jimotis4heisman
Banned
thought i might try and fire some people up
http://collegefootballnews.com/2004/Columnists/JH/Sept_18/OhioState_NCState.htm
<table border="0" width="640" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#660033" width="57">
<!-- FASTCLICK.COM 300x250 Medium Rectangle CODE for collegefootballnews.com --></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%"> 
</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> By John Harris
a. What’s up Holmes? – Since the Jim Tressel era began back in 2001, the Buckeyes have had some good receivers, but the best of the lot may be Santonio Holmes, who’ll be a key figure in Saturday’s game in Raleigh. From the midway point of last year, he has just exploded on the scene, even in what most of us would call a conservative offense. He registered over 200 yards receiving against Marshall and against the much-maligned Pack secondary, that’s not an unapproachable number. The Pack must find a way to slow Holmes down, whether that’s doubling him downfield or being physical with him at the line of scrimmage. The X factor for the Pack is Andre Maddox. The senior safety from Miami can play at the LOS and also play in coverage. So, new Pack DC Reggie Herring can utilize #36 to ‘float’, so to speak to look up #4 in pass coverage. With a maturing young quarterback like Justin Zwick at the helm, when it gets ‘tight’ on Saturday, he’ll most definitely look up Holmes. But, in that regard, so will the Wolfpack ‘D’.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p>
b. What a Hall of a player – Reggie Bush at USC gets a ton of publicity for what he has done and will continue to do in the USC offense. Whether it’s running the ball out of the backfield or running routes from the slot, Bush is the epitome of dual threat. But, Tramain Hall runs a close second to the President, you just don’t know that much about him. Hall is utilized much the same way that Bush is used – lining up as a running back in the gun, but also as the #3 receiver (slot). He mentioned earlier this summer that he ran the ball a lot more out of the gun in the spring, lining up right next to TA McClendon. Regardless if it’s the perpetually injured McClendon or whippet quick youngsters Bobby Washington and Darrel Blackmon, Hall in the backfield with anyone, makes offense as dangerous as any in the ACC. Because he has running back skills, you can’t see him come into the game and automatically play nickel or dime. Defensive coordinators must respect what he can do as a tailback when he’s lined up as such. But, he’s equally as tough to cover when he’s in the slot. Last year, linebackers tried to cover this kid early on in the season, and, well, suffice it to say, that didn’t work well. So, how do you cover him – safety? Corner? Then, how do you adjust when he goes in motion? A lot of questions for new Buckeye co-DC Mark Snyder and Mel Tucker to try and answer. Either way, the presence of Hall makes it real easy for Philip R….oops, got to break that habit – Jay Davis, new starting QB for the Pack, who played very well in the season opener.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p>
c. Well, isn’t that special? – If there was ever a game that the Church Lady would have a field day, it’s this one. There’s no question that the special teams aspect of the game has reared its head throughout the early season. Oregon State. Clemson. Arkansas. Marshall. Special teams have cost them dearly, and there have been others. So, going into this game, you’d expect the kicking game to have a profound effect due to the focus these teams have on that aspect of the game. Both States have been equally proficient blocking punts and kicks and gaining good field position on kickoff returns throughout the two head coach’s reign at their respective university. The only distinct advantage that OSU may have is their field goal kicking game, where all-american Mike Nugent has already hit a clutch 55-yard field goal to beat Marshall last week. And, in this game last year, the kickoff team cost NC State an early touchdown when Richard Washington and Hall collided on a kickoff return, with the Buckeyes recovering and going in for six early in the game. Take that special teams snafu away, and it’s plausible that the game wouldn’t have even gone into overtime. Regardless, both punt team units need to be on full alert as these are two of the best in the nation at blocking punts.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p>
Conclusion: Even with losing 14 players to the NFL, the Buckeyes still possess as talented a group of players as any team in the country. But, the loss of Dustin Fox, not only as the starting corner, but as leader and captain of the defense is enormous. Going against the Pack, it’s paramount that the corners be at the top of their game, and that they have the proper depth to be able to play nickel and dime coverage. One less corner, not to mention how valuable Fox is, is not the optimum situation. On the other side of the ball, Zwick has shown why he was such a highly touted recruit, but the Pack defense is a sterner test than Cincinnati or Marshall. DE Mario Williams and Manny Lawson must get upfield pass rush on Zwick to force poor decisions and possible turnovers. That can happen, so roll with the Pack – NC State – 24 vs. Ohio State - 21
http://collegefootballnews.com/Big_Ten/2004_Predictions/Sept18.htm
Game of the Week
Ohio State (2-0) at NC State (1-0), 3:30 PM ET ABC
Keys and further breakdown of the game
Why to watch: If this is half as good as last season's three overtime 44-38 classic, it'll be the must-see game of the weekend. Ohio State is already considered one of the nation's best teams while NC State is barely registering a blip on the national map. That's a huge mistake as everyone is back for the Wolfpack, with one very notable exception, along with some tremendous freshmen, but only a win would give Chuck Amato's team the respect it's looking for. Ohio State is coming off a shaky 24-21 win over Marshall and wants to prove that it belongs in the Orange Bowl mix with what would be a huge road win.
Why Ohio State might win: This might be a Wolfpack team loaded with experience, but the one area of concern is still at quarterback where Jay Davis only has one game under his belt and that was a 42-0 laugher against Richmond. Ohio State is battle tested after two nasty games against Cincinnati and Marshall. NC State needs to run the ball to win, but that could be a major problem if T.A. McLendon is still hurting.
Why North Carolina State might win: Ohio State hasn't exactly been sharp on offense and its run defense was soft against Marshall allowing 182 yards. Yeah, QB Justin Zwick and RB Lydell Ross have led the way for a bunch of yards, but it hasn't been a consistent attack and Zwick is still unproven on the road. NC State has the defensive line to pressure Zwick and tremendous talent in the secondary to keep WR Santonio Holmes in check. Even after two games this is still a Buckeye team growing and maturing; this is a tough first road game.
Who to watch: Can McLendon go? The oft-injured star Wolfpack running back is one of the best all-around threats in the country and gave the Buckeyes fits last year. But he can't stay healthy having problems with a hamstring. If he can't go or is limited it'll be up to Darrell Blackman and Bobby Washington to handle the load. Ohio State's newest star is WR Santonio Holmes who caught ten passes for 224 yards and two scores against Marshall and needs to have another big day for the Buckeyes to win.
What will happen: If Jay Davis plays well, NC State will win. This is an experienced and athletic team with enough playmakers and enough time to prepare to make life miserable the Buckeyes. The Wolfpack will run surprisingly well pulling off the win and finally getting some respect.
CFN Prediction: NC State 27 ... Ohio State 20 ... Line: Ohio State -2 | Discuss this game with experts
Must See Rating: (5 lock yourself in a room to watch - 1 The Benefactor) ... 5
Final Score: <table border="0" width="300" align="right" cellspacing="7"> <tbody><tr> <td width="100%"> <!-- FASTCLICK.COM 300x250 Medium Rectangle CODE for collegefootballnews.com --></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> San Diego
http://collegefootballnews.com/2004/Columnists/JH/Sept_18/OhioState_NCState.htm
<table border="0" width="640" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#660033" width="57">
Sept 16
2004
</td> <td bgcolor="#000000" width="575"> 2004
[font=helvetica,arial] [/font] Keys to the Top Sept. 18 Games
Ohio State vs. NC State
</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <hr> <table border="0" width="300" align="right" cellspacing="7"> <tbody><tr> <td width="100%">Ohio State vs. NC State
<!-- FASTCLICK.COM 300x250 Medium Rectangle CODE for collegefootballnews.com --></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%">
a. What’s up Holmes? – Since the Jim Tressel era began back in 2001, the Buckeyes have had some good receivers, but the best of the lot may be Santonio Holmes, who’ll be a key figure in Saturday’s game in Raleigh. From the midway point of last year, he has just exploded on the scene, even in what most of us would call a conservative offense. He registered over 200 yards receiving against Marshall and against the much-maligned Pack secondary, that’s not an unapproachable number. The Pack must find a way to slow Holmes down, whether that’s doubling him downfield or being physical with him at the line of scrimmage. The X factor for the Pack is Andre Maddox. The senior safety from Miami can play at the LOS and also play in coverage. So, new Pack DC Reggie Herring can utilize #36 to ‘float’, so to speak to look up #4 in pass coverage. With a maturing young quarterback like Justin Zwick at the helm, when it gets ‘tight’ on Saturday, he’ll most definitely look up Holmes. But, in that regard, so will the Wolfpack ‘D’.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p>
b. What a Hall of a player – Reggie Bush at USC gets a ton of publicity for what he has done and will continue to do in the USC offense. Whether it’s running the ball out of the backfield or running routes from the slot, Bush is the epitome of dual threat. But, Tramain Hall runs a close second to the President, you just don’t know that much about him. Hall is utilized much the same way that Bush is used – lining up as a running back in the gun, but also as the #3 receiver (slot). He mentioned earlier this summer that he ran the ball a lot more out of the gun in the spring, lining up right next to TA McClendon. Regardless if it’s the perpetually injured McClendon or whippet quick youngsters Bobby Washington and Darrel Blackmon, Hall in the backfield with anyone, makes offense as dangerous as any in the ACC. Because he has running back skills, you can’t see him come into the game and automatically play nickel or dime. Defensive coordinators must respect what he can do as a tailback when he’s lined up as such. But, he’s equally as tough to cover when he’s in the slot. Last year, linebackers tried to cover this kid early on in the season, and, well, suffice it to say, that didn’t work well. So, how do you cover him – safety? Corner? Then, how do you adjust when he goes in motion? A lot of questions for new Buckeye co-DC Mark Snyder and Mel Tucker to try and answer. Either way, the presence of Hall makes it real easy for Philip R….oops, got to break that habit – Jay Davis, new starting QB for the Pack, who played very well in the season opener.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p>
c. Well, isn’t that special? – If there was ever a game that the Church Lady would have a field day, it’s this one. There’s no question that the special teams aspect of the game has reared its head throughout the early season. Oregon State. Clemson. Arkansas. Marshall. Special teams have cost them dearly, and there have been others. So, going into this game, you’d expect the kicking game to have a profound effect due to the focus these teams have on that aspect of the game. Both States have been equally proficient blocking punts and kicks and gaining good field position on kickoff returns throughout the two head coach’s reign at their respective university. The only distinct advantage that OSU may have is their field goal kicking game, where all-american Mike Nugent has already hit a clutch 55-yard field goal to beat Marshall last week. And, in this game last year, the kickoff team cost NC State an early touchdown when Richard Washington and Hall collided on a kickoff return, with the Buckeyes recovering and going in for six early in the game. Take that special teams snafu away, and it’s plausible that the game wouldn’t have even gone into overtime. Regardless, both punt team units need to be on full alert as these are two of the best in the nation at blocking punts.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p>
Conclusion: Even with losing 14 players to the NFL, the Buckeyes still possess as talented a group of players as any team in the country. But, the loss of Dustin Fox, not only as the starting corner, but as leader and captain of the defense is enormous. Going against the Pack, it’s paramount that the corners be at the top of their game, and that they have the proper depth to be able to play nickel and dime coverage. One less corner, not to mention how valuable Fox is, is not the optimum situation. On the other side of the ball, Zwick has shown why he was such a highly touted recruit, but the Pack defense is a sterner test than Cincinnati or Marshall. DE Mario Williams and Manny Lawson must get upfield pass rush on Zwick to force poor decisions and possible turnovers. That can happen, so roll with the Pack – NC State – 24 vs. Ohio State - 21
http://collegefootballnews.com/Big_Ten/2004_Predictions/Sept18.htm
Game of the Week
Ohio State (2-0) at NC State (1-0), 3:30 PM ET ABC
Keys and further breakdown of the game
Why to watch: If this is half as good as last season's three overtime 44-38 classic, it'll be the must-see game of the weekend. Ohio State is already considered one of the nation's best teams while NC State is barely registering a blip on the national map. That's a huge mistake as everyone is back for the Wolfpack, with one very notable exception, along with some tremendous freshmen, but only a win would give Chuck Amato's team the respect it's looking for. Ohio State is coming off a shaky 24-21 win over Marshall and wants to prove that it belongs in the Orange Bowl mix with what would be a huge road win.
Why Ohio State might win: This might be a Wolfpack team loaded with experience, but the one area of concern is still at quarterback where Jay Davis only has one game under his belt and that was a 42-0 laugher against Richmond. Ohio State is battle tested after two nasty games against Cincinnati and Marshall. NC State needs to run the ball to win, but that could be a major problem if T.A. McLendon is still hurting.
Why North Carolina State might win: Ohio State hasn't exactly been sharp on offense and its run defense was soft against Marshall allowing 182 yards. Yeah, QB Justin Zwick and RB Lydell Ross have led the way for a bunch of yards, but it hasn't been a consistent attack and Zwick is still unproven on the road. NC State has the defensive line to pressure Zwick and tremendous talent in the secondary to keep WR Santonio Holmes in check. Even after two games this is still a Buckeye team growing and maturing; this is a tough first road game.
Who to watch: Can McLendon go? The oft-injured star Wolfpack running back is one of the best all-around threats in the country and gave the Buckeyes fits last year. But he can't stay healthy having problems with a hamstring. If he can't go or is limited it'll be up to Darrell Blackman and Bobby Washington to handle the load. Ohio State's newest star is WR Santonio Holmes who caught ten passes for 224 yards and two scores against Marshall and needs to have another big day for the Buckeyes to win.
What will happen: If Jay Davis plays well, NC State will win. This is an experienced and athletic team with enough playmakers and enough time to prepare to make life miserable the Buckeyes. The Wolfpack will run surprisingly well pulling off the win and finally getting some respect.
CFN Prediction: NC State 27 ... Ohio State 20 ... Line: Ohio State -2 | Discuss this game with experts
Must See Rating: (5 lock yourself in a room to watch - 1 The Benefactor) ... 5
Final Score: <table border="0" width="300" align="right" cellspacing="7"> <tbody><tr> <td width="100%">
<!-- FASTCLICK.COM 300x250 Medium Rectangle CODE for collegefootballnews.com --></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> San Diego 