If you're curious, Zeke (2015) and Eddie (1995) own own the single-season school record with 12 each and Archie owns third-place with 11 in both 1973 and 1974.
Archie did that in 11 of 11 games, where Eddie & Zeke eclipsed 100 in 12 of 13 games
IIRC, Archie did it in 31 consecutive games, including bowls. That's an NCAA record that isn't likely to ever be broken even with 15 games per year now possible, given that red shirting and third year draft eligibility have made the college game the de facto minor league system for the NFL.
North until you smell it, west until you step in it
Nebraska not so much - they will need to learn how to play defense. If we can stop them more times than they stop us, we win and I don't think their defense can stop our O much.
Now Northwestern scares the HELL out of me. This will be their revenge game and Pat's teams always have moxie. This is the biggest chance at a loss of any game this year in my opinion.
What's round on the ends and high in the middle? Tell me if you know!
We get them off a bye at least, and like Nebraska, Northwestern also was pretty terrible defensively last year (ranked just 8 spots ahead of Ohio State) and they lost 5 defensive starters.
Hunter Johnson will need to be as advertised and then some for the offense to be any good this year. NW had one of the worst offenses in the big ten last year, allowed the most sacks in the conference, and lost 3 starters on the OL.
Obviously OSU has made a habit of losing to inferior teams once a year, but Northwestern is going to be heavily reliant on Hunter Johnson being a 1st round caliber QB if they want to make any noise this year.
like Nebraska, Northwestern also was pretty terrible defensively last year (ranked just 8 spots ahead of Ohio State) and they lost 5 defensive starters.
You must be looking at Total Yards? I prefer to evaluate teams using advanced metrics, like S&P+. For example, last year it was said both OU and tOSU had terrible defenses, but when you dig deeper that is not quite the whole story. Buckeyes were 26th and Sooners 84th in S&P+, primarily due to tOSU having the 9th best pass rush and OU the 87th.
NW did not have a terrible D like NEB, they were analytically one of the best in the B1G. 30th overall and the second best run-stopping unit in the conference, after MSU.
Losing 5 starters will be negligible, when you view it in terms of returning production (which is why the returning starter totals are grossly overrated). NW is bringing back their Top-5 tacklers, and 7/10. That includes their stud linebackers (Fisher and Gallagher), along w/ 81% of their sack totals (mainly Gaziano).
Any metric that ranked Ohio State in the top 30 defenses is hilariously misguided. S&P+ has it's benefits, but if that's what it spits out for OSU it's significantly flawed.
NW did have a pretty solid run defense, but by just about any other metric they were pretty mediocre (even by S&P standards... run defense is the only metric that cracked the top 50)
LOL...S&P+ is misguided and flawed but your “eye test” is not? That is exactly what’s wrong w/ the playoff committee.
I told you why tOSU was so high, the DL play was elite. You can say all you want that the defense was terrible, but it would still fare the 26th best against an average Offense.
You said NW was terrible though, not mediocre. They had the 2nd best D in their division, I would say that is pretty good.
You can say all you want that the defense was terrible, but it would still fare the 26th best against an average Offense.
This is assuming S&P+ is 100% accurate... which we saw first hand that our defense did not fare 26th best against the average offenses of Maryland, Purdue, Oregon State, etc. So it's pretty safe to say the S&P is every bit as misguided as the average fans eye test if that's what it gave. You could have 4 HoF DL on one team, but if that team gives up the amount of yards and points that OSU did last year, it's clearly not a top 25 defense. To argue the 2018 defense wasn't only above average, but bordering on the best 15% of defenses in college football is well... indefensible
I didn't use the eye test for NW, but I also didn't try to shove a janky formula that somehow spits out that OSU had a borderline top 25 defense. The stats that ultimately matter at the end of the day are yards (391 yards per game and nearly 6 yards per play) and points (23.2 ppg)... Northwestern was mediocre to terrible in both metrics while playing in a division with 0 elite offenses (they played exactly one top 20 offense, and 3 top 50 offenses. They played 3 bottom 20 offenses)
Nebraska fans are puzzled at the rest of the college football world because of all the hype they've been getting.
And so am I.
"If Chase Young is truly bigger than I think he is and taller than I think he is, he would probably have to be the literal Predator because I've seen him with my own two eyes and I personally think he's pretty damn Sasquatchian." - Kevin Harrish
Nebraska will be better but the B1G also has game experience against them and a year of film. They wont surprise anyone with what they're doing. This is where the relative talent of the rosters will come into play.
Yeah. Until we have a sense of if our QB can sling the rock and the LBs can get in anyone’s way.... I’ll hold off on getting cocky. If both those are true, I don’t see is losing until we hit the Clemson PED buzzsaw
I’ll respectfully disagree on the D as a unit. I expect growing pains and some occasional one-offs, but I also believe these new coaches will take ownership and solidify this unit as a whole. Of course Defense is becoming more and more difficult to play, with flag-happy refs, protecting players well-being. That’s fine as long as it’s called evenly. Also, the dreaded injury word [fingers crossed as I type]....but we have a deep bench.
“Silver Bullets”, “come out to plaaayyy!”
“For me, this is who we are. We have a culture. We work at it very hard. And we’re efficient at it.” - Coach Day
What baffled me most last year was that the coaches failed to come up with adjustments and scheme alterations to correct the most glaring weaknesses as the season went on. It just seemed like the defense would get thrashed and gashed, the coaches would say something like 'it's unacceptable, we need to fix it', and then the next game, the defense would just be ass again. And that continued all season long.
I really think Grinch and Schiano not only failed to click, I think there was some genuine dislike going on there. Just not a good combination at all. I will be very interested in seeing if Grinch has any luck improving what was the only other top 10 team with a worse defense than ours. And in the case of OK, they have been bad at defense for a long time. That's not going to be an easy fix.
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
I am torn on this season. I could see a team go unbeaten and make the CFP championship game, but I also could see (yuck!) this team losing 3-4 games on the year.... Time will tell.
I also already purchased my tickets for Indy.
What's round on the ends and high in the middle? Tell me if you know!
Just too much uncertainty for the Bucks heading into the opener. New (kinda) head man. Five new position coaches. A talented but untested quarterback behind a retooled offensive line. Throw in a suspect defense and you have a recipe for a season full of growing pains and angst. Despite the talent on hand, the Bucks stumble twice in conference play, enough to miss the Big 10 championship despite besting TSUN in the finale. In any sane universe, a 10 win regular season should be cause for celebration.
Too much time spent at the North Heidelberg rather than the classroom. SSD 68-72
I'd be happy if we're a top 40 defense this year. Just don't get gashed on 3 huge plays a game would be fine too. A bend don't break D would be fine. Make teams work for it more.
I think it might be hard to get 5 450 yard receivers. If we couldn't do it last year with an arm like Haskins, then I don't think we're going to do it with a more mobile dual threat style QB like Fields. I hope I'm wrong.
Last year defenses set up to stop the pass which makes what Haskins did all the more amazing. With more of a run threat and a QB scramble threat we may see even more yards after catch for the receivers since the whole back 7 on D cant just wait to tackle after a quick slant or intermediate crossing route. It doesnt mean Fields will be better than Haskins, it just will be a result of the offense being more balanced.
Good point. And with a better defense, perhaps the offense gets that many more opportunities with the ball. Last year, the defense was on the field WAAAAAAAAAYYY too much.
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Good point. And with a better defense, perhaps the offense gets that many more opportunities with the ball.Last year, the defense was on the field WAAAAAAAAAYYY too much.
I knew you had it in you. That wasn't so hard. If it came from me though you probably would have disagreed. Interesting how the human brain works.
Strength equipment is expensive & guarantees you nothing. A strong will is free & will give you everything you need.
I never once, in our back and forth nor anywhere else, have tried to claim that we had a top 3 defense last year. That's your domain. You know, giving up 62 and claiming greatness. Good stuff.
Don't ever change, dude, your schtick makes you the perfect Michigan Man. And like I said, keep coming back for me. This is way more fun for me than it should be.
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
OKAY Chris, here it is: this is the year Wilson gets his wish and our tight ends break our OSU offense record in passing td’s and yardage for our tight ends
The defensive improvement we made from 2013 to 2014 was what allowed us to be in a position to win a national title. We only moved up 28 spots then. We move up 28 spots this year we're still 43rd which would have gotten us in the CFP last year. We dont need a Top 25 D. Inside the Top 50 is enough I think. At least to stop the perception our defense is a disaster.
"You're the patron saint of the totally effed" - Hot Tub Time Machine
With that assumption (and I would tend to agree with you) we will need the Offense to carry its water. Considering the guarded commentary around Justin Fields, I am more concerned about the Offense racking up points this season than I am concerned about the Defense holding its own. Of course, if the FAU game goes the way of last year's Oregon State game, then I'll eat my words.
My prediction is that on 10/26, a drunk fan accidentally pulls the lever on the side of the toilet bowl and flushes 100,000 fans along with the entire UM and ND rosters, but like the cockroach he is Harbaugh will somehow climb out and take over the head coaching vacancy that is coming at FSU.
The second loss is coming in the CFP, we would be 12-1 entering the playoff. As Big Ten champs with only one loss, I like our chances being in the playoff.
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Legs, sure, I get that. But quads? That's a very odd muscle group to single out.
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
I don't think it's weird. I have skinny thighs and I'm always stunned at the strength of these dudes' legs. Being specific isn't creepy - however dude saying it's creepy has a gutter-focus. Don't sweat it
I don't see the Playoff committee choosing Ohio State with 2 losses. They really have not shown any inclination to do that with the Buckeyes. One loss? Yes, probably.
I'm at the age where food has taken the place of sex in my life. In fact, I've just had a mirror put over my kitchen table. - Rodney Dangerfield
Last year's awful defense was an aberration, in my opinion. The chart in Chris' article shows it. The average national rank over the previous three seasons was eighth.
Now, I'm not necessarily predicting a top ten finish, but I see no reason to believe we won't rank a whole lot closer to that than seventy-first.
I'm also going to be surprised if Garrett Wilson doesn't absolutely burst on to the scene at wide receiver. In fact, we may see a trio of talented young wide receivers dominate this season's wr rotation - so I'm not so sure the receptions will be spread out quite as much as Chris is predicting.
I'm hoping for nothing but the best from our senior wide receivers - but with the exception of Hill, they've been inconsistent at best. I envision Wilson, Olave and Gill bringing too much speed to their respective positions for them to be anything less than Fields' preferred targets as the season progresses. Speed kills.
And with our new defensive scheme, I expect Fuller to make more interceptions than we've seen in many a year.
I wouldn't be too surprised to see us go 11-1 or even 12-0 and win the B1G championship - but I'm not sure how well we'd stand up to 'Bama or Steroid U Clemson in the playoff -
Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement. - Will Rogers
I’m gonna go out on a limb and say Ryan Day doesn’t drop the random mid season road game, that it was an Urban-era phenomenon, and that we finish a pristine regular season 13-0. We have an EASY schedule.
I wouldn't say we have an easy schedule, not at all. However, I love your OPTIMISM! +1
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
1. Offense breaks records for points scored and point differential.
Points scored is possible I guess albeit unlikely in a conference with such strong defenses (723 points is the all time record). Point differential is never going to be broken in any of our lifetimes. 1944 Army won by an average of 52.1 points.
Now if you're only talking OSU records, that might be more obtainable
Absolutley Triv, for clarification just tOSU records is what I was thinking. But hell its an outlandish homer prediction so why not the whole enchilada?
Assuming we beat Hairball again (which I believe we will), we don't want him fired. We want his continued mediocrity. We want them to be Coopered for at least as long as we were.
The bonus of him being fired, tho is a) he's fired by his alma mater - ultimate shame and humiliation, and b) who do they turn to next? He may be the best they can get.
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Just hope Mattison is not pulling an ego trip in proving he can take the same(most) of the players from last year defense and turn them into a top defense instead of playing the best players.
Having a hard time buying the LBs from last year and how he talks Borland and Werner up. They showed nothing but slow foot speed and not fending off blockers, now that is ability and not some scheme that I keep reading about from last year.
Werner's issue isn't that he is slow - that's Borland who is/was recovering from an Achilles injury (which is VERY difficult to come back from and retain the same speed/acceleration).
Werner's issue was that he was constantly out of position on run defense and wasn't the best tackler.
IMO, all of these predictions rest on what we'll see in the first 3-4 games. If they come out of the gate and have strong offensive and defensive showings, then I think it's game on and I'll feel really good about winning the B10 and the going to the CFP championship. If the D is lackluster (again), then I think we're in big trouble. If the offense isn't quite clicking, more of the same.
I expect the offense to click, but it's hard to see our passing game surpassing last years. If we can get 80% of that passing game, but bolster that with a strong rushing attack, we're in a great position.
And Jordan was a guard who moved to Center. So 3 tackles and 2 guards.
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
The fact remains, he played guard, he excelled as a guard, and then excelled as a center.
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
I will never understand how anyone (not 11w but anyone) predicts the playoff winners/losers right now. I think you can get to the point where you say "I think these 5 teams will win their conferences and ND will be X-X as their record" but I don't know how you can predict anything further.
If you think OSU goes 12-1 in the regular season/B1G title game,then we have a good shot to be in the playoffs. This team at 12-1 should have everything you want to win the whole thing (DT QB who has found a groove, Top 10 RB, Experienced and deep OL, Great WR core, Dominate DL and good secondary). LB are a question for sure, but if you're going to predict 12-1 before the playoffs, may as well predict 14-1 winning the whole thing
Love all the DC wannabes we have on this forum! Especially those who are great at personnel assessment. Ain’t internet anonymity a wonderful thing? :>)
You and me both, Semper. I crack up at all the superior talent evaluators we have on 11W (who never see ONE snap of practice).
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
I don't mind Fuller leading the way in stops again, especially if he's playing full-time with snaps spent in the box via hybrid schemes.
I'm not so worried about the defense statistically, but if they can at least play aggressive (as has been suggested so far) and in unison they'll be much closer to standard.
I'll take J.K. and that level of production all day. That translates to an offensive line that's fully in-sync with the run-block scheme down.
Pass (no pun) on the WR production. If J.K./the run game proves to be that effective, and the defense can not just hold a lead but actually thwart opposing offenses with some regularity, then the pass game takes a hit. Not a problem for me.
Have to pass on a two loss Ohio State squad getting a shot a the title (even if they win the B1G). I don't have confidence the CFP committee can look objectively here, as they've shown in the past. I believe Ohio State has the talent to run the table, but do think they lose a conference game (you have to consider every road game against a B1G West team, and I really don't like wrapping up the regular season with PSU and the rival back-to-back). Maybe that's enough to garner a bid, but not two losses.
Hey Hov. I agree, no way the CFP would invite a 2-loss OSU team. I have them being 12-1 after winning the Big Ten title THEN have them losing in CFL semifinal to finish 12-2. Just to clarify.
I can work with 12-2, provided the second/semi-final loss isn't to friggin' Clemson (I would love for Ryan Day to notch Ohio State's first win over the Tigers...at some point).
1. I don't see JK eclipsing 100 yds for 10 games. He will be out early more than 2 games which will limit his rushing total.
2. I don't have much of a take on Fuller leading the team in tackles, but my personal preference would be a LB.
3. Top 25 defense? I think so, but not much inside that mark. The big key will be bending and then making the opposition settle for FGs and not TDs, in my opinion.
4. It's so hard to predict who and how many yards, but I do believe that the possibility is very real that this will happen, Chris. All of Buckeye Nation hopes you are correct.
5. 12-2. I don't like to predict losses and I don't see a team that will be better than Ohio State before the CFP, if even then. Northwestern is scary because the BIG is stupid and messes with schedules to be cute and play on a high school football night. Terrible idea! The positive is that Ohio State has a bye before that game so they can adjust their preparation to be like a normal game week. I am saying 13-0 heading into the CFP and then we shall see how good Ohio State is and other teams are.
I would be shocked if we dont have a top 25 Defense this year. 2018 was such an outliar compared to last 5 years. Given we lead FBS with 85% of tacklers returning, top 25 is realistic.
Do you guys know what % of tacklers on defense returned to last years team?
I think the defense will be around the 15th level overall while being top 5 in pass defense and in take aways. Dobbins get 8 games over 100. I'm thinking 14-1 with the loss in the last game of the playoff. I think Fields legs do most of the damage early in the season. He really starts to roll in October.
My Scarlet-tinted-glasses take is that Justin Fields shows us Haskins's arm and Braxton's legs, Dobbins returns to and surpasses Freshman form, and the talent level from the WR room stands out in every game on the way to another record-breaking season; while a defense that's deep with talent at every position on the field finally gets a scheme to match and puts us back in the top 10 nationally for total defense. A conference title, playoff run, and even Natty are all in play for this team.
When I go to the darkest, Blue recesses of my psyche - and maybe I'm the only one thinking this - I question whether this team will have the toughness of an Urban Meyer-coached team. A small microcosm I'm hung up on: every year Meyer coached, the team started camp on a field (Coffey road or otherwise) that left them dust, mud, and grass-stained outside the comforts of the WHAC. They had to get a little dirty to earn those comforts. This year's team has spent the summer in the newly upgraded, uber comfy WHAC. I think Ryan Day is more of a pragmatist. It doesn't make sense to practice off-site away from your facilities and resources. It's painful and suboptimal. But with the first taste of his leadership of the program last year, we saw an offense that struggled to be tough up front and establish the run against even inferior opponents, and a defense that had tackling and assignment discipline issues all year. Those are issues a gritty team just knuckles down and figures out. I hope I'm way off on this, but that thought is what lives in the dark place.
And yes, I know last year's team started on Coffey Road like all the teams before it and still struggled. It's a microcosm, not a line if causation I'm trying to draw. And I really hope I'm way off.
I think all are solid predictions, with realistic justification. If I can add to the list of predictions..
1. Chase Young exceeds 10.5 sacks total from 2018. Sounds like everything I have heard, is he has taken the next step as a player and leader. oh also.. 2 fresh ankles..
2. To add to the Dobbins point.. I think he eclipses 1,500 yards this year (not counting B1G Champ Game or Post Season Game(s))
1 Dobbs easily has multiple 100 yard games provided he stays healthy. No splitting carries and a deep o line.
2. Malik has most tackles. Fuller not as needed in improved lb play and sick dl.
3. Too difficult for the multiple receivers getting 450yds. Math on my side maybe.
4. If we make CFP final wouldn’t we be 13-2 with two losses? Or did I misread that.
5 although out of sequence, the D makes top ten. The right coaching group with a ridiculous team of sophomores and juniors. Mattison and Washington took a disrespectful bunch of talented idiots to #3 defense last year. Good driver + fast car = top ten.
15 - 0 this year and we smoke Bama and Clemson in the CFP's. Day is far more intelligent than either Nick and Dabo. This year is a perfect storm. Look what Tess did in 2002 with Cooper's talent. UFM's talent is better, and Day is a better coach than Tress (who was a top 5 all time college coach.)
"Our kind of families win a few more football games than others." Coach Hayes
Agree that Ohio State goes 12-1 in the regular season. If they face Clemson or Bama in the CFP semifinal, I also agree that they’ll finish 12-2. If they face anyone else, they’ll be heading to the CFP Final.
Comments Show All Comments
6. Beat the shit out of Xichigan.
I don't give a damn for the whole state of Xichigan.
Archie did that in 11 of 11 games, where Eddie & Zeke eclipsed 100 in 12 of 13 games
#ItsGreatToBeABUCKEYE
IIRC, Archie did it in 31 consecutive games, including bowls. That's an NCAA record that isn't likely to ever be broken even with 15 games per year now possible, given that red shirting and third year draft eligibility have made the college game the de facto minor league system for the NFL.
North until you smell it, west until you step in it
He did that on an offense that did not have more than an average pass offense. Everyone knew Archie was getting the ball and they could not stop him.
Our people are everywhere, Esto Dignus.
@ Nebraska & @ Northwestern worry me a bit.
"The height of human desire is what wins, whether it's on Normandy Beach or in Ohio Stadium." -Wayne Woodrow Hayes
Nebraska not so much - they will need to learn how to play defense. If we can stop them more times than they stop us, we win and I don't think their defense can stop our O much.
Now Northwestern scares the HELL out of me. This will be their revenge game and Pat's teams always have moxie. This is the biggest chance at a loss of any game this year in my opinion.
What's round on the ends and high in the middle? Tell me if you know!
We get them off a bye at least, and like Nebraska, Northwestern also was pretty terrible defensively last year (ranked just 8 spots ahead of Ohio State) and they lost 5 defensive starters.
Hunter Johnson will need to be as advertised and then some for the offense to be any good this year. NW had one of the worst offenses in the big ten last year, allowed the most sacks in the conference, and lost 3 starters on the OL.
Obviously OSU has made a habit of losing to inferior teams once a year, but Northwestern is going to be heavily reliant on Hunter Johnson being a 1st round caliber QB if they want to make any noise this year.
Sorry Urban, Woody is still my favorite
Come on, were running the table.
1) At Northwestern, who cares, the crowd will be 50/50 buckeye fans anyway. They lost alot to graduation, including their punter.
2) At Nebraska. You hit the nail on the head, we score more than Nebraska does, that simple.
BucksHave7
A downvote for that?
BucksHave7
UV'ed you on both posts to help you out. ;)
What's round on the ends and high in the middle? Tell me if you know!
same
Thank you both. Did same as well.
BucksHave7
You must be looking at Total Yards? I prefer to evaluate teams using advanced metrics, like S&P+. For example, last year it was said both OU and tOSU had terrible defenses, but when you dig deeper that is not quite the whole story. Buckeyes were 26th and Sooners 84th in S&P+, primarily due to tOSU having the 9th best pass rush and OU the 87th.
NW did not have a terrible D like NEB, they were analytically one of the best in the B1G. 30th overall and the second best run-stopping unit in the conference, after MSU.
Losing 5 starters will be negligible, when you view it in terms of returning production (which is why the returning starter totals are grossly overrated). NW is bringing back their Top-5 tacklers, and 7/10. That includes their stud linebackers (Fisher and Gallagher), along w/ 81% of their sack totals (mainly Gaziano).
BucksHave7
Any metric that ranked Ohio State in the top 30 defenses is hilariously misguided. S&P+ has it's benefits, but if that's what it spits out for OSU it's significantly flawed.
NW did have a pretty solid run defense, but by just about any other metric they were pretty mediocre (even by S&P standards... run defense is the only metric that cracked the top 50)
Sorry Urban, Woody is still my favorite
LOL...S&P+ is misguided and flawed but your “eye test” is not? That is exactly what’s wrong w/ the playoff committee.
I told you why tOSU was so high, the DL play was elite. You can say all you want that the defense was terrible, but it would still fare the 26th best against an average Offense.
You said NW was terrible though, not mediocre. They had the 2nd best D in their division, I would say that is pretty good.
This is assuming S&P+ is 100% accurate... which we saw first hand that our defense did not fare 26th best against the average offenses of Maryland, Purdue, Oregon State, etc. So it's pretty safe to say the S&P is every bit as misguided as the average fans eye test if that's what it gave. You could have 4 HoF DL on one team, but if that team gives up the amount of yards and points that OSU did last year, it's clearly not a top 25 defense. To argue the 2018 defense wasn't only above average, but bordering on the best 15% of defenses in college football is well... indefensible
I didn't use the eye test for NW, but I also didn't try to shove a janky formula that somehow spits out that OSU had a borderline top 25 defense. The stats that ultimately matter at the end of the day are yards (391 yards per game and nearly 6 yards per play) and points (23.2 ppg)... Northwestern was mediocre to terrible in both metrics while playing in a division with 0 elite offenses (they played exactly one top 20 offense, and 3 top 50 offenses. They played 3 bottom 20 offenses)
Sorry Urban, Woody is still my favorite
Nebraska fans are puzzled at the rest of the college football world because of all the hype they've been getting.
And so am I.
"If Chase Young is truly bigger than I think he is and taller than I think he is, he would probably have to be the literal Predator because I've seen him with my own two eyes and I personally think he's pretty damn Sasquatchian." - Kevin Harrish
Nebraska will be better but the B1G also has game experience against them and a year of film. They wont surprise anyone with what they're doing. This is where the relative talent of the rosters will come into play.
Every game worries me... well maybe not Rutgers, Miami O , FAU....
Yeah. Until we have a sense of if our QB can sling the rock and the LBs can get in anyone’s way.... I’ll hold off on getting cocky. If both those are true, I don’t see is losing until we hit the Clemson PED buzzsaw
Except against UM. Just cause.
BucksHave7
I’ll respectfully disagree on the D as a unit. I expect growing pains and some occasional one-offs, but I also believe these new coaches will take ownership and solidify this unit as a whole. Of course Defense is becoming more and more difficult to play, with flag-happy refs, protecting players well-being. That’s fine as long as it’s called evenly. Also, the dreaded injury word [fingers crossed as I type]....but we have a deep bench.
“Silver Bullets”, “come out to plaaayyy!”
“For me, this is who we are. We have a culture. We work at it very hard. And we’re efficient at it.” - Coach Day
What baffled me most last year was that the coaches failed to come up with adjustments and scheme alterations to correct the most glaring weaknesses as the season went on. It just seemed like the defense would get thrashed and gashed, the coaches would say something like 'it's unacceptable, we need to fix it', and then the next game, the defense would just be ass again. And that continued all season long.
I really think Grinch and Schiano not only failed to click, I think there was some genuine dislike going on there. Just not a good combination at all. I will be very interested in seeing if Grinch has any luck improving what was the only other top 10 team with a worse defense than ours. And in the case of OK, they have been bad at defense for a long time. That's not going to be an easy fix.
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Yep the D could easily be Top 25 ... the talent is there , the coaching is the ?
You worry to much.
Fuck eSECpn and fuck Mythigan.
I am torn on this season. I could see a team go unbeaten and make the CFP championship game, but I also could see (yuck!) this team losing 3-4 games on the year.... Time will tell.
I also already purchased my tickets for Indy.
What's round on the ends and high in the middle? Tell me if you know!
Just too much uncertainty for the Bucks heading into the opener. New (kinda) head man. Five new position coaches. A talented but untested quarterback behind a retooled offensive line. Throw in a suspect defense and you have a recipe for a season full of growing pains and angst. Despite the talent on hand, the Bucks stumble twice in conference play, enough to miss the Big 10 championship despite besting TSUN in the finale. In any sane universe, a 10 win regular season should be cause for celebration.
Too much time spent at the North Heidelberg rather than the classroom. SSD 68-72
You must be a new kind of OSU fan... 2 losses is not will never be a cause of celebration for Ohio State!!
Theopulas
I'd be happy if we're a top 40 defense this year. Just don't get gashed on 3 huge plays a game would be fine too. A bend don't break D would be fine. Make teams work for it more.
I think it might be hard to get 5 450 yard receivers. If we couldn't do it last year with an arm like Haskins, then I don't think we're going to do it with a more mobile dual threat style QB like Fields. I hope I'm wrong.
Haters gonna hate and Bert is gonna Bert.
Last year defenses set up to stop the pass which makes what Haskins did all the more amazing. With more of a run threat and a QB scramble threat we may see even more yards after catch for the receivers since the whole back 7 on D cant just wait to tackle after a quick slant or intermediate crossing route. It doesnt mean Fields will be better than Haskins, it just will be a result of the offense being more balanced.
Good point. And with a better defense, perhaps the offense gets that many more opportunities with the ball. Last year, the defense was on the field WAAAAAAAAAYYY too much.
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
I knew you had it in you. That wasn't so hard. If it came from me though you probably would have disagreed. Interesting how the human brain works.
Strength equipment is expensive & guarantees you nothing. A strong will is free & will give you everything you need.
I never once, in our back and forth nor anywhere else, have tried to claim that we had a top 3 defense last year. That's your domain. You know, giving up 62 and claiming greatness. Good stuff.
Don't ever change, dude, your schtick makes you the perfect Michigan Man. And like I said, keep coming back for me. This is way more fun for me than it should be.
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
OKAY Chris, here it is: this is the year Wilson gets his wish and our tight ends break our OSU offense record in passing td’s and yardage for our tight ends
The defensive improvement we made from 2013 to 2014 was what allowed us to be in a position to win a national title. We only moved up 28 spots then. We move up 28 spots this year we're still 43rd which would have gotten us in the CFP last year. We dont need a Top 25 D. Inside the Top 50 is enough I think. At least to stop the perception our defense is a disaster.
"You're the patron saint of the totally effed" - Hot Tub Time Machine
With that assumption (and I would tend to agree with you) we will need the Offense to carry its water. Considering the guarded commentary around Justin Fields, I am more concerned about the Offense racking up points this season than I am concerned about the Defense holding its own. Of course, if the FAU game goes the way of last year's Oregon State game, then I'll eat my words.
My prediction is that on 10/26, a drunk fan accidentally pulls the lever on the side of the toilet bowl and flushes 100,000 fans along with the entire UM and ND rosters, but like the cockroach he is Harbaugh will somehow climb out and take over the head coaching vacancy that is coming at FSU.
I wouldn't wish that on any sewer system or FSU for that matter.
I'd rather be an hour early than a minute late.
12 and TWO does not make the playoff. Sorry.
OH-IO living BACK IN COLUMBUS after 32 years in the ATL.
The second loss is coming in the CFP, we would be 12-1 entering the playoff. As Big Ten champs with only one loss, I like our chances being in the playoff.
Sure, just like last year...
Finish reading the paragraph... the 2nd loss comes in the CFP semi final so a regular season record of 12-1
Sorry Urban, Woody is still my favorite
I think he's saying that second loss comes in the playoffs.
You must not have read the article. He said they would lose one game in the regular season then lose one in the playoffs.
Looks like I was a little late on this comment.
There’s 3 kinds of people in the world, those who can count and those who can’t.
If I must choose between peace and righteousness, I choose righteousness! -Theodore Roosevelt.
That gave me a chuckle. +2 for you.
If you have two people that agree on everything, that only means one of them is not thinking at all.
Just look at JF's quads. The man is a beast.
OH-IO living BACK IN COLUMBUS after 32 years in the ATL.
His quads? Really? #creepy
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Considering comments about his legs have been pretty regular even by the folks writing the articles...it's not creepy anymore. Dude has tree trunks.
To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.
Legs, sure, I get that. But quads? That's a very odd muscle group to single out.
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Why? It's the second largest muscle in the body behind the glutes. Would you rather him talk about the size of his butt? That sounds weirder to me.
Strength equipment is expensive & guarantees you nothing. A strong will is free & will give you everything you need.
LOL. We’ve Debated uniform stripes, kickers girlfriends and now QB quads.
....The season can’t get here soon enough!!!!
BucksHave7
I don't think it's weird. I have skinny thighs and I'm always stunned at the strength of these dudes' legs. Being specific isn't creepy - however dude saying it's creepy has a gutter-focus. Don't sweat it
Seattle Buckeye, Green Tony
I don't see the Playoff committee choosing Ohio State with 2 losses. They really have not shown any inclination to do that with the Buckeyes. One loss? Yes, probably.
I'm at the age where food has taken the place of sex in my life. In fact, I've just had a mirror put over my kitchen table. - Rodney Dangerfield
Read the whole paragraph....
Loss number 2 is in the CFP semifinals
Sorry Urban, Woody is still my favorite
Reading is hard.
Last year's awful defense was an aberration, in my opinion. The chart in Chris' article shows it. The average national rank over the previous three seasons was eighth.
Now, I'm not necessarily predicting a top ten finish, but I see no reason to believe we won't rank a whole lot closer to that than seventy-first.
I'm also going to be surprised if Garrett Wilson doesn't absolutely burst on to the scene at wide receiver. In fact, we may see a trio of talented young wide receivers dominate this season's wr rotation - so I'm not so sure the receptions will be spread out quite as much as Chris is predicting.
I'm hoping for nothing but the best from our senior wide receivers - but with the exception of Hill, they've been inconsistent at best. I envision Wilson, Olave and Gill bringing too much speed to their respective positions for them to be anything less than Fields' preferred targets as the season progresses. Speed kills.
And with our new defensive scheme, I expect Fuller to make more interceptions than we've seen in many a year.
I wouldn't be too surprised to see us go 11-1 or even 12-0 and win the B1G championship - but I'm not sure how well we'd stand up to 'Bama or
Steroid UClemson in the playoff -Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement. - Will Rogers
Like every season before and every season to come, I predict THE Ohio State Buckeyes will go undefeated and be Champions of the Universe.
I’m gonna go out on a limb and say Ryan Day doesn’t drop the random mid season road game, that it was an Urban-era phenomenon, and that we finish a pristine regular season 13-0. We have an EASY schedule.
I hope you are right. If we do it again, their are going to name it after us like they did Clemson a few years back
Boy, I got vision and the rest of the world wears bifocals! - Butch Cassidy
Actually it was a Greg Schiano phenomenon. Urban never lost to bad teams before Schiano..
Um, Virginia Tech 2014
Seattle Buckeye, Green Tony
I wouldn't say we have an easy schedule, not at all. However, I love your OPTIMISM! +1
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Not too sure that I would use the word "easy" to describe our schedule.
I'm going all in - 15 and 0 for the national championship, with a top 5 offense and top 10 defense.
Go Bucks!
I like the way you think Analyticalguy!
Many of us have been thinking that way for 60+ years! :>)
My 5 Predictions
1. Offense breaks records for points scored and point differential.
2. Beat _ichigan and Harbaugh get fired.
3. Win the Natty going undefeated.
4. At least 2 5* players currently 'committed' to other teams flip to tOSU.
5. After a massive bounce back year on D 3 Bucks get drafted in the 1st round: DE Young, CB Okudah, S Fuller
It’s pronounced “Thee”.
I love all these predictions but...
Points scored is possible I guess albeit unlikely in a conference with such strong defenses (723 points is the all time record). Point differential is never going to be broken in any of our lifetimes. 1944 Army won by an average of 52.1 points.
Now if you're only talking OSU records, that might be more obtainable
Sorry Urban, Woody is still my favorite
Absolutley Triv, for clarification just tOSU records is what I was thinking. But hell its an outlandish homer prediction so why not the whole enchilada?
It’s pronounced “Thee”.
Assuming we beat Hairball again (which I believe we will), we don't want him fired. We want his continued mediocrity. We want them to be Coopered for at least as long as we were.
'97 - Molecular Genetics
Good news is I think he's embedded like a tick up there. But all good things must someday end.
It’s pronounced “Thee”.
The bonus of him being fired, tho is a) he's fired by his alma mater - ultimate shame and humiliation, and b) who do they turn to next? He may be the best they can get.
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Longer than we were ... much longer
I was happy until you said Harbaugh fired.. he is at the right place at the right time and should stay there...he is the perfect coach for them
Agree on the top 25 in defense.
Just hope Mattison is not pulling an ego trip in proving he can take the same(most) of the players from last year defense and turn them into a top defense instead of playing the best players.
Having a hard time buying the LBs from last year and how he talks Borland and Werner up. They showed nothing but slow foot speed and not fending off blockers, now that is ability and not some scheme that I keep reading about from last year.
Werner's issue isn't that he is slow - that's Borland who is/was recovering from an Achilles injury (which is VERY difficult to come back from and retain the same speed/acceleration).
Werner's issue was that he was constantly out of position on run defense and wasn't the best tackler.
Seattle Buckeye, Green Tony
IMO, all of these predictions rest on what we'll see in the first 3-4 games. If they come out of the gate and have strong offensive and defensive showings, then I think it's game on and I'll feel really good about winning the B10 and the going to the CFP championship. If the D is lackluster (again), then I think we're in big trouble. If the offense isn't quite clicking, more of the same.
I expect the offense to click, but it's hard to see our passing game surpassing last years. If we can get 80% of that passing game, but bolster that with a strong rushing attack, we're in a great position.
'97 - Molecular Genetics
I think having dedicated interior linemen, and not 5 tackles across the line will matter more.
#walkaway
*4 tackles, as Knox was always a guard, but I completely agree with your take. Slobs are going to look good this year!
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
And Jordan was a guard who moved to Center. So 3 tackles and 2 guards.
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
He should not be a guard. He is the size of a left tackle.
#walkaway
The fact remains, he played guard, he excelled as a guard, and then excelled as a center.
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
I’ll upvote to counter your wrong opinion. Ohio States run game was often ass last year because they weren’t good at run blocking.
People down vote too fast, in my opinion.
#walkaway
I will never understand how anyone (not 11w but anyone) predicts the playoff winners/losers right now. I think you can get to the point where you say "I think these 5 teams will win their conferences and ND will be X-X as their record" but I don't know how you can predict anything further.
If you think OSU goes 12-1 in the regular season/B1G title game,then we have a good shot to be in the playoffs. This team at 12-1 should have everything you want to win the whole thing (DT QB who has found a groove, Top 10 RB, Experienced and deep OL, Great WR core, Dominate DL and good secondary). LB are a question for sure, but if you're going to predict 12-1 before the playoffs, may as well predict 14-1 winning the whole thing
Unless that loss is by 30
Love all the DC wannabes we have on this forum! Especially those who are great at personnel assessment. Ain’t internet anonymity a wonderful thing? :>)
You and me both, Semper. I crack up at all the superior talent evaluators we have on 11W (who never see ONE snap of practice).
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
I don't mind Fuller leading the way in stops again, especially if he's playing full-time with snaps spent in the box via hybrid schemes.
I'm not so worried about the defense statistically, but if they can at least play aggressive (as has been suggested so far) and in unison they'll be much closer to standard.
I'll take J.K. and that level of production all day. That translates to an offensive line that's fully in-sync with the run-block scheme down.
Pass (no pun) on the WR production. If J.K./the run game proves to be that effective, and the defense can not just hold a lead but actually thwart opposing offenses with some regularity, then the pass game takes a hit. Not a problem for me.
Have to pass on a two loss Ohio State squad getting a shot a the title (even if they win the B1G). I don't have confidence the CFP committee can look objectively here, as they've shown in the past. I believe Ohio State has the talent to run the table, but do think they lose a conference game (you have to consider every road game against a B1G West team, and I really don't like wrapping up the regular season with PSU and the rival back-to-back). Maybe that's enough to garner a bid, but not two losses.
In remembrance.
Hey Hov. I agree, no way the CFP would invite a 2-loss OSU team. I have them being 12-1 after winning the Big Ten title THEN have them losing in CFL semifinal to finish 12-2. Just to clarify.
Copy that.
I can work with 12-2, provided the second/semi-final loss isn't to friggin' Clemson (I would love for Ryan Day to notch Ohio State's first win over the Tigers...at some point).
In remembrance.
Agree. I hunger for a win vs. Clemson more than any other team.
Ended Woody's career. Ended Braxton's QB career. Took us to the woodshed in 2016 and laughed at us before, during, and after the game.
Any questions?
1. I don't see JK eclipsing 100 yds for 10 games. He will be out early more than 2 games which will limit his rushing total.
2. I don't have much of a take on Fuller leading the team in tackles, but my personal preference would be a LB.
3. Top 25 defense? I think so, but not much inside that mark. The big key will be bending and then making the opposition settle for FGs and not TDs, in my opinion.
4. It's so hard to predict who and how many yards, but I do believe that the possibility is very real that this will happen, Chris. All of Buckeye Nation hopes you are correct.
5. 12-2. I don't like to predict losses and I don't see a team that will be better than Ohio State before the CFP, if even then. Northwestern is scary because the BIG is stupid and messes with schedules to be cute and play on a high school football night. Terrible idea! The positive is that Ohio State has a bye before that game so they can adjust their preparation to be like a normal game week. I am saying 13-0 heading into the CFP and then we shall see how good Ohio State is and other teams are.
I would be shocked if we dont have a top 25 Defense this year. 2018 was such an outliar compared to last 5 years. Given we lead FBS with 85% of tacklers returning, top 25 is realistic.
Do you guys know what % of tacklers on defense returned to last years team?
BucksHave7
Under Urban.
2018-#53-ttun#16
2017-#15-ttun#13
2016-#3-ttun#2
2015-#3-ttun#6
2014-#26-ttun#27
2013-#27-ttun#67
2012-#31-ttun#19
MICHIGAN STILL SUCKS
This all seems very feasible.
I'm just excited about the season, there is such an element of the unknown this year. I love it!
Urban Meyer left an incredible legacy. 12/4/18 Ryan Day begins his.
I think the defense will be around the 15th level overall while being top 5 in pass defense and in take aways. Dobbins get 8 games over 100. I'm thinking 14-1 with the loss in the last game of the playoff. I think Fields legs do most of the damage early in the season. He really starts to roll in October.
Undefeated...
Ya gotta tell peoples these things as they're apt believe/accept most anything contrary; besides, dynasties have to start sometime...
Without God, there is no Liberty...
My Scarlet-tinted-glasses take is that Justin Fields shows us Haskins's arm and Braxton's legs, Dobbins returns to and surpasses Freshman form, and the talent level from the WR room stands out in every game on the way to another record-breaking season; while a defense that's deep with talent at every position on the field finally gets a scheme to match and puts us back in the top 10 nationally for total defense. A conference title, playoff run, and even Natty are all in play for this team.
When I go to the darkest, Blue recesses of my psyche - and maybe I'm the only one thinking this - I question whether this team will have the toughness of an Urban Meyer-coached team. A small microcosm I'm hung up on: every year Meyer coached, the team started camp on a field (Coffey road or otherwise) that left them dust, mud, and grass-stained outside the comforts of the WHAC. They had to get a little dirty to earn those comforts. This year's team has spent the summer in the newly upgraded, uber comfy WHAC. I think Ryan Day is more of a pragmatist. It doesn't make sense to practice off-site away from your facilities and resources. It's painful and suboptimal. But with the first taste of his leadership of the program last year, we saw an offense that struggled to be tough up front and establish the run against even inferior opponents, and a defense that had tackling and assignment discipline issues all year. Those are issues a gritty team just knuckles down and figures out. I hope I'm way off on this, but that thought is what lives in the dark place.
And yes, I know last year's team started on Coffey Road like all the teams before it and still struggled. It's a microcosm, not a line if causation I'm trying to draw. And I really hope I'm way off.
JFBuckeye64
I think all are solid predictions, with realistic justification. If I can add to the list of predictions..
1. Chase Young exceeds 10.5 sacks total from 2018. Sounds like everything I have heard, is he has taken the next step as a player and leader. oh also.. 2 fresh ankles..
2. To add to the Dobbins point.. I think he eclipses 1,500 yards this year (not counting B1G Champ Game or Post Season Game(s))
If he runs for 1500, we are national champions
If Fields is just 75% of the passer Haskins was, we'll outscore everyone this year.
Sooner or later it all gets real.
Have to disagree on the defense not even being in the top 25 after a much improved year. Should be top 5 if our linebackers step up.
Go Bucks
I expect the Nebraska game to be a night game for them.
In response to these predictions
1 Dobbs easily has multiple 100 yard games provided he stays healthy. No splitting carries and a deep o line.
2. Malik has most tackles. Fuller not as needed in improved lb play and sick dl.
3. Too difficult for the multiple receivers getting 450yds. Math on my side maybe.
4. If we make CFP final wouldn’t we be 13-2 with two losses? Or did I misread that.
5 although out of sequence, the D makes top ten. The right coaching group with a ridiculous team of sophomores and juniors. Mattison and Washington took a disrespectful bunch of talented idiots to #3 defense last year. Good driver + fast car = top ten.
Anytime a safety leads in tackles there are likely problems on the D, which you mention. So I say you're wrong on that and the D improves.
One bad season made Schiano a BAD coach. Glad we ran him.
If Fuller leads the team in tackles.....we are in trouble again!
if OSU gets beat by a mediocre team like Nerdwestern THEY WILL NOT MAKE THE PLAYOFFS !!!!
NW is better than mediocre
15 - 0 this year and we smoke Bama and Clemson in the CFP's. Day is far more intelligent than either Nick and Dabo. This year is a perfect storm. Look what Tess did in 2002 with Cooper's talent. UFM's talent is better, and Day is a better coach than Tress (who was a top 5 all time college coach.)
"Our kind of families win a few more football games than others." Coach Hayes
I’m more optimistic about the season when i hear Day speak about toughness. He’s got a chance to set a tone for his hc career. Here we go!
since when is 8 and 5 not mediocre ??? ....
Agree that Ohio State goes 12-1 in the regular season. If they face Clemson or Bama in the CFP semifinal, I also agree that they’ll finish 12-2. If they face anyone else, they’ll be heading to the CFP Final.
This is definitely where I parked my car.