The 2012 story didn’t begin on January 1, 2012. Of course, so much had already happened up to that point that I would be remiss without first going back to November 29, 2011 when the hiring of Urban Meyer as the next head coach at Ohio State became official. With that, we also have to think back to December 22^nd of 2011, the day the sanctions prohibiting the Buckeyes from playing in a bowl game after the 2012 season, reducing scholarships and prohibiting Ohio State from competing in the Big Ten Championship game was announced.

“Gator don’t play…”

2012 started out with a trip to something called the Tax Slayer dot com Gator Bowl where the Buckeyes squared off with? … [Read More]

Here at tBBC we wanted to take a moment and reflect on the highs and lows from the past year, which will give me just enough time to snag that last piece of sweet potato pie while everyone is reminiscing.

We’re Thankful For…

Janelle: Coach Meyer. We knew that the Buckeyes would be better this season, but undefeated going into TSUN week? That far and away exceeded expectations. We knew it was possible, but after last season, I don’t think anyone was sure what would happen this year. He has rallied the troops and gotten them to play with so much heart and intensity. It has truly been fun to watch.

WVa: Braxton … [Read More]

Have you caught your breath? Did you wake up this morning feeling a little better about yesterday’s Buckeye win? I hope so, because despite a myriad of defensive issues and an offense that at times was stuck in the mud, the boys are 3-0 and looking ahead now to Alabama-Birmingham at The Shoe this Saturday. For as angry as some aspects of the Buckeyes performance made you, you have to admit this one was pretty exciting as a spectator!

Fundamental issues

Ok, we’ll start with the bad since that’s what everyone wanted to focus on during and at the conclusion of yesterday’s 35-28 win over California. I can’t recall an Ohio State defense that tackles this poorly and takes such horrible routes to the ball carrier on the edges.

It makes my head hurt … [Read More]

This week tBBC looks at the special teams matchup with the Miami University RedHawks . Be sure to check out the rest of this series via the links at the bottom of this post!

As the Buckeyes look to start the Urban Meyer era, there will be many changes that fans will experience.

However, the emphasis on solid special teams, a hallmark of the previous administration, will continue under the new regime… and perhaps even be more of a point of pride.

Like the Vest, Coach Meyer has called the punt the most important play in the game. Indeed, the fact that he has taken charge of the Special Forces’ planning and preparation highlights that the man is serious about the kicking … [Read More]

Quarterback

Breakdown: Anyone wondering what kind of faith the offensive coaches had in Braxton

Miller got a pretty good idea as to how much last Saturday in Champaign. The play as a whole has been pretty poor sans two games for the Buckeye signal callers. Joe Bauserman’s initial start against Akron was … [Read More]

Jim

First Downs. After last weekend, let’s just start with the basic building block on offense and get some first down. Extra bonus points for sustained scoring drives.

Big Plays. I don’t care who does it, but I want to see the Buckeyes loosen up, gain some momentum, gain some yards, and start having fun on the offensive side of the ball. I want to see some big plays (20+ yards) and some excitement. I realize this request may be a bit greedy after what we saw last Saturday, but nothing will get the offense rolling and the confidence flowing again like … [Read More]

• Injury Report- Terrelle “should be” fine, but healing. He did some light lifting on Sunday, and nothing on the off day (we’re assuming he rehabbed); today he returns to practice. Coach Tressel wondered if there’s anyone in the Big T1e1n who’s 1oo% at this point of the season.
• Injury Report 2- Moeller is done, as you know; he has begun the process of seeking an additional year as a medical hardship. The injury is suspected to be relapse of one Tyler had in 2008 that was unable to heal properly due, in part, to his injuries last year.
• Injury Report 3- Decision on Stoneburner on Thursday; Aaron Gant most likely back this week
• Tress Talk- The weather was a factor in the running game as well, since the wind allowed Illinois to load the box without fear of deep passes:

I thought the offensive line

… [Read More]

Apologies for the tardiness, the “Fastest recap on the web” seemingly had the same issues that the Buckeye offense did today. These are my quick thoughts; Jim will bring more insight on Monday:

Defense

• From my vantage point (couch, 27 inch TV), the defense again played lights out. Other than the double pass back to Scheelhaase during the first drive and a few “long” (15-20 yd) runs by Leshoure, the Silver Bullets had their way with Illinois. The only scores came on the first drive and a short field situation following an interception.
• Following the first series, Scheelhaase was held in check running the ball. Kudos to the defensive gameplan and the work of the front four in containing a dangerous threat.
• Yet again, Ohio State did not allow a 100 yard rusher. Postgame snowcones for everyone.
• Christian Bryant filled in admirably for Tyler Moeller; Rumors
… [Read More]