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Originally Posted by joefoshow
Its not he linebacking core just for Ohio State its the whole front seven depending if Gholston and James comes back and if they leave we go Wilson And Heyward on the line.
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As BuckeyeGanoosh mentions Gholston's gone (good luck Vern and put up over 50 reps).
Quote:
Originally Posted by BuckeyeGanoosh
Gholston's already gone, but I'm hoping for a breakout season from Heyward and a comeback season for Wilson.
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Let me expand further - the one thing that was questionable through the season was the strength of the Defensive line - particularly at DT, and of course with the loss of DE Wilson to injury. That potential weakness was well disguised for the most part until the championship game.
Gholston will be gone - but, Heyward comes back at DE with strong experience gained with being called on to play more often than he expected. Wilson will be back, hopefully at full speed and health. Robert Rose should be a great addition with his added year of play. Who knows, unless Nathan Wiliams get's diverted to strength and conditioning you could see him play spot roles.
Now, what about DT?
I think the key here will be the degree to which the Buckeyes can get productive play out of the incoming freshman. All the players from this years squad are coming back - but, added help on the line is needed at those spots. Can Goebel, Mobley or (particularly in blowing up the run) Rowell contribute?
If they can then I like the way the rest of the defense pans out.
Jenkins returns, the most significant departing contributor (thus far) is Larry Grant, to graduation. Barring mass transfers out of the DBs this could be a truly vicious Defense in the offing.
And - it is an imposing Defense that will be needed, for 'SC is the real deal, with play makers at all the skill positions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BuckeyeGanoosh
I would be concerned if I was a Trojan fan, however, you have a new QB, and the possibility of a new coach, and the Buckeyes are bringing back some serious talent.
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The likelihood of PC leaving seems completely remote to me. No matter the ESPiN chatter.
New QB though is always interesting. Of course, it can work entirely against the way we would hope. It might just be that Sanchez has better communication and understanding with that young and developing 'SC WR corps. (True, it is more likely to have some hiccups, but the opposite has happened in the past).
Regardless, if the 'SC coaching staff perceives difficulty in the passing game, expect them to use a lot of the run to set up the pass. In that light, we all agree that the 'SC O-line is pretty darned impressive, yes? I suspect run will be a heavily featured part of the 'SC offense and that is precisely why having good run stuffing and penetrating Defensive lines are so critical for the Buckeyes.
It is often said, yet remains oh so true, this game will likely be won in the trenches - big-time.
Go Bucks!
