crazedbuckeye333
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Good morning fans.
It’s College Football season – finally. Finally we have Buckeye football every Saturday, finally we will wake up to The Best Damn Band in the Land, OH and subsequent IO's, the Buckeye Battle Cry and Hang on Sloopy. Finally, Ohio State Buckeye football 2008 is here.
Key Players – Lawrence Wilson and Chimdi Chekwa, Todd Boeckman, Ryan Pretorius.
I’m picking two defensive players this year. Lawrence Wilson is Ohio State’s dark horse in 2008 – a junior who took a medical redshirt after a broken leg and then passed on the title game last season to keep a year of eligibility. Wilson was supposed to put up Gholston-like numbers, and this yeah he’ll have to replace him. Combining with 6’6 Sophomore Cameron Hayward, the D-line has to make up for 14 sacks and arguably the most feared pass-rusher in college football from 2007. Don’t be surprised to see Wilson get off to a fast start in 2008 – his hunger is second to none.
Chekwa, other than having a fun name to pronounce, was always around the ball and may be undervalued with the likes of Jenkins and Washington around him. Chekwa is a plus sized corner at 6’1, and with the entire secondary still intact, Chekwa emerging as an underclassmen start could push this defense over the top. Chekwa will also play a mammoth role on Sept. 13th against USC, as he’ll be the only corner aside from Jenkins to start a game while Washington serves a two game suspension. Chekwa performs solidly – and the Buckeyes could lose very little from a situation that could have been fatal.
For the offense, this one is simple – Todd Boeckman. There’s just no debate that with great QB play this team is prone for Miami in January. Boeckman started off where Troy Smith left off, but faltered down the stretch and the rest of the Buckeyes followed suit. Chris Wells will get his numbers; the offensive line returns four starters; the receiving core is still intact; it’s all on Boeckman’s shoulders. He should have more field to work with after Wells and Saine establish the run game – but it all comes down to Sept. 13th. USC ranks in the top 10 in all three defensive unit projections, most notably the best safety tandem in the nation. Craig Krenzel won the championship in 2002 because he made the big play when it was needed most. That’s what Boeckman will have to do in order to be successful. Todd tried to force things to happen later in the season – with Chris Wells finally 100%, the key to success is taking what the defense gives him. Boeckman will have to improve on 2379 yards and a 63% completion percentage – but his TD-INT ratio of 25-14 must improve.
The Buckeyes need to fire on all cylinders, and that means senior kicker Ryan Pretorius as well. Having a sure-fire kicker lets Tressel be a little more conservative with leads, something that nearly cost the Buckeyes the season against MSU. After all – shouldn’t a kicker wearing #85 for the scarlet and grey be dominate?
Surprise players – Chekwa and Sanzenbacher.
Come on people – do you love these two names as much as I do?
Sanzenbacher is easily the most underrated on the offense. After the Brians, Dane is the only reliable WR on the roster. Now with a year under his belt, watch out. His specialty is post routes up the hash marks while Robo spreads the field, and most only remember his name for its originality, Dane made several key catches late in games to set up scores, most notably keeping drives alive against Michigan State. Giving teams another receiver to worry about will be deadly.
Chekwa – again. Chimdi has that 6th sense defensive coordinators drool over with defensive backs, that nose for the ball you just can’t teach, and with Washington once again in the dog house, Chekwa very well could start against USC, or at the last dominate the minutes opposite Jenkins. This position is the key position of the back seven, as QB’s will force passes to his side of the field. Not to mention – Chekwa is one of the better hitters in the secondary, a great attribute for nickel back in Ohio State’s brick-wall defensive style.
MVP’s – Chris Wells and James Laurinaitis.
Please – if you didn’t see these coming just stop reading. Wells is “The†Heisman candidate among sports pundits around the world and Laurinaitis is the unquestioned leader of this team, a Nagurski and Bednarik front runner, and was even ranked as high as 7th on Heisman predictions. When is the last time a LB was ranked that high? The Animal will have his best season in Columbus, both as a player and leader. Leadership just can’t be valued enough, and Laurinaitis is truly special in that regard. You just can’t say enough about this kid. Wells ran for 1600 yards in his first year as a starter and with a broken bone in his wrist – this kid is scary, and the only real concern is the court trial after he takes some poor kid’s head off via a stiff arm.
Key Units – Quarterback and Defensive Line
Quarterback is pretty obvious. Running back, Wide Receiver and offensive line units are strong once again and there are nine returning starters on offense. Boeckman will have plenty of room to throw as teams try to slow down Beanie, but on every great team in the country – whether it be high school, college or pro football – quarterback is the position of leadership. Boeckman is 24 years old and a 6th year senior – nearly unprecedented in the NCAA – this is his team to lead. 2007 was the year after Troy – not much in expectations. However 2008 is his season – he doesn’t have any outstanding features and many would barely call him a top 20 NCAA QB – he’ll just have to make the plays when they count and find a way to win. He can be as quiet as he wants off the field – Beanie can handle the media attention – but on the field Todd must be the field general. Ohio State will go as far as Boeckman takes us – period.
Defensive line is also a very easy selection here. The key to winning football games is by winning the battle in the trenches. No body wants to believe it and no body likes it. Everyone wants to root for the flashy positions, QB, RB and WR. While those are key, they come second to the line battles. Replacing the best lineman in 2007 won’t be easy for Ohio State. The key for ’08? Be solid across the line. The line will be without a starting senior, but Cameron Hayward is a talented sophomore who has a keen knack for dominating the backfield – 10 of his 33 tackles were for losses. Wilson is the wild card, but is projected for a huge season with extra helpings of desire to boot. The key is pressure up the middle. Denlinger benches 400 and has exceptional strength, but at times falls asleep and seems raw – this year could be a season of blossoming. Worthington is the versatile lineman who will be used to create mismatches nearly every week, with Abdallah and Larimore filling out the inside rotation. Ohio State has without a doubt the best back 7 in college football – if the line is able to put pressure on the QB, this defense will be better than 2007 – and we were #1.
5 keys to winning.
1. Defense – back to Buckeye defense. Brick-wall, unstoppable force. When teams come to the ‘Shoe, they need to fear this D. OSU has lost that in past years.
2. Balance – Beanie will get his yards, and with Brandon Saine offering a fantastic backup, the running game will be set in stone. Boeckman needs to be just as big a threat, and must also use every possible receiver to disallow defenses to key in onto one guy.
3. Battle in the Trenches – even with Gholston and Barton gone, both units could still improve on last season. The key to offensive line success is chemistry, and as one of the only teams in the nation with at least four returning starters, the Buckeyes nasties will rank as one of it’s best. If Cordle and Rehring and make some holes for Wells and Boone and sophomore Browning can keep Boeckman on his feet, the Buckeyes will almost always have the advantage at the skill positions. That’s especially true on defense – the only question mark is the defensive line, who if the unit can apply pressure, Laurinaitis, Freeman and Jenkins will have field days. I can't stress the importance of the battle in the trenches enough.
4. Experience – you’ll be hard pressed to find a team with more experience than Ohio State. The Buckeyes have nine returning starters on offense and defense, as well as every special teams position coming back for another go-around. At least 13 seniors will get serious playing time, as well as 6th year senior Boeckman, and Laurinaitis and Jenkins passing up certain first round selections to win a title and experience their senior seasons in Columbus. You could put mental strength in this slot as well. No – this year is not a redemption year for 2007 or 2006. Forget it. Teams don’t win like that (ask Mike Hart). This is the 2008 Buckeye football team – yes, many players are back – but this is a new season, this is 2008.
5. Hunger – we got it. Now feed off of it.
Thing that can’t be overlooked.
Special teams. Tressel says the punt is the most important play in football, and with the exception of “Hey Beanie, run through somebody,†it might be in 2008. Ohio State needs to excel on every front, and with the exception of southern California, every game the Buckeyes play they’ll have a target on their backs. Solid special teams play, especially kicking and punting, kills upsets. And with Ohio State’s overlooked and overrated return game, winning the field position battle will pay higher dividends than many think.
2008 Prediction:
National Championship: Ohio State over Florida, in Miami. OSU won't be surprised, and the leadership of Laurinaitis and hopefully Boeckman cannot be matched. It's time to silent the world and bring Ohio State football back to #1. Heisman - Wells. Nagurski and Bednarik - Laurinaitis.
O-H! Let’s dot the i.
It’s College Football season – finally. Finally we have Buckeye football every Saturday, finally we will wake up to The Best Damn Band in the Land, OH and subsequent IO's, the Buckeye Battle Cry and Hang on Sloopy. Finally, Ohio State Buckeye football 2008 is here.
Key Players – Lawrence Wilson and Chimdi Chekwa, Todd Boeckman, Ryan Pretorius.
I’m picking two defensive players this year. Lawrence Wilson is Ohio State’s dark horse in 2008 – a junior who took a medical redshirt after a broken leg and then passed on the title game last season to keep a year of eligibility. Wilson was supposed to put up Gholston-like numbers, and this yeah he’ll have to replace him. Combining with 6’6 Sophomore Cameron Hayward, the D-line has to make up for 14 sacks and arguably the most feared pass-rusher in college football from 2007. Don’t be surprised to see Wilson get off to a fast start in 2008 – his hunger is second to none.
Chekwa, other than having a fun name to pronounce, was always around the ball and may be undervalued with the likes of Jenkins and Washington around him. Chekwa is a plus sized corner at 6’1, and with the entire secondary still intact, Chekwa emerging as an underclassmen start could push this defense over the top. Chekwa will also play a mammoth role on Sept. 13th against USC, as he’ll be the only corner aside from Jenkins to start a game while Washington serves a two game suspension. Chekwa performs solidly – and the Buckeyes could lose very little from a situation that could have been fatal.
For the offense, this one is simple – Todd Boeckman. There’s just no debate that with great QB play this team is prone for Miami in January. Boeckman started off where Troy Smith left off, but faltered down the stretch and the rest of the Buckeyes followed suit. Chris Wells will get his numbers; the offensive line returns four starters; the receiving core is still intact; it’s all on Boeckman’s shoulders. He should have more field to work with after Wells and Saine establish the run game – but it all comes down to Sept. 13th. USC ranks in the top 10 in all three defensive unit projections, most notably the best safety tandem in the nation. Craig Krenzel won the championship in 2002 because he made the big play when it was needed most. That’s what Boeckman will have to do in order to be successful. Todd tried to force things to happen later in the season – with Chris Wells finally 100%, the key to success is taking what the defense gives him. Boeckman will have to improve on 2379 yards and a 63% completion percentage – but his TD-INT ratio of 25-14 must improve.
The Buckeyes need to fire on all cylinders, and that means senior kicker Ryan Pretorius as well. Having a sure-fire kicker lets Tressel be a little more conservative with leads, something that nearly cost the Buckeyes the season against MSU. After all – shouldn’t a kicker wearing #85 for the scarlet and grey be dominate?
Surprise players – Chekwa and Sanzenbacher.
Come on people – do you love these two names as much as I do?
Sanzenbacher is easily the most underrated on the offense. After the Brians, Dane is the only reliable WR on the roster. Now with a year under his belt, watch out. His specialty is post routes up the hash marks while Robo spreads the field, and most only remember his name for its originality, Dane made several key catches late in games to set up scores, most notably keeping drives alive against Michigan State. Giving teams another receiver to worry about will be deadly.
Chekwa – again. Chimdi has that 6th sense defensive coordinators drool over with defensive backs, that nose for the ball you just can’t teach, and with Washington once again in the dog house, Chekwa very well could start against USC, or at the last dominate the minutes opposite Jenkins. This position is the key position of the back seven, as QB’s will force passes to his side of the field. Not to mention – Chekwa is one of the better hitters in the secondary, a great attribute for nickel back in Ohio State’s brick-wall defensive style.
MVP’s – Chris Wells and James Laurinaitis.
Please – if you didn’t see these coming just stop reading. Wells is “The†Heisman candidate among sports pundits around the world and Laurinaitis is the unquestioned leader of this team, a Nagurski and Bednarik front runner, and was even ranked as high as 7th on Heisman predictions. When is the last time a LB was ranked that high? The Animal will have his best season in Columbus, both as a player and leader. Leadership just can’t be valued enough, and Laurinaitis is truly special in that regard. You just can’t say enough about this kid. Wells ran for 1600 yards in his first year as a starter and with a broken bone in his wrist – this kid is scary, and the only real concern is the court trial after he takes some poor kid’s head off via a stiff arm.
Key Units – Quarterback and Defensive Line
Quarterback is pretty obvious. Running back, Wide Receiver and offensive line units are strong once again and there are nine returning starters on offense. Boeckman will have plenty of room to throw as teams try to slow down Beanie, but on every great team in the country – whether it be high school, college or pro football – quarterback is the position of leadership. Boeckman is 24 years old and a 6th year senior – nearly unprecedented in the NCAA – this is his team to lead. 2007 was the year after Troy – not much in expectations. However 2008 is his season – he doesn’t have any outstanding features and many would barely call him a top 20 NCAA QB – he’ll just have to make the plays when they count and find a way to win. He can be as quiet as he wants off the field – Beanie can handle the media attention – but on the field Todd must be the field general. Ohio State will go as far as Boeckman takes us – period.
Defensive line is also a very easy selection here. The key to winning football games is by winning the battle in the trenches. No body wants to believe it and no body likes it. Everyone wants to root for the flashy positions, QB, RB and WR. While those are key, they come second to the line battles. Replacing the best lineman in 2007 won’t be easy for Ohio State. The key for ’08? Be solid across the line. The line will be without a starting senior, but Cameron Hayward is a talented sophomore who has a keen knack for dominating the backfield – 10 of his 33 tackles were for losses. Wilson is the wild card, but is projected for a huge season with extra helpings of desire to boot. The key is pressure up the middle. Denlinger benches 400 and has exceptional strength, but at times falls asleep and seems raw – this year could be a season of blossoming. Worthington is the versatile lineman who will be used to create mismatches nearly every week, with Abdallah and Larimore filling out the inside rotation. Ohio State has without a doubt the best back 7 in college football – if the line is able to put pressure on the QB, this defense will be better than 2007 – and we were #1.
5 keys to winning.
1. Defense – back to Buckeye defense. Brick-wall, unstoppable force. When teams come to the ‘Shoe, they need to fear this D. OSU has lost that in past years.
2. Balance – Beanie will get his yards, and with Brandon Saine offering a fantastic backup, the running game will be set in stone. Boeckman needs to be just as big a threat, and must also use every possible receiver to disallow defenses to key in onto one guy.
3. Battle in the Trenches – even with Gholston and Barton gone, both units could still improve on last season. The key to offensive line success is chemistry, and as one of the only teams in the nation with at least four returning starters, the Buckeyes nasties will rank as one of it’s best. If Cordle and Rehring and make some holes for Wells and Boone and sophomore Browning can keep Boeckman on his feet, the Buckeyes will almost always have the advantage at the skill positions. That’s especially true on defense – the only question mark is the defensive line, who if the unit can apply pressure, Laurinaitis, Freeman and Jenkins will have field days. I can't stress the importance of the battle in the trenches enough.
4. Experience – you’ll be hard pressed to find a team with more experience than Ohio State. The Buckeyes have nine returning starters on offense and defense, as well as every special teams position coming back for another go-around. At least 13 seniors will get serious playing time, as well as 6th year senior Boeckman, and Laurinaitis and Jenkins passing up certain first round selections to win a title and experience their senior seasons in Columbus. You could put mental strength in this slot as well. No – this year is not a redemption year for 2007 or 2006. Forget it. Teams don’t win like that (ask Mike Hart). This is the 2008 Buckeye football team – yes, many players are back – but this is a new season, this is 2008.
5. Hunger – we got it. Now feed off of it.
Thing that can’t be overlooked.
Special teams. Tressel says the punt is the most important play in football, and with the exception of “Hey Beanie, run through somebody,†it might be in 2008. Ohio State needs to excel on every front, and with the exception of southern California, every game the Buckeyes play they’ll have a target on their backs. Solid special teams play, especially kicking and punting, kills upsets. And with Ohio State’s overlooked and overrated return game, winning the field position battle will pay higher dividends than many think.
2008 Prediction:
National Championship: Ohio State over Florida, in Miami. OSU won't be surprised, and the leadership of Laurinaitis and hopefully Boeckman cannot be matched. It's time to silent the world and bring Ohio State football back to #1. Heisman - Wells. Nagurski and Bednarik - Laurinaitis.
O-H! Let’s dot the i.
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