The nickel back at Ohio State....secret weapon? maybe...

Buck94 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-10-2004, 06:12 PM

In reading some of the results of the spring practices from other teams this year (USC, Miami, TSUN), they all seem to have 3 and sometimes 4 good to outstanding WRs. In most cases, this would give them a definite mismatch advantage with a 3 or 4 WR set. However, this appears to not be the case against OSU. It seems OSU could have up to three outstanding nickel/dime DBs on defense this year. Youboty, Ginn, Everett, and even Mitchell could be more than most WRs would care to handle given their collective size, speed and athleticism.
Why I think this is significant is that OSU will certainly face this match-up with TSUN and could face one of the other teams in a bowl game if OSU plays up to its potential next season. Teams my find out very quickly that there is no drop off in effectiveness when OSU goes to a nickel or dime package and they will need to decide whether they want to face 5 or 6 outstanding DBs or the best LB corps in college football.

How OSU fares defensively in these key match-ups and how the other team adjusts could be a significant factor in OSU having another outstanding season.

(This is based on my belief that the D-line, while not as good as last year, will be able to consistently provide pressure on opposing QBs and will be solid against the run.)

RugbyBuck · #2 (**permalink**) 06-10-2004, 06:17 PM

I absolutely agree. I'm sure WashState and TexTech, among many others, thought they'd be able to beat us throwing. Nobody's been able to do it, save Gamble's bite at Wisconsin. Our depth at DB is extraordinary.

jimotis4heisman · #3 (**permalink**) 06-10-2004, 06:34 PM

We lost the game at wisc and mich, becuase we lost th etemp of the game, we let them beat us up on the line.

As to the question, i see it straighting up with the d line, if they can all go 1 v 1 with lineman we should be alright, but if we can get guys like smith, scott, anderson, who need to be double teamed by lineman we should be fine, cuz we will have the ability to create pressure with our lbs,putting the opposing qbs on their ass. Ask cody picket, all world qb, with all world receiver, did nothing.

i then think it goes to the lineacking crew, the two best against the pass (hawk and...) id like to say carpenter, but i havnet seen schelegel in big ten caliber games, kerr-does he have speed to match up against guys like everett of miami or holmes of usc, i dont know. The other possiblity is matthews,

The dbs well who is even goin to start back their, you have to think fox will be back their getting picked on all the time as he has been the last few years, Salley is the only for sure, the other saftey witner/mitchell, if you put mitchell and salley back their you have an incredible upside with size, speed, and flat out fear cuz they can hit like nobody's business. Then underwood on the other side of the field fighting for time with youboty.

If it was my team, this is who i would play.

de-frasier
dt-pittock
dt-patterson
de-richardson

though i would expect a heavy rotation with penton, green, kudla, and maybe some reggie arden

linebackers, i would use them interchangable with a 4 man rotation
This will keep them fresh and flying around the field, i believe we should utilize our deep and athleticism, the guys id rotate

hawk
carpenter
schelegel
d'andrea
kerr
freeman*as he progresses, only a tad though

DBS

cb-fox
cb-underwood
i would be tempeted to see a little ginn, but youboty will probably be the third cb
fs-salley
ss-mitchell, with whitner
nb-whitner
db-my best athlete (ginn) put him on lock down on the 4 receiver

Buck94 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-10-2004, 07:48 PM

I think both Mitchell and Whitner are capable of starting and may share time. Everett is solid as well and is a heady player. He made a great play as a freshman against WSU with his interception.

stxbuck · #5 (**permalink**) 06-10-2004, 09:00 PM

It depends if Whitner starts or not. If he starts, I don't know if Mitchell is the ideal NB-generally you guys w/ more coverage skills at that position. Then again, Will Allen played NB in 2002, so it could all work out. I think Ginn might be tried out a WR ala Gamble just to get the ball in his hands a few more times a game.

ashlandbuck · #6 (**permalink**) 06-10-2004, 11:37 PM

I think whitner has got to start. Sometimes I think we overlook this very talented kid.
I agree with stx, I'm expecting Ginn to get in on offense. If he is everything as advertised, then we'll be seeing a lot of him on Saturdays.
After seeing him in the army game,I am very excited about him returning kicks. This could be the best return guy we've had here in a long time.

wdg01 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-10-2004, 11:59 PM

I like Mitchell over Whitner in situations where he is gonna have to guard the TE.

ashlandbuck · #8 (**permalink**) 06-11-2004, 12:08 AM

Wouldn't that be the strong side LB with that responsibilty in most cases?

wdg01 · #9 (**permalink**) 06-11-2004, 12:35 AM

Could be...not sure. According to one of the "blogs" in certain coverages i think the SS is responsible for the TE. Anyway I seem to recall Whitner having trouble with the Michigan TE? Anyone know for sure?