National Title shot....Boeckman is the

[Deehntr56]

least of our concerns.

Let's at least entertain the possibility of a National Title run this year.

Boeckman in my mind is the least of our concerns. This returning senior put up far bigger numbers then when Krenzel did in his National Title season.

I like to judge a team for a title shot by it's Quarterback play 1st. Pryor as the Back up helps in this area.

Boeckman completes 63.9% of his passes, Krenzel, 59.4%
Boeckman threw for 25 touchdowns and 12 Int., and Krenzel threw for 12 and 7 Int.
Boeckman thre for 2,379 yards and Krenzel threw for 2,100.

Krenzel can hand off to Clarett.

Boeckman can hand it off to wells. (Heisman candidiate).

There are 4 starters back on the offensvie line, with plenty of back up here. The Front line with any team MUST be seasoned and capable....we have that.

and of the 211 passes caught by our receivers...only 7 were caught by players not with OSU this year.

So we will go to the tilte game and win it all right?????


Nope......not quite.

The defense the last 2 years has not performed like they did throughout the year in the last 2 games of the 2006 season against UM and Florida, and the game against LSU last year for the title.

And it didn't last year against LSU. Why were LSU tight ends 10 yards open for touchdowns????

The strength of the OSU National Title team in 2002 was it's defense and the players rising to the challenge to play for it all and the win.

If OSU is to win it all it will need potential 1st pick NFL candidiates in their positions like Malcolm Jenkins and James Laurinatis to step up and be leaders and play to that next level caliber of dominat player that any team needs.

It will need consistent pressure from the front four, that it didn't get last year. Gholston is Gone, but Injured player Lawrence Wilson should be dominant this year...he has to be to win the big games.

Laurinaitis must play like Spielman or Katzemoyer did when they played for OSU as dominant linebackers for the Buckeyes in the past. He must create havoc and be dominant and distort the game like those linebackers did.

The Defensive line needs to apply pressure consistently and the front seven need to control and apply pressure as needed for this team to have a shot at the title.

Like the old saying goes...."Defense wins Championships"....OSU...Needs to have that in 2008.

Any other spins????

[Redhunter1012]

I think it's all on Boeckman. You have to know that every team is gonna stack the box against Beanie and force Boeckman to beat them. Not trying to start anything, but most of you OSU fans think way too much of Hartline and Robiskie. They are both good, but neither are game changers. You guys have to find a viable deep threat to force defenses to extend vertically. Posey could eventually be that guy, maybe a year away though. I would think Tressell is figuring out a good way to use Saine and Small. I also can't believe you guys don't use a TE more to occupy LB's. I'm just not sold on Boeckman leading the charge. Don't hold out hopes of Pryor contributing alot of meaningful snaps. In all honesty, he'd be best served redshirting, but that'll never happen.

[stumphole 2]

I think that have a very good shot at the national title. this coming from a Michigan fan, but i have a feeling that they will feel a lot of pressure from prior to start eventually. You are right DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS.

[Fish-n-Fool]

Well, it is a team sport so I'll agree with both of you (kind of) and say I think it depends on 2 things:

1) The play of TB
2) interior defensive line play

We will be a tough cookie to beat without stellar play at either spot, but if we are to be the legit best team in CFB and take home the trophy we need to be better at both.

Boeckman was good last year for a first year starter. Fans are tough on him after having Troy running the offense the previous year. Yes he made poor choices against some tougher opponents, but that is not entirely his fault as there was some suspect play calling and offensive line play involved.

The interior guys were solid, but not great. They can get pushed around and caught in blocks at times and they got very little pressure up the middle. Lets face it - our guys are a little "light in the pants" to plug up that middle, although they are more athletic than some of our bigger guys in the past. I think this group will be improved as they have a year under their belt. However, I see nothing that leads me to believe these guys can make an impact. I think this will still be a weakness against big, strong, experienced O lines.

Red - I'll give you that neither of our guys are game breakers. That being said I wouldn't trade that pair for any other pair in our league. They may be possession type receivers, but they run good routes and read the field well. And the "not fast" argument only holds water against the elite CBs in CFB - 95% of CBs would not be so confident at containing these guys. They aren't what you would call fast, but they are a looooooong way from slow. When we need a downfield threat - watch out for Saine, Small, T. Washington, L. Thomas, and mark my words - T. Pryor.

In summary, I think the defense will be good enough to keep us in every game we play. The offense should have all the tools in place to get the job done. If we execute, we should win every league game and should have an opportunity to beat USC and play for it all.

[Redhunter1012]

Very good summary. How are last year and this years frosh WR's coming? Any chance of them becoming a true deep threat? I know Sanzenbacher is very fast. Not sold on T. Washington. I agree that you guys absolutely have to have someone other than Beanie that the good defensive teams fear.

[Deehntr56]

Well, it is a team sport so I'll agree with both of you (kind of) and say I think it depends on 2 things:

1) The play of TB
2) interior defensive line play

We will be a tough cookie to beat without stellar play at either spot, but if we are to be the legit best team in CFB and take home the trophy we need to be better at both.

Boeckman was good last year for a first year starter. Fans are tough on him after having Troy running the offense the previous year. Yes he made poor choices against some tougher opponents, but that is not entirely his fault as there was some suspect play calling and offensive line play involved.

The interior guys were solid, but not great. They can get pushed around and caught in blocks at times and they got very little pressure up the middle. Lets face it - our guys are a little "light in the pants" to plug up that middle, although they are more athletic than some of our bigger guys in the past. I think this group will be improved as they have a year under their belt. However, I see nothing that leads me to believe these guys can make an impact. I think this will still be a weakness against big, strong, experienced O lines.

Red - I'll give you that neither of our guys are game breakers. That being said I wouldn't trade that pair for any other pair in our league. They may be possession type receivers, but they run good routes and read the field well. And the "not fast" argument only holds water against the elite CBs in CFB - 95% of CBs would not be so confident at containing these guys. They aren't what you would call fast, but they are a looooooong way from slow. When we need a downfield threat - watch out for Saine, Small, T. Washington, L. Thomas, and mark my words - T. Pryor.

In summary, I think the defense will be good enough to keep us in every game we play. The offense should have all the tools in place to get the job done. If we execute, we should win every league game and should have an opportunity to beat USC and play for it all.

Absolutely a team sport....they need to be clicking on all cylinders to win....any team does.

If Boeckman is deadlier than sin, and our Defense is horrible, or we have no running game and the team is not playing like a team...forget it...they'll watch the title game from home on the couch.

1st year for Boeckman, and he did well minus some bad calls(decisions) etc.....for a 1st year quarterback......that's not bad......he should be more "seasoned" this year and be sharper and make better decisions, if he progresses properly.That is where my reasoning on lack of "concern" is.

The defense and Specifically the interior defense is the key, the front seven is where we need to excel. This will be our opportunity. This will decide where we go....and if all the other cylinders are hitting in unison......get your Title game tickets ready.:biggrin: :biggrin:

That's if OSU is NOT on the cover of Sprots Illustrated!!!!

Injuries could play another role.....but that's another issue in itself.


GO BUCKEYES!!!!

[Fish-n-Fool]

From everything I hear both Washington and Sanzenbacher are doing very well and made big strides like you hope a second year guy does. The staff is higher on Dane right now (he does the little things right), but they are very pleased with Taurian as well. From what they say, they see another Gonzo in Dane - they really say he is great over the middle and will run the out routes well too; should be another great possession type receiver. Taurian is still more of a work in progress, but they believe he has S. Holmes like potential and could be a big time receiver and a down field threat. He is built like Holmes and his running style is even close - but he ain't Santanio yet:D

I like our "tight end" Jake Stonebruner from Dublin-Coffman to at least make some waves in fall practice. He is a smart kid (like Dane) and he has the size/speed combo to cause problems for any defense.

I also believe with some time Posey could be the next super receiver we have that can do it all so to speak. The staff will use L. Thomas in the slot and out wide if need be too - his 10.3 100 speed can keep people honest.

After the first 15 fall practices word should start to surface on how the young pups are doing and most importantly who has earned the trust of the staff. Without the trust, these young pups will never get a chance to see the field regardless of what they can do in high school & practice.

[Deehntr56]

Oh...I forgot to mention that our pair of receivers run some of the best routes in the country.....I will take that in a heart beat...that is why they are open so often.....Robiskie is so good atthat it is scary!

[Fish-n-Fool]

Robo has a lot of skills that the fan watching the TV doesn't see, but that is why he gets open. He reads the zone defense VERY well and he has the footwork/body control to out play his man to the ball in most instances. He rarely makes a drop (urrg - NC game:mad: ) and will mkae some tough catches. He won't lead the league in reception yards this year, but that is more a function of the way our offense is structured than anything else. Robo could very easily lead this conference in receptions if he played for Purdue for example. I bet he ends up with less yardage than last season as we will be handing off to Beanie more and defenses will key in on him now that he is known as our #1 guy.

He has good height, is a smart study, is a good route runner & has good hands - these are his best qualities. The knocks on him would be no break away speed, and not physical enough on running downs or in man coverage. That is not to say he isn't a decent blocker - he is, but he could be more physical. If he plans to earn a paycheck for playing football he needs to become more physical as those NFL corners will jam him and knock him around at the line of scrimmage.

I am confident he is working on all these areas as we type - that is another positive I forgot, but goes along with all the good players; he WORKS VERY HARD.

[CritterGitter]

This may comes across as a little vague and not so wisely insightful, but I feel like the success of this year's Buckeyes rests pimarily in two places.

The O-line and the D-line.

Win the battles there and the rest of the guys can do thar thing......ie.....make plays.

The season will be here soon. I can't wait!

Kyle

[OHBOW76]

Heck guys,

OSU only shot at a national championship will be if they dont have to play an SEC team to win it. Until they can remedy there dismal record aginst SEC teams they dont have a chance.

In fact I will go out on a limb and say that they wont even beat Michigan (OSU wont know what to do aginst the new offense they will be running). I'm not a Michigan fan, and I think OSU has so much talent its sickening. But they are going to need to change some things on both sides of the ball game plan wise if they are going to beat SEC teams.

[OHBOW76]

Just for your info.....

Big ten versus SEC in bowl games

OSU 0-9
PSU 7-4/5?
Michiagn 7-4

[Deehntr56]

Just for your info.....

Big ten versus SEC in bowl games

OSU 0-9
PSU 7-4/5?
Michiagn 7-4



So OHBOW......Who really is your team???? (Really Big smile with a smirk).

Yes, and Tressel knows his opportunity is SEC teams, before he arrived and currently. Michigan was the #1 priority and that was accomplished.

But he knows how to beat UM and has done it. (6 out of the last 7). And UM unless a miracle happens this year doesn't have the guns to out duel the Bucks in the offesive category when they play. Quarterback is unseasoned or fair at best, the line is suspect with all the losses, running backs are new, and we can go on and on. But stranger things have happened!!!:whistle:

Michigan's postseason record is a dismal 19-20 over the years. They are 1-6 in the last 7 years. No National title shot in the last 10 years.

Penn State( My prediction of the team to watch)...they have won 5 of their last 6 bowl appearances(May not be all high caliber opponents but he won them)...not bad..and I like Paterno...the Old Man just keeps on ticking.:biggrin:

Tressel and the Buckeyes.....

He knows how to get to the tiltle game (3 in the last 6 years).

He knows Illinois and Penn State will be tough.

He knows USC will be a bench mark game in 2008.

He currenlty is ranked #2 of all coaches in the won/loss record books.

He has compiled a 73-16 record at OSU.

The team has already almost completed filling their 2009 recruiting class way ahead of schedule, and has some very nice talent coming, ranked very high.

In His last quarter of school, 54 of his players earned a 3.0 or better GPA and 8 players had a perfect GPA of 4.0.

Now........I'll take all of that and say one thing, this is GREAT!!!!.........GO BUCKS!!!!:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

[deerhunt45]

My prediction...if Pryor has his head on straight, stays out of trouble, listens to his coaches and can catch the ball as well as throw it, he will be the offensive speed weapon that can stretch the defenses and make Todd, Beanie and the entire offense even that much more effective. I look for him to contribute on game day sometime in the second half of the schedule. We'll see.

As always you guys provide excellent scouting info and interesting viewpoints. I like it!

[Deehntr56]

Robo has a lot of skills that the fan watching the TV doesn't see, but that is why he gets open. He reads the zone defense VERY well and he has the footwork/body control to out play his man to the ball in most instances. He rarely makes a drop (urrg - NC game:mad: ) and will mkae some tough catches. He won't lead the league in reception yards this year, but that is more a function of the way our offense is structured than anything else. Robo could very easily lead this conference in receptions if he played for Purdue for example. I bet he ends up with less yardage than last season as we will be handing off to Beanie more and defenses will key in on him now that he is known as our #1 guy.

He has good height, is a smart study, is a good route runner & has good hands - these are his best qualities. The knocks on him would be no break away speed, and not physical enough on running downs or in man coverage. That is not to say he isn't a decent blocker - he is, but he could be more physical. If he plans to earn a paycheck for playing football he needs to become more physical as those NFL corners will jam him and knock him around at the line of scrimmage.

I am confident he is working on all these areas as we type - that is another positive I forgot, but goes along with all the good players; he WORKS VERY HARD.


Couldn't of said it any better myself!!!!:biggrin: :biggrin:

100% right on the money!!!

His father also critiques him before, during and after each game. In some instances they go over tapes together when they have a chance, and look for oppportunities to improve. The kid works Hard...real hard to perfect his game.

[Redhunter1012]

My prediction...if Pryor has his head on straight, stays out of trouble, listens to his coaches and can catch the ball as well as throw it, he will be the offensive speed weapon that can stretch the defenses and make Todd, Beanie and the entire offense even that much more effective. I look for him to contribute on game day sometime in the second half of the schedule. We'll see.

As always you guys provide excellent scouting info and interesting viewpoints. I like it!

You dreaming if you think Pryor will be catching passes. No way they take that chance

[OHBOW76]

So OHBOW......Who really is your team???? (Really Big smile with a smirk).

Yes, and Tressel knows his opportunity is SEC teams, before he arrived and currently. Michigan was the #1 priority and that was accomplished.

But he knows how to beat UM and has done it. (6 out of the last 7). And UM unless a miracle happens this year doesn't have the guns to out duel the Bucks in the offesive category when they play. Quarterback is unseasoned or fair at best, the line is suspect with all the losses, running backs are new, and we can go on and on. But stranger things have happened!!!:whistle:

Michigan's postseason record is a dismal 19-20 over the years. They are 1-6 in the last 7 years. No National title shot in the last 10 years.

Penn State( My prediction of the team to watch)...they have won 5 of their last 6 bowl appearances(May not be all high caliber opponents but he won them)...not bad..and I like Paterno...the Old Man just keeps on ticking.:biggrin:

Tressel and the Buckeyes.....

He knows how to get to the tiltle game (3 in the last 6 years).

He knows Illinois and Penn State will be tough.

He knows USC will be a bench mark game in 2008.

He currenlty is ranked #2 of all coaches in the won/loss record books.

He has compiled a 73-16 record at OSU.

The team has already almost completed filling their 2009 recruiting class way ahead of schedule, and has some very nice talent coming, ranked very high.

In His last quarter of school, 54 of his players earned a 3.0 or better GPA and 8 players had a perfect GPA of 4.0.

Now........I'll take all of that and say one thing, this is GREAT!!!!.........GO BUCKS!!!!:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

Actually PSU is my team, and I am not trying to argue any of the above. My point is all that is fine and dandy, but doesn't do a thing for you if your consistently embarassed in the National Championship game by the SEC.

My only other comments are PSU is going to have a horrible season, too many holes on defense, including there best LB out for season. No QB whatsoever, and the fact that their coachign staff stinks (they need to clean house and Paterno needs to go).

Michigan may have a overall poor season, but I guarantee they give OSU fits this year (maybe even beat them) just based on the fact that it will be a completely new offense that they havent played against (Think spread formations and lots of it).

I thought the GPA thing was funny, but how many OSU players have criminal records to go along with it?

[Deehntr56]

Actually PSU is my team, and I am not trying to argue any of the above. My point is all that is fine and dandy, but doesn't do a thing for you if your consistently embarassed in the National Championship game by the SEC.

My only other comments are PSU is going to have a horrible season, too many holes on defense, including there best LB out for season. No QB whatsoever, and the fact that their coachign staff stinks (they need to clean house and Paterno needs to go).

Michigan may have a overall poor season, but I guarantee they give OSU fits this year (maybe even beat them) just based on the fact that it will be a completely new offense that they havent played against (Think spread formations and lots of it).

I thought the GPA thing was funny, but how many OSU players have criminal records to go along with it?

Let me educate you on the academics achieved this past quarter....see this website...and see the tag line at the top of the screen....then sit back and say "DAMN I blew that one"............. website---> http://www.coachtressel.com/coach_tressel/index.asp?section=tressel

Don't count PSU Out..their coached well, they will upset teams(OSU may be one of them) and they will compete. They have holes, but they will compete.

In regards to trouble at schools.....I don't even want to have to go to the other post and give you that answer....once again....UM is right up there with lots of others in regards to issues with players...you need to go the the appropriate post in here for your updating of your information, it's in here somewhere...just read a few of those and you'll get a good undersatnding about the "hidden stories" not used.... ...Rivals just have to find something to use.....:biggrin: :biggrin:

In regards to the Title game...we were there(Penn and UM weren't) we won 1 out of 3, we have another potential shot.......and neither Penn state or Um or any other team in the Big Ten can say they were there 1 time recently...last ten years...or even 3 times...they really weren't good enought to be there...obviously....so we'll take those 3 title games any time...PSU and other teams would love to take a shot to be there just once, win or lose!!!:biggrin:


Ohio and OSU rules...we as Residents and supporters of THE Ohio State Buckeyes and this Great State can fling that around all day long....why???? The Team and state has earned it!!!!:biggrin: :biggrin:

I think the other teams need to get to work and do the same!!!!!

GO BUCKS!!!!

[CritterGitter]

Ummmm....Pryor is not a speedster as one might think. He is fast(in QB speed), but not like a WR. His athleticism is more about being big and strong and can throw with some accuracy, but not that he is some speedy "Ted Ginn Jr" type.

I heard in a drill he got a chance to go againt the first team and had Laurinaitis wrap him up for a sack, but he broke free and heaved a completion 40 yards down field. I can't verify it, but that is the kind of thing that would impress the coaches. I still think with TB being a drop back passer he needs to stay in the game to get his rythm and on running plays we NEED to give it to Beanie.

Now, if Beanie got hurt then you might look for ways to get Pryor into the game for some QB draws and roll outs. Who cares if the D of the opponent knows it's coming. Florida and Tebo did it and the opponents knew he came in to run the ball his first year with the team, and he was successful due in large part to a great supporting cast.

Oh, the possibilities with this group. The sky really is the limit even if the National sports media is a little gun shy on them due to the losses in the BCS Championship games.

Kyle

[Deehntr56]

Ummmm....Pryor is not a speedster as one might think. He is fast(in QB speed), but not like a WR. His athleticism is more about being big and strong and can throw with some accuracy, but not that he is some speedy "Ted Ginn Jr" type.

I heard in a drill he got a chance to go againt the first team and had Laurinaitis wrap him up for a sack, but he broke free and heaved a completion 40 yards down field. I can't verify it, but that is the kind of thing that would impress the coaches. I still think with TB being a drop back passer he needs to stay in the game to get his rythm and on running plays we NEED to give it to Beanie.

Now, if Beanie got hurt then you might look for ways to get Pryor into the game for some QB draws and roll outs. Who cares if the D of the opponent knows it's coming. Florida and Tebo did it and the opponents knew he came in to run the ball his first year with the team, and he was successful due in large part to a great supporting cast.

Oh, the possibilities with this group. The sky really is the limit even if the National sports media is a little gun shy on them due to the losses in the BCS Championship games.

Kyle

I with you CG!!!

His 4.45 speed is up there, and similar to other Wide receivers...but let's not rule out his use as a decoy, and a lot of that has to be thought through in regards to his athleticism.

I will go out on a small limb and say, we will see a wrinkle this year with him...I'll bet my. Hmmmmmmmm, My Weatherby Gun that I won, My Bow, My truck, my favorite Deer Gun, one of my secret hunting spots....Nahhhhhhhhhh no bet!!!!:biggrin:

[jeffmo]

my opinion is that the odds are stacked against any team getting to the nc game but,i think osu has a very good shot at getting there again this year.
if wells stays healthy i think he'll be in the running for the heisman.he's as good as there is.
if boeckman realizes that under throwing a pass will get you in trouble more often than not then he'll have a good year.
i'm waiting to see pryor play.i hope he's all they say he is.
as far as going against the sec goes,hell bring them on.sure it's a bummer losing the big game but i think ANY coach would be happy just getting there.
it's gonna be alot of fun to watch.i have my shrooms in the freezer and a week on erie this fall should provide the perch for the half time food!
i'm glad i have the big 10 network waaaay out here in the country!!!:bouncy:

[TheCream]

I think it's all on Boeckman. You have to know that every team is gonna stack the box against Beanie and force Boeckman to beat them. Not trying to start anything, but most of you OSU fans think way too much of Hartline and Robiskie. They are both good, but neither are game changers. You guys have to find a viable deep threat to force defenses to extend vertically. Posey could eventually be that guy, maybe a year away though. I would think Tressell is figuring out a good way to use Saine and Small. I also can't believe you guys don't use a TE more to occupy LB's. I'm just not sold on Boeckman leading the charge. Don't hold out hopes of Pryor contributing alot of meaningful snaps. In all honesty, he'd be best served redshirting, but that'll never happen.

I agree with a whole lot you are saying, especially on the WR's, TE's, and Pryor. Can Pryor contribute this year? Maybe a little, but it essentially wasting a year of his eligibility to have him around for a few gimmick plays a year. Florida used Tebow much like OSU is excpected to use Pryor, and that is a valid point, but Florida didn't have Beanie Wells in the backfield so Tebow filled a need. What need will Pryor fill this year?

The TE usage really amazes me. That is a spot where a defense can REALLY be exploited. Look at what the good Big Ten TE's did to good defenses. Wisconsin and Purdue both had solid, athletic TE's that could catch passes and be game changers. OSU has gotten away from that, and it seems like that happened about the time that TE dropped a TD against Texas that cost them that game a few years ago!

As for our WR's, Robiskie and Hartline are more or less possession guys that don't stretch the defense much. That guy needs to be Ray Small or one of the incoming Freshmen, but Small has been a disappointment so far. I thought you could see the lack of separation in the last title game vs. LSU by OSU wide receivers. When Ginn and Holmes were in Columbus, it was a different story. More speed is needed from the WR position.

The USC game will tell me if OSU can contend for the title this year. USC has a lot of new starters, are young but talented, and the game is at USC where they seem to never lose in the Pete Carrol era. On paper OSU should be the favorite in that game, and winning it will convince me they have a shot for a 3rd straight title game appearance.

[OHBOW76]

I personally cant wait until PSU's coaching staff gets the overhaul and PSU starts keeping the High School talent in state. No sure where OSU will get their talent then ???

Heck just look at the spanking that Ohio's High School All-Stars have received the last three years at the hands of PA's All-Stars in the Big 33 Game.

[Redhunter1012]

I'll agree that PSU is a sleeping giant. Once JoePa retires and they hire outside the current staff (Schiano), they will once again get most of the great talent in Pennsylvania and N.J.

[Fish-n-Fool]

OHBOW - that spanking you are taling about is jaded as many of the best OH players do not play the Big 33. With the new ESPN game now invloved OH is sending our "second tier" all stars to to play PA's best. Trust me, the game would be more interesting if the best players played.

Either way OH & PA both produce a slew of D-I talent. I would argue that the staff at PSU has an uphill climb to secure in-state talent. Pitt and some other Big east/ACC schools are now feasting on eastern & southern PA and OSU is taking the best of the west. PSU is doing great in MD, but I don't think for a second they will just lock up the state when OSU keeps piling on the wins and BCS game appearences.

I do believe PSU will be back on the map when the legend leaves, but it will take some time. And not to be too harsh, but until they actually beat UM and OSU they aren't going anywhere - and we know the track record against these two since joining the league.

[Deehntr56]

OHBOW....The Big 33 hasn't received many of our top players since the inception of the ESPN game, and as FNF has stated you are seeing many of our second tier players in the Big 33.

I don't necesasily agree that your current staff is not as good as you believe.

Paterno may of had better days, but PSU continues to attract great talent and Maryland for PSU has been a big draw. Look at some the current recruits they got this year alone from Maryland.....some very good players, Darrel Givens,Derrick Thomas, Malcolm Willis, just to anme a few for 2009.

Most of the other recruits are PA players, and they have I think have 14 players recruites already...or somewhere in that area.

OSU only had 3 recruits from PA in 2009, Dorian Bell and Corey Brown, being 2 good ones, so that factor is not as large as you think.

But the real good ones will go the schools with the best exposure and programs. I can understand some of your reasoning.

[Deehntr56]

More news on Boeckman!!!:biggrin:


It takes a certain air of confidence bordering on arrogance to line up under center for the Ohio State Buckeyes. While it does not hurt to be boisterous as well, senior quarterback Todd Boeckman enters the 2008 season as humble and soft-spoken as ever.

In the “About Me’ section of Todd Boeckman’s page on social networking Web site MySpace.com, it lists the quarterback’s personal motto as “take the road less traveled.” Although that might serve as the perfect metaphor for the path Boeckman has taken to get to his senior season, there is just one problem.

The MySpace page claiming to be Boeckman’s is a fake. The soft-spoken native of St. Henry, Ohio, has never been a member of the social networking site, nor has he perused his fake profile.


So it goes for Ohio State’s starting quarterback. Even as he seeks to dodge the spotlight, someone drags him into it.


“I don’t like to be that attention-getter,” he said. “I’m more of a laid-back guy. I want to stay out of that spotlight, but it’s obviously hard to do when you’re a quarterback at Ohio State.”


That much is obvious. When he took over the starting reins as the quarterback of OSU’s high-powered offense, more than a few questions were raised as to whether or not Boeckman had enough of a voice within himself to inspire his teammates in the heat of battle. At one point, right tackle Kirk Barton – no stranger to being vocal – had to tell Boeckman to be more assertive inside the huddle.


But as the starting quarterback for the two-time defending outright conference champions, being vocal is just one part of the job description. It also opens up the first-team all-conference quarterback to more criticism from his fellow students while on campus.


Although Boeckman said the majority of students who stop him en route to class have positive things to say, that is not always the case. Even in class, it is hard for a player of Boeckman’s stature – he stands 6-4, 250 pounds – to go unnoticed.


But some help might have arrived in the form of Terrelle Pryor, formerly the nation’s No. 1 and most highly scrutinized recruit. The freshman signal-caller from Jeannette, Pa., dominated much of the conversation at the Big Ten Football Kickoff in Chicago and was arguably the most talked-about athlete there.


In a way, Pryor’s signing helped deflect some – but not all – of the conversation away from Boeckman, and that is just fine with him. It allows him to simply be himself.


“It doesn’t bother me as long as I do my best and try to get the job done,” he said. “I’m not worried. I know living up to Troy (Smith)’s status is probably never going to be accomplished again because he was probably the greatest quarterback in Ohio State’s history. That was a tough thing to do, but I just try to do my own thing and be my own person.”


ESPN college football analyst and former OSU quarterback Kirk Herbstreit said he has seen Boeckman handle the Pryor situation admirably.


“I’ve talked to him a little bit about that, and he is saying all the right things,” he said. “I talked to him away from microphones and I really think he’s buying into it.”


Of course, one thing surely helping Boeckman stay humble is the knowledge that he still has room to grow. Although he finished the 2007 season having thrown for the fifth-most yards in a season in school history (2,379), he tossed 14 interceptions – the third-highest single-season total in OSU history.


Tressel is hoping his senior will take another big step in his final season.


“He’s got an innate ability to make the big play,” he said of Boeckman. “He’s got good vision. I think if he’ll improve and have a career-best year … that’s what we need.”


He, too, admits that Boeckman probably gets more questions about his poor performances – such as his 50-passing-yards performance against Michigan – than his standout ones, such as his three-touchdown game against Penn State at night on the road.


But Boeckman simply takes such criticism in stride, knowing he has plenty of room still to grow.


“One of the main things I definitely need to work on is my footwork,” he said. “I struggled with that a little bit and my dropback wasn’t as smooth as it should’ve been. I wasn’t stepping right when I was throwing and I was opening up too much. That’s one of the biggest things I’ve been trying to correct. It all starts with your feet.”


While his performance might start with his feet, as Boeckman said, the experience of being the starting quarterback at Ohio State all starts in his head. In that case, Buckeye fans should expect quiet Todd Boeckman to continue to find ways to grow as a person.


Just don’t look for his MySpace page to reflect that.

[Deehntr56]

Offensive line notes....Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Let's start here......

At Center, Jim Cordle returns. Cordle was injured the year before last, but was pushing Center Doug Datish for playing time when he was healthy. When Datish graduated Cordle started the 2007 team during all of its games. He had a pretty bad injury to his right wrist at the start of the season, so he learned to snap the ball left handed before the first game against YSU and never looked back. A 6′4 297 pound junior, OSU can look forward to another season after this one of excellence at this very important position. Cordle is backed up by Andrew Moses a 6′3 280 pound Junior who does not have the playing time that Cordle has. An injury to Cordle would wreak havoc on this offensive line as it is the Center calling the blocking schemes on each play. That takes experience and composure which only comes from starts.

At Right Guard, there is a great deal of returning experience in 6′4 323 lb Senior Ben Person. Person got a lot of playing time last year after coming off an injury, and is backed up by Connor Smith at 6′4 321.

At Right Tackle is 6′4 312 Sophomore Bryant Browning. Browning was pushing players all over last year’s offensive line for time. He could be plugged in anywhere and was often thought of as the sixth man to that line. This year, with Kirk Barton lost to graduation, he has come into Barton’s spot. Browning is backed up by Freshman Evan Blankenship, 6′3 290.

The monsters live on the Left side of the line though. At Left Guard we see 6′7 345 lb Steve Rehring, a Senior with starting experience for the last three years. He is backed up by 6′3 291 lb. Senior Kyle Mitchum.

On Rehring’s very large left shoulder you will find 6′8 312 Senior Alex Boone. Boone can do things with his aircraft carrier body that just aren’t natural, like when he jumped over WR Brian Hartline in the endzone after Hartline caught a touchdown pass against Wisconsin. Hartline, 6′2, did not duck. The Wisconsin coach saw this on the replay after the game and said only: “Our guys can’t do that.” :biggrin: That's 312 lbs folks!!!!!

Look for Boone as the pulling Tackle on many plays as he has the speed to get to the other side of the line to throw key blocks. Boone is backed up by 6′5 286 lb Redshirt Sophomore Josh Kerr.

OSU is loaded at Tight End, with two players with loads of game time experience. There is Rory Nichol, 6-5 252 lb. Redshirt Senior, mostly used in blocking situations but who can catch the ball, and then he is backed up by 6′6 256 Junior Jake Ballard, who has excellent speed for his size and great hands for pass routes.

My thoughts on the Offensive line this year is that they have a heck of a lot of experience. The left side is dominant, and there has not been such a dominant left side since Orlando Pace and Korey Stringer lined up shoulder to shoulder back in the early 1990s. Steve Rehring has at times come in a bit heavy, but not this year. Strength and Conditioning Coach Eric Lichter was working his evil magic throughout the summer on these guys,:biggrin: and there won’t be much to getting them into game shape.

The tricky bit is depth. With the exception of Connor Smith, none of the back ups have any significant game time under their belts. They also drop off in size quite a bit from the starters. It’s not hard for one of these big guys to have someone roll up on a leg or to just plant and turn wrong. The protective braces you are seeing more and more have helped reduce a lot of injuries. But Tressel should remember to rotate in the number two line as often as possible because injuries happen when you are tired, and big guys get tired fast.

If there is an injury....then you might see a bit of reshuffling on the line, to bring Connor Smith in as a starter, and the starter he replaces would move into the injured player’s spot.

But the future of the line shines bright.............. OSU’s has a great incoming freshman class featureing JB Shugarts, Mike Adams and Mike Brewster. These guys are the real deal, and after this year, you will see them everywhere on the O-Line. With Cordle and Browning still around, the line is going to be even better in the long run.

I don’t think it is hyperbole to say that this line is the best in the Big Ten, and possibly the best in the nation.:biggrin: As the season wears on, they are going to look even better than they are because they will have a senior QB who will have the savvy to get rid of the ball rather than take a sack. They are also going to be opening holes for some very talented and experienced Running Backs in Chris Wells, Maurice Wells, and Brandon Saine. Throw in Boom Herron and there are going to be some very tired defensive linemen out there in the second half of many games. :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

Got to Love it OHIO!!!!!!:biggrin: