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Football
Heacock Says Surprising Buckeye Defense Still Evolving
By John Porentas
Heacock Says Surprising Buckeye Defense Still Evolving
By John Porentas
There are surprises every college football season. Sometimes it's a team that does unexpectedly well or poorly, other times its a player who has an unexpectedly good or bad season.
This season it's the Ohio State defense that has caught some people by surprise. The squad that was supposed to be the weak link isn't quite so weak, and according to OSU defensive coordinator, there is still ongoing improvement taking place and there is still plenty of upside left.
"The thing I like about them (his defense) most is that they realize that we really haven't done anything yet, that it's a work in progress and they're working hard, but I think they realize that we're not the defense that we need to be if we want to be where we want to be at the end of the year," Heacock said.
It makes you kind of scratch your head a little. This is defense that through four games is giving up just eight points per game, has not allowed a rushing touchdown and has produced eight turnovers, two more than last year's defense did all season. Just how much better can they be? Heacock thinks quite a bit better and sees continued evolvement not only on an individual player level, but in just how the OSU coaching staff is going to use that personnel.
According to Heacock, linebacker is one of the positions which is very much evolving and really is still in flux. What has become apparent is that certain players have exhibited strengths and weaknesses, and Heacock says the OSU coaching staff is set to make some changes in who plays in what situation. At outside linebacker, for instance, Curtis Terry has proven to be one of the best run stoppers on the team Heacock says that you can expect to see more of Terry in running situations and when the Buckeyes are in their base defense. There are other trends evolving at linebacker as well.
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Curtis Terry [/FONT]
"Curtis is playing good run defense as is Kerr and Laurinaitis is playing well in both areas, dropping and playing the run," said Heacock.
"Those are probably our three best run guys (Terry, Kerr and Laurinaitis) right now and Freeman is a real good drop guy and a good athlete and plays well in space, so he and Laurinaitis have kind of taken on that role. Freeman runs a little bit better and is a little better in passing situations, so he and Laurinaitis are our nickel guys," said Heacock.
What is making that position even more interesting is the development of true freshman Ross Homan as the season as progressed. Heacock says Homan is getting better every week and will likely see more playing time as the season progresses.
Ross Homan
"Homan is going to play more, he and Kerr are going to split time a little bit more from now on," said Heacock.
The expected area of strength this season was the defense line, and it hasn't disappointed. But even there, Heacock sees players who are making a move and will probably see the field more. He really likes what he has seen of defensive end Lawrence Wilson lately.
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Lawrence Wilson [/FONT]
"He didn't play as much as we thought he would (early in the season) but he'll play more as we go along. He's going to be a really good football player," said Heacock of Wilson
"I think he's a little bit like Homan. You'll see him more and more as time goes on. He'll play more this week than he did last week. He's getting better and better.
"He missed spring which was kind of tough on him but he's going to be an outstanding player. He's has a nice week of practice and he gives us a nice backup to Jay (Richardson). Those two will keep each other fresh and both will spend a lot of time on the field," Heacock said.
Linebacker and defensive end are not the only positions in transition, and Heacock likes it that way. The heavy substitution strategy that the OSU coaching staff has adopted on both sides of the ball this season has given hope to players at many positions, and Heacock says that has meant better overall play.
"I think the thing it does is it lets a lot of people know that they have to get ready to play," said Heacock.
"It promotes a good attitude because everybody knows they're involved with the game plan. We don't have a bunch of backups that know they're not going to play in the game. Everybody has a chance to play and if they have a great week of practice they will, plus we try to keep some competition going so we don't have that lull or complacency," he said.
Complacency is not likely on this defense. We count perhaps three positions that are really uncontested for playing time. Interior linemen Quinn Pitcock and David Patterson aren't likely to lose a lot of PT this season, nor is corner Malcolm Jenkins, but at every other position, there is somebody pushing the incumbent. Defensive ends Jay Richardson and Vernon Gholston will be pressed by Wilson, Alex Barrow and Robert Rose all season. Larry Grant will press James Laurinaitis, and Homan will pressure Kerr, while it already looks like Terry has moved up past Freeman in the base defense.
In the defensive backfield, Donald Washington and Andre Amos will keep the pressure on Antonio Smith, while Nick Patterson and Jamario O'Neal will keep safeties Brandon Mitchell and Anderson Russell looking over their shoulders.
As Heacock proved with his elevation of Terry at linebacker in the run package, he's not afraid to make changes based on who is performing. The OSU defense will definitely evolve and change as the season unfolds. If Heacock is right, that ought to make it pretty good as the season winds up.
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Despite Iowa's 17-point "explosion", we're #5 in scoring defense with 9.8 ppg...
Amazingly, the top four scoring defenses are all SEC teams (Georgia, LSU, Auburn, Florida).
Amazingly, the top four scoring defenses are all SEC teams (Georgia, LSU, Auburn, Florida).
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WaitingforKickoff
Legend
At this juncture, it is safe to say that the strength of our defense is against the pass. We have a speedy DL that consistently rushes the QB, a shutdown CB and a ball hawking LBer that feeds on passes thrown over the middle. That is not in any way a knock on our LBers or run defense, which have been progressing throughout the season.
One of the big reasons for our success on defense has been the ability of our offense to get ahead in games and force teams to play to our strength on the defensive side of the ball. Where we have to get better is being more physical and give up less yardage on the ground. It will make a great difference when we play our neighbor up North.
One of the big reasons for our success on defense has been the ability of our offense to get ahead in games and force teams to play to our strength on the defensive side of the ball. Where we have to get better is being more physical and give up less yardage on the ground. It will make a great difference when we play our neighbor up North.
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Big-play ways boost Buckeye defense
OSU leads Big Ten in sacks, nation in turnover margin
By JON SPENCER
For The Advocate
COLUMBUS -- Ohio State's defensive highlights from Saturday's 38-17 romp against Iowa were buried on the back page of the postgame press release.
That's ironic, because the defense has been a front-page story all season.
Four takeaways Saturday gives college football's No. 1 team 13 through five games and one more than the Buckeyes produced last season.
Their three interceptions of Iowa quarterback Drew Tate marked the third consecutive game the Buckeyes picked off three passes, running their season total to a national-best 11."When you run to the ball, good things happen," senior strong safety Brandon Mitchell said. "Everybody has to do their part. Coach (co-defensive coordinator Jim Heacock) talked before the game about doing your 1-11th. Do your 1-11th of the job. When you do that and play well fundamentally, good things happen.
"We've got guys pursing the ball and just trying to make something happen."
Two weeks ago, it was cornerbacks Malcolm Jenkins and Antonio Smith returning interceptions for touchdowns to finish off a 28-6 victory against Penn State. On Saturday, it was Mitchell who shone brightest, intercepting a pass to set up a first-half touchdown and then recovering a fumble in the fourth quarter to help end an Iowa comeback.
By winning the turnover margin 4-0, OSU improved to a national-best plus-nine. The Buckeyes have two more takeaways than Michigan (seven fumbles, four interceptions) and lead the Big Ten in fewest giveaways with four (two fumbles, two interceptions).
Last year, the Buckeyes finished fourth in the national polls but didn't get there in the conventional sense. They won the turnover margin only twice in their 10 victories.
"Coach (Heacock) definitely put an emphasis on turnovers in the offseason," Mitchell said. "For a defensive back, it's a lot easier to get interceptions with the defensive line getting pressure and forcing the quarterback to throw off his back foot and not giving him time to go through his progressions."
The Buckeyes lead the Big Ten with 18 sacks. They sacked Tate just twice, but they pressured him repeatedly. The heat eventually took its toll with the Hawkeyes turning over the ball on three consecutive possessions in the fourth quarter after they cut the deficit to 31-17 with 13:08 remaining on Tate's only touchdown pass of the night.
OSU sophomore linebackers James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman each had a sack and an interception. It was Laurinaitis' fourth pick, all in the last four games, and the highest total of any linebacker in the nation.
Sophomore defensive end Vernon Gholston added to his breakout season with two tackles for loss, and sophomore safety Jamario O'Neal made four tackles after being pressed into action when freshman starter Anderson Russell suffered what is thought to be a season-ending knee injury in the opening minutes.
"The biggest thing I've learned (about this defense) is that a lot of the younger guys are very mature," fifth-year tackle and captain Quinn Pitcock said. "They've been able to go through their rookie mistakes and sit back calmly. We're not hysterical because then we'd make mistakes."
Like everybody else this season, Iowa had some success running against the Buckeyes until forced to play from behind. OSU's big-play defense thrives on coming up with show-stoppers when they're needed the most. The Buckeyes have given up just five touchdowns, including only one on the ground.
"I'd say there's some accomplishment," Pitcock said about his team's 5-0 record in September, "but I can't really judge where we are. There's many more games ahead."
Big-play ways boost Buckeye defense
OSU leads Big Ten in sacks, nation in turnover margin
By JON SPENCER
For The Advocate
COLUMBUS -- Ohio State's defensive highlights from Saturday's 38-17 romp against Iowa were buried on the back page of the postgame press release.
That's ironic, because the defense has been a front-page story all season.
Four takeaways Saturday gives college football's No. 1 team 13 through five games and one more than the Buckeyes produced last season.
Their three interceptions of Iowa quarterback Drew Tate marked the third consecutive game the Buckeyes picked off three passes, running their season total to a national-best 11."When you run to the ball, good things happen," senior strong safety Brandon Mitchell said. "Everybody has to do their part. Coach (co-defensive coordinator Jim Heacock) talked before the game about doing your 1-11th. Do your 1-11th of the job. When you do that and play well fundamentally, good things happen.
"We've got guys pursing the ball and just trying to make something happen."
Two weeks ago, it was cornerbacks Malcolm Jenkins and Antonio Smith returning interceptions for touchdowns to finish off a 28-6 victory against Penn State. On Saturday, it was Mitchell who shone brightest, intercepting a pass to set up a first-half touchdown and then recovering a fumble in the fourth quarter to help end an Iowa comeback.
By winning the turnover margin 4-0, OSU improved to a national-best plus-nine. The Buckeyes have two more takeaways than Michigan (seven fumbles, four interceptions) and lead the Big Ten in fewest giveaways with four (two fumbles, two interceptions).
Last year, the Buckeyes finished fourth in the national polls but didn't get there in the conventional sense. They won the turnover margin only twice in their 10 victories.
"Coach (Heacock) definitely put an emphasis on turnovers in the offseason," Mitchell said. "For a defensive back, it's a lot easier to get interceptions with the defensive line getting pressure and forcing the quarterback to throw off his back foot and not giving him time to go through his progressions."
The Buckeyes lead the Big Ten with 18 sacks. They sacked Tate just twice, but they pressured him repeatedly. The heat eventually took its toll with the Hawkeyes turning over the ball on three consecutive possessions in the fourth quarter after they cut the deficit to 31-17 with 13:08 remaining on Tate's only touchdown pass of the night.
OSU sophomore linebackers James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman each had a sack and an interception. It was Laurinaitis' fourth pick, all in the last four games, and the highest total of any linebacker in the nation.
Sophomore defensive end Vernon Gholston added to his breakout season with two tackles for loss, and sophomore safety Jamario O'Neal made four tackles after being pressed into action when freshman starter Anderson Russell suffered what is thought to be a season-ending knee injury in the opening minutes.
"The biggest thing I've learned (about this defense) is that a lot of the younger guys are very mature," fifth-year tackle and captain Quinn Pitcock said. "They've been able to go through their rookie mistakes and sit back calmly. We're not hysterical because then we'd make mistakes."
Like everybody else this season, Iowa had some success running against the Buckeyes until forced to play from behind. OSU's big-play defense thrives on coming up with show-stoppers when they're needed the most. The Buckeyes have given up just five touchdowns, including only one on the ground.
"I'd say there's some accomplishment," Pitcock said about his team's 5-0 record in September, "but I can't really judge where we are. There's many more games ahead."
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Football
Buckeyes Shuffle Defensive Backs to Replace Russell
By John Porentas
OSU Head Coach Jim Tressel reported that the OSU defensive coaching staff has undertaken some player shuffling after starting safety Anderson Russell was lost for the season with a knee injury last weekend at Iowa.
For starters, the defensive staff has elected to elevate freshman Aaron Gant into the two deep at safety. Gant has been schedule to redshirt this season, but now could possibly play due to the injury to Russell last week.
Tressel added that other possibilities at safety include moving Kurt Coleman to that position as well as Brandon Underwood or even Antonio Smith, though the coaching staff would like to keep Smith at corner and nickel back where he is now playing.
Both Coleman and Underwood are currently playing corner, but will not be at least looked at as possible backups at the safety position.
Former backup Jamario O'Neal assumed the first-team spot in the Iowa game after Russell was injured. Tressel reported today that while O'Neal did not grade out to a winning performance against Iowa, just three or four players did on the defensive side of the ball, then added that while O'Neal did not receive a winning performance, his grade was not a poor one either.
According to Tressel, Nick Patterson, who started at one safety in the Northern Illinois game, will be listed as one backup at safety while Gant will be listed at the other. Currently, O'Neal and Brandon Mitchell are be the starters.
Buckeyes Shuffle Defensive Backs to Replace Russell
By John Porentas
OSU Head Coach Jim Tressel reported that the OSU defensive coaching staff has undertaken some player shuffling after starting safety Anderson Russell was lost for the season with a knee injury last weekend at Iowa.
For starters, the defensive staff has elected to elevate freshman Aaron Gant into the two deep at safety. Gant has been schedule to redshirt this season, but now could possibly play due to the injury to Russell last week.
Tressel added that other possibilities at safety include moving Kurt Coleman to that position as well as Brandon Underwood or even Antonio Smith, though the coaching staff would like to keep Smith at corner and nickel back where he is now playing.
Both Coleman and Underwood are currently playing corner, but will not be at least looked at as possible backups at the safety position.
Former backup Jamario O'Neal assumed the first-team spot in the Iowa game after Russell was injured. Tressel reported today that while O'Neal did not grade out to a winning performance against Iowa, just three or four players did on the defensive side of the ball, then added that while O'Neal did not receive a winning performance, his grade was not a poor one either.
According to Tressel, Nick Patterson, who started at one safety in the Northern Illinois game, will be listed as one backup at safety while Gant will be listed at the other. Currently, O'Neal and Brandon Mitchell are be the starters.
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Defense continues to pile up turnovers
10/3/2006, 3:00 p.m. PT The Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) ? What's brewing today with the 2006 Ohio State Buckeyes ...
BUCKEYE BUZZ:@ Remember last year's ballyhooed defense, led by A.J. Hawk and five other players taken in the NFL draft? That unit squeezed 12 turnovers out of 12 opponents.
This year's defense, with nine new starters, has already intercepted 11 passes and recovered 2 fumbles ? through five games."Our guys are in position," coach Jim Tressel said Tuesday. "Now, does that mean our defense last year wasn't in position? No, but it just didn't seem to happen. And I wish I had a formula for knowing exactly how to get takeaways. But I'm glad we're getting them, because it's been huge."
Defense continues to pile up turnovers
10/3/2006, 3:00 p.m. PT The Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) ? What's brewing today with the 2006 Ohio State Buckeyes ...
BUCKEYE BUZZ:@ Remember last year's ballyhooed defense, led by A.J. Hawk and five other players taken in the NFL draft? That unit squeezed 12 turnovers out of 12 opponents.
This year's defense, with nine new starters, has already intercepted 11 passes and recovered 2 fumbles ? through five games."Our guys are in position," coach Jim Tressel said Tuesday. "Now, does that mean our defense last year wasn't in position? No, but it just didn't seem to happen. And I wish I had a formula for knowing exactly how to get takeaways. But I'm glad we're getting them, because it's been huge."
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CPD
OHIO STATE INSIDER
Picks are now a passion
Thursday, October 05, 2006 Doug Lesmerises
Plain Dealer Reporter
Columbus- Ohio State's 11 interceptions are the most in the country this season, one ahead of Boise State, Virginia Tech and Utah. Jim Tressel won't let that go to his players' heads, though.
"A couple of those balls, I could have maybe intercepted," Tressel said. "Our guys are in position. And when people make mistakes, if you're in position, you can make plays."
No Buckeye has been in position more than middle linebacker James Laurinaitis, whose four interceptions are tied for sixth in the country, more than any other linebacker. Only Chris Spielman, with six in 1986, had more as a Buckeye linebacker in a season. And if Laurinaitis picks off a pass against Bowling Green on Saturday, he'll become the first Ohio State player to intercept a pass in five straight games since Mike Sensibaugh in 1969.
So what gives?
"James is the best cover linebacker I've gone against since I've been here," Ohio State receiver Anthony Gonzalez said. "He's just very aware of what route is coming at him, what position he needs to be in, and he's got pretty good hands."
"He does a great job of what we call vision and break," cornerbacks coach Tim Beckman said, "seeing the quarterback's eyes, reading the shoulder, reading the tilt of the shoulder to tell you if [the pass] is deep or shallow. He's got a knack for it."
Smith and the NFL:
Tressel said during Saturday's game at Iowa that he suggested to quarterback Troy Smith that a post route was open on one play when Smith didn't throw it.
"No, Coach, you'll see on the film, it wasn't," Smith said.
"And he was right," said Tressel.
Passing game coordinator Joe Daniels disagreed with the quarterback on a different play, screaming "No" in the coaches box as Smith squeezed in a 12-yard touchdown pass to Brian Robiskie in the fourth quarter.
"He waited for the window, and it wasn't a real big window, but he waited for it and he got it," Daniels said. "It was great."
Smith threw the kind of pass that Daniels think answers any questions from NFL scouts about his arm strength.
"Early on last year I tried to tell people that Troy can throw as well as most guys I've ever coached," Daniels said. "What they are saying now is he has proven that. I think they all realize this kid has a major-league arm. That's one part we don't have to worry about."
OHIO STATE INSIDER
Picks are now a passion
Thursday, October 05, 2006 Doug Lesmerises
Plain Dealer Reporter
Columbus- Ohio State's 11 interceptions are the most in the country this season, one ahead of Boise State, Virginia Tech and Utah. Jim Tressel won't let that go to his players' heads, though.
"A couple of those balls, I could have maybe intercepted," Tressel said. "Our guys are in position. And when people make mistakes, if you're in position, you can make plays."
No Buckeye has been in position more than middle linebacker James Laurinaitis, whose four interceptions are tied for sixth in the country, more than any other linebacker. Only Chris Spielman, with six in 1986, had more as a Buckeye linebacker in a season. And if Laurinaitis picks off a pass against Bowling Green on Saturday, he'll become the first Ohio State player to intercept a pass in five straight games since Mike Sensibaugh in 1969.
So what gives?
"James is the best cover linebacker I've gone against since I've been here," Ohio State receiver Anthony Gonzalez said. "He's just very aware of what route is coming at him, what position he needs to be in, and he's got pretty good hands."
"He does a great job of what we call vision and break," cornerbacks coach Tim Beckman said, "seeing the quarterback's eyes, reading the shoulder, reading the tilt of the shoulder to tell you if [the pass] is deep or shallow. He's got a knack for it."
Smith and the NFL:
Tressel said during Saturday's game at Iowa that he suggested to quarterback Troy Smith that a post route was open on one play when Smith didn't throw it.
"No, Coach, you'll see on the film, it wasn't," Smith said.
"And he was right," said Tressel.
Passing game coordinator Joe Daniels disagreed with the quarterback on a different play, screaming "No" in the coaches box as Smith squeezed in a 12-yard touchdown pass to Brian Robiskie in the fourth quarter.
"He waited for the window, and it wasn't a real big window, but he waited for it and he got it," Daniels said. "It was great."
Smith threw the kind of pass that Daniels think answers any questions from NFL scouts about his arm strength.
"Early on last year I tried to tell people that Troy can throw as well as most guys I've ever coached," Daniels said. "What they are saying now is he has proven that. I think they all realize this kid has a major-league arm. That's one part we don't have to worry about."
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[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Lord giveth, and the OSU D taketh away[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]BY JIM NAVEAU - Oct. 5, 2006[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]COLUMBUS ? Even the guys doing it can?t quite explain it.
Ohio State?s defense ? the source of much worry and concern before the season began ? is second in the country in turnover margin, leads the Big Ten in sacks and has already surpassed the number of turnovers created by last year?s much-decorated defense.
Ohio State has forced 13 turnovers ? 11 of them on pass interceptions. The Buckeyes have intercepted three passes in their last three games and sophomore linebacker James Laurinaitis has picked off a pass in four straight games.
This has been accomplished with nine new starters on defense, three of them replacing first-round NFL draft choices A.J. Hawk, Bobby Carpenter and Donte Whitner.
Last season, even though it ranked in the top 10 in most defensive categories, Ohio State was 104th in turnover margin and forced only 12 of them.
Senior defensive end Jay Richardson seemed stumped for a second or two when asked to explain OSU?s success with takeaways this season. But then he took his best shot.
?One reason is that James Laurinaitis is a magnet for the football. That?s about the only reason I have,? he said.
Safety Brandon Mitchell says the work Richardson and his fellow defensive linemen have done has played a big role in the increased number of turnovers.
?For me as a defensive back it makes it a lot easier to get interceptions when our defensive line gets pressure (on the quarterback),? Mitchell said. ?Our line has done a good job of getting pressure and forcing quarterbacks to throw off their back foot.
?A lot of our interceptions have come in the fourth quarter because quarterbacks are just tired of getting hit.?
The fact that there are so many new starters could be a positive when it comes to producing turnovers, he said.
?I knew we had players who had a nose for the ball. It?s all about competition. We have people competing for spots and when you?re competing for spots you want to go out and make plays.?
Richardson credits the turnovers to the defensive backs and linebackers rather than the line.
?We?ve been pretty lucky with the turnovers so far but that should go to those guys in the back end. They?re playing well and when the ball is up in the air they think it?s theirs. That?s a good mentality to have,? he said.
Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez says he has noticed a slight difference in the approach of this year?s defense when he has faced them in practice.
?When I think of last year?s defense the first thing that comes to mind is they wanted to punish you physically. And this defense, though it is physical, maybe it?s more conscious of the ball,? Gonzalez said. ?And James is the best cover linebacker I?ve seen since I?ve been here.?
None of this sounds like good news for Bowling Green (3-2) when it plays at No. 1 Ohio State (5-0) on Saturday. The Falcons have already had three turnovers become touchdowns this season ? on blocked punts against Wisconsin and Buffalo and on a fumble recovery against Kent State.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Lord giveth, and the OSU D taketh away[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]BY JIM NAVEAU - Oct. 5, 2006[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]COLUMBUS ? Even the guys doing it can?t quite explain it.
Ohio State?s defense ? the source of much worry and concern before the season began ? is second in the country in turnover margin, leads the Big Ten in sacks and has already surpassed the number of turnovers created by last year?s much-decorated defense.
Ohio State has forced 13 turnovers ? 11 of them on pass interceptions. The Buckeyes have intercepted three passes in their last three games and sophomore linebacker James Laurinaitis has picked off a pass in four straight games.
This has been accomplished with nine new starters on defense, three of them replacing first-round NFL draft choices A.J. Hawk, Bobby Carpenter and Donte Whitner.
Last season, even though it ranked in the top 10 in most defensive categories, Ohio State was 104th in turnover margin and forced only 12 of them.
Senior defensive end Jay Richardson seemed stumped for a second or two when asked to explain OSU?s success with takeaways this season. But then he took his best shot.
?One reason is that James Laurinaitis is a magnet for the football. That?s about the only reason I have,? he said.
Safety Brandon Mitchell says the work Richardson and his fellow defensive linemen have done has played a big role in the increased number of turnovers.
?For me as a defensive back it makes it a lot easier to get interceptions when our defensive line gets pressure (on the quarterback),? Mitchell said. ?Our line has done a good job of getting pressure and forcing quarterbacks to throw off their back foot.
?A lot of our interceptions have come in the fourth quarter because quarterbacks are just tired of getting hit.?
The fact that there are so many new starters could be a positive when it comes to producing turnovers, he said.
?I knew we had players who had a nose for the ball. It?s all about competition. We have people competing for spots and when you?re competing for spots you want to go out and make plays.?
Richardson credits the turnovers to the defensive backs and linebackers rather than the line.
?We?ve been pretty lucky with the turnovers so far but that should go to those guys in the back end. They?re playing well and when the ball is up in the air they think it?s theirs. That?s a good mentality to have,? he said.
Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez says he has noticed a slight difference in the approach of this year?s defense when he has faced them in practice.
?When I think of last year?s defense the first thing that comes to mind is they wanted to punish you physically. And this defense, though it is physical, maybe it?s more conscious of the ball,? Gonzalez said. ?And James is the best cover linebacker I?ve seen since I?ve been here.?
None of this sounds like good news for Bowling Green (3-2) when it plays at No. 1 Ohio State (5-0) on Saturday. The Falcons have already had three turnovers become touchdowns this season ? on blocked punts against Wisconsin and Buffalo and on a fumble recovery against Kent State.
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Laurinaitis and Gholston make quite a tag team
JASON LLOYD, Morning Journal Writer
10/09/2006
COLUMBUS -- James Laurinaitis doesn't mind the nickname ''Little Animal.'' It's certainly better than his nickname in high school.
Growing up in Minnesota, Laurinaitis played hockey like everyone else. Because he was easily the biggest player on his team, he was stuck with the nickname ''Shrek.''
''Which I didn't really like,'' Laurinaitis said. ''I never considered myself a big, ugly ogre.''
Opposing offenses might view him that way. Defensive coordinator Jim Heacock called Laurinaitis and defensive end Vernon Gholston two of the biggest surprises this year on a defense that continues to impress.
Gholston showed off his great hands for a defensive end Saturday with an interception in the win over Bowling Green. He just assumed Laurinaitis' streak, since the middle linebacker had intercepted a pass in four straight before the streak came to an end against the Falcons.
Still, Laurinaitis caught the blocked field goal attempt in the first quarter, proving once again he always finds a way to get around the ball.
''My teammates tell me I have a magnet in my chest,'' he said.
There isn't enough room to wedge a magnet into Gholston's chest. He has too much muscle in the way.
Only a sophomore, Gholston could be a fixture at defensive end for quite some time. During the practices leading up to the Fiesta Bowl last year, Heacock and others were raving about the potential of Lawrence Wilson and comparing him to former great Will Smith. It was just assumed Wilson would take over at defensive end this year, but with the emergence of Gholston, Wilson now can barely get on the field.
''He's gone beyond my expectations,'' Heacock said of Gholston. ''He came in this spring and really kind of surprised everyone in spring ball. That's when he really kind of stepped up and it seemed like every scrimmage we had, he made plays. When a guy makes plays in practice, he's probably going to make them in a game. Vernon came out of spring ball as one of our most productive defensive players.''
Now six games into the season, that hasn't changed. The interception Saturday was his first, but his sack gives him 4 1/2 this year, second behind Quinn Pitcock's 5.
What makes Gholston so good is his sheer strength. On a Big Ten team full of muscle, Gholston is perhaps the strongest.
''I've seen Vernon squat 405 pounds over 20 times,'' Laurinaitis said. ''It's insane. One time he started struggling with it around rep No. 8 and we thought ?OK, one more.' Then he decided to go 12 more times. That shows you what strength he has. If he puts his mind to it and you challenge him, he's going to try and do more. You look at him and wonder ?Is it all look or is he really that strong?' He's really that strong.''
Laurinaitis may not match Gholston in sheer strength, but he is developing a unique fan base.
A few fans smuggled shoulder pads with spikes on them into the stadium Saturday, reminiscent of the outfit his father, Joe, wore during his professional wrestling days playing Animal. Laurinaitis said one of the fans e-mailed him this week to tell him about the outfits.
''That's awesome. You gotta love it. It's creative, I think,'' he said. ''Before the season, my dad had asked me that. He said if you make a name for yourself, you might have some people dressing up with the spikes. You love the support from everybody and it's really special.''
The Shrek nickname has officially been retired, replaced by Little Animal, which seems to be growing in popularity. While it may not be as creative, Laurinaitis is honored to be compared with his father.
''I'm very proud of what my dad has done,'' he said. ''Especially as a linebacker, if they want to call me the Little Animal, I'm going to be proud of that.''
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Laurinaitis and Gholston make quite a tag team
JASON LLOYD, Morning Journal Writer
10/09/2006
COLUMBUS -- James Laurinaitis doesn't mind the nickname ''Little Animal.'' It's certainly better than his nickname in high school.
Growing up in Minnesota, Laurinaitis played hockey like everyone else. Because he was easily the biggest player on his team, he was stuck with the nickname ''Shrek.''
''Which I didn't really like,'' Laurinaitis said. ''I never considered myself a big, ugly ogre.''
Opposing offenses might view him that way. Defensive coordinator Jim Heacock called Laurinaitis and defensive end Vernon Gholston two of the biggest surprises this year on a defense that continues to impress.
Gholston showed off his great hands for a defensive end Saturday with an interception in the win over Bowling Green. He just assumed Laurinaitis' streak, since the middle linebacker had intercepted a pass in four straight before the streak came to an end against the Falcons.
Still, Laurinaitis caught the blocked field goal attempt in the first quarter, proving once again he always finds a way to get around the ball.
''My teammates tell me I have a magnet in my chest,'' he said.
There isn't enough room to wedge a magnet into Gholston's chest. He has too much muscle in the way.
Only a sophomore, Gholston could be a fixture at defensive end for quite some time. During the practices leading up to the Fiesta Bowl last year, Heacock and others were raving about the potential of Lawrence Wilson and comparing him to former great Will Smith. It was just assumed Wilson would take over at defensive end this year, but with the emergence of Gholston, Wilson now can barely get on the field.
''He's gone beyond my expectations,'' Heacock said of Gholston. ''He came in this spring and really kind of surprised everyone in spring ball. That's when he really kind of stepped up and it seemed like every scrimmage we had, he made plays. When a guy makes plays in practice, he's probably going to make them in a game. Vernon came out of spring ball as one of our most productive defensive players.''
Now six games into the season, that hasn't changed. The interception Saturday was his first, but his sack gives him 4 1/2 this year, second behind Quinn Pitcock's 5.
What makes Gholston so good is his sheer strength. On a Big Ten team full of muscle, Gholston is perhaps the strongest.
''I've seen Vernon squat 405 pounds over 20 times,'' Laurinaitis said. ''It's insane. One time he started struggling with it around rep No. 8 and we thought ?OK, one more.' Then he decided to go 12 more times. That shows you what strength he has. If he puts his mind to it and you challenge him, he's going to try and do more. You look at him and wonder ?Is it all look or is he really that strong?' He's really that strong.''
Laurinaitis may not match Gholston in sheer strength, but he is developing a unique fan base.
A few fans smuggled shoulder pads with spikes on them into the stadium Saturday, reminiscent of the outfit his father, Joe, wore during his professional wrestling days playing Animal. Laurinaitis said one of the fans e-mailed him this week to tell him about the outfits.
''That's awesome. You gotta love it. It's creative, I think,'' he said. ''Before the season, my dad had asked me that. He said if you make a name for yourself, you might have some people dressing up with the spikes. You love the support from everybody and it's really special.''
The Shrek nickname has officially been retired, replaced by Little Animal, which seems to be growing in popularity. While it may not be as creative, Laurinaitis is honored to be compared with his father.
''I'm very proud of what my dad has done,'' he said. ''Especially as a linebacker, if they want to call me the Little Animal, I'm going to be proud of that.''
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