It's funny how a 38-0 win over a game Hawai'i squad following a short week created a tiny bit of angst in a week in which the SEC smelled like hot garbage but supreme success breeds supreme expectations.
Now, on full rest, the Buckeyes are just one sunrise away from hosting MAC super-power Northern Illinois. To get you ready for the matchup, I present the takes of Birm, Vico and Mr. Young...
There’s been a lot of hand-wringing over the quarterback situation especially after Cardale nor J.T. looked very good against the Rainbow Warriors. What do you make of this past Saturday’s QB struggles, if anything? How do you think Urban is handling the situation thus far and/or what would you do differently, if anything?
Vico: I'm inclined to believe that much of what we saw last Saturday is a function of the quick turnaround. It's why I was uneasy about Ohio State getting roped into the ACC's Labor Day kickoff without a bye the next week and why I was somewhat grateful that Ohio State had four fresh bodies (Bosa, Marshall, Smith, Wilson) for the home-opener.
One of DJ's Skull Sessions in the summer contained a pledge to not complain about a single thing about Ohio State. I kind of like that idea following the national championship run and decided to adopt it this season. With that in mind, I'm not sure there's a right or wrong way to necessarily handle it. The Virginia Tech game may have been the ideal management of that situation, but it likely won't port to key games this season against (e.g. Michigan State, Michigan, Big Ten Championship Game).
I guess the only thing I'd do differently is start J.T. Barrett over Cardale Jones. I say that only because I'm genuinely surprised he didn't. I thought he was the better fit for what the offense likes to do notwithstanding Jones' ability to take the top off secondaries.
Then again, I'm not complaining. Things are working out well so far.
Mike: The worst of Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett's tendencies appeared in Saturday's game against Hawai'i. To be completely fair to them, dropped passes, bad snaps, penalties and pressure generated up the middle were issues. When the interior of any offensive line struggles, it can completely derail an offensive game plan. Still, Jones' footwork – particularly when trying to throw on the run – was rough, an issue that can be negated at times because of his arm strength. Barrett's downfield accuracy was poor and, in general, he isn't particularly consistent in that area.
I would caution against pulling either one, especially when the starter struggles for only a few series like this past Saturday. Not only does this not help their confidence, but you're calling two different games. Jones and Barrett's skill sets aren't distinct enough to function together, but are dissimilar to the point where the play calling is not exactly the same when switching QBs. It's a big adjustment between the two and it can throw off the timing of the offense.
Birm: I think overall that Meyer and his coaches are handling things about as well as can be expected. Even better though is how Cardale Jones and JT Barrett are handling things. Each of them is in a unique position where they've "earned" the right to play and the respect of the team and coaches and they've not let their competition impact the team's cohesiveness. As for the lackluster performance last week, I won't read too much into it. Quarterback is about preparation and mental sharpness and although the team won't make the short week going into a Hawai'i an excuse, I'll at least grant them a pass because of it.
It seemed pretty evident on Saturday in the Shoe that public sentiment favors J.T. Barrett at quarterback. Do you feel that’s accurate to say? Why or why not?
Mike: Saturday's ovation gave the fans a chance to show their appreciation for Barrett. After all, the last time we saw him in uniform at Ohio Stadium, he was carted off. Part of it was a respectful round of applause, but I know how prone fans are to overreaction. Naturally, with Jones struggling at the beginning, some were already calling for Barrett to take over. I think we were all a little shocked Jones got the nod to begin with, but are equally confident in both. I sense no strong sense of favoritism ... for now.
Birm: The old adage is that there is no player more popular than the backup quarterback and I think that fans expect Cardale Jones to dominate every game or risk losing his job, and that's not fair or likely to happen. JT has the perfect temperament and team-first attitude to handle this backup role - even though he's no doubt disappointed - without letting his affect his preparation week in and week out. Buckeye fans? Relax.
Vico: It's hard to say. The backup quarterback is always the most popular player on the team amid uncertain quarterback play. I think a more accurate statement might be closer to my reaction. I'm more surprised that Barrett isn't the starter than I am disgruntled that he isn't. Whatever reaction we saw in Ohio Stadium on Saturday was probably a function of fans wanting to see a better offensive game plan that featured more tight zone and option. That's Barrett's comparative advantage over Jones.
Through two games, which position group has been the least impressive against your own expectations? Do you expect those struggles to continue and/or what do you attribute them to?
Birm: I think that's clearly the offensive line, but again, as with the quarterback struggles on Saturday, a short week with limited rest and preparation certainly caused some rustiness. They are a veteran group with an excellent coach who will bounce back strong.
Mike: As the head coach points out in every single press conference, radio appearance or television interview, Ohio State is an "offensive line driven program." With that comes a certain set of expectations. The offensive line is, rightfully, held to higher standards than any other position group on the team. For one half against Virginia Tech and for most of the Hawai'i game, the o-line hasn't haven't lived up to those standards. The Hokies have one of the best defensive lines in college football and made it difficult to open up running lanes in the middle of the field. I understand why they struggled, but eventually started rolling. Why they had so much trouble against the Rainbow Warriors is a bit of a mystery, but perhaps some of that can be attributed to short rest coming off a physically-taxing opponent. As long as Ed Warinner is around, the offensive line will be fine.
Vico: I'm surprised the interior offensive line isn't performing to higher standards. Boren has a few penalties to date and some high snaps that only Cardale Jones could corral. Price looked like he did this point last year rather than what he was in the playoff run. Elflein had that holding penalty (along with Taylor Decker, to be fair) that cost Ohio State a third touchdown and momentarily turned the tide of the game in the second quarter.
I wish I had an answer for why we're seeing them, though I'm optimistic some game reps will iron most of it out.
It sounds like Mike Weber might be back in the fold this week but there’s still nothing quite as definitive on Torrance Gibson. Which one of those guys, if either, will have the biggest impact on the season before it's all said and done and why?
Vico: Weber likely won't return for the Buckeyes. Even if he did, I'd still think Gibson has the bigger effect on the season by season's end. There's more uncertainty at wide receiver than running back. Weber may do some nice things to propel him into next season, but Elliott and Samuel will get the bulk of the action at the position.
Birm: Mike Weber. Gibson is a physical freak but his ankle injury did slow him down a bit and he's in a much more crowded situation. Gibson is physically impressive but isn't ready yet on a mental level.
Mike: Torrance Gibson is learning a new position and, unlike Braxton Miller, has never played at the college level before. Considering the depth at wide receiver / h-back – Meyer lamented not having much of an opportunity to play freshman K.J. Hill – I don't see Gibson doing much this season. The running back position isn't as deep talent wise, which gives a healthy Weber a better opportunity to see the field, either spelling Elliott or, at least over the next month or so, taking snaps in blowouts after Bri'onte Dunn.
Which player has surprised you the most this so far this year either for their unexpectedly strong or less-than-stellar play?
Mike: The guy surprising everyone through two games, including myself, is Gareon Conley. I was a little worried about his transition to the starting role – particularly because of how he played in spot duty against Michigan State, last year – but he's proven to be far more capable than we all thought. Conley's ability to play press coverage is essential to Chris Ash's defense and his sure tackling in run support impresses me the most.
Birm: Gareon Conley was a flat out disappointment in his limited playing time a year ago; this year he's been as good as any cornerback in the country through two weeks. That light has come on.
Vico: Braxton Miller, if I can say that. I feared Ohio State may handle his return in a ham-handed way or that there would be only so much he could do from his new position on such short notice for this team. I was expecting noticeable, but limited, contributions from him this year. Through two games, he's been the offense's best asset. Kinda cool.
Through two games, who is Ohio State’s most indispensable player on each side of the ball and why?
Birm: On offense, it's gotta be Taylor Decker. The offensive line has struggled and the captain has helped hold things together. On defense? I'll go with Vonn Bell who has been All-American quality on the field and has really become a leader on that side of the ball.
Mike: On offense, it's Ezekiel Elliott. Even when the line isn't playing well and the Buckeyes can't move the ball through the air, Warinner and Meyer can rely on Elliott to carry the load on offense. He averaged fewer than four yards per carry against Hawai'i but scored three touchdowns in a game where you wonder how OSU could produce those points without him. Plus, he's a tremendous blocker – both in pass protection or opening holes on the perimeter for others – and showed he can catch in traffic during the Virginia Tech game.
Defensively, I'm not sure Ohio State can replace Darron Lee's versatility. He was instrumental in generating pressure without Joey Bosa available against the Hokies, is solid in coverage and even makes a weekly impact on special teams – including the roughing penalty. Lee has an endless motor and it's hard to imagine a facet of the game he's not capable of handling.
Vico: Following the last question, Braxton Miller might be the most indispensable player on the offense so far. It's difficult for me to say this because my mentality is the guy that runs the base play the best is the team's most indispensable player. That would be Elliott, who, don't get me wrong, has done well. I think Miller has given the offense an added ability to incinerate defenses even if he still predetermines his reads (i.e. he keeps) on "Wildcat" (Buck-Wild?) formation plays.
On defense, I think this answer is clearly Joey Bosa. He immediately commands double teams, which free linebackers to make plays and makes life easier in the secondary. Bosa almost becomes an entire game plan for opposing offensive coordinators.
Now that the preseason hype has quieted a bit will an Ohio State player win the Heisman? Why or why not?
Vico: Given his name recognition, it's Elliott's trophy to lose if he has a string of 200-yard games in him. However, Nick Chubb, the presumptive favorite at this point, will be too important for a team that is expected to win the SEC East. Elliott won't have to do as much as Chubb this season.
Birm: No, and that's ok. There's so many weapons on Ohio State's offense that no one player is likely to put up the gaudy numbers that players like Boykin at TCU will.
Mike: I didn't think a Buckeye would win the Heisman to begin with, simply because there are too many mouths to feed. Eventually, I figure Jones and, particularly, Elliott will put up Heisman-caliber numbers. Multiple players from the same team tend to split votes, though. It's possible Ohio State could send two to New York like USC did in 2005, but I expect someone like Trevone Boykin or Nick Chubb – two guys who aren't surrounded by Heisman-caliber players – to get more votes.
Championship game scenario: Would you rather Ohio State beat Alabama and have Urban pat Nick Saban on the head like a good little boy or Ohio State beat Arkansas and have Urban punch Bert in his pie hole?
Mike: As much as I despise Bert, I take far more joy out of beating Alabama. Bert's fun to troll on Twitter every time he loses because he goes on an endless blocking spree. He's never been a threat to Ohio State or Meyer, though. Saban is Meyer's natural foil. They battled in the SEC three times, met in the Sugar Bowl and it's currently a 2-2 draw. One more win puts Meyer over the top, inches Meyer closer to Saban in total national titles and – most importantly – makes Ohio State the most important topic on The Finebaum Show for a second straight year.
Vico: Easily the former. At least Alabama challenges for championships, which is more than we can say about Arkansas.
Birm: I'm a guy who wants to beat the best to be best, so no matter who is there at the end of the season, if the Buckeyes are its all good. Saban's program is still the one Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes are chasing, though.
Northern Illinois comes to town as one of the favorites to win the MAC but should be facing an angry Ohio State team. As such, the Buckeyes are favored by about 34 points. What’s your final score? Does Ohio State cover? Who is your game MVP?
Mike: I'll go with 41-21, OSU. Northern Illinois gets a late touchdown or two to comfortably cover on their end. Game MVP is Braxton Miller, who uncorks a pass or two for big yardage. In addition to the standard big play with his feet.
Birm: I predicted a final score of 49-17 in my game prediction, so by that number they would not cover the spread but I imagine most folks would be happy with a near 50-point performance. I expect a big game from Cardale Jones this week as the wide receivers get back into the normal flow of the offense.
Vico: I predicted 42-10 for the game preview, which suggests Ohio State won't cover a 34-point spread. I'm thinking Elliott having a 100-yard-plus game will get him game MVP honors.
