This year has had such a big emotional lead up for me, in terms of the fall football season. Last year was such a roller coaster, I found myself uninvested until the middle of the autumn. But with the promise of atleast an excting new chapter in Buckeye Football, this year I've jumped into the deep end. I listen to multiple Ohio State and college football podcasts, read every article on this glorious site I've scoured for a decade for deep and thoughtful insight on the team I grew up loving. And this season was filled with more excitement than normal. Like I said, last year was a one off and I couldnt wait to get onto this one. I've always pinpointed guys Im most excited about and couldnt wait to see, and this year was no different. The player I was most excited about this year (if you didnt read my title, which seems a little odd why you've made it this far into my ramblings)-Josh Proctor. There were some articles about how excited we were and our expectations for Josh in April, May, July, August. Basically all offseason. Jordan Fuller was mentoring him, and he was the most epirienced player BY FAR on the back end. To the tune of 3 CFP game appearances and being the elder statesman in the DB room in terms of starters and playing time. 

So I found myself texting my buddy (you know, the friend you send a Merry Christmas text to if you remember, but basically right after kickoff we feverishly text about defensive alignments and play calling during buckeye games), "Man, proctor this year gives me that Fuller feeling, in on every play, making every angle, flashing hard.." when he goes down. Looking like our most stable DB for the whole game (which is to be expected starting all new CBs), and looks like hes on his way to an All B1G season at the very least. And he gets hurt. A shoulder. Heres where my dumb rant comes full circle.

No real meantion on 11w. I found one https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2021/09/ohio-state-footballs-defense-needs-time-to-heal-and-grow-but-has-none-to-spare-nathan-bairds-observations.html that kind of brings to light the importance of this. Bryson Shaw looks like he could be ok, but does no one worry or think that could be the ABSOLUTE BIGGEST takeaway form the game? Our offense will score, but the QB of our secondary is hurt. And I know they wont release an injury report right away or answer those questions, and yeah maybe 11W is writing something up or waiting for an answer about him. But the takeaways, all the discussion about the game already, not even mentioning that one of the most, if not the most irreplaceable player on our defense, got hurt and could miss significant time. And the defense is our biggest concern! Just want everyone to appreciate what we have, because this team has the firepower to go the distance, but we need expirience and leadership on the back end. I trust the staff, I know Lathan Ransom could play that role with his angles and physicality as well if Shaw isnt the answer, I know weve got dudes on this roster. But please dont overlook his importance or forget that the biggest thing we take back home from Minnesota is an injured Proctor. 

Sorry mods if anyone has posted about this, I swear I searched. Also, I'll admit I hardly read comments so I'm sure its not the entire fanbase has forgotten, just suprised to not see it more prevalent...