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.
Dante Booker or Jerome Baker? — KBonay
This isn't an easy question to open with but I'm not scared, so let's get into it.
First off, Ohio State fans have it really great when one of their primary concerns is who Luke Fickell chooses to start between two former four-star outside linebackers. Either guy would start at any other place in America in a heartbeat except maybe Alabama and that is because Urban Meyer and his staff are recruiting in the same neck of the woods as Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide right now. Booker couldn't play because of a sprained MCL and now he might not even get his job back because of how well Baker, a sophomore, played in his place. Think about that.
Personally, I would insert Booker back into the starting lineup but play both of them in equal amounts. Why? Because what makes a team like Alabama so difficult to run the ball against and ultimately beat is its depth in the front seven. They just keep bringing size and speed off the sideline and wear people out. That is what Meyer and his staff also want to do and I think they are the closest they've ever been to achieving it this season.
Baker is a terrific athlete with speed but Booker is no slouch himself. They both are from Northeast Ohio too, so Ohio State certainly means a great deal to them. Booker is older and patiently waited his turn behind the guys that left last year, Darron Lee and Joshua Perry. Plus, he didn't do anything against Bowling Green to cause him to lose his job. He just got hurt.
But that is football. Injuries happen and people lose their jobs because of them. I am curious to see how Fickell handles this situation moving forward provided Booker is healthy but he is my pick to start and then share reps with Baker.
Saturday bye week activity? I get to paint my garage. — WolverineKiller and IBLEEDSCARLETANDGRAY
My fianceé and I are actually headed to Florida to spend the weekend with her parents, who own a house down there. I'm sure she'll want to go to the beach and do the whole shopping ordeal, which I'll entertain for a period of time. But she knows she can't keep me away from the television because I am a college football addict.
If I weren't going to Florida I'd lay on my couch all day long and watch games, order chicken wings and/or pizza and watch more games. There are some certified #bangers in the Big Ten on Saturday, namely Penn State at Michigan and Wisconsin at Michigan State. Also, don't sleep on Nevada at Purdue!
Funny story, but isn't really a funny story: I proposed to my now fianceé last year on Ohio State's off weekend which doubled as Halloween. J.T. Barrett's OVI arrest and citation ruined my initial plans that day but I still, fortunately, made it happen. Those are 36 hours I'll never forget.
Have fun painting your garage, WolverineKiller. Hopefully, your wife has a 6-pack of cold ones waiting for you when you're finished.
Is the WR depth and rotation good or bad for the passing game? Further, is this the case of mediocre depth, or is it an actual strength of the team? I'm not sure Corey Smith, James Clark, Parris Campbell, Terry McLaurin, K.J. Hill, and true frosh Austin Mack qualify as quality depth behind Noah Brown. — MinnBuck and RosyCheeks
Personally, I think the WR rotation can be bad for a passing game because game reps are so few and far between anyway. So, if there are a bunch of people trying to get them and build rapport with J.T. Barrett (or any quarterback) that could cause potential mishaps down the road in tight games.
For example, an offense could be looking at 4th-and-7 on their opponent's 30-yard line with 2:15 on the clock and trailing by four. Defensive backs are going to lock in because that oncoming play could end the game but a wide receiver could still get open on a back shoulder throw that a lot of times is indefensible if ran correctly (unless the defender commits a penalty). But will the quarterback feel comfortable throwing it to him? If he played 10+ games making those kinds of plays in practice and games he should be, but a rotation could cut down on that consistency due to a lack of reps.
However, I don't see Ohio State changing what it is doing in terms of rotating wide receivers. Meyer said on Tuesday "it remains to be seen" when asked about it on the Big Ten teleconference. They want guys to be able to stay fresh on the outside and play a maximum 35 snaps a game. I understand that and like I said before Ohio State has players where it can wear teams down with its depth at pretty much all positions.
Each wide receiver on the roster can play. They wouldn't have a scholarship to Ohio State if they couldn't. But some might be a little better than others and while I think Noah Brown is the clear-cut No. 1 guy, I really don't know who I would pen as No. 2 from a pass-catching ability standpoint. Parris Campbell and Terry McLaurin are both going to play because they are excellent blockers and special teams players, but if that situation I described above (while I understand is extremely rare) comes up against Michigan State or Michigan and Brown is double covered, does Ohio State trust either one of those guys to make the play?
Now that we are entering B1G play, which game besides MSU/UM worries you? Do you see the potential for a trap? — TeddyBallgame
If I were an Ohio State fan, the Wisconsin game would worry me. We're going to learn more about the Badgers this weekend when they head to East Lansing (where I don't think they will win) but the big win against LSU at Lambeau Field sort of put them on the map early this season. There is a really good chance Wisconsin drops its first two Big Ten games (back-to-back road affairs at Michigan State and Michigan is tough) but it gets a week off before hosting Ohio State under the lights. Camp Randall isn't an easy place to play and Paul Chryst will have two weeks to get his guys ready. Plus, they'll likely be anxious and desperate for a Big Ten win after the next two weeks.
I also could see the Indiana game as a trap for Ohio State, just because it has that big one at Wisconsin coming the week after. Kickoff against the Hoosiers is still unknown but if it's a noon start that would make back-to-back early kicks and the Buckeyes could fall into a situation where they try to sleepwalk through that game after shelling Rutgers.
Would you want your team ranked No. 1 or No. 2? Why? — Toad1204
I think it would be best to be ranked No. 1 just because then you control where you play in the College Football Playoff. The semifinals are in Atlanta at the Peach Bowl and Phoenix as the Fiesta Bowl this season, so I'm sure who the No. 4 seed is would play a part in determining what location No. 1 chooses. Atlanta is a hop skip and a jump for both Clemson and Alabama but Phoenix is a longer trip from say, Columbus.
We are still a long way out from the Playoff, however.
Update on Tracy Sprinkle? As well as Booker, Conley, and McCullough? — GrandTheftHarley and Hovenaut
Tracy Sprinkle had surgery the day after he got hurt, so Sept. 4. He'll be out for at least three months and Meyer made it sound like he wouldn't be rushed back for the bowl game. So count him out for the season.
Meyer said on Tuesday that Coney is "fine" and back at practice, though not doing contact drills as a precaution. We'll get another update on Monday.
There hasn't been an update from anyone within the program about Dante Booker's knee since Saturday when he didn't play, so I'm going to say he is still questionable. Because that is the last thing heard from Meyer about his status.
And for McCullough, an Ohio State spokesman told me on Monday he did not know a timetable for his return. I am waiting to hear from Meyer like you.
Is the upcoming Big Ten schedule as strong/difficult as it appears? When is the last time the Buckeyes had a Big Ten slate with this many top 20 opponents? — Barfolomew
I think Ohio State's upcoming Big Ten slate is very difficult and frankly is the as tough as I can ever remember it. I'm only 25, but the only year that I can say that really rivals it in terms of ranked conference opponents is in 2003. The Buckeyes went to No. 23 Wisconsin (and lost), hosted No. 9 Iowa, No. 14 Michigan State and No. 11 Purdue then lost at No. 5 Michigan.
The 2005 season rivals 2003; No. 21 Iowa, at No. 16 Penn State (loss), No. 16 Michigan State, No. 25 Northwestern and at No. 17 Michigan, as does 2008 — at No. 18 Wisconsin, at No. 20 Michigan State, against No. 3 Penn State (loss), at No. 24 Northwestern. You could make an argument for the 2011 season too (five ranked Big Ten opponents, three on the road) but I think that was more of a product of Ohio State being in disarray that year.
I think this year is a little different though because Michigan is on the upswing under Jim Harbaugh and Michigan State keeps rolling under Mark Dantonio. Conference expansion and realignment of divisions help make Ohio State's schedule more difficult too than in years past. As I wrote on Monday, the Big Ten East is a titan in the sport right now.
Will UFM and the coaching staff up their vigilance of the team to DefCon 2 in light of last year's unfortunate Bye Week debacle? Is there a need? How does Ohio State matchup with the bye week? Last year they took out J.T. — GrandTheftHarley and BuckeyeVstheWorld
I'm sure there will be some strong words of encouragement from the coaches to the players to not do anything like what happened last year when Barrett got arrested and cited for OVI. There is always a need for things like this regardless of how old/young a college football team is or anything like that. The student-athletes are college students. College students do stupid things.
What does the players' and coaches' schedule look like during the bye week? Does Wisconsin enter divisional play 3-3 after facing MSU, Michigan, and Ohio State? Who wins the B1G West? — BucksLover0214
The team had Sunday and Monday off this week and then practice on the other days. I wouldn't be surprised if they had some sort of workout or walk through on Saturday morning too in an effort to get them out of bed but it sounds like they won't based on what Meyer said on his radio show Thursday. As Andrew outlined on Tuesday, coaches take the chance to get out and recruit as well.
I think Wisconsin enters divisional play 1-2 after playing Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State. Just feels like they will win one of those games even though that is a hellish start to Big Ten season.
My Big Ten West pick is Nebraska because ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
Do you think there is any way besides injury that Jalyn Holmes crack the starting lineup? He just seems too good to not be on for the majority of the snaps. — ITWASME
He is a starter if you look at Ohio State's depth chart.
Sorry, I know that is a cop out answer. Don't put too much stock in the depth chart, though it is clear that Larry Johnson simply just doesn't know how to get Holmes on the field for the first snap of the game because he doesn't want to take out Sam Hubbard and Tyquan Lewis. Can you blame him?
I think Holmes is excellent. I thought that last year. He has really long arms, a motor that doesn't quit and does well to disrupt plays. But to answer your question, no, I don't think there is a way he runs out with the defense for its first play in a game unless either Hubbard or Lewis is hurt. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, however.
Sports Illustrated's Pete Thamel's article said J.T. plans to stay for 2017. How will that: 1) Impact the crowded QB room? 2) 2017 recruiting? — Hetuck
I go back and forth pretty much daily on if Barrett will stay for his senior year or go to the NFL. My final conclusion is it largely depends on how this season finishes for both him and Ohio State. But Thamel obviously knows something I don't (not surprising or unusual) for him to write that Barrett is staying next year. Still, people change their minds all the time.
Getting to your question, though, this impacts the quarterback room more than 2017 recruiting, I think. Danny Clark is going to Ohio State — he's made that pretty clear for a while now. Tate Martell is also onboard regardless if Barrett stays or leaves. Both of those guys are competitors and top recruiters for Ohio State and I don't anticipate that changing.
The quarterback room next year is going to be extremely crowded regardless if he comes back or not. Barrett, Joe Burrow, Dwayne Haskins, Stephen Collier, Danny Clark, Tate Martell — that is a ridiculous breadth of talent. But Meyer has shown he doesn't care about that and is going to go after the best signal-callers every year. Remember: He signed Tim Tebow in 2006 then Cam Newton and John Brantley the year after.
All of those guys want to be the starter but also know they aren't going to be handed the job when they sign with Ohio State. Meyer sells them on competition and how it will make them better. But I will say this: The fact the Buckeyes are taking two quarterbacks in the 2017 class tells me they are preparing for life without Barrett next year.
Would it be beneficial for Joe Burrow and the two and threes to get the majority of reps this week in practice? — BeatTTUN
Sure. They probably will do that but you want to keep your starters sharp too. Meyer said on Tuesday he wishes the off week came later in the season than Week 4 so it clear he is going to do his best to keep things as routine as possible.
Do you think Sean Neurnberger will get his kicking spot back from Tyler Durbin? — Icouldnotgofor3
No, I don't. Durbin is kicking very well right now, going 3-for-3 on field goals and a perfect 23-of-23 on extra points. He also only kicked one kickoff out of bounds through three games. It will be hard for Nuernberger to get back in the starter's saddle with that kind of production from the guy in front of him.
Which position group has surprised you the most so far this season and which has been the most underwhelming in your opinion?......and why? — Neilwoodgables
Biggest surprise: Secondary. Nine interceptions in three games after replacing three starters who are all in the NFL right now? That is video-game like.
Most underwhelming: Wide receivers. Noah Brown and Curtis Samuel are terrific but as referenced above Ohio State needs more from the other guys in terms of catching passes. Some of that is on the quarterback and play callers but the wide receivers have to play better too.
Your thoughts on Damon Webb. — KBonay
I think Damon Webb is an exceptional athlete playing a position he wasn't recruited to play. Ohio State wants its defensive backs to be versatile but Webb was the fifth-best corner in the country and second-best in the state of Michigan in the class of 2014 according to 247Sports.
I think Webb has a long way to go to make the same sort of impact Malik Hooker is in terms of turnovers but to be fair Hooker found himself out of position a few times against Oklahoma. Still, you have to remember each guy only has three starts under his belt.
Webb should get better as the season grows older.
How do Ohio State's recruiting "ethics" stack up against other programs? — Rosycheeks
I assume you're referring to schools paying players and families to come to their school since you put the word ethics in quotation marks. I highly doubt Ohio State is doing anything like that. It doesn't need to. That product sells itself, especially with Meyer at the helm.
In terms of recruiting guys that are already verbally committed to another school — which Meyer did upon his arrival in Columbus and ruffled Bert Bielema and Mark Dantonio's feathers — I can't see why that should be an issue. A kid is still determined a recruit until he signs his national letter of intent, in my opinion. Then he becomes a signee and a member of that team.
Recruiting never stops. Why do you think Saban and Meyer have eight national championships between them? If another coach doesn't like their "ethics" or don't think they are "gentlemanly" in recruiting but neither breaks the rules, then change your ways, sack up and be better.
Who do you think leaves early for the NFL draft at the end of this season? — OSU_ALUM_05
Goners: Raekwon McMillan, Gareon Conley, Tyquan Lewis, Sam Hubbard, Marcus Baugh, Curtis Samuel, Malik Hooker
Other possibilities: Billy Price, J.T. Barrett, Marshon Lattimore
Are you able to provide any insight on how Erick Smith is coming along? It seems Arnette is the first string Nickel rather than Smith, or Webb sliding to Nickel and Smith coming in at Safety. Has Arnette passed Smith in terms of having the coaches' trust, or do you believe he is still being brought along slower due to recovering from injury? — JDunc686
I believe it's more of the latter. Smith plays safety while Arnette is a corner and like you said, is the team's starting nickel. His role expanded when Gareon Conley went down with his stinger on Saturday night and I thought played fairly well outside of the one touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield to A.D. Miller.
Smith's injury was to his ACL so I can't imagine they want to rush him back into the thick of things especially with how well the secondary played through the first three games. Plus, he is an integral part of special teams.
Are Oklahoma fans justified in wanting to fire Bob Stoops? — SightlyGrain6
I don't think so. He is the best coach in program history not named Barry Switzer or Bud Wilkinson and won a national title in 2000. I know things can get stale after 15+ years (Stoops is in his 18th at Oklahoma) but the guy got his team to the College Football Playoff last year for goodness sakes.
It feels a little bit like what Ohio State dealt with when John Cooper led the Buckeyes — did enough to win some big games but faltered when it matter most more times than not. Fans might be a little bored and tired with winning 10+ games most seasons and eight on "down years" but not every team has a Meyer or Saban available to them.
I guess my stance is this: I see reasons why Oklahoma fans would want to fire Bob Stoops but then who would you get in his place? The hottest young name on the coaching circuit right now is Tom Herman and I don't think he would take that job. Who is better that Oklahoma could go after?
Can OSU athletic department ask FOX, ESPN and BTN not to show fans that shed a poor light on the great brand that is OHIO STATE? I saw fat guys wearing buckeye leaves on their necks more than the Band the past few weeks. These clowns are not our university and must be put in check. — Iwannagobacktoohiostate
I'm sure Ohio State's athletic department could tell the television stations not to show those "superfans" but they never would. As abrasive as you or I might find them, they are a walking billboard for the school. As the Wolf of Wall Street taught us, there is no such thing as bad publicity.
Now, if one of those guys got into some trouble wearing Ohio State garb then I could see the university taking action, probably in the form of a formal statement, to show he is not a representation of it. Until then, I fear you just have to deal with it.
Would it be an NCAA violation if OSU filled in for the Browns this weekend? — BurningRiverBuckeye
It would be an NCAA violation, though you'd have to ask Tim and DJ if they would feel comfortable having Ohio State in place of the Cleveland Browns. My guess is they would be, because lordy the Browns are terrible.
Who gets fired first: Gus Malzahn, Clay Helton or Les Miles? — SFlaBuckeye13
Man, that's a tough question. Two weeks ago I would have jumped all over Les Miles but with the recent situations at USC this week with players leaving and one allegedly punching Helton in the face I think his seat is the hottest. Lynn Swann took over as USC athletic director July 1, more than six months after the school removed Helton's interim tag and made him permanent head coach. Then again, Helton's contract is guaranteed for five years so that will make it tough to get rid of him.
Malzahn's buyout is $8.95 million, while Miles' is $1 million. So the money makes Miles the easier choice. But Helton doesn't seem to have control at USC at the moment.
Crazy what happens when you start losing games in September.
What's the best place to drop a deuce other than your home? — YTOWNBUCKI
Good question. I've found myself enjoying doing that in department or grocery stores (while obviously using the paper toilet seat covers). Don't ask me why.
ALTERNATIVE: Anywhere with Cottonelle or Charmin Ultra Soft toilet paper.
What do you get at chipotle? — SFlaBuckeye13
My go-to is a steak bowl with black beans and white rice, fajita veggies, mild (tomato) salsa, corn salsa, sour cream, cheese and lettuce. However, if the steak doesn't look fresh I try to peer ahead in line to see what meat is the latest addition to the line. That way I know it will be hotter and more delicious. Next choice is carnitas, then chicken and barbacoa. No thanks on the sofritas.
P.S. You and I won't be friends if you get tacos at Chipotle.
How in the hell do guys drop the ball before crossing the goal line? — FatPants
I have no idea. It really is just so damn stupid. It's not even a cool celebration. Watch Sporting News' Angry Bender for more insight on this terrible epidemic screaming across college football.
Thanks for your inquiries as always. Happy off week.
