Good morning, Buckeye faithful! I was thinking about writing you all a wonderfully crafted introduction today, but the realization that so many of you actually like the idea of Chris Petersen (Boise State) as the next head coach of THE Ohio State University has destroyed my will to live write you a proper intro.
I could go into all the reasons why the mere mention of anything Boise State related makes me gag, but I'm pretty sure that the thought of consuming a dozen cupcakes would make anyone nauseous, so some of you may understand. Besides, nobody wants to read War and Peace on a Friday morning, so I'll leave it at that. Now, let's get started...
FICKELL SPEAKS. Luke Fickell discussed the upcoming Nebraska game in his Thursday press conference and answered some questions for the media. When asked about the atmosphere at Lincoln on Saturday, and what it means, he said, "I think it's huge not just for us as a team, but also for our entire school, all our fan base. This is something new, and new things are obviously exciting. I'm not sure that our guys know a whole bunch about that because it still comes down to what they do on the football field, but a new atmosphere, a new stadium, all those are the kinds of things that they're excited about."
Fickell was asked about the freedom the quarterbacks are given to audibilize at the line of scrimmage and take some control, to which Fickell replied that there is a little bit of that freedom given to both guys, regardless of whether they're a 5th year senior or a 1st year freshman. He talked about how "you can only do what your guys can handle," and there are some things built into the system but "you just have to make sure that it's not too much so that they can't play football, relax and do the things that they do." Admittedly, I have to wonder when he'll realize that Bollman's taking on more than he can handle.
In other news, Fickell talked about Solomon Thomas going through practice coming off his broken leg, how he is traveling to Nebraska but likely won't play. When asked about Mike Adams, he noted that Adams "has done everything we've asked him to do... done an unbelievable job of handling everything, now it's time he gets that opportunity to go back out and play with us." I know many of us are excited to finally see that happen.
Fickell wrapped up with a quick injury report, saying that DL Michael Bennett will be alright. WR "Philly" Brown practiced with the team and if he is the guy that performs best at practice, will be starting at Lincoln on Saturday. We shouldn't be shocked at this point to hear that DL Nathan Williams is still out. Luke also confirmed that Jaamal Berry, listed as a kick returner on the depth chart this week, didn't play last week just to make sure that he's okay, but that he'll see the field in Lincoln tomorrow.
TROY SMITH. In case this story hasn't hit your inbox yet, Troy Smith harbors some resentment towards Ohio State. On Wednesday, the Omaha World-Herald posted a story on Ohio State's fall from grace, including interviews with current Omaha Nighthawks and former Buckeyes, Troy Smith and Maurice Clarett. Taking a page out of Mike Vick's playbook, Smith seemingly stated he wasn't about to expose people, then went on to claim he was actually a scapegoat in 2004. I'm glad Smith gave Tressel a pardon for being single handedly responsible for the transformation he made but, that aside, some of his other comments stand out as one of the few things I've heard out of him I wasn't too pleased with.
It's understandable, in college football today, that many athletes aren't too pleased with the system or "the man," but does he even realize what a scapegoat is? With scapegoats being innocent parties that assume the blame, is he claiming he never did anything wrong? Did he think anyone in Omaha was still talking about his $500 handshake seven years ago, and he needed to clear his name? He probably would've been better of just saying, "no comment."
Apparently, one of these guys doesn't know "How to Love."
R.I.P. @DENARDX. I guess some girls go for Lil Wayne lookalikes in maize and blue, to the point where Denard couldn't help himself. On Thursday, Denard's Twitter account, @DenardX, was hacked by what seems to be a jilted ex lady companion. (Is that what the young people are calling it these days?)
I'd rehash all the lovely, junior high details for you... but sometimes it's just more fun to see it for yourself.
A Michigan spokesman confirmed later that day that the account was hacked, and has since been shut down.
HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER EDDIE GEORGE GIVES WALRUSBALL THE STIFFARM. Eddie George went on his SiriusXM radio show this week to discuss the current state of Buckeye football, and validated all the OSU love he gets by not holding back in his criticism of Jim Bollman and the job he's been doing this season.
“It appears to me that Bollman is out there, he’s totally exposed. It’s his offense to lose, and clearly he has no idea or concept what to do with them at this point.
It’s tough to preach execution when you’re not putting them in positions to be successful. When I was watching the game and I saw Joe Bauserman trying to execute the read-option and get nowhere, there’s a problem. There’s a lack of understanding what his strengths and weaknesses are. He’s a pocket quarterback.
I think there’s definitely a disconnect between Luke and the offensive coordinator, Bollman, that needs to be resolved pretty soon. If he does not correct this situation, it can get ugly, and ugly in a hurry. If you start to lose the kids, then that’s it. It’s tough to bring them back in."
George also put in his $.02 regarding the quarterback controversy I thought had finally come to an end, saying that he doesn't feel Braxton is ready to take over as the starting QB yet, claiming that he was "looking at pass rushers instead of downfield at his targets" and that it's a sign of lack of trust. While I don't disagree with his point that Braxton has some work to do, I'm going to have to raise an eyebrow at Eddie if this means he's on the Bauserman bandwagon for the rest of the year.
DISLOCATED ELBOW DERAILS ANY REMAINING STIFFARM HOPES FOR JAMES. If you didn't watch the Oregon Ducks magic act of simultaneously blending into the field and beating the Cal Bears Thursday night, LaMichael James suffered a brutal looking injury to his right elbow. Early in the 4th on 1st and Goal from the 3 yard line, James was stopped running up the middle and his arm simply bent in a way that an arm shouldn't bend as he fell to the ground.
James was in good spirits after the game, joking with the media, reporting that the arm was not broken and he doesn't expect it to be a season ending injury. Prior to leaving the game early in the 4th quarter, James racked up 239 yards and a touchdown. Oregon beat Cal with a final score of 43-15.
In case you're curious, ESPN's recap video shows the injury, without a zoomed in, inhumane, slow-mo replay. It was gruesome enough for me, I couldn't bring myself to check YouTube.
FRIDAY FUNDAY. Love and LSD conquer all... Shout out to Seth4Bucks for sending me this (and my little brother for being equally awesome)... My favorite hit song from the last year OSU wasn't ranked, my kind of throwback... Just when you think he's making better decisions... Does anyone in C'bus need a job?
