10. Don't Believe The Hype - One thing that scares me most about all Buckeye teams is usually buying into the fact that they are automatically good and can beat anyone anytime. It's not a bad thing to think like that, unless you have a cocky attitude. If you stay humble, then thinking like that can really help your team. A perfect example of helping, would be 2002. No one gave them a chance, but they thought they could beat anyone, with just a little luck. The opposite to them would be the 2006 team. I hate to put this out there, because Tressel really does a great job of keeping these men in line. That 2006 team was one of the most cocky I've seen. Of course, I'm not going to sit here and tell you I didn't enjoy it. Oh, I do love when they are, because they play with some real passion. It just so happens that it backfires when they do.
9. The 'Shoe getting louder then against USC - The reason I named this blog Inside The Shoe, was because there is nothing in the world like being in the 'Shoe. Especially at night, and particularly when it's loud. Last season, we saw the largest, and loudest (by far) crowd in Ohio State history. Sadly, it was against USC, which we all know ended in a close loss. Now I want a second chance at that, but this time against Miami. They want revenge, but let's show them like we did in Tempe.
8. Beat Miami - Obviously this goes along with #9, but it's really important not to lose a game this year if we want to go to the MNC. Miami is a dangerous team that relies heavily on their erratic quarterback Jacory Harris. I say erratic simply because some games he would have 2-3 picks, but others he would dominate the secondary without another glance. They are returning many players, along with getting some of the key injured players back. A big advantage would obviously be that we play a game before them, while this would be they're first.
7. Storm Klein/OSU LB core - Storm Klein hails from Licking Valley High School, where he played running back and had a couple of 1,000 yard seasons. He came to Ohio State as a linebacker though, because of the depth. Ever since I saw him in the Spring game a year ago, I've been really impressed with this kid. Also, he made a strip in the Rose Bowl (kickoff coverage) if I recall, although he could have just helped with it. He played special teams a lot, but is now competing for that linebacker spot that was left vacant after Spitler left. He has been fighting for it with Etienne Sabino, and so far Sabino seems to be winning the battle. I think that he can earn a lot of minutes, but ultimately Sabino will own the spot.
Yes please.
6. The Silver Bullets rise again - Yes, the Buckeye defense reared it's head last season both surprising and impressing fans and experts. The secondary was good, linebacking really good, and D-Line outstanding. I think they can do it again, but the secondary needs to figure out who is going where, but I trust these coaches. The only thing to work on from last year is playing down to competition. It seemed when they played USC, no one in the country could stop them. When they played Navy and Purdue, you saw a mediocre defense. No more of that.
5. DeVier Posey/Dane Sanzenbacher become the best WR duo - Yes, they already are being considered as the go to tag team. They're performance in the Rose Bowl was sensational, especially DP. Now we need both to be on fire each and every game. If they start getting shut down, go to Washington, or Carter. Heck, we might just hand it off to our stable once in awhile!
We love ya, JT.
4. Jim Tressel continues the play calling from Rose Bowl - Don't stop, keep acting like it was just a continued season. We need this play calling to succeed against Miami and BCS schools. Sure, you go relax a little aganist Iowa and Wisconsin. They're used to it. When it comes time for Miami or a bowl game, you better bring out all the stops. It's only going to help this team prepare for what's ahead. Evil Tressel is a good thing.
3. The O-Line finishes the job - Once again, the O-Line has been a main topic for Ohio State the past couple of years. We've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. Last year, they started to show flashes of greatness, (USC, Iowa, etc..) Now they can build off the Rose Bowl, which was another good performance by the O-Line, and continue to do solid work this year. The big games matter, and now they know. These are the same guys that played USC two times, played Texas, played Oregon. They know what to do, they just gotta do it. I think they can.
He's ready. Are you?
2. Jaamal Berry/RB depth - You can call me crazy all you want. I know the importance of a good running game, and they tend to be my favorite players. They work their asses off, and have three yards and a cloud of dust to show for it. It's one of the most grueling positions on the field, but when you break 1, just 1, big run, a whole football game can change. Jaamal Berry has speed, power, agility, and toughness. He can run past, through, and and around defenders. If you like the big explosive, stiff arm, Beanie-Esq backs, Carlos Hyde is your man. The RB depth itself is incredible. I really want Carlos Hyde and Jaamal Berry to get on that field this year. If they don't, it would be a big mistake. Zoom and Boom are great on their own, imagine fully rested each play. Zoom will get the majority of the carries, but if he gets tired, be ready for a face full of Boom. It's going to be a good year.
Ah..Arizona, we are back. Again.
1. Terrelle Pryor and the National Championship - I guess you could dub this as 1a and 1b, but I'm putting both in the same category. How could you not? Don't get me wrong, without Terrelle Pryor were not too bad, but with him, well, just ask Oregon. Terrelle Pryor has made leaps and bounds since Purdue, and I'm not shy to say it. Sure, he didn't throw too much those last 3 games before the Rose Bowl, but he didn't have to. When he did they were good. He's out to prove he can be a complete QB, and I know he can and will. Ah, the MNC. We will always have Tempe, but I would really like to have Glendale come the end of this year. All the things I have mentioned in this post have to happen for us to win. I won't give any predictions right now, but many are saying Nebraska or Alabama in the MNC. 2 very tough teams, so it's time to get cracking.
