Heisman Ballots
Draper
1) Collin Klein (QB--Kansas State)
2) Kenjon Barner (RB--Oregon)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--Ohio State)
I have dropped Manti Te'o after carefully examining his statistics. He has not particularly stood out from other LBs upon closer inspection. He's an exceptional player, but the hype is largely due to the Domer faithful and the 'best player on a contending team' argument.
Hoying
1) Collin Klein (QB--Kansas State)
2) Kenjon Barner (RB--Oregon)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--Ohio State)
Draper said it all before I could.
Schweinfurth
1) Collin Klein (QB--Kansas State)
2) Kenjon Barner (RB--Oregon)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--Ohio State)
Top 25 Rankings
Draper
1. Bama
2. Kansas State
3. Oregon
4. Notre Dame
5. Ohio State
6. Georgia
7. Florida State
8. LSU
9. Florida
10. Louisville
11. Oregon State
12. Clemson
13. South Carolina
14. Texas A&M
15. Oklahoma
16. Nebraska
17. Stanford
18. UCLA
19. LA Tech
20. Toledo
21. Texas
22. Northwestern
23. Kent State
24. Rutgers
25. Texas Tech
Hoying
1. Alabama
2. Kansas State
3. Notre Dame
4. Oregon
5. Ohio State
6. Florida
7. Georgia
8. Florida State
9. Louisville
10. Oregon State
11. LSU
12. South Carolina
13. Clemson
14. Texas A&M
15. Oklahoma
16. Stanford
17. UCLA
18. Nebraska
19. Louisiana Tech
20. Toledo
21. Kent State
22. Rutgers
23. Texas
24. Ohio
25. Northwestern
Schweinfurth
1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. Kansas State
4. Notre Dame
5. Ohio State
6. Georgia
7. Florida State
8. Florida
9. Clemson
10. Louisville
11. LSU
12. Oregon State
13. South Carolina
14. Oregon State
15. Texas A&M
16. Oklahoma
17. Stanford
18. UCLA
19. Nebraska
20. Texas
21. Rutgers
22. Northwestern
23. Louisiana Tech
24. Toledo
25. Mississippi State
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Monday, November 05, 2012
Grading the Bucks: Illinois
Short post this week. Summary: Illinois sucks and the Buckeyes did what they were supposed to.
Offense: A
Not much to nitpick here. Braxton is improving, Hyde has been a bulldozer, and we finally did what we should have to an inferior opponent. I'm loving the running game. Passing looked better, but the opponent sucks. Braxton gives plays that show you the amazing potential...and then the converse 'duh' moments. Not many 'duh' moments this weekend. Let's hope he keeps it up. The receivers really need to step up. Stoneburner has been a real disappointment this year. Outside of 1 deep TD vs. PSU, I haven't been impressed. Smith has shown moments of brilliance followed by killer drops. Passing game needs work, but 52 points in a rout makes me happy.
Defense: B+
The only reason I'm avoiding the A is the number of points surrendered. That being said, I really liked what I saw. Shazier is playing like a man possessed, Roby is shutting the opposition down, and Boren is stepping it up. Christian Bryant is regressing back into the 'blow em up' tackling and missing which is very concerning. Undisciplined play is a concern with the penalties, but most of those penalties were ridiculous. I love the attack mentality we're starting to see with the defense. Again, let's hope it continues against a real opponent.
Special Teams: C
The downgrade here is purely with respect to the kickoff coverage. Maybe it's brought to the forefront when we score more points because we kickoff more, but we're giving up good starting field position on kickoff returns. I'm starting to wonder why Basil doesn't bury the kickoffs in the endzone. The piranhas are starting to get out of their lanes and miss tackles. Kicking was nice, but I really get nervous on punt and kick coverage now.
Coaching: B
Eh...nothing special, but no problem. No beefs, but nothing to 'wow' me.
Overall: B+/A-
Nice to win in a rout (1st time since Nebraska or Miami). Room for improvement, but definite strides forward after the last month of questionable play.
Offense: A
Not much to nitpick here. Braxton is improving, Hyde has been a bulldozer, and we finally did what we should have to an inferior opponent. I'm loving the running game. Passing looked better, but the opponent sucks. Braxton gives plays that show you the amazing potential...and then the converse 'duh' moments. Not many 'duh' moments this weekend. Let's hope he keeps it up. The receivers really need to step up. Stoneburner has been a real disappointment this year. Outside of 1 deep TD vs. PSU, I haven't been impressed. Smith has shown moments of brilliance followed by killer drops. Passing game needs work, but 52 points in a rout makes me happy.
Defense: B+
The only reason I'm avoiding the A is the number of points surrendered. That being said, I really liked what I saw. Shazier is playing like a man possessed, Roby is shutting the opposition down, and Boren is stepping it up. Christian Bryant is regressing back into the 'blow em up' tackling and missing which is very concerning. Undisciplined play is a concern with the penalties, but most of those penalties were ridiculous. I love the attack mentality we're starting to see with the defense. Again, let's hope it continues against a real opponent.
Special Teams: C
The downgrade here is purely with respect to the kickoff coverage. Maybe it's brought to the forefront when we score more points because we kickoff more, but we're giving up good starting field position on kickoff returns. I'm starting to wonder why Basil doesn't bury the kickoffs in the endzone. The piranhas are starting to get out of their lanes and miss tackles. Kicking was nice, but I really get nervous on punt and kick coverage now.
Coaching: B
Eh...nothing special, but no problem. No beefs, but nothing to 'wow' me.
Overall: B+/A-
Nice to win in a rout (1st time since Nebraska or Miami). Room for improvement, but definite strides forward after the last month of questionable play.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Week 10: Rematch!
Standings
1) Schweinfurth 30-7 (4-5 upset)
2) Hoying 25-12 (3-6 upset)
3) Draper 24-13 (3-6 upset)
4) Auer 20-13 (1-7 upset)
All 4 upset specials happened this week. Kudos to Auer and Draper for picking top 10 upsets. Weak sauce by Hoying picking a Vegas favorite (Nebraska over Michigan) and Schweinfurth for picking the pillow fight in Madison (sad but true).
Alabama Crimson Tide @ Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: Here's hoping for a little more scoring this year. These teams are 2 of the best in the country once again, but LSU is not near the juggernaut that Bama is. That being said, the Tigers own the longest active home win streak (and it's not close). LSU has a very good defense (especially the line), but Bama's is better (moreso in the secondary). This is the first test for Alabama and it's a doozie simply because it's in Death Valley. I see McCarron managing the game well and tossing enough keep passes for the road team to win this epic battle 2 years in a row. LSU's offense is just not strong enough to hang. Bama: 20--LSU: 10
Auer: Quite the test awaits the Fightin' Les Miles. AJ McCarron has yet to be intercepted this year, Alabama has yet to lose this year, and LSU has yet to lose at home. Something has got to give. Two of the best defenses in the country clash in this sure-to-be defensive struggle. Bama is a much better team, and will show it. Bama: 21--LSU: 9
Hoying: I think I'm going to throw up in my mouth a little every time I watch this game from now on. Back to business...Both teams feature stellar defenses, but that's where the similarities end. Alabama features unsung Heisman-good A.J. McCarron behind center, lighting up every team he faces, while LSU's Zach What-a-burger has the Purple and Geauxld wishing they had Jordan Jefferson's pass accuracy back. Alabama hasn't really been tested yet (no, Mississippi State), but LSU is slogging through a brutal slate of 5 games against excellent opponents. Can their battle-tested toughness overcome the enormous talent and coaching gaps? No. Just...no. Bama: 24--LSU: 10
Schweinfurth: To be perfectly honest hear, I really don't think highly of LSU this year. The Tigers lost a lot on offense when Jordan Jefferson graduated, and that really wasn't all that much to begin with. LSU is without their best weapon in Tyron Mathieu. Alabama on the other hand, has to look of a top team. A.J. McCarron is an efficient, but not great quarterback and the Tide defense is just sick. I see this game going the same way last year's title game went: lots of 'Bama and not much LSU. The Bayou helps keep it from being a laugher. Bama: 35--LSU: 9
Oregon Ducks @ University of Southern California Trojans
Draper: The Pac-12 is taking it on the chin for the Trojans recent struggles. I still believe the Trojans have the talent to compete with the top teams, but they aren't showing it. Oregon has steamrolled everyone on their schedule thus far (including a Rich Rod Zona team that snake bit the Trojans). The Duck offense is a finely tuned machine and the defense has really stepped up their game. The pure athleticism of Barkley and Lee could make this interesting but the flash and zip of the Ducks keep the dream matchup of Oregon/Bama alive. Beware of a potential rematch in the Pac12 title... OU: 38--USC: 24
Auer: These are the kind of games I love. Teams known for having douchebag players and douchebag coaches... karma's a you know what. USC's season collapsed a few weeks ago, and Lane Kiffin hasn't been able to right the ship yet. Oregon is seemingly an unstoppable offensive juggernaut, and will continue the tour de force this weekend. UO: 58--USC: 32
Hoying: Poor Pac-12, there goes your marquee match-up of the year. Well, there's always the Civil War...What's wrong with USC? Everyone's trendy non-SEC preseason #1 has looked downright mediocre this season. But they're still ranked (why?) so I guess this game has some importance. Meanwhile, Oregon is once again cramming touchdown after touchdown down their opponents' throats, and this year they have some semblance of a defense to go with it. The sad part is, the Trojans' defense, the feature that made them stand out in the squishy Pac-12, is...WORSE...than Oregon's. If USC can play up to their mythical talent level, and throw to Marqise Lee about 20 times, they might have a chance of keeping up. But I don't see it. UO: 48--USC: 24
Schweinfurth: Is there a scarier offense in the county than Oregon right now? I don't think so. Kenjon Barner has been an absolute monster so far this year. Pair that offense with a defense that at least has a pulse and Oregon is a scary team. USC can put up some numbers too. Marquise Lee had himself a day last week (Rich Rod has had the number 9 in his nightmares all week after that display) and Robert Woods is no slouch on the other side. This game will come down to who can make the defensive stop first. UO: 42--USC: 38
Texas A&M Aggies @ Mississippi State Bulldogs
Draper: Mississippi State was exposed last week, but then again, Bama exposes everyone. The cowbells will be going bananas in Starksville which is not an easy place to play when the Bulldogs are playing well. That being said, the A&M offense and Johnny Football are running up and down the field against everyone. The record for MSU justifies a high ranking, but the lack of quality wins/opponents are catching up fast. Aggies get a big SEC road win. TAMU: 38--MSU:24
Auer: Two teams that just can't get over the hump. A&M is coming off of a 63-21 romp of Auburn, MSU is coming off their first loss of the season. MSU should be able to spring a trap if they're out for redemption this week. A&M is 5-20 in November road games and that alone could spell disaster for the Aggies. TAMU: 28--MSU: 31
Hoying: Texas A&M's athletic director needs to be slapped. Your team already has to travel to Alabama, Auburn, and Mississippi State, and you schedule road games at lowly SMU and Louisiana Tech? The upshot of this is that A&M is now playing their 4th road game in the last 5 (and they go to Alabama next week). Odd thing is, the only game they lost of those five was the one at home (against LSU). Mississippi State is fresh off getting the Alabama treatment (no shame there) and needs a big win to prove their record isn't a fluke. Too bad they're a mirage. Texas A&M is the real deal this season and will easily provide the second gut-punch of MSU's Alabama-A&M-LSU back-to-back combo. TA&M: 31--MSU: 17
Schweinfurth: Which of these two teams is for real? A&M has held it's own against a brutal SEC road schedule but has lost all of their games against higher ranked teams. Mississippi State hasn't been tested at all. Coming off a game against 'Bama, I think the Bulldogs are a beat up group and Johnny Manziel has enough to beat the Dogs. Watch out for those cowbells though! TAMU: 24--MSU:21
Illinois Fighting Illini @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Illini sucks...that's just a fact. OSU got a huge road win against the hot Nittany Lions, but no one will confuse PSU for Bama, Oregon, or any real contender. With that, the Buckeyes seemed to get some needed confidence after the near miss vs. Purdue. The Silver Bullets (yeah...I'll give them the moniker for now) have been MUCH improved (granted against mediocre competition, but it's a start). Miller needs to settle and let the game come to him. We have other weapons and once he is able to utilize them through the passing game and running game, watch out. This should be a cakewalk (even though the Bucks been exceptionally good at playing to the level of the competition). Look ahead is a slight worry, but the bye week is a nice buffer. Thus should be a beatdown. Ill: 10--OSU: 41
Auer: Echoing my other bloggers, Illinois is horrible, but the Buckeyes have been an up and down, Jekyll and Hyde type of team. One would hope that Braxton has a big game and keeps himself in the Heisman talk. This will be interesting for a half. Ill: 20--OSU: 38
Hoying: Illinois is BAD. I could end the write-up there, but let's take a look at the Buckeyes, coming off their best win since Nebraska. The defense has finally figured out how to stop predictable B1G offenses, and Braxton still isn't dead. Maybe Urban should rest him so he's 100% for Wisconsin. Ah, but that's what the bye week is for. Oh, by the way, Illinois is BAD. Ill: 6--OSU: 34
Schweinfurth: I want to pick Ohio State to blow Illinois out of the water. I mean, they should right? The Bullets looked like they were back flying around last week but the offense actually looked, at times, to be a first year offense. The Buckeyes need to make a statement at home against a bad team. No more close ones. I think the Bucks pull away late but we need to see A LOT more out of the passing game. Expect some 3 and out drives early due to Urban trying to get Braxton throwing the ball a bit more. This game is closer than the experts think but Urban gets Illibuck for the first time. Ill: 23--OSU: 41
Upset Special
Draper: Iowa State over Oklahoma
Auer: Okie State over Kansas State
Hoying: Michigan State over Nebraksa
Schweinfurth: TCU over West Virginia
1) Schweinfurth 30-7 (4-5 upset)
2) Hoying 25-12 (3-6 upset)
3) Draper 24-13 (3-6 upset)
4) Auer 20-13 (1-7 upset)
All 4 upset specials happened this week. Kudos to Auer and Draper for picking top 10 upsets. Weak sauce by Hoying picking a Vegas favorite (Nebraska over Michigan) and Schweinfurth for picking the pillow fight in Madison (sad but true).
Alabama Crimson Tide @ Louisiana State Tigers
Draper: Here's hoping for a little more scoring this year. These teams are 2 of the best in the country once again, but LSU is not near the juggernaut that Bama is. That being said, the Tigers own the longest active home win streak (and it's not close). LSU has a very good defense (especially the line), but Bama's is better (moreso in the secondary). This is the first test for Alabama and it's a doozie simply because it's in Death Valley. I see McCarron managing the game well and tossing enough keep passes for the road team to win this epic battle 2 years in a row. LSU's offense is just not strong enough to hang. Bama: 20--LSU: 10
Auer: Quite the test awaits the Fightin' Les Miles. AJ McCarron has yet to be intercepted this year, Alabama has yet to lose this year, and LSU has yet to lose at home. Something has got to give. Two of the best defenses in the country clash in this sure-to-be defensive struggle. Bama is a much better team, and will show it. Bama: 21--LSU: 9
Hoying: I think I'm going to throw up in my mouth a little every time I watch this game from now on. Back to business...Both teams feature stellar defenses, but that's where the similarities end. Alabama features unsung Heisman-good A.J. McCarron behind center, lighting up every team he faces, while LSU's Zach What-a-burger has the Purple and Geauxld wishing they had Jordan Jefferson's pass accuracy back. Alabama hasn't really been tested yet (no, Mississippi State), but LSU is slogging through a brutal slate of 5 games against excellent opponents. Can their battle-tested toughness overcome the enormous talent and coaching gaps? No. Just...no. Bama: 24--LSU: 10
Schweinfurth: To be perfectly honest hear, I really don't think highly of LSU this year. The Tigers lost a lot on offense when Jordan Jefferson graduated, and that really wasn't all that much to begin with. LSU is without their best weapon in Tyron Mathieu. Alabama on the other hand, has to look of a top team. A.J. McCarron is an efficient, but not great quarterback and the Tide defense is just sick. I see this game going the same way last year's title game went: lots of 'Bama and not much LSU. The Bayou helps keep it from being a laugher. Bama: 35--LSU: 9
Oregon Ducks @ University of Southern California Trojans
Draper: The Pac-12 is taking it on the chin for the Trojans recent struggles. I still believe the Trojans have the talent to compete with the top teams, but they aren't showing it. Oregon has steamrolled everyone on their schedule thus far (including a Rich Rod Zona team that snake bit the Trojans). The Duck offense is a finely tuned machine and the defense has really stepped up their game. The pure athleticism of Barkley and Lee could make this interesting but the flash and zip of the Ducks keep the dream matchup of Oregon/Bama alive. Beware of a potential rematch in the Pac12 title... OU: 38--USC: 24
Auer: These are the kind of games I love. Teams known for having douchebag players and douchebag coaches... karma's a you know what. USC's season collapsed a few weeks ago, and Lane Kiffin hasn't been able to right the ship yet. Oregon is seemingly an unstoppable offensive juggernaut, and will continue the tour de force this weekend. UO: 58--USC: 32
Hoying: Poor Pac-12, there goes your marquee match-up of the year. Well, there's always the Civil War...What's wrong with USC? Everyone's trendy non-SEC preseason #1 has looked downright mediocre this season. But they're still ranked (why?) so I guess this game has some importance. Meanwhile, Oregon is once again cramming touchdown after touchdown down their opponents' throats, and this year they have some semblance of a defense to go with it. The sad part is, the Trojans' defense, the feature that made them stand out in the squishy Pac-12, is...WORSE...than Oregon's. If USC can play up to their mythical talent level, and throw to Marqise Lee about 20 times, they might have a chance of keeping up. But I don't see it. UO: 48--USC: 24
Schweinfurth: Is there a scarier offense in the county than Oregon right now? I don't think so. Kenjon Barner has been an absolute monster so far this year. Pair that offense with a defense that at least has a pulse and Oregon is a scary team. USC can put up some numbers too. Marquise Lee had himself a day last week (Rich Rod has had the number 9 in his nightmares all week after that display) and Robert Woods is no slouch on the other side. This game will come down to who can make the defensive stop first. UO: 42--USC: 38
Texas A&M Aggies @ Mississippi State Bulldogs
Draper: Mississippi State was exposed last week, but then again, Bama exposes everyone. The cowbells will be going bananas in Starksville which is not an easy place to play when the Bulldogs are playing well. That being said, the A&M offense and Johnny Football are running up and down the field against everyone. The record for MSU justifies a high ranking, but the lack of quality wins/opponents are catching up fast. Aggies get a big SEC road win. TAMU: 38--MSU:24
Auer: Two teams that just can't get over the hump. A&M is coming off of a 63-21 romp of Auburn, MSU is coming off their first loss of the season. MSU should be able to spring a trap if they're out for redemption this week. A&M is 5-20 in November road games and that alone could spell disaster for the Aggies. TAMU: 28--MSU: 31
Hoying: Texas A&M's athletic director needs to be slapped. Your team already has to travel to Alabama, Auburn, and Mississippi State, and you schedule road games at lowly SMU and Louisiana Tech? The upshot of this is that A&M is now playing their 4th road game in the last 5 (and they go to Alabama next week). Odd thing is, the only game they lost of those five was the one at home (against LSU). Mississippi State is fresh off getting the Alabama treatment (no shame there) and needs a big win to prove their record isn't a fluke. Too bad they're a mirage. Texas A&M is the real deal this season and will easily provide the second gut-punch of MSU's Alabama-A&M-LSU back-to-back combo. TA&M: 31--MSU: 17
Schweinfurth: Which of these two teams is for real? A&M has held it's own against a brutal SEC road schedule but has lost all of their games against higher ranked teams. Mississippi State hasn't been tested at all. Coming off a game against 'Bama, I think the Bulldogs are a beat up group and Johnny Manziel has enough to beat the Dogs. Watch out for those cowbells though! TAMU: 24--MSU:21
Illinois Fighting Illini @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Illini sucks...that's just a fact. OSU got a huge road win against the hot Nittany Lions, but no one will confuse PSU for Bama, Oregon, or any real contender. With that, the Buckeyes seemed to get some needed confidence after the near miss vs. Purdue. The Silver Bullets (yeah...I'll give them the moniker for now) have been MUCH improved (granted against mediocre competition, but it's a start). Miller needs to settle and let the game come to him. We have other weapons and once he is able to utilize them through the passing game and running game, watch out. This should be a cakewalk (even though the Bucks been exceptionally good at playing to the level of the competition). Look ahead is a slight worry, but the bye week is a nice buffer. Thus should be a beatdown. Ill: 10--OSU: 41
Auer: Echoing my other bloggers, Illinois is horrible, but the Buckeyes have been an up and down, Jekyll and Hyde type of team. One would hope that Braxton has a big game and keeps himself in the Heisman talk. This will be interesting for a half. Ill: 20--OSU: 38
Hoying: Illinois is BAD. I could end the write-up there, but let's take a look at the Buckeyes, coming off their best win since Nebraska. The defense has finally figured out how to stop predictable B1G offenses, and Braxton still isn't dead. Maybe Urban should rest him so he's 100% for Wisconsin. Ah, but that's what the bye week is for. Oh, by the way, Illinois is BAD. Ill: 6--OSU: 34
Schweinfurth: I want to pick Ohio State to blow Illinois out of the water. I mean, they should right? The Bullets looked like they were back flying around last week but the offense actually looked, at times, to be a first year offense. The Buckeyes need to make a statement at home against a bad team. No more close ones. I think the Bucks pull away late but we need to see A LOT more out of the passing game. Expect some 3 and out drives early due to Urban trying to get Braxton throwing the ball a bit more. This game is closer than the experts think but Urban gets Illibuck for the first time. Ill: 23--OSU: 41
Upset Special
Draper: Iowa State over Oklahoma
Auer: Okie State over Kansas State
Hoying: Michigan State over Nebraksa
Schweinfurth: TCU over West Virginia
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Rankings and Heisman Ballots--post Week 9
Heisman ballots
Draper
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Manti Te'o (LB--Notre Dame)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--Ohio State)
Hoying
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Manti Te'o (LB--Notre Dame)
3) A.J. McCarron (QB--Ala)
Schweinfurth
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Kenjon Barner (RB--Oreg)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--OSU)/Manti Te'O (LB--ND)
Top 25
Draper
1. Kansas State
2. Notre Dame
3. Alabama
4. Oregon
5. LSU
6. Georgia
7. Florida State
8. Florida
9. Ohio State
10. South Carolina
11. Louisville
12. Clemson
13. Texas A&M
14. Oregon State
15. Stanford
16. Oklahoma
17. Nebraska
18. Texas Tech
19. Mississippi State
20. Louisiana Tech
21. Arizona
22. USC
23. West Virginia
24. Boise State
25. Toledo
Hoying
1. Kansas State
2. Alabama
3. Notre Dame
4. Oregon
5. Ohio State
6. Florida
7. LSU
8. Georgia
9. Florida State
10. Louisville
11. Oregon State
12. South Carolina
13. Clemson
14. Mississippi State
15. Oklahoma
16. Texas Tech
17. Texas A&M
18. Stanford
19. Nebraska
20. Louisiana Tech
21. Toledo
22. Kent State
23. Rutgers
24. West Virginia
25. Boise State
Schweinfurth
1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. Kansas State
4. Notre Dame
5. LSU
6. Georgia
7. Florida State
8. Florida
9. Ohio State
10. Clemson
11. Louisville
12. Oregon State
13. South Carolina
14. Texas A&M
15. Stanford
16. Oklahoma
17. Texas Tech
18. Mississippi St
19. Nebraska
20. USC
21. West Virginia
22. Louisiana Tech
23. Rutgers
24. Texas
25. Arizona
Draper
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Manti Te'o (LB--Notre Dame)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--Ohio State)
Hoying
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Manti Te'o (LB--Notre Dame)
3) A.J. McCarron (QB--Ala)
Schweinfurth
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Kenjon Barner (RB--Oreg)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--OSU)/Manti Te'O (LB--ND)
Top 25
Draper
1. Kansas State
2. Notre Dame
3. Alabama
4. Oregon
5. LSU
6. Georgia
7. Florida State
8. Florida
9. Ohio State
10. South Carolina
11. Louisville
12. Clemson
13. Texas A&M
14. Oregon State
15. Stanford
16. Oklahoma
17. Nebraska
18. Texas Tech
19. Mississippi State
20. Louisiana Tech
21. Arizona
22. USC
23. West Virginia
24. Boise State
25. Toledo
Hoying
1. Kansas State
2. Alabama
3. Notre Dame
4. Oregon
5. Ohio State
6. Florida
7. LSU
8. Georgia
9. Florida State
10. Louisville
11. Oregon State
12. South Carolina
13. Clemson
14. Mississippi State
15. Oklahoma
16. Texas Tech
17. Texas A&M
18. Stanford
19. Nebraska
20. Louisiana Tech
21. Toledo
22. Kent State
23. Rutgers
24. West Virginia
25. Boise State
Schweinfurth
1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. Kansas State
4. Notre Dame
5. LSU
6. Georgia
7. Florida State
8. Florida
9. Ohio State
10. Clemson
11. Louisville
12. Oregon State
13. South Carolina
14. Texas A&M
15. Stanford
16. Oklahoma
17. Texas Tech
18. Mississippi St
19. Nebraska
20. USC
21. West Virginia
22. Louisiana Tech
23. Rutgers
24. Texas
25. Arizona
Monday, October 29, 2012
Grading the Bucks: PSU
Nice win in a tough environment. Credit where credit is due, this is game showed me more maturity which is a huge plus going forward.
Offense: B+
We still have work to do. I know I'm a broken record, but this offense, while far better than last year, is still very raw. Miller showed what makes him special, but also showed what makes him so frustrating to watch. His 1 yard TD run was spectacular and video-game-esque....but let's not forget about his inability to throw a decent pass. Once he becomes a semi-competent passer...look out! I was quite impressed with the PSU defense who really showed up and brought the lumber. Hyde never really got going, but Braxton's feet made the difference. Also, a Stoneburner sighting was a pleasant surprise. Miller needs to learn to go through his progression and get away from the progression of 1) Smith, 2) Smith, 3) run. While he is the most dynamic player, the QB option that we run is not nearly as effective as it could be because Braxton refuses to hand the ball off (and the defense is figuring it out). PSU stuffed those read options until Braxton handed the ball off and it completely stifled them--they couldn't fathom the handoff. I know I'm tough on Braxton, but that's because I KNOW he has the physical skills to be one of the best of all time. He just needs to embrace the expectations and keep chipping away. What if he connects on those screens, slants, and bombs? The ridiculous runs won't be needed to pull away. He's been the starter for over a year; it's time to step up a become the mature leader the offense needs...not just the best player on the team.
Defense: A-
PSU is not an exceptionally dynamic offense, but McGloin has been extremely efficient. The Bullets seemed to come back as they shut him down cold and made the Lions (finally) look like the sanctions have hit. Shazier was spectacular (maybe he should keep 48) with a pick 6 and multiple key plays. Roby had a good (not great) game in which he showed his mastery of the Malcolm Jenkins defense (get burnt, make amazing recovery to break up the pass, rinse, repeat). The line jammed up the middle and Boren/LBs looked reasonably confident in their abilities. Don't go crazy, Penn State isn't Oregon, but this was definitely a step in the right direction.
Special Teams: D
Another blocked punt...that cannot happen. Total momentum was given over to the Lions in a tough environment due to a breakdown in blocking (I think Zack Boren blocked outside in rather than inside out). Can't let Buchanan off the hook as he takes a week to get those punts off. On the road, a fundamentally sound kicking game is of paramount importance (see Indiana). Everything else on special teams was so-so, but that giant blackeye (3 blocked punts already!!) really hurts this unit.
Coaching: B+
Bland offensive playcalling again, yet effective. I thought the defensive gameplan was finally effective so I'll give them credit. Get Braxton comfortable throwing the ball on offense (the quick slant is a very effective and simple play that I still haven't seen nearly enough). More creativity is always what I want rather than the 'Go be good, Braxton!' offense we see now.
Overall: B+
Penn State was a lot of fool's gold so let's bring it down to earth. They aren't great, but the Buckeye's played well as a whole. Beating PSU doesn't make us ready for Bama, but that is a very tough place to play. Good for the Bucks; keep it rolling.
Offense: B+
We still have work to do. I know I'm a broken record, but this offense, while far better than last year, is still very raw. Miller showed what makes him special, but also showed what makes him so frustrating to watch. His 1 yard TD run was spectacular and video-game-esque....but let's not forget about his inability to throw a decent pass. Once he becomes a semi-competent passer...look out! I was quite impressed with the PSU defense who really showed up and brought the lumber. Hyde never really got going, but Braxton's feet made the difference. Also, a Stoneburner sighting was a pleasant surprise. Miller needs to learn to go through his progression and get away from the progression of 1) Smith, 2) Smith, 3) run. While he is the most dynamic player, the QB option that we run is not nearly as effective as it could be because Braxton refuses to hand the ball off (and the defense is figuring it out). PSU stuffed those read options until Braxton handed the ball off and it completely stifled them--they couldn't fathom the handoff. I know I'm tough on Braxton, but that's because I KNOW he has the physical skills to be one of the best of all time. He just needs to embrace the expectations and keep chipping away. What if he connects on those screens, slants, and bombs? The ridiculous runs won't be needed to pull away. He's been the starter for over a year; it's time to step up a become the mature leader the offense needs...not just the best player on the team.
Defense: A-
PSU is not an exceptionally dynamic offense, but McGloin has been extremely efficient. The Bullets seemed to come back as they shut him down cold and made the Lions (finally) look like the sanctions have hit. Shazier was spectacular (maybe he should keep 48) with a pick 6 and multiple key plays. Roby had a good (not great) game in which he showed his mastery of the Malcolm Jenkins defense (get burnt, make amazing recovery to break up the pass, rinse, repeat). The line jammed up the middle and Boren/LBs looked reasonably confident in their abilities. Don't go crazy, Penn State isn't Oregon, but this was definitely a step in the right direction.
Special Teams: D
Another blocked punt...that cannot happen. Total momentum was given over to the Lions in a tough environment due to a breakdown in blocking (I think Zack Boren blocked outside in rather than inside out). Can't let Buchanan off the hook as he takes a week to get those punts off. On the road, a fundamentally sound kicking game is of paramount importance (see Indiana). Everything else on special teams was so-so, but that giant blackeye (3 blocked punts already!!) really hurts this unit.
Coaching: B+
Bland offensive playcalling again, yet effective. I thought the defensive gameplan was finally effective so I'll give them credit. Get Braxton comfortable throwing the ball on offense (the quick slant is a very effective and simple play that I still haven't seen nearly enough). More creativity is always what I want rather than the 'Go be good, Braxton!' offense we see now.
Overall: B+
Penn State was a lot of fool's gold so let's bring it down to earth. They aren't great, but the Buckeye's played well as a whole. Beating PSU doesn't make us ready for Bama, but that is a very tough place to play. Good for the Bucks; keep it rolling.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Week 9: Another nice slate of games
Standings
1) Schweinfurth 27-5 (3-5 upset)
2) Hoying 23-9 (2-6 upset)
3) Draper 21-11 (2-6 upset)
4) Auer 18-10 (0-7 upset)
Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs (Jacksonville, FL)
Draper: Time for the kiss of death. I keep picking against the Gators and they won't die. Therefore, they should destroy the Bulldogs in the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party this weekend. The Gators have been very impressive on defense, but their offense has been blah. That being said, they have one of the most impressive resumes in the country. The Dogs have looked good except in their one game against a solid defense...uh oh. I think Aaron Murray will play well, and Jervis Jones will drive Driskell crazy, but the UF defense is just too good. Gators win in a low scoring game. UF: 16--UGA: 13
Auer: Florida has been a big surprise this year. The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party will be rocking, and frankly, with Georgia's struggle against UK last week, this game shouldn't be very close. UF: 34--UGA: 10
Hoying: The Gators have won huge games at home, on the road, and I predict they'll add neutral field to the list on Saturday. Georgia has a talented squad, but since shellacking Vanderbilt over a month ago, they've looked...average. Squeaking by terrible Kentucky is no way to build momentum heading into a game with your rival. So Florida has no QB. Big deal. The Bulldogs are surrendering 24 points a game (how's that for SEC defense), and an opportunistic Gator defense is ready to chomp down on Georgia QB Aaron Murray to put the Gator offense in great position. We saw Florida-South Carolina. We saw South Carolina-Georgia. Rinse and repeat. UF: 30--UGA: 16
Schweinfurth: Florida has the look of a very, very good team that just keeps getting better. Georgia was rolling and then ran into a hot South Carolina team. The Cocktail Party should be a good one. Gillislee has looked like a true work horse back and that should continue this week. This will be low scoring with Driskell doing just enough to manage the game. UF: 20--UGA: 17
Mississippi State Bulldogs @ Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: I'll be honest, this is only on the slate because MSU is undefeated and a top 15 team. I don't see Bama being tested at home. The other SEC Bulldogs have been solid, but have played more cupcakes than Bama. Dan Mullen has reached the ceiling for the year as the real part of the schedule gets started in Tuscaloosa. Nick Saban and company should easily dispatch another top 15 pretender. This game will also vault AJ McCarron into the Heisman talk (more substantially). I don't think he'll win it since Bama wins on D, but he might work into a finalist talk. MSU: 13--Bama: 38
Auer: I don't know jack about MSU, but I do know that Saban's Tide are a near-unstoppable force this season. AJ McCarron just might get some Heisman buzz this week. MSU: 3--Bama: 42
Hoying: If there's one undefeated BCS team that deserves as much respect as Ohio State this season, it's Mississippi State. Just look at those great wins against...Tennessee...and...Middle Tennessee...OK, Alabama's schedule isn't great either, but they did play Michigan. Expect to see that game replayed. MSU: 0--Bama: 31
Schweinfurth: Alabama is the better team period. McCarron has a decent game and the Tide D keeps rolling along. MSU: 6--Bama: 42
1) Schweinfurth 27-5 (3-5 upset)
2) Hoying 23-9 (2-6 upset)
3) Draper 21-11 (2-6 upset)
4) Auer 18-10 (0-7 upset)
Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs (Jacksonville, FL)
Draper: Time for the kiss of death. I keep picking against the Gators and they won't die. Therefore, they should destroy the Bulldogs in the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party this weekend. The Gators have been very impressive on defense, but their offense has been blah. That being said, they have one of the most impressive resumes in the country. The Dogs have looked good except in their one game against a solid defense...uh oh. I think Aaron Murray will play well, and Jervis Jones will drive Driskell crazy, but the UF defense is just too good. Gators win in a low scoring game. UF: 16--UGA: 13
Auer: Florida has been a big surprise this year. The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party will be rocking, and frankly, with Georgia's struggle against UK last week, this game shouldn't be very close. UF: 34--UGA: 10
Hoying: The Gators have won huge games at home, on the road, and I predict they'll add neutral field to the list on Saturday. Georgia has a talented squad, but since shellacking Vanderbilt over a month ago, they've looked...average. Squeaking by terrible Kentucky is no way to build momentum heading into a game with your rival. So Florida has no QB. Big deal. The Bulldogs are surrendering 24 points a game (how's that for SEC defense), and an opportunistic Gator defense is ready to chomp down on Georgia QB Aaron Murray to put the Gator offense in great position. We saw Florida-South Carolina. We saw South Carolina-Georgia. Rinse and repeat. UF: 30--UGA: 16
Schweinfurth: Florida has the look of a very, very good team that just keeps getting better. Georgia was rolling and then ran into a hot South Carolina team. The Cocktail Party should be a good one. Gillislee has looked like a true work horse back and that should continue this week. This will be low scoring with Driskell doing just enough to manage the game. UF: 20--UGA: 17
Mississippi State Bulldogs @ Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: I'll be honest, this is only on the slate because MSU is undefeated and a top 15 team. I don't see Bama being tested at home. The other SEC Bulldogs have been solid, but have played more cupcakes than Bama. Dan Mullen has reached the ceiling for the year as the real part of the schedule gets started in Tuscaloosa. Nick Saban and company should easily dispatch another top 15 pretender. This game will also vault AJ McCarron into the Heisman talk (more substantially). I don't think he'll win it since Bama wins on D, but he might work into a finalist talk. MSU: 13--Bama: 38
Auer: I don't know jack about MSU, but I do know that Saban's Tide are a near-unstoppable force this season. AJ McCarron just might get some Heisman buzz this week. MSU: 3--Bama: 42
Hoying: If there's one undefeated BCS team that deserves as much respect as Ohio State this season, it's Mississippi State. Just look at those great wins against...Tennessee...and...Middle Tennessee...OK, Alabama's schedule isn't great either, but they did play Michigan. Expect to see that game replayed. MSU: 0--Bama: 31
Schweinfurth: Alabama is the better team period. McCarron has a decent game and the Tide D keeps rolling along. MSU: 6--Bama: 42
Texas Tech Red. Raiders @ Kansas State Wildcats
Draper: I believe in Bill Snyder and Collin Klein. I've been riding high on the Wildcats all year, and I'm not stopping. Seth Doege has put together a very nice resume in Lubbock but the one game they played against a defense (OU) was a miserable failure. Texas Tech is a good team, but Kansas State is a great team. I expect a utilitarian blue collar win as per usual in Manhattan. The Raiders have a defense, but KSU forces you to play grind-it-out slobber-knocker football. This isn't high-flying WVU that Texas Tech put on the ropes. KSU keeps it rolling. TT: 20--KSU: 33
Auer: Tommy Tuberville is waiting in the weeds to surprise the Wildcats. Texas Tech was ready for the WVU onslaught, and KSU has been coming away with wins in all shapes and sizes. After the big win last week by Kansas State in Morgantown, they Wildcats could be in for a bit of a letdown. This one will be a barn-burner. TT: 35--KSU: 34
Hoying: How long can Bill Snyder Ensure his team will win against a brutal Big 12 schedule? The 'Cats have been untouchable outside of Norman (understandable) and Ames (not so much), but one wonders how long they can keep it up. The nation's deepest conference has no gimme games (looking at you, Kentucky and Auburn), and I don't believe that Kansas State can make it through unscathed. Even though Texas Tech is well advertised as a very good team, this is a trap situation for Kansas State after a huge head-inflating win over the Mountaineers. Collin Klein is the real deal, but I foresee a perfect storm of victory hangover, freak turnovers, and a deserving Tech team playing a flawless game to move back into the Big 12 title discussion. Sorry, K-State. TT: 21--KSU: 20
Schweinfurth: Collin Klein cemented himself as the Heisman leader at this point. Texas Tech is good but really haven't beaten a top tier team yet. KSU continues to show they are the class of the Big 12 and Klein's Heisman buzz continues to grow. TT: 10--KSU: 31
Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Oklahoma Sooners
Draper: The Irish have their first real test of the season (no, Stanford at home and the Michigan schools don't count). The Sooners are (nearly--see KSU) unbeatable in Norman and they have turned it on at the right time. Notre Dame's defense has been spectacular all year, and features a legitimate Heisman contender in Teo, but OU features their own Heisman contender in Landry Jones. Lost in all the attrition, Oklahoma is quietly hanging around playing very good football. I don't see ND putting up many points at Oklahoma with their subpar offense which will be the end of the undefeated season. BCS will still be in play, but the Sooners bring the Irish back to earth. ND: 13--OU: 23
Auer: Ummmm, the Irish are two to four bad calls away from having 2-4 losses. I'm not impressed. OU has been dominant and will put down the overrated Irish and the pompous fanbase. Boomer sooner! ND: 10--OU: 38
Hoying: If there's one undefeated team as lucky as Ohio State this season, it's Notre Dame. Still, the most important word in that sentence was undefeated, as the Irish are still very much in the championship hunt, and a win over Oklahoma would put them about on par with Kansas State (except the Wildcats are going to lose). Meanwhile, the Sooners have been demolishing good opponents and Kansas since the tough loss to Kansas State. The Wildcats needed both great offense (Klein) and stifling defense to squeak by the Sooners in Norman. Notre Dame only fulfills half the requirements. ND: 10--OU: 17
Schweinfurth: The Irish defense has looked very good so far. The offense has a long way to go. Everett Gholston is back this week but it won't be enough. Oklahoma's offense has been on an absolute roll since demolishing Texas. ND: 17--OU: 35
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Penn State University Nittany Lions
Draper: Oh boy....which team is going to show up? The last two weeks have featured an atrocious apathetic defensive showing and a boring offensive failure. Oh yeah, the most explosive player on the Buckeye offense was taken to the hospital... Penn State has been playing very good football, but they haven't faced a team with the athletes OSU that has. Miller should play which is a plus, but honestly, I think Guiton could handle the pressure (the road will be tough on him). This is the Nittany Lions season in a nutshell. The Buckeyes have 12-0 in their sights, but PSU has nothing to play for but beating OSU (potentially giving them the Leaders title). Happy Valley is a tough place, but I think the Bucks put it together to remind Matt 'MOXIE' McGloin that there's a reason no other programs wanted him. PSU will make stops against the Buckeye's inconsistent offense, but the Buckeye defense matches up extremely well with the Nittany Lion style of play. One or two explosive plays by the Buckeyes send the Lions home crying. OSU: 24--PSU: 20
Auer: After last week's thriller, who knows what the Bucks have in store this week. PSU on the road at night is always a problem, but really neither team is playing for something other than pride. OSU will be better prepared and the Urban assault will continue. OSU: 31--PSU: 10
Hoying: With Braxton back at the helm, suddenly this game doesn't seem so difficult to win. Penn State hardly has an explosive offense (big performances against bad B1G defenses aside), and the Buckeyes seem to have found a groove on defense after the embarrassment at Indiana. Miller will need to be sharp, and any cobwebs will cost us dearly, but I see the Buckeyes doing just enough to pull out a tough team win on the road. The tribute to the 2002 team continues. OSU: 21--PSU: 14
Schweinfurth: Man was last week a scare. The big news is that Miller should play. All hands will be needed for this one. Penn State has been very, very good despite the transfers. Matt McGloin looks like a true starting QB with some upside under Bill O'Brien's offense. The Lions have feasted on some of the worst teams in the B1G so far. The OSU offense bounces back big in this one and the D stands tall. (I apologize for the uncommonly short analysis this week. I should be back to full capacity next week). OSU: 35--PSU: 17
Upset Special
Draper: Washington over Oregon State
Auer: Arizona over USC
Hoying: Nebraska over Michigan
Schweinfurth: Michigan State over Wisconsin
Rankings post Week 8/Heisman ballots
Heisman ballots
Draper
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Manti Te'o (LB--ND)
3) Geno Smith (QB--WVU)
Hoying
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Manti Te'o (LB--ND)
3) A. J. McCarron (QB--Ala)
Schweinfurth
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Geno Smith (QB--WVU)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--OSU)
3) Manti Te'o (LB--ND)
Top 25
Draper
Philosophy: I just feel like stating this as I'm really fighting with myself on how to rank these teams. There are 2 main ranking philosophies 1) based on who would win at a hypothetical neutral site game and 2) based purely on resume. At this point in the season, it's very difficult as we're still comparing apples to oranges. I truly believe the best 2 teams in the country are Bama and Oregon, but their resumes are very lacking. That will certainly change as more games are played, but for now, it's hard to compare these teams. To submit my ballot, I will use the resume approach. If the teams all finish undefeated, Bama and Oregon will rise to the top.
1) Kansas State
2) Florida
3) Bama
4) Oregon
5) Notre Dame
6) LSU
7) Oregon State
8) Oklahoma
9) USC
10) Florida State
11) Georgia
12) Ohio State
13) Texas Tech
14) Louisville
15) Rutgers
16) Mississippi State
17) Clemson
18) South Carolina
19) Texas A&M
20) Ohio
21) Stanford
22) Michigan
23) Wisconsin
24) Louisiana Tech
25) Boise State
Hoying
I rank on resume. Teams that play great schedules are rewarded, but undefeated teams generally get the benefit of the doubt even if their schedule is weak.
1) Florida
2) Kansas State
3) Alabama
4) Oregon
5) Notre Dame
6) Oregon State
7) Ohio State
8) LSU
9) Mississippi State
10) Rutgers
11) Texas Tech
12) Florida State
13) Oklahoma
14) Louisville
15) Ohio
16) South Carolina
17) Georgia
18) Michigan
19) Clemson
20) USC
21) Louisiana Tech
22) Toledo
23) Texas A&M
24) Stanford
25) Nebraska
Schweinfurth
1) Alabama
2) Florida
3) Oregon
4) Kansas State
5) Notre Dame
6) Oregon State
7) LSU
8) Oklahoma
9) Florida State
10) Clemson
11) USC
12) Ohio State
13) South Carolina
14) Mississippi State
15) Louisville
16) Rutgers
17) Stanford
18) Ohio
19) Boise State
20) Texas Tech
21) Texas
22) Penn State
23) Michigan
24) Texas A&M
25) West Virginia
Draper
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Manti Te'o (LB--ND)
3) Geno Smith (QB--WVU)
Hoying
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Manti Te'o (LB--ND)
3) A. J. McCarron (QB--Ala)
Schweinfurth
1) Collin Klein (QB--KSU)
2) Geno Smith (QB--WVU)
3) Braxton Miller (QB--OSU)
3) Manti Te'o (LB--ND)
Top 25
Draper
Philosophy: I just feel like stating this as I'm really fighting with myself on how to rank these teams. There are 2 main ranking philosophies 1) based on who would win at a hypothetical neutral site game and 2) based purely on resume. At this point in the season, it's very difficult as we're still comparing apples to oranges. I truly believe the best 2 teams in the country are Bama and Oregon, but their resumes are very lacking. That will certainly change as more games are played, but for now, it's hard to compare these teams. To submit my ballot, I will use the resume approach. If the teams all finish undefeated, Bama and Oregon will rise to the top.
1) Kansas State
2) Florida
3) Bama
4) Oregon
5) Notre Dame
6) LSU
7) Oregon State
8) Oklahoma
9) USC
10) Florida State
11) Georgia
12) Ohio State
13) Texas Tech
14) Louisville
15) Rutgers
16) Mississippi State
17) Clemson
18) South Carolina
19) Texas A&M
20) Ohio
21) Stanford
22) Michigan
23) Wisconsin
24) Louisiana Tech
25) Boise State
Hoying
I rank on resume. Teams that play great schedules are rewarded, but undefeated teams generally get the benefit of the doubt even if their schedule is weak.
1) Florida
2) Kansas State
3) Alabama
4) Oregon
5) Notre Dame
6) Oregon State
7) Ohio State
8) LSU
9) Mississippi State
10) Rutgers
11) Texas Tech
12) Florida State
13) Oklahoma
14) Louisville
15) Ohio
16) South Carolina
17) Georgia
18) Michigan
19) Clemson
20) USC
21) Louisiana Tech
22) Toledo
23) Texas A&M
24) Stanford
25) Nebraska
Schweinfurth
1) Alabama
2) Florida
3) Oregon
4) Kansas State
5) Notre Dame
6) Oregon State
7) LSU
8) Oklahoma
9) Florida State
10) Clemson
11) USC
12) Ohio State
13) South Carolina
14) Mississippi State
15) Louisville
16) Rutgers
17) Stanford
18) Ohio
19) Boise State
20) Texas Tech
21) Texas
22) Penn State
23) Michigan
24) Texas A&M
25) West Virginia
Monday, October 22, 2012
Grading the Bucks--Purdue (yeesh)
Another near miss. I'm stunned this team is undefeated. Credit them for the 0 in the loss column, but if we keep playing with fire, we're going to get burned....
Offense: D+
I'll be honest, I would have gone much much lower were it not for the herculean effort by Kenny Guiton. Yes, a backup at OSU should be able to beat Purdue, but the way he did it and the situation into which he was placed made it that much more special. Let's be honest, this offense is about as bland as last year's...in a different way. It seems to me that the only thing that we run is the zone read and screens. Hyde seems to be a bruiser between the tackles, but we refuse to run I-formation up the gut. I believe halftime had Hyde with over 50 yards on 7 carries. That's over 7 yards a carry for you non-math people and he only got 7 CARRIES?!? Braxton is electric, but play to your strengths...and this year, the O-line and Hyde are the bread and butter when Miller isn't there. Obviously, his passes were completely out of sync all game, and his first and only play of any substance was the long run that ended in injury. This is why Kenny G is so incredibly useful as a backup: he doesn't have the physical, raw talent of Braxton, but I believe he has stronger decision making skills. It's very cliche, but the 'game manager' status of Guiton is underrated. When Miller dropped out, there was very little drop off. Yes, he threw a pick, but there was no residual effects as he led the game winning drive. Give him credit for being a phenomenal leader and never giving up.
Defense: B
After the first play, the defense played pretty darn well. Hankins completely ate up the middle of the line and the remainder of the line played very well. I'd grade the secondary and linebackers as below average in terms of performance, but the effects (13 points given up) deserve the above average grade. Let's also not forget the pick in the endzone that saved the day. Perhaps this is somewhat of an over-correction to the crapfest in Bloomington, but 13 points given up by the D should be a gimme win with this offense. The first play had Barnett WAY out of position leaving Klein on an island and the other TD drive was an embarrassment of not adjusting to the same bubble screen (although, we might not have the athletes healthy to cover that adequately). Other than that, they played well. I love Roby, but I thought he had his worst game of the year. With the patchwork secondary, the stars need to step up. Think about this: our linebackers are good (Shazier), fullback (Boren), hurt freshman (Perry) and guy kicked off the team and reinstated (Klein). With that lineup, I'll take 13 points given up any day.
Special Teams: D+
Blocked PAT may have been the difference, but let's not forget the missed FG and the kickoff return. This is absolutely inexcusable. Stay in your lanes and tackle soundly. I'm very concerned if this game comes down to a FG as Basil hasn't seemed like the same guy. Also, Meyer doesn't seem to have the same faith in Basil we've seen in the past. The defense stepped up and the special teams and offense let us down. Punts were ok. Lost in all this has been the exception improvement in the kick return game. Rod Smith has held on to the ball (!) and has been getting us starting field position around the 35 every time. Give him big time credit for that.
Coaching: C
I don't understand the bland offense. It's not Dave every play, but it's just as boring. Where are the slants? Posts? Fades? I-formation? Mixing it up? Nope, always shotgun--zone read or screen/bomb. Everyone says how exciting this team is to watch. I don't see it. Miller is big play machine, but it's not due to design; just talent. The coaches need to step up and start to bring more creativity. By the way, every time a WR motions into the backfield, it's ALWAYS a triple option. Defensively, they're doing what they can, but scheme is a bit sit back and hope it works. I think inventiveness is lacking as a staff and more needs to be shown to step up to the next level.
Overall: C
Offense: D+
I'll be honest, I would have gone much much lower were it not for the herculean effort by Kenny Guiton. Yes, a backup at OSU should be able to beat Purdue, but the way he did it and the situation into which he was placed made it that much more special. Let's be honest, this offense is about as bland as last year's...in a different way. It seems to me that the only thing that we run is the zone read and screens. Hyde seems to be a bruiser between the tackles, but we refuse to run I-formation up the gut. I believe halftime had Hyde with over 50 yards on 7 carries. That's over 7 yards a carry for you non-math people and he only got 7 CARRIES?!? Braxton is electric, but play to your strengths...and this year, the O-line and Hyde are the bread and butter when Miller isn't there. Obviously, his passes were completely out of sync all game, and his first and only play of any substance was the long run that ended in injury. This is why Kenny G is so incredibly useful as a backup: he doesn't have the physical, raw talent of Braxton, but I believe he has stronger decision making skills. It's very cliche, but the 'game manager' status of Guiton is underrated. When Miller dropped out, there was very little drop off. Yes, he threw a pick, but there was no residual effects as he led the game winning drive. Give him credit for being a phenomenal leader and never giving up.
Defense: B
After the first play, the defense played pretty darn well. Hankins completely ate up the middle of the line and the remainder of the line played very well. I'd grade the secondary and linebackers as below average in terms of performance, but the effects (13 points given up) deserve the above average grade. Let's also not forget the pick in the endzone that saved the day. Perhaps this is somewhat of an over-correction to the crapfest in Bloomington, but 13 points given up by the D should be a gimme win with this offense. The first play had Barnett WAY out of position leaving Klein on an island and the other TD drive was an embarrassment of not adjusting to the same bubble screen (although, we might not have the athletes healthy to cover that adequately). Other than that, they played well. I love Roby, but I thought he had his worst game of the year. With the patchwork secondary, the stars need to step up. Think about this: our linebackers are good (Shazier), fullback (Boren), hurt freshman (Perry) and guy kicked off the team and reinstated (Klein). With that lineup, I'll take 13 points given up any day.
Special Teams: D+
Blocked PAT may have been the difference, but let's not forget the missed FG and the kickoff return. This is absolutely inexcusable. Stay in your lanes and tackle soundly. I'm very concerned if this game comes down to a FG as Basil hasn't seemed like the same guy. Also, Meyer doesn't seem to have the same faith in Basil we've seen in the past. The defense stepped up and the special teams and offense let us down. Punts were ok. Lost in all this has been the exception improvement in the kick return game. Rod Smith has held on to the ball (!) and has been getting us starting field position around the 35 every time. Give him big time credit for that.
Coaching: C
I don't understand the bland offense. It's not Dave every play, but it's just as boring. Where are the slants? Posts? Fades? I-formation? Mixing it up? Nope, always shotgun--zone read or screen/bomb. Everyone says how exciting this team is to watch. I don't see it. Miller is big play machine, but it's not due to design; just talent. The coaches need to step up and start to bring more creativity. By the way, every time a WR motions into the backfield, it's ALWAYS a triple option. Defensively, they're doing what they can, but scheme is a bit sit back and hope it works. I think inventiveness is lacking as a staff and more needs to be shown to step up to the next level.
Overall: C
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Week 8: Calm before the storm
Standings
1) Schweinfurth 23-5 (3-4 upset)
2) Hoying 19-9 (2-5 upset)
3) Draper 18-10 (2-5 upset--missed 2 pts conv!!)
4) Auer 15-9 (0-6 upset)
Louisiana State Tigers @ Texas A&M Aggies
Draper: The Aggies have been electric on offense but terrible on defense. LSU has been the exact opposite. Were this game in Death Valley, I'd call for a blowout, but the 12th Man evens the playing field a bit. Manziel has put up stupid good numbers but hasn't faced a defense like this. Mingo and Montgomery pull LSU solidly back into the national title hunt. LSU:20--TAMU: 10
Auer: A huge game in College Station, a place where LSU has never won. The Tigers missed out on a lot of scoring opportunities last week and still came away with a win over South Carolina. LSU is the real deal and will win a close one. LSU: 34--TAMU: 28
Hoying: Give credit to Texas A&M for a win over a ranked team, but is anyone feeling good about their chances after a WAC opponent took them to the brink of disaster? LSU's defense won't be giving up 59 points, even to Johnny Football, everyone's newest blip on the Heisman radar. LSU has a little trouble scoring, but that rarely seems to be a problem for them (anyone remember watching the 2003 Buckeyes?) The Aggies continue their nasty "Welcome to the SEC tour" as another quality opponent kicks them to the curb. LSU: 22--TAMU: 16
Schweinfurth: So far this season, Texas A&M have held their own in their first SEC season. This will be LSU's first trip into Kyle Field, but I think it will matter not. LSU is the all around better, and oversigned (sorry I couldn't help myself) team. Tigers win close, but that is their identity this year. LSU: 17--TAMU: 13
South Carolina Gamecocks @ Florida Gators
Draper: The schedulers certainly did South Carolina no favors with back to back road games at Death Valley and the Swamp. Sometimes, a loss can tell just as much as a win. LSU is almost unbeatable at home at night, and the Cocks brought it to an onside kick. Driskell has been very good at QB but no one is blown away by the Gator offense. Lattimore and Shaw were able to score some on the Tigers but couldn't push it over the edge. Florida has an excellent defense, but while some predict the Tigers softened the Gamecocks, I think it strengthened their resolve. Also, I can't pick Florida (they are 4 of my losses I believe). Go Cocks! USC: 20--UF: 13
Auer: USC may be without Lattimore and the Gators are at home... this may get ugly. Factor in a revenge factor of Florida, and this will certainly be another big statement game from the Gainesville Gators. USC: 17--UF: 35
Hoying: South Carolina fans were feeling Cocky after their a big win over Georgia but got a sobering dose of reality at the hands of the punishing LSU defense. SC QB Connor Shaw is probably better than Florida QB Jeff Driskell, but the Gator D might be even better than LSU's. Going to the Swamp is no fun for anybody, and the ol' ball coach is going to get another reminder of why he never should have left. USC: 13--UF: 21
Schweinfurth: This game could have been epic if South Carolina could have held on last week. Both of these teams sport efficient offenses and stout defenses. I expect the same offensive formula that has worked for the most part from the Gamecocks: Lattimore, Lattimore, and and then Shaw over the top. Unfortunately I'm not sure if that will be enough. The Gators get a roughed up USC in Gainsville, which is huge for this game. The Head Ball Coach throws his visor at the end of this one. USC: 21--UF: 24
Kansas State Wildcats @ West Virginia Mountaineers
Draper: No one is giving Kansas State any credit. Collin Klein (in my opinion) is the clear frontrunner for the Heisman. West Virginia is the flash and Wildcars are the grind it out hardworking 'Mericans. Geno and company will put up points, but the defense can't stop anything. AARP Bill Snyder's team makes a few stops to win a close one in Morgantown. KSU: 30--WVU: 28
Auer: I haven't watched KSU play, but WVU was exposed in a big way this past weekend and it makes it very hard to be confident in their ability to win against a real opponent. Then again, I kind of question the legitimacy of the Wildcats. What the hell, I'll call for the home team upset. KSU: 38--WVU: 41
Hoying: West Virginia was exposed in a BIG way last week, both by their dismantling at the hands of Texas Tech and the discrediting of their previous vanquished opponent, Texas. The Mountaineers seem to have a problem with teams that can play defense. What's that thing that Kansas State does really well? It may be old man football, but KSU will pull out a big road win as they finally prove they can handle the spotlight. KSU: 27--WVU: 23
Schweinfurth: Texas Tech showed the world how to beat WVU last week: score and don't let Geno Smith beat you. While I haven't watched enough (or any) of KSU this year, Bill Snyder is a smart man and has been around the block a few times. Geno will get at least 2 TDs but Collin Klein busts out and takes the lead in the Heisman race after this one. KSU: 42--WVU: 21
Purdue Boilermakers @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Let's be real: we play like last week, we lose. Thankfully, we're at home and I think last week was a giant notice for the defense (coaches and players). Purdue can play (sort of), but the Shoe makes the difference here. The crowd's electricity will prevent apathy from seeping back in. Purdue has beaten OSU 2 of the past 3 years, but the year we beat them, was an absolute beatdown at home. I expect a repeat of 2010. Braxton and Hyde will tear apart the Boilers and the defense, while still not worthy of being called Bullets, will do enough. Bucks get back on track at home. PU: 20--OSU: 48
Auer: Another closer than expected game. The defense is still bad, meh. PU: 31--OSU: 44
Hoying: Let's take a step back from the horrendous defense we saw last week. Before the last 4 minutes of the game, there wasn't an actual fear the Buckeyes were going to lose. And after the fear set in, Braxton never touched the ball until he ran out the clock. A consistent pattern has emerged of this Buckeye offense making plays when it has to, and I reiterate that as long as Braxton isn't busted, Ohio State will not lose another game. (Qualification: he has to be on the field. Multiple onside kicks void my prediction.) What about our worthy opponent? Ehhh, it's Purdue. We've lost to them once at home in the last 44 years. Plus they've been exposed in the last two weeks as the mediocre team they are. Bucks win big. Probably. PU: 27--OSU: 44
Schweinfurth: Another week, another spread offense for the Silver Pop Gun. While Purdue is bad defensively, this is the type of offense that has confounded Luke Fickle and Everett Withers. The focus this week was on minimizing the big play and it may show up in softer secondary coverages. Purdue WILL move the ball, and the Boilers WILL score...just not enough. The Buckeye offense is putting up just sick rushing numbers. Braxton Miller can become the first Ohio State QB to rush for 1000 yards, and this is only game 8! Carlos "El Guapo" Hyde has been a beast since Hall went down and I expect nothing less than 150 yards out of him. Bucks win and put up 50+ for the third week in a row (and I puke over the points given up again, bleh) PU: 38--OSU: 54
Upset Special
Draper: Cal over Stanford
Auer: Virginia Tech over Clemson
Hoying: Baylor over Texas
Schweinfurth: Tennessee over Bama (!!!)
1) Schweinfurth 23-5 (3-4 upset)
2) Hoying 19-9 (2-5 upset)
3) Draper 18-10 (2-5 upset--missed 2 pts conv!!)
4) Auer 15-9 (0-6 upset)
Louisiana State Tigers @ Texas A&M Aggies
Draper: The Aggies have been electric on offense but terrible on defense. LSU has been the exact opposite. Were this game in Death Valley, I'd call for a blowout, but the 12th Man evens the playing field a bit. Manziel has put up stupid good numbers but hasn't faced a defense like this. Mingo and Montgomery pull LSU solidly back into the national title hunt. LSU:20--TAMU: 10
Auer: A huge game in College Station, a place where LSU has never won. The Tigers missed out on a lot of scoring opportunities last week and still came away with a win over South Carolina. LSU is the real deal and will win a close one. LSU: 34--TAMU: 28
Hoying: Give credit to Texas A&M for a win over a ranked team, but is anyone feeling good about their chances after a WAC opponent took them to the brink of disaster? LSU's defense won't be giving up 59 points, even to Johnny Football, everyone's newest blip on the Heisman radar. LSU has a little trouble scoring, but that rarely seems to be a problem for them (anyone remember watching the 2003 Buckeyes?) The Aggies continue their nasty "Welcome to the SEC tour" as another quality opponent kicks them to the curb. LSU: 22--TAMU: 16
Schweinfurth: So far this season, Texas A&M have held their own in their first SEC season. This will be LSU's first trip into Kyle Field, but I think it will matter not. LSU is the all around better, and oversigned (sorry I couldn't help myself) team. Tigers win close, but that is their identity this year. LSU: 17--TAMU: 13
South Carolina Gamecocks @ Florida Gators
Draper: The schedulers certainly did South Carolina no favors with back to back road games at Death Valley and the Swamp. Sometimes, a loss can tell just as much as a win. LSU is almost unbeatable at home at night, and the Cocks brought it to an onside kick. Driskell has been very good at QB but no one is blown away by the Gator offense. Lattimore and Shaw were able to score some on the Tigers but couldn't push it over the edge. Florida has an excellent defense, but while some predict the Tigers softened the Gamecocks, I think it strengthened their resolve. Also, I can't pick Florida (they are 4 of my losses I believe). Go Cocks! USC: 20--UF: 13
Auer: USC may be without Lattimore and the Gators are at home... this may get ugly. Factor in a revenge factor of Florida, and this will certainly be another big statement game from the Gainesville Gators. USC: 17--UF: 35
Hoying: South Carolina fans were feeling Cocky after their a big win over Georgia but got a sobering dose of reality at the hands of the punishing LSU defense. SC QB Connor Shaw is probably better than Florida QB Jeff Driskell, but the Gator D might be even better than LSU's. Going to the Swamp is no fun for anybody, and the ol' ball coach is going to get another reminder of why he never should have left. USC: 13--UF: 21
Schweinfurth: This game could have been epic if South Carolina could have held on last week. Both of these teams sport efficient offenses and stout defenses. I expect the same offensive formula that has worked for the most part from the Gamecocks: Lattimore, Lattimore, and and then Shaw over the top. Unfortunately I'm not sure if that will be enough. The Gators get a roughed up USC in Gainsville, which is huge for this game. The Head Ball Coach throws his visor at the end of this one. USC: 21--UF: 24
Kansas State Wildcats @ West Virginia Mountaineers
Draper: No one is giving Kansas State any credit. Collin Klein (in my opinion) is the clear frontrunner for the Heisman. West Virginia is the flash and Wildcars are the grind it out hardworking 'Mericans. Geno and company will put up points, but the defense can't stop anything. AARP Bill Snyder's team makes a few stops to win a close one in Morgantown. KSU: 30--WVU: 28
Auer: I haven't watched KSU play, but WVU was exposed in a big way this past weekend and it makes it very hard to be confident in their ability to win against a real opponent. Then again, I kind of question the legitimacy of the Wildcats. What the hell, I'll call for the home team upset. KSU: 38--WVU: 41
Hoying: West Virginia was exposed in a BIG way last week, both by their dismantling at the hands of Texas Tech and the discrediting of their previous vanquished opponent, Texas. The Mountaineers seem to have a problem with teams that can play defense. What's that thing that Kansas State does really well? It may be old man football, but KSU will pull out a big road win as they finally prove they can handle the spotlight. KSU: 27--WVU: 23
Schweinfurth: Texas Tech showed the world how to beat WVU last week: score and don't let Geno Smith beat you. While I haven't watched enough (or any) of KSU this year, Bill Snyder is a smart man and has been around the block a few times. Geno will get at least 2 TDs but Collin Klein busts out and takes the lead in the Heisman race after this one. KSU: 42--WVU: 21
Purdue Boilermakers @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Let's be real: we play like last week, we lose. Thankfully, we're at home and I think last week was a giant notice for the defense (coaches and players). Purdue can play (sort of), but the Shoe makes the difference here. The crowd's electricity will prevent apathy from seeping back in. Purdue has beaten OSU 2 of the past 3 years, but the year we beat them, was an absolute beatdown at home. I expect a repeat of 2010. Braxton and Hyde will tear apart the Boilers and the defense, while still not worthy of being called Bullets, will do enough. Bucks get back on track at home. PU: 20--OSU: 48
Auer: Another closer than expected game. The defense is still bad, meh. PU: 31--OSU: 44
Hoying: Let's take a step back from the horrendous defense we saw last week. Before the last 4 minutes of the game, there wasn't an actual fear the Buckeyes were going to lose. And after the fear set in, Braxton never touched the ball until he ran out the clock. A consistent pattern has emerged of this Buckeye offense making plays when it has to, and I reiterate that as long as Braxton isn't busted, Ohio State will not lose another game. (Qualification: he has to be on the field. Multiple onside kicks void my prediction.) What about our worthy opponent? Ehhh, it's Purdue. We've lost to them once at home in the last 44 years. Plus they've been exposed in the last two weeks as the mediocre team they are. Bucks win big. Probably. PU: 27--OSU: 44
Schweinfurth: Another week, another spread offense for the Silver Pop Gun. While Purdue is bad defensively, this is the type of offense that has confounded Luke Fickle and Everett Withers. The focus this week was on minimizing the big play and it may show up in softer secondary coverages. Purdue WILL move the ball, and the Boilers WILL score...just not enough. The Buckeye offense is putting up just sick rushing numbers. Braxton Miller can become the first Ohio State QB to rush for 1000 yards, and this is only game 8! Carlos "El Guapo" Hyde has been a beast since Hall went down and I expect nothing less than 150 yards out of him. Bucks win and put up 50+ for the third week in a row (and I puke over the points given up again, bleh) PU: 38--OSU: 54
Upset Special
Draper: Cal over Stanford
Auer: Virginia Tech over Clemson
Hoying: Baylor over Texas
Schweinfurth: Tennessee over Bama (!!!)
Rankings post Week 7 /Heisman Ballots
Heisman Ballot
Draper
1) Collin Klein--QB KSU
2) Johnny Manziel--QB TAMU
3) Geno Smith--QB WVU
(Braxton Miller is a close 3a)
Hoying
1) Geno Smith--QB WVU
2) Johnny Manziel--QB TAMU
3) Collin Klein--QBKSU
Schweinfurth
1) Geno Smith--QB WBU
2) Braxton Miller--QB OSU (close second)
3) Collin Klein--QB KSU
Top 25 Ballots
Draper
1. Bama
2. Oregon
3. Florida
4. Kansas State
5. Notre Dame
6. LSU
7. South Carolina
8. Oklahoma
9. Oregon State
10. Ohio State
11. Mississippi State
12. USC
13. Florida State
14. Louisville
15. Rutgers
16. Texas Tech
17. West Virginia
18. Ohio
19. Georgia
20. Clemson
21. Cincinnati
22. Texas A&M
23. Michigan
24. Stanford
25. LA Tech
Hoying
1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. Florida
4. Notre Dame
5. Kansas State
6. Oregon State
7. Ohio State
8. LSU
9. South Carolina
10. Mississippi State
11. Texas A&M
12. Rutgers
13. Florida State
14. Oklahoma
15. Texas Tech
16. Cincinnati
17. Louisville
18. Georgia
19. Ohio
20. West Virginia
21. Michigan
22. USC
23. Arizona State
24. Clemson
25. Louisiana Tech
Schweinfurth
1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. Florida
4. Kansas State
5. Notre Dame
6. South Carolina
7. LSU (yes I know LSU beat South Carolina...)
8. Ohio State
9. Oregon State
10. Oklahoma
11. Florida State
12. USC
13. Clemson
14. Georgia
15. West Virginia
16. Mississippi State
17. Cincinnati
18. Louisville
19. Texas A&M
20. Rutgers
21. Ohio
23. Stanford
24. Arizona State
25.Michigan
Draper
1) Collin Klein--QB KSU
2) Johnny Manziel--QB TAMU
3) Geno Smith--QB WVU
(Braxton Miller is a close 3a)
Hoying
1) Geno Smith--QB WVU
2) Johnny Manziel--QB TAMU
3) Collin Klein--QBKSU
Schweinfurth
1) Geno Smith--QB WBU
2) Braxton Miller--QB OSU (close second)
3) Collin Klein--QB KSU
Top 25 Ballots
Draper
1. Bama
2. Oregon
3. Florida
4. Kansas State
5. Notre Dame
6. LSU
7. South Carolina
8. Oklahoma
9. Oregon State
10. Ohio State
11. Mississippi State
12. USC
13. Florida State
14. Louisville
15. Rutgers
16. Texas Tech
17. West Virginia
18. Ohio
19. Georgia
20. Clemson
21. Cincinnati
22. Texas A&M
23. Michigan
24. Stanford
25. LA Tech
Hoying
1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. Florida
4. Notre Dame
5. Kansas State
6. Oregon State
7. Ohio State
8. LSU
9. South Carolina
10. Mississippi State
11. Texas A&M
12. Rutgers
13. Florida State
14. Oklahoma
15. Texas Tech
16. Cincinnati
17. Louisville
18. Georgia
19. Ohio
20. West Virginia
21. Michigan
22. USC
23. Arizona State
24. Clemson
25. Louisiana Tech
Schweinfurth
1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. Florida
4. Kansas State
5. Notre Dame
6. South Carolina
7. LSU (yes I know LSU beat South Carolina...)
8. Ohio State
9. Oregon State
10. Oklahoma
11. Florida State
12. USC
13. Clemson
14. Georgia
15. West Virginia
16. Mississippi State
17. Cincinnati
18. Louisville
19. Texas A&M
20. Rutgers
21. Ohio
23. Stanford
24. Arizona State
25.Michigan
Monday, October 15, 2012
Grading the Bucks: IU--A win is a win...right...RIGHT!!
I've never felt this gross after a win since...well, UAB or Cal. Cal has since proven that they aren't total garbage, but the others...woof. This was a travesty of a game for the Buckeyes and truly worries me for the future. Yes, the win (or lack of a loss) is nice, but the extreme apathy exhibited by the players and coaches is a red flag.
Offense: B+
I give one player a passing grade for this game and he played like an absolute beast: Carlos Hyde. He ran extremely hard, 2 TDs, solid receiving, breaking tackles, decent blocks (that was the weakest part of his game), etc. Others trumpet Braxton Miller, but the interception in the endzone was embarrassing for a Pop Warner team. Miller ran fairly well but refused to feed the beast of Carlos Hyde enough and his passes we still off target. I have to give him a solid B/B+ grade because 2 nice TD passes were dropped by his number one (and only?) receiver Devin Smith. Miller could have had a stellar game for the books, but drops, lack of leadership, apathy, and lack of consistency are his Achilles heel. The O-line is playing well as well so let's not forget them. Miller needs to improve the decision making A LOT and the play-calling should focus a little more on Hyde.
Defense: F
49 points....let that sink in. 49 points....to Indiana. The last time OSU gave up more than 40 was the National Championship to UF. My. Hoying did a stellar exposition illustrating the extreme depths of depravity to which this unit has been relegated. Our leading tackler was a full back who was told he was switching to defense this week....that's pathetic. The secondary is laughably bad. I'll make one small excuse as my eyes told me that Hankins was getting held on EVERY SINGLE PLAY (Note: there was not a single holding penalty called the entire game on either team). With that being said, even if our line was handcuffed the whole game, IU shouldn't have sniffed 30 points. The linebacking corps is extremely depleted, but it was INDIANA!!! I knew they'd score; I had them scoring 20; but 49! This unit was apathetic the entire second half which comes down to coaching and desire. Weak tackling reared its ugly head. I can't call them the Bullets until they earn it back. For now, they're the Silver Swiss Cheese.
Special Teams: C+
I have no clue what to do with this unit. Giving up another blocked punt is just embarrassing--then they block a punt AND TOTALLY REDEEM THEMSELVES!! Very solid kick coverage for most of the game (most drives started inside the 15 for IU and around the 30 for us); and then we give up a 60 yard return at the end of the game. We never kick FGs anymore, so Basil yanks one (but makes another). And then there was the onside kick. Bradley Roby, I love you and think you're arguably the best talent on the defense, but what are you doing? The apathy reared its head again and we kept the door open.
Coaching: D
I've spoken of apathy as a recurring theme and this is a serious coaching issue. The Bucks played as if the game was over with 12 minutes to go. As a coach, you need to keep stoking the fire until zeros are on the clock, and if you don't keep the intensity up, that's on you (especially in a year with no postseason). Playcalling has been pedestrian (triple option every time Brown motions into the backfield), but the mood of the team and coaches on the sideline is more of an issue. I'm calling out Urban on this one. He trumpets hardnose, no-nonsense style in which any deviation from greatness is punished. I'm sorry, but I don't see it. If you want to be no-nonsense, you need to be going CRAZY on the sideline coaching this team as they give up the 7th most points in OSU history TO INDIANA! This is not acceptable in Columbus. It reminds me of the RichRod cartoon..."But we will score a lot of points". If we score 52, that's all well and good, but what if IU had scored 53? Is Urban on the hot seat? Probably not yet, but this is offputting to say the least.
Offense: B+
I give one player a passing grade for this game and he played like an absolute beast: Carlos Hyde. He ran extremely hard, 2 TDs, solid receiving, breaking tackles, decent blocks (that was the weakest part of his game), etc. Others trumpet Braxton Miller, but the interception in the endzone was embarrassing for a Pop Warner team. Miller ran fairly well but refused to feed the beast of Carlos Hyde enough and his passes we still off target. I have to give him a solid B/B+ grade because 2 nice TD passes were dropped by his number one (and only?) receiver Devin Smith. Miller could have had a stellar game for the books, but drops, lack of leadership, apathy, and lack of consistency are his Achilles heel. The O-line is playing well as well so let's not forget them. Miller needs to improve the decision making A LOT and the play-calling should focus a little more on Hyde.
Defense: F
49 points....let that sink in. 49 points....to Indiana. The last time OSU gave up more than 40 was the National Championship to UF. My. Hoying did a stellar exposition illustrating the extreme depths of depravity to which this unit has been relegated. Our leading tackler was a full back who was told he was switching to defense this week....that's pathetic. The secondary is laughably bad. I'll make one small excuse as my eyes told me that Hankins was getting held on EVERY SINGLE PLAY (Note: there was not a single holding penalty called the entire game on either team). With that being said, even if our line was handcuffed the whole game, IU shouldn't have sniffed 30 points. The linebacking corps is extremely depleted, but it was INDIANA!!! I knew they'd score; I had them scoring 20; but 49! This unit was apathetic the entire second half which comes down to coaching and desire. Weak tackling reared its ugly head. I can't call them the Bullets until they earn it back. For now, they're the Silver Swiss Cheese.
Special Teams: C+
I have no clue what to do with this unit. Giving up another blocked punt is just embarrassing--then they block a punt AND TOTALLY REDEEM THEMSELVES!! Very solid kick coverage for most of the game (most drives started inside the 15 for IU and around the 30 for us); and then we give up a 60 yard return at the end of the game. We never kick FGs anymore, so Basil yanks one (but makes another). And then there was the onside kick. Bradley Roby, I love you and think you're arguably the best talent on the defense, but what are you doing? The apathy reared its head again and we kept the door open.
Coaching: D
I've spoken of apathy as a recurring theme and this is a serious coaching issue. The Bucks played as if the game was over with 12 minutes to go. As a coach, you need to keep stoking the fire until zeros are on the clock, and if you don't keep the intensity up, that's on you (especially in a year with no postseason). Playcalling has been pedestrian (triple option every time Brown motions into the backfield), but the mood of the team and coaches on the sideline is more of an issue. I'm calling out Urban on this one. He trumpets hardnose, no-nonsense style in which any deviation from greatness is punished. I'm sorry, but I don't see it. If you want to be no-nonsense, you need to be going CRAZY on the sideline coaching this team as they give up the 7th most points in OSU history TO INDIANA! This is not acceptable in Columbus. It reminds me of the RichRod cartoon..."But we will score a lot of points". If we score 52, that's all well and good, but what if IU had scored 53? Is Urban on the hot seat? Probably not yet, but this is offputting to say the least.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Worst defense ever?
I don't write the weekly "Grading the Bucks" column. But after watching the most pitiful defensive performance from the Scarlet and Gray that I've ever seen, I thought I would provide a little historical perspective for the inevitable "F" that John will award them later.
Just how bad was that showing? Indiana racked up 481 yards on 78 plays (6.2 yards per play), despite only having the ball for 23:06. The Buckeye D did have 6 tackles for loss, but recorded no sacks and forced no turnovers. Indiana broke off a 59-yard TD run and a 76-yard TD pass. To their merit, the OSU defense forced 5 three-and-outs, but only one of these came in the second half, in which the defense managed to stop Indiana from scoring all of two times.
Don't blame the offense and special teams for putting the defense in a bad spot, either. Indiana's average starting field position was at their own 29 yard line and they started only 3 of 16 drives inside Ohio State territory (blocked punt in 1st, long kick return in 3rd, onside kick at the end).
But these failings are not the point of this post. To find the most glaring problem, we need look no farther than the scoreboard. 49 points. Ohio State gave up forty-nine points. Let that sink in for a moment. When was the last time you saw Ohio State surrender (and I mean surrender) 49 points? If you're drawing a blank, don't worry, it doesn't happen often. Let's crack open the record books to see how historically awful this performance truly was.
Before we start, guess how many times before Saturday a team had scored 49 or more points against OSU. Keep in mind that's 123 years and 1,202 games from which to draw. Ready? It's seven. Unsurprisingly, all were blowout losses (0-64 to Wooster in 1890, 6-50 to Western Reserve in 1891, 0-50 to Oberlin in 1892, 0-49 to Western Reserve in 1898, 0-86 to Michigan in 1902, 6-58 to Michigan in 1946, and 14-63 to Penn State in 1994).
You may have noticed from that list that most of these defensive embarrassments occurred when the Bucks were essentially a mid-major team, prior to joining the Big Ten. The only one of those games you may have possibly remembered was the debacle against an unstoppable Penn State team in 1994.
"But what's the big deal?" you may say. "It's just one game, and besides, we won!" That's true; this game was an outlier of historical magnitude. But it's part of a disturbing trend that has arisen in the wake of Jim Tressel's exit. For all the scathing abuse the offense took last season, the losing record fell squarely on the shoulders of the defense. The 2011 Buckeyes gave up 23.25 points per game in Big Ten play, their fifth worst effort of all time. The only worse conference marks were produced by the 1999 (26 ppg), 1988 (24.875 ppg), 1946 (24 ppg), and 1943 (26.8 ppg) squads. Those of you with long memories know that 1999 and 1988 were the last two years before 2011 that the Bucks did not have a winning record (thank you John Cooper). The worst effort came in last year's Michigan game, where Ohio State exploded for 34 points...and lost, the highest score the Buckeyes have ever attained in a loss.
So 2011 was bad. How is 2012 going? In 3 conference games, the Silver BB's have given up 16, 38, and 49 points, good for a 34.3 ppg average. In other words, the 2012 crew are on track to be the worst defense in Ohio State history, and by a wide margin to boot. Remember, this is Ohio State. 5 years ago the Buckeyes led the nation in scoring defense. Ohio State has had 27 seasons in which the defense allowed less than 49 points or less total in Big Ten play.
Perhaps the game has changed. Perhaps the balance has shifted toward offensive efficiency and defensive futility. But what occurred in Bloomington on October 13th was an embarrassment. OSU defensive coaches, you're on notice.
Oh, and I don't know whether this is a glimmer of hope or a sign of how far we've sunk, but the leading tackler yesterday? Zach Boren. The fullback who became a linebacker 5 days ago.
Just how bad was that showing? Indiana racked up 481 yards on 78 plays (6.2 yards per play), despite only having the ball for 23:06. The Buckeye D did have 6 tackles for loss, but recorded no sacks and forced no turnovers. Indiana broke off a 59-yard TD run and a 76-yard TD pass. To their merit, the OSU defense forced 5 three-and-outs, but only one of these came in the second half, in which the defense managed to stop Indiana from scoring all of two times.
Don't blame the offense and special teams for putting the defense in a bad spot, either. Indiana's average starting field position was at their own 29 yard line and they started only 3 of 16 drives inside Ohio State territory (blocked punt in 1st, long kick return in 3rd, onside kick at the end).
But these failings are not the point of this post. To find the most glaring problem, we need look no farther than the scoreboard. 49 points. Ohio State gave up forty-nine points. Let that sink in for a moment. When was the last time you saw Ohio State surrender (and I mean surrender) 49 points? If you're drawing a blank, don't worry, it doesn't happen often. Let's crack open the record books to see how historically awful this performance truly was.
Before we start, guess how many times before Saturday a team had scored 49 or more points against OSU. Keep in mind that's 123 years and 1,202 games from which to draw. Ready? It's seven. Unsurprisingly, all were blowout losses (0-64 to Wooster in 1890, 6-50 to Western Reserve in 1891, 0-50 to Oberlin in 1892, 0-49 to Western Reserve in 1898, 0-86 to Michigan in 1902, 6-58 to Michigan in 1946, and 14-63 to Penn State in 1994).
You may have noticed from that list that most of these defensive embarrassments occurred when the Bucks were essentially a mid-major team, prior to joining the Big Ten. The only one of those games you may have possibly remembered was the debacle against an unstoppable Penn State team in 1994.
"But what's the big deal?" you may say. "It's just one game, and besides, we won!" That's true; this game was an outlier of historical magnitude. But it's part of a disturbing trend that has arisen in the wake of Jim Tressel's exit. For all the scathing abuse the offense took last season, the losing record fell squarely on the shoulders of the defense. The 2011 Buckeyes gave up 23.25 points per game in Big Ten play, their fifth worst effort of all time. The only worse conference marks were produced by the 1999 (26 ppg), 1988 (24.875 ppg), 1946 (24 ppg), and 1943 (26.8 ppg) squads. Those of you with long memories know that 1999 and 1988 were the last two years before 2011 that the Bucks did not have a winning record (thank you John Cooper). The worst effort came in last year's Michigan game, where Ohio State exploded for 34 points...and lost, the highest score the Buckeyes have ever attained in a loss.
So 2011 was bad. How is 2012 going? In 3 conference games, the Silver BB's have given up 16, 38, and 49 points, good for a 34.3 ppg average. In other words, the 2012 crew are on track to be the worst defense in Ohio State history, and by a wide margin to boot. Remember, this is Ohio State. 5 years ago the Buckeyes led the nation in scoring defense. Ohio State has had 27 seasons in which the defense allowed less than 49 points or less total in Big Ten play.
Perhaps the game has changed. Perhaps the balance has shifted toward offensive efficiency and defensive futility. But what occurred in Bloomington on October 13th was an embarrassment. OSU defensive coaches, you're on notice.
Oh, and I don't know whether this is a glimmer of hope or a sign of how far we've sunk, but the leading tackler yesterday? Zach Boren. The fullback who became a linebacker 5 days ago.
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