Conference Champions
ACC (Atlantic, Coastal, Champ)
Draper: A: FSU, C: GT, Champ: FSU
Hoying: A: Clemson, C: Pitt, Champ: Clemson
Schweinfurth: A: Clemson, C: GT , Champ: Clemson
Seeberg: A: Clemson , C: GT , Champ: GT
B1G (East, West, Champ)
Draper: E: Ohio St., W: Wisc, Champ: Ohio St.
Hoying: E: Ohio St., W: Wisconsin, Champ: Ohio St.
Schweinfurth: E: Ohio St, W: Nebraska, Champ: Ohio St.
Seeberg: E: Ohio St. , W: Wisconsin , Champ: Ohio St.
Big 12
Draper: TCU
Hoying: TCU
Schweinfurth: TCU
Seeberg: TCU
Pac 12 (North, South, Champ)
Draper: N: Oregon, S: USC, Champ: USC
Hoying: N: Oregon, S: Arizona, Champ: Arizona
Schweinfurth: N: Oregon, S: USC , Champ: USC
Seeberg: N: Oregon S: USC , Champ: USC
SEC (East, West, Champ)
Draper: E: Georgia, W: Alabama, Champ: Alabama
Hoying: E: Missouri, W: Alabama, Champ: Alabama
Schweinfurth: E: Georgia, W: Alabama , Champ: Alabama
Seeberg: E: Georgia , W: Auburn , Champ: Auburn
Playoffs (champ in bold)
Draper: Ohio St., Alabama, TCU, USC
Hoying: Ohio St., Alabama, TCU, Arizona
Schweinfurth: Ohio St., Alabama, USC, TCU
Seeberg: TCU, Ohio St., Auburn, USC
Heisman Ballot
Draper
1) Ezekiel Elliott
2) Trevone Boykin
3) Nick Chubb
Dark Horse: Everett Golson
Hoying
1) Trevone Boykin
2) JT Barrett
3) Ezekiel Elliott
Dark Horse: Connor Cook
Schweinfurth
1) Ezekiel Elliot
2) Nick Chubb
3) Trevone Boykin
Dark Horse: Cody Kessler
Seeberg
1) Ezekiel Elliott
2) Cody Kessler
3) Trevone Boykin
Dark Horse: Samaje Perine
Showing posts with label preseason. Show all posts
Showing posts with label preseason. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 02, 2015
Burning Preseason Questions
For a team to be unanimously voted #1 by the Associated Press, you would think that college football nation, or at least Buckeye Nation, would have their major questions surrounding the team answered by the start of the season. Not so for our beloved defending champions. The Let's Go Bucks! staff weighs in on the QB controversy as well as what we can expect from such a talented squad.
1a. The starting quarterback should be ________. . .
Draper: JT Barrett. Everyone seems to forget that JT Barrett matured like crazy after that VT debacle (mostly on the O-line). I have said for the past year that Braxton is the best athlete, Cardale has the most NFL ready body, and JT plays the mental game best and has the most accurate arm. While I won't be upset with either QB, great quarterbacks all have the mental game at the peak. Cardale isn't the same guy from freshman year, but he can't read defenses as well as JT. Jones can throw it farther, but no one puts the ball on a dime as well as Barrett. In addition, Cardale has the skill of running defenders over but Barrett makes them miss. Both are great but I see JT more as Russell Wilson and Jones more as a Roethlisberger. At this level, I want someone that relies more on the head than the brawn. Both Superbowl winners, but the loss of Devin Smith will affect Cardale more than it will JT.
Hoying: JT Barrett. Quick, what Buckeye QB had the best season in Ohio State history? Rex Kern in 1969? Bobby Hoying in 1995? Troy Smith in 2006? Braxton Miller in 2013? Try JT Barrett in 2014. Barrett set the school record for yards in a season, as well as the B1G record for TDs (breaking a record held by Drew Brees). "But Cardale won the title," you say. Good point. If Craig Krenzel were on this team, then I guess the battle would be between him and Cardale. Barrett put this team in a position to compete for the title and was a sure-fire Heisman finalist before his untimely injury. Don't forget about JT's superhuman performance in Happy Valley in double OT, or his complete dismantling of the no-fly zone in East Lansing. There's a reason he won the starting job last season.
Schweinfurth: Cardale Jones. I have been so split on this all summer. JT put up some great numbers last year, but my biggest concern was late in the season. JT slowed down and missed a lot of passes (just watch the TTUN game last year). While Cardale isn't as polished, he did win 3 of the 4 toughest games the Buckeyes played last year. His arm backs the defenses off; and we all know what Zeke can do with room to run. After all of that, the one stat that caught my eye was completion percentage against the blitz. Cardale was almost 10% higher than JT. It is just unfortunate one of these guys have to sit. You really can't go wrong with either guy.
Seeberg: J.T. Barrett. Both Barrett and Jones are obviously capable of running the Buckeye offense in high gear, but J.T. is the slightly more polished QB, particularly in terms of pocket awareness and accuracy on short/intermediate routes. J.T. is the choice, but having a 12-gauge loaded as a fallback is a phenomenal luxury to be sure.
1b. . . but actually will be ________.
Draper: JT Barrett. If Jones was to be the starter, I think Urban would have made the announcement (even though there is no real benefit to announcing it). He's the senior, he's the QB from the playoff, he decided to come back....but the silence makes me lean on the side that Urban is looking for the best chance to win which in my opinion behind JT. The spread is more tailored to a QB of JT's skill set than a beast that would prefer a pro-set.
Hoying: JT Barrett. When does Urban enjoy his highest level of success? When his quarterback is a run/pass dual threat spread master. NOBODY, not even Blessed Timothy of Philadelphia, runs the zone read like JT. I think I saw him make one bad read during all of last season, on the play that broke his ankle. And JT is able to see the field and utilize all of his weapons in a way Cardale can't, especially after the departure of Cardale's biggest deep threat. Cardale's bomb to Devin Smith set the tone for a rout of Wisconsin, but he threw the ball into double coverage and let Smith bail him out. If Corey Brown's running that route, the pass is picked off and the game may have followed a very different path. Cardale is, of course, the better pro prospect, but this is Division 1-A football, brother.
Schweinfurth: JT Barrett. There is a reason he won the job over Cardale last year and his ability to distribute the ball will be needed without 4 wideouts.
Seeberg: J.T. Barrett. He won the job last year just before Braxton was hurt, no reason to think he won't again. And let's remember, the last three games Cardale won were every bit as much about 'Zeke than Cardale, as well as the gelling of the offensive line. Despite the occasional heroics of Cardale, I believe this has always been J.T.'s job to lose.
2. The 2015 season will be a disappointment if __________.
Draper: the Buckeyes don't play in the National Championship game. One can make a convincing argument that it's title or bust, but national championships are really, really hard to come by. There are so many factors that can bite you in the butt. Just think about TCU last year. A stupid 4th down throw may have cost TCU the undefeated season and the shot for the playoff...one play. Now, with that said, there is no one...NO ONE...that should compete with this team. You want history, win it all; you want to 'not be a failure', make the title game (and don't crap the bed a la 2006 Buckeyes---stupid Meyer).
Hoying: another banner doesn't go up in Woody Hayes. Anyone remember the 2006 season? The Buckeyes were preseason #1 and played like it all season long, trouncing #2 Texas in Austin and engineering a convincing win over #2 Michigan in the Game of the Century. But, upon retrospection, does anyone feel like two wins over #2, a 12-0 regular season record, the Bucks' first outright B1G title since 1984 made that season a success? Not hardly. How about 2007's national runners-up? 2010's SEC-beating* 12-1* #5* campaign? Uh-uh. As soon as that #1 is attached to your name, it's national championship or bust. The margin for error is even smaller when one considers that the "nine units strong" should be "nine units stronger" this season, with the possible exception of WR. The wins over Alabama and Oregon were no fluke, and it'll take nothing short of a disaster to stop this team from repeating.
Schweinfurth: I agree with Draper and Seeberg. This team should make the National Championship game.
Seeberg: I have to agree with Draper here. The new format makes it one really really tough game harder to win a national title. Last year, were it BCS style, Oregon would've played Alabama and OSU wouldn't have even had a shot. OSU has got to make the playoffs and win their semifinal, but to simply anoint this team champs again with this 4-team playoff is premature, particularly with a defensive line and secondary lacking some depth.
3. Compared to other Ohio State teams of the past, this team is __________.
Draper: in the team photo of best teams (top 5). Need more data to place them at the top. The talent is all there, but I need to see real results. Last year was fantastic, but USC was an all-time great team....on paper when Barkley returned for his senior year....and crapped the bed. There is no reason this won't be another studly team, but games aren't won on paper. Finish and go down as one of the (if not THE) all-time greats.
Hoying: better. "Nine units strong" from last year should be "nine units stronger" this year, with the possible exception of WR. The losses of Devin Smith and Evan Spencer (and Noah Brown) are huge, but hopefully the addition of Braxton to the arsenal and the dual threat of Dontre Wilson and Jalin Marshall should lessen the impact of the losses (if they stay healthy - don't hold your breath). I discussed above that we can expect the best QB season in OSU history this year. RB should be no problem, since not even Eddie or Archie could match Zeke's 3 consecutive 200+ yd games. The lines are practically identical to last season's Tide-manhandling groups, and the secondary should surpass last year's already much-improved squad. Is this team flawless on paper? No. 2005 and 2009 had better defense. 1995, 1998, and 2006 had more seasoned QBs (although not more talented). 2002 had a better kicker. But this team knocked off the #1 and #2 teams in the country with performances that would have been blowouts if not for mistakes. And mistakes are the mark of a young team that has a lot of room to grow.
Schweinfurth: If this team wins a second National Title, this is the best team in Ohio State history.
Seeberg: Hmmm. IF we assume a second national title run, it has to be in the top three. The offensive is terrifyingly stacked, littered with potential first-round draftees (Zeke, Jones, Barrett, Thomas, Decker, etc. etc.). The D has two phenomenal playmakers in Bosa and Lee but is lacking some depth. The Buckeye benchmark will always be 1968, the infamous "because I couldn't go for three" squad that dismantled scUM 50-14 before beating USC in the Rose Bowl. The 1998 squad was so hysterically talented even Cooper couldn't lose to that team up north with them. 2006 was also an incredible team before the defense suddenly decided to stop blitzing and give up 80 points in their last two games. Hard to imagine this D being comparable to any of the three aforementioned squads, but a repeat would stand on its own in Buckeye lore.
4. The player to watch in 2015 is __________.
Draper: Michael Thomas. Unlike my co-writers, I'm not going to cop out. We know the big names: Zeke, Barrett, Jones, Bosa, Braxton, etc. Who will step up? Michael Thomas had a sneaky good year last year, but this is his year to take control of the WR corps and become a force to be reckoned with. Losses of Smith and Spencer leave a void that I fully believe Thomas will fill. He had some eye-popping plays last year, but was mostly an unknown due to the star power. This year, he takes the step to the big boy table. Don't close your eyes. Keyshawn's nephew is ready to star.
Hoying: Braxton Miller. The biggest question mark on this team is at wide receiver after the losses of Devin Smith, Evan Spencer, and Noah Brown. 2-time B1G player of the year Braxton Miller may be the answer. We've seen Braxton make seemingly impossible plays from the pocket. What can he add to Urban's spread offense when given the length of the field to work with?
Schweinfurth: Ezekiel Elliott. An Ohio State running back wins the Heisman every 20 years. It's been 20 years since Eddie George. He will easily break Eddie's 1927 yard mark if he runs the way he did the last 3 games.
Seeberg: It's Joey Bosa. Yes I'm not exactly going off the radar here, but with good reason. Aside from Bosa and Adolphus Washington, the D-line is very inexperienced. Teams will double up on Bosa and perhaps Washington as well, so Bosa has to stay healthy, not suspended, and still make his share of plays despite lots of attention. Otherwise the linebackers and secondary will be forced to make far too many tackles and cover for far too long for the defense to be effective.
1a. The starting quarterback should be ________. . .
Draper: JT Barrett. Everyone seems to forget that JT Barrett matured like crazy after that VT debacle (mostly on the O-line). I have said for the past year that Braxton is the best athlete, Cardale has the most NFL ready body, and JT plays the mental game best and has the most accurate arm. While I won't be upset with either QB, great quarterbacks all have the mental game at the peak. Cardale isn't the same guy from freshman year, but he can't read defenses as well as JT. Jones can throw it farther, but no one puts the ball on a dime as well as Barrett. In addition, Cardale has the skill of running defenders over but Barrett makes them miss. Both are great but I see JT more as Russell Wilson and Jones more as a Roethlisberger. At this level, I want someone that relies more on the head than the brawn. Both Superbowl winners, but the loss of Devin Smith will affect Cardale more than it will JT.
Hoying: JT Barrett. Quick, what Buckeye QB had the best season in Ohio State history? Rex Kern in 1969? Bobby Hoying in 1995? Troy Smith in 2006? Braxton Miller in 2013? Try JT Barrett in 2014. Barrett set the school record for yards in a season, as well as the B1G record for TDs (breaking a record held by Drew Brees). "But Cardale won the title," you say. Good point. If Craig Krenzel were on this team, then I guess the battle would be between him and Cardale. Barrett put this team in a position to compete for the title and was a sure-fire Heisman finalist before his untimely injury. Don't forget about JT's superhuman performance in Happy Valley in double OT, or his complete dismantling of the no-fly zone in East Lansing. There's a reason he won the starting job last season.
Schweinfurth: Cardale Jones. I have been so split on this all summer. JT put up some great numbers last year, but my biggest concern was late in the season. JT slowed down and missed a lot of passes (just watch the TTUN game last year). While Cardale isn't as polished, he did win 3 of the 4 toughest games the Buckeyes played last year. His arm backs the defenses off; and we all know what Zeke can do with room to run. After all of that, the one stat that caught my eye was completion percentage against the blitz. Cardale was almost 10% higher than JT. It is just unfortunate one of these guys have to sit. You really can't go wrong with either guy.
Seeberg: J.T. Barrett. Both Barrett and Jones are obviously capable of running the Buckeye offense in high gear, but J.T. is the slightly more polished QB, particularly in terms of pocket awareness and accuracy on short/intermediate routes. J.T. is the choice, but having a 12-gauge loaded as a fallback is a phenomenal luxury to be sure.
1b. . . but actually will be ________.
Draper: JT Barrett. If Jones was to be the starter, I think Urban would have made the announcement (even though there is no real benefit to announcing it). He's the senior, he's the QB from the playoff, he decided to come back....but the silence makes me lean on the side that Urban is looking for the best chance to win which in my opinion behind JT. The spread is more tailored to a QB of JT's skill set than a beast that would prefer a pro-set.
Hoying: JT Barrett. When does Urban enjoy his highest level of success? When his quarterback is a run/pass dual threat spread master. NOBODY, not even Blessed Timothy of Philadelphia, runs the zone read like JT. I think I saw him make one bad read during all of last season, on the play that broke his ankle. And JT is able to see the field and utilize all of his weapons in a way Cardale can't, especially after the departure of Cardale's biggest deep threat. Cardale's bomb to Devin Smith set the tone for a rout of Wisconsin, but he threw the ball into double coverage and let Smith bail him out. If Corey Brown's running that route, the pass is picked off and the game may have followed a very different path. Cardale is, of course, the better pro prospect, but this is Division 1-A football, brother.
Schweinfurth: JT Barrett. There is a reason he won the job over Cardale last year and his ability to distribute the ball will be needed without 4 wideouts.
Seeberg: J.T. Barrett. He won the job last year just before Braxton was hurt, no reason to think he won't again. And let's remember, the last three games Cardale won were every bit as much about 'Zeke than Cardale, as well as the gelling of the offensive line. Despite the occasional heroics of Cardale, I believe this has always been J.T.'s job to lose.
2. The 2015 season will be a disappointment if __________.
Draper: the Buckeyes don't play in the National Championship game. One can make a convincing argument that it's title or bust, but national championships are really, really hard to come by. There are so many factors that can bite you in the butt. Just think about TCU last year. A stupid 4th down throw may have cost TCU the undefeated season and the shot for the playoff...one play. Now, with that said, there is no one...NO ONE...that should compete with this team. You want history, win it all; you want to 'not be a failure', make the title game (and don't crap the bed a la 2006 Buckeyes---stupid Meyer).
Hoying: another banner doesn't go up in Woody Hayes. Anyone remember the 2006 season? The Buckeyes were preseason #1 and played like it all season long, trouncing #2 Texas in Austin and engineering a convincing win over #2 Michigan in the Game of the Century. But, upon retrospection, does anyone feel like two wins over #2, a 12-0 regular season record, the Bucks' first outright B1G title since 1984 made that season a success? Not hardly. How about 2007's national runners-up? 2010's SEC-beating* 12-1* #5* campaign? Uh-uh. As soon as that #1 is attached to your name, it's national championship or bust. The margin for error is even smaller when one considers that the "nine units strong" should be "nine units stronger" this season, with the possible exception of WR. The wins over Alabama and Oregon were no fluke, and it'll take nothing short of a disaster to stop this team from repeating.
Schweinfurth: I agree with Draper and Seeberg. This team should make the National Championship game.
Seeberg: I have to agree with Draper here. The new format makes it one really really tough game harder to win a national title. Last year, were it BCS style, Oregon would've played Alabama and OSU wouldn't have even had a shot. OSU has got to make the playoffs and win their semifinal, but to simply anoint this team champs again with this 4-team playoff is premature, particularly with a defensive line and secondary lacking some depth.
3. Compared to other Ohio State teams of the past, this team is __________.
Draper: in the team photo of best teams (top 5). Need more data to place them at the top. The talent is all there, but I need to see real results. Last year was fantastic, but USC was an all-time great team....on paper when Barkley returned for his senior year....and crapped the bed. There is no reason this won't be another studly team, but games aren't won on paper. Finish and go down as one of the (if not THE) all-time greats.
Hoying: better. "Nine units strong" from last year should be "nine units stronger" this year, with the possible exception of WR. The losses of Devin Smith and Evan Spencer (and Noah Brown) are huge, but hopefully the addition of Braxton to the arsenal and the dual threat of Dontre Wilson and Jalin Marshall should lessen the impact of the losses (if they stay healthy - don't hold your breath). I discussed above that we can expect the best QB season in OSU history this year. RB should be no problem, since not even Eddie or Archie could match Zeke's 3 consecutive 200+ yd games. The lines are practically identical to last season's Tide-manhandling groups, and the secondary should surpass last year's already much-improved squad. Is this team flawless on paper? No. 2005 and 2009 had better defense. 1995, 1998, and 2006 had more seasoned QBs (although not more talented). 2002 had a better kicker. But this team knocked off the #1 and #2 teams in the country with performances that would have been blowouts if not for mistakes. And mistakes are the mark of a young team that has a lot of room to grow.
Schweinfurth: If this team wins a second National Title, this is the best team in Ohio State history.
Seeberg: Hmmm. IF we assume a second national title run, it has to be in the top three. The offensive is terrifyingly stacked, littered with potential first-round draftees (Zeke, Jones, Barrett, Thomas, Decker, etc. etc.). The D has two phenomenal playmakers in Bosa and Lee but is lacking some depth. The Buckeye benchmark will always be 1968, the infamous "because I couldn't go for three" squad that dismantled scUM 50-14 before beating USC in the Rose Bowl. The 1998 squad was so hysterically talented even Cooper couldn't lose to that team up north with them. 2006 was also an incredible team before the defense suddenly decided to stop blitzing and give up 80 points in their last two games. Hard to imagine this D being comparable to any of the three aforementioned squads, but a repeat would stand on its own in Buckeye lore.
4. The player to watch in 2015 is __________.
Draper: Michael Thomas. Unlike my co-writers, I'm not going to cop out. We know the big names: Zeke, Barrett, Jones, Bosa, Braxton, etc. Who will step up? Michael Thomas had a sneaky good year last year, but this is his year to take control of the WR corps and become a force to be reckoned with. Losses of Smith and Spencer leave a void that I fully believe Thomas will fill. He had some eye-popping plays last year, but was mostly an unknown due to the star power. This year, he takes the step to the big boy table. Don't close your eyes. Keyshawn's nephew is ready to star.
Hoying: Braxton Miller. The biggest question mark on this team is at wide receiver after the losses of Devin Smith, Evan Spencer, and Noah Brown. 2-time B1G player of the year Braxton Miller may be the answer. We've seen Braxton make seemingly impossible plays from the pocket. What can he add to Urban's spread offense when given the length of the field to work with?
Schweinfurth: Ezekiel Elliott. An Ohio State running back wins the Heisman every 20 years. It's been 20 years since Eddie George. He will easily break Eddie's 1927 yard mark if he runs the way he did the last 3 games.
Seeberg: It's Joey Bosa. Yes I'm not exactly going off the radar here, but with good reason. Aside from Bosa and Adolphus Washington, the D-line is very inexperienced. Teams will double up on Bosa and perhaps Washington as well, so Bosa has to stay healthy, not suspended, and still make his share of plays despite lots of attention. Otherwise the linebackers and secondary will be forced to make far too many tackles and cover for far too long for the defense to be effective.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
The Three-Body Problem: Ohio State's QB Dilemma
At this point in 2014, Buckeye Nation was frustrated after another tough loss, during which Braxton came up just short for the second straight game. But with Kenny Guiton graduating, it seemed like Ohio State's QB situation was clear: Braxton would make another run at the Heisman and the inaugural College Football Playoff his senior year, and then the job would go to the untested Cardale "They Don't Even Let Me Throw in Garbage Time" Jones.
Fast forward to now, where presumptive 3rd string QB Cardale "I Ain't Come to Play in College Stadiums" Jones, fresh off a national championship, announces that he's come to play school for at least one more year. The guy he replaced, JT Barrett, finished 5th in the Heisman voting after starting for the majority of his freshman year. And the smoke signals coming from Braxton's camp seem to point to his return as well. With such an embarrassment of riches at QB, to whom should Urban turn on Labor Day in Blacksburg?
Question 1: Who Starts for the Buckeyes in 2015, and Who's #2?
Draper: I'm going to focus on who I would start. Trying to predict Urban is incredibly hard because of his deep love for Braxton. In my mind, the edge goes to JT Barrett. I'm an unabashed fan of the skill set of JT who I think is the best quarterback on the roster. But herein lies the problem: Does the choice go to:
a) The best QB/passer? JT
b) The best athlete? Braxton
c) The best NFL body with (arguably) the highest ceiling? Cardale
Some say this is a great problem to have, and I'd prefer this to having no QBs, but it is called a problem for a reason. I lean to JT in the front if he's healthy with Cardale nipping at his heels. I don't think Braxton has the arm ability to succeed at the next level. He has more explosive play ability but the best QBs in any league must be competent in the pocket. Cardale shined against some tough defenses, but let's be honest with ourselves, Zeke was the key. Don't take everything away from Mr. Jones, but the 12-gauge chucked it deep and it worked. I saw a few nice throws that were far better than anything I'd seen in the short history of Cardale Jones, but not enough to hand the keys to the car. Cardale finished the run, but there is NO WAY we are there without JT. Give me the best passer with the best football mind. Give me JT Barrett.
Hoying: Urban loves Braxton. Let's not forget that in Evanston in 2013, after Kenny G had proved in September that he could be the man to lead Ohio State, and Braxton had already turned it over 3 times to Northwestern, Urban stuck with his guy to pull out the win. Braxton, not Hyde, got the ball on 4th-and-1 against Michigan State. And Braxton, even though obviously hurt, was the man Urban trusted to produce some endgame magic during the Orange Bowl collapse. This season, even after JT produced record-breaking numbers against Cincinnati, Urban reiterated that Braxton would be the man in 2015. How does Urban sit a 2-year Heisman contender and 2-time B1G Offensive POY?
Then Barrett set the single-season touchdown record, surpassing some guy named TROY SMITH who had a pretty good career at OSU. He was the All-B1G QB and finished 5th in the Heisman voting despite missing the last game and a half of the season due to injury. How does Urban sit the guy who willed this team to road wins against Penn State and Michigan State and shredded the record books along the way?
Cardale's record speaks for itself. 3 games against 3 of the top defenses in the country, 3 huge wins. Zero INTs that were his fault (though the fumbles against Oregon were horrendous). How does Urban sit the champ?
From where I'm sitting, I can't see a reason for Urban to stick with Braxton anymore. JT throws a prettier ball and keeps his eyes downfield while buying time in or out of the pocket. As for the ground game, it seemed like every single down this year, we had to listen to announcers say "JT isn't the running threat that Braxton Miller is, but he can still make some things happen." Poppycock. In 2012, Braxton rushed for 1271 yards, 5.6 YPC, and 13 TDs. This year, JT rushed for 938 yards, 5.5 YPC, and 11 TDs. JT can run as much as Braxton does, and while he doesn't quite have Braxton's escapability, he has the vision to avoid big hits and can actually absorb a couple without shattering (unless a lineman sits on his ankle). Furthermore, the guy DOES NOT misread the zone read. He runs Braxton's offense better than Braxton does, and he did it as a freshman. Anyone remember Braxton as a freshman?
That just leaves Cardale. JT was stunning this season, but he didn't face Wisconsin, Alabama, and Oregon. JT's first 3 starts were an uneven struggle against an OK Navy defense, a disaster against Virginia Tech (behind an awful O-line), and...pick your score against Kent State. Cardale's resume was impressive, but can we really say any of those victories was because of Cardale's efforts? His TD passes set the tone against Wisconsin, but the defense pitched a shutout, the receivers bailed him out on a couple of throws, and Zeke was crushing their spirits by the end. The Sugar Bowl was his shining moment, with 12 Gauge picking up 3rd and long after 3rd and long and rolling the Tide's LBs beneath his gargantuan frame. And the National Championship clearly belonged to Zeke and the Silver Bullets, though Cardale didn't stand in their way. Who was more impressive: JT against Michigan State or Cardale against Alabama? Hard to say.
I think the tiebreaker lies in Urban's system. Urban loves the zone read, and as previously mentioned, JT runs it perfectly. Cardale is an NFL-type QB, and he'll be playing on Sunday's, but Urban's not going to completely remake his offense around one of his QB options, just to switch it back after Cardale leaves next year. Depending on how fast the offense learns and how quickly the new starters jell together in the offseason, we may see a two QB system next year, just to give opposing defenses even more fits. BUT, during their first drive down the field, the men of the scarlet and gray will be led by...
1. JT Barrett, backed up by
2. Cardale Jones.
3. Braxton Miller...will be gone
Seeberg: First off, I would like to think that this will be a non-issue. I believe newly minted offensive coordinator Ed Warinner and his co-coordinator Tim Beck should spend months devising a passing version of the triple option in which all three are in the backfield simultaneously. It would be literally indefensible. Short of that? As absurd as this statement would have been just two months ago, 12-Gauge may have the inside track at the moment. He is still the least proven of the three and his numbers are actually not as good in terms of QBR as either Braxton or J.T. That said, he went up against three top 15 teams (which accounts for his lower QBR rating) and still beat them all. Further, Miller and J.T. will both still be rehabbing during spring ball which means Cardale gets another month of first-team reps to continue to get acclimated and improve.
Assuming all three are in the scarlet and gray, healthy for summer ball and it is a truly "open" competition, I have to give the edge to Cardale. My gut, however, tells me that Urban has a soft spot for Braxton and the job will still be his come opening day if he is healthy and performs well enough during the summer. In either case, I believe the opposite guy will be #2 (Braxton under Cardale or vice versa). J.T. Barrett and his B1G record for TDs responsible for in a season? Third-stringer. I know it's cliche, but it really is a pretty nice problem to have.
Question 2: What Should Braxton Miller Do?
Draper: I didn't mention my thoughts above, but the second Cardale said he was returning to play school, I tweeted #byeBraxton. There's only one reason to stay and that is that his style of football matches Urban's philosophy to a T. Even though OSU is the best fit for Braxton, I don't think the best fit for OSU is Braxton. If he transfers, he can take over the reins of another program in which he can flourish rather than being mired in a QB battle. He has served the university well and should be lauded for what he has done, but JT and Cardale seem to have a better future in college and the pros in my opinion. The injury issue with Braxton cannot be overlooked with the glut of talent. You need to have faith that your guy can stand in and take a hit. I don't think he can do that. Earlier in the season, there was chatter about him taking over the RB duties...but no way that's happening with Zeke exploding on the scene. I wish him well, but I think he'd be best served taking his talents elsewhere. FSU is a possibility, but I don't know if he fits Jimbo's pro style system. It would be good for him to refine his skills in an attempt to make the NFL but would the Noles want him? Oregon is a nice fit, but little room to grow. To step into a ready made position, Houston seems like a perfect fit with Tom Herman, but clearly, the chance for a title is essentially zero. I'm guessing he goes to Eugene or Tallahassee...who knows? Maybe we'll meet again.
Hoying: As I said above, I don't see a compelling reason for Urban to start Braxton over JT Barrett. One could make a case for him at #2 ahead of Cardale, but should a QB of Braxton's caliber be content to ride the pine his senior season? No. Braxton's still not NFL ready (and he missed the deadline), so he needs to transfer. He won't find a program that's a better fit than Urban's spread, but he may be able to develop some new skills that can impress NFL scouts and maybe even chase a title along the way. Oregon would be a good option if he doesn't want to be touched by opposing defenses. Baylor might be a good choice if he really wants to develop his passing game (though I don't think it's really his style). Anyone who saw Sean Maguire stumble his way to a victory against Clemson knows that FSU would love a good QB to replace Jameis Winston, and playing under the coaches who trained the overall #1 draft pick is very tempting. But FSU doesn't really run their QBs either. Perhaps Auburn could use a replacement for Nick Marshall. Perhaps (vomit) Nebraska needs a better version of Tommy Armstrong to start Mike Riley's tenure with a bang. Wisconsin (projectile vomit) is sitting on zero QBs, as always. The possibilities are endless for Braxton if he leaves, very limited if he returns to Columbus.
Seeberg: The rumors swirling around Braxton Miller's final campaign started well before this season was in the books and they are likely to intensify in the coming weeks. More often than not, however, the signs have pointed to him returning to Columbus. Why, you may ask? It can be pretty successfully argued that both J.T. and Cardale are better passers than Braxton. All three have capable arms, but J.T. seems to be a bit more accurate on short-to-intermediate throws while Cardale and his I-can-throw-it-through-the-uprights-from-midfield-while-kneeling arm has phenomenal touch on the deep passes, a skill Braxton has yet to master as he often overshoots them. Despite these observations, Braxton is the incumbent, and, I believe, the favorite of the head man, Saint Urban of Ashtabula. If he is to return to the 614, it is not without reason as he would be virtually guaranteed the starting job at FSU or Oregon a la Russell Wilson being borrowed by Wiscy for one season. Publicly, an open competition has been spoken of, but something tells me Braxton has the inside track, and if that's the case, he should return to the 'Shoe.
Fast forward to now, where presumptive 3rd string QB Cardale "I Ain't Come to Play in College Stadiums" Jones, fresh off a national championship, announces that he's come to play school for at least one more year. The guy he replaced, JT Barrett, finished 5th in the Heisman voting after starting for the majority of his freshman year. And the smoke signals coming from Braxton's camp seem to point to his return as well. With such an embarrassment of riches at QB, to whom should Urban turn on Labor Day in Blacksburg?
Question 1: Who Starts for the Buckeyes in 2015, and Who's #2?
Draper: I'm going to focus on who I would start. Trying to predict Urban is incredibly hard because of his deep love for Braxton. In my mind, the edge goes to JT Barrett. I'm an unabashed fan of the skill set of JT who I think is the best quarterback on the roster. But herein lies the problem: Does the choice go to:
a) The best QB/passer? JT
b) The best athlete? Braxton
c) The best NFL body with (arguably) the highest ceiling? Cardale
Some say this is a great problem to have, and I'd prefer this to having no QBs, but it is called a problem for a reason. I lean to JT in the front if he's healthy with Cardale nipping at his heels. I don't think Braxton has the arm ability to succeed at the next level. He has more explosive play ability but the best QBs in any league must be competent in the pocket. Cardale shined against some tough defenses, but let's be honest with ourselves, Zeke was the key. Don't take everything away from Mr. Jones, but the 12-gauge chucked it deep and it worked. I saw a few nice throws that were far better than anything I'd seen in the short history of Cardale Jones, but not enough to hand the keys to the car. Cardale finished the run, but there is NO WAY we are there without JT. Give me the best passer with the best football mind. Give me JT Barrett.
Hoying: Urban loves Braxton. Let's not forget that in Evanston in 2013, after Kenny G had proved in September that he could be the man to lead Ohio State, and Braxton had already turned it over 3 times to Northwestern, Urban stuck with his guy to pull out the win. Braxton, not Hyde, got the ball on 4th-and-1 against Michigan State. And Braxton, even though obviously hurt, was the man Urban trusted to produce some endgame magic during the Orange Bowl collapse. This season, even after JT produced record-breaking numbers against Cincinnati, Urban reiterated that Braxton would be the man in 2015. How does Urban sit a 2-year Heisman contender and 2-time B1G Offensive POY?
Then Barrett set the single-season touchdown record, surpassing some guy named TROY SMITH who had a pretty good career at OSU. He was the All-B1G QB and finished 5th in the Heisman voting despite missing the last game and a half of the season due to injury. How does Urban sit the guy who willed this team to road wins against Penn State and Michigan State and shredded the record books along the way?
Cardale's record speaks for itself. 3 games against 3 of the top defenses in the country, 3 huge wins. Zero INTs that were his fault (though the fumbles against Oregon were horrendous). How does Urban sit the champ?
From where I'm sitting, I can't see a reason for Urban to stick with Braxton anymore. JT throws a prettier ball and keeps his eyes downfield while buying time in or out of the pocket. As for the ground game, it seemed like every single down this year, we had to listen to announcers say "JT isn't the running threat that Braxton Miller is, but he can still make some things happen." Poppycock. In 2012, Braxton rushed for 1271 yards, 5.6 YPC, and 13 TDs. This year, JT rushed for 938 yards, 5.5 YPC, and 11 TDs. JT can run as much as Braxton does, and while he doesn't quite have Braxton's escapability, he has the vision to avoid big hits and can actually absorb a couple without shattering (unless a lineman sits on his ankle). Furthermore, the guy DOES NOT misread the zone read. He runs Braxton's offense better than Braxton does, and he did it as a freshman. Anyone remember Braxton as a freshman?
That just leaves Cardale. JT was stunning this season, but he didn't face Wisconsin, Alabama, and Oregon. JT's first 3 starts were an uneven struggle against an OK Navy defense, a disaster against Virginia Tech (behind an awful O-line), and...pick your score against Kent State. Cardale's resume was impressive, but can we really say any of those victories was because of Cardale's efforts? His TD passes set the tone against Wisconsin, but the defense pitched a shutout, the receivers bailed him out on a couple of throws, and Zeke was crushing their spirits by the end. The Sugar Bowl was his shining moment, with 12 Gauge picking up 3rd and long after 3rd and long and rolling the Tide's LBs beneath his gargantuan frame. And the National Championship clearly belonged to Zeke and the Silver Bullets, though Cardale didn't stand in their way. Who was more impressive: JT against Michigan State or Cardale against Alabama? Hard to say.
I think the tiebreaker lies in Urban's system. Urban loves the zone read, and as previously mentioned, JT runs it perfectly. Cardale is an NFL-type QB, and he'll be playing on Sunday's, but Urban's not going to completely remake his offense around one of his QB options, just to switch it back after Cardale leaves next year. Depending on how fast the offense learns and how quickly the new starters jell together in the offseason, we may see a two QB system next year, just to give opposing defenses even more fits. BUT, during their first drive down the field, the men of the scarlet and gray will be led by...
1. JT Barrett, backed up by
2. Cardale Jones.
3. Braxton Miller...will be gone
Seeberg: First off, I would like to think that this will be a non-issue. I believe newly minted offensive coordinator Ed Warinner and his co-coordinator Tim Beck should spend months devising a passing version of the triple option in which all three are in the backfield simultaneously. It would be literally indefensible. Short of that? As absurd as this statement would have been just two months ago, 12-Gauge may have the inside track at the moment. He is still the least proven of the three and his numbers are actually not as good in terms of QBR as either Braxton or J.T. That said, he went up against three top 15 teams (which accounts for his lower QBR rating) and still beat them all. Further, Miller and J.T. will both still be rehabbing during spring ball which means Cardale gets another month of first-team reps to continue to get acclimated and improve.
Assuming all three are in the scarlet and gray, healthy for summer ball and it is a truly "open" competition, I have to give the edge to Cardale. My gut, however, tells me that Urban has a soft spot for Braxton and the job will still be his come opening day if he is healthy and performs well enough during the summer. In either case, I believe the opposite guy will be #2 (Braxton under Cardale or vice versa). J.T. Barrett and his B1G record for TDs responsible for in a season? Third-stringer. I know it's cliche, but it really is a pretty nice problem to have.
Question 2: What Should Braxton Miller Do?
Draper: I didn't mention my thoughts above, but the second Cardale said he was returning to play school, I tweeted #byeBraxton. There's only one reason to stay and that is that his style of football matches Urban's philosophy to a T. Even though OSU is the best fit for Braxton, I don't think the best fit for OSU is Braxton. If he transfers, he can take over the reins of another program in which he can flourish rather than being mired in a QB battle. He has served the university well and should be lauded for what he has done, but JT and Cardale seem to have a better future in college and the pros in my opinion. The injury issue with Braxton cannot be overlooked with the glut of talent. You need to have faith that your guy can stand in and take a hit. I don't think he can do that. Earlier in the season, there was chatter about him taking over the RB duties...but no way that's happening with Zeke exploding on the scene. I wish him well, but I think he'd be best served taking his talents elsewhere. FSU is a possibility, but I don't know if he fits Jimbo's pro style system. It would be good for him to refine his skills in an attempt to make the NFL but would the Noles want him? Oregon is a nice fit, but little room to grow. To step into a ready made position, Houston seems like a perfect fit with Tom Herman, but clearly, the chance for a title is essentially zero. I'm guessing he goes to Eugene or Tallahassee...who knows? Maybe we'll meet again.
Hoying: As I said above, I don't see a compelling reason for Urban to start Braxton over JT Barrett. One could make a case for him at #2 ahead of Cardale, but should a QB of Braxton's caliber be content to ride the pine his senior season? No. Braxton's still not NFL ready (and he missed the deadline), so he needs to transfer. He won't find a program that's a better fit than Urban's spread, but he may be able to develop some new skills that can impress NFL scouts and maybe even chase a title along the way. Oregon would be a good option if he doesn't want to be touched by opposing defenses. Baylor might be a good choice if he really wants to develop his passing game (though I don't think it's really his style). Anyone who saw Sean Maguire stumble his way to a victory against Clemson knows that FSU would love a good QB to replace Jameis Winston, and playing under the coaches who trained the overall #1 draft pick is very tempting. But FSU doesn't really run their QBs either. Perhaps Auburn could use a replacement for Nick Marshall. Perhaps (vomit) Nebraska needs a better version of Tommy Armstrong to start Mike Riley's tenure with a bang. Wisconsin (projectile vomit) is sitting on zero QBs, as always. The possibilities are endless for Braxton if he leaves, very limited if he returns to Columbus.
Seeberg: The rumors swirling around Braxton Miller's final campaign started well before this season was in the books and they are likely to intensify in the coming weeks. More often than not, however, the signs have pointed to him returning to Columbus. Why, you may ask? It can be pretty successfully argued that both J.T. and Cardale are better passers than Braxton. All three have capable arms, but J.T. seems to be a bit more accurate on short-to-intermediate throws while Cardale and his I-can-throw-it-through-the-uprights-from-midfield-while-kneeling arm has phenomenal touch on the deep passes, a skill Braxton has yet to master as he often overshoots them. Despite these observations, Braxton is the incumbent, and, I believe, the favorite of the head man, Saint Urban of Ashtabula. If he is to return to the 614, it is not without reason as he would be virtually guaranteed the starting job at FSU or Oregon a la Russell Wilson being borrowed by Wiscy for one season. Publicly, an open competition has been spoken of, but something tells me Braxton has the inside track, and if that's the case, he should return to the 'Shoe.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Preseason Predictions
Conference Champions
ACC (Atlantic, Coastal, Champ)
Draper: A: FSU, C: VaTech, Champ: FSU
Hoying: A: FSU, C: VaTech, Champ: FSU
Schweinfurth: A: FSU, C: VaTech, Champ: FSU
Seeberg: A: FSU, C: Miami, Champ: FSU
B1G (East, West, Champ)
Draper: E: OSU, W: Nebraska, Champ: OSU (Homer pick but I'm going for gel before East Lansing)
Hoying: E: MSU, W: Iowa, Champ: MSU
Schweinfurth: E: OSU, W: Nebraska, Champ: OSU (Same as Draper, but you can't overlook the Spartans losses on D)
Seeberg: E: MSU, W: Wisconsin, Champ: MSU
Big 12
Draper: Oklahoma
Hoying: Baylor
Schweinfurth: Oklahoma
Seeberg: Oklahoma (for lack of a better option)
Pac 12 (North, South, Champ)
Draper: N: Oregon, S: UCLA, Champ: UCLA
Hoying: N: Oregon, S: UCLA, Champ: UCLA
Schweinfurth: N: Oregon, S: UCLA, Champ: Oregon
Seeberg: N: Stanford (hopeful- I hate Oregon) S: UCLA, Champ: UCLA
SEC (East, West, Champ)
Draper: E: UGA, W: Bama, Champ: Bama
Hoying: E: UGA, W: LSU, Champ: UGA
Schweinfurth: E: UGA, W: Bama, Champ: UGA
Seeberg: E: UGA, W: Bama, Champ: Bama
Playoffs (champ in bold)
Draper: FSU, Bama, OSU, UCLA
Hoying: FSU, UGA, MSU, Baylor
Schweinfurth: FSU, UGA, OSU, Oregon
Seeberg: UCLA, FSU, MSU, Bama
Heisman Ballot
Draper
1) Jameis Winston
2) Brett Hundley
3) Todd Gurley
Dark Horse: JT Barrett (redshirt freshman #3?)
Hoying
1) Jameis Winston
2) Bryce Petty
3) Marcus Mariota
Dark Horse: Devin Gardner
Schweinfurth
1) Todd Durley
2) Jameis Winston
3) Trevor Knight
Dark Horse: Keenan Williams
Seeberg
1) Todd Gurley
2) Brett Hundley
3) Jameis Winston
Dark Horse: Nick Marshall
ACC (Atlantic, Coastal, Champ)
Draper: A: FSU, C: VaTech, Champ: FSU
Hoying: A: FSU, C: VaTech, Champ: FSU
Schweinfurth: A: FSU, C: VaTech, Champ: FSU
Seeberg: A: FSU, C: Miami, Champ: FSU
B1G (East, West, Champ)
Draper: E: OSU, W: Nebraska, Champ: OSU (Homer pick but I'm going for gel before East Lansing)
Hoying: E: MSU, W: Iowa, Champ: MSU
Schweinfurth: E: OSU, W: Nebraska, Champ: OSU (Same as Draper, but you can't overlook the Spartans losses on D)
Seeberg: E: MSU, W: Wisconsin, Champ: MSU
Big 12
Draper: Oklahoma
Hoying: Baylor
Schweinfurth: Oklahoma
Seeberg: Oklahoma (for lack of a better option)
Pac 12 (North, South, Champ)
Draper: N: Oregon, S: UCLA, Champ: UCLA
Hoying: N: Oregon, S: UCLA, Champ: UCLA
Schweinfurth: N: Oregon, S: UCLA, Champ: Oregon
Seeberg: N: Stanford (hopeful- I hate Oregon) S: UCLA, Champ: UCLA
SEC (East, West, Champ)
Draper: E: UGA, W: Bama, Champ: Bama
Hoying: E: UGA, W: LSU, Champ: UGA
Schweinfurth: E: UGA, W: Bama, Champ: UGA
Seeberg: E: UGA, W: Bama, Champ: Bama
Playoffs (champ in bold)
Draper: FSU, Bama, OSU, UCLA
Hoying: FSU, UGA, MSU, Baylor
Schweinfurth: FSU, UGA, OSU, Oregon
Seeberg: UCLA, FSU, MSU, Bama
Heisman Ballot
Draper
1) Jameis Winston
2) Brett Hundley
3) Todd Gurley
Dark Horse: JT Barrett (redshirt freshman #3?)
Hoying
1) Jameis Winston
2) Bryce Petty
3) Marcus Mariota
Dark Horse: Devin Gardner
Schweinfurth
1) Todd Durley
2) Jameis Winston
3) Trevor Knight
Dark Horse: Keenan Williams
Seeberg
1) Todd Gurley
2) Brett Hundley
3) Jameis Winston
Dark Horse: Nick Marshall
Friday, August 29, 2014
Buckeyes: Better Off With Braxton Hurt?
Entering a new season, a team's expectations are built mostly on last year's performance and the quality of the returning players. For example, following an undefeated 2012 campaign, expectations for Ohio State in 2013 were national championship or bust. While the 2012 Buckeyes weren't exactly dominant, the team returned the entire offense minus one offensive lineman and a wide receiver. While the defense suffered heavy losses to the line and the linebackers, the depth of the line and the return of star LB Ryan Shazier seemed to be enough to keep the ship steady. However, despite this wealth of talent and experience, the defense fizzled down the stretch and the season ended in supremely disappointing fashion.
The end of the 2013 season saw the departure of
Our star senior running back, Carlos Hyde
4 of 5 OL starters
Our ultra-dependable backup QB, Kenny Guiton
Reliable WR Philly Brown
The only excellent linebacker in a crew of scrubs, Ryan Shazier
3 of 4 DB starters
Our 4-year starting kicker, Drew Basil
All that remained was the excellent defensive line, a mediocre squad of receivers, and our record-setting QB Braxton Miller, who the coaches repeatedly described as a vastly improved passer. Championship expectations remained high, especially given the transition from a two-team to four-team championship playoff, but the optimism was a bit more cautious.
You know what happened next. Bye bye, Braxton; hello, J. T. Barrett. The 2014 championship hopes now appear all but dashed, unless Barrett turns out to be the next Jameis Winston (not even freshman Johnny Heisman could lead A&M to even a conference title, let alone a shot at the crystal football). However, given the question marks surrounding this year's men of the Scarlet and Gray, might the Buckeyes be better off in the long run with Braxton's senior campaign being deferred to 2015?
Let's have a look at the depth chart for this year. With so many new faces, it's tough to know who'll pan out and who'll flame out, but let's assume Urban knows what he's doing: the starters are the best players available and they'll continue to improve.
OFFENSIVE DEPTH CHART:
Offensive Line
The line returns only one starter from 2013, junior LT Taylor Decker. This crew will need some time to jell and may take a step back from last year's excellent squad. Looking forward, the offensive line has only one definite senior starter, RT Darryl Baldwin. Additionally, seniors might start at C and LG. But the two-deep for the line includes only these three seniors, which means the line is likely to largely remain intact next year, and will probably improve.
Wide Receivers
Here's where the turnover will hit hardest. All our starting receivers, including TE Jeff Heuerman, are seniors. It's not a stellar group (the Buckeyes haven't had a great receiver since Sanzenbacher), but the 2015 team will have to make sure their receivers are ready to be on the same page with Braxton.
Running Backs
Ezekiel Elliott and Dontre Wilson are plenty young, and another year of experience will make them all the more dangerous in 2015. We'll lose Rod Smith, but if he was going to make some noise, he'd have done so already.
Quarterback
Remember how nice it was to have a backup on whom we could rely to preserve any victory if Braxton went down? As this offseason showed, we'll need a competent backup to carry us forward whenever Braxton's senior campaign begins. I'd feel much better if that backup, either Barrett or Jones, had a year of experience under his belt, and this season is a perfect opportunity.
DEFENSIVE DEPTH CHART:
Defensive Line
Good news: other than the loss of Joel Hale (to the offensive line?!?) this outstanding crew is still intact. Better news: barring any early exits, the 2015 starting D line will lose only Michael Bennett (technically, senior Steve Miller is starting at Viper, but junior Noah Spence should be back to take his place soon). Don't expect any steps backward from this squad in the near future.
Linebackers
Ryan Shazier is gone, which is essentially equivalent to a full flush of the position. No one else in last year's corps was any good, but they'll have a chance to prove themselves anew under new co-DC Chris Ash. Fortunately, only one LB in the two-deep, captain Curtis Grant, will be gone next year, so expect this group to improve.
Defensive Backs
These guys sucked pretty bad last year, but their backups were even worse, and three of last year's starters (Bradley Roby, C. J. Barnett, Christian Bryant) are now gone. The good news is that 2015 will bring the departure of only Doran Grant, so these guys have another two years to channel their inner Silver Bullets.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Replacing a four-year kicker isn't easy, but Ohio State thinks they have an answer in freshman Sean Neurnberger. Again, he's a freshman, so look for him to improve over time. Also, last year's most undervalued Buckeye, P Cameron Johnston, is plenty young, so expect him to be an all-star by the time 2015 rolls around. Meanwhile, young speedsters Dontre Wilson and Jalin Marshall will be terrorizing oppenents' kicking and punting games for the foreseeable future.
BOTTOM LINE
The depth chart is notably light on senior leadership, even more so following the loss of Braxton. While it's tough to accept anything less than undefeated championship seasons at OSU, the thought of Braxton using another year to improve and get healthy and retaking the reins of an adversity-toughened 2015 squad sends chills down my spine. With Braxton's return, the 2015 Buckeyes could be the most talented and complete squad since 2006, or possibly of all time, if we can discover greatness among our stable of running backs and turn a corner in the secondary.
So grit your teeth, Buckeye Nation, and prepare for what should be an exciting 2014. Don't cry for Braxton or the Buckeyes. If Barrett turns out to be terrific, this team could still end up in Pasadena. If he experiences some growing pains, remember that the best is yet to come for Urban and the Bucks.
The end of the 2013 season saw the departure of
Our star senior running back, Carlos Hyde
4 of 5 OL starters
Our ultra-dependable backup QB, Kenny Guiton
Reliable WR Philly Brown
The only excellent linebacker in a crew of scrubs, Ryan Shazier
3 of 4 DB starters
Our 4-year starting kicker, Drew Basil
All that remained was the excellent defensive line, a mediocre squad of receivers, and our record-setting QB Braxton Miller, who the coaches repeatedly described as a vastly improved passer. Championship expectations remained high, especially given the transition from a two-team to four-team championship playoff, but the optimism was a bit more cautious.
You know what happened next. Bye bye, Braxton; hello, J. T. Barrett. The 2014 championship hopes now appear all but dashed, unless Barrett turns out to be the next Jameis Winston (not even freshman Johnny Heisman could lead A&M to even a conference title, let alone a shot at the crystal football). However, given the question marks surrounding this year's men of the Scarlet and Gray, might the Buckeyes be better off in the long run with Braxton's senior campaign being deferred to 2015?
Let's have a look at the depth chart for this year. With so many new faces, it's tough to know who'll pan out and who'll flame out, but let's assume Urban knows what he's doing: the starters are the best players available and they'll continue to improve.
OFFENSIVE DEPTH CHART:
Offensive Line
The line returns only one starter from 2013, junior LT Taylor Decker. This crew will need some time to jell and may take a step back from last year's excellent squad. Looking forward, the offensive line has only one definite senior starter, RT Darryl Baldwin. Additionally, seniors might start at C and LG. But the two-deep for the line includes only these three seniors, which means the line is likely to largely remain intact next year, and will probably improve.
Wide Receivers
Here's where the turnover will hit hardest. All our starting receivers, including TE Jeff Heuerman, are seniors. It's not a stellar group (the Buckeyes haven't had a great receiver since Sanzenbacher), but the 2015 team will have to make sure their receivers are ready to be on the same page with Braxton.
Running Backs
Ezekiel Elliott and Dontre Wilson are plenty young, and another year of experience will make them all the more dangerous in 2015. We'll lose Rod Smith, but if he was going to make some noise, he'd have done so already.
Quarterback
Remember how nice it was to have a backup on whom we could rely to preserve any victory if Braxton went down? As this offseason showed, we'll need a competent backup to carry us forward whenever Braxton's senior campaign begins. I'd feel much better if that backup, either Barrett or Jones, had a year of experience under his belt, and this season is a perfect opportunity.
DEFENSIVE DEPTH CHART:
Defensive Line
Good news: other than the loss of Joel Hale (to the offensive line?!?) this outstanding crew is still intact. Better news: barring any early exits, the 2015 starting D line will lose only Michael Bennett (technically, senior Steve Miller is starting at Viper, but junior Noah Spence should be back to take his place soon). Don't expect any steps backward from this squad in the near future.
Linebackers
Ryan Shazier is gone, which is essentially equivalent to a full flush of the position. No one else in last year's corps was any good, but they'll have a chance to prove themselves anew under new co-DC Chris Ash. Fortunately, only one LB in the two-deep, captain Curtis Grant, will be gone next year, so expect this group to improve.
Defensive Backs
These guys sucked pretty bad last year, but their backups were even worse, and three of last year's starters (Bradley Roby, C. J. Barnett, Christian Bryant) are now gone. The good news is that 2015 will bring the departure of only Doran Grant, so these guys have another two years to channel their inner Silver Bullets.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Replacing a four-year kicker isn't easy, but Ohio State thinks they have an answer in freshman Sean Neurnberger. Again, he's a freshman, so look for him to improve over time. Also, last year's most undervalued Buckeye, P Cameron Johnston, is plenty young, so expect him to be an all-star by the time 2015 rolls around. Meanwhile, young speedsters Dontre Wilson and Jalin Marshall will be terrorizing oppenents' kicking and punting games for the foreseeable future.
BOTTOM LINE
The depth chart is notably light on senior leadership, even more so following the loss of Braxton. While it's tough to accept anything less than undefeated championship seasons at OSU, the thought of Braxton using another year to improve and get healthy and retaking the reins of an adversity-toughened 2015 squad sends chills down my spine. With Braxton's return, the 2015 Buckeyes could be the most talented and complete squad since 2006, or possibly of all time, if we can discover greatness among our stable of running backs and turn a corner in the secondary.
So grit your teeth, Buckeye Nation, and prepare for what should be an exciting 2014. Don't cry for Braxton or the Buckeyes. If Barrett turns out to be terrific, this team could still end up in Pasadena. If he experiences some growing pains, remember that the best is yet to come for Urban and the Bucks.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
BCS Predictions and Heisman Finalists
The games are listed below with our predictions as to participants. The projected winners are in bold.
Draper
Draper
BCS National Championship Game: Alabama vs. Ohio State
Rose Bowl: Stanford vs. Michigan
Orange Bowl: Florida State vs. Oregon
Sugar Bowl: South
Carolina vs. Louisville
Fiesta Bowl: Texas vs. Clemson
Heisman Finalist in order (projected finish)
1) Braxton Miller (QB--OSU)
2) Jadaveon Clowney (DE--South Carolina)
3) Johnny Manziel (QB--TAMU)
(shoutout to Teddy Bridgewater--QB-UL--for getting an invite to NY)
Schweinfurth
BCS National Championship Game: Ohio State vs. Alabama
Rose Bowl: Stanford vs. Michigan
Orange Bowl: Florida State vs. Louisville
Sugar Bowl: LSU vs. Oregon
Fiesta Bowl: Clemson vs. Texas
Heisman Finalist in order (projected finish)
1) Braxton Miller (QB--OSU)
2) A.J. McCarron (QB--Bama)
3) Jadaveon Clowney (DE--South Carolina)
3) Jadaveon Clowney (DE--South Carolina)
Hoying
BCS National Championship Game: Alabama vs. Ohio State
Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Notre Dame
Orange Bowl: Clemson vs. Nebraska
Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Stanford
Fiesta Bowl: Texas vs. Louisville
Heisman Finalist in order (projected finish)
1) Braxton Miller (QB--OSU)
2) A.J. McCarron (QB-Bama)
3) Marcus Mariota (QB--Oregon)
3) Marcus Mariota (QB--Oregon)
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Draper Meaningless Preseason Predictions 2013
I have linked my preseason predictions for consumption. Please feel free to check them out (and have pity, they were written very quickly in a stream of consciousness so they are sure to be laden with grammatical errors). I feel less informed this year on the gridiron specifics than in past years, but there's some happy reading for my 'loyal followers'--aka friends and family. Also, realize the Johnny Manziel "suspension" was levied after I wrote it. Everything still applies (more or less).
Hope you all enjoy. Feel free to debate me on my rants and/or opinions any time. Remember, this is all in fun!
Draper Meaningless Preseason Predictions 2013
GO BUCKNOLES!
Hope you all enjoy. Feel free to debate me on my rants and/or opinions any time. Remember, this is all in fun!
Draper Meaningless Preseason Predictions 2013
GO BUCKNOLES!
Saturday, September 01, 2012
Draper Preseason Predictions 2012
Every year, I have a write up of the season before game 1. I had this finished this past Tuesday, but I'm posting it now for consumption/laughter after the season. I traditionally do fairly well (preseason rankings, Heisman rankings, conference standings, thoughts, etc.), but last year was a challenge. Remember, this is for fun. The analysis is there with some humor sprinkled in. If I offend anyone, perhaps you should remember this is a blog and for fun. Read. Enjoy. Go Bucks!
Draper Preseason Predictions 2012
(Side note: This Google thing is a test for me. Hope it works!)
Draper Preseason Predictions 2012
(Side note: This Google thing is a test for me. Hope it works!)
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Ridiculous BCS game matchup picks
Subject to the following rules:
BCS National Championship has #1 vs. #2
B1G and Pac 12 Champ play in the Rose Bowl
SEC Champ to Sugar Bowl
ACC Champ to Orange Bowl
Big 12 Champ to Fiesta
Big East Champ gets an autobid
Once the auto tie-ins are down, the pecking order for the remaining bowls is as such
1) If BCS #1 had a tie-in, that bowl selects its replacement from the at large pool (and Big East Champ)
2) If BCS #2 had a tie-in, that bowl will select its replacement from the at large pool (and Big East Champ)
3) The remaining slots are filled by the bowls choosing from the at-large teams (and Big East champ) in the following order: Fiesta, Sugar, Orange.
Draper:
Rose: Michigan State vs. Oregon
Fiesta: Oklahoma vs. Michigan
Sugar: Louisiana State vs. Texas
Orange: Florida State vs. Louisville
BCS National Title: USC vs. Alabama
Hoying:
Rose: Michigan vs. Oregon
Fiesta: Oklahoma vs. Boise State
Sugar: Louisiana State vs. Texas Christian
Orange: Florida State vs. Rutgers
BCS National Title: USC vs. Alabama
Fiesta: Oklahoma vs. Michigan
Sugar: Alabama vs. Notre Dame
Orange: Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech
BCS National Title: Florida St. vs. USC
BCS National Championship has #1 vs. #2
B1G and Pac 12 Champ play in the Rose Bowl
SEC Champ to Sugar Bowl
ACC Champ to Orange Bowl
Big 12 Champ to Fiesta
Big East Champ gets an autobid
Once the auto tie-ins are down, the pecking order for the remaining bowls is as such
1) If BCS #1 had a tie-in, that bowl selects its replacement from the at large pool (and Big East Champ)
2) If BCS #2 had a tie-in, that bowl will select its replacement from the at large pool (and Big East Champ)
3) The remaining slots are filled by the bowls choosing from the at-large teams (and Big East champ) in the following order: Fiesta, Sugar, Orange.
Draper:
Rose: Michigan State vs. Oregon
Fiesta: Oklahoma vs. Michigan
Sugar: Louisiana State vs. Texas
Orange: Florida State vs. Louisville
BCS National Title: USC vs. Alabama
Hoying:
Rose: Michigan vs. Oregon
Fiesta: Oklahoma vs. Boise State
Sugar: Louisiana State vs. Texas Christian
Orange: Florida State vs. Rutgers
BCS National Title: USC vs. Alabama
Schweinfurth:
Rose: Michigan St. vs. OregonFiesta: Oklahoma vs. Michigan
Sugar: Alabama vs. Notre Dame
Orange: Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech
BCS National Title: Florida St. vs. USC
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