally a QB is, but he didn't win those eight games and eventual BCS Championship on his own.

The biggest issues I have with this is he's still in school, he's quite possibly the most over-hyped college football player of all-time, and he's getting all the individual accolades like's he 's the next coming.

All this for making a speech that really meant next to nothing without the support of the rest of his teammates. I reiterate, he didn't do it all alone post-speech!

He might not even have much of an NFL career, especially as a QB, so that should be a red flag that screams out most logical people (in addition to myself) outside of the biased media, the state of Florida, and Gator fans, aren't buying into this!

Whenever you talk about Tebow, don't forget to use two o's—he's good, but he's not God!

Not even in Florida...

*** EDIT / UPDATE ***

Since I am ripping the University and the state of Florida for Godding up Tebow, I may as well rip the University for 1) giving this woman a diploma and 2) letting her "gradulate" them in front of Congress—Also, a big not-so-good shout out to the residents of the state of Florida for electing her illiterate @$$ to Congress in the 1st place!

Talk about "Epic fail!"



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Around The "Block" With Future Buckeye DE/LB David Durham (2010 Recruit)

by HD Handshoe
Founder
BlockONation.com



I've been fortunate enough recently to be able to contact and interview several of the Buckeye recruits from the class of 2009.

My good fortune continues as I now bring you my first interview with a member of the Ohio State class of 2010, David Durham, the 6'3 DE/LB from Texas who verbally committed to the Bucks on 2/23/2009.

I'd like to thank David for his time in allowing me to bring this to the BlockONation!

---

BlockO:
You verbally committed to Ohio State almost a full year before signing day 2010. What convinced and sold you so quickly about Ohio State and which coach or coaches were directly involved in recruiting you?

DD:
Ohio State football sells itself. It’s a special place to play. The facilities, The Horseshoe, and the players are the best anywhere. It is one of the few programs where the expectations are conference championships and national titles every year.

The relationships with the coaches made a big impact on me. Coach Tressel is someone I can trust and that really cares about his players. He has established strong FCA and community service programs, has a great staff that is stable and consistently wins. I knew I couldn't find a better place than Ohio State to play college football. There's great fan support and academics as well.

Coach Fickell was the coach that recruited me and also the coach that I will be playing for. He is someone that I have a lot of respect for and I look forward to playing for him.


BlockO:
Any idea when you may take an official or unofficial visit to come hang out with the team, check out the facilities and/or take in a game in person?

DD:
I’ll be coming back up to Columbus for the spring game and hopefully I will be able to sit in on a few meetings and practices while I am there. I will also take my official visit for a game if my open week coincides with an OSU home game.


BlockO:
How pumped are you to watch the 2009 Week two Ohio State/USC prime-time game in Columbus?

DD:
I’m excited! It’s going to be a huge game with a lot of big time players. It’s very important because it’s at home and on national TV with championship implications. I think it’s important that we win every game, but especially the ones in Columbus.


BlockO:
Do you have a favorite Buckeye player of all-time?

DD:
Some of my favorite Buckeyes would have to be AJ Hawk and James Laurinaitis. Those guys are playmakers. Guys I try to model my play after would be Bobby Carpenter, Vernon Gholston, and Thaddeus Gibson. They play linebacker and defensive end just like I do. I really liked watching Gibson this year especially the way he gets after the quarterback.


BlockO:
Michigan has been down for the past couple season but Ohio State vs. Michigan is still a fierce rivalry no matter what and 2009 will mark the 106th meeting? Coming from Texas, what is your perspective on this rivalry?

DD:
This rivalry is one of the reasons I am attracted to Ohio State. I’ve watched some games on TV and have also seen the HBO special. Ohio State – Michigan is the biggest rivalry in college football. I want to play in big games and it doesn’t get any bigger than that one.


BlockO:
Who's your favorite NFL team and do you have a current NFL favorite player? How about favorite NFL player of all-time?

DD:
I am originally from Charlotte, so my favorite NFL team has been the Carolina Panthers. Some of my favorite NFL players are Ray Lewis, Sean Merriman, and Brian Urlacher. But my favorite player of all time is Lawrence Taylor. It’s hard to find someone who compares to him at the linebacker position, he’s the best. I try to play like he does.


BlockO:
What's your favorite kind of music and who's your favorite artist/band?

DD:
I like to listen to a lot of rap music. I like a lot of southern artists. My favorites are Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, and T.I.


BlockO:
Do you ever visit any of the online Buckeye message boards or Blogs and if so, have you ever posted comments or do you just read what fans are saying?

DD:
I don’t usually pay attention to the message boards, but a few of my friends have showed me some of the posts by Ohio State fans after I committed and I really appreciate their welcome messages and support.

Sometimes I get on Rivals or Scout just to see how Ohio State is doing in recruiting, or whether we have picked up any new commitments in my class, things like that.


BlockO:
Are you in any YouTube videos that you know of?

DD:
Not that I know of.


BlockO:
Since you're from Texas, I just have to assume you do have family and friends who are Longhorn fans so, how did they react to you choosing OSU?

DD:
Everyone has been very supportive of my decision to attend tOSU. Most of my friends, even though they might be Longhorn or Aggie fans, think it is a pretty big deal for me to be going to Ohio State to play football.


BlockO:
As a H.S. player that was being recruited by Ohio State, were you affected or hesitant at all before you made your decision to commit to OSU after the past three BCS bowl game losses by the Buckeyes although they did play very well vs. Texas as I'm sure you are well aware!

DD:
No, I wasn't hesitant at all. Ohio State plays in a BCS game almost every year. Ohio State is consistently one of the best programs year in and year out in college football and I don’t think one game here or there can affect their reputation in my eyes or anyone else’s for that matter.


BlockO:
Many of the OSU players have persuaded buddies of theirs to follow them to OSU. Are you going to be actively trying to recruit anyone you know either from your H.S. or players you've played against from other schools nearby to come to OSU with you?

DD:
If the coaches want me to, then I’ll be glad to help out!

---

In closing, I'd just add that David definitely seems very intelligent and knowledgeable about the Buckeye program and made a very well-informed decision when he chose Ohio State.

He's going to be a very welcome addition to the Buckeyes in 2010 and going forward. I think I speak for the all of the OSU fans when I say welcome aboard and we're all excited to see you in the Scarlet and Gray!

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The Top Five Ohio State Videos on YouTube

by HD Handshoe
Founder
BlockONation.com


Obviously a list like this is completely subjective and tastes will vary from one person to another, but I am convinced most Buckeye fans will agree that these are some of the best Buckeye videos YouTube currently has to offer!
Watch them and see if you don't agree!

There truly are an endless number of Buckeye videos on YouTube and many very talented video editors making these videos!

Kitchel and Lexco are probably the top two video makers as far as Buckeye channels go, so if you haven't heard of them, you're missing out.

Here are direct links to each of their YouTube channels!

Kitchel122130

Lexco44

Now, please enjoy these videos I have selected for you!


"THE" Honorable Mention!




#5 "THE" Fight Song




#4 - "THE" Best Room!




#3 "THE" 2008 Movie!




#2 - "THE" Season Highlights!




#1 "THE" Best Fans!



I hope you enjoyed these! Feel free to post links to your favorite Buckeye videos in the comments!

Former Michigan RB Mike Hart: A Then and Now Perspective

by HD Handshoe
Founder
BlockONation.com


As a Buckeyes' fan, people accuse me of being unfairly anti-Michigan and an OSU homer.

There's no such thing as being unfair when it comes to hating the team from the North even if I am a Buckeye homer.

However, I can be fair and objective (usually) when it comes to judging the talent a player possesses, regardless of his team affiliation.

Mike Hart, as much as I hated him (and still do), was easily one of the best running backs to ever wear the maize and blue.

He is the all-time leading rusher in Michigan history, he helped get Michigan to two Rose Bowls, and he was a major factor in leading the Wolverines to the 2008 Capital One Bowl upset of Florida in Lloyd Carr's final game as UM head coach.

It remains to be seen if he will excel in the NFL as he did for four seasons in Ann Arbor after missing the majority of his rookie season to injury.

At least he has excelled in learning some humility as seen recently by his appearance on the Big Ten Network's show, The Big Ten Quad, hosted by former Buckeye and Heisman Trophy winner, Eddie George.


VIDEO SPOILER ALERT: I will openly confess that I take pleasure in hearing him admit that it eats him up inside that he NEVER did beat Ohio State!

It's not because I'm a heartless hater.

No, it has much less to do with that and much much more to do with this:


But, alas he's technically no longer a Wolverine so as forced as this may sound (and I admit, it's kind of forced!) I wish him well in his future endeavors.

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