Skull Session: Explosive Plays Ruined Ohio State’s Season, Kyle McCord Has Interesting Heisman Odds and How the Buckeyes’ 2014 Team Ranks Among Modern National Champs
Are you aware that CJ Stroud has NOT declared for the draft yet! He has until the 16th to declare, and has made no statement! Money might not be the big driving force with his NIL money!
How much do you think the odds for a Championship would change if he comes back? He has made it known that he is not happy with losing to that shitpile up north twice, and thinks they should have beaten Georgia! Just sayin!!!
If he comes back I would say our championship odds go to 2nd or 3rd. We're still losing our O-line and we have needs at CB. The new OC should help a lot.
His turn around in performance, or whatever you call it, sure helps too. I wanted him off the field in 2021 based on what I read here post game. Articles like "snap count". I'm thrilled he has turned into what my entitled self thinks an Ohio State linebacker should be doing.
We need talent, top talent! Talent trumps everything. That what this defense lacks. If you think having the undersized chambers back is a win, then we won't be much better on defense. Michigan nded up playing a Fr at croner and the guy delivered. Why? Maybe bc he has talent.
We need talent, top talent! Talent trumps everything. That what this defense lacks. If you think having the undersized chambers back is a win, then we won't be much better on defense. Michigan nded up playing a Fr at croner and the guy delivered. Why? Maybe bc he has talent.
and this, fellow Warriors, is what a hangover rant looks like ;}
Not everyone can make the transition from high school athlete to college athlete in a matter of a few months, sure some can, but coming from a place where you are the man, and going to a place where everyone is the man, competition is on a different level, sometimes it takes time to develop..
Just like when Knowles was hired and 12 months later we had the 14th best Defense Nationally, up from 53rd in 2021. I again expect another huge leap in 2023 on Defense!!!
Theres a reason we are #2 highest odds to win the next CFP.
Agree. Pre-B1G championship game the Buckeyes were a different team. A really good team, that was getting better every week. But the team that played those last three games was at a different level. Cardale passing was one thing, sure. But him being in there cut down on the designed QB runs which unleashed Elliot as the primary runner. It feels like the offensive dominance let the D play more aggressive and rested as well.
It'd be interesting to see the SP+ for just the post season games. I guarantee that ours was the best.
There are three impacts that a long scoring play has, especially when the Bucks give it up to a team that is trailing. (1) Points go on the board (obviously). (2) The opponent expends next to no effort and energy in getting those points. (3) Momentum, which is such a big part of CFB, swings to the other side at the flip of a switch. The defensive game plan must be built and executed with a better sense of risk/reward as applied to critical situations. Now, about special teams which have been in position to make big plays but did not. . . Go Bucks!!
Knowles was handed a crap sandwich of a defense and had little to do with the 2022 recruits. He wasn’t the defense coordinator in 2021 loss to Michigan and the defense in the game this year held Michigan until the middle of the second quarter. It was the offensive, specifically the play calling, that played a huge role in the loss too. The data shows the defense was improved significantly from 2021, yes it was that bad.
Every time I see a picture of Knowles, it makes me sick. Giving up those easy bombs for TDs is unacceptable. He told everyone that this Defense was ready earlier in the season. Those defending his scheme are part of the rose colored glassess- participation crowd.
My concern is that Knowles literally told us that giving up explosive plays is part of his defense. So I suppose he would consider this season a resounding success. So will this just be considered a unfortunate reality for our Buckeyes? Or is there going to be an ultimatum from Day that this is not going to be acceptable when it costs big games against teams that can hang with OSU?
Other DC’s didn’t say that and still gave up some big plays. Some said they don’t want to give up any at all and still have up some. So does it really matter what they say?
Shouldn't Knowles be saying now "What did you expect? I told you this is what was going to happen"
A DC that says "we won't give up big plays" but then does give up big plays...did not live up to his own expectations. Knowles I think would say he did exactly like he said he would, so why criticize?
Knowles' defensive philosophy is unapologetically aggressive. Any aggressive defense, his or Venables' or Stoops' or even Saban's defenses, have vulnerabilities that if exploited can generate big plays. For a long time, Saban's defenses played in such a way that they suffocated the middle of the field and short and mid-range pass game. Teams could hurt them if they somehow got to the edge, or if they had a QB who was deadly throwing deep and outside the numbers. And no coach in his right mind would say that fatal big plays that left his team 11-2 instead of 15-0 are "no big deal" because it's part of what he expects to happen.
I don't like to criticize players, but personally when I saw Cam Brown fail to get a receiver out of bounds who was just a few feet from the sidelines but instead whiffed on the tackle and allowed him to run loose, when I saw Cam Martinez and Lathan Ransom fail to identify guys flying by in front of them when they had deep cover responsibilities against TTUN, when I saw Ransom slow to run with his man and then fall down against UGA, I didn't think that Knowles had made a mistake. The final two TDs against TTUN, when we were selling out in desperation mode, yeah, I would expect Knowles learned that's not worth it. But to me the game was already slipping away from us when that happened or we wouldn't have been selling out the way we were.
Knowles' system no doubt was toughest on a young secondary that dealt with injuries throughout the year. But I don't think the back half executing poorly at times means that the system or plan is wrong.
I'm curious as to how Iowa is able to generate such great defenses. I can't imagine that many of their players were on the must-have list of powerhouse teams. The run defense for the Bucks was much improved over last year, but still, that pass defense...
And color me sceptical that scientists can tell what the composition of the atmosphere is of a planet 50+ light years away.
To err is human. Really sucking requires having yellow stripes on your helmet.
I think a lot of it is they don't have very many 3 and out guys. When you've got guys who've been in the system for 4-5 (even 6 with Covid) years, it makes a big difference. They've matured physically for one, so their front is more than capable of holding up, then you toss in having the same DC who's very good at what he does, teaching the same thing over and over.
Pretty good argument Kozmo. Players that stay longer do mature, get better and stronger. Wish our stars would stay longer but I get why they leave for the big league.
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
We saw with Georgia what a 7 year QB who will likely never play in the NFL is capable of doing. Not only will he have a PhD, but two national championships.
Saw the meme where you had pictures of two 25 year old QB's side by side, one was Bennett, the other was Lamar Jackson, who at 25 had 5 years of NFL experience already.
Some brilliant head coach is going to figure out a way to portal in a bunch of "older" but still eligible players all at once. Players that weren't even 4-5 stars coming out of HS, but now have experience, maturity, lots of upside, and high football intelligence.
Playing in the B10 in general makes defense look good. We had 4 teams in the Top 20 nationally in defense. That speaks WAY MORE to lack of great offenses in the B10 than anything.
Those who stir the shit pot should have to lick the spoon.
In addition to the points that others made, it's a "culture" thing at Iowa. It wasn't that long ago that we had a coaching staff where offensive efficiency was something of an after-thought. At Iowa, defense is king. Offense is an after-thought. Defensive-minded head coach tends to breed teams that play good defense. As we see with Iowa, it can also breed incompetent offenses.
The defense is in the beginning stages not the end. Great start with obvious things to improve upon. A little stouter defense with a more consistent ground game will have tremendous effects on the outcomes.
Having your rival and CFP opponent score a combined 39 points on you in the fourth quarter of back-to-back games does not, IMHO constitute a great start. Not to mention the manner in which those points were scored - “explosive plays,” but I guess we will have to live with a certain number of them as Ohio State fans.
I wasn’t a fan expecting to see #1 in every defensive category in year one. I saw statistical improvements. I saw improvements just from an eye test compared to the prior year. Literally every team that didn’t win it all has things to work on and we came within a field goal of doing that whereas the year prior we didn’t even make the playoff. So yes, that’s a great start because if it continues to improve, where do you think that takes us?
My apologies up front for being an ass, but the only “statistical improvements” that matter are on the scoreboard. And in those terms, Jim Knowles’ defense let down the Buckeyes when it mattered the most.
Expect good things in the future, but there is no way to sugar coat what happened in the fourth quarters of the last two games.
The front 7 didn’t just “statistically improve”, it was obvious to the untrained eyes that the run defense and TE coverage were way better this year. Georgia kills teams will their TEs and three headed rushing attack. Ohio State shut that down in the Peach Bowl. The main focus for the defense in the off-season has to be DB development. If the defense can improve on the defensive backfield, then next year should be a really good one.
The fourth quarter of games is where the improvement is needed to be seen the most so I agree. Big plays are essentially a possibility every time the ball is snapped. If you don’t believe that then ask yourself what you expect every time OSU snaps the ball. So he has to limit those but each one had its own reason for happening. You want them all fixed right now. Well duh don’t we all lol I just say it in a different way that sounds less like complaining.
While I agree with the continue to improve argument, one thing bothers me about this past season.
I played football through high school. I was a linebacker my last couple of years and the number one issue stressed was don't give up the big plays. Any defense, especially at a high-profile college program, should stress this as a priority. I'm willing to wait to see the improvements but am still surprised that adjustments weren't made earlier in the season. I believe that fact is what bothers fans the most.
But we will hope for the best next season.
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
"A little stouter defense with a more consistent ground game will have tremendous effects on the outcomes."
...as long as the play caller (whoever it may be) handles it properly. But yeah, that would be successful formula, especially against other quality teams.
No offense, but don’t understand “hold off judgement till year 3.” The guy is getting paid (very well) to do a job, and he gets a “free ride” for 3 years? Where do I sign up for that gig?
The 2014 Ohio State team should be ranked higher. The defense on that team was stout and fast.
Our Achilles heel this year that cost us the CFP championship, IMO, is injuries. Our defense gave up chunk plays for sure (and if they didn’t go for TDs, it wouldn’t have hurt us as much) but with JSN and a healthy Henderson and Williams…we could have out-scored anyone this year.
Would like to see how the SP+ would rank all the teams that made the playoffs throughout the years. Does anyone believe this year's Buckeyes would have beaten the 2014 ones? Yet the team who we were within 1 point of beating and we led most of the game is ranked 10 spots or so above the 2014 team. SP+ also puts like the last 5-6 champs at the top of the list save for one team from earlier being up there. Suspect there is some form of statistical bias or specific inputs that favor more recent years play that does not translate well over a period of 8 or more years.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
This year's team would have lost to the 2014 8 times out of 10. Devin Smith alone would have had a field day with this year's defense. The 2022 offense would have put up points for sure, especially if they played like they did against UGA, but they don't outscore the 2014 offense.
That matchup also has to take into account the OCs. If they don't have Herman calling things that 2014 run doesn't happen IMO.
SP+ also puts like the last 5-6 champs at the top of the list save for one team from earlier being up there. Suspect there is some form of statistical bias or specific inputs that favor more recent years play that does not translate well over a period of 8 or more years.
In an era where the rich get richer, this applies to college football as well. Some of those past teams were really great but the level of recruiting and talent on the top teams nowadays is still that much better.
To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.
The 2014 team at the end of the season I'd take against any of those past champions. Talent everywhere and were playing with a fire. However, as Connelly noted, it's an entire season metric, and that team struggled with Navy and lost to VT to open the year among other close calls. I'd be interested to see just the last 3 games for each champ and how they ranked in SP+, assuming Conf Champ, Semis, and NC (I know Bama won one without going to Conf Champ so include the Iron Bowl).
An argument can be made that Iowa’s best win in 2022 was its 7-3 season opening squeaker over South Dakota State, which went on to win 14 straight games and the FCS national championship.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke
Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. I am excited for #35 to return. He plays hard. However, there are two five-star linebackers named Hicks and Powers, and others named Carrico and Melton, who have to wait another year for meaningful playing time in a 4-2-5 defense when both starters are experienced, effective, and coming back. If either of those guys or others I might not be thinking of decide to hit the portal, the naysayers will be out in droves. But it's just physics - action and reaction. When any player who COULD leave doesn't LEAVE then the reactions down the roster could be impactful. We'll see but I will take the cup full today.
Just imagine if we had brought in all of the recruits we wanted to bring in over the last 2 years? Would they stay? Would they leave in a year? Did we really miss out on them if they all can’t play by year 2? Even with the portal, players still have to have a little patience.
Agreed, Mikey. I really like the idea of Eichenberg coming back but we’re loaded with talent at LB and only two spots with a coach that doesn’t like to rotate. Something may give in this situation. I really hope the young guys stick around.
I see where you're going, Little Mikey, but the best players play...if the young guys you mentioned are truly five star caliber, they'll get on the field. They came to OSU knowing the deal, and now they have to hold up their end of the bargain.
I don't disagree, but I feel like if all those plays were stopped at the five yard line they more than likely would have resulted in scores. What nags me the most is the memory of one or two explosive plays being the reason Ohio State ever won championships at all. It's a big part of winning. Explosive penalties, to stretch an idiom, seem like a hallmark of OSU defense over the years too.
Knowles is coaching like he has OkSU talent instead of OSU talent. Hopefully he learned something this year and improves on his play calling. There is very little need to take chances on the defense with an offense like OSU has.
With so many returning starters, the defense was going to be better than last year regardless who the coach was. The playcalling in the UM and GA games neutralized the growth of the defensive players.
Any time you give a man something he doesn't earn, you cheapen him. Our kids earn what they get, and that includes respect - Woody Hayes
Buckeyes lack the talent on the defensive side of the ball. Yes they may be 4 stars but they usually are a lot smaller then what you see at the big SEC sxhools. And we lack depth too. We lost Clark tomutah and he's projedted as a forstbrounder. Who on the back end do buckeyes have today on the roster that will be a first rounder? Can't continue to miss on talented DBs and expect any coach to win atitle with them. Imo ransom can not be the starter. I'm also would like a bigger stringer guy instead of chambers. Can't really his name being called once during the game. Chambers wouldn't start at any big time school, why should he start at Ohio state, a school that wants to win titles?
Didn’t Chambers get an interception in the Peach Bowl and a TD interception against Maryland to end the game? I think we have to keep in mind that Chambers is a converted RB who had the physical athleticism and size to play LB. He is learning how to be a college level LB and is doing a pretty good job of it. Next year he’ll be very good.
I agree on the DB front, but those OSU players are not small compared to SEC, especially in the secondary. I was comparing OSU to OkSU (who had 2 very low rated 4 stars on the entire defense, .9006, 8982), but either way, the talent on the OSU defense may be only behind GA and AL, and that's probably it. There were six 5 stars, and high 4 stars (11) and lower 4 stars (14) on OSU's 2022 team. They needed coached better.
5 stars
0.9989 JTT
0.9980 Sawyer
0.9937 Sonny
0.9933 Zach
0.9926 Palaie
0.9884 Taron HIGHER 4 stars
0.9771 Teradja
0.9748 Kenyatta
0.9724 Omari
0.9680 Jordan Hancock
0.9660 Cody
0.9640 Proctor
0.9615 Carrico
0.9563 Gabe Powers
0.9506 Caden Curry
0.9502 Hero Kanu
0.9485 Hickman LOWER 4 stars
0.9291 Kourt Williams
0.9288 Tyleik Williams
0.9286 Ransom
0.9267 Jantzen Dunn
0.9237 Jyaire Brown
0.9213 Denzel Burke
0.9168 Baptise
0.9126 Steele
0.9105 Jerron
0.8979 Ryan Turner
0.8975 Kye Stokes
0.8971 Cam Brown
0.8966 Eichenberg
0.8958 Cam Martinez 3 star
0.8710 Tanner
Any time you give a man something he doesn't earn, you cheapen him. Our kids earn what they get, and that includes respect - Woody Hayes
Hoe many of thsoe guys are either sitting or transfer? Mitchell is one and proctor too. And we had to move a RB to LB. Why? Go back and look at the OSU Alabama game. Check out the LBs and DBs and tell me this team is physically the same. Sawyer was a non factor in the bowl game. We have better coaches.
Buckeyes defense has played well most downs all season. But, yes, those big plays have killed the Bickeyes. Just a note, its just not the Buckeyes. Georgia, Bama, and Clemson defense have given up big plays all year, just not as often as the Buckeyes. Are offenses actually getting that good or are defenses just losing focus?
Offenses are better and the rules favor them. Football is cyclical. You're already seeing in the NFL this year, teams concede yards between the 20s to avoid giving up the big shots. It lead to the highest rushing yards per game in decades, as offenses started to take those yards versus forcing the deep ball. That's how teams played Ohio State this year...limit the explosives and concede yards between the 20s. Make them earn it in the RZ or hope they get impatient (like Day often does) and force the ball down field with low % throws. The other big thing is having a mobile-enough QB. Look at the top QBs in the NFL right now...they can all extend plays when needed and pick up chunks of yards if they run. They don't have to run a 4.5. Just manipulate the pocket and step up into open space when it's there.
But do not be afraid of adverbs when needed. "Reaching 22 mph while running is something I could never dream of achieving. Like what? That doesn't make sense to me. That's superhuman behavior. But, hey, Parris is like that. He's built different."
That list of champions is a joke. The 2014 buckeyes will probably end up with more NFL HOFers than any of those other teams. Many players from the 2014 team are still playing in the NFL at an elite level, some considered the best at their position in the entire league. Bill Conelly is a piece of dog shit and fuck him.
Joey Bosa, Michael Thomas, Zeke, Vonn Bell, Eli Apple, Lattimore, Hooker, Noah Brown, D Lee, Taylor Decker, pat Elfien, Sam Hubbard the list goes on of elite NFL talent on that roster.
no other program produces those results, Bama is close they have had some dawgs
Clemsons best player ever is a hack that spends the off season forcing chicks to jerk him off.
Stetson Benett is on the way to working at Zaxbys or maybe towel boy in the XFL.
Few thoughts. Chambers is a nice player but not a big time LB. Ask yourself if he'd start at Georgia, Alabama, LSU penn state or Michigan? Most people would say no. Then ask yourself if he'd get drafted to play LB in the NFL. He struggled against big backs. He's just not big enough nor strong enough. Again, nice player but not a guy the buckeyes should have as a starting LB.
I know you think you’re saying something and technically you are but you do realize that every one of those schools have a starter that wouldn’t be a starter here either. So what are you actually accomplishing in your campaign against chambers?
And...for your shot...of...Negativity...on Friday the 13th...I give you... ESPN's Bill Connelly ...to tell you how...the 2014...College World Football Champs...The Ohio State Buckeye's...Sucked...Fuck Off...Connelly...Go Bucks
I like your thinking. I bet your real name is Homer, jk. lol. 2014 last 3 games beat everyone on the list. But one has to wonder with additional film how they fair?
Not sure that having film on Devin Smith and Zeke would help much. Having a QB that could throw as far as Cardale and a world class high jumper on the other end put such stress on defenses that they could not be stopped. The blow out in the NC game came with 4! OSU turnovers.
One thing I took away from Monday's game is that it's easier to see how Knowles could develop a "it's OK to give up five big plays a game" philosophy in the Big 12, since that's going to put you well below the average for that conference. That doesn't mean it's going to work against real teams, though.
We all saw what Joe Burrow did after a few years of development at TOSU. Burrow won the Heisman by the biggest margin in Heisman History. McCord has the same pedigree, so winning the Heisman is a distinct possibility, especially giving the talent that will surround him.
Iowa 's DC must be a genius. Giving up so few points considering their inept offense cannot help them out and makes them defend short fields so often. Impressive.
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Two Thumbs Up. Tommy is coming back.
See what you did there.
Hey, come on, that’s Tommy Two Thumbs. Have some respect.
Are you aware that CJ Stroud has NOT declared for the draft yet! He has until the 16th to declare, and has made no statement! Money might not be the big driving force with his NIL money!
How much do you think the odds for a Championship would change if he comes back? He has made it known that he is not happy with losing to that shitpile up north twice, and thinks they should have beaten Georgia! Just sayin!!!
Go Bucks!
If he comes back I would say our championship odds go to 2nd or 3rd. We're still losing our O-line and we have needs at CB. The new OC should help a lot.
We are Already #2 to win 2023 CFP.
I suggest you go see what the signing bonuses are for the top 10 picks.
Veteran presence can make a huge difference, glad to see some of these young men sticking out their commitment to this team!
His turn around in performance, or whatever you call it, sure helps too. I wanted him off the field in 2021 based on what I read here post game. Articles like "snap count". I'm thrilled he has turned into what my entitled self thinks an Ohio State linebacker should be doing.
#walkaway
We need talent, top talent! Talent trumps everything. That what this defense lacks. If you think having the undersized chambers back is a win, then we won't be much better on defense. Michigan nded up playing a Fr at croner and the guy delivered. Why? Maybe bc he has talent.
Hector m Rivera
"nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent" - Coolidge
There is so much more to it than your simple summary would suggest. Of course talent is important, but it doesn't come close to trumping everything.
vacuuming sucks
and this, fellow Warriors, is what a hangover rant looks like ;}
edit: no dv from me, sir, it doesn't deserve one
Faster, tougher, and more violent...
Not everyone can make the transition from high school athlete to college athlete in a matter of a few months, sure some can, but coming from a place where you are the man, and going to a place where everyone is the man, competition is on a different level, sometimes it takes time to develop..
Eichenberg coming back is huge.
Just like when Knowles was hired and 12 months later we had the 14th best Defense Nationally, up from 53rd in 2021. I again expect another huge leap in 2023 on Defense!!!
Theres a reason we are #2 highest odds to win the next CFP.
Going to be a fun Spring!
Running the table and winning the natty baby!!!!
That Connelly dude really likes to do the old media trick, dis the Buckeyes get clicks.
I know I'm bias but I'd take that '14 team against anybody.
Seo
Agree. Pre-B1G championship game the Buckeyes were a different team. A really good team, that was getting better every week. But the team that played those last three games was at a different level. Cardale passing was one thing, sure. But him being in there cut down on the designed QB runs which unleashed Elliot as the primary runner. It feels like the offensive dominance let the D play more aggressive and rested as well.
It'd be interesting to see the SP+ for just the post season games. I guarantee that ours was the best.
There are three impacts that a long scoring play has, especially when the Bucks give it up to a team that is trailing. (1) Points go on the board (obviously). (2) The opponent expends next to no effort and energy in getting those points. (3) Momentum, which is such a big part of CFB, swings to the other side at the flip of a switch. The defensive game plan must be built and executed with a better sense of risk/reward as applied to critical situations. Now, about special teams which have been in position to make big plays but did not. . . Go Bucks!!
As for the big ST plays, I bet Xavier Johnson takes multiple to the house in '23.
"Put ya' weight on it"
Gotta love The X Man.
Obligatory X is gonna give it to ya gif here.
Muck Fichigan
Point #2 can also be applied to the defense(other than the point total is a negative).
Concerning Jim Knowles and his 1.9 million base salary...
Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game. -- Michael Jordan
Of course Knowles has more work to d. He took our D from #53 to #14 Nationally in 1 year.
Im really curious to know how that YoY D improvement ranks, I think it may actually be more impressive than we imagine.
Knowles was handed a crap sandwich of a defense and had little to do with the 2022 recruits. He wasn’t the defense coordinator in 2021 loss to Michigan and the defense in the game this year held Michigan until the middle of the second quarter. It was the offensive, specifically the play calling, that played a huge role in the loss too. The data shows the defense was improved significantly from 2021, yes it was that bad.
Shatinkycat1
Every time I see a picture of Knowles, it makes me sick. Giving up those easy bombs for TDs is unacceptable. He told everyone that this Defense was ready earlier in the season. Those defending his scheme are part of the rose colored glassess- participation crowd.
Box of Kleenex has entered the chat
Bawhaahaha
Muck Fichigan
My concern is that Knowles literally told us that giving up explosive plays is part of his defense. So I suppose he would consider this season a resounding success. So will this just be considered a unfortunate reality for our Buckeyes? Or is there going to be an ultimatum from Day that this is not going to be acceptable when it costs big games against teams that can hang with OSU?
Other DC’s didn’t say that and still gave up some big plays. Some said they don’t want to give up any at all and still have up some. So does it really matter what they say?
When setting their own expectations? Yes.
Shouldn't Knowles be saying now "What did you expect? I told you this is what was going to happen"
A DC that says "we won't give up big plays" but then does give up big plays...did not live up to his own expectations. Knowles I think would say he did exactly like he said he would, so why criticize?
Knowles' defensive philosophy is unapologetically aggressive. Any aggressive defense, his or Venables' or Stoops' or even Saban's defenses, have vulnerabilities that if exploited can generate big plays. For a long time, Saban's defenses played in such a way that they suffocated the middle of the field and short and mid-range pass game. Teams could hurt them if they somehow got to the edge, or if they had a QB who was deadly throwing deep and outside the numbers. And no coach in his right mind would say that fatal big plays that left his team 11-2 instead of 15-0 are "no big deal" because it's part of what he expects to happen.
I don't like to criticize players, but personally when I saw Cam Brown fail to get a receiver out of bounds who was just a few feet from the sidelines but instead whiffed on the tackle and allowed him to run loose, when I saw Cam Martinez and Lathan Ransom fail to identify guys flying by in front of them when they had deep cover responsibilities against TTUN, when I saw Ransom slow to run with his man and then fall down against UGA, I didn't think that Knowles had made a mistake. The final two TDs against TTUN, when we were selling out in desperation mode, yeah, I would expect Knowles learned that's not worth it. But to me the game was already slipping away from us when that happened or we wouldn't have been selling out the way we were.
Knowles' system no doubt was toughest on a young secondary that dealt with injuries throughout the year. But I don't think the back half executing poorly at times means that the system or plan is wrong.
"Woody would have wanted it that way"
Good stuff! No hyperbole and no doomsday comments. Just a solid opinion.
Agreed
"Put ya' weight on it"
I'm curious as to how Iowa is able to generate such great defenses. I can't imagine that many of their players were on the must-have list of powerhouse teams. The run defense for the Bucks was much improved over last year, but still, that pass defense...
And color me sceptical that scientists can tell what the composition of the atmosphere is of a planet 50+ light years away.
To err is human. Really sucking requires having yellow stripes on your helmet.
I think a lot of it is they don't have very many 3 and out guys. When you've got guys who've been in the system for 4-5 (even 6 with Covid) years, it makes a big difference. They've matured physically for one, so their front is more than capable of holding up, then you toss in having the same DC who's very good at what he does, teaching the same thing over and over.
You're too stupid to have a good time. -Dalton
Pretty good argument Kozmo. Players that stay longer do mature, get better and stronger. Wish our stars would stay longer but I get why they leave for the big league.
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
We saw with Georgia what a 7 year QB who will likely never play in the NFL is capable of doing. Not only will he have a PhD, but two national championships.
Shatinkycat1
I was going to mention "that guy from Georgia" too but the wounds are still fresh from that game. Plus 1 Shtinkycat.
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
Saw the meme where you had pictures of two 25 year old QB's side by side, one was Bennett, the other was Lamar Jackson, who at 25 had 5 years of NFL experience already.
Some brilliant head coach is going to figure out a way to portal in a bunch of "older" but still eligible players all at once. Players that weren't even 4-5 stars coming out of HS, but now have experience, maturity, lots of upside, and high football intelligence.
Iowa players develop over 3-4 years. OSU fans want instant success and 5 star players. Our fanbase couldn’t handle the iowa model.
um… that’s why we’re not logging into elevenfarmers.com.
Well played.
To err is human. Really sucking requires having yellow stripes on your helmet.
Cade Stover wants a word
Faster, tougher, and more violent...
NICE!
Muck Fichigan
Yeah, 8-5, 10-4, 6-2, 10-3 last 4 years would cause Columbus to crater to the core.
Muck Fichigan
I don’t think that was because of the defense.
tru dat
Muck Fichigan
Upvote for Iowa D questions. Spectroscopy is a wondrous thing.
https://blogs.nasa.gov/webb/2022/03/10/webb-will-use-spectroscopy-to-stu...
Playing in the B1G west will make any defense look good.
Playing in the B10 in general makes defense look good. We had 4 teams in the Top 20 nationally in defense. That speaks WAY MORE to lack of great offenses in the B10 than anything.
Those who stir the shit pot should have to lick the spoon.
In addition to the points that others made, it's a "culture" thing at Iowa. It wasn't that long ago that we had a coaching staff where offensive efficiency was something of an after-thought. At Iowa, defense is king. Offense is an after-thought. Defensive-minded head coach tends to breed teams that play good defense. As we see with Iowa, it can also breed incompetent offenses.
"Woody would have wanted it that way"
I’m surprised Stetson Bennett didn’t make the top ten 2023 Heisman odds.
As you get older, three things happen: The first is your memory goes, and I can't remember the other two.
He aged out.
Are you SURE?
As you get older, three things happen: The first is your memory goes, and I can't remember the other two.
Dude used 7 years of eligibility, he has nothing left.
Shatinkycat1
Couldn’t he still transfer to Wisconsin?
B Buehler
this actually made me LOL...thank you!
Faster, tougher, and more violent...
Heh, heh, heh.
Is it me or does this feel like a glove/hand fit, Fick/Wisky?
Muck Fichigan
It's not just you, and the rest of the B1G better take notice--they're going to be a major force again, and sooner rather than later
Faster, tougher, and more violent...
Yep. Wisconsin's gonna be legit, and not just a threat in the B1G, but in the playoffs soon!
"Put ya' weight on it"
We lose Kevin Warren and gain Tommy all in the same day? Does it get any better? Go Bucks!!!
Fire Kevin Warren
The defense is in the beginning stages not the end. Great start with obvious things to improve upon. A little stouter defense with a more consistent ground game will have tremendous effects on the outcomes.
Let the down votes flow, but “Great start”?
Having your rival and CFP opponent score a combined 39 points on you in the fourth quarter of back-to-back games does not, IMHO constitute a great start. Not to mention the manner in which those points were scored - “explosive plays,” but I guess we will have to live with a certain number of them as Ohio State fans.
I wasn’t a fan expecting to see #1 in every defensive category in year one. I saw statistical improvements. I saw improvements just from an eye test compared to the prior year. Literally every team that didn’t win it all has things to work on and we came within a field goal of doing that whereas the year prior we didn’t even make the playoff. So yes, that’s a great start because if it continues to improve, where do you think that takes us?
My apologies up front for being an ass, but the only “statistical improvements” that matter are on the scoreboard. And in those terms, Jim Knowles’ defense let down the Buckeyes when it mattered the most.
Expect good things in the future, but there is no way to sugar coat what happened in the fourth quarters of the last two games.
The front 7 didn’t just “statistically improve”, it was obvious to the untrained eyes that the run defense and TE coverage were way better this year. Georgia kills teams will their TEs and three headed rushing attack. Ohio State shut that down in the Peach Bowl. The main focus for the defense in the off-season has to be DB development. If the defense can improve on the defensive backfield, then next year should be a really good one.
Shatinkycat1
The fourth quarter of games is where the improvement is needed to be seen the most so I agree. Big plays are essentially a possibility every time the ball is snapped. If you don’t believe that then ask yourself what you expect every time OSU snaps the ball. So he has to limit those but each one had its own reason for happening. You want them all fixed right now. Well duh don’t we all lol I just say it in a different way that sounds less like complaining.
.
Like not giving up 500 damn yards to a shit show team like Tulsa? It was in fact a great start. And there is a lot of work to do.
#walkaway
While I agree with the continue to improve argument, one thing bothers me about this past season.
I played football through high school. I was a linebacker my last couple of years and the number one issue stressed was don't give up the big plays. Any defense, especially at a high-profile college program, should stress this as a priority. I'm willing to wait to see the improvements but am still surprised that adjustments weren't made earlier in the season. I believe that fact is what bothers fans the most.
But we will hope for the best next season.
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
Here's the number that was important in the playoff game, 1. Yes 1! We needed 1 stop and didn't get it. That's the statistic that was important, 1.
Hector m Rivera
"A little stouter defense with a more consistent ground game will have tremendous effects on the outcomes."
...as long as the play caller (whoever it may be) handles it properly. But yeah, that would be successful formula, especially against other quality teams.
"Put ya' weight on it"
People need to relax on Knowles. It’s his first year and good teams ripped us on big plays. going to hold off on judgement till year 3
No offense, but don’t understand “hold off judgement till year 3.” The guy is getting paid (very well) to do a job, and he gets a “free ride” for 3 years? Where do I sign up for that gig?
And I always wanted to be the guy to dust off the sand with a little paintbrush off the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model’s photoshoot.
Clearly looking for a few explosive plays of your own, huh Bucks?
Good work if you can find it.
Muck Fichigan
The 2014 Ohio State team should be ranked higher. The defense on that team was stout and fast.
Our Achilles heel this year that cost us the CFP championship, IMO, is injuries. Our defense gave up chunk plays for sure (and if they didn’t go for TDs, it wouldn’t have hurt us as much) but with JSN and a healthy Henderson and Williams…we could have out-scored anyone this year.
Would like to see how the SP+ would rank all the teams that made the playoffs throughout the years. Does anyone believe this year's Buckeyes would have beaten the 2014 ones? Yet the team who we were within 1 point of beating and we led most of the game is ranked 10 spots or so above the 2014 team. SP+ also puts like the last 5-6 champs at the top of the list save for one team from earlier being up there. Suspect there is some form of statistical bias or specific inputs that favor more recent years play that does not translate well over a period of 8 or more years.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
This year's team would have lost to the 2014 8 times out of 10. Devin Smith alone would have had a field day with this year's defense. The 2022 offense would have put up points for sure, especially if they played like they did against UGA, but they don't outscore the 2014 offense.
That matchup also has to take into account the OCs. If they don't have Herman calling things that 2014 run doesn't happen IMO.
In an era where the rich get richer, this applies to college football as well. Some of those past teams were really great but the level of recruiting and talent on the top teams nowadays is still that much better.
To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.
The 2014 team at the end of the season I'd take against any of those past champions. Talent everywhere and were playing with a fire. However, as Connelly noted, it's an entire season metric, and that team struggled with Navy and lost to VT to open the year among other close calls. I'd be interested to see just the last 3 games for each champ and how they ranked in SP+, assuming Conf Champ, Semis, and NC (I know Bama won one without going to Conf Champ so include the Iron Bowl).
You're too stupid to have a good time. -Dalton
God help us if Iowa ever gets a competent offense.
An argument can be made that Iowa’s best win in 2022 was its 7-3 season opening squeaker over South Dakota State, which went on to win 14 straight games and the FCS national championship.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke
If was a fifth we'd all be drunk on corn mash. Until then pass the popcorn. lol
Muck Fichigan
Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. I am excited for #35 to return. He plays hard. However, there are two five-star linebackers named Hicks and Powers, and others named Carrico and Melton, who have to wait another year for meaningful playing time in a 4-2-5 defense when both starters are experienced, effective, and coming back. If either of those guys or others I might not be thinking of decide to hit the portal, the naysayers will be out in droves. But it's just physics - action and reaction. When any player who COULD leave doesn't LEAVE then the reactions down the roster could be impactful. We'll see but I will take the cup full today.
Michael
Just imagine if we had brought in all of the recruits we wanted to bring in over the last 2 years? Would they stay? Would they leave in a year? Did we really miss out on them if they all can’t play by year 2? Even with the portal, players still have to have a little patience.
Agreed, Mikey. I really like the idea of Eichenberg coming back but we’re loaded with talent at LB and only two spots with a coach that doesn’t like to rotate. Something may give in this situation. I really hope the young guys stick around.
Class of 2001 - classless since then.
I see where you're going, Little Mikey, but the best players play...if the young guys you mentioned are truly five star caliber, they'll get on the field. They came to OSU knowing the deal, and now they have to hold up their end of the bargain.
Faster, tougher, and more violent...
Thursday was the eighth anniversary of the national title. The game was played on January 12, 2015.
the Buckeyes had only one flaw, in my estimation: Allowing
explosivescoring plays.FIFY
Muck Fichigan
I don't disagree, but I feel like if all those plays were stopped at the five yard line they more than likely would have resulted in scores. What nags me the most is the memory of one or two explosive plays being the reason Ohio State ever won championships at all. It's a big part of winning. Explosive penalties, to stretch an idiom, seem like a hallmark of OSU defense over the years too.
Siskel & Ebert would give Tommy's return.....2 Thumbs Up
Muck Fichigan
Knowles is coaching like he has OkSU talent instead of OSU talent. Hopefully he learned something this year and improves on his play calling. There is very little need to take chances on the defense with an offense like OSU has.
With so many returning starters, the defense was going to be better than last year regardless who the coach was. The playcalling in the UM and GA games neutralized the growth of the defensive players.
Any time you give a man something he doesn't earn, you cheapen him. Our kids earn what they get, and that includes respect - Woody Hayes
Buckeyes lack the talent on the defensive side of the ball. Yes they may be 4 stars but they usually are a lot smaller then what you see at the big SEC sxhools. And we lack depth too. We lost Clark tomutah and he's projedted as a forstbrounder. Who on the back end do buckeyes have today on the roster that will be a first rounder? Can't continue to miss on talented DBs and expect any coach to win atitle with them. Imo ransom can not be the starter. I'm also would like a bigger stringer guy instead of chambers. Can't really his name being called once during the game. Chambers wouldn't start at any big time school, why should he start at Ohio state, a school that wants to win titles?
Hector m Rivera
Didn’t Chambers get an interception in the Peach Bowl and a TD interception against Maryland to end the game? I think we have to keep in mind that Chambers is a converted RB who had the physical athleticism and size to play LB. He is learning how to be a college level LB and is doing a pretty good job of it. Next year he’ll be very good.
Shatinkycat1
I agree on the DB front, but those OSU players are not small compared to SEC, especially in the secondary. I was comparing OSU to OkSU (who had 2 very low rated 4 stars on the entire defense, .9006, 8982), but either way, the talent on the OSU defense may be only behind GA and AL, and that's probably it. There were six 5 stars, and high 4 stars (11) and lower 4 stars (14) on OSU's 2022 team. They needed coached better.
5 stars
0.9989 JTT
0.9980 Sawyer
0.9937 Sonny
0.9933 Zach
0.9926 Palaie
0.9884 Taron
HIGHER 4 stars
0.9771 Teradja
0.9748 Kenyatta
0.9724 Omari
0.9680 Jordan Hancock
0.9660 Cody
0.9640 Proctor
0.9615 Carrico
0.9563 Gabe Powers
0.9506 Caden Curry
0.9502 Hero Kanu
0.9485 Hickman
LOWER 4 stars
0.9291 Kourt Williams
0.9288 Tyleik Williams
0.9286 Ransom
0.9267 Jantzen Dunn
0.9237 Jyaire Brown
0.9213 Denzel Burke
0.9168 Baptise
0.9126 Steele
0.9105 Jerron
0.8979 Ryan Turner
0.8975 Kye Stokes
0.8971 Cam Brown
0.8966 Eichenberg
0.8958 Cam Martinez
3 star
0.8710 Tanner
Any time you give a man something he doesn't earn, you cheapen him. Our kids earn what they get, and that includes respect - Woody Hayes
Hoe many of thsoe guys are either sitting or transfer? Mitchell is one and proctor too. And we had to move a RB to LB. Why? Go back and look at the OSU Alabama game. Check out the LBs and DBs and tell me this team is physically the same. Sawyer was a non factor in the bowl game. We have better coaches.
Hector m Rivera
Qb1 will fine. Knowles and Frye will have to earn their money next season.
Buckeyes defense has played well most downs all season. But, yes, those big plays have killed the Bickeyes. Just a note, its just not the Buckeyes. Georgia, Bama, and Clemson defense have given up big plays all year, just not as often as the Buckeyes. Are offenses actually getting that good or are defenses just losing focus?
CBus love
Offenses are better and the rules favor them. Football is cyclical. You're already seeing in the NFL this year, teams concede yards between the 20s to avoid giving up the big shots. It lead to the highest rushing yards per game in decades, as offenses started to take those yards versus forcing the deep ball. That's how teams played Ohio State this year...limit the explosives and concede yards between the 20s. Make them earn it in the RZ or hope they get impatient (like Day often does) and force the ball down field with low % throws. The other big thing is having a mobile-enough QB. Look at the top QBs in the NFL right now...they can all extend plays when needed and pick up chunks of yards if they run. They don't have to run a 4.5. Just manipulate the pocket and step up into open space when it's there.
You're too stupid to have a good time. -Dalton
Football in a nutshell nowadays. NFL and college
"Put ya' weight on it"
Good stuff Chase!
But do not be afraid of adverbs when needed. "Reaching 22 mph while running is something I could never dream of achieving. Like what? That doesn't make sense to me. That's superhuman behavior. But, hey, Parris is like that. He's built different."
Differently? Maybe?
Go Bucks!
Grammatically that is correct but that's not what the kids are saying these days.
From the trusty Urban Dictionary:
and not a peep about last night's debacle. seems vaguely familiar ...
(who is
john galtjimmy sparks?)That list of champions is a joke. The 2014 buckeyes will probably end up with more NFL HOFers than any of those other teams. Many players from the 2014 team are still playing in the NFL at an elite level, some considered the best at their position in the entire league. Bill Conelly is a piece of dog shit and fuck him.
Joey Bosa, Michael Thomas, Zeke, Vonn Bell, Eli Apple, Lattimore, Hooker, Noah Brown, D Lee, Taylor Decker, pat Elfien, Sam Hubbard the list goes on of elite NFL talent on that roster.
no other program produces those results, Bama is close they have had some dawgs
Clemsons best player ever is a hack that spends the off season forcing chicks to jerk him off.
Stetson Benett is on the way to working at Zaxbys or maybe towel boy in the XFL.
fuck espn and the sec
which will be HOFers?
vacuuming sucks
Which ones do you think won't be?
Any time you give a man something he doesn't earn, you cheapen him. Our kids earn what they get, and that includes respect - Woody Hayes
I think Zeke has a chance, and to a lesser degree Bosa and Thomas. No one else.
vacuuming sucks
Tommy Boy is on his way back to the Buckeyes. Let's go!
The Excellence of Execution, the Best there is, the Best there was, the Best there ever will be!
Muck Fichigan
All I learned is that the two most dominant football teams since 2009 have been our opponents in the playoffs in 2 out of the last 3 years.
To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.
Yep gotta level up to get over hump. Looking at you D.
Muck Fichigan
Great song from a great album
vacuuming sucks
Few thoughts. Chambers is a nice player but not a big time LB. Ask yourself if he'd start at Georgia, Alabama, LSU penn state or Michigan? Most people would say no. Then ask yourself if he'd get drafted to play LB in the NFL. He struggled against big backs. He's just not big enough nor strong enough. Again, nice player but not a guy the buckeyes should have as a starting LB.
Hector m Rivera
I know you think you’re saying something and technically you are but you do realize that every one of those schools have a starter that wouldn’t be a starter here either. So what are you actually accomplishing in your campaign against chambers?
And...for your shot...of...Negativity...on Friday the 13th...I give you... ESPN's Bill Connelly ...to tell you how...the 2014...College World Football Champs...The Ohio State Buckeye's...Sucked...Fuck Off...Connelly...Go Bucks
...
Faster, tougher, and more violent...
.... out did you by +1 lol
Muck Fichigan
the 2014 team would have wrecked most of those teams listed above them, including this year's GA team.
I like your thinking. I bet your real name is Homer, jk. lol. 2014 last 3 games beat everyone on the list. But one has to wonder with additional film how they fair?
Muck Fichigan
Not sure that having film on Devin Smith and Zeke would help much. Having a QB that could throw as far as Cardale and a world class high jumper on the other end put such stress on defenses that they could not be stopped. The blow out in the NC game came with 4! OSU turnovers.
VA_Buck
Speaking of SP+...
Here's your reminder that 2019 OSU finished comfortably ahead of LSU in the final SP+ rankings despite the loss. Sigh.
Team (Record) Rating Offense Defense Special Teams
1. Ohio St. (13-1) 35.4 44.4 (4) 10.6 (2) 1.6 (21)
2. LSU (15-0) 33.1 48.9 (1) 17.7 (20) 1.9 (12)
https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaa/fplus/2019
lol
Muck Fichigan
Fuck you, Jim Knowles
Kerry Coombs, is that you?!?
Faster, tougher, and more violent...
He's a MAN!
Muck Fichigan
One thing I took away from Monday's game is that it's easier to see how Knowles could develop a "it's OK to give up five big plays a game" philosophy in the Big 12, since that's going to put you well below the average for that conference. That doesn't mean it's going to work against real teams, though.
The most "loud mouth, disrespect" poster on 11W.
¡Prioridad número uno!
TampaBayBone Doc
We all saw what Joe Burrow did after a few years of development at TOSU. Burrow won the Heisman by the biggest margin in Heisman History. McCord has the same pedigree, so winning the Heisman is a distinct possibility, especially giving the talent that will surround him.
Can’t spell Penix without Nix. How the hell do those guys still have eligibility?
Iowa 's DC must be a genius. Giving up so few points considering their inept offense cannot help them out and makes them defend short fields so often. Impressive.
puddy
Decided to look it up. Phil Parker is Iowa DC and makes under 600k per year
puddy
Jim Knowles is a goofy mind case works ok at schools that have no chance at winning a national championship.
SDietz
Hire Jim Leonhard .........problem solved
none