Hello and happy Thursday. It’s great to see your heart survived the iPhone 5 announcement, this little number and yesterday’s biggest news.
Urban Meyer’s Michigan debut…in the Shoe…as the team’s de facto bowl game…with the 2002 championship squad in attendance. #BEATMICHIGAN
WHERE YOU AT? Coming into the season, the Buckeyes’ defensive line was touted as the strength of the team. Two games and a measly three sacks have left many questioning whether the hype was justified.
During yesterday’s post practice interview, the defensive line was a hot topic. Meyer didn’t shy away from an honest assessment, stating he wasn’t happy with the pressure from the line this week in practice.
Johnathan Hankins was available for interviews and predictably he was tossed the same questions. Big Hank said defensive line coach Mike Vrabel is frustrated with the lack of pressure and believes the unit isn’t executing on the skills and technique refined during the week. Hankins said Coach Meyer echoed that sentiment, asking him why the unit can do it in practice but not during games.
There truly is no excuse for the lack of production. Both opponents used a quick pass approach in an attempt to neutralize the battle up front, but even so, you’ve got to hit the QB when you’re playing Miami of Ohio and UCF.
Moving forward, Urban stated things could change if his three or four up front can’t get it done:
"There's two ways of doing it. One is defeating the man in a pass rush, 'I'm going to go beat him and rush the quarterback.' Or, I'm going to blitz and try to confuse you. Traditionally are we a huge blitz team or [defensive coordinator Luke] Fickell or the Buckeyes for the last decade? No, but that's certainly in our package and it might happen this week."
It’s still early, so I’m hopeful Meyer and company can iron out the issues. However, if we’re having this discussion in a month, the Buckeyes have a much larger problem on their hands.
15 CARRIES. Braxton Miller was the offense last week. You saw it, your friends saw it, your mom who asks what a first down is saw it.
California Schemin'. Walt = genius download immediately.As Ramzy stated in his piece Tuesday, this is a double-edged sword. More often than not, Miller is going to be the most talented athlete on the field.
But even the most talented have a breaking point.
While it’s great to watch M(ill)er do his thing, two games in the Buckeyes are starting to resemble something I don’t want them to resemble, and it’s beginning to take its toll. Miller stated yesterday his entire body was sore following his 27-carry performance against UCF.
When asked how many carries he’d like to see Miller take against Cal, Meyer was quick to say 15.
But who is going to pick up the slack? Carlos Hyde will be unavailable this week, and it looks like Jordan Hall will play but is likely to be limited.
That leaves Rod Smith, Bri'onte Dunn and fullback Zach Boren to choose from. Meyer has yet to make a choice, opting instead to table it until gameday. While the decision is uncertain, Meyer believes raw ability isn’t:
"Talent is not an issue at running back at Ohio State. We just have to coach them better and get them ready to go."
In addition to the aforementioned backs, Meyer has referenced WR DCMP (Don’t Call Me Philly) Brown as a potential candidate to tote the rock. However, running back coach Stan Drayton seemed to put that notion to bed Tuesday:
“(Brown’s) a wide receiver, you know, I don’t want to send the wrong message out there. He is the wide receiver and we need him to be productive on the perimeter.”
One thing is certain: when the first-team offense takes the field Saturday, eyes will be focused on the player behind Miller in the formation, hoping that individual can keep the player behind Miller on the depth chart sidelined. (We love you Kenny!)
KEY MATCHUPS: CAL. The Morning Journal recently highlighted four battles to watch during the Bucks tilt with Cal this Saturday. The piece included Dunn and Smith vs. Cal’s O-line, John Simon vs. Cal LT Tyler Rigsbee, and the Golden Bears vs. the Eastern Time Zone. While those should be a joy to watch, the matchup I’m most looking forward to is OSU's DBs vs WR Keenan Allen.
The junior recorded 98 receptions for 1,343 yds and 6 TDs last season. In 2012 he has tallied 11 catches for 136 yds and 1 TD along with 3 rushes for 39 yards and 1 (Geico Play Of The Year Nominee) TD.
If Meyer’s comments during his presser yesterday are any indication, Bradley Roby will be the one tasked with keeping the burner at bay. Urban called out Roby, stating he’ll have to play “grown-man football” this week against Allen if he hopes to have any success.
Roby believes he’s up to the challenge. He said playing against one of the best receivers in the country motivates him, but make no mistake, he’ll have a lot to deal with on Saturday.
The 5’11’’ Roby will have to find a way to keep the 6’3’’/ 210 lbs Allen from climbing the ladder to get anything thrown his way. It’s going to be a physical battle, but if you’ve got this in your face every day, chances are you’ve been tested.
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