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.
Is K.J. Hill going to become a go-to receiver? He seems to be a hands catch receiver more than a body catcher and his moves after the catch have me excited at his potential. He seems to find soft spots in the defense consistently and is pretty slippery with the ball in his hands. Is he strictly a slot guy/H-back, or can he be an outside option opposite Noah Brown and possibly emerge as a second true WR for the stretch run? — SoulPatrol32 and Northeastbuckeyefan
I thought when Ohio State secured Hill's commitment on signing day 2015 he was one of the best candidates to play last season from the entire class. That didn't happen for one reason or another and in recent weeks we are seeing Hill become more involved in the offense.
I wouldn't go as far as to say he could become a go-to receiver quite yet but Hill is certainly on his way. Hill's game is terrific and as you said he does an excellent job of bringing the ball in with his hands—not his chest. Zach Smith spoke glowingly about his development Wednesday night after practice.
The Buckeyes list Hill as just a wide receiver on their depth chart but under a massive 'OR' at what is actually the 12th starter on the unit. That is illegal, as we know, but I do remember Urban Meyer saying earlier in the season Hill is their third H-back behind Curtis Samuel and Dontre Wilson. I don't imagine that has changed but isn't necessarily a bad thing. Personally, I think he should see the field more.
But remember: Hill's ankle sprain isn't all that long ago so he is still working his way back to 100 percent from it and only has nine catches this season. He played a bunch against Nebraska and made one of the most critical plays against Northwestern two weeks ago. The fact Meyer, Smith, Ed Warinner, Tim Beck and J.T. Barrett had him on the field on that play says plenty about what they think of him.
Do you see the wide receiver rotation narrowing or expanding? — Hetuck
I imagine Ohio State will look to narrow it down the home stretch but don't think it will shrink much more over the final three games of the regular season. It is apparent the last few weeks that the guys the Buckeyes trust the most to throw the ball are: Samuel, Hill, Wilson, Noah Brown, Marcus Baugh, A.J. Alexander, Terry McLaurin, Parris Campbell, James Clark and Mike Weber.
That is a pretty long list and I know not all of those guys are wide receivers but the absence of Johnnie Dixon in the rotation is noticeable and Corey Smith can only do so much with one hand. Why isn't Dixon playing? I'm not sure—it isn't a topic that has been brought up to Meyer lately. If asked, though, the head coach will probably blame it on Dixon being "banged up" or the never-ending problems with his knees.
Who knows—maybe Binjimen Victor will play a role down the stretch. Or Austin Mack. Anything is possible and history shows the odds of me being proven wrong instead of right after my #takes on this website are extremely high.
As their mascot, Maryland has chosen a turtle. Despite the opportunity staring them in the face for many years, they have not yet reached a licensing deal with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This would allow Donatello and Michaelangelo to show up at games, hand out pizza to students, and possibly fight Foot members dressed in the opposing teams' colors. So my question is this: why don't they get with the program? — BrutusB
This is a question I've wondered for years.
OK, honestly turtles are pretty sweet. I caught a snapper when I was a #teen and kept it for a few years. Snappy (original, right?) was awesome.
Embodying the TMNT as your mascot would be pretty slick but I'm sure there are boatloads of copyright laws and all that with the folks that make the movies and television shows. I doubt Maryland wants to sift through all that nonsense, which is why they don't do it.
Terrapins are a pretty strong branch of the turtle family. There are worse mascots to have.
Who is your favorite player to come out of the DMV area and play for OSU? Who is one name we should know that will be an impact player in the coming years from the DMV? Recruiting ground is fertile and Larry Johnson kills it! — Gwolkoff5
I almost cheated and said Malcolm Jenkins but he is from New Jersey so that doesn't count as DMV. I'll say Shawn Springs. I only really remember his final year at Ohio State because I was really young but loved playing as the Seattle Seahawks in my old Madden and NFL 2K games on Nintendo 64 and Sega Dreamcast growing up because he was always the fastest dude on the field.
In terms of future impact Ohio State players from the DMV look no further than defensive end Chase Young from Dematha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland. That guy is a monster and one of the top players in the country. Plus, as you mentioned, he'll be playing for Larry Johnson on the defensive line.
With Weber not getting any contact during practice this week, Wilson not returning punts, everyone wanting more Demario McCall, Samuel in pursuit of a 1,000/1,000 season, and Wilson being a pre-season in-the-mix for carries out of the backfield: What personnel mix (by carry count) do you project for this game? Will Antonio Williams get to clean up on the last drive? — OSU992
Really good question. I, too, like everyone want to see more Demario McCall. He is fun to watch and as I've written already in the forum, an awesome interview and overall human.
I think Weber will play just because he is a gamer and won't want to sit out. He did more than enough of that last season as he took a redshirt. But Ohio State will want to make sure he is fresh and healthy for the Michigan game at the end of the month.
With that in mind, I'll say this for my breakdown: Weber gets 12 carries, McCall 10, Samuel grabs eight and Wilson gets two or three. I don't expect Williams to play based off what Meyer said on Wednesday after practice. The freshman is dealing with "shoulder soreness" and isn't ready.
I know I live by the mantra of Urban one week at a time, and Beat Maryland, BUT if Ohio State was able to make it to the national championship game, I have done the math and if Curtis Samuel was to keep is per game average of 67 rushing yards per game, and 75 receiving yards per game he would amass 1001 rushing yards and 1126 receiving yards (if they make it to the CFP final), do you think he hits this mark? — Diz_20Buckeyes
Man, there are so many things that have to go perfectly right for that to happen. As I wrote a month ago, it is extremely, extremely difficult for a player to tally 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving.
I think your average of 67 rushing yards and 75 receiving yards per game is realistic for Samuel to reach should he stay healthy as Ohio State plays Maryland, Michigan State and Michigan to finish the season. All of the 'ifs' you mentioned with getting to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game is obviously the question but if that happens I think Samuel's chances of reaching the 1,000/1,000 plateau improve exponentially.
His statistics this season are already absurd (676 receiving, 599 rushing) so he is well on his way and big days this Saturday and next week at Michigan State could be on tap. Michigan is a different beast and it will be interesting to see if his numbers are padded before that game. I don't think Ohio State will give him the ball any more or any less either way. We will just have to see if Samuel gets it done.
As I sit here today writing this, though, I don't think he will. Too many things have to fall into place.
Which team do we see this week? Was Nebraska just way overrated or did we finally start showing signs of how capable this team actually is? — FatPants and Isaacl2118
You'll see Ohio State and Maryland this week.
Just kidding. I know that isn't what you meant. I think the team that shows up in Maryland is the same one that played against Nebraska. The Terrapins are not healthy and even if they were not the same level of opponent as the Cornhuskers. The Buckeyes shouldn't have any trouble leaving College Park victorious.
Nebraska was a paper tiger but still not that terrible. We saw Ohio State show signs of what it can be but now the challenge is, can the Buckeyes do that with any sort of consistency?
What do you think the chances are of Michigan dropping a game, and Penn State winning out? I feel that it's our bad luck to always drop one then miss out, while Bama drops one w/o a penalty. — FAWN Liebowitz's Fiance
I think the chances of Michigan losing before its plays Ohio State are very slim. Iowa is butt because Kirk Ferentz is butt and Indiana ain't winning in Ann Arbor.
On the other hand, I could very easily see Penn State lose to the Hoosiers in Bloomington this week because that is totally something James Franklin would do. And don't sleep on the fact the Nittany Lions have to play Rutgers in the hostile environment that is High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway under the lights!!!!!!!
I'm lying. Penn State will win that one too and then gets Sparty at home. Think I'll side with the Nittany Lions there because holy sweet Moses Michigan State is a bad team.
So, I'll put the chances Michigan loses either to Iowa or Indiana at 3 percent. And the chances Penn State wins out at 85 percent.
If everyone wins out (which I think they will), Ohio State-Michigan will decide the Big Ten East. The way it should be.
Ohio native, Maryland resident. Do I have to apologize to neighbors and/or co-workers next week? — Hovenaut
That is entirely up to you and you know the pulse of that fanbase better than I do but if fans are really expecting the Terrapins to pull off a major upset they need to re-evaluate their situation.
So apologize if you see it fit, Hov. But if it were me? Nah. DJ Durkin is going to do some good things there in the future. But he's at least two years out from making any noise and fans out there should know that.
Being in the press box allows you to see more of what is actually happening down the field that the camera doesn't show on TV. With that advantage, what do you believe is Ohio State's most lethal offensive lineup? Are there any receivers that are constantly creating separation downfield that J.T. isn't seeing? Bonus: Do we see Binjimen Victor more in meaningful red zone situations, or was that more of a "lets see what he can do" moment while having a big lead? — DonJuan
I think the most lethal lineup depends on where the ball is on the field but I'm going to look at this question as if Ohio State just took over on its own 25-yard line.
So my "most lethal" or "explosive" lineup I would say from Ohio State's personnel is J.T. Barrett at quarterback, Mike Weber at running back, Curtis Samuel at H-back, Noah Brown at X receiver, Parris Campbell at Z receiver, Marcus Baugh at tight end and then the starting offensive line the Buckeyes used all season.
It is really hard to pick between Campbell, Terry McLaurin and K.J. Hill because I think the latter two took a step over the last month, as evident by their play last week. McLaurin stayed with it as Barrett scrambled and the quarterback found him in the back of the end zone. Not easy to do.
But Campbell is a little faster, shiftier with the ball and has more consistent hands. It is hard to keep Hill off the field but he isn't going to start over Samuel or even Dontre Wilson at H.
Binjimen Victor is interesting. He is lanky, fast, has a massive catch radius and solid hands. I think if Ohio State is near the goal line, putting him opposite of Brown at receiver with Samuel in the slot and the rest of the lineup being the same is pretty lethal. Who do you cover with one guy in that scenario and actually feel good about it?
I think Victor played significant minutes last week because of the huge lead, though I was surprised he got in during the second quarter. Until he sees more than one snap during a game when the deficit is two possessions or less (don't believe he had more than one last week early in the game), I'm not sold that he will play more than mop-up duty.
But remember: I'VE BEEN WRONG BEFORE.
What changes were made in the passing game that resulted in the offensive explosion we saw against Nebraska versus the weeks where we have seen the passing game struggle? Was the difference in production due more in part to a change in scheme or just a difference in execution? — BuckeyeCWRU
Yes.
Ohio State executed at an extremely high level on Saturday night from top to bottom. Nebraska also didn't play Cover 3 the whole game like previous opponents, and the Buckeyes actually hit a deep shot after Barrett had a few misfires in the first half. Once that happened, Nebraska shifted their defenders back and the quarterback went to other options.
The receivers ran better routes, and Barrett threw it on time as a result of solid protection by the offensive line.
Will Cam Johnston get shut out again this week? Will he ever pull off a fake punt? Follow up question, will we punt on third down? — Gratefulbuck and I_Run_The_Dave
I think Johnston will punt a few times at Maryland. Can't really see Ohio State putting back-to-back perfect offensive performances, especially since it isn't playing at home.
We are going to be waiting a long time for Ohio State to try or even pull off a fake punt. Think of it this way: Johnston is in his fourth year as the team's starting punter and he's only ever tried a fake punt once (at Northwestern in 2013). It didn't work. Meyer is too much of a control freak to let something like that happen.
And no, Ohio State is never going to punt on third down.
I admittedly don't watch much Maryland football, so who are their players to watch and what matchups do you consider to be key in the game on Saturday? — BuckeyeCWRU
This one is tough, because Maryland's best player, William Likely, tore his ACL against Minnesota and is out for the season. He is electric and fun to watch and it really is a shame he's hurt. Good dude.
Plus, we still don't know who is going to start at quarterback. Perry Hills has a shoulder injury and DJ Durkin used Caleb Rowe and Tyrrell Pigrome after he went down. But the Terrapins did make some big plays against Michigan last week, mostly on screen passes to leading receiver D.J. Moore and a few other wideouts. Freshman running back Lorenzo Harrison is explosive and averaged 6.4 yards per carry against Michigan. The only problem is, he received just nine carries on the day because of how far behind the Terrapins were.
Moore, Wes Brown, Levern Jacobs, Ty Johnson, Teldrick Morgan, Avery Edwards—the list goes on with guys who can make an explosive play if given the chance. Each had at least one reception of 15 yards or more last week. Actually, the Terrapins tallied plays of 47, 39, 35, 32, 23 and 21 yards against Michigan. Not bad.
The pressure will be on Ohio State's corners to get off blocks and make tackles in space, and for its linebackers to pursue the ball well and do the same thing. On the other side of the ball, without Likely, things are pretty dire for Maryland. Durkin's defense allowed Wilton Speight to throw for 362 yards and two touchdowns. De'Veon Smith—yes, that De'Veon Smith—averaged 6.0 yards per carry and score three times.
Not great, Bob.
We get the sense that even with "co" offensive coordinators, Ed Warinner is the primary play caller. Does the defensive staff employ more of a group effort as it pertains to play calling, or does either Luke Fickell or Greg Schiano primarily call plays? — BuckeyeIn NY
As far as I know it is a team effort with Fickell having the final say but Schiano giving plenty of input because he is the eye in the sky in the press box. That is why it was so hard for Warinner to call plays last season at field level. You just can't see much.
Meyer speaks glowingly about how Fickell and Schiano work together and it shows in how the defense plays and flies to the ball. But *I think* Fickell has the final say.
Alabama-LSU this past weekend, was that a case of two great defenses going or two awful offenses? Who, if anyone, actually has a chance of knocking Lamar Jackson off the Heisman podium? Peanut butter, creamy or crunchy? — Smartone29
Two awful offenses. Don't discount the fact that LSU willingly started Danny Etling—that is former Purdue Boilermaker Danny Etling—at quarterback in a game against a front seven that is terrifying. I think Alabama's defense is ridiculous but the 10-0 score was more indicative of how overmatched and helpless the LSU offense is even with Leonard Fournette healthy—the Tigers ran it 27 times for 33 yards. Yikes. Plus, Alabama's offense didn't really do anything that great either until the fourth quarter.
And I'm betting folks probably won't like my answer to your second question, but Michigan's Jabrill Peppers. I only say that because of how the Wolverines use him and help him pad stats by inserting him on offense near the end zone. People will see his versatility and think about Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson and the way they won the Heisman, even though Peppers is nowhere near Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson.
It doesn't matter, though. Unless he breaks his leg, Lamar Jackson is winning the Heisman Trophy.
And crunchy peanut butter is the answer every day of the week and twice on Sundays. The crunchy-creamy debate is something my fiancée and I will fight about until the end of time. But the answer is crunchy.
Do you think that whoever approves Maryland's uniforms is a frequent flier to Hamsterdam (of The Wire fame)? — BuckeyeSKI
I love The Wire reference but sadly, probably not. The people who approve Maryland's uniforms are just anxious to cash their next check from Under Armour. I think it is understandable and a solid point of pride that the Maryland folks embody and love their flag that much. But putting it on uniforms? Meh. Not feeling it.
Will we hear the O-H-I-O chants ring out around Maryland's stadium Saturday? If so, in what quarter of the game will it start? — BUCKSOMIES
Yes, it will happen and could early if Ohio State jumps out to an early two- or three-score lead. But my guess is it won't until the third quarter.
Do you think the QB battle last year made J.T. Barrett overly cautious on deep throws? Often you'll see one on one coverage deep but he rarely will throw the ball up for a receiver to make a play. While it significantly reduces the potential for an INT, it also hurts the big play game.
Bonus question: If Maryland does crab cakes and football what does Ohio do? — D1145fresh
I see where you're going with your question (trying to bring up #QBgeddon again, hmm interesting) but nah, I don't really see it. J.T. Barrett is as smart of a college football player as you will find and knew that in order for the Ohio State offense to be successful last month he really had to protect the ball. I think the coaches knew that too and told him that if he didn't feel absolutely comfortable throwing down the field, take a shorter, safer throw.
Plenty of that comes from familiarity and trust with his wide receivers too, which can only truly be built with game reps. We saw it more last week against Nebraska and it worked out. But the Buckeyes don't want him to force anything. Doing so could have resulted in a loss to Northwestern or Wisconsin instead of a win.
I think Ohio does Skyline chili and football. Or football and more football. All of the football.
A.J. Alexander had three impressive catches last week (not in mop-up duty either). Are we going to see more reps from him? How does he grade out as a blocker? — KBonay
I don't think he grades out as well as Marcus Baugh does as a blocker and it is not like Baugh is shoving linebackers aside with ease like Jeff Heuerman and Nick Vannett did. Heuerman was awesome as an edge blocker and Vannett got much, much better last season before he graduated.
I think Alexander's reps will rise a little more, though, because Baugh is battling an ankle injury that has plagued him over the last few weeks. The fact that Ohio State sent Alexander and even Branden Bowen in for work at tight end tells me every player at that position in the 2016 recruiting class will redshirt this season. But I agree, Alexander has played well in recent weeks.
Will Maryland paint their field red to match the uniforms? Will their faces match their uniforms by the end of the game (can they keep it close)? Red or black licorice? Are we still making fun of the Cherry flavored popsicle uniforms? Do you remember "high and tight boo boo"? — Sanantonefan and BeatTTUN
Some more questions about uniforms so I lumped them together here as one.
The field will stay as the green turf it always is though I hope they fixed the sideline from the last time I was there two years ago. The paint on the sideline was not in a straight line. It was hilarious. I don't think the Terrapins will be red in the face at the end of the game, though—they are not expected to really stay with the Buckeyes.
And yes, I do remember "high and tight boo boo" and resist the urge to say that to Mrs. Lee every time I see her and ask how Darron is doing. That was a great tweet after the linebacker fumbled during Ohio State's 52-24 win at Maryland in 2014.
What else must McCall show to get on the damn field? Every time he has touched that pigskin, he has been electric. Will Dontre Wilson ever field another kick again? Follow up, should he ever see the field again at this point? — Buckeye Scottie
Every time Meyer is asked about Demario the GOAT, he says he needs to add weight and be better about protecting the ball, primarily carrying it high and tight. McCall is a little guy—Ohio State lists him at 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds, which is generous. So that is why he only plays in mop-up duty.
HOWEVER, I am on your side with this. Meyer named Samuel the starting punt returner on Wednesday night but I'm not so sure that is the best move for Ohio State. Putting your best offensive weapon in harm's way with players bearing down on him as he looks into the sky feels like a good way to get him hurt. But it is another way to get the ball in Samuel's hands, which fans beg more and more to see happen.
And dammit, McCall is fun to watch. His skill set and speed shows me that he should be able to contribute something in non-garbage time. Why can't it be punt or kickoff returner? I know I am biased because, as I've said in this forum many times, Demario is an awesome kid and great interview and also a special talent but that is #just #my #take.
I doubt Wilson will field another kick at Ohio State unless some injuries occur. But yes, he should still see the field. He made some nice catches against Nebraska, including the 22-yarder to convert 3rd-and-20 on Ohio State's first offensive drive of the game which eventually ended in a touchdown.
Do you think if this game becomes a rout early that it's time to start pulling key players earlier for the next two games? Say like the middle of the third. — AllinOSU
Yes. Either mid to late third quarter or the fourth quarter. Meyer wants his offense to get as many game reps as possible but the younger players need to get on the field too.
Even in our big win last week, J.T. missed at least 3 open receivers deep. Even the pass to and catch by Samuel was off the mark. The fan base is getting concerned that he has lost his touch on long passes. Do you agree that J.T. is off this year on his long pass attempts or is it more the lack of receiver play or good play calling? Anything else contributing to this issue? Do you see him capable of putting his deep passing game together before the GAME? — OSUSAM77
I typed and deleted this answer four times before being happy with it because it struck a bit of an annoyed nerve with me. I understand that Barrett missed a few throws on Saturday. I understand the pass to Samuel—that, remember was a 75-yard touchdown pass—wasn't like Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers when they throw it down the field in that Samuel had to wait half a second to bring it in. I get all of that.
But give him a break, please. The guy threw for four touchdown passes and almost 300 yards against a top-10 team. He completed nearly 70 percent of his passes. I know he missed Mike Weber. I know he missed Binjimen Victor. I know he missed Parris Campbell. But the guy is not a robot, and in my opinion showed improvement last week throwing the ball.
J.T. Barrett: Good college football player.
The play calling to stretch the field happened because Nebraska's two deep safeties weren't playing in Cover 3 on those shot attempts. The receivers also created some better separation than they have in recent weeks. But while Barrett's game wasn't 38-of-38 for 500 yards passing and six touchdowns like it could have been or that some fans expect, I hope you can realize that kind of output isn't necessarily realistic.
Ohio State's passing game took a huge step forward on Saturday for many reasons. The timing was great, the spacing even better and they hit on some crucial throws to move the chains. Barrett is the catalyst to allllllllll of that. You cannot put together a perfect performance but what he and the offense did against Nebraska was pretty close to it.
Barrett has been a little off on his downfield throws this year but it has taken him time to hit them with a fresh crop of wide receivers. It is essential to understand that thinking. Barrett is and excellent college quarterback. He might not be playing well enough in the eyes of some fans but he certainly is in those that matter—his head coach and the offensive staff.
Can you shed light on whether anybody else from the B1G besides Peppers (ugh) will make it to NYC for the Heisman ceremony? Is Barrett still close? I'm seeing Saquon Barkley buzz also. Thanks, boys! — HilltopHustle
Barrett still has the best chance outside of Peppers because he plays quarterback but if Samuel reaches 1,000/1,000 or is close to it, it will hard to keep him out of the Heisman conversation because that is so rare. Barkley could sneak in but he hasn't really put up outstanding numbers in every single game.
In a nutshell - what type of attitude has DJD brought to Maryland that they were missing? As always - what is your final score prediction? — Seattle Linga
I think Durkin brought the attitude of toughness and playing hard which the program lost under Randy Edsall. Even though the Terrapins were annoying last season in Columbus, it was really a weak team in my eyes. Durkin changed that. He just doesn't have the players to really hang with the big boys yet.
I've got Ohio State 52, Maryland 10. Maryland's best players are injured. Buckeyes should continue to roll.
Thanks as always for your questions. See you next week.
