Thoughts On Fickell: My Take

Saving 1 timeout at a time.

First of all let me remind you all I am a 1997 graduate of The Ohio State University. For those of you who may not realize this, 1997 is the same our current Head Coach Luke Fickell graduated from the great university. I did not know Luke Fickell personally, but I went to every home game, a couple of road games, and the 1997 Rose Bowl, a game in which Fickell showed his unbelievable toughness by playing the game with a torn pectoral muscle. He was “the man”. Because of our going to OSU at the same time I can honestly say I feel a kinship to Coach Fickell (though I am sure he does not feel the same way about me), and I hoped he would succeed as a coach, and one day become our head coach, I just don’t think that one day is now. Coach Fickell was a very good linebackers coach and a good co-defensive coordinator. However, he has never actually been in charge of a side of the ball by himself. As co-defensive coordinator he was basically in charge of linebackers, and worked with Jim Heacock on calling plays for the defense. I believe he needs more seasoning as an assistant coach, or if he is going to be a head coach right now or next year, it needs to be at a smaller school, not a school the size of and with the pressures of The Ohio State University.

Let’s take a look at how he has looked so far. Against Akron, he looked like Cooper. I say Cooper because like in the Cooper years we crushed teams that we were supposed to crush. Even with the suspensions Fickell looked to be making all the correct calls (though I thought maybe we would see a little more Braxton Miller in the game). It seemed people began drinking a little of the proverbial kool-aid. Then came Toledo. Make no mistake they are a good team, but elite they are not (look at their Boise State game as proof). We had the same suspensions, nothing new, and we looked awful. In the end our talent and depth was too much for Toledo to handle and we squeaked out an all too close win.

Category 5

QB controversy doesn't work at OSU

I’m literally speechless. I haven’t seen that kind of performance from the Buckeye’s since the debacle in Southern California a few years back. Even that game against USC wasn’t as painful as this past weekend’s contest against the Hurricanes. After the dust settled on Sunday, the Buckeyes dropped out of the Top 25 for the first time in 7 years. Think about that. It has been since 2004 since our beloved football team haven’t shown up somewhere on that list. You know what? There is no argument from me nor should there be from any true Buckeye fan out there. The “offense” was absolutely pathetic and at no time during that game did I believe we had a shot to punch it in the end zone. It will take a miracle for this team to stay in contention for the Big Ten title after what we all witnessed on Saturday night.

The limited opportunities that the Buckeye’s were given at Miami came from everyone’s favorite pick machine Jacory Harris. With Miami already up 14-0, Jacory threw two interceptions in the first half setting up the Buckeye “offense” with excellent field position and a chance to tie this thing going into half. Unfortunately Joe Bauserman and his high-octane offense wouldn’t have any of that. Doing their best Browns circa 2008 impression, OSU only managed two field goals from inside the 20 yard line. After those two wasted possessions you could almost feel the air let out of the whole state.

If The 'Shoe Fits: Podcast #5

Brady and Ian are discussing the Miami game in this week's podcast, along with Bauserman vs. Miller, Luke Fickell and the coaching staff, how the running backs played, and much, much more.

The podcast is after the jump. Enjoy, and leave us your thoughts and comments!

What Went Right/Wrong: Miami

Hall did his best, no doubt.

The first loss in the 2011 season was in serious contention among Buckeye fans for one of the worst offensive performances in recent memory. Miami seemed to be in control for most of this game, and even when they gave chances for Ohio State to get themselves back into it, Bauserman failed to bring about any offense. Even when true freshman Braxton Miller came in, the offense showed sparks of life, but ended up stepping on their own feet and stalling the drives with turnovers, and lackadaisical effort.

While the Buckeyes have 1 more week to learn what they need to do to win games, the Big Ten season is right around the corner, which means it's go time for the Scarlet and Gray. Let's take a look at what went right and wrong on Saturday.

Recap: Ohio State 6, Miami 24

Hall tried to give the Buckeyes life

After an ugly win over a Toledo team that Boise State handled easily, Buckeye Nation was concerned over the quarterback controversy, where Joe Bauserman was solid in that he didn't turn the ball over, but couldn't throw an accurate deep ball to save his life. So, when Braxton Miller went in last night, and did well in the running game, he also fumbled and had an interception (It was a tipped ball, to be fair). A lot of frustration came in the game last night, due to the total of 35 yards passing, and just horrid play calling from Bollman. It's interesting that everyone was upset with Tressel's play calling when he was here (myself included), but with the real offensive coordinator calling the plays, we see that Tressel was actually a genius. Perhaps that's a bit exaggerated, but there is no doubt in my mind that Tressel is a better play caller then most think.

Lamar Miller was man among boys out there in Coral Gables, as he rushed for 184 yards on 26 carries. Jordan Hall and Carlos Hyde did their part in trying to get the Buckeye offense rolling, combining for 141 yards on 26 carries. Had Hall not gone down on one of his punt returns with serious cramping, and if our passing game had at least 100 yards, this might be a very different game. Jacory Harris threw two first-quarter touchdown passes to Allen Hurns, helping the Hurricanes top the #19 Ohio State Buckeyes, who are in danger of being knocked out of the Top 25 for the first time since November 28th, 2004. 

Live Blog: #19 Ohio State vs. Miami

The game has finally arrived, and it's time to join the chat for the 2011 edition of Ohio State-Miami. Last season the Buckeyes came out on top, but down in Coral Gables, hopes are high for an upset of the Scarlet and Gray.

Join us at 7:15 PM EST for our Live Blog!

Preview: #19 Ohio State vs. Miami

Can Bauserman lead the Bucks?

The Ineligi-bowl is upon us. After an atrocious off-season for both Miami and Ohio State, both sides are looking to push that aside for the rest of the season, starting with this game. #19 Ohio State is coming off of an ugly 27-22 win over in-state opponent Toledo (who plays at Boise later today). Miami, meanwhile is returning 7 starters on both sides of the ball in the wake of their opening game loss to Maryland.

Last season, the talk of both towns was a rematch of the 2002 National championship game, in which Miami would exact it's revenge. Now, both are trying to get a win so they can move on and hopefully have a successful 2011 campaign. For Ohio State, Jordan Hall and Travis Howard return to the lineup, which should be a tremendous help. Joe Bauserman was again named the starter, but Braxton Miller is still listed as "OR" next to Bauserman. I wonder if Fickell is trying to save him as a secret weapon. There were rumors swirling that Miller was in the doghouse, injured, and didn't know enough of the playbook to play. The good thing is that this week he has done much better and he's now 100% healthy.

Enemy Blogger Interview: Miami

This week, we have Canes Pundit joining us, and we are very thankful again for someone taking the time to answer our questions. With that, let's jump right in.

1. Miami is returning some suspended players, including recently named starter for this game, Jacory Harris. What kind of impact will they have on this game?

I think Jacory will provide the game management that was lacking in the Maryland game. With that, however, comes his tendency to turn the ball over. LB Sean Spence, - Miami's best defender - returns, as does our two top returning sack leaders. It should clearly benefit a defense that gave up a lot of yards to Maryland.

2. Who are the playmakers on offense and defense?

The top playmaker on offense is RB Lamar Miller. He is 215 lbs, and runs a 4.3 40. He should be a nationally known name by year's end. On defense, it is aforementioned Sean Spence, an outside linebacker that is slated to go in the first two rounds of next year's NFL draft.

3. Both Ohio State and Miami had horrid offseasons, and many think Miami should end up with getting the "Death Penalty". What are your thoughts on the situation?

I doubt they get the death penalty, thought I do anticipate the loss of scholarships and a bowl ban. It's a shame because most of the infractions involve coaches and players that are no longer here. The current players' infractions form 2008, though minimal, were valid and required punishment. I just feel that if you're going to scrutinize to this level, then every school must be held culpable for their actions - as every school has a student athlete that has received a free meal or $100 in benefits at some point.

OSU v Miami

Round 2

OSU vs Miami (Fl). This is a game that matches two of the great names in college football. A rematch of the classic 2002 National Championship game. A return game from last years early season Top 25 matchup in the ‘Shoe. Oh yeah it is also a matchup of two teams that have had extremely bad off-seasons. Putting all of that aside, this is also a matchup of two teams with plenty of talent. These are two teams that could and should compete for conference championships and big time bowl appearances (unless the NCAA nixes those ideas).

 This is a matchup of two teams with new coaches, the highly respected Al Golden (who brought Temple to respectability) at Miami and the lessor known, but not lessor respected, Ohio High School Legend and Ohio State great Luke Fickell with the Buckeyes.

Quarterback Conundrum

Yeah..

Well that wasn’t what we were looking for in the second game of the campaign! Toledo gave the Buckeyes everything they could handle in a 27-22 showdown at the show this past Saturday. Missed opportunities, untimely fumbles and a shaky defense were the culprits that almost finished the OSU season before it could even get to the Big Ten portion of the schedule. Joe Bauserman was the only quarterback that saw action which left many in buckeye nation a little perturbed. Why did Fickell choose to stay with the wily.. err... veteran.. err... old quarterback when he had the Ferrari parked on the sideline? Was it the right move? Could Braxton have done a better job at guiding the offense to a more desirable outcome?

I think it is painfully obvious that our new coach knows that his job is on the line after this season and he will do anything in his power to win games. Unfortunately, his job status may be getting the way of giving our new star quarterback valuable game reps.

3 Suspended Buckeyes Reinstated, Ready For Miami

Jordan Hall, Travis Howard and Corey "Pittsburgh" Brown are back in action starting against Miami, after being suspended for the first two games of the 2011 season for taking a total of 200 dollars each at a fundraiser event from a booster. With the return of starter's Hall and Howard, the Buckeyes will get more depth and speed to compete with the Hurricanes on Saturday. From the release:

"The reinstatement staff determined the nature and scope of the violations, particularly the provision of cash benefits a booster, merited a two game suspension. When a school discovers an NCAA rules violation has occurred, it must declare the student-athlete ineligible and may request the student-athlete's elighibility be resinstated. The NCAA staff reviews each student-athlete's reinstatement request indivdually based on it's own merits and set of specific facts."

ITS's BlogPoll Ballot: Week 3

Week 2 of college football has passed, and perhaps has led to more questions than answers in the big picture for the race towards the championship. Alabama had an impressive win over Penn State, Michigan turned some heads with a last second win vs. Notre Dame, and South Carolina got a big win on the road, as they looked impressive on both sides of the ball. With that, let's take a look at this week's ballot.

Hurricane A Brew'n in Miami

Very appropriate

There is not only a hurricane forming in the Atlantic but also one forming over the city of Miami, FL.

In the past 6 months there have been enough college football scandals to last a lifetime. Ohio State, Boise State and a host of others have been under the NCAA microscope with Miami being the latest casualty.

I will be the first one to tell you that I have always though the Hurricane's have been thugs. From the teams of the 90's to Kellen Winslow being a 'solider'. When Ohio State beat them in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl to win the national title that year, I couldn't have been happier! Not only was it the first championship for Ohio State in my lifetime, but it came against a team that I despised, almost as much as that team up north.When we beat them handily last fall in Columbus, I cheered some more!

When the allegations came out about the inappropriate benefits (and actions, behavior, etc.) from Yahoo! Sports, I kind of turned a deaf ear. I was tired of hearing the NCAA come down on someone because they failed to catch Cam Newton and Gene Chiziek, but as I followed the story further, I knew, without a doubt that most of the allegations had to be true. The Ohio State situation has to be proof of that. The NCAA has been doing their homework and not casting allegations out just to be on the front page. No one thought after the Sugar Bowl that Jim Tressel would no longer be the coach, that Terrelle Pryor would be in the NFL or that the other four would have stayed to serve their punishments (I applaud and appreciate the respect they are showing to Coach Tressel, Coach Fickell, the staff and fans by doing that.)

Terrelle Pryor And Other Thoughts

Waving goodbye to college

Terrelle Pryor has become quite possibly the most polarizing figure in the history of OSU football over his tenure at the university. There is no question the man possesses athletic ability that the common man can only dream of. He is at least partially responsible for giving the fans a great record since 2008 and has single handily won several big games for the scarlet and gray. There is no denying that he will go down as one of the great quarterbacks in the school’s history. 

Unfortunately, with good comes the really REALLY bad. From most accounts he was an arrogant and self involved individual. I can’t say I wouldn’t be the same way if I had grown up with the public adoration and fan fare that he did. As a two sport star in western PA, I imagine the kid rarely heard the word no and was constantly praised throughout the community and the nation. Every one of us that fawned over him in the recruiting process through message boards and blog posts is partially responsible for the monster that ended up taking down our beloved coach, and to a degree, the university.

Akron and Toledo Will Be Noon Kickoffs

Brutus is already ready for next season

A short break from all the downer news for Buckeye fans, a little look into the future of this fall. When the Buckeyes take the field for the first game, there will surely be many unanswered questions, but now we know the time for those questions.

Ohio State's season opener against Akron on Sept. 3 and the Sept. 10 game against Toledo both will kick off at noon, the Big Ten announced today. ESPN or ESPN2 will carry the Akron game, and the Big Ten Network will broadcast the game with Toledo.

Five of Ohio State’s 2011 games now have start times. Start times previously announced were:

Sept. 17 at Miami (Fla.) – 7:30 or 8 p.m. on ABC or ESPN;

Oct. 8 at Nebraska – 8 p.m. on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2; and

Oct. 29 against. Wisconsin – 8 p.m. on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2.

As of right now, there seems to be no other indication that the other times for games will be released. Usually for the rest of the games, 12 days before kickoff those game times will be announced.

In Case You Missed It

Pryor will try to avenge the loss in prime time.

Due to my internet betraying me and Blogger going down a day after I got it back, here's a recap of the big story over the end of the week. Normal posting will now continue.

It was announced that Ohio State will have 2 games in prime time. Miami and Wisconsin are the games that are in prime time as of right now. Kickoff in Miami will be at 7:30 or 8 p.m. on Sept. 17. The game will be broadcast on either ABC or ESPN.

The teams played in Columbus last season, with the Buckeyes winning 36-24. The 2011 match-up will be Ohio State's first trip to play the Hurricanes in Miami. 

Meanwhile, the Badger game will be carried by ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 in Columbus. Pryor and co. will be in tow as they try and avenge their loss to Wisconsin way back in October.

This is the third prime time game for the Buckeyes, as it is added to the Ohio State-Nebraska game, which will be a dandy in Lincoln. The Tat Five and Tressel will be returning in that game, so you know the build up to that point will be incredibly large.

Duron Carter Won't Come Back

For a while, it seemed Duron Carter was going to be the next big thing at Ohio State. Now it is announced that Duron Carter will not be re-joining the team, at all.

"Dulin said the reasons Carter is not returning to OSU, “are the same as before,” but did not want to elaborate. Recently, Carter indicated on his Twitter account that Ohio State was not allowing him to return.

Dulin said Carter currently is at home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., taking Coffeyville classes online and hoping to earn his associate’s degree.

Dulin said he’s not sure where Carter might go, but that Miami is an option."

It seems that academics played the final role in the factor, but now that he is pretty much officially gone, it's too bad for a kid who had such a big future. I wonder if Cris Carter will have anything to say about this move for his son. If he does end up in Miami, that would be pretty disappointing to see for Ohio State fans in general. Wherever he ends up, though, I wish him the best of luck.

Random Thoughts

Oh, we never doubted you!

Everybody take a collective sigh of relief and breathe in that sweet late summer air. Do you smell that? It smells like victory (yes victory has a smell). It looks like we have a legit title contender in our beloved Ohio State Buckeyes this season. ITS and the rest of Buckeye nation never doubted that this was the year to make a run at the MNC. However, if you are one that puts any credence in what the talking heads have to say during pregame shows, you know the media was still spewing the same old speed argument. I'm looking straight at you Mark May. I have wasted so much time bitching about this guy but he has done it again. His argument that OSU only had "straight ahead" speed and were only fast "on paper" were laughable at best. It is really getting old and whatever credibility he has in the college football world (I can't imagine he had that much to begin with) has whithered away completely. How this guy holds on to a job is beyond me. He must have some really damning pictures of somebody from ESPN because he is wrong WAY more often than he is right. OK, I feel better now. Let's move on.

Recap: Ohio State 36, Miami 24

Pryor and the Buckeyes danced to victory.
(AP Photo Jay LaPrete)

Well that was fun. The Buckeye faithful started the party as soon as the game ended. A big Buckeye win will do wonders for the National Title hopes in Columbus. Ohio State has won eight straight games when ranked second in the AP poll, so I guess when we're good, we're good. One of the keys to our success yesterday in the 'Shoe was our defense. With JaFOURy Harris throwing 4 interceptions (one at a key point in the red zone) and the returns pretty good, the Buckeyes rolled on with great field position. 

Jim Tressel was excellent, with the right plays at the right time. Terrelle Pryor threw for 233 yards and a TD and ran for 113 yards and a TD as the Buckeyes improved to 27-2 at home under Jim Tressel against nonconference opponents. That's an impressive record at home. The only bad part of the game was the special teams and even then, Devin Barclay tied a school record for 5 made FG's in a game. He almost had 6, but punched it left.

Live Blog: Ohio State vs. Miami

The trash talking for pre game is over. It's now time to put up or shut up.

Join us at 3:30 PM EST to get the show rolling.