With Ohio State Out of the NCAA Basketball Tourney, Focus Shifts Back to Football

It's only March 28^th, but it already feels like the college football off-season has gone on for far too long.

Here's the good news. It's almost April and that means Spring football. The Scarlet and Gray game is set for April 24^th at 1PM.

Here's the bad news. We get a very small preview look at some of the players we're counting on and a teaser of what 2010 might bring, then we have to wait four long months for the college football season to begin.

From all indications, the Buckeyes will likely be ranked in the top five when the preseason AP and Coaches Polls are released.

Troy Smith and Vince Young (both of whom Pryor has been compared to) each exploded in their third years at Ohio State and Texas respectively. Young led Texas to the BCS title in 2005 and Smith won the Heisman Trophy in 2006.

Couple that this is Pryor's third year as a starter, with what he did in the 2010 Rose Bowl against Oregon, and it's easy to see why the expectations are going to be somewhat understandably insane, although potentially attainable.

Pryor will certainly have a plethora of weapons at his disposal in the coming season—Possibly more that any QB has ever had while at Ohio State.

The backfield will be loaded with a slew of backs who were all rated three, four, or five stars coming out of high school according to Scout and/or Rivals.

Some names you know include Brandon Saine, Dan Herron, Jordan Hall, Jaamal Berry, Carlos Hyde, Jermil Martin, and Roderick Smith.

The talent pool at the wide receiver position is also looking very deep.

Starters DeVier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher return, as does Duron Carter, Taurian Washington, James Jackson, Chris Fields, Corey Brown, and new recruits James Louis and Tyrone Williams.

Once again the defense should be one of the best in the country. The only key losses are S Kurt Coleman and DE Thaddeus Gibson. Possible replacements may include Jamie Wood or CJ Barnett at S, and Melvin Fellows or Johnathan Newsome at DE, but that is just speculation on my part at this point.

The bottom line for Ohio State's hope of a BCS title run in 2010 is this:

Everything depends on Pryor's health and progression, period.

If he doesn't progress as much as anticipated over the next five months, or if he misses a significant part of the season due to injury, Buckeye fans will start to feel like fans of the Chicago Cubs or any of the Cleveland pro teams (especially the Browns and Indians).

Personally, I'm tired of waiting for next year...

2010 IS next year!



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Photo copyright of Dan Harker / Theozone.net

2010 Ohio State Buckeyes: Spring Football Is In The Air

Spring practice will begin in roughly three weeks, but many of the players have been working out on their own in their spare time, preparing for what could be an extra-special season for our beloved Buckeyes.

After an amazing display in the 2010 Rose Bowl, QB Terrelle Pryor (who had off season arthroscopic knee surgery) will be entering his junior season with higher expectations that ever before.

The comparison was and has almost always been there before, but after his Rose Bowl performance, many now believe (and hope) that TP evolves this season as Vince Young did in his junior year of 2005 for the Texas Longhorns.

The Spring Game is set for April 24 in Ohio Stadium. Last year, the Buckeyes drew a Spring Game record of 95,722 fans, and I wouldn't be surprised if they topped that this April.

There are several questions that will need to be answered.

Who will emerge as the featured running back or will it will more of the running back-by-committee approach?

Who will replace Thaddeus Gibson at DE?

Who will replace Kurt Coleman at S?

Will Etienne Sabino finally get his shot to start at LB, or will someone else take that spot, perhaps Dorian Bell if not Sabino?

What will be the pecking order at WR after DeVier and Dane?

One thing is certain—The Spring Game is only six weeks away and I, like the rest of the Buckeye fans worldwide, can't hardly wait to get my sneak peek at what the 2010 Buckeyes may have in store for us all!

Here's a small dose of what Ohio State Football may bring us all in 2010 from our good friend Rob (aka Kitchel22130 on YouTube) to help get us all get by until April 24.





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My New, Improved Top 25 Running Backs For 2010: Well, According To SEC Logic Anyway...

Please SEC fans, I implore you—please forgive my transgressions against the elite, unmatched running backs from your sacred, mighty, and impeccable conference.

I have seen the light!

I have been baptized in SEC holy water, and I now repent my sins (my previous top 10 running backs for 2010 article linked above) as I present to you my new and improved, and SEC approved, top 25 running backs in the nation ranking—which by the way, also inadvertently doubles as the Top 25 Heisman Contenders for 2010, of course...


25—David Oku—Tennessee (94 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns in 2009)

24—Rodney Scott—Ole Miss (138 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns in 2009)

23—Stevan Ridley—LSU (180 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns in 2009)

22—Robert Elliott—Mississippi State (221 rushing yards, 1 touchdown in 2009)

21—Mario Fannin—Auburn (285 rushing yards, 0 touchdowns in 2009)

20—Christian Ducre—Mississippi State (263 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns in 2009)

19—Dennis Johnson—Arkansas (342 rushing yards, 0 touchdowns in 2009)

18—Roy Upchurch—Alabama (299 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns in 2009)

17—Brian Maddox—South Carolina (307 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns in 2009)

16—Bryce Brown—Tennessee (460 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns in 2009)

15—Randall Cobb—Kentucky (447 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns in 2009)

14—Kenny Miles—South Carolina (626 rushing yards, 1 touchdown in 2009)

13—Zac Stacy—Vanderbilt (478 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns in 2009)

12—Charles Scott—LSU (542 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns in 2009)

11—Ontario McCalebb—Auburn (565 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns in 2009)

10—Chris Rainey—Florida (575 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns in 2009)

9—Caleb King—Georgia (594 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns in 2009)

8—Broderick Green—Arkansas (442 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns in 2009)

7—Brandon Bolden—Ole Miss (614 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns in 2009)

6—Washaun Ealey—Georgia (717 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns in 2009)

5—Warren Norman—Vanderbilt (783 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns in 2009)

4—Jeffrey Demps—Florida (745 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns in 2009)

3—Derrick Locke—Kentucky (907 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns in 2009)

2—Trent Richardson—Alabama (751 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns in 2009)

1—Mark Ingram—Alabama (1658 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns in 2009)


That's it, that's the SEC friendly, and real (wink) top 25 tailbacks in the nation for 2010.

By the way, can I interest you in the tropical island in the middle of Lake Erie that I own?

Hopefully if you're a fan of an SEC team and someone read this to you since you dropped out of school in Kindergarten, you were able to detect and identify the satire and sarcasm located within the article above, as it was chock full of each!

Yours sincerely,
HD


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Block-O-Nation's Top 10 Running Backs In College Football For 2010

I usually only write about Ohio State football, but if you look through the archives, you'll notice, that's not always the case.

This is my list of the top 10 running backs in the country heading into the 2010 college football season and a few thoughts on why each of them made this list.


No. 10—Roy Helu Jr—Nebraska Cornhuskers

Helu will be a senior in 2010, and will look to build on a solid 2009 campaign in which he rushed dor 1,147 yards and scored nine touchdowns. The Big 12 could be down in 2010, but many believe Coach Bo Pelini has Nebraska on the threshold of a return to the top 10. If they get there or not, Helu's production will be a big part of why they do or don't met those expectations.


No. 9—Lance Dunbar—North Texas Mean Green

As bad as the Mean Green have been, junior-to-be tailback Lance Dunbar has been conversely outstanding. In 2009, he gained 1,378 yards and scored 17 rushing touchdowns. He also added 300 yards receiving and caught three TD passes. You can bet Dunbar will be the catalyst if North Texas exceeds their 2009 win total of two in 2010.


No. 8—Montel Harris—Boston College Eagles

Last season, Harris rushed for over 100 yards in eight of BC's 13 games, totaling 1,457 yards and 14 touchdowns. In week seven against NC State, he had a career day, amassing 264 rushing yards and finding the endzone five times. Much of 2009, the talk surrounding BC was about Mark Herzlich's battle with cancer, but in 2010, with Herzlich set to return after treatment, Harris is good enough that he might end up being the number one topic of discussion pertaining to the Eagles, and could find himself in the discussion for the 2010 Heisman.


No. 7—Ricky Dobbs—Navy Midshipmen

Technically, Dobbs is a QB, but at Navy, the QB is a running back. He passed for over 1,000 yards and tossed six TD passes in 2009, so why is he on this list you ask? Because, it was the damage he did carrying the ball out of the Navy triple-option where he truly excelled and made his mark in "09". Dobbs rushed for 1,192 yards and scored 27 rushing touchdowns in his first full season as a starter. Here's some perspective on just how good Dobbs was / is—He missed two games last year or he might have had closer to 1,500 yards rushing and over 30 rushing touchdowns, numbers certainly attainable for him in 2010 if he remains injury-free.


No. 6—Noel Devine—West Virginia Mountaineers

Devine did indeed decide to return to Morgantown for his senior season and the Mountaineers are glad indeed to once again have his services. Last season, his first without star-QB Pat White next to him in the backfield, he rushed for 1,465 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. In 2010, he could once again be asked to shoulder the bulk of the workload as outgoing QB Jarrett Brown must be replaced. Another 1,400+ yards and, give or take, 15 touchdowns certainly is a likely possibility for Devine, if WVU doesn't become too one-dimensional with a new, under-experienced signal caller.

I'm sure even though I have corrected my unintentional error and added him to this top 10 list in place of Marshall's Darius Marshall who I originally thought had returned to school, there will be those the believe he isn't ranked high enough. To those of you that take that stance, that is certainly OK by me. We do not always need to see everything eye-to-eye.I suggest you go write your own article, with your own top 10, and rank him wherever you want. IMO, he's right where he deserves to be on my list—so to those this applies to, thanks in advance for your new articles.


No. 5—Jacquizz Rodgers—Oregon State Beavers

In two seasons, Rodgers has rushed for over 2,700 yards and scored 32 touchdowns. With USC's dominance now in question, and Oregon having a Miami-Florida type off-season so far, Oregon State could finally be the team to beat in the Pac-10. He has had some ups and downs, but overall, Rodgers has done his part up to this point, and I expect nothing less than more of the same from him in 2010. I believe another 1,500 yards, give or take, and 15-20 touchdowns could be on-tap for Quizz in 2010.


No. 4—John Clay—Wisconsin Badgers

Clay led the Big Ten in rushing as a sophomore in 2010 with 1,517 yards and he added 18 touchdowns. He was voted the Big Ten Offensive POY, and should be on track for another big year with the progression of the Badger's passing game under QB Scott Tolzien. The passing game and running game should compliment each other very well in 2010, allowing Clay to post another huge year statistically. He ran wild on practically every opponent but one last season. Ohio State held him scoreless and to only 59 yards on 20 carries in 2009. At least he only has to face them once in 2010.


No. 3—Ryan Williams—Virginia Tech Hokies

It's funny how things work out sometimes. In 2008, freshman tailback Darren Evans was a beast for the Hokies. He gained 1,265 yards and scored 11 touchdowns, so when he tore his ACL prior to the 2009 season, Hokie Nation held it's collective breath, unsure of who, if anyone, could fill the void left by Evans. Enter freshman Ryan Williams. Not only did Williams fill the void, but he practically made Va Tech fans forget about Evans, as he gained 1,655 yards and hit paydirt 21 times. With Evans returning, it's hard to say who will be Coach Frank Beamer's No. 1 guy, but that's a great problem to have.


No. 2—Mark Ingram—Alabama Crimson Tide

Despite not having the best overall numbers for a tailback last year, Ingram became the first Alabama player to win the Heisman Trophy. Don't get me wrong—Ingram is a great tailback, but I can't help but think Stanford's Toby Gerhart was the more deserving of the two, but I digress. Ingram had 1,658 yards and he scored 17 touchdowns for the Tide over the course of the season, including 113 yards and three scores, and 116 yards and two scores, against Florida in the SEC title game, and against Texas in the BCS title game respectively. If the Tide's O-line can fill a couple spots and open holes in 2010 for Ingram like they did in 2009, he will have a good shot at etching his name in the books next to Archie Griffin's as the only two-time Heisman winners.


No. 1—Dion Lewis—Pitt Panthers

If a true freshman has ever stated his case for legit Heisman consideration, Lewis was that guy in 2009. When LeSean McCoy decided to skip his senior season at Pitt, I'm not sure anyone saw what Lewis would go on to do coming. After all, Lewis was only offered a scholarship from three schools—Pitt, Miami-OH, and Tulane. Regardless, he rushed for 1,799 yards (third best in the nation) and he crossed the goal line 17 times. Did I mention, he was a true freshman who was barely recruited? With QB Bill Stull graduating, Lewis may see even more carries and he could have an amazing season. Of course, the Panthers will have to hope they can replace Stull and pass the ball down the field to prevent defenses from stacking the box and keying on Lewis. If they can succeed at that task, I believe Lewis could approach, if not top 2,000 yards and 20+ touchdowns in 2010. There sure are a lot of if's but if Lewis puts up similar stats, he might be the fourth straight sophomore to win the Heisman.


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Photo copyright The New York Times

Oregon Ducks 2010 Off-Season: A Lesson In Lack Of Institutional Control

Unless you are living under a rock, you have heard about the recent thuggery that has gone down in the Pacific Northwest at the University of Nike Oregon.

Last season, LeGarrette Blount sucker-punched a Boise State player post-game and was suspended for the season, but his suspension was later reduced to only eight games.

Then, starting QB Jeremiah Masoli was named as a robbery suspect in an on-campus frat house burglary situation, but as of yet, has not been suspended or penalized by Kelly. It seems as though he might be getting a pass by the frat, since he is the best player at Oregon.

LaMichael James, the RB who replaced Blount last season and had a huge year was arrested and charged with assault and strangulation against a female student, but has not been suspended "pending further investigation", according to Kelly, who claims to "not have all the facts" yet.

Strangely, Kelly did suspend linebacker Kiko Alonso (yeah, we've never heard of him either) this week after the sophomore was arrested for a DUI early Saturday, just hours after the coach had met with the media about the string of troubles among his players since the Rose Bowl.

In an apparently related situation, Kelly also dismissed wide receiver Jamere Holland (another nobody—coincidence, we think not) from the program on Sunday for "violation of team rules."

Holland had posted an inflammatory Facebook status calling Alonso's potential dismissal from the team as "weak" and racially motivated. He also added that he wished he could "unfriend whites, and only have blacks as friends."

So if you're a star player at UO, you get a pass—If you're a marginal talent, you're get suspended or kicked off the team.

Favoritism much?

Kelly addressed some of these issues on a local radio station, and things between the host and Kelly did get heated.

He also appeared on ESPN's Outside The Lines yesterday (Tuesday Feb. 23, 2010).

In case you missed it, here's the video of Kelly on OTL.




In my opinion, Oregon football and Kelly, much like USC, seem to be on the verge of what the NCAA refers to as a "lack of institutional control."


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Big Ten Power Rankings: The Top 10 Wide Receivers To Watch For In 2010

By Kevin Trahan
Iowa Hawkeyes B/R Featured Columnist

Last year was supposed to be the year of the wide receiver in the Big Ten, with stars like Illinois' Arrelious Benn and Minnesota's Eric Decker returning.

While some stars emerged from other teams, other stars failed to deliver. Benn turned into an average wide receiver and Decker got hurt halfway through the season, ending his year.

This year's crop of receivers looks just as promising and is much deeper, with a few possible All-Americans in the mix.


No. 10—Graham Zug—Penn State

Zug was the leader of Penn State's young receiving corps last season. The senior will be counted on more than ever in 2010 to lead a passing offense that could struggle with the departure of quarterback Darryl Clark.

At 6'2'', 178 pounds, Zug is relatively small for a receiver, but still accumulated 46 receptions, 600 yards, and seven touchdowns in 2009. He was the Nittany Lions' second-leading receiver behind Derek Moye. Expect him to improve in his senior season.

However, his stats may take a hit due to the quarterback change. With very little experience at that position, expect coach Joe Paterno to run the ball early and often, as running back Evan Royster returns for his senior season. JoePa will need to phase the new quarterback (likely sophomore Kevin Newsome) in very slowly, especially with an early game looming in Tuscaloosa against the defending national champion Alabama Crimson Tide.

So while Zug may improve in 2010, his stats may not be as impressive as 2009's due to youth in the passing game and a focus on the run game.


No. 9—B.J. Cunningham—Michigan State

Cunningham was the leader of Michigan State's surprisingly effective receiving corps in 2009. He accumulated 48 receptions, 641 receiving yards, and four touchdowns for the Spartans and helped quarterback Kirk Cousins find a rhythm early in the season.

But Cunningham's status with the team is still yet to be determined. He was suspended for the Alamo Bowl after his role in a campus fight in November, and later pled guilty to misdemeanor assault and battery charges.

Coach Mark Dantonio said that Cunningham's status with the team will be evaluated at a later date. The same applies for wide receiver Mark Dell, MSU's second leading receiver, who pled guilty to the same charges.

But don't expect too much of a penalty, especially because Cunningham already missed the bowl game. A one game suspension seems the most likely at this point, and it shouldn't have much of an effect on his season.


No. 8—Derrell Johnson-Koulianos—Iowa

Derrell Johnson-Koulianos's (DJK to Iowans) rank within the Hawkeye wide receiver hierarchy has been difficult for Hawkeye fans to understand ever since he arrived in Iowa City.

On one hand, he will likely break Iowa's career receiving record in 2010, but he has dropped on the depth chart numerous times during his career.

Normally, that tactic is just used by coach Kirk Ferentz to motivate DJK, whose lack of work ethic has sometimes been a cause for concern. But over the last two seasons, DJK has stayed mainly on Ferentz's good side and has been a key contributor to Iowa's passing game, accumulating 45 receptions, 750 yards, and two touchdowns in 2009.

Expect DJK to improve his stats even more in 2010, as he has improved greatly from year to year. The return of starting quarterback Ricky Stanzi will help his numbers as well.


No. 7—Demarlo Belcher—Indiana

At most Big Ten schools, Belcher would get a lot of attention. But remember, this is Indiana. It also doesn't help that he is the number two receiver for the Hoosiers, behind Tandon Doss.

But Belcher is a very talented receiver in a passing offense that's quite talented itself. He had 61 receptions for 770 and five touchdowns in 2009. Expect those numbers to improve in 2010 with the return of quarterback Ben Chappell.

Belcher will likely be overshadowed by Doss once again, but he will be a key contributor to Indiana's pass offense, which will be better than most expect next season.


No. 6—Derek Moye—Penn State

After a breakout sophomore season, Derek Moye will help lead Penn State in a rebuilding season that features a new quarterback.

Moye hauled in 48 receptions for 785 yards and six touchdowns last season for the Nittany Lions, but, like Zug, likely won't be able to continue that level of success into 2010.

As new starting quarterback Kevin Newsome is integrated into the system in State College, the Nittany Lions will likely lean on senior tailback Evan Royster and the run game, meaning Moye won't get as many receptions as last season. Nevertheless, he will still be a key asset to the Penn State passing game in 2010.


No. 5—Nick Toon—Wisconsin

With the departure of tight end Garrett Graham, Toon will be Wisconsin's top receiver in 2010. He led the revived Badgers passing game with 54 receptions for 805 yards and four touchdowns in 2009, and will likely improve in 2010.

With the exception of Graham, the entire Wisconsin receiving corps returns next season, as does quarterback Scott Tolzien. The running game will be very good and running back John Clay may contend for the Heisman Trophy. But expect a balanced attack in Madison, meaning Toon will have a chance for a very strong season in 2010.


No. 4—Marvin McNutt—Iowa

At this time last year, Marvin McNutt was a quarterback buried deep in Iowa's depth chart. But coach Kirk Ferentz refused to let this remarkable young talent go to waste, and McNutt made the move to wide receiver.

McNutt's 674 receiving yards are second on the team to DJK, but his many of his eight touchdowns were some of the most important in Iowa's season.

He made an outstanding grab against Ohio State to send the game to overtime, caught the winning touchdown against Michigan State as time expired, and had a 92-yard touchdown reception against Indiana to give momentum back to the Hawkeyes.

McNutt has a chance to be a star next season, and he and DJK will give Iowa its best receiving tandem since 2004.


No. 3—Keith Smith—Purdue

The only receiver to have more than 1,000 yards in 2009, Keith Smith could easily be an All-American candidate at the end of the season.

But, like Belcher, his team could hold him back. Purdue isn't exactly a football powerhouse, and while it has improved, Smith would be better off playing somewhere else.

Another obstacle that could hold Smith back is the departure of quarterback Joey Elliot. Like the Penn State receivers, Smith's stats could end up worse next year because of the quarterback transition.


No. 2—Tandon Doss—Indiana

Doss was the third leading receiver in the Big Ten last year with 77 receptions, 962 yards, and five touchdowns, and was the leader for one of the best receiving corps in the Big Ten.

A rising junior, Doss has become a force to be reckoned with in his conference and may end up as an All-American within the next two years.

With senior quarterback Ben Chappell returning, look for Doss to improve his stats even more. He's likely to pass the 1,000 yard mark. He and Belcher should form the Big Ten's best receiving duo in 2010.




No. 1—DeVier Posey—Ohio State

Of course no top 10, Big Ten preseason wide receiver list is complete without an Ohio State player, and this particular player has the chance to be the conference's top receiver in his junior season of 2010.

Overall in 2009, DeVier Posey was was pretty good, but not always great—Although he had some great moments at times last season.

But now, he has a chance to be a star with the improvement of Terrelle Pryor's passing game.

Last year, Posey accumulated 60 receptions for 828 yards and eight touchdowns for the Buckeyes. You can expect a breakout year this coming season, as Ohio State is expected to pass the ball a lot more.

Posey was outstanding during the Rose Bowl, with 101 receiving yards and a touchdown, helping his Buckeyes break their recent bowl game curse.

Expect many more games like the Rose Bowl in 2010 from Posey, and from the Buckeyes as they pursue their sixth straight Big Ten title, their fourth trip to the BCS title game in the last nine seasons, and their record ninth trip overall to a BCS bowl game since the inception of the BCS back in 1998.


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All photos within this article courtesy of BleacherReport.com / Getty Images