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We know the desert can be on the horizon
By JASON LLOYD, Morning Journal Writer
10/10/2006
http://www.zwire.com/site/printerFriendly.cfm?brd=1699&dept_id=46371&newsid=17305820
HALFWAY through another season that is expected to end in the desert, we know this team is good. Really good. National championship good? That's for the next six weeks to decide. Until then, here is what we know and what we don't know about Ohio State at the halfway point of the season.
Quarterbacks
What we know: Troy Smith is the clear leader to win the Heisman Trophy. Because of that, he won't have to put up staggering numbers every week, which is good for him, because he may not be around for all of the finishes these next five weeks against weaker opponents. If he continues to just play well and the Buckeyes go undefeated, he'll leave New York with the Heisman.
What we don't know: If he'll be playing on Sundays next year. Brent Musburger called him the No. 1 pick in the draft during the Iowa game, but that was just the medication talking. Smith is only 6 feet tall, and 6-foot college quarterbacks don't go No. 1 in the draft. But at this rate, he'll certainly get a good look.
Running backs
What we know: Antonio Pittman is on pace to finish this year among the top five in school history for total rushing yards. He's 190 pounds and he hits like he's 225. And given all of the publicity around Smith, Pittman just might be the MVP. Every time the offense sputters, Pittman gets it going. That counts for quite a bit.
What we don't know: If Chris Wells' slow start is just because of Pittman's dominance, or if he's struggling to pick up the college game at all. Wells was the talk of preseason camp, but now he barely gets mentioned. It could be nothing more than Pittman being so good, or Wells may not be the star yet. But he won't really be counted on until next year, when Pittman is in the NFL.
Receivers/tight ends
What we know: Santonio Holmes hasn't even been missed, which is incredible since he was Smith's favorite target last year. Ted Ginn has evolved into a complete receiver and Anthony Gonzalez just catches first downs and touchdowns. That doesn't even include Brian Robiskie, Brian Hartline and Ray Small, who have all had shining moments this year. This is the deepest Ohio State has been at receiver since the mid-1990s, when Terry Glenn, David Boston and Joey Galloway rolled into town.
What we don't know: If Gonzalez will return next year. With the staggering numbers he's putting up this year, combined with a new quarterback next year and all the rest of the talent Ohio State loses on offense, Gonzalez might just join the departing for the NFL. Call it Ashton Youboty syndrome: Youboty left after last year because the rest of the defense did, too.
Offensive line
What we know: Alex Boone still gets whistled for silly holding penalties, but after a slow start, he's showing signs of evolving into a star at left tackle.
Overall, this could be the best offensive line under Jim Tressel, and the 2003 line had four starters now in the NFL.
What we don't know: If Steve Rehring will stay at left guard, but the combination of Boone and Rehring on the left side is manslaughter. Rehring's size might demand he eventually move to tackle. For now, tailbacks and quarterbacks should enjoy the stone wall Boone and Rehring provide.
Defensive line
What we know: It takes more than two offensive linemen to stop Quinn Pitcock. Ohio State has done a nice job bringing in tackles who clog up the middle (Mike Collins, Ryan Pickett, Tim Anderson, ect.) but few could get in the backfield like Pitcock. He beats consistent double teams to lead the defense with five sacks.
What we don't know: If Vernon Gholston could pick up a Honda, but it sure looks like he could. Gholston is one of the more physically impressive players on the team and he has the talent to match. He's right behind Pitcock with 4 1/2 sacks.
Linebackers
What we know: James Laurinaitis is the next great linebacker who has an incredible ability of being around the ball. Not only does he think he belongs, but now he LOOKS like he belongs. There's a big difference.
What we don't know: When Laurinaitis will get some help. Marcus Freeman is third on the team in tackles, but he's having a hard time holding off Curtis Terry. While Freeman is listed as a starter, he's losing a lot of snaps to Terry. On the other side, neither John Kerr nor Ross Homan have made much of an impact. This defense is carried by its line and secondary.
Defensive backs
What we know: Malcolm Jenkins is gaining a reputation around the Big Ten as a shutdown corner. Not only does he not give up big plays, it doesn't seem like he gives up ANY plays. Teams have struggled just completing passes against him. Antonio Smith is a feel-good story because he's a former walk-on, but if I'm an opposing quarterback, I'm throwing right at him.
What we don't know: How much the loss of Anderson Russell will hurt. Jamario O'Neal has been given multiple chances to win a job and he's never done it. Now he gets another. Russell was the ''Rudy'' of this defense, constantly going 110 mph. His loss could have an even greater impact on special teams, where effort and intensity really shine through.
Special teams
What we know: Aaron Pettrey has won the kicking job over Ryan Pretorius and he's looked pretty good. He certainly has the leg to kick in the Big Ten. We also know teams would rather kick out of bounds than punt to Ted Ginn, which is probably a good idea.
What we don't know: If Pettrey can make a kick when it counts. Ohio State hasn't been pushed in the fourth quarter of any game, which means Pettrey hasn't really had to make a pressure kick. So how will he respond against Michigan if his 42-yard attempt decides who goes to the national championship game?
We know the desert can be on the horizon
By JASON LLOYD, Morning Journal Writer
10/10/2006
http://www.zwire.com/site/printerFriendly.cfm?brd=1699&dept_id=46371&newsid=17305820
HALFWAY through another season that is expected to end in the desert, we know this team is good. Really good. National championship good? That's for the next six weeks to decide. Until then, here is what we know and what we don't know about Ohio State at the halfway point of the season.
Quarterbacks
What we know: Troy Smith is the clear leader to win the Heisman Trophy. Because of that, he won't have to put up staggering numbers every week, which is good for him, because he may not be around for all of the finishes these next five weeks against weaker opponents. If he continues to just play well and the Buckeyes go undefeated, he'll leave New York with the Heisman.
What we don't know: If he'll be playing on Sundays next year. Brent Musburger called him the No. 1 pick in the draft during the Iowa game, but that was just the medication talking. Smith is only 6 feet tall, and 6-foot college quarterbacks don't go No. 1 in the draft. But at this rate, he'll certainly get a good look.
Running backs
What we know: Antonio Pittman is on pace to finish this year among the top five in school history for total rushing yards. He's 190 pounds and he hits like he's 225. And given all of the publicity around Smith, Pittman just might be the MVP. Every time the offense sputters, Pittman gets it going. That counts for quite a bit.
What we don't know: If Chris Wells' slow start is just because of Pittman's dominance, or if he's struggling to pick up the college game at all. Wells was the talk of preseason camp, but now he barely gets mentioned. It could be nothing more than Pittman being so good, or Wells may not be the star yet. But he won't really be counted on until next year, when Pittman is in the NFL.
Receivers/tight ends
What we know: Santonio Holmes hasn't even been missed, which is incredible since he was Smith's favorite target last year. Ted Ginn has evolved into a complete receiver and Anthony Gonzalez just catches first downs and touchdowns. That doesn't even include Brian Robiskie, Brian Hartline and Ray Small, who have all had shining moments this year. This is the deepest Ohio State has been at receiver since the mid-1990s, when Terry Glenn, David Boston and Joey Galloway rolled into town.
What we don't know: If Gonzalez will return next year. With the staggering numbers he's putting up this year, combined with a new quarterback next year and all the rest of the talent Ohio State loses on offense, Gonzalez might just join the departing for the NFL. Call it Ashton Youboty syndrome: Youboty left after last year because the rest of the defense did, too.
Offensive line
What we know: Alex Boone still gets whistled for silly holding penalties, but after a slow start, he's showing signs of evolving into a star at left tackle.
Overall, this could be the best offensive line under Jim Tressel, and the 2003 line had four starters now in the NFL.
What we don't know: If Steve Rehring will stay at left guard, but the combination of Boone and Rehring on the left side is manslaughter. Rehring's size might demand he eventually move to tackle. For now, tailbacks and quarterbacks should enjoy the stone wall Boone and Rehring provide.
Defensive line
What we know: It takes more than two offensive linemen to stop Quinn Pitcock. Ohio State has done a nice job bringing in tackles who clog up the middle (Mike Collins, Ryan Pickett, Tim Anderson, ect.) but few could get in the backfield like Pitcock. He beats consistent double teams to lead the defense with five sacks.
What we don't know: If Vernon Gholston could pick up a Honda, but it sure looks like he could. Gholston is one of the more physically impressive players on the team and he has the talent to match. He's right behind Pitcock with 4 1/2 sacks.
Linebackers
What we know: James Laurinaitis is the next great linebacker who has an incredible ability of being around the ball. Not only does he think he belongs, but now he LOOKS like he belongs. There's a big difference.
What we don't know: When Laurinaitis will get some help. Marcus Freeman is third on the team in tackles, but he's having a hard time holding off Curtis Terry. While Freeman is listed as a starter, he's losing a lot of snaps to Terry. On the other side, neither John Kerr nor Ross Homan have made much of an impact. This defense is carried by its line and secondary.
Defensive backs
What we know: Malcolm Jenkins is gaining a reputation around the Big Ten as a shutdown corner. Not only does he not give up big plays, it doesn't seem like he gives up ANY plays. Teams have struggled just completing passes against him. Antonio Smith is a feel-good story because he's a former walk-on, but if I'm an opposing quarterback, I'm throwing right at him.
What we don't know: How much the loss of Anderson Russell will hurt. Jamario O'Neal has been given multiple chances to win a job and he's never done it. Now he gets another. Russell was the ''Rudy'' of this defense, constantly going 110 mph. His loss could have an even greater impact on special teams, where effort and intensity really shine through.
Special teams
What we know: Aaron Pettrey has won the kicking job over Ryan Pretorius and he's looked pretty good. He certainly has the leg to kick in the Big Ten. We also know teams would rather kick out of bounds than punt to Ted Ginn, which is probably a good idea.
What we don't know: If Pettrey can make a kick when it counts. Ohio State hasn't been pushed in the fourth quarter of any game, which means Pettrey hasn't really had to make a pressure kick. So how will he respond against Michigan if his 42-yard attempt decides who goes to the national championship game?
