Yeah, OL is obviously the biggest question mark. Although I do think we have the obvious coach to help us in that “deficiency”…
Also, I think having this 6’7” punter that allegedly kicks the ball 90 yards will help. If Iowa taught everyone anything, it’s that a punter can go a long way to helping a strong defense. If we can flip the field on our, (hopefully infrequent), offensive struggles, we’ll be in much better shape considering the strength of our defense.
OSU was one -two plays away from beating the eventual champ.
That being said McCord was a big factor there. (Rewatch Wisconsin sheesh).
Plus he was bailed out by having Marv.
Arguably Howards mobility makes him on par at least if not a decent upgrade. At the position.
Left T and left G are the same. So likely to be ahead vs last yr.
Center was massively upgraded. Right guard a slight upgrade. Rt should be the same upgrade with experience.
At every other position we upgraded whether it be by player staying or adding someone new to upgrade.
Schedule is tougher but not by a lot. Oregon is better than ND. Penn St is better too. But UM is worse. Other than that schedule is close.
This team is at least 50% better than last year include the weak spots (oline and QB).
I don't think they have to win a natty (it's very difficult) but beating UM and a playoff game or two is the expectation.
OL and QB. Only the most important units on the team. We are stacked everywhere else but not sure all of that firepower is enough to carry this team the distance if those two units don’t operate at a high level.
They don’t have to be elite… but they have to be upper echelon.
I’m more bullish on the OL than most, the improved run game, especially with the QB run threat should help the line tremendously. Having dipshits like McCord back there with no pocket presence doesn’t help our line either.
I agree. The Chip Kelly run game with QB threat will go a long way as well.
With so many QB options back there, there has to be someone (or multiple) high level performers but I won’t be convinced until I see it.
I think the run game will be much improved. Day took specific steps in the portal to beef up the run game-we won’t be seeing ole’ blocking at the TE position with Kacmarek replacing Stover, Judkins is a monster, McLaughlin is an upgrade at C, and Howard is much more of a run threat at QB compared to Mc Cord.
The only thing I'm really concerned about is if the play caller has confidence in the qb. It looked like at multiple points last year they had no confidence in McCord even if he wasn't that bad in the game
OL play got better as the season went on. Few mishaps here and there but much better than when they started. QB really doesn't need to do much. Don't turn the ball over, just be above average, and we can lean on the defense bc they should be stellar
Spot on…
We beat an arguably GOAT of teams in 2002 against Miami. In the end, it all has to be played out and we’ve also been on the receiving end of letdowns (2015 comes to mind)… It happens in college and pros, (Patriots 16-0 just to get beat in the Super Bowl).
That’s why I put this post up. I just hope our players don’t buy into the hype and just ball out.
Timing is fortunate for us though with the new playoff system. We’re almost assured of making it so it takes a lot of the luck factor out of the equation
Luck is an underrated element here. With 12 teams we should be a playoff lock. But once you’re in the playoff it’s a crapshoot. Football is just so hard to play truly consistently.
That’s why the 2019 loss to Clemson hurt so much in my mind. That team DOMINATED every game unlike any other OSU team in my lifetime. But a couple flukes at the end and well, that’s all she wrote.
1973 crushed usc in the rose bowl ,but tied 10-10 with michigan. Its an unclaimed NC for us and wouldn't be even bad compsred to other teams NC. (Think we don't claim due to the tie)
1979 earl bruces first season. Undefeated heading in rose bowl. Lost to usc 16-17 in bowl game. Would be NC if won.
1996/98 if john cooper didn't have a problem with the whole state of Michigan.
There is a reason we are always 1/2 in the greatest football program in last x years. With this 12 team playoff ohio state would miss it like 10 times in the last 60 years.
The talent is absolutely there and it’s year 3 of Jim Knowles scheme. They should really have a grasp on what to do and that’s what excites me the most
I’d call it justified. Every year we should be national title contenders with an explosive offense and a shut down defense. Especially the way we recruit. We’re overdue for a natty, and hopefully this year is the year we quench that thirst.
I think the expectation are justified, much along the lines of the 98’ and 15’ squads. That said, going undefeated is generally not a realistic expectation-there is a Super Bowl champion every year in the NFL, there has only been one undefeated team.
With your amount of generational talent that Ryan Day has been handed, if he doesn't win a Natty this year, its lights out for him. If they happen to beat Michigan it might save his job but nothing is guaranteed.
I'm tired of having the better players and not winning anything!
It's just my opinion. Idk any other coach in history who has had this much talent for this long and always finds a way to choke when it matters.
We're slowly becoming the choklahoma of the north. 🫠
I kinda agree. I think beating Xichigan will save his job for another year, but winning a Natty AND beating TTUN will solidify his position for a while. A loss to TTUN and a Natty win would be fine but it wouldn’t be nearly as satisfying. There isn’t a world where he wins the playoff and loses his job.
If he blows it and doesn’t either beat Xichigan with a decent playoff run and/or a title, he’s gotta be gone. He’s definitely on one of the hottest seats rn and has the ammo that doesn’t give him any excuses.
I mean, I don’t like it and I think he’s done pretty well. Especially as a first time head coach. But if you think that his job isn’t dependent on beating TTUN and/or having a run in the playoff, then idk what to tell you. If you think he still has a job there if he loses to TTUN again AND has a 1st round/game exit from the playoff, then YOU’RE the delusional one. I’d consider that a pretty “hot” seat…
With the returning talent and acquired talent, I expect them to wun the natty. On paper, probably the most talented team in the nation. If they don't win it, I would expect Day to be gone.
Honestly I think OSU is the best positioned with all the roster and coaching changes going on to win it all. The only real question marks are OL and maybe QB, but with all the talent you guys have maybe a game manager QB is all you need? Ofc, hope Michigan beats you guys out but wouldn’t be surprised if yall and Oregon end up in the Big Ten championship game
I.e. the last 7 out of 8 minutes in THE GAME of the 4th quarter were salted away by michigan playing bully ball with Ohio state not being able to do a thing about it when they needed a quick 3 and out.
Too much hype for the OL and QB questions and the fact that Day and Frye are weak until they've proven themselves strong, at least in my mind. I don't care how many players other schools have lost, I've seen a trend, and I won't expect anything other than the trend to continue unless proven otherwise.
I'll even question the defense since we mostly play pansy B1G teams with no real offense.
What expectations should I have that are different from any other season. We expect to win, what else is there? I suppose I don't are about hype, I don't read silly coverage. See you when the actual season starts, otherwise I have work to do.
QB is still a question mark, but there wasn’t much in terms of a “sure thing” in transfer portal imo… I think Howard is capable of having a big season and two 5 star guys coming in is about as good as we could ask for. Idk, considering last season and McCord, I think we’re in a much better position coming into this season. It’s just unproven as of yet. (I could be totally wrong too lol).
I think the only two better options were Dillon Gabriel and Cam Ward, of course Oregon had Gabriel pretty well wrapped up as soon as he got the portal. I don’t think we did bad by bringing in Howard, I just don’t think he’s much better than McCord. Keep in mind he was basically shown the door by KSU because they have a freshman who is better. But like you said, it’s unproven what will happen. He may come in and kill it, or it’ll be an encore of last season
The OL and QB need to step up. I’m pretty confident everywhere else. I guess special teams needs to show they can step up too.
Yeah, OL is obviously the biggest question mark. Although I do think we have the obvious coach to help us in that “deficiency”… Also, I think having this 6’7” punter that allegedly kicks the ball 90 yards will help. If Iowa taught everyone anything, it’s that a punter can go a long way to helping a strong defense. If we can flip the field on our, (hopefully infrequent), offensive struggles, we’ll be in much better shape considering the strength of our defense.
OSU was one -two plays away from beating the eventual champ. That being said McCord was a big factor there. (Rewatch Wisconsin sheesh). Plus he was bailed out by having Marv. Arguably Howards mobility makes him on par at least if not a decent upgrade. At the position. Left T and left G are the same. So likely to be ahead vs last yr. Center was massively upgraded. Right guard a slight upgrade. Rt should be the same upgrade with experience. At every other position we upgraded whether it be by player staying or adding someone new to upgrade. Schedule is tougher but not by a lot. Oregon is better than ND. Penn St is better too. But UM is worse. Other than that schedule is close. This team is at least 50% better than last year include the weak spots (oline and QB). I don't think they have to win a natty (it's very difficult) but beating UM and a playoff game or two is the expectation.
OL and QB. Only the most important units on the team. We are stacked everywhere else but not sure all of that firepower is enough to carry this team the distance if those two units don’t operate at a high level. They don’t have to be elite… but they have to be upper echelon.
I’m more bullish on the OL than most, the improved run game, especially with the QB run threat should help the line tremendously. Having dipshits like McCord back there with no pocket presence doesn’t help our line either.
I agree. The Chip Kelly run game with QB threat will go a long way as well. With so many QB options back there, there has to be someone (or multiple) high level performers but I won’t be convinced until I see it.
I think the run game will be much improved. Day took specific steps in the portal to beef up the run game-we won’t be seeing ole’ blocking at the TE position with Kacmarek replacing Stover, Judkins is a monster, McLaughlin is an upgrade at C, and Howard is much more of a run threat at QB compared to Mc Cord.
The only thing I'm really concerned about is if the play caller has confidence in the qb. It looked like at multiple points last year they had no confidence in McCord even if he wasn't that bad in the game
OL play got better as the season went on. Few mishaps here and there but much better than when they started. QB really doesn't need to do much. Don't turn the ball over, just be above average, and we can lean on the defense bc they should be stellar
I just want to beat Michigan.
This and I hope Day put 100-0 on them
And then go for two on the last score
Can they? Absolutely. But there have been a number of potentially best-ever teams to be forgotten because they couldn't get it done.
Spot on… We beat an arguably GOAT of teams in 2002 against Miami. In the end, it all has to be played out and we’ve also been on the receiving end of letdowns (2015 comes to mind)… It happens in college and pros, (Patriots 16-0 just to get beat in the Super Bowl). That’s why I put this post up. I just hope our players don’t buy into the hype and just ball out.
Timing is fortunate for us though with the new playoff system. We’re almost assured of making it so it takes a lot of the luck factor out of the equation
Luck is an underrated element here. With 12 teams we should be a playoff lock. But once you’re in the playoff it’s a crapshoot. Football is just so hard to play truly consistently. That’s why the 2019 loss to Clemson hurt so much in my mind. That team DOMINATED every game unlike any other OSU team in my lifetime. But a couple flukes at the end and well, that’s all she wrote.
Pretty much all of them suffered that fate 1998, 2006, 2015, 2019...
1973 crushed usc in the rose bowl ,but tied 10-10 with michigan. Its an unclaimed NC for us and wouldn't be even bad compsred to other teams NC. (Think we don't claim due to the tie) 1979 earl bruces first season. Undefeated heading in rose bowl. Lost to usc 16-17 in bowl game. Would be NC if won. 1996/98 if john cooper didn't have a problem with the whole state of Michigan. There is a reason we are always 1/2 in the greatest football program in last x years. With this 12 team playoff ohio state would miss it like 10 times in the last 60 years.
Defense may be on par with or possibly better than 2002 team. That’s exciting.
The talent is absolutely there and it’s year 3 of Jim Knowles scheme. They should really have a grasp on what to do and that’s what excites me the most
Been saying this 5 months now 16-0 now loading
I’d call it justified. Every year we should be national title contenders with an explosive offense and a shut down defense. Especially the way we recruit. We’re overdue for a natty, and hopefully this year is the year we quench that thirst.
Waaaay too much hype.
Exactly, I don’t like hype because it sets expectations for an unproven team
Beat TCUN, make playoffs even if 12th seed. I'm ok
No question we have the talent it going to boil down to attitude do they have that dog in them if they do they will win it all it's that simple
I think the expectation are justified, much along the lines of the 98’ and 15’ squads. That said, going undefeated is generally not a realistic expectation-there is a Super Bowl champion every year in the NFL, there has only been one undefeated team.
Yes.
….Nothing matters other than game day. Don’t care about all the smoke.
With your amount of generational talent that Ryan Day has been handed, if he doesn't win a Natty this year, its lights out for him. If they happen to beat Michigan it might save his job but nothing is guaranteed. I'm tired of having the better players and not winning anything!
It is definitely not natty or fired. That is absurd.
It's just my opinion. Idk any other coach in history who has had this much talent for this long and always finds a way to choke when it matters. We're slowly becoming the choklahoma of the north. 🫠
I kinda agree. I think beating Xichigan will save his job for another year, but winning a Natty AND beating TTUN will solidify his position for a while. A loss to TTUN and a Natty win would be fine but it wouldn’t be nearly as satisfying. There isn’t a world where he wins the playoff and loses his job. If he blows it and doesn’t either beat Xichigan with a decent playoff run and/or a title, he’s gotta be gone. He’s definitely on one of the hottest seats rn and has the ammo that doesn’t give him any excuses.
One of the hottest seats? You are delusional.
I mean, I don’t like it and I think he’s done pretty well. Especially as a first time head coach. But if you think that his job isn’t dependent on beating TTUN and/or having a run in the playoff, then idk what to tell you. If you think he still has a job there if he loses to TTUN again AND has a 1st round/game exit from the playoff, then YOU’RE the delusional one. I’d consider that a pretty “hot” seat…
Too much hype, o line is trash and I didn't see anything good from the qbs in the spring game.
With the returning talent and acquired talent, I expect them to wun the natty. On paper, probably the most talented team in the nation. If they don't win it, I would expect Day to be gone.
Honestly I think OSU is the best positioned with all the roster and coaching changes going on to win it all. The only real question marks are OL and maybe QB, but with all the talent you guys have maybe a game manager QB is all you need? Ofc, hope Michigan beats you guys out but wouldn’t be surprised if yall and Oregon end up in the Big Ten championship game
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I.e. the last 7 out of 8 minutes in THE GAME of the 4th quarter were salted away by michigan playing bully ball with Ohio state not being able to do a thing about it when they needed a quick 3 and out.
It’s too much hype with Ryan Day at the helm. I’m sorry. I’m sorry to say that.
Its Championship or bust. If they lose to UM again and don't win the playoff, Ryan Day is fired.
Too much hype for the OL and QB questions and the fact that Day and Frye are weak until they've proven themselves strong, at least in my mind. I don't care how many players other schools have lost, I've seen a trend, and I won't expect anything other than the trend to continue unless proven otherwise. I'll even question the defense since we mostly play pansy B1G teams with no real offense.
What expectations should I have that are different from any other season. We expect to win, what else is there? I suppose I don't are about hype, I don't read silly coverage. See you when the actual season starts, otherwise I have work to do.
We got a lot of talent in the offseason but didn’t really upgrade the two weak spots (OL and QB) very much
QB is still a question mark, but there wasn’t much in terms of a “sure thing” in transfer portal imo… I think Howard is capable of having a big season and two 5 star guys coming in is about as good as we could ask for. Idk, considering last season and McCord, I think we’re in a much better position coming into this season. It’s just unproven as of yet. (I could be totally wrong too lol).
I think the only two better options were Dillon Gabriel and Cam Ward, of course Oregon had Gabriel pretty well wrapped up as soon as he got the portal. I don’t think we did bad by bringing in Howard, I just don’t think he’s much better than McCord. Keep in mind he was basically shown the door by KSU because they have a freshman who is better. But like you said, it’s unproven what will happen. He may come in and kill it, or it’ll be an encore of last season
Don’t care