2009 New Mexico State Aggies Game Preview
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Preface
The Buckeyes will be playing New Mexico State on Halloween this Saturday, and there are some reasons to be frightened:
1. Jim Tressel has never won a game on Halloween at Ohio State
2. tOSU's first national champion team lost on Halloween
3. tOSU hasn't defeated a non-conference opponent on Halloween since 1925!
Here are all tOSU games played on Trick-or-Treat day:
1903 W 34-06 vs West Va
1908 W 20-09 vs Ohio Wesleyan
1925 W 17-00 vs Wooster
1931 W 13-06 at Indiana
1936 L 02-07 at Notre Dame
1942 L 07-17 at Wisconsin ('Bad Water' game)
1953 W 27-13 vs NW'ern
1959 W 30-24 vs Mich St
1964 W 21-19 at Iowa
1970 W 24-10 vs NW'ern
1981 W 45-33 at Purdue
1987 W 42-09 vs Minnesota
1992 W 38-15 at Iowa
1998 W 39-07 at Indiana
OK, so I tried to trick you - JT hasn't coached a Halloween game for the Buckeyes (he was 2-1 at YSU), and there's only been one non-conference game on that day since 1925. But a loss at South Bend, combined with the Bad Water game in Madison, should still be enough to generate a few chills up your spine regarding football on the last day of October.
Although playing New Mexico State should indeed be less frightening than sending your 10-year-old son to spend a night with anybody that appeared in the 'Thriller' video. Their proudest football history goes back several years.
Under head coach Warren Woodson, the Aggies had the nation's leading rusher for 4 straight years, from 1958-61. In '61 and '62 it was Jim Pilot, in 1960 it was Bob Gaiters, and in 1959 it was Pervis Atkins. During his 10 years at Las Cruces, the Aggies were 63-36-3 (.632), including an 11-0 season in 1960, when they finished at #17 in the AP poll and #19 in the Coaches.
They concluded that 1960 season with their second straight win in the Sun Bowl, but haven't returned to a bowl game since. The QB of those Sun Bowl teams was Charley Johnson, who is the only player ever named Sun Bowl MVP twice; he had a solid Pro career with the St. Louis Cardinals (leading the NFL in passing yards in '64), the Denver Broncos and the Houston Oilers.
Pervis Atkins was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame this year, and will be inducted in 2010 along with Chris Spielman. In 1959, he not only led the nation in rushing, but also in scoring and punt returns. Pervis played a few seasons of professional ball in the '60s with the Rams, the Redskins, and the Raiders. He is also remembered for playing the role of Mawabe for The Mean Machine in the original version of The Longest Yard.
Another Aggie star was Fredd Young, who had 6 sacks in a game against Louisiana Tech in '83. He was drafted by the Seahawks and was selected to 4 Pro Bowls in the '80s.
The Aggies also ran the ball effectively in the '90s, as Devins Manns became just the third player in 1-A history to rush for 1,000 yards in 4 straight seasons when he reached that milestone in 1998.
But New Mexico State has struggled since the days of Warren Woodson, though, and only have 4 winning seasons among the last 40, and they haven't won a conference title since a Missouri Valley crown in 1978. Since then, they've spent time as a member of various conferences: The Big West, the Sun Belt, and the WAC since 2005.
The Aggies have only played Big Ten opponents twice: they lost 59-21 at Iowa City in 1995, and lost 69-13 to the 1962 Wisconsin team that went to the Rose Bowl.
The Aggies rivalry games are described by the Interstates that head through Las Cruces: the I-10 rivalry is with UTEP, and the I-25 rivalry is with the Lobos of New Mexico.
Date and Time1. Jim Tressel has never won a game on Halloween at Ohio State
2. tOSU's first national champion team lost on Halloween
3. tOSU hasn't defeated a non-conference opponent on Halloween since 1925!
Here are all tOSU games played on Trick-or-Treat day:
1903 W 34-06 vs West Va
1908 W 20-09 vs Ohio Wesleyan
1925 W 17-00 vs Wooster
1931 W 13-06 at Indiana
1936 L 02-07 at Notre Dame
1942 L 07-17 at Wisconsin ('Bad Water' game)
1953 W 27-13 vs NW'ern
1959 W 30-24 vs Mich St
1964 W 21-19 at Iowa
1970 W 24-10 vs NW'ern
1981 W 45-33 at Purdue
1987 W 42-09 vs Minnesota
1992 W 38-15 at Iowa
1998 W 39-07 at Indiana
OK, so I tried to trick you - JT hasn't coached a Halloween game for the Buckeyes (he was 2-1 at YSU), and there's only been one non-conference game on that day since 1925. But a loss at South Bend, combined with the Bad Water game in Madison, should still be enough to generate a few chills up your spine regarding football on the last day of October.
Although playing New Mexico State should indeed be less frightening than sending your 10-year-old son to spend a night with anybody that appeared in the 'Thriller' video. Their proudest football history goes back several years.
Under head coach Warren Woodson, the Aggies had the nation's leading rusher for 4 straight years, from 1958-61. In '61 and '62 it was Jim Pilot, in 1960 it was Bob Gaiters, and in 1959 it was Pervis Atkins. During his 10 years at Las Cruces, the Aggies were 63-36-3 (.632), including an 11-0 season in 1960, when they finished at #17 in the AP poll and #19 in the Coaches.
They concluded that 1960 season with their second straight win in the Sun Bowl, but haven't returned to a bowl game since. The QB of those Sun Bowl teams was Charley Johnson, who is the only player ever named Sun Bowl MVP twice; he had a solid Pro career with the St. Louis Cardinals (leading the NFL in passing yards in '64), the Denver Broncos and the Houston Oilers.
Pervis Atkins was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame this year, and will be inducted in 2010 along with Chris Spielman. In 1959, he not only led the nation in rushing, but also in scoring and punt returns. Pervis played a few seasons of professional ball in the '60s with the Rams, the Redskins, and the Raiders. He is also remembered for playing the role of Mawabe for The Mean Machine in the original version of The Longest Yard.
Another Aggie star was Fredd Young, who had 6 sacks in a game against Louisiana Tech in '83. He was drafted by the Seahawks and was selected to 4 Pro Bowls in the '80s.
The Aggies also ran the ball effectively in the '90s, as Devins Manns became just the third player in 1-A history to rush for 1,000 yards in 4 straight seasons when he reached that milestone in 1998.
But New Mexico State has struggled since the days of Warren Woodson, though, and only have 4 winning seasons among the last 40, and they haven't won a conference title since a Missouri Valley crown in 1978. Since then, they've spent time as a member of various conferences: The Big West, the Sun Belt, and the WAC since 2005.
The Aggies have only played Big Ten opponents twice: they lost 59-21 at Iowa City in 1995, and lost 69-13 to the 1962 Wisconsin team that went to the Rose Bowl.
The Aggies rivalry games are described by the Interstates that head through Las Cruces: the I-10 rivalry is with UTEP, and the I-25 rivalry is with the Lobos of New Mexico.
Date: Saturday, October 31th, 2009
Time: Noon EDT Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 102,329 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Time: Noon EDT Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 102,329 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Events: Members of the 1974 Big Ten championship team return to Columbus for the New Mexico State game for their 35th anniversary reunion. These Buckeyes posted a 10-2 record, defeating Michigan 12-10 and facing Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl. Coached by Woody Hayes, team captains were Steve Myers, Archie Griffin, Arnold Jones, Neal Colzie and Pete Cusick. First team All-America selections were Van Ness DeCree, Kurt Schumacher, Pete Cusick, Steve Myers, Neal Colzie, Tom Skladany and Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin.
Ohio State will honor Ken Blair and Fred Beekman in pregame ceremonies Saturday; these two have provided more than 85 years of service to Buckeye football.
Blair, the owner of Blair Cartage Inc., in Newbury (Geauga County), began providing a commercial vehicle and driving the Buckeye football equipment to bowl games in 1982, toting OSU's gear all the way to San Diego for the Holiday Bowl that year; his son, Ken, was an Ohio State player at the time. 27 years later, the Blairs -- father and son -- have made hundreds of trips and logged thousands of miles transporting all the items needed for an away football contest to stadiums across America. They have provided the vehicles and custom artwork that make it instantly recognizable that the Buckeyes are rolling into town for more than a quarter-century.
Beekman retired last year after 60 seasons as a member of the timing crew at Ohio Stadium, an incredible span of 372 home games! Fred served the University for 47 years as director of recreational sports, and was instrumental in the inclusion of women in intramurals and the birth of women?s varsity sports at Ohio State in the 1960s. He was a long-time football and basketball official and served as meet manager for the Ohio state high school track meet for 30 years. He has been recognized by many campus organizations, and the 43-acre park at the corner of Kenny and Lane bears his name.
Broadcast Information:
TV: The Big Ten Network (BTN): with Matt Rosen (Play-by-Play), Glen Mason (analyst), and Anthony Herron (sideline reporting).
Radio: Ohio State Radio Network (WBNS 97.1 and 1460TheFan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sideline).
The game can also be heard on Sirius satellite radio Channel 122.
2009 New Mexico State Aggies Offensive PreviewOhio State will honor Ken Blair and Fred Beekman in pregame ceremonies Saturday; these two have provided more than 85 years of service to Buckeye football.
Blair, the owner of Blair Cartage Inc., in Newbury (Geauga County), began providing a commercial vehicle and driving the Buckeye football equipment to bowl games in 1982, toting OSU's gear all the way to San Diego for the Holiday Bowl that year; his son, Ken, was an Ohio State player at the time. 27 years later, the Blairs -- father and son -- have made hundreds of trips and logged thousands of miles transporting all the items needed for an away football contest to stadiums across America. They have provided the vehicles and custom artwork that make it instantly recognizable that the Buckeyes are rolling into town for more than a quarter-century.
Beekman retired last year after 60 seasons as a member of the timing crew at Ohio Stadium, an incredible span of 372 home games! Fred served the University for 47 years as director of recreational sports, and was instrumental in the inclusion of women in intramurals and the birth of women?s varsity sports at Ohio State in the 1960s. He was a long-time football and basketball official and served as meet manager for the Ohio state high school track meet for 30 years. He has been recognized by many campus organizations, and the 43-acre park at the corner of Kenny and Lane bears his name.
Broadcast Information:
TV: The Big Ten Network (BTN): with Matt Rosen (Play-by-Play), Glen Mason (analyst), and Anthony Herron (sideline reporting).
Radio: Ohio State Radio Network (WBNS 97.1 and 1460TheFan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sideline).
The game can also be heard on Sirius satellite radio Channel 122.
Returning starters: 7
After stomping on Minnesota, Ohio State takes a trip back to non-conference play to take on the Aggies of New Mexico State before finishing their schedule with a rather difficult 3 game set. Gone is the horribly failed "Air Raid" era of Hal Mumme, which produced quite a few fireworks but only 11 wins in 4 seasons. Enter new coach DeWayne Walker, who is young and eager to establish a balance on offense after 4 years of the spread passing attack. What is his challenge? Only to completely switch the offense and recruit and win at a program that has exactly 4 winning seasons since 1968: 6-5 in 1978, 6-5 in 1992, 6-5 in 1999, and 7-5 in 2002. They were arguably the worst program in D-1A in the late 1980's era, going 10-78 from 1984 to 1991. Clearly this team has issues, but Walker is eager to prove they can be competitive in the WAC, a modest goal for some but a tall order for a team that hasn't lost less than 5 games since 1967 and hasn't won more than 7 since 1965.
The transition on offense has been difficult as one might imagine, but the team has produced 3 wins already, just one shy of the best season of the Mumme era. The Aggies enter the game dead last in total offense with just 254.3 yards a game. They barely clear the 3 service academies in passing (118.9 YPG, 117th) but are much more respectable running the football (150.4 YPG, 56th). Sadly the running game has not produced many points, as the Aggies rank 119/120 with only 13.3 points per contest. They haven't made many first downs (118, 109th) and haven't converted many 3rd down opportunities either (33.9%, 88th). All in all, it's been a very tough season in Las Cruces, but the fan base should take heart: this is a very young team, they are playing hard, they are running the football OK, and they have 3 wins in 8 games. It may take time, but Walker appears to have the program headed in the right direction already. He beat in-state rival New Mexico (first win for the Aggies since 2002) and has won his first WAC game this season, beating Utah State. He and the Aggies will not, however, have much luck against a ferocious Buckeye defense on Saturday in all likelihood.
The transition on offense has been difficult as one might imagine, but the team has produced 3 wins already, just one shy of the best season of the Mumme era. The Aggies enter the game dead last in total offense with just 254.3 yards a game. They barely clear the 3 service academies in passing (118.9 YPG, 117th) but are much more respectable running the football (150.4 YPG, 56th). Sadly the running game has not produced many points, as the Aggies rank 119/120 with only 13.3 points per contest. They haven't made many first downs (118, 109th) and haven't converted many 3rd down opportunities either (33.9%, 88th). All in all, it's been a very tough season in Las Cruces, but the fan base should take heart: this is a very young team, they are playing hard, they are running the football OK, and they have 3 wins in 8 games. It may take time, but Walker appears to have the program headed in the right direction already. He beat in-state rival New Mexico (first win for the Aggies since 2002) and has won his first WAC game this season, beating Utah State. He and the Aggies will not, however, have much luck against a ferocious Buckeye defense on Saturday in all likelihood.
Quarterbacks
QB #11 Trevor Walls (6-5, 220, FR, Waverly HS, Waverly, OH)
QB #9 Jeff Fleming (6-4, 195, SO, Fullerton JC, Fullerton, CA)
The QB situation is a mess. Perhaps as much or more significant as the end of the Hal Mumme era was the end of the Chase Holbrook era in Las Cruces. In the past 3 years as the starter, he threw for 11,921 yards and 85 TDs, with a career rating of 141.63 and a career completion percentage of nearly 70. Replacing that production is difficult or impossible as is, not even considering the offensive overhaul. Walls and Fleming have both taken turns as the starter, with each QB getting 4 starts. Fleming opened the year as the starter, Walls took over in game 4, it was back to Fleming in game 5, and since then Walls has been the starter each of the past 3 games. Both QBs are tall and play similar styles, though Fleming is a bit more adept at the run and Walls is a bit bigger and might have a bit better arm. Both have similar statistics that are not pretty, including completion percentages below 53%, at least 5 INTs with only 2 TD passes, and ratings below 90. Fleming has also taken 8 sacks thus far, with Walls taking 6, which is a total average of about a sack per 13 pass attempts or so. Fleming's best game came in the opener, when he looked decent, throwing for 230 yards on 63.6% completions. He hasn't thrown for more than 75 yards in a game since. Walls threw for 103 yards and a TD against San Diego State, but has only topped 80 yards one other game. The fact he went a ghastly 8 for 25 for 81 yards and a pick against Utah State but still kept his starting job illustrates the QB situation in a nutshell. It's probable that both will see the field Saturday, but neither has been very good, and it is doubtful either can be effective at all against the Buckeye defense.
QB Rating: F
Head-to-Head: New Mexico State versus Ohio State QBs
Walls: 45/87 (51.7%), 339 yards, 2 TDs, 5 INTs, 80.6 rating; 13/-39, 2 TDs
Fleming: 52/99 (52.5%), 492 yards, 2 TDs, 6 INTs, 88.8 rating; 50/140, 2 TDs
Pryor: 102/184 (55.4%), 1408 yards, 12 TDs, 9 INTs, 131.5 rating; 101/471, 5 TDs
Pryor played much better last week in all phases, so he needs to keep the momentum going, work on his reads and progressions, square his shoulders, and make some more solid decisions this week. He could still finish the season with a flourish if he can put it all together by November 7th. On the other side, it is harsh assigning an F to a couple of young players trying to find their way in a new offense with a new coaching staff, but the bottom line is neither is very good at the moment. It is a bit odd to see an Ohio kid playing QB out at New Mexico State, but the coaches seem to want to give him a chance to develop as the possible starter of the future. It doesn't really help the situation that both players are similar in build and style, such that neither brings anything especially unique to the table. Replacing a guy like Holbrook was never going to be easy, but the transition of the offense and especially in the blocking has really hindered the Aggie passing game. In a couple of seasons, this offense might be productive in the passing game. Right now it isn't anywhere close.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
TB #20 Seth Smith (5-8, 198, JR, College of the Sequoias, Oakland, CA)
FB #21 Ron Opetaia (5-9, 221, SO, LBJ HS, American Samoa)
In contrast to the passing game, Smith has been a pleasant surprise and a nice player for the Aggies this year. The leading rusher last year had all of 384 yards, and Smith has nearly doubled that this season already. Smith is a short back but is built well for his size, and he is an effective runner both in between the tackles and on the outside. He has three 100 yard games thus far and 3 more where he fell just short. He gained 150 yards against Prairie View, 113 against New Mexico, and 105 last weekend against Fresno State. He also had 99 against UTEP, 98 against Utah State and 89 against San Diego State. One thing he hasn't been able to do is find the end zone much, scoring only one time. He can also catch an occasional dumpoff (9 receptions) but doesn't generally turn those into much (31 yards). All in all, he's a reasonably good player to lean on and build around as the offense tries to find its way.
The primary backup is senior Tonny Glynn (#23). Glynn is built much the same as Smith (5-8, 200) and has some similar tendencies. He had career highs in yards (456) and TDs (4) in 2007, but has contributed sparingly since then. His season high is 30 yards, though he has had 4 carries in each of the past 2 games, so it is likely he will see some of the ball Saturday. Last season's leading rusher was Marquell Colston (#3), who started the first game. He had 249 yards and 2 TDs prior to his suspension in early October, and it doesn't look like he will be back. He was relatively productive with his 60 carries, and the team will miss his game experience.
Opetaia has 1 carry and 4 catches, so he doesn't see the ball much.
RB Rating: C
Head-to-Head: New Mexico State versus Ohio State RBs
Smith: 162/703 yards, 1 TD, 4.3 YPC; 9 rec/31 yards, 0 TDs, 3.4 YPR
Glynn: 35/121 yards, 1 TD, 3.5 YPC; 6 rec/22 yards, 0 TDs, 3.7 YPR
Saine: 81/426 yards, 0 TDs, 5.3 YPC; 10 rec/143 yards, 0 TDs, 14.3 YPR
Herron: 66/241 yards, 5 TDs, 3.7 YPC; 5 rec/34 yards, 0 TDs, 6.8 YPR
New Mexico State at least has a somewhat respectable running game to build on. Smith is another young player with some talent who has shown he can carry a significant load, shouldering at least 25 carries 4 times. Glynn doesn't add much in terms of differing styles, but he can contribute a quality carry or two. The Buckeyes ran the ball much more effectively last week, and will continue to try and establish the physical presence as they head towards 3 conference showdowns in cold weather. Without Colston, the Aggies have kind of been making it up as they go, but at least the running game has been able to move the ball some and keep them in some games this year.
Edge: Ohio State
Wide Receivers
WR-X #7 Todd Lee (5-9, 155, SO, Catholic HS, Baton Rouge, LA)
WR-F #10 Marcus Anderson (5-8, 166, SR, Pasadena City College, Austin, TX)
Like the QB play, the receiving statistics will obviously take a huge hit with the transition of the offense. In 2008, Weston Neiman was 4th on the team with 27 catches, 254 yards, and 2 TDs. This year, the leading receiver will probably barely pass those numbers, and the entire corps may not total team leader Chris Williams' 86 receptions, 1271 yards, or 9 TDs from last season. This season's crew has relatively equal distribution across several players. Anderson is the holdover who got significant playing time last season. After a year where he caught 50 balls for 617 yards and 9 TDs, he will not come close to repeating those stats in 2009. He has 6 starts on the season and is tied for the team lead in catches with 18 and TDs with 1. His best game came in the opener, when he caught 4 passes for 50 yards against Idaho. He tends to average about 2 receptions a game. Lee is a young player who caught 6 passes last season and has stepped up his game, making 4 starts at the X and 1 at the Y thus far. His contributions have been more sporadic, though he caught 6 passes for 49 yards in the opener and 3 for 67 yards and a TD against San Diego State.
The top backup is junior Marcus Allen (#32). Allen has 3 starts at the X position and sees quite a bit of the field, accumulating 15 receptions and 195 yards thus far. Allen's 2 best games were the opener, where he had 5 catches for 82 yards, and the Utah State game, where he had 5 for 58. Also getting a couple of starts is sophomore Donyae Coleman (#84). He has 6 receptions on the season, including 3 against New Mexico.
WR Rating: D
Head-to-Head: New Mexico State versus Ohio State WRs
QB #11 Trevor Walls (6-5, 220, FR, Waverly HS, Waverly, OH)
QB #9 Jeff Fleming (6-4, 195, SO, Fullerton JC, Fullerton, CA)
The QB situation is a mess. Perhaps as much or more significant as the end of the Hal Mumme era was the end of the Chase Holbrook era in Las Cruces. In the past 3 years as the starter, he threw for 11,921 yards and 85 TDs, with a career rating of 141.63 and a career completion percentage of nearly 70. Replacing that production is difficult or impossible as is, not even considering the offensive overhaul. Walls and Fleming have both taken turns as the starter, with each QB getting 4 starts. Fleming opened the year as the starter, Walls took over in game 4, it was back to Fleming in game 5, and since then Walls has been the starter each of the past 3 games. Both QBs are tall and play similar styles, though Fleming is a bit more adept at the run and Walls is a bit bigger and might have a bit better arm. Both have similar statistics that are not pretty, including completion percentages below 53%, at least 5 INTs with only 2 TD passes, and ratings below 90. Fleming has also taken 8 sacks thus far, with Walls taking 6, which is a total average of about a sack per 13 pass attempts or so. Fleming's best game came in the opener, when he looked decent, throwing for 230 yards on 63.6% completions. He hasn't thrown for more than 75 yards in a game since. Walls threw for 103 yards and a TD against San Diego State, but has only topped 80 yards one other game. The fact he went a ghastly 8 for 25 for 81 yards and a pick against Utah State but still kept his starting job illustrates the QB situation in a nutshell. It's probable that both will see the field Saturday, but neither has been very good, and it is doubtful either can be effective at all against the Buckeye defense.
QB Rating: F
Head-to-Head: New Mexico State versus Ohio State QBs
Walls: 45/87 (51.7%), 339 yards, 2 TDs, 5 INTs, 80.6 rating; 13/-39, 2 TDs
Fleming: 52/99 (52.5%), 492 yards, 2 TDs, 6 INTs, 88.8 rating; 50/140, 2 TDs
Pryor: 102/184 (55.4%), 1408 yards, 12 TDs, 9 INTs, 131.5 rating; 101/471, 5 TDs
Pryor played much better last week in all phases, so he needs to keep the momentum going, work on his reads and progressions, square his shoulders, and make some more solid decisions this week. He could still finish the season with a flourish if he can put it all together by November 7th. On the other side, it is harsh assigning an F to a couple of young players trying to find their way in a new offense with a new coaching staff, but the bottom line is neither is very good at the moment. It is a bit odd to see an Ohio kid playing QB out at New Mexico State, but the coaches seem to want to give him a chance to develop as the possible starter of the future. It doesn't really help the situation that both players are similar in build and style, such that neither brings anything especially unique to the table. Replacing a guy like Holbrook was never going to be easy, but the transition of the offense and especially in the blocking has really hindered the Aggie passing game. In a couple of seasons, this offense might be productive in the passing game. Right now it isn't anywhere close.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
TB #20 Seth Smith (5-8, 198, JR, College of the Sequoias, Oakland, CA)
FB #21 Ron Opetaia (5-9, 221, SO, LBJ HS, American Samoa)
In contrast to the passing game, Smith has been a pleasant surprise and a nice player for the Aggies this year. The leading rusher last year had all of 384 yards, and Smith has nearly doubled that this season already. Smith is a short back but is built well for his size, and he is an effective runner both in between the tackles and on the outside. He has three 100 yard games thus far and 3 more where he fell just short. He gained 150 yards against Prairie View, 113 against New Mexico, and 105 last weekend against Fresno State. He also had 99 against UTEP, 98 against Utah State and 89 against San Diego State. One thing he hasn't been able to do is find the end zone much, scoring only one time. He can also catch an occasional dumpoff (9 receptions) but doesn't generally turn those into much (31 yards). All in all, he's a reasonably good player to lean on and build around as the offense tries to find its way.
The primary backup is senior Tonny Glynn (#23). Glynn is built much the same as Smith (5-8, 200) and has some similar tendencies. He had career highs in yards (456) and TDs (4) in 2007, but has contributed sparingly since then. His season high is 30 yards, though he has had 4 carries in each of the past 2 games, so it is likely he will see some of the ball Saturday. Last season's leading rusher was Marquell Colston (#3), who started the first game. He had 249 yards and 2 TDs prior to his suspension in early October, and it doesn't look like he will be back. He was relatively productive with his 60 carries, and the team will miss his game experience.
Opetaia has 1 carry and 4 catches, so he doesn't see the ball much.
RB Rating: C
Head-to-Head: New Mexico State versus Ohio State RBs
Smith: 162/703 yards, 1 TD, 4.3 YPC; 9 rec/31 yards, 0 TDs, 3.4 YPR
Glynn: 35/121 yards, 1 TD, 3.5 YPC; 6 rec/22 yards, 0 TDs, 3.7 YPR
Saine: 81/426 yards, 0 TDs, 5.3 YPC; 10 rec/143 yards, 0 TDs, 14.3 YPR
Herron: 66/241 yards, 5 TDs, 3.7 YPC; 5 rec/34 yards, 0 TDs, 6.8 YPR
New Mexico State at least has a somewhat respectable running game to build on. Smith is another young player with some talent who has shown he can carry a significant load, shouldering at least 25 carries 4 times. Glynn doesn't add much in terms of differing styles, but he can contribute a quality carry or two. The Buckeyes ran the ball much more effectively last week, and will continue to try and establish the physical presence as they head towards 3 conference showdowns in cold weather. Without Colston, the Aggies have kind of been making it up as they go, but at least the running game has been able to move the ball some and keep them in some games this year.
Edge: Ohio State
Wide Receivers
WR-X #7 Todd Lee (5-9, 155, SO, Catholic HS, Baton Rouge, LA)
WR-F #10 Marcus Anderson (5-8, 166, SR, Pasadena City College, Austin, TX)
Like the QB play, the receiving statistics will obviously take a huge hit with the transition of the offense. In 2008, Weston Neiman was 4th on the team with 27 catches, 254 yards, and 2 TDs. This year, the leading receiver will probably barely pass those numbers, and the entire corps may not total team leader Chris Williams' 86 receptions, 1271 yards, or 9 TDs from last season. This season's crew has relatively equal distribution across several players. Anderson is the holdover who got significant playing time last season. After a year where he caught 50 balls for 617 yards and 9 TDs, he will not come close to repeating those stats in 2009. He has 6 starts on the season and is tied for the team lead in catches with 18 and TDs with 1. His best game came in the opener, when he caught 4 passes for 50 yards against Idaho. He tends to average about 2 receptions a game. Lee is a young player who caught 6 passes last season and has stepped up his game, making 4 starts at the X and 1 at the Y thus far. His contributions have been more sporadic, though he caught 6 passes for 49 yards in the opener and 3 for 67 yards and a TD against San Diego State.
The top backup is junior Marcus Allen (#32). Allen has 3 starts at the X position and sees quite a bit of the field, accumulating 15 receptions and 195 yards thus far. Allen's 2 best games were the opener, where he had 5 catches for 82 yards, and the Utah State game, where he had 5 for 58. Also getting a couple of starts is sophomore Donyae Coleman (#84). He has 6 receptions on the season, including 3 against New Mexico.
WR Rating: D
Head-to-Head: New Mexico State versus Ohio State WRs
Lee: 18 catches, 208 yards, 1 TD, 11.6 YPR
Anderson: 18 catches, 178 yards, 1 TD, 9.9 YPR
Allen: 15 catches, 195 yards, 0 TDs, 13.0 YPR
Posey: 38 catches, 516 yards, 6 TDs, 13.6 YPR
Sanzenbacher: 19 catches, 388 yards, 4 TDs, 20.4 YPR
Small: 11 catches, 147 yards, 0 TDs, 13.4 YPR
Like most of the positions on this offense, the receivers are young and have some talent but very little experience. None have large YPR numbers or many TDs, but all can get open and make a catch if given the opportunity. The corps really suffers from the struggles of the QBs. With more experience, this unit will vastly improve. The Buckeyes have an emerging lethal weapon in Posey and a steady threat in Sanzenbacher. Small and Carter can also contribute significantly.
Edge: Ohio State
Tight Ends
TE/WR-Y #17 Kyle Nelson (6-4, 232, JR, Tulsa, Waco, TX)
The Aggies have a hybrid TE/Y position, and Nelson is generally the starter. He has 9 receptions on the season, including a TD against UTEP, and he is also a reasonable blocker. Ronny Torres (#85) sees the field in blocking situations and Kyle Hipp (#89) is a good-sized player (6-5, 250) who can block and make an occasional catch as well.
TE Rating: C
Head-to-Head: New Mexico State versus Ohio State TEs
Nelson: 9 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD, 10.0 YPR
Ballard: 8 catches, 88 yards, 0 TDs, 11.0 YPR
Neither team uses their TE much in the passing game, but Ballard is important for the Buckeye running game and has proven to be valuable as a receiver. He is a proven commodity. The Aggies have some pieces in place that they can use in different situations, and Nelson looks to be a reasonable player for them.
Edge: Ohio State
Offensive Line
LT #75 Dwayne Barton (6-4, 270, JR, Oak Park HS, Detroit, MI)
LG #67 Joe Palmer (6-3, 308, SR, Spring HS, Spring, TX)
C #62 Mike Grady (6-3, 302, SO, Carroll HS, Corpus Christi, TX)
RG #72 Seioli Fakalata (6-3, 313, JR, St. Francis HS, East Palo Alto, CA)
RT #59 David Norman (6-4, 300, SR, San Diego Mesa JC, Poway, CA)
One thing a young and struggling team needs to compete is continuity along the offensive line, and the Aggies have had some of that. This is also where the rare senior leadership is. It all starts in the middle with Grady, a solid player who has started every game and makes most of the protection calls. He has not allowed a sack this year, knows his assignments well, and is a good run blocker. Both guard spots have been manned by the same player all season as well. On the left side, Palmer has also not allowed a sack this year and leads the team with 47 knock-down blocks. On the right side, Fakalata has allowed just 2 sacks and has 44 knock-down blocks. Both guards are good run blockers, giving the Aggies a solid interior with which to advance the ball on the ground. The tackle spots are more works in progress. On the right side, Norman was hurt after 2 games, missed 2 games, and has started the previous 4. He is a solid veteran blocker who is reasonably good in pass protection. On the left, Barton has started every game. He is undersized for a tackle but has good lateral mobility. He can get beat for sacks, however. All in all, this unit can be effective run blocking, though the pass blocking can be suspect. Having revolving quarterbacks can't help offensive continuity, however.
In reserve, the Aggies are lead by senior bulldozer Joe Suder (#74; 6-5, 346). Suder filled in at right tackle for 2 games and should be first off the bench. Senior J.R. Saulietis (#61) and juniors Kyle Smith (#78) and Patrick Blount (#73) also provide depth, as does freshman Mike Yocius (#63).
OL Rating: D+
Head-to-Head: New Mexico State versus Ohio State OL
Ohio State showed significant improvement last week, providing hope that the line will reach at least some of its potential when it matters most in the final 3 games. For the Aggies, the line has been somewhat of a bright spot, in that it has remained together for the most part and has been able to grow as a unit. The offensive transition can't be easy on the line either, though it has done a good job with the run game...a team doesn't have a player in the national top 40 in rushing by accident. The passing game has been abysmal, however, and the combination of a suspect pass blocking line with poor quarterback play could spell disaster on Saturday.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
Perhaps the best grade would be incomplete, because this offensive transition will take some time. The production from the running game and the scrappy wins the team has garnered should buy Walker plenty of time to bring in some recruiting classes and get his plans in place. The Aggie running game has been reasonably good, but the passing game has been atrocious, which is especially bad when the team falls behind. Look for the Buckeyes to key on Smith, as he appears to be the only legitimate threat that the Aggies have. There doesn't seem to be enough blocking, quality receivers, or even adequate quarterback play to threaten the Buckeyes through the air at all. Also, many of the players behind the starters have similar styles, so they don't bring unique features to the offense or gameplan. Aggie fans should be patient, however, as the change in offensive philosophy will promote more offensive balance and more of a global team concept than the Air Raid days had. It will just take time and some players who fit the system. For now, Walker seems to have the team moving in the right direction, albeit slowly, and the Aggies can have pride in their running game. So there should be a sense of optimism in Las Cruces...just not for this weekend.
Overall Offensive Rating: D
2009 New Mexico State Aggies Defensive PreviewAnderson: 18 catches, 178 yards, 1 TD, 9.9 YPR
Allen: 15 catches, 195 yards, 0 TDs, 13.0 YPR
Posey: 38 catches, 516 yards, 6 TDs, 13.6 YPR
Sanzenbacher: 19 catches, 388 yards, 4 TDs, 20.4 YPR
Small: 11 catches, 147 yards, 0 TDs, 13.4 YPR
Like most of the positions on this offense, the receivers are young and have some talent but very little experience. None have large YPR numbers or many TDs, but all can get open and make a catch if given the opportunity. The corps really suffers from the struggles of the QBs. With more experience, this unit will vastly improve. The Buckeyes have an emerging lethal weapon in Posey and a steady threat in Sanzenbacher. Small and Carter can also contribute significantly.
Edge: Ohio State
Tight Ends
TE/WR-Y #17 Kyle Nelson (6-4, 232, JR, Tulsa, Waco, TX)
The Aggies have a hybrid TE/Y position, and Nelson is generally the starter. He has 9 receptions on the season, including a TD against UTEP, and he is also a reasonable blocker. Ronny Torres (#85) sees the field in blocking situations and Kyle Hipp (#89) is a good-sized player (6-5, 250) who can block and make an occasional catch as well.
TE Rating: C
Head-to-Head: New Mexico State versus Ohio State TEs
Nelson: 9 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD, 10.0 YPR
Ballard: 8 catches, 88 yards, 0 TDs, 11.0 YPR
Neither team uses their TE much in the passing game, but Ballard is important for the Buckeye running game and has proven to be valuable as a receiver. He is a proven commodity. The Aggies have some pieces in place that they can use in different situations, and Nelson looks to be a reasonable player for them.
Edge: Ohio State
Offensive Line
LT #75 Dwayne Barton (6-4, 270, JR, Oak Park HS, Detroit, MI)
LG #67 Joe Palmer (6-3, 308, SR, Spring HS, Spring, TX)
C #62 Mike Grady (6-3, 302, SO, Carroll HS, Corpus Christi, TX)
RG #72 Seioli Fakalata (6-3, 313, JR, St. Francis HS, East Palo Alto, CA)
RT #59 David Norman (6-4, 300, SR, San Diego Mesa JC, Poway, CA)
One thing a young and struggling team needs to compete is continuity along the offensive line, and the Aggies have had some of that. This is also where the rare senior leadership is. It all starts in the middle with Grady, a solid player who has started every game and makes most of the protection calls. He has not allowed a sack this year, knows his assignments well, and is a good run blocker. Both guard spots have been manned by the same player all season as well. On the left side, Palmer has also not allowed a sack this year and leads the team with 47 knock-down blocks. On the right side, Fakalata has allowed just 2 sacks and has 44 knock-down blocks. Both guards are good run blockers, giving the Aggies a solid interior with which to advance the ball on the ground. The tackle spots are more works in progress. On the right side, Norman was hurt after 2 games, missed 2 games, and has started the previous 4. He is a solid veteran blocker who is reasonably good in pass protection. On the left, Barton has started every game. He is undersized for a tackle but has good lateral mobility. He can get beat for sacks, however. All in all, this unit can be effective run blocking, though the pass blocking can be suspect. Having revolving quarterbacks can't help offensive continuity, however.
In reserve, the Aggies are lead by senior bulldozer Joe Suder (#74; 6-5, 346). Suder filled in at right tackle for 2 games and should be first off the bench. Senior J.R. Saulietis (#61) and juniors Kyle Smith (#78) and Patrick Blount (#73) also provide depth, as does freshman Mike Yocius (#63).
OL Rating: D+
Head-to-Head: New Mexico State versus Ohio State OL
Ohio State showed significant improvement last week, providing hope that the line will reach at least some of its potential when it matters most in the final 3 games. For the Aggies, the line has been somewhat of a bright spot, in that it has remained together for the most part and has been able to grow as a unit. The offensive transition can't be easy on the line either, though it has done a good job with the run game...a team doesn't have a player in the national top 40 in rushing by accident. The passing game has been abysmal, however, and the combination of a suspect pass blocking line with poor quarterback play could spell disaster on Saturday.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
Perhaps the best grade would be incomplete, because this offensive transition will take some time. The production from the running game and the scrappy wins the team has garnered should buy Walker plenty of time to bring in some recruiting classes and get his plans in place. The Aggie running game has been reasonably good, but the passing game has been atrocious, which is especially bad when the team falls behind. Look for the Buckeyes to key on Smith, as he appears to be the only legitimate threat that the Aggies have. There doesn't seem to be enough blocking, quality receivers, or even adequate quarterback play to threaten the Buckeyes through the air at all. Also, many of the players behind the starters have similar styles, so they don't bring unique features to the offense or gameplan. Aggie fans should be patient, however, as the change in offensive philosophy will promote more offensive balance and more of a global team concept than the Air Raid days had. It will just take time and some players who fit the system. For now, Walker seems to have the team moving in the right direction, albeit slowly, and the Aggies can have pride in their running game. So there should be a sense of optimism in Las Cruces...just not for this weekend.
Overall Offensive Rating: D
Returning Starters: 7
Dreadful. Last season the Aggies defense gave up 34.1 points a game and nearly 380 yards per, 220 of which came from opposing running games. As a consequence, NMSU turned the program over to the defensive minded DeWayne Walker. Walker was Pete Carroll's first hire when the latter took the USC head coaching job in 2001. He's coached secondaries in New England, Washington and the New York Giants of the NFL, and was UCLA's defensive coordinator before being named the Aggies head coach. Walker actually was head coach of the Bruins for one game, the 2007 Las Vegas Bowl, after then coach Karl Dorrell was dismissed. In any event, the Aggies defense has a long way to go to become formidable, but there is little question that under Walker the unit won't be all but ignored as in previous years.
Stats.......|Score..|Tot.Yds..|Rush..|Pass..|INT.| Fum.|Sack.|1stD..|3rd D..|PCT...|Red Zone.|PCT.|RZ TDs.|PCT.|TOF..|
New Mex St..|.28.0..|..369.5..|186.6.|182.9.|.5..| .5..|.13..|.143..|46-109.|42%...|.25-28...|89%.|.17-28.|61%.|28:03|
Ohio State..|.13.1..|..284.8..|.92.2.|192.5.|.14.|..7..|.23..|.134..|41-120.|34%...|.12-15...|80%.|..9-15.|60%.|30:48|
* TOF = Time on Field (Opponent's T.O.P)
New Mexico State has faced a total of 502 offensive plays against them this season and has yielded 224 points in 8 games. That results in 1 point per every 2.25 plays. By way of contrast, the Buckeyes stop forces have faced a total of 541 plays against them yileding 105 points, or 1 point every 5.15 plays. Looked at in terms of touchdowns, the Aggies surrender 7 points every 15.75 plays while the Buckeyes require teams to run 36 plays before yielding the same. The Aggies have given up 143 of their points against after opponents had reached their red zones (17 Tds, 8 FG) which indicates that the remaining 81 points have either been from plays longer than 20 yards, or long filed goals against. The Buckeyes have given up 72 red zone points, leaving 33 points to opposing big plays and/or long field goals. In short, while the Buckeyes should be able to score with the quick hitter, they should also have little trouble simply jamming the ball down the Aggies throats all game long. Meanwhile, the Aggies will be asked to put it all together for several consecutive plays if they're going to score. That should be much too tall an order come Saturday. This is confirmed when one considers that it takes teams only 13.2 yards to acquire a point against the Aggies, but 21.7 against the Buckeyes. Extrapolating that out to TDs, teams have to go 92.4 yards for 7 against the Aggies but 151.9 against the Buckeyes.
Defensive Line
DE #48 Pierre Fils (6-3, 230, So.)
NT #90 E.J. Cannon (6-0, 292, Sr.)
DT #52 Donte Savage (6-1, 229, So.)
DE #94 Kwika Shook (6-3, 248, Jr.)
The Aggie D-Line is undersized and has had trouble getting stops behind the line of scrimmage. The troubles on the line are complicated by little experience or consistent depth. Nonetheless, Fils has done all he can to make the front formidable. The sophomore saw action in 10 games as a freshman and continues to grow in his role. Built like a linebacker, Fils relies on speed off the edge and has been fairly successful against NMSU's opponents to date. He leads all linemen with 31 stops, 6 for loss (all sacks) and has forced 2 fumbles. The other end, Shook, is also built more like a LB but has been far less productive. While he held some Pac-10 offers coming out of High School, he has yet to establish himself as a consistent presence. He has 12 tackles and a sack thus far. Savage is the line's other most consistent threat. Though terribly undersized for interior line play, he has had some success with his quickness after learning by fire last season as a freshman. He won't bull anyone over, but has still managed 29 tackles with 7.5 for loss and 4 sacks in 2009. The only true lineman-sized lineman among the starting four is the senior E.J. Cannon. Despite his bulk, however, he has been unable to establish himself as a serious inside force, having only made 6 tackles this season.
NMSU's depth comes from ends: #24 Justin Alford (6-2, 227, Sr.) and #92 Vincent Federico (6-4, 290, Jr.), and tackles: #54 John Finau (6-1, 295, Jr.) and #37 Justin Adolpho (6-1, 233, Jr.) Both Finau and Alford have seen action in each of the Aggies 8 games this year. Finau is a JUCO transfer who brings decent size and quickness to the front four, but has yet to translate into much statistically. He has just 10 stops this season. Alford, meanwhile, is the line's most experienced player, though it's all been in the backup role. As with the starting group, size is an issue for Alford and he's made just 6 stops this season against suspect competition. Federico is the last of the 3 legitimately sized linemen on the roster, but he's seen the field in just 5 games, making 4 tackles with .5 for loss. Adolpho has 6 stops with .5 for loss in 7 games.
DL Rating: D
Head-to-Head: New Mexico State versus OSU DL
It's not even close. New Mexico State's line is essentially three linebackers and one beef-eater, while the Buckeyes sport NFL talent and size at every position. The Aggies are in transition from a 3-4 look under the previous staff and it does not appear they have the bodies to fill those roles just yet. While the Buckeyes rotation is as many as 10 or 11 deep, the Aggies have little depth. With Ohio State's linemen leaning on them for 4 quarters, there is little hope the Aggies D-Line will provide much resistance when all is said and done. The NMSU line will have to try and hit the Buckeyes with speed straight out of the gate, make some plays and start to "believe" if they are to be successful on Saturday. By contrast, the Ohio State D-Line should keep on chugging along as it has been all season and has the opportunity to pad some stats.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
SLB #11 Jamar Cotton (6-0, 218, Sr.)
MLB #51 Ross Conner (5-10, 212, Sr.)
WLB #9 Jason Scott (5-10, 207, Sr.)
Unfortunately for the Aggies, things don't improve much when the LB corps is considered. While there are three seniors anchoring the group, and a fourth coming off the bench, the linebackers do not quite live up to expectations overall. Scott is a former JUCO transfer and is the Aggies most consistent LB. Built like a safety, he has the ability to play bigger than he is and doesn't miss too many tackles. After finishing third on the Aggies last season in tackles, he is second thus far with 67 with 1.5 for loss. Conner leads the way with 70 tackles, 2 for loss with 1 sack and a pick. After a career on special teams, Connor has been productive in his role at linebacker this season. He is small at 212, but doesn't shy away from contact. Finally on the strong side is Cotton, a former safety who has more potential than what has translated on the field thus far. After a decent 2008 which was cut short by an season ending elbow injury, the Aggies were hoping he'd be among the team's top tacklers and backfield presences. To the contrary, however, he's made just 27 tackles, 2 for loss with a sack.
Reserve LBs include: #56 Sam King (6-0, 223, Sr.), #55 Numi Lolohea (5-11, 233, rFr.), and #47 Boyblue Aoelua (5-10, 217, So.). Can you say "no depth of which to speak?" Only King is likely to see the field in meaningful time, but it's telling that he hasn't been able to unseat any of the LBs in front of him on the depth chart. He has 10 tackles in 7 games with 2 for loss and 1 sack. Lolohea had 1 tackle in 5 games while Aoelua has 2 tackles in 6.
LB Rating: D+
Head-to-Head: New Mexico State versus OSU LBs
Like the D line, this one isn't close. There isn't a LB on Ohio State's roster who wouldn't be starting (and starring) for the Aggies. The Aggies have serious depth issues while the Buckeyes have no less than 7 or 8 LBs who can play. Expect all of those guys on the Buckeyes roster to see action on Saturday once things get out of hand. The NMSU corps is undersized and will have a hard time putting up much resistance the longer the game goes on, especially if Ohio State is able to get its O-Linemen to the second level with any consistency. The Aggies backers aren't particularly accomplished in coverage, and as a consequence Pryor may be able to take some looks to the inside of the field this week when throwing the ball, though the TE seems to be a forgotten element of the offensive game plan. Speaking of Pryor, he's significantly bigger than any of the LBs (and most of the D-Linemen too) and should probably be able to get 100 yards rushing for the second consecutive week.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
CB #4 Davon House (6-0, 172, Jr.)
FS #19 Stephon Hatchett (5-8, 170, Jr.)
SS #15 Junior Fasavalu (6-0, 191, Sr.)
CB #8 Chris Buckner (6-0, 188, Sr.)
The secondary is lead by junior Stephon Hatchett who has done nothing but get better and better while at NMSU. A former WR, he began the year projected as a reserve but has made the most of his opportunities thus far and leads the secondary with 49 tackles, 1 for loss with a 32 yard INT. The secondary's most consistent presence is House who will always draw the responsibility of the opponent's number one receiving threat. While smallish at 172, he can bring the wood and has plenty of experience which helps keep him in the right spots. He leads the team with 2 picks to go along with 40 tackles, .5 for loss. Buckner took a little time to figure out the college game after switching over from WR. While he's made steady improvements, there is still quite a ways to go before he can be considered among the better corners in the WAC. He has 15 stops this season. Fasavalu suffered a serious knee injury in 2007 and missed the bulk of the season. He returned in 2008 and played mainly on special teams, but did get some reps as a reserve DB. The JUCO transfer has 12 tackles with .5 for loss in 2009.
Corners: #22 Ben Bradley (5-10, 183, So.) and #1 Jonte Green (6-0, 175, So.), and safeties: #2 Alphonso Powell (5-9, 182, Jr.) and #40 Mike Zant (5-10, 171, So.) are listed in the Aggie two deep. While listed as reserves, the numbers for Green and Powell suggest they get the bulk of reps at their respective positions even if they're not on the field for the first snap. Green has 48 tackles, .5 for loss while Powell has 47 tackles, 1.5 for loss with an INT on his 2009 resume. They will no doubt see plenty of time against Ohio State on Saturday. Conversely, despite being listed on the two deep, neither Bradley nor Zant have recorded any tackles this season.
DB Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: New Mexico State versus OSU DBs
As with the other units considered, the Buckeyes are the superior secondary by a considerable margin. The NMSU secondary actually has pretty decent numbers and even finished 3rd in the nation in yards allowed last season, but a lot of that is due to the fact that teams run at will against the front seven. That said, House is a good corner who the Buckeyes will have to take seriously this weekend. Compared to Ohio State, however, the Buckeyes are simply far more talented, experienced and deep. Senior Safety Kurt Coleman's 3 interceptions is one less than NMSU's entire secondary and his 52 tackles tops among each team's secondaries. The difference between Jermale Hines and Fasavalu or Powell is severe, though Powell is a quality player for the Aggies. Even at his best, House won't make Buckeye fans yearn for the transfer of him to Ohio State to replace Chekwa or Torrence. At the end of the day, the Aggie secondary might look as if it held it's own against the Buckeyes. But, a lot of that will depend on the ability to run the ball. If Ohio State can move it on the ground, there won't be much need to work Pryor's arm. That said, expect the Buckeyes to test the Aggies secondary early if for no other reason than to give Pryor more and more opportunities to size up defenses.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
The Aggies defense isn't very good and there's really no way to sugar coat it. They should be no match for the Buckeyes, especially if Ohio State is clicking on all cylinders. The front four is very undersized and despite that, not particularly quick to the quarterback. Pryor is bigger than all but 3 of the D Linemen the Aggies might trot out on Saturday. If he's given time to throw, and he should be, there is room in the secondary to put the ball. Since the LBs will probably have to be used on blitzes to create any significant pressure, the Buckeyes might have a good deal of success with medium level passes to the middle of the field. Of course, despite being a weakness for the Aggies, the Buckeyes have tended to shy away from the middle of the field and thus NMSU might catch a break simply owing to scheme. In any case, like always, the better the Buckeyes are able to establish the run, the more likely it'll be that the big passing plays materialize. Depending on the status of a couple Ohio State running backs, however, NMSU might catch a break in that regard as well. That notwithstanding, even if Ohio State has to go with Jordan Hall and Jermil Martin all game the rushing yards should come in chunks.
Overall Defensive Rating: D+
2009 New Mexico State Aggies Special Teams PreviewStats.......|Score..|Tot.Yds..|Rush..|Pass..|INT.| Fum.|Sack.|1stD..|3rd D..|PCT...|Red Zone.|PCT.|RZ TDs.|PCT.|TOF..|
New Mex St..|.28.0..|..369.5..|186.6.|182.9.|.5..| .5..|.13..|.143..|46-109.|42%...|.25-28...|89%.|.17-28.|61%.|28:03|
Ohio State..|.13.1..|..284.8..|.92.2.|192.5.|.14.|..7..|.23..|.134..|41-120.|34%...|.12-15...|80%.|..9-15.|60%.|30:48|
* TOF = Time on Field (Opponent's T.O.P)
New Mexico State has faced a total of 502 offensive plays against them this season and has yielded 224 points in 8 games. That results in 1 point per every 2.25 plays. By way of contrast, the Buckeyes stop forces have faced a total of 541 plays against them yileding 105 points, or 1 point every 5.15 plays. Looked at in terms of touchdowns, the Aggies surrender 7 points every 15.75 plays while the Buckeyes require teams to run 36 plays before yielding the same. The Aggies have given up 143 of their points against after opponents had reached their red zones (17 Tds, 8 FG) which indicates that the remaining 81 points have either been from plays longer than 20 yards, or long filed goals against. The Buckeyes have given up 72 red zone points, leaving 33 points to opposing big plays and/or long field goals. In short, while the Buckeyes should be able to score with the quick hitter, they should also have little trouble simply jamming the ball down the Aggies throats all game long. Meanwhile, the Aggies will be asked to put it all together for several consecutive plays if they're going to score. That should be much too tall an order come Saturday. This is confirmed when one considers that it takes teams only 13.2 yards to acquire a point against the Aggies, but 21.7 against the Buckeyes. Extrapolating that out to TDs, teams have to go 92.4 yards for 7 against the Aggies but 151.9 against the Buckeyes.
Defensive Line
DE #48 Pierre Fils (6-3, 230, So.)
NT #90 E.J. Cannon (6-0, 292, Sr.)
DT #52 Donte Savage (6-1, 229, So.)
DE #94 Kwika Shook (6-3, 248, Jr.)
The Aggie D-Line is undersized and has had trouble getting stops behind the line of scrimmage. The troubles on the line are complicated by little experience or consistent depth. Nonetheless, Fils has done all he can to make the front formidable. The sophomore saw action in 10 games as a freshman and continues to grow in his role. Built like a linebacker, Fils relies on speed off the edge and has been fairly successful against NMSU's opponents to date. He leads all linemen with 31 stops, 6 for loss (all sacks) and has forced 2 fumbles. The other end, Shook, is also built more like a LB but has been far less productive. While he held some Pac-10 offers coming out of High School, he has yet to establish himself as a consistent presence. He has 12 tackles and a sack thus far. Savage is the line's other most consistent threat. Though terribly undersized for interior line play, he has had some success with his quickness after learning by fire last season as a freshman. He won't bull anyone over, but has still managed 29 tackles with 7.5 for loss and 4 sacks in 2009. The only true lineman-sized lineman among the starting four is the senior E.J. Cannon. Despite his bulk, however, he has been unable to establish himself as a serious inside force, having only made 6 tackles this season.
NMSU's depth comes from ends: #24 Justin Alford (6-2, 227, Sr.) and #92 Vincent Federico (6-4, 290, Jr.), and tackles: #54 John Finau (6-1, 295, Jr.) and #37 Justin Adolpho (6-1, 233, Jr.) Both Finau and Alford have seen action in each of the Aggies 8 games this year. Finau is a JUCO transfer who brings decent size and quickness to the front four, but has yet to translate into much statistically. He has just 10 stops this season. Alford, meanwhile, is the line's most experienced player, though it's all been in the backup role. As with the starting group, size is an issue for Alford and he's made just 6 stops this season against suspect competition. Federico is the last of the 3 legitimately sized linemen on the roster, but he's seen the field in just 5 games, making 4 tackles with .5 for loss. Adolpho has 6 stops with .5 for loss in 7 games.
DL Rating: D
Head-to-Head: New Mexico State versus OSU DL
It's not even close. New Mexico State's line is essentially three linebackers and one beef-eater, while the Buckeyes sport NFL talent and size at every position. The Aggies are in transition from a 3-4 look under the previous staff and it does not appear they have the bodies to fill those roles just yet. While the Buckeyes rotation is as many as 10 or 11 deep, the Aggies have little depth. With Ohio State's linemen leaning on them for 4 quarters, there is little hope the Aggies D-Line will provide much resistance when all is said and done. The NMSU line will have to try and hit the Buckeyes with speed straight out of the gate, make some plays and start to "believe" if they are to be successful on Saturday. By contrast, the Ohio State D-Line should keep on chugging along as it has been all season and has the opportunity to pad some stats.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
SLB #11 Jamar Cotton (6-0, 218, Sr.)
MLB #51 Ross Conner (5-10, 212, Sr.)
WLB #9 Jason Scott (5-10, 207, Sr.)
Unfortunately for the Aggies, things don't improve much when the LB corps is considered. While there are three seniors anchoring the group, and a fourth coming off the bench, the linebackers do not quite live up to expectations overall. Scott is a former JUCO transfer and is the Aggies most consistent LB. Built like a safety, he has the ability to play bigger than he is and doesn't miss too many tackles. After finishing third on the Aggies last season in tackles, he is second thus far with 67 with 1.5 for loss. Conner leads the way with 70 tackles, 2 for loss with 1 sack and a pick. After a career on special teams, Connor has been productive in his role at linebacker this season. He is small at 212, but doesn't shy away from contact. Finally on the strong side is Cotton, a former safety who has more potential than what has translated on the field thus far. After a decent 2008 which was cut short by an season ending elbow injury, the Aggies were hoping he'd be among the team's top tacklers and backfield presences. To the contrary, however, he's made just 27 tackles, 2 for loss with a sack.
Reserve LBs include: #56 Sam King (6-0, 223, Sr.), #55 Numi Lolohea (5-11, 233, rFr.), and #47 Boyblue Aoelua (5-10, 217, So.). Can you say "no depth of which to speak?" Only King is likely to see the field in meaningful time, but it's telling that he hasn't been able to unseat any of the LBs in front of him on the depth chart. He has 10 tackles in 7 games with 2 for loss and 1 sack. Lolohea had 1 tackle in 5 games while Aoelua has 2 tackles in 6.
LB Rating: D+
Head-to-Head: New Mexico State versus OSU LBs
Like the D line, this one isn't close. There isn't a LB on Ohio State's roster who wouldn't be starting (and starring) for the Aggies. The Aggies have serious depth issues while the Buckeyes have no less than 7 or 8 LBs who can play. Expect all of those guys on the Buckeyes roster to see action on Saturday once things get out of hand. The NMSU corps is undersized and will have a hard time putting up much resistance the longer the game goes on, especially if Ohio State is able to get its O-Linemen to the second level with any consistency. The Aggies backers aren't particularly accomplished in coverage, and as a consequence Pryor may be able to take some looks to the inside of the field this week when throwing the ball, though the TE seems to be a forgotten element of the offensive game plan. Speaking of Pryor, he's significantly bigger than any of the LBs (and most of the D-Linemen too) and should probably be able to get 100 yards rushing for the second consecutive week.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
CB #4 Davon House (6-0, 172, Jr.)
FS #19 Stephon Hatchett (5-8, 170, Jr.)
SS #15 Junior Fasavalu (6-0, 191, Sr.)
CB #8 Chris Buckner (6-0, 188, Sr.)
The secondary is lead by junior Stephon Hatchett who has done nothing but get better and better while at NMSU. A former WR, he began the year projected as a reserve but has made the most of his opportunities thus far and leads the secondary with 49 tackles, 1 for loss with a 32 yard INT. The secondary's most consistent presence is House who will always draw the responsibility of the opponent's number one receiving threat. While smallish at 172, he can bring the wood and has plenty of experience which helps keep him in the right spots. He leads the team with 2 picks to go along with 40 tackles, .5 for loss. Buckner took a little time to figure out the college game after switching over from WR. While he's made steady improvements, there is still quite a ways to go before he can be considered among the better corners in the WAC. He has 15 stops this season. Fasavalu suffered a serious knee injury in 2007 and missed the bulk of the season. He returned in 2008 and played mainly on special teams, but did get some reps as a reserve DB. The JUCO transfer has 12 tackles with .5 for loss in 2009.
Corners: #22 Ben Bradley (5-10, 183, So.) and #1 Jonte Green (6-0, 175, So.), and safeties: #2 Alphonso Powell (5-9, 182, Jr.) and #40 Mike Zant (5-10, 171, So.) are listed in the Aggie two deep. While listed as reserves, the numbers for Green and Powell suggest they get the bulk of reps at their respective positions even if they're not on the field for the first snap. Green has 48 tackles, .5 for loss while Powell has 47 tackles, 1.5 for loss with an INT on his 2009 resume. They will no doubt see plenty of time against Ohio State on Saturday. Conversely, despite being listed on the two deep, neither Bradley nor Zant have recorded any tackles this season.
DB Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: New Mexico State versus OSU DBs
As with the other units considered, the Buckeyes are the superior secondary by a considerable margin. The NMSU secondary actually has pretty decent numbers and even finished 3rd in the nation in yards allowed last season, but a lot of that is due to the fact that teams run at will against the front seven. That said, House is a good corner who the Buckeyes will have to take seriously this weekend. Compared to Ohio State, however, the Buckeyes are simply far more talented, experienced and deep. Senior Safety Kurt Coleman's 3 interceptions is one less than NMSU's entire secondary and his 52 tackles tops among each team's secondaries. The difference between Jermale Hines and Fasavalu or Powell is severe, though Powell is a quality player for the Aggies. Even at his best, House won't make Buckeye fans yearn for the transfer of him to Ohio State to replace Chekwa or Torrence. At the end of the day, the Aggie secondary might look as if it held it's own against the Buckeyes. But, a lot of that will depend on the ability to run the ball. If Ohio State can move it on the ground, there won't be much need to work Pryor's arm. That said, expect the Buckeyes to test the Aggies secondary early if for no other reason than to give Pryor more and more opportunities to size up defenses.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
The Aggies defense isn't very good and there's really no way to sugar coat it. They should be no match for the Buckeyes, especially if Ohio State is clicking on all cylinders. The front four is very undersized and despite that, not particularly quick to the quarterback. Pryor is bigger than all but 3 of the D Linemen the Aggies might trot out on Saturday. If he's given time to throw, and he should be, there is room in the secondary to put the ball. Since the LBs will probably have to be used on blitzes to create any significant pressure, the Buckeyes might have a good deal of success with medium level passes to the middle of the field. Of course, despite being a weakness for the Aggies, the Buckeyes have tended to shy away from the middle of the field and thus NMSU might catch a break simply owing to scheme. In any case, like always, the better the Buckeyes are able to establish the run, the more likely it'll be that the big passing plays materialize. Depending on the status of a couple Ohio State running backs, however, NMSU might catch a break in that regard as well. That notwithstanding, even if Ohio State has to go with Jordan Hall and Jermil Martin all game the rushing yards should come in chunks.
Overall Defensive Rating: D+
Returning Starters: 2
New Mexico State
Net punting: #76 in the nation, 45 punts for 1875 yds, 41.67 avg, 17 returns 246 yds, 3 touchbacks, 34.87 net
Punt Returns: #30 in the nation, 20 returns for 247 yards, 12.35 avg
Kickoff Returns: #88 in the nation, 33 returns for 670 yards, 20.30 avg
Punt Return Defense: #111 in the nation, 17 returns for 246 yards, 1 TD, 14.47 avg
Kickoff Return Defense: #41 in the nation, 15 returns for 303 yards, 20.2 avg 10 touchbacks
Ohio State
Net punting: #26 in the nation, 34 returns for 1316 yards, 38.71 avg, 3 returns 15 yards, 1 touchback, 37.68 net
Punt Returns: #105 in the nation, 22 returns for 104 yards, 4.73 avg
Kickoff Returns: #18 in the nation, 25 returns for 625 yards, 1 TD, 25 avg
Punt Return Defense: #24 in the nation, 3 returns for 15 yards, 5.0 avg
Kickoff Return Defense: #17 in the nation, 44 returns for 835 yards, 18.98 avg, 2 touchbacks
The New Mexico State Aggies bring a mixed bag of success in the area of special teams this Saturday into the Horseshoe in Columbus. In several areas the Aggies excel, in others, not so much. Their punt returning and punting have been fine, helping out their defense a lot with field position. Their Special Teams' defense has not been as good.
Special Teams
P/PK #96 Kyle Hughes (6-0, 184, Jr., Hargrave Military Academy, Columbia, SC)
LS #63 Richie Bolin (6-1, 291, Sr., North Bakersfield HS, Delano, CA)
PR #10 Marcus Anderson (5-8, 166, Pasadena CC, Austin, TX)
KR #23 Tonny Glynn (5-8, 192, Estacado HS, Lubbock, TX)
Head-to-Head FG Kicking:, Hughes vs Pettrey
Hughs had been average for most of the season heading into last week's contest against Fresno State. In that game, he was below average, hitting on 1 of 3 attempts. He made a 32-yarder and missed a 42-yard attempt later early in the game and had a 30-yard attempt blocked before halftime.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head When OSU punts the ball: Anderson vs. Thoma and the OSU punt return defense
Here is a note about Anderson on NMSU's official athletic site: "Punt returner Marcus Anderson is leading the WAC in punt return average with 11.4 yards a return this season. He is also 22nd in the nation. He currently ranks ninth on the single-season list for punt return average for a season. He needs just five returns to break into the top 10 for a single season and 34 yards to make the top 10 in yardage as well. For his career, Anderson is averaging 11.2 yards a return. He needs three return attempts to make the top 10 for a career and five yards for the top 10 in return yardage." Also of note: The Aggies have blocked 2 punts on the year. Ohio State's punt defense has been very good this year, still only allowing 3 returns for 15 yards. This is shaping up as a great battle to watch.
Edge: Even
Head-to-Head When tOSU Kicks Off: Glynn vs. Ohio State Kickoff Defense
Glynn hasn't enjoyed the success Anderson has, with the kickoff return team only averaging 20 yds per return, good for only 88th in the nation. Ohio State continues to be good on kickoff return defense, although they have had more problems in recent weeks. The Buckeyes currently stand at #17 in the nation having allowed 44 returns for 835 yards, a 18.98 average with 2 touchbacks.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-head When NMSU punts the ball: Small/Sanzenbacher/Posey vs. Hughes and the NMSU Punt Return Defense
Hughs and the NMSU Punt Return Defense have not enjoyed much success this season, being statistically ranked 111th out of 119 schools. They have allowed 17 returns for 246 yards and 1 TD, a 14.47 avg. Ohio State also has struggled in their punt return game, ranking a mere 105th in the nation with 22 returns for 104 yards, a paltry 4.73 avg. Not so good for the "most important play in football". But there is always the threat of Small taking one to the house.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head When NMSU Kicks Off: Thomas/Saine/Herron vs. Hughes and the NMSU Kickoff Defense
This will be another exciting game-within-a-game to watch. NMSU is strong in the kickoff return defense game allowing only 15 returns for 303 yards, a 20.2 avg and an amazing 10 touchbacks. Ohio State continues to have a good year in returning kicks, as they rank #18 in the nation with a 25 per return average and 1 TD.
Edge: Even
Overall Special Teams Analysis
New Mexico State brings in several solid Special Teams squads this Saturday into the 'Shoe. The Buckeyes counter well however. It would be tough to imagine this game being decided by Special Teams' play, but if it is, the Aggies have the potential to hang with the Buckeyes in every facet.
Overall Special Teams Rating: B
PredictionsNet punting: #76 in the nation, 45 punts for 1875 yds, 41.67 avg, 17 returns 246 yds, 3 touchbacks, 34.87 net
Punt Returns: #30 in the nation, 20 returns for 247 yards, 12.35 avg
Kickoff Returns: #88 in the nation, 33 returns for 670 yards, 20.30 avg
Punt Return Defense: #111 in the nation, 17 returns for 246 yards, 1 TD, 14.47 avg
Kickoff Return Defense: #41 in the nation, 15 returns for 303 yards, 20.2 avg 10 touchbacks
Ohio State
Net punting: #26 in the nation, 34 returns for 1316 yards, 38.71 avg, 3 returns 15 yards, 1 touchback, 37.68 net
Punt Returns: #105 in the nation, 22 returns for 104 yards, 4.73 avg
Kickoff Returns: #18 in the nation, 25 returns for 625 yards, 1 TD, 25 avg
Punt Return Defense: #24 in the nation, 3 returns for 15 yards, 5.0 avg
Kickoff Return Defense: #17 in the nation, 44 returns for 835 yards, 18.98 avg, 2 touchbacks
The New Mexico State Aggies bring a mixed bag of success in the area of special teams this Saturday into the Horseshoe in Columbus. In several areas the Aggies excel, in others, not so much. Their punt returning and punting have been fine, helping out their defense a lot with field position. Their Special Teams' defense has not been as good.
Special Teams
P/PK #96 Kyle Hughes (6-0, 184, Jr., Hargrave Military Academy, Columbia, SC)
LS #63 Richie Bolin (6-1, 291, Sr., North Bakersfield HS, Delano, CA)
PR #10 Marcus Anderson (5-8, 166, Pasadena CC, Austin, TX)
KR #23 Tonny Glynn (5-8, 192, Estacado HS, Lubbock, TX)
Head-to-Head FG Kicking:, Hughes vs Pettrey
Hughs had been average for most of the season heading into last week's contest against Fresno State. In that game, he was below average, hitting on 1 of 3 attempts. He made a 32-yarder and missed a 42-yard attempt later early in the game and had a 30-yard attempt blocked before halftime.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head When OSU punts the ball: Anderson vs. Thoma and the OSU punt return defense
Here is a note about Anderson on NMSU's official athletic site: "Punt returner Marcus Anderson is leading the WAC in punt return average with 11.4 yards a return this season. He is also 22nd in the nation. He currently ranks ninth on the single-season list for punt return average for a season. He needs just five returns to break into the top 10 for a single season and 34 yards to make the top 10 in yardage as well. For his career, Anderson is averaging 11.2 yards a return. He needs three return attempts to make the top 10 for a career and five yards for the top 10 in return yardage." Also of note: The Aggies have blocked 2 punts on the year. Ohio State's punt defense has been very good this year, still only allowing 3 returns for 15 yards. This is shaping up as a great battle to watch.
Edge: Even
Head-to-Head When tOSU Kicks Off: Glynn vs. Ohio State Kickoff Defense
Glynn hasn't enjoyed the success Anderson has, with the kickoff return team only averaging 20 yds per return, good for only 88th in the nation. Ohio State continues to be good on kickoff return defense, although they have had more problems in recent weeks. The Buckeyes currently stand at #17 in the nation having allowed 44 returns for 835 yards, a 18.98 average with 2 touchbacks.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-head When NMSU punts the ball: Small/Sanzenbacher/Posey vs. Hughes and the NMSU Punt Return Defense
Hughs and the NMSU Punt Return Defense have not enjoyed much success this season, being statistically ranked 111th out of 119 schools. They have allowed 17 returns for 246 yards and 1 TD, a 14.47 avg. Ohio State also has struggled in their punt return game, ranking a mere 105th in the nation with 22 returns for 104 yards, a paltry 4.73 avg. Not so good for the "most important play in football". But there is always the threat of Small taking one to the house.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head When NMSU Kicks Off: Thomas/Saine/Herron vs. Hughes and the NMSU Kickoff Defense
This will be another exciting game-within-a-game to watch. NMSU is strong in the kickoff return defense game allowing only 15 returns for 303 yards, a 20.2 avg and an amazing 10 touchbacks. Ohio State continues to have a good year in returning kicks, as they rank #18 in the nation with a 25 per return average and 1 TD.
Edge: Even
Overall Special Teams Analysis
New Mexico State brings in several solid Special Teams squads this Saturday into the 'Shoe. The Buckeyes counter well however. It would be tough to imagine this game being decided by Special Teams' play, but if it is, the Aggies have the potential to hang with the Buckeyes in every facet.
Overall Special Teams Rating: B
BB73's prediction: 41-3, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 45-3, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 54-2, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: 37-0, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: ??-??, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: ??-??, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 30-3, Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
Previous Game's Results (tOSU 38, Minnesota 7)
(129) BB73's prediction: 30-10, Ohio State (11 + 118 last week = 129)
(136) Bucky Katt's prediction: 27-10, Ohio State (14 + 122 last week = 136)
(163) JCOSU86's prediction: 17-10, Ohio State (24 + 139 last week = 163)
(167) Bucklion's prediction: 27-13, Ohio State (17 + 150 last week = 167)
(167) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 34-10, Ohio State (7 + 160 last week = 167)
(175) jwinslow's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (29 + 146 last week = 175)
(205) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 13-3, Ohio State (29 + 176 last week = 205)
Adjusted scores for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 45-3, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 54-2, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: 37-0, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: ??-??, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: ??-??, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 30-3, Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
Previous Game's Results (tOSU 38, Minnesota 7)
(129) BB73's prediction: 30-10, Ohio State (11 + 118 last week = 129)
(136) Bucky Katt's prediction: 27-10, Ohio State (14 + 122 last week = 136)
(163) JCOSU86's prediction: 17-10, Ohio State (24 + 139 last week = 163)
(167) Bucklion's prediction: 27-13, Ohio State (17 + 150 last week = 167)
(167) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 34-10, Ohio State (7 + 160 last week = 167)
(175) jwinslow's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (29 + 146 last week = 175)
(205) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 13-3, Ohio State (29 + 176 last week = 205)
Adjusted scores for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
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