Graphic by Kevin DearthWhether you'll be one of the 80,000+ (our guess) attending or the many more watching or listening at home, the 2009 Ohio State Spring Game looks to feature more new faces at key positions than anytime in the last three years.
And while it's true, you can't glean too much from a controlled scrimmage -- especially one four months before the season kicks off -- there are some things worth paying attention to. Here's what I'll be looking out for:
- Pryor's Growth: We know what he can do on his feet, but how has he grown as a passer? How improved is his accuracy and how will he do with his reads? He's on the same team as the two Jakes, so if there's ever a good time to start building a rapport ahead of the mythical usage of the tight end, Saturday is it.
- Signs of Improvement on the Offensive Line: Everyone is raving about the defensive front, and for good reason. Despite the touch rule, the dozen sacks in the jersey scrimmage is still highly concerning for the simple fact that it still means pressure on the quarterback. If a guys is close enough to touch the quarterback, he's close enough to alter plans in the backfield. I'm sure we'll also keep a close eye on Boren, if nothing else, to see just how much more physical he is compared to the rest.
- Thaddeus Maximus: Gibson was the first pick for last season's Spring Game and after fighting for playing time early, came on like a beast once Big Ten play began. He'll be hunting Pryor all afternoon and that's worth the price of admission alone. While we're on the subject, keep on eye on Gibson's apprentice, Solomon Thomas, as well.
- Is That You, Brandon Saine? Saine is another guy that's earned good pub throughout the open practice sessions. He's been a bit of a disappointment in Columbus, so far, but he'll get a chance validate some of the camp chatter. Hey, some guys are just late-bloomers and if he's finally shaken the tentativeness that was a result of his early injuries, the team is only that much stronger.
- New Faces: On both sides of the ball there will be guys getting serious minutes that we've never really seen play before. Take cornerback -- Amos and Torrence have been around for a while, but we haven't had a chance to see what they can do until now. Ditto for Flash Thomas and Taurian Washington at wide receiver. Others, like Orhian Johnson, Storm Klein, Nic DiLillo, James Jackson and Garrett Goebel will be getting their first crack at playing in front of a boisterous home crowd. New toys! New toys!
- The South Stands: Students get in for free and the University is attempting to turn the South Stands into South Beach. We wholeheartedly endorse this. The bikini part of South Beach that is, not the house music. Oh and the chachis with popped collars can stay at home as well.
What about you? What will you be keying-in on?
Comments
I will be keying on...
1) Pryor's growth
2) the O-Line
3) a hidden gem who will surprise us all...
hey, hot chicks and bikinis are synonymous in South Beach, i.e. Nikki Beach Club. Well, I guess silicone or saline are synonymous with the aformentioned two as well, but a lot of the students are studying toward the kind of cash needed for that.
Go Justin Boren, I hope he beats the f out of every D-lineman to make them tougher.
1. Pryor
2. Saine
3. Front 7, everyone is talking about the D line, have we forgotten about all the holes at linebacker?
I hope Boren's case of 'Badass-itis' is contagious. We need Mike Adams in particular to contract a virulent strain of nasty. My biggest hope is that we find at least one receiver with that game changing ability to stretch the field and open things up more. Oh, and some catch passing TE's would be nice also.
I know this is WAY off topic, but did anyone see the way the Blue Jackets game ended yesterday? That was some MAJOR B.S.
At least the CBJ showed up and finally gave us a game. The call was probably a correct one, but tough to make at that point in the series/game. I have a better feeling after that game going into next year, instead of another 4-0 whitewashing.
In our defensive scheme, a good front 4 makes our linebackers better by letting them roam free to cause a ruckus.
I'll be keying on the WR's and the short passing game. For the first time in 3 years, we have new blood starting out there and the whispers of Ray Small being focused and on a mission are exciting. I hope Tressel adjust and goes with the short, quick passes, getting the ball into the wideouts hands and let them make the moves. Too many deep routes or only 2-person routes over the last couple of seasons.
The call WAS (technically) the correct call.......but they hadn't made a call in the last 10 minutes and there were plenty to be made (on both teams). To make the call right then, on a play like that were it was of no consequence......that was the officials determining the outcome of the game.......something that should never happen in ANY sport in a playoff type of situation.
Oh well, time to shave my playoff beard before the Spring game!
I too am looking forward to the intermediate passing game. Keeps the LB's in coverage which opens up the running game, plus takes some pressure off of the o-line.
Yeah the game did end in B.S. but honestly who would have thought we would fight our hearts out and score 5 goals only to tie it up with Detroit for awhile and lose? 1 goal out of the 3 games and then 5 in the 4th shows our team wanted a fight. Great season this year and we made it to the Play offs. Until next season...Go Bluejackets!
What I would like to see Saturday....(hey this is gonna be my first time in the shoe!)
1. O-line and D-line literally beat the s*#t out of eachother.
2. Pryor does something awesome
3. Thad chasing Pryor
4. Pryor making Thad miss
5. Brandon Saine hops over a defender
6. Anderson Russell tackles the s#*t out of anyone in the red zone
Anything else?
Along the same lines as Corey, I'm interested in the WRs. He makes a great point about the actual routes called but just as much, I wanna see if any of these guys can gain some separation considering how much of an achilles heel that was last season.
Also, with Spielman raving about the LB's, I plan to watch them closely to see if anyone truly catches my eye. I wouldn't be surprised if Rolle is the standout LB.
And in the secondary, I want to see Amos, Torrence and Howard go at it for fall playing time.
As for some general expectations...Hines will be all over the field, Bauserman will again show he's a more than capable backup, and the o-line will have us all very nervous come sunday morning.
I agree 100% Chris. Not expecting a lot outta the O-line so as not to be disappointed in the morning.
They made the correct call. Yes, they were letting them play the game and were not calling any penalties thus allowing the players to determine the outcome. However, you can't let the sixth man slide. It was blatant right in front of the bench with homeboy skating off right next to him. Letting 5V5 play it out yes....6v5 no. Call had to be made.
Great point - when we had Santonio/Gonzo/Ginn we did a better job of mixing shallow patterns with the vertical attack...I also think we'll start seeing that happen again now that we have very athletic wide-outs.
My girlfriend HATES my playoff beard, but it's not going anywhere till the Nuggets are out of it!
At least our eyes will finally be spared watching Rehring ooze around.
I watched the OSU-ND fiesta bowl game recently and hope to see a similar offense this year. With the depth at WR and Pryor's mobility, we should be able to attack in ways the '06 team did. As for defense, Im looking forward to see which LB establishes himself as Hawk and Laurinitis did over the years. My guess (hope) is Homan and Sabino. I will be in attendance most likely intoxicated. Cant wait!!
Look for Rolle to step up big time
That's my line! Seriously though, he's so easy to root for. I love those dudes that pay their dues on special teams instead of going through the motions if that's the path they are forced to take.
I'll be focusing on how red Heacock's face gets when he starts yelling at some freshmen.
Make sure you all stop by the football frenzy on the turf fields on south side of stadium after game! Also come out to the 11W social at 8 PM at park street patio. Get tickets at our booth at the football frenzy or just say your with eleven warriors for free cover at the door.
[...] Warriors.com lists several of their keys for the game. I don’t think we’ll learn a lot from the scrimmage but certainly two of the biggest [...]
A prediction: Taurian Washington makes an awe-inspiring leaping one handed grab in the corner of the end zone for a beautiful 50 yard touchdown the likes of which has not been seen since the days of Troy and Teddy. Unfortunately, Jim Tressel's hot dog spills a bit of mustard on that snazzy Hawaiian get-up of his and JT misses it. Washington is never heard from again.
Enjoy the game, wish I could be there.
Hey, I just read an article saying Solomon Thomas is a frickin' cyborg pass-rusher (netting 7 sacks in the scrimmage). How come I haven't heard jack about this kid yet on Buckeye sites, or have I just glossed over it?
all except for one sack were when the quarterbacks were wearing black jerseys
He was a three star recruit (I think?) a few years back who has been buried behind all the depth at defensive end
I think he's still behind Wilson, Thaddeus and Heyward at DE. Plus, those seven sacks are a little less spectacular when you consider it was during the scrimmage when simply getting a hand on the QB counts as a sack. That said, I think we're all anxious to see what he can do tomorrow against "live" QBs.
100% the right call. that call is a must because the dude played the puck. its a "must" in that situation.
slushies are being handed out at the game i heard.
Sabino had some good special team plays last year. And yes, I have a mancrush on him...
Ski, I got a feeling the Gmen are gonna end up with Edwards and draft the Animal...
Just a random thought. Anyway, I am gonna try and catch the game online. Any chance of a live thread in case I can't?
Well, any way we can make sure Aaron Corp remains on his rear end, I'm all for it. Even if it means sticking in an extra pass-rusher.
Just watched replay of the MSU beatdown, good memories.
Malcolm Jenkins will be a solid pro for years to come, safe pick for any team looking to solidify secondary.
Stafford = Fail
They better hope not. He just made out with every last dollar in Detroit.
Was that included in Ford's $1.4 billion loss?
He is... the Pontiac-killer.
how can u not like house music?
I found the annoying Troll that Spreads his random BS on here here is his blog.
http://osubuckeyesexposed.blog...