How do you prevent that exactly? Remember Borland covering a receiver? That was with a 3 linebacker scheme. We had x in the backfield so he would be covered by a Georgia linebacker. He scored a TD and they use 3-4 linebackers. So how do you prevent that?
I am not sure play calling is a thing on defense. I was a high school d coord and head coach. On d you need to line up sound, react to your keys, with the goal to make the offense redirect their attack.
I feel if Tommy thought Knowles is lacking, he would have declared to the NFL, I think he sees the bullets improving,
I agree.I love Tommy,but when you run Tampa 2 he's a liability. I'm not sure how you address that without sub-ing CJ Hicks in at times,but that'll take the element of surprise away from the defense. Switch Tommy to OLB and run Hicks as the MLB like Derrick Brooks in Tampa? Steele would have to take a back seat though. I'm good with that because Steele is a poor tackler.
I am not one to dig into film review but wonder how much Steele improved as a tackler this year versus last getting a full season in at the position. Some of it, I would think and hope is ultimately a result of being able to not think as much about the actual play called and what he has to do.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
Knowles literally ran Tampa 2 on the long play down the middle that was thrown over Tommy. Hickman didn't get deep enough, but Tommy played it as good as he could since the safety was supposed to be back there.
Jay: Isn't Tampa 2 when you drop a linebacker (on purpose) into Cover 2 scheme?
I mean, that's exactly what Tampa 2 is. Not sure why people are DVing and trying to correct you. Basically just good-old Cover 2, with the MLB taking a deeper drop as the play progresses to cover the Cover 2 hole in the mid-to-deep middle of the field.
That just means we were playing Cover 2 tho , Tampa 2 cannot be run in the modern day of football because of its ease to take advantage of
I don't really know what this is supposed to mean in context. But Tampa 2 is definitely run in the "modern day of football." It can be taken advantage of -- like any defense, really. Burrow saw a ton of it this season in the NFL -- especially early in the season. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see both the Bengals and Bills run a lot this weekend.
Then again, who really cares. Not sure what that has to do with Eichenberg coming back. Don't think he's the kind of guy you'd want to drop into the middle-to-deep zone. The times I've Knowles employ something akin to Tampa 2, it's been by bringing up one of the safeties to fill that role (a smart modification).
Just a lot of folks make blanket statements about this stuff that are flat-out wrong. Some more than others.
At the NFL level maybe? But not at OSU. Tommy was head and shoulders above Steele this year. It would take a major leap from Steele for that to change next year.
Wrong. It does matter who we have coming back because it provides leadership, experience, and familiarity in a scheme that was new to them this past season.
Not sure why I’ve seen the front 7 is looking good when we run a 4-2-5 (front 6). I wish we would run more 3 lb’s - we run a 5 secondary guys and got are ass kicked this year by anyone who could remotely throw the ball…..
Maybe because in the modern day of football …. No team runs 3 LBs set anymore , its outdated and is far worse than anything a 4-2-5 , nowadays you need a hybrid DB because of teams actively deploying 4 WR sets or Hybrid 5 WRs sets with a TE acting as a WR ….. its becoming very rare for 3 LB sets cause they genuinely offer zero benefit
if he is good enough he will see the field. Just like we saw Sonny quite a bit this past season. But obviously Hicks is having to go up against one of our best units coming back next season (Linebackers).
Maybe Gene went out and was able to get Stroud a great big bag of cash. For the amount FSU spent on high school players I am sure Gene could have pulled off this deal. Those that actually do give to the NIL efforts may never be in a position to play a direct roll in bringing a NC to town again. Wouldn’t that change some opinions about NIL. I convinced myself, he is just waiting for the rest of his team to be respectful of their decisions.
This is definitely a boom, but I do hope there's more rotation for guys like C.J. Hicks, Gabe Powers, and Reid Carrico who've been waiting in the wings and also have huge upside.
They're the future, so you'd love to see those guys get more run outside of special teams next year.
Between goals and achievement is discipline and consistency. That fire you have inside to do whatever you love is placed there by God. Now go claim it. ~ Denzel Washington
"You can't be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline. It helps if you have some kind of football team, or some nuclear weapons, but at the very least, you need a beer." - Frank Zappa
Great news! He's a warrior and the gorilla glue that holds everything together up front and in the middle! That defense is solid! Love our linebackers and our d-line and our....uh, that's all. Yeah, I almost got carried away there for a second.
AN ABSOLUTE "BAD ASS ANIMAL" - NOW, THAT'S WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HERE - AND I DO MEAN, ONE M******** F******* BAD ASS! ROCK ON TOMMY - ROCK ON DUDE!!!!!!!
With SC and TE coming back, I am wondering if Coach Knowles will take a look at the top seven players from the defense and put that into formation. I think it's great that the starting lb's are coming back, but if there is a third and he is a better player than a fifth down lineman, then put him in there and use a 4-3.
We're losing two, possibly three DEs (Harrison, Jean-Baptiste, Friday?). Obviously Sawyer and JTT will be the top DEs next year but I expect to see a lot more of Caden Curry next season (he looked good in the few moments we saw him this year).
This may be good for him but bad for CJ Hicks, a 5 star in waiting....I want to see what he could do with some meaningful reps....Does he transfer to show his skills in a more traditional LB scheme? He won't see the field next year if Knowles don't rotate his LBs like he did this year....
If Hicks or Powers or Carrico or Melton now leave because they have to wait another year the vultures will be out about Day and recruiting and the portal. Only 11 guys play at a time. When guys who COULD leave DON’T leave then youngsters might take a second look at whether this is the right place to be. Excited about #35 but every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Golly, has a player for the Buckeyes EVER changed positions? I am stumped, I post here every day, but I don't know the answer. So dear Jay, stick that lmao right up your A.
Hicks and Powers are only going into their second seasons with the program. I doubt they're going anywhere (they'll be in line to start once Tommy and Steele leave). If any of our LBs are likely to transfer (we've already lost Teradja Mitchell to Florida) I'd say Cody Simon and Palaie Gaoteote are the most likely candidates.
Looking already, on paper at least, as potentially the best defense in the Big 10 for 2023, assuming we can limit big plays. Transfer portal? What transfer portal?
The DL and LBs should be nasty next year. So I'll assume Knowles will burn that everyone at the LOS game plan we saw against TTUN. Just need the secondary to make progress and get the D back into top 5 status.
Comments Show All Comments
Boom!
Everyone then me.
Silver Bullets gonna be FLYING next year!
Go Bucks
It doesn't matter who we have coming back if we don't figure out this big play susceptibility problem.
I don't always finish my sentences but when I do
I trust chambers and Eichenberg though. And the D line. Secondary is the problem
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
Thats fair. Bad play calling is mixed in there somewhere, too.
I don't always finish my sentences but when I do
Agree. There is a fine line between appropriate and stupid aggressive play calling.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
Yep, due to our scheme they were getting matchups with Eichenberg on a WR. Have to scheme to fix that.
Buckeyes…Beets... Battlestar Galactica.
How do you prevent that exactly? Remember Borland covering a receiver? That was with a 3 linebacker scheme. We had x in the backfield so he would be covered by a Georgia linebacker. He scored a TD and they use 3-4 linebackers. So how do you prevent that?
I am not sure play calling is a thing on defense. I was a high school d coord and head coach. On d you need to line up sound, react to your keys, with the goal to make the offense redirect their attack.
I feel if Tommy thought Knowles is lacking, he would have declared to the NFL, I think he sees the bullets improving,
Mwbuckeyebred
I agree.I love Tommy,but when you run Tampa 2 he's a liability. I'm not sure how you address that without sub-ing CJ Hicks in at times,but that'll take the element of surprise away from the defense. Switch Tommy to OLB and run Hicks as the MLB like Derrick Brooks in Tampa? Steele would have to take a back seat though. I'm good with that because Steele is a poor tackler.
Joe Swartz
vacuuming sucks
Id rather be a stick in the mud than stick my head in the sand and pretend this isnt a big problem
I don't always finish my sentences but when I do
I’m with you there. Getting Eich back is huge though. That front 7 was the reason we were able to hang with Georgia.
And Tommy is coming back to win the Butkus he should have won this year...
I am not one to dig into film review but wonder how much Steele improved as a tackler this year versus last getting a full season in at the position. Some of it, I would think and hope is ultimately a result of being able to not think as much about the actual play called and what he has to do.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
…… who runs Tampa 2 ? Lol , cause there is absolutely zero CFB teams that do
Jay: Isn't Tampa 2 when you drop a linebacker (on purpose) into Cover 2 scheme?
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
No, Tampa 2 is a zone heavy screen that is used to keep the ball in front of you …….. Knowles does not run that whatsoever
Thanks, I haven't heard the term "Tampa 2" in a long time.
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
Knowles literally ran Tampa 2 on the long play down the middle that was thrown over Tommy. Hickman didn't get deep enough, but Tommy played it as good as he could since the safety was supposed to be back there.
"going to hang 100 on them." -Ryan Day
I mean, that's exactly what Tampa 2 is. Not sure why people are DVing and trying to correct you. Basically just good-old Cover 2, with the MLB taking a deeper drop as the play progresses to cover the Cover 2 hole in the mid-to-deep middle of the field.
That just means we were playing Cover 2 tho , Tampa 2 cannot be run in the modern day of football because of its ease to take advantage of
I don't really know what this is supposed to mean in context. But Tampa 2 is definitely run in the "modern day of football." It can be taken advantage of -- like any defense, really. Burrow saw a ton of it this season in the NFL -- especially early in the season. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see both the Bengals and Bills run a lot this weekend.
Then again, who really cares. Not sure what that has to do with Eichenberg coming back. Don't think he's the kind of guy you'd want to drop into the middle-to-deep zone. The times I've Knowles employ something akin to Tampa 2, it's been by bringing up one of the safeties to fill that role (a smart modification).
Just a lot of folks make blanket statements about this stuff that are flat-out wrong. Some more than others.
Tommy is not an outside linebacker. Steele has a higher ceiling.
At the NFL level maybe? But not at OSU. Tommy was head and shoulders above Steele this year. It would take a major leap from Steele for that to change next year.
Wrong. It does matter who we have coming back because it provides leadership, experience, and familiarity in a scheme that was new to them this past season.
Come on, Negative Nelly…..just be happy a really good player is coming back.
Va Buck
That's more on scheme than the players.
Thanks Tommy!
Go Bucks!
TBDSNITL: The best damn screen name in the land!
Wasn’t even hoping for this one as he had such a stellar year!!! Six Star Boom!!!
BOOM!!! Better than the portal.
In Ryan Day We Trust
Now there's a BOOM SHACKA LACKA
OH-IO Goodbye Columbus.
BOOM!!!!!!!
TG Proud Buckeye alumnus.
BOOOOM. Legend!!
Berg!
Wow. Defense is looking good. I guess we'll see if year #2 under CJK it what everyone was expecting from him.
I would say the front 7 is looking good. Jury is still out on the back 4 BUT, with another year, should be improved.
TG Proud Buckeye alumnus.
They definitely need to get better at Safety.
Not sure why I’ve seen the front 7 is looking good when we run a 4-2-5 (front 6). I wish we would run more 3 lb’s - we run a 5 secondary guys and got are ass kicked this year by anyone who could remotely throw the ball…..
Artthedart
Maybe because in the modern day of football …. No team runs 3 LBs set anymore , its outdated and is far worse than anything a 4-2-5 , nowadays you need a hybrid DB because of teams actively deploying 4 WR sets or Hybrid 5 WRs sets with a TE acting as a WR ….. its becoming very rare for 3 LB sets cause they genuinely offer zero benefit
Front 7 is not what I'm worried about. The secondary is still a problem.
11 Strong.
Hell yes!
Our LB play should be top-notch next year!
You Got Barbecue Back There!?!?!?!
Nice.
Sani
Awesome.
Let's ride, 35.
"Character, like a photograph, develops in darkness." - Yousuf Karsh
Enough talk.
Defense is going to be good next year. May have to carry the team.
While there is a unknown for the QB I think the offense will be about how healthy they can stay and how the tackles perform.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
Awesome news! Need to get cj hicks somehow onto the field though. Too talented not to be playing. Too much depth is never a problem though!
CJ will be involved much more in 23. Can see being a big wild card for us that comes in handy
JTNYC
if he is good enough he will see the field. Just like we saw Sonny quite a bit this past season. But obviously Hicks is having to go up against one of our best units coming back next season (Linebackers).
CJ is a perfect fit at the MIKE when we're running Tampa 2. Slide Tommy to the WILL or JACK on certain downs.
Joe Swartz
We dont run tampa 2 ….. at all
But but football jargon and terms I know harrumph
I know there's a game Saturday, and my ass will be there.
I Believe In Ohio State.
Huge Boomage!!! Got get 'em Tommy Gun!
Tommy Thumbs
TG Proud Buckeye alumnus.
Helll yeh, Tommy Two Thumbs is back!!
Love it
Always try to look for the positive ........... in the midst of a crisis !!
HOLY BOOM
W
"Captain, over here, I've found someth... AHHHH!!!!!!"
I give this announcement TWO THUMBS up!!
Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.
Exactly what the team needs for 2023 on D - solid, veteran, committed leadership.
Looks like are main losses are at the oline position. I am happy most of the team comes back
We lose Kevin Warren and gain Tommy all in the same day? Wow what a good day. Come on CJ
Fire Kevin Warren
Aww, looks like Kevin or a relative is on here to downvote you.
I don't buy one goddam drop of gas in the state of Michigan!
Same 2-3 clowns on every thread.
As you get older, three things happen: The first is your memory goes, and I can't remember the other two.
BIG BOOM!! 2023 will be what 2022 should have been - Both Butkus and Biletnikoff Awards, and Natty!
Desmond Howard can kiss our ass.
Tommy 2 thumbs is back!
First of all BOOOOOM! Second of all, what the hell is stroud waiting for? That dude needs to stop playing with my emotions!
F*ck ttun
Maybe CJ is waiting to see who comes back. Not a bad idea IMO.
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
He's going to be a top 5 pick. There's no way he's coming back. But if he does, the portal will have 1 or 2 QBs in it. Good luck in the next level CJ
Maybe Gene went out and was able to get Stroud a great big bag of cash. For the amount FSU spent on high school players I am sure Gene could have pulled off this deal. Those that actually do give to the NIL efforts may never be in a position to play a direct roll in bringing a NC to town again. Wouldn’t that change some opinions about NIL. I convinced myself, he is just waiting for the rest of his team to be respectful of their decisions.
Thanks Tommy E. We needed this. Let's beat michigan!
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
And SEC because it just means more.
TG Proud Buckeye alumnus.
SEC player targets non SEC player = Means less
SEC player is targeted by non-SEC player= Hell to pay
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
This is really good news!!!!!! Boom worthy for sure.
"I don't want to be around average, why be around average!" -UFM
YEESSSSSSS!!!!!
Va Buck
36-24-36? Ha ha, only if she's 5'3"
I’m not sure what time it is, but Xichigan still sucks
EichenBOOM!
Great news--welcome back, Tommy!!
Bucks fans in Mass
Boom! This is great news. I was expecting him to stay so this is awesome for the defense
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
Huge boom for the defense!
JWilly3
Nice
Heavy yeah! Back to the CFP!!!
This is definitely a boom, but I do hope there's more rotation for guys like C.J. Hicks, Gabe Powers, and Reid Carrico who've been waiting in the wings and also have huge upside.
They're the future, so you'd love to see those guys get more run outside of special teams next year.
Between goals and achievement is discipline and consistency. That fire you have inside to do whatever you love is placed there by God. Now go claim it. ~ Denzel Washington
Big return. The LB room will be strong. I am curious if they go more 4-3 next year but we will see. Great news.
Another year to enjoy his interviews. The Eichenberg, Chambers, Stover house is intact!
TG Proud Buckeye alumnus.
Awesome!!@@Maybe next year he will be unanimous 1st team all american??? Best news i've heard so far this off season.
Mother Of All Booms....
"You can't be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline. It helps if you have some kind of football team, or some nuclear weapons, but at the very least, you need a beer." - Frank Zappa
Great news! He's a warrior and the gorilla glue that holds everything together up front and in the middle! That defense is solid! Love our linebackers and our d-line and our....uh, that's all. Yeah, I almost got carried away there for a second.
klusewski
Sprinkles!
Great news, thank you, Tommy!
He's going to be even better with two healthy thumbs!
Knowle's old job is open at the other OSU again. The DC from Vandy to OK State is retiring. Who wants Knowles to return there?
Et Too
Just you
Upon us all, a little rain must fall
Ask me in another year...
Go Buckeyes!!!
Hope to see him coaching up his successors next year and see them getting decent play time. He is the key to this D.
Steelybuck54
HUGE!!!! Will be big for the new safeties. Knowing they have Tommy and Steele helping against the run.
Butkus
"Life is not about how hard you can hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. THATS HOW WINNING IS DONE!!" - Rocky Ballboa
Looking forward to Tommy leading this defense. He was absolutely fun to watch last season. Go Bucks.
Respectfully,
Larryp713
Fake news...that's way too many words for Tommy to have tweeted that out.
You're too stupid to have a good time. -Dalton
Warren leaving and Tommy staying!!! Great day to be a Buckeye!!!
RoseBowl1
BOOM! Three best friends & roommates going for one more ride and a Natty....Tommy, Steele and Cade. Love it! BROTHERHOOD at it's best!
He played really well this year, only will play better next. I’m pretty stoked.
What a difference a year makes. Happy to see this
Go Bucks!!
Down the middle golf
I like....... (Borat)
Don't eat the salad. They are trying to poison us.
Massive BOOM. Only the secondary left to shore up!
"There is a force that makes us all brothers, no one goes his way alone." --Woody Hayes
Welcome back Tommy!
Tommy Two-Thumbs! Back for the attack!
Muck Fichigan
I have to say, in horror that Tommy was trying to cover the wr or rb downfield he had better coverage than most of our dbs!!!
Go Buckeyes!!!
That's good.
Great to hear
CBus love
YES!
AN ABSOLUTE "BAD ASS ANIMAL" - NOW, THAT'S WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HERE - AND I DO MEAN, ONE M******** F******* BAD ASS! ROCK ON TOMMY - ROCK ON DUDE!!!!!!!
I never even thought it was a possibility for two thumbs to return. I figured it to be a forgone conclusion he would be NFL bound. This is huge.
Give violence a chance
Finally some great news. The kid flys to the ball. Loves to hit. Let’s go silver bullets it’s are time in 2023. Thank u Tommy.
JJ
Huge.
This dude is like Pete Werner. He's going to reach the NFL and be a top level starter for 12 years.
A rock.
BIG BOOM!. The pin ball wizard is coming back.
Big win for the D!!! We now need some wins for the offensive line!!! Let’s go!! Man I’m already ready for next season.
One man that has a mind and knows it can always beat ten men who haven't and don't.
Freakin AWESOME!!!
The best thing about Pastafarianism? It is not only acceptable, but advisable, to be heavily sauced
A year of experience under the new defensive scheme and the players coming back.
Me likes it!!
Ironballs
This is a good thing, right?
That's right, that's right, we bad
Shankster.
Get 'em Tommy.
Victory loves preparation
Great we kind of knew this now who leaves from that room I have one in mind, and we better pick it up in recruiting the position.
Denny
Holy run-on.
Love this kid. Just a hard-nosed, old-school, student-athlete. Finish the job, son.
Boom!!!!!!
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
Woody Hayes
With SC and TE coming back, I am wondering if Coach Knowles will take a look at the top seven players from the defense and put that into formation. I think it's great that the starting lb's are coming back, but if there is a third and he is a better player than a fifth down lineman, then put him in there and use a 4-3.
….. um they’ll just deploy their traditional 4-2-5
We're losing two, possibly three DEs (Harrison, Jean-Baptiste, Friday?). Obviously Sawyer and JTT will be the top DEs next year but I expect to see a lot more of Caden Curry next season (he looked good in the few moments we saw him this year).
11 Strong.
BOOM BABY BOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
I think Tommy's great! However, Tommy, you only have so many hits in you. Go pro!
JTS
Very nice! Now find an OT or 2!
http://URLWoody 1
This may be good for him but bad for CJ Hicks, a 5 star in waiting....I want to see what he could do with some meaningful reps....Does he transfer to show his skills in a more traditional LB scheme? He won't see the field next year if Knowles don't rotate his LBs like he did this year....
TM OHIO81
He had a great year. I think he should have left. He seems ready to play on Sundays. Either way, I thank him and I always wish him well.
Two Thumbs Tommy! Get those Gold Pants and Rings, my dude!!!
Glad to have #35 back. He's a sold LB and a great person!
If Hicks or Powers or Carrico or Melton now leave because they have to wait another year the vultures will be out about Day and recruiting and the portal. Only 11 guys play at a time. When guys who COULD leave DON’T leave then youngsters might take a second look at whether this is the right place to be. Excited about #35 but every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Michael
Powers & Melton dont even play the same damn position as Tommy , like dude what lmao
Golly, has a player for the Buckeyes EVER changed positions? I am stumped, I post here every day, but I don't know the answer. So dear Jay, stick that lmao right up your A.
Michael
Different positions but I digress, just ignore them.
OSUAlumInAZ
Hicks and Powers are only going into their second seasons with the program. I doubt they're going anywhere (they'll be in line to start once Tommy and Steele leave). If any of our LBs are likely to transfer (we've already lost Teradja Mitchell to Florida) I'd say Cody Simon and Palaie Gaoteote are the most likely candidates.
11 Strong.
Carrico and power’s probably effected more than others. Hicks is “likely” used more in the chambers role. Interchangeable to a certain degree.
Big Boom! The Buckeyes will have an outstanding front 7. The secondary is a question … but then again so was Georgia’s.
Kieren
Big Boom! The Buckeyes will have an outstanding front 7. The secondary is a question … but then again so was Georgia’s.
Kieren
Looking already, on paper at least, as potentially the best defense in the Big 10 for 2023, assuming we can limit big plays. Transfer portal? What transfer portal?
OSUAlumInAZ
Major boom! Love it
Was out tonight and just tuned in to Eleven Warriors and saw the great news!! Welcome back, Tommy!
Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game. -- Michael Jordan
The DL and LBs should be nasty next year. So I'll assume Knowles will burn that everyone at the LOS game plan we saw against TTUN. Just need the secondary to make progress and get the D back into top 5 status.
we will be fine !
big buck!
BBBBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The defense has it's captain in Tommy Eichenberg, and the offense has it's captain in Cade Stover next year.
The Excellence of Execution, the Best there is, the Best there was, the Best there ever will be!
Great that he's coming back.......he had an outstanding 2022 season and 2023 could be even better!!
Mike Doss vibes... Tommy's coming back for a reason. LFG man!
Did you push yourself to be great today? If ya didn’t, ya lost a day. We ain’t got many days to lose. -Urban Meyer
Great News with Tommy E. returning. And Steele Chambers too. Those two did stellar work all season long.