The 11W Football Mailbag is the only stop you need for answers to your most pressing questions about Ohio State's next matchup. Have a question? Ask it, and if we can, we'll answer it.
Urban Meyer said he will have a bigger role this week in calling offensive plays, does this play out in our favor this late into the season? How involved will Coach Meyer be in the offensive play calling this Saturday? Or more to the point, do you think he will call 100 percent of the plays? OR will it be more of a fluid thing, depending upon how the game is flowing? — Adamluangraj, Barnsey69 and Grand Lake Celina
Not surprisingly, there were a boatload of questions about Ohio State's play calling. And I'll just start off by saying this: I was as surprised as you all were Saturday during the Michigan State game by the game plan. It seemed like the Buckeyes were playing not to lose instead of to win.
I think Meyer will have more of a voice in the play calling, but it is difficult to speculate on what exactly it will be because he didn't expound on it at all Monday. I mean, at all.
Clearly, he's frustrated with things not working like he knows they're capable of offensively. If he solely took over the play calling duties on the last game of the regular season, though, it probably wouldn't play in Ohio State's favor. I only say that because that's not how they did it for the first 11 games. But if he's serious about being more involved, I wouldn't put it past him.
I think it'll depend on how the start of the game goes. If Meyer has more of a voice but still isn't the final one on the calls and the offense continues to struggle, it will change.
Your thoughts on Tim Beck continuing during and after this season? Should we replace him or not? I got into a discussion with a lifelong Husker fan who said Beck was horrible with play calling and he believes that the fall of Bo Pelini was because of Beck. Did he cause Cardale Jones to fail? Compared to last year, I saw a lot of dazzle and spark, this year we're barely even getting anything out. — Doudt and AZ Buckeye13
There's something I think Ohio State fans struggle to remember with regards to the team's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach: Tom Hermans don't grow on trees. There's a reason the guy is 10-1 as the head coach at his new school. He's a different breed.
After watching essentially a whole season with Beck, however, I do think he's a big part of the reason the quarterbacks have regressed. That not only includes Jones, but also J.T. Barrett. The last time Beck spoke to the media was Oct. 12, after Barrett became the red zone guy and just before he took over full-time. So, what I'm saying, Beck hasn't faced the media when things have been trending south. Apparently, he has a history of doing this, too.
Beck isn't Herman. Herman isn't Beck. No one knows how things are in the quarterback room as compared to last season — only those within the program do. So it's hard to say exactly, but it's also hard to deny Beck's inability to help Jones and Barrett through their struggles, regardless who was playing. Jones was dealt a bit of a rough hand, given the keys to the offense and expected to do the unthinkable things he did in the 2014 post-season with a new play caller, new quarterbacks coach and increasing outside pressure for Barrett to take his place. I don't care who you are, that can't be easy.
I expect Beck to be back next year, unless the offense struggles again at Michigan.
After what is arguably one of the worst offensive performances by a Meyer-coached team, what are your thoughts about this week's offensive game planning? — E2Brutus
Not just one of the worst, the worst performance by a Meyer-coached team. Only five first downs and 132 total yards? Ugly. And to think, Ohio State still had a chance to win the game.
I think the game plan will be centered around throwing the ball downfield more, just because the weather shouldn't be unbearable again and it's pretty evident that when that doesn't happen, things get bad, quickly.
Do you think we will ever win another game with Urban as coach? — Fatpants
Yes. You didn't post this in sarcasm font, so I am answering it seriously. The guy's 48-4 at Ohio State. It'll all be OK.
Will Ezekiel Elliott start? What message does it send if Meyer lets him off the hook completely? — Oyster
Meyer said Monday Elliott won't face an disciplinary action for his comments, so he'll start. The message is sends is, "Hey, you were right. Let's get it corrected, put it behind us and go try to win our next game."
One could argue that Meyer & staff put on a coaching clinic last season en route to championships. I, however, might argue that Meyer's greatest coaching performance lies ahead; as in this coming Saturday. Hard to believe, but one loss seemingly has everyone questioning, at least something, about the current state of the program. So, my question is this, which would be the more difficult coaching scenario: preparing your team for last season's postseason (knowing 'house-money' is in play), or, trying to convince your team there is still so much to play for, like beating TTUN in Ann Arbor? As a side question, does Meyer even mention the possibilities that are still out there to the team? I.E. Championship aspirations aren't dead yet, but it all starts with a W this Saturday? — InJTweMust
I think its the latter, trying to pick up the team after a stunning home loss. Just because of who Ohio State plays Saturday, what is still at stake and the fact that this team was told it was supposed to be one of the best ever and is not. There's so many talented guys who are going to jump to the pros early after the season, so keeping them motivated on this season even though they might think all is lost isn't going to be easy.
To your second question, yes, he does. He said Tuesday on the Big Ten teleconference that's one of his biggest fears, so that leads me to believe he already has spoken to his team about it.
Is this team the biggest disappointment in OSU history considering all the preseason hype and expectations based on last years result? I know they are 10-1, which should make this question seem ridiculous, but they have only looked good twice this year (at VT and at Rutgers) and have looked from bad to horrible the other nine games. — FROMTHE18
Hmm ... biggest disappointment in Ohio State history. That's quite the statement considering a decent majority of the team played last year when it started its 23-game winning streak. I don't think that's the case right now, but if the Buckeyes lose Saturday then slip up in their bowl game, the season will no doubt be considered a disappointment.
And did the team really look "bad to horrible" when it was beating Penn State by four touchdowns? Or Maryland by three scores? What about Hawai'i by 38 points? Yeah, pretty bad to horrible.
Do you think there is any chance Cardale plays if J.T. struggles in the first half? If J.T. plays as poorly, or if the unit looks as inept, as he and it was last week, does Meyer make a move at quarterback to see if it changes the dynamics of the game? Just curious if there is sentiment that Urban will make any big moves or changes if the game is looking ugly. — Steve-OH and Loverbuck
This is an interesting topic that I actually spoke with my friends about a few days ago. With how Barrett struggled to get the offense moving — we're taking out the play calling completely here, just referring to on-field play — how is it that he gets a pass unlike Jones did during the beginning of the season?
As soon as Jones missed a throw or did something wrong, immediately some fans wanted him out and Barrett back in. Barrett played well before his OVI, but didn't look the part Saturday, along with the rest of the offense. Why does he get the benefit of the doubt?
Our general consensus was that we've all see Barrett light up scoreboards and account for 500 yards of total offense, but haven't from Jones. So we know Barrett has potential to do that. And I think it's because of that Meyer won't pull Barrett out even if the offense looks bad Saturday. Making yet another change at the position this season probably won't end well.
This is a rhetorical question, but I want to hear your answer: How big is this game for Urban and the program moving forward? Do you see Urban going conservative in a game like this or all out? — Buckguyfan1
This is a huge game for multiple reasons. Meyer and Ohio State got punched in the gut Saturday. How does they respond? If Jim Harbaugh and Michigan win, they'll get started off on the right foot in a budding Harbaugh-Meyer matchup even though his roster is mostly made up of Brady Hoke recruits.
Meyer's going all out. Ohio State still has a chance at the Big Ten Championship Game. The tone of the next five years of this rivalry is set Saturday.
What is your vibe of the team right now? From afar, it sure looked like a lot of guys did not know how to handle a loss. Do you see the Bucks coming out and finally playing with a sense of urgency, or has that shipped sailed and we should begin looking forward to next year and the basketball team.. Not overly promising either.. After last week's tough loss what do you expect to see from the team this week against a hated rival? Do you expect them to come out and play angry with a fire we really havent seen yet this season? Or do you expect to see a team that has packed it in for the year with star players who are looking forward more to the draft? — DeepSouthBuckeye and BuckeyeCWRU
This team doesn't really know how to handle a loss. It hadn't had to do it for nearly 15 months. That's an eternity in college football.
The players we spoke to Monday said all the right things, as they often do. They're clearly hurting and know this weekend represents another chance to beat Michigan. They also said they know they could still make the Big Ten Championship. Whether or not that makes the team come out and play with a sense of urgency remains to be seen.
Ohio State was bored through the first 10 games of the season. Mostly, anyways. It caught up to it Saturday. Michigan always brings out the hate in the players, so I'd lean toward them playing inspired football more than I would lean toward them checking out because so many guys plan to leave early for the NFL. That chance is still there, though.
What are some of the key traditions for seniors during Michigan week? Has Meyer changed or added anything in this area? Who are the cross-state players (TSUN players on our side and Ohio players on their side) to watch this week and will emotions be high accordingly? I remember Craig Krenzel being a TSUN kid and how he played against them for example. — BakerJon
The band comes to practice the Sunday before Michigan week, which I think is a tradition that's been around a while. Meyer blasts LL Cool J's "It's Time For War" all the time throughout the facility, something I know Jim Tressel didn't do. Outside of that, I'm sure they have a lot of traditions that we media don't know about.
For the second part of your question, read this from Vico. It's good stuff.
Brought it up in last weeks MailBag. What the hell happened to the motion in this offense? The jet sweeps. The counters and misdirection. It's not just that we ran the same plays (we did) but we did them standing still. Gave the D absolutely nothing to react to. — KBonay
I have no idea. Like I said, I was as baffled as everyone else was at the play calling Saturday. I don't know why they have gone away from a lot of things this season.
Question 1 - How do you see this game playing out in the trenches? How does the Buckeyes offensive line hold up against a stout Michigan D-line. Can the defensive line hold up against the run forcing Michigan to lean heavily on the pass, allowing our pass rushers to excel? I assume that TTUN will stack the box against the Buckeye offense like MSU. What are your feelings on this happening?
Question 2 - How much tempo do the Buckeyes run this week? We haven't seen much tempo this season, do you see that changing this game to offset the stout defense they are facing? — BuckeyeIn NY
1. As always, that's where the game will be won and lost. The Wolverines will stack the box to stop Elliott. Why wouldn't they? It's how Michigan State beat Ohio State a week ago. It'll all depend on how well Barrett can move the ball through the air to keep the offense on the field. I expect Ohio State's defense line to play well Saturday too. I don't know why. Just a feeling.
2. I think we'll see a good bit of tempo. It's worked in past games, and with how the unit struggled against the Spartans, I bet all options will be open. If they see it working, they'll probably stick with it to an extent.
After watching the MSU game again it was hard not to notice many different players missing assignments on the offensive side of the ball. I actually blame it less on the coaching staff than I did directly after the game but play calling as well as execution still wasn't good. What fixes the problem? Blowing up the offensive coaching staff or a wave of young guys playing next season? — MDBuckeye2002
I'm not sure of an exact, simple fix to the problem because if that was the case I'm sure the guys on the offensive side of the ball would take care of it.
I don't, however, think blowing up the offensive coaching staff is the answer. After all, the bulk of the group that led Ohio State to the national championship is intact. Yes, there is a big piece that's different at quarterbacks coach, but its not like the guys that remain have a horrid record or anything.
A wave of young guys will definitely help next season as a breath of fresh air, but that's going to be an adjustment due to a lack of experience.
If we lose, will this be a worse season than 1995? 1996? Is our decade plus of dominance all over? If OSU gets less than 150 yards on offense, what are the chances that Beck is gone next year? If Zeke rushes for less than 50 yards and OSU loses and Urban gives him a mean look, will Mike Weber transfer? — Greenbriar
I was only 4 and 5 years old during those seasons, but both of them ended with bowl game losses as well. If that happens this season, like I mentioned above, I think this year will be considered a disappointment.
Whether or not Beck returns is up to Meyer and Meyer alone. Plenty will go into how the offense looks Saturday and as the season comes to a close, but I find it unlikely he'll want another new quarterbacks coach. Mike Weber will be here next year. He might be homesick, but there's a good chance he'll be the man at running back in 2016.
Would the coaches change offensive line personnel "in game" if the issues last week come up again? — Grand Lake Celina
Doubtful. I think they're trying to push forward with as much continuity as possible there.
Over or under - 12 offensive touches for Jabrill Peppers? — Buckguyfan1
Under. He only has 17 offensive touches all season.
Elliott getting 30 carries this week, take the over or under? — KevinJ
Under. He's only eclipsed the 30-carry mark once in his career, and that was because Oregon couldn't stop him in the National Championship game.
Do you miss the days when the game was the weekend before Thanksgiving, or do you prefer it as part of the holiday celebration? — KJonesATX
I miss the days when it was before Thanksgiving, but I've only ever covered the team when its been played after the holiday. So, I'm used to it at this point but it would be nice not to have to leave holiday celebrations with my family to cover a game.
Why do you think Harbaugh downplays The Game? — SFlaBuckeye13
I don't think the does that at all, actually. This game is as important to him as it is to Urban Meyer. Harbaugh just has a different way of showing it (obviously).
How do smart coaches get so dumb at the worst times? Related: How many consecutive runs by Michigan will it take before Ohio State stacks the box like everyone else does to them? — Rosycheeks
Coaches outthink themselves all the time. There's so much gamesmanship going on and planning to beat your opponent that at times they just forget the basic things that help you win games.
To your second question, probably 10 or 15.
Will the defense be able to contain/cover Jake Butt? — Johnny Utah QB@OSU
Jake Butt is a huge matchup problem. He's one of the best tight ends in the country and I'm surprised he wasn't named a finalist for the Mackey Award.
Michigan's going to certainly test Ohio State's linebackers in the throw game with Butt. If he has success early, Jake Rudock will continue looking his way. I think Butt will have a decent game, something like four or five catches and a touchdown.
Any transfer rumblings? — BuckeyeCity
Not that I've heard. It seems silly that someone would want to transfer out due to a lack of playing time after knowing how much opportunity will be there in 2016. Ohio State's going to essentially have a brand new roster next year.
Who is most likely to be ejected? Please provide your top three and the odds associated with your choice. — D1145Fresh
Joey Bosa — or really any defensive player — for targeting wouldn't surprise me. Especially because of how Bosa ripped off Devin Gardner's helmet last season.
Kyle Kalis. He was an Ohio State commit, so he'll be tuned up Saturday.
Jabrill Peppers. He likes to talk. A lot.
I'm horrible with betting odds and things of that nature, so please allow me to plead the fifth on that.
I saw the Bosa commented on the #ZekeRant2K15 and I'd wager that other players were also asked. Do we know if any of the other players (or which players) agreed with Elliott? Or was Zeke generally speaking for himself? — LTWilliams
The general consensus I felt from the players was that Elliott wasn't out of line with his comments, it was just the fact he made them public and didn't wait until after speaking to the media to voice them. Bosa said he thought Elliott "said what others were scared to say," so it's pretty clear he was in that crowd. The other players we spoke to just spoke about moving on from the incident, but the frustrations were there throughout the roster.
For the love of God tell me we are going no huddle this week as Indiana exposed Michigan’s lack of depth on the D-line with it. We seem like we don't do it as much anymore for some reason and it's driving me nuts. — BrutusAndBeers
Couldn't tell you, but it sounds like a wise decision. I think there will be some tempo, provided Ohio State can get a first down. (crazy that's where we are when thinking about Meyer's offense, isn't it?)
What bowl is Ohio State going to if it wins? What bowl will they go to if they lose? — Actionstanleyjackson
If Ohio State wins Saturday, it all depends on if Michigan State does too. If the Buckeyes somehow back their way into the Big Ten Championship Game (not likely) and beat an undefeated Iowa, they'll have a case for the College Football Playoff. Sure, plenty of it depends on what happens throughout the rest of the country also.
If the Buckeyes lose, the Citrus Bowl would be a likely destination. Again, it depends on what else happens throughout the rest of the sport.
BONUS: Turkey: White or dark? Harbaugh: Crazy like a fox or just plain crazy? Sparty loss: season-deflating or providing extra juice for this week's rivalry contest? — Earle
Turkey: White for me, please. Harbaugh: Crazy like a fox. He knows what he's doing. Sparty loss: Should provide extra juice for Saturday.
BONUS: Should stuffing cooked in the bird or outside of the bird? Does the coaching let everything fly this weekend? No reason to hold back any play calling in the last game of the season, right? — VegasBuckeye04
Cook that stuffing inside the bird. Get those tasty juices flowing, baby.
The staff should, yes, because of the exact reason you mentioned.
BONUS: Spending Thanksgiving with the wife and her brood (in-laws, sisters and their respective broods, cousins, etc). Will I hold onto the last vestiges of sanity I have left (or at least until Saturday afternoon)? — Hovenaut
By the time this story runs, Thanksgiving will be over. If you're there all weekend, however, good luck. I hope you brought some fine spirits to help you through.
Preferred method of eating Thanksgiving dinner-eat everything individually, or the Bulldozer method of taking the fork straight across the plate and getting a little bit of everything on each bite? — JohnnyKozmo
Put all that yummy deliciousness in one giant heap and get out of my way. It just feels like the only plausible way of doing business.
What is the best Thanksgiving side dish? — Jumar
Mashed potatoes. Specifically my mom's, if they're available.
Favorite Post Game Victory Drink? — Seattle Linga
I've been sipping on some New Belgium Accumulation lately. My fiancé turned me on to it and I'm hooked. But any solid IPA has my vote, regardless the outcome of the game.
Your favorite Mirror Lake story? — Aznchipmunk
Mirror Lake was four of my most enjoyable nights in college, but out of respect for the young man who tragically lost his life Tuesday, I'm going to keep them to myself. I hope you understand Prayers to his family.
Thanks all for your questions and Thanksgiving well wishes. I hope you all had a wonderful day with your families.
