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.
The ball distribution against BGSU was excellent, but thought Curtis Samuel had his fill and then some. Do you see his touches whittled down a bit moving forward? Over/ Under 20 touches for Curtis Samuel this game? — Hovenaut and Bucks2TheNatty
I'll let offensive coordinator Ed Warinner's quote after Ohio State's 77-10 victory last Saturday start this response:
"He’s well-conditioned but we do want to keep our eye on that. But it’s cumulative. So many reps in practice, so many reps in games, so many hits and eventually the body we want to be smart with it because Curtis isn’t 225 pounds. He’s very physical and very athletic but he’s not super big so we’ve gotta be smart."
I think Warinner answered the question perfectly. I said last week I thought the correct amount of touches for Samuel was 15 or so because he dealt with so many knicks and bruises last season. Urban Meyer said Thursday on his radio show he felt like the offense could fully utilize Samuel's talents for the first time because he was fully healthy.
Personally, I think they will try to dial it back a little bit because let's be honest: Ohio State could have beaten Bowling Green without Samuel touching it 22 times. The same could be said for Tulsa this weekend. But at Oklahoma? Samuel must be heavily involved, and Ohio State will want him feeling fresh against the Sooners.
Then again, Samuel is fun to watch and can do special things. Meyer said he's the first true hybrid back he's had "in a while." It is a difficult balance. I think he will get closer to the 15-17 range for total touches on Saturday, so I'll take the under.
One of the only disappointing aspects in last week's game was the lack of pressure on the BG QB. Do you think this week we see the D-line get in the backfield more often and get more pressure on Tulsa's QB? Also how much of last week's lack of pressure was due to scheme and game plan vs under performing? — BUCKEYECWRU
I'll give a tip of the cap to 11W user FaceMeat2 with this response. Yes, Ohio State's lack of pressure on James Knapke came as a result of him getting the ball out of his hand within 1 or 2 seconds after the snap. That is how Mike Jinks ran things at Texas Tech and how he'll run things at Bowling Green. No defensive lineman can get to the quarterback that quickly, at least at the college level.
Still, Ohio State recorded two sacks. I'm sure every fan wants to see their team take the quarterback down 10+ times but that is next to impossible with how Bowling Green's offense operates. Things should be different this week against Tulsa for Ohio State, because they use some play-action and look to throw the ball down the field in addition to the short stuff. Plus, the majority of the guys on the defensive line received their first substantial bit of playing time. They will get better.
We've heard a lot about Tulsa's offense, but what should we expect from their defense? — SightlyGrain6
Tulsa's defense is known for allowing large chunks of yardage and doing so with some extreme consistency. In an attempt to put this into perspective, I recommend checking out this link, which I found Thursday morning when writing my game preview.
It's a bit of a data dump so tl;dr Tulsa allowed 160 "big" plays in 2015. A big play, in this case, is at least a 10-yard run and a 20-yard pass. The 160 allowed is more than any other teams last season. On 15.1 percent of snaps, the Golden Hurricane allowed a big play. Ohio State's big play ratio in 2015 was nearly half that, just 8.6 percent. Nuts.
Tulsa returns four of its five leading tacklers and seven starters from a defense that allowed 518 points last season, the most in school history. The Golden Hurricane believe they are better after allowing only 10 points to San Jose State last week, but yeah.
Demario McCall looked dynamic in mop up time at tailback. Is there a reason he is not listed on the depth chart at kick returner or punt returner? — Buckeye In NY
I wondered this myself when I saw the initial depth chart. I think the reason he isn't listed there is because Curtis Samuel and Dontre Wilson have that job pretty much on lock and the other guys listed with among bloody ORs are all in their third, fourth or in Corey Smith's case sixth (!) year of college football. Additionally, I wouldn't put too much stock into believing that Meyer or Tony Alford don't trust McCall to do the job. They don't look at the depth chart that is posted online too much.
McCall was excellent last week and Meyer said Wednesday night he is next in line at running back behind Mike Weber, Curtis Samuel and Dontre Wilson. Those three guys are going to get their touches within the offense but McCall is ahead of Antonio Williams, who enrolled early. That means something. I think he can be lethal in the return game and am shocked he didn't see action there but then again I don't get paid millions of American dollars to coach football.
Regarding our schemes and play calling, what is the next step for the offense? Are there specific packages we didn't see last week that we may see this week? Or in your opinion is the offense where it needs to be playcalling-wise, with a further focus on refinement and consistency? — CEMitchell20
The latter. Ohio State racked up a school-record 776 yards of total offense and scored 11 touchdowns. Hard to ask for much more.
But there were mistakes, like J.T. Barrett's interception and some penalties. Showing the unit can perform like that against better competition than Bowling Green is the next step. I think that Ohio State showed quite a bit of their playbook Saturday, especially with Dontre Wilson and Curtis Samuel taking wildcat snaps. But I'm probably wrong (I'm really good at being wrong). We'll see how the offense does against better competition.
Samuel and Wilson both took snaps from the "wildcat." Do you think that is something we will continue to see, and is there another wrinkle you think the staff might show this week? — BuckGuyFan1 and ChazBuckeye
Since we're on the subject of the wildcat, I thought I'd discuss this one next.
Ohio State should continue to use both Samuel and Wilson in the wildcat and I think it will. That is another thing for defenses to worry about because both guys ran it from an option look in addition to the straight run calls around the edge. As long as Meyer, Warinner and Tim Beck feel comfortable with them making option pitches, that could be an interesting wrinkle we actually see — Wilson pitching to Samuel or vice versa.
That being said, I'm surprised they showed that look in Week 1. Then again, there might be something more coming later on. Everything Meyer does is calculated, so I'm sure there is a plan in place. As far as this week, I doubt we see anything too wild that wasn't shown against Bowling Green.
It was nice seeing the TE being targeted. Do you see more of the same throughout the year? — SoulPatrol32
Probably not. Ohio State possesses so many weapons on offense and no matter how much J.T. Barrett says he enjoys throwing to Marcus Baugh, there are other guys who are more explosive that the Buckeyes will focus on getting the ball. That's not a slam on Baugh, it's just the nature of his position. I do believe Baugh will score a few times this season, however.
Do the Bucks try to kick a field goal this week? — BUCKSOMIES
I think so. Meyer said on his radio show Thursday he did think about letting Tyler Durbin kick once last week only to elect to go for it on fourth down. Sean Nuernberger is on the mend but has to beat Durbin out for the kicking job upon his return, which is never a guarantee.
Ohio State NEEDS to try and kick a field goal against Tulsa if the opportunity arises. You don't want your walk-on kicker traveling to Oklahoma without ever attempting one during a game in his life.
How do you think Malik Hooker affects the passing game, particularly the deep ball? He has demonstrated that he can get to the deep, sideline ball and make plays ... Does Tulsa dare go deep to his side of the field? — Scooby22
The simple and easy answer to this question is "everywhere," but I'll defer to our very own Kyle Jones who wrote about this on Monday. (psst: Everyone should read Kyle's stuff. It's highly educational)
As far as your second question is concerned, yes I think Tulsa will throw it deep to both sides of the field.
If Tulsa scores some points on us, is there a chance we actually have more offense then we did last week? Besides two bad passes J.T. Barrett couldn't be stopped, if he was in until say, 1/2 way through the 4th quarter could we see 800+ yards, (not saying 7+ TDs cause I want Mike Weber to get some this week) — Fawn Leibowitz’ Fiance
Sure. Anything is possible and Tulsa's defense isn't the greatest. But I don't think Ohio State will reach 800 yards, especially with the rain expected on Saturday.
Speaking of...
Does the weather (if it rains) change the game plan this weekend? How do you think this young Buckeyes team will perform in inclement weather? — Icouldnotgofor3 and AZNChipmunk
Since I'm not in the team meeting rooms and the subject was not brought up this week, I cannot say with any certainty that rain will change Ohio State's game plan. I will, however, say it is likely, just because if it's pouring down rain with high winds, it'll be hard to throw the football down the field.
With that being said, key up Ohio State's offensive line, Weber, Samuel and Wilson. I think the team would be perfectly fine with pounding Tulsa on the ground all afternoon if the weather makes it so.
Do you think they try to get Terry McLaurin and James Clark involved more? Clark almost made a spectacular catch down the sidelines and I believe I saw Terry McLaurin get open a couple times. Just seemed odd that two guys listed as starters and were on the field quite a bit only had one catch combined with our prolific passing day. — ITWASME
Meyer noted this week how he was a little shocked to see that Parris Campbell did not have a reception against Bowling Green. However, he also said that does not indicate if a player played well or not. McLaurin, Clark and Campbell all played "very well" in his eyes, even though only one of them caught a pass against Bowling Green.
Remember Evan Spencer? He caught 15 passes in 15 games during Ohio State's 2014 national championship run. That's not very many. Yet he started every single game and Meyer named him the team's MVP when it was all said and done. You need glue guys like that on the outside who can block and do the other little things well.
I'm not saying Clark, McLaurin and Campbell all fall into that mold, I'm just saying don't read too much into the fact two starters at wide receiver (when basically every single one is listed on the depth chart) only combined for one catch. Ohio State played 12 receivers against Bowling Green and wants to continue that. They'll get their opportunity. Just ask McLaurin.
"Everybody wants to make plays. That's just how you are as a competitor coming to Ohio State. Seeing K.J. Hill make that play, I was as happy as if I would have made the play. We know our unit and how hard we work so seeing the other guy make the play, you just gotta be happy for him and be ready if your number is called."
Will we see Luke Fickell dial up some blitzes to pressure the QB or will he keep them in his pocket for Oklahoma? Of the LBs who's the best rushing the passer blitz wise? I say Jerome Baker, but it would be cool to see Joe Burger get a sack. — AwlinBrutus
I could see Ohio State blitzing the quarterback a little more than they did against Bowling Green just because Tulsa doesn't get the ball out as quickly as the Falcons do on offense. But I don't think we're not going to see anything too extravagant for the reason you mentioned, the Oklahoma game next week.
I think the best blitzing linebacker is either Jerome Baker or Chris Worley. Both are fast guys and hit hard. That is honestly difficult to determine, though, because most of the linebackers seeing significant time other than Raekwon McMillan haven't played much until this year.
Should we be worried about Dante Booker's injury? — OSU_ALUM_05
Nah. Meyer reiterated Wednesday that it is just a sprained MCL. Braxton Miller had that injury in 2013 and missed three games. J.T. Barrett had it against Penn State and stayed in the game. Each sprain is different due to severity but I think Booker stayed in the game for a bit after the injury happened. If he misses the Tulsa game there is a chance he won't miss too much (if any) more time.
All of us sat back and enjoyed Malik Hooker's game on Saturday - what kind of a game does he have this weekend? Over/under 1.5 interceptions for Hooker? Will Alex Stump see the field this year? — Seattle Linga and SFlaBuckeye13
Under on the interception total, but I think Hooker will have a large impact again even if it is not necessarily picking off or defending passes. I think Tulsa is going to throw the ball downfield but might lean towards throwing it at Damon Webb more than Hooker because of last week. I still think Hooker will be tested, just not as much because of what he did last week.
As far as Alex Stump, no I don't think so. He didn't dress against Bowling Green for what is described by an Ohio State spokesman as an undisclosed injury. With so many guys already in the fold, I can't see a situation where they would need him unless literally every wide receiver that played Saturday got hurt.
False Starts. Will Greg Studrawa have 'em whipped into shape? — BuckeyeEddie27
I'd say the chances are good. False starts are embarrassing and Billy Price knows it. Watch the video below if you don't believe me.
It looked like K.J. Hill dinged his shoulder, has he been practicing? — TimHBomb
Yes. Ohio State would not have let him talk to the media Wednesday after practice if he wasn't healthy and working out.
Mike Weber seemed to struggle with getting caught by his shoestring which was something we see with Dontre Wilson as well. I saw he said he needs to work on that, but is that something you can really work on or is it more of how their bodies are built since they both are low to the ground with short legs? — DonJuan
I think you can certainly work on it, just be doing drills that stress getting your feet up so your body is used to doing that as you run past tacklers. Though I'm sure that his shorter legs and compact running style certainly plays a part. Not everyone can be Ezekiel Elliott, who competed at a very high level in the hurdles while in high school.
What's Tulsa's final record? Do they win their conference? — FitzBuck
Tulsa plays in the American Athletic Conference, so no it won't win it because of Texas Tom Herman running rampant down in Houston. I see the Golden Hurricane finishing 7-6 and winning its bowl game because I like going out on a ledge like that.
I noticed that Time Beck was glassing the BG defense a lot as part of his cooperative venture with Ed Warinner in the pressbox. It seems a good fit. Any plans to put additional eyes on the opposing teams? How does this analysis work on the defensive side of the ball? — GrandTheftHarley
I don't know of the exact plans but I do know that Tim Hinton sits up in the press box as well with Warinner and Beck, another offensive mind to the plan and puts two more eyes on the field. There are multiple eyes watching opposing defenses.
Greg Schiano is in the press box and relaying information to Luke Fickell and the other defensive coaches on the sideline. I imagine he does something similar as the offensive guys, though I do not know if he has additional help. Ohio State does not allow media in the coaches box during games.
What is your favorite song about Tulsa? — CandyGramForMongo
The one you posted by Don Williams is the only one I know and have ever heard of before. It's been popping up on my Twitter feed this week but I'm always open to listening to new music. Anyone know any other songs about Tulsa?
Coach Meyer is the only Coach in my lifetime (Woody Hayes, Earle Bruce, John Cooper, Jim Tressel, Luke Fickell, and Urban Meyer) that doesn't have a kickoff return for a touchdown. You think it will happen this week? Season? If not any ideas why an Ohio State Coach Meyer led football team has not taken one to the house? — TCM1968
I don't think it will happen this week or season just because, as you said, it hasn't yet under Meyer. I'm more of a "wait until it happens to judge something" type of guy so because there has never been a kickoff return for a touchdown in what is now Meyer's fifth year at Ohio State, I don't think there will be one.
And frankly, I don't know why that is the case. It's not like Ohio State doesn't have talent returning the ball. Meyer's final Florida team in 2010 took two kickoffs back, returned one for a score the year before but the Gators failed to do it from 2005-08. His undefeated 2004 Utah team returned one for a touchdown and Meyer's first Bowling Green team (2001) also took one back.
So there really is no trend when looking at his past coaching stops. I think Meyer is a terrific special teams coach, but sometimes in order to get kickoff returns for a touchdown you either need to have a brilliant guy doing it or your opponent make some dumb mistake.
How many more redshirts will we see burnt in the Tulsa game and going forward this season? Do you think the constant wave of top recruiting classes and the decreasing amount of scholarship space is making coaches much more willing to play true freshman? — Brohio
Well, Ohio State sort of needs to play freshmen this year out of necessity because of how many guys stood around and didn't see action last year. Yes, the top recruiting classes help push the envelope even more, especially because the NFL is becoming younger and younger as more players are leaving early to make money.
As far as Saturday goes, I don't think too many more true freshmen see action except maybe Malik Barrow. He has been a hot button name as someone Ohio State "is taking a hard look at" to help fill the void left behind by Tracy Sprinkle.
BONUS: Do the different colored flakes in Fruity Pebbles each have a different flavoring to them, or is the coloring of the flakes the only unique aspect of each? — OkayIllBeThe12th
Great question and one I've actually wondered for a while even though I didn't realize it until now.
In my many years consuming cereal it is my understanding each pebble is a different color and flavor. Thus, the berry pebble is berry flavored with purple food coloring and sugar. I know things have changed a ton recently with the cereal companies moving away from artificial flavoring, however, which is stupid.
Jimbo Fisher is being touted as the best coach at making halftime adjustments and I think the results speak pretty well to that. The flipside of that coin: Is he that bad at preparing a team for a game? I can't think of another major contender that year in and year out is not good in the first half. Florida State was flat out terrible in the first half Monday night. — Haters Gonna Hate
Didn't know I'd be #TALKINBOUTTHENOLES in this mailbag and even though I fear #FSUTwitter will find my response (which I'm sure will be seen as wrong in their eyes, if you can believe that) and then come after me, let's do it.
I agree that Florida State's offensive line was terrible pretty much the whole game against Ole Miss on Monday. It did improve in the second half as the Seminoles made their comeback, so there is something to be said about halftime adjustments.
Fisher could certainly be among the lower-echelon of coaches in terms of preparing a team for a game. He also could just wait and see how his opponent is going to attack on both sides of the ball and bank on having more talent to keep things close until the break, make changes then romp. Florida State is always among the nation's best in recruiting so he is doing something right. Plus, he won a national championship a few years ago. Hard to see him changing his ways much.
