First Look: Gator Bowl

All of your recruits are mine

It has now been over a week since the announcement Urban Meyer would be taking over as head man in Columbus. The rumors began to fly a week before (H/T @11W!) said announcement and for once in my life, those rumors ended up as fact. I am giddy with anticipation as to how fast Urban can turn things around and what the offense might look like next season. I don’t see how this hire won’t be a slam dunk. Urban also brings some much needed sex appeal to the Big Ten which is often viewed as plodding and slow to the rest of the country. I don’t think that is a fair assessment but once you’re labeled as such it is tough to shed that stigma.

The NCAA recently granted the university permission to expand their coaching staff for the bowl season. Fickell will be concentrating on game planning for the Gators while Meyer hits the road in an effort to salvage our recruiting season. I know the NCAA probably would’ve done this for any school but it felt good for our overlords to do something nice instead of launching more investigations. I still think that the Buckeyes are treated unfairly by the NCAA but such is life as a football powerhouse. I’m not the type of person who delves into the world of conspiracy theories. Well, that’s not entirely true. Who doesn’t like a little mystery in their life to keep the wheels turning? I just have a hard time believing that Urban won’t have any input into the game planning for the Gator Bowl.


We all want to win this game because of the opponent but essentially this will be a glorified tryout for next season. I am psyched to see what the offense has in store for January 2nd. There are a few things I would like to see happen with this game coming up in Jacksonville. The first, and maybe the most important, is throwing the damn ball down the field. Braxton was shaky during the Michigan game with his throws but at least the offense tried to get it deep to the receivers. The addition of Posey to the lineup was huge for this offense. If a couple of those throws find #8 in stride I think we are still enjoying that ridiculous streak over Michigan right now. Braxton has the arm to make those throws. I think he just needs the coaching and reps to get his head right.

That is why this bowl game and the extra practices that come with it were crucial to the development of our young quarterback. I can’t wait until Meyer and our new OC get their hands on him. Something tells me they will probably be milling around somewhere at those bowl practices. The defensive line has to return to form against Florida. Admittedly, Denard is a different animal than most quarterbacks at this level but the line hasn’t been to OSU standards all season. Michigan was able to convert some huge plays that kept numerous drives alive. The loss of Nathan Williams was really felt in the latter part of the year. In the past, the Buckeyes have been able to rush four linemen and get enough pressure to let the rest of the secondary run wild. That was not the case this year. We were forced to blitz more often and still weren’t able to get the pressure necessary to get our boys off the field.

There were too many third and long conversions, too many 6 yard gains on 1st down and too many rushing touchdowns. That is not what the Silver Bullets are all about. The talent is there with Hankins and Simon so I expect a full on assault of the Florida backfield in a couple weeks. The audition is on and Urban will be watching so bring the heat boys! Finally, I need to see the linebackers play their hearts out in this one. Ryan Shazier can’t be everywhere so Sweat, Klein and Sabino need to bring their A games. All year these guys have been a step late. I respect the hell out of them because I’m just some dude hiding behind a computer but the toughness just hasn’t been up to par. Opposing running backs, tight ends and slot receivers have torn this unit a new one all season.

I hope the extra practices offer the opportunity to tighten up that coverage and improve a unit that has been the glaring weakness on this team. OSU has sent a ton of linebackers to the next level and we need that level of play to beat Florida in a couple weeks. I’m really excited to have another game to watch this year. As you all know it wasn’t a foregone conclusion that OSU would be allowed to play this bowl season. It is a bonus that we are going against the Gators. What a wonderful opportunity to start our own streak against the hated SEC and avenge that embarrassing loss from 2006.

Florida had a tough year much like OSU did, but when I see those hideous orange and blue uniforms on the field, all records will be forgotten. With a win the Buckeyes can go make it two in a row against cletus's god’s conference. I don’t care that the Sugar Bowl victory from last season was “erased” from the books. It is still saved on my DVR so I can watch it whenever I want. That’s proof enough for me that the game was played. Time for revenge my fellow bucknuts!