Who's Joining Urban In Columbus?

Forming an All-Star staff?

"I'm going to try to assemble the best coaching staff in college football.  Our goal is to compete and win Big Ten championships."
 - Urban Meyer, November 28th, 2011

Even before Monday came and Urban Meyer confirmed to the college football world that he was coming back to coach Ohio State, there was a lot of speculation as to who would be coming with Meyer on the new Buckeye staff, once he was officially hired.

Now, with the hire becoming official, Urban has a lot of work to do ahead. This includes trying to actually put together an All-Star staff, recruiting in-state talent, and trying to nab some big recruiting names before National Signing day in February. 

“I was very fortunate in 2005 – I know this is a little biased – I think we put together the best group of assistant coaches maybe in college football history. I know that’s a profound statement, but the job those guys did, the recruits they brought in and the run that that team went on – with the players we brought in and the style of offense, defense and kicking game – my goal is to find that kind of group of coaches again.”

When Coach Meyer (it's going to be fun calling him that from here on out) mentions his 2005 staff, he is referring to his first year as the head coach of the Florida Gators. That staff is still regarded as arguably one of the best staffs in college football in this modern age. The question is now standing: Who will join Urban Meyer in Columbus? Let's take a look at how I think the main coordinating staff will look.

National CFB Games This Weekend

It's been awhile since I've had time to do these, in fact, the last time was Week 2! We'll continue our record from there, and although we missed some important games, some even more important ones will come into play down the stretch. Let's take a look at the National games this weekend, and give our predictions.

Last Week's Record: 0-0
Season Record: 6-2

#14 Texas A&M Aggies vs. #18 Arkansas Razorbacks, 12:00 PM EST, ESPN
The Aggies and Razorbacks are both coming off their first loss of the 2011 season, and both to very good football teams. The Aggies had a strong lead against the Cowboys of Oklahoma State, only to squander a big halftime lead in a 30-29 loss. Arkansas, on the other hand, was outmatched heading into the second quarter, and got handed a 38-14 loss. Soon after, it was announced that A&M had been accepted to the SEC and would join in 2012. This game will certainly become an annual event for the two rivals, and should offer a good preview of where A&M is among some of the SEC "elite". Prediction: Texas A&M Wins 34-21


#15 Baylor Bears at #24 Kansas State Wildcats, 3:30 PM EST, ABC
Robert Griffin has been outstanding, while the Wildcats offense and defense are much improved. Both have quality wins over tough opponents in TCU and Miami (Fl.) The key factor in this is if RG3 turns the ball over or makes a lot of mistakes. Other than that, I just don't see KSU upsetting the Bears. Prediction: Baylor Wins 42-21

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.

National CFB Games This Weekend

It's time to bring back the predictions, the hype, and the eventual glory for one team in college football. That road begins this weekend when the ball is kicked off the tee, and helmets collide in a bruising, powerful way. Let's begin!


Current Season Record: 0-0
Last Week's Record: 0-0


Minnesota Golden Gophers at USC Trojans, 3:30 PM EST, ABC/ESPN2
The Golden Gophers have a new head coach in Jerry Kill, and their offensive weapon at QB is MarQueis Gray. They will have to attack fast and hard if they have any hope against Barclay and the Trojans though, as USC has won 13 straight openers and 11 straight games against Big Ten opponents.
Prediction: USC wins 35-14

Are The Buckeyes Going To Win The Big Ten?

How far can Fickell take this team?

Phil Steele in his latest predictions, has Ohio State winning the Big Ten Leader's division despite the losses of Terrelle Pryor and Jim Tressel. This isn't too surprising, and he obviously has a lot of faith in what Luke Fickell can do. I do as well, but I can't tell if they can win a B1G championship just yet. I have to be able to see Nebraska, Wisconsin, etc. The B10 is very deep this year, with Wisconsin (along with getting Russell Wilson), Michigan State, an interesting Illinois team, Nebraska, and some early underdogs that could step up with some pretty big upsets.

While I think it is possible, I think the first 5 games are going to be the real test for Braxton Miller (who's been rumored to be the starter, based off subtle notes in the Big Ten media day) and how he plays, along with our stable of running backs, will decide how the rest of the season plays out. Michigan State, Miami, and Nebraska are going to be some real tough tests, not just for Miller, but the defense as well. After the jump, look what Phil Steele has to say about his latest predictions on the Buckeyes.

My 2011 Standout: A Prediction

Still hurts

Ohio State has a tradition of having great tight ends, tight ends who sometimes don't get the credit or catches they deserve to see...Ben Hartsock, Ryan Hamby, John Frank, Fred Pagac, Sr., and Jake Ballard. Yes, we all remember Hamby's drops in the lost to Texas in Columbus, but he still came through in other moments we needed him.

The player I see having the most potential as a big impact player this season is Tight End Jake Stoneburner. After having a break out year from 2009 (2 receptions, 30 yards) with 21 receptions for 222 yards a year ago and 3 receptions for 39 yards in the Sugar Bowl, the fire has been stoked. Add in a 5 game suspension for your leading wide-receiver and the loss of Dane Sanzenbacher, and you have a situation that might just come unglued.

Signing Day Predictions Part 3

It's Signing Day! That means it's time for our final predictions for this class. This time around, we will only be looking at Keith Wells and Duron Carter. Both are former Buckeyes, leaving because of academics. 


Duron Carter, the son of Hall of Famer Cris Carter, has been playing at Coffeyville, and has done well. Now, it seems that OSU doesn't want him back, via his Twitter a month or so ago.


Keith Wells is an interesting story. He's got some talent, he's been able to make his grades rise, so there is a possibility to come back for him.


Let's delve into the projections:

Signing Day Predictions Part 2

Can Walker become elite?

In Part 2 of the 3 part series, I will be taking a look at and predicting where Aundrey Walker, Ejuan Price, and Cardale Jones will land. You can see Part 1 here.

These next 3 recruits are pretty important to grab. Ejuan Price committed to Ohio State, but could be having second thoughts after his visit with Pitt. It's possible to change his mind.

Aundrey Walker is down to his final three: USC, Ohio State, and Michigan State. This will come down to the last day, without a doubt in my mind.

Cardale Jones is like a lesser version of Braxton Miller. He would be a nice addition to the class, but this man is not a need as it stands.

On to the recruits, broken down:

Predictions For National Signing Day Part 1

Can Tressel reel in some more recruits?

Wednesday may mark a big day for Ohio State. As you know, 2 days from now, is the National Signing Day this year. This means all the big recruit names that haven't committed anywhere have to make their decision.


The Buckeye's have their eyes on a couple of star studded individuals that would really put the cherry on top for the 2011 Recruiting class. We've gone over a couple, including Doran Grant, Jajuan Story, Curtis Grant, and Ejuan Price. Here they are, and the rest of our predictions as to who is going to be a Buckeye in 2011.

Spring Finals: Linebackers

We all know by now that spring has come and gone, football wise that is, so we will be taking a look into all the positions, tell you how they did, and where they might be this fall. Today's topic is the Linebackers.

Some people say that Penn State is Linebacker U. For the past couple of seasons, Buckeye fans have had the pleasure of disagreeing with them. From Spielman, to Hawk, to Laurinatis, and now to Homan and co. The Buckeyes have been graced with some great linebackers over the years, and have produced with them to. Linebackers are mainly focused on the rushing game, as they have to attack that running back and make the big play. Sometimes they drop back, and can steal a couple from you though. Just look at Homan's pick in the Rose Bowl. That was 1 of the very many key moments of the game. This year's core consists of speed, power, and just overall good playing. It may not be the Schlegel-Hawk-Carpenter trio, but they will get the job done this year. We also have some good players coming in from this class that could make an impact right away.  

Spring Finals: Safety

We all know by now that spring has come and gone, football wise that is, so we will be taking a look into all the positions, tell you how they did, and where they might be this fall. Today's topic is Safety.

The Safeties have always been the second line of defense behind the corners in pass protection. Fortunately, they don't just stand there on runs either, so they get a buck load of tackles during the season. Safeties are generally big corners, that hit hard, and leave some memories. Ohio State last year had Kurt Coleman, an outstanding safety, but was picked in the 7th round. The only reason in my mind was that he was a tad too slow, and the size. Size is important, but when your good at everything you do, it shouldn't matter. This year we have some great talent and will be able to use more of it in the past. One more quick note that will send smiles everywhere across Buckeye Nation. Anderson Russell is not on the roster, nor is there anyone that plays like him. (Sorry, still haven't gotten that edgy feeling away whenever I think about him). We've got some people coming back, but for the most part, you will be seeing some new faces deep in the defensive backfield this year.

Spring Finals: Cornerback

We all know by now that spring has come and gone, football wise that is, so we will be taking a look into all the positions, tell you how they did, and where they might be this fall. Today's topic is the Cornerbacks.

The cornerback position is important because they are the first protection when it comes to the passing game. Ohio State has been blessed with loads of decent, top tier corners including Malcolm Jenkins, Chris Gamble, Shawn Springs, and many others. This season the spot holds one of the deepest positions which contains two seniors starting, and a sophomore backing them up when things get too rough.

Spring Finals: Offensive Line

We all know by now that spring has come and gone, football wise that is, so we will be taking a look into all the positions, tell you how they did, and where they might be this fall. Today's topic is the Offensive Line.

Ohio State has been criticized so much about the offensive line that in 2008, Jim Tressel himself took over for Jim Heacock. Much of the blame had been put on him as well for losing and collapsing against top-tier teams. It didn't help much, but in 2009, the O-Line turned the corner of destiny, making themselves a decent line. Against USC, they held their own, and opened up lanes for Boom Herron to find, and to cut through. Then against Penn St. they opened up holes for Boom and Zoom to destroy the D-line, and then gave up no sacks the the Nittany Lions. Now in 2010, with the majority of everyone returning to their spots, things are looking up for this group of talented linemen.

Spring Finals: Wide Receiver

We all know by now that spring has come and gone, football wise that is, so we will be taking a look into all the positions, tell you how they did, and where they might be this fall. Today's topic is Wide Receiver.

The Ohio State wide receivers have had some pretty good cores in the past, including Santonio Holmes, TG2, Gonzo, Hall, and more. The 2010 group is looking to make a statement that they can be one of the groups in that list itself. The receivers always play an important role at Ohio State, but this year, they have to do work to impress. We start with Mr. Posey.

Spring Finals: Running Back

We all know by now that spring has come and gone, football wise that is, so we will be taking a look into all the positions, tell you how they did, and where they might be this fall. Today's topic is Running back.

The running back is my favorite position on any team. They have to carry the ball and run between the tackles, and it takes so much strength, agility, and a knack for finding that open hole. At OSU, it's elevated even more. We've had so many great running backs including Mr. Two Timer, Eddie George, Beanie Wells, Keith Byars, etc. This year it gets even better as we are completely overloaded on the front of running back. So many people could earn starting spots, it's almost surprising some of them didn't redshirt. The huge storyline of this year is that the depth of this group is greater than ever before. That might be true, and could work out well. Or, it could be a bad thing to have too much like we do, because of people wanting to transfer for not getting playing time. It's going to be a tough thing to do when it's time for Coach Tressel to announce the depth charts for this fall.

Spring Finals: Fullback

We all know by now that spring has come and gone, football wise that is, so we will be taking a look into all the positions, tell you how they did, and where they might be this fall. Today's topic is covering the fullback. As you can see in this picture, fullbacks are key to a running backs openings. They are called the lead blocker for a reason. When a quarterback hands off to a running back, the RB is going to be looking for a hole quick, and it should come right of the shoulder of the fullback. So with that, let's dive right in to the fullbacks that are currently attending The Ohio State University.

Spring Finals: Quarterback

We all know by now that spring has come and gone, football wise that is, so we will be taking a look into all the positions, tell you how they did, and where they might be this fall. Today, we start with the Quarterback.