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Posted
39 minutes ago, Hookem2147 said:

A few more scrimmage notes from FCB

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— The defense won the day overall, but the No. 1 offense had some bright spots on three possessions from the 25 against the No. 1 defense.

On the first possession, the offense ran the ball effectively (four times), capped by a CJ Baxter 3-yard TD run behind Neto Umeozuluand Trevor Goosby on the left side of the line.

On the second possession, Arch Manning hit Ryan Wingo for a 20-yard touchdown pass on a great route by Wingo.

On the third possession, the No. 1 offense got the ball to the 10 before settling for a field-goal attempt that was missed by Will Stone.

— Three sources said this year's defense will be better than last year's.

— Utah transfer punter Jack Bouwmeesterboomed punts, a couple with near-five second hang time, leaving the impression the punting is in good hands this season.

— WR Parker Livingstone had a couple nice catches on Saturday and is making a real push (in a battle with Stanford transfer Emmett Mosley V) to get into the top-three receiver rotation with DeAndre Moore Jr. and Ryan Wingo.

— Kicker Mason Shipley hit a 45-yard field goal and missed one attempt from further out. But sources said Shipley, who also hit a shorter field goal, going 2-of-3 on the day, had a much better day than Will Stone.

Shipley's kickoffs were all traveling into the end zone for touchbacks as well.

— Ethan Burke's length is a problem. His 83-inch wingspan helped bat two passes, one of which turned into a tipped-pass interception for linebacker Ty'Anthony Smith.

— Arch Manning's athleticism is going to make a difference. During Saturday's scrimmage, the offense ran a designed QB run in which Arch picked up 25 yards.

On another play, Manning had a few seconds in the pocket but couldn't find an open receiver and took off running, untouched for a first down.

— Freshman offensive tackle Nick Brooks, who came out of the scrimmage with what appeared to be a right leg injury, "is fine," said a source close to the situation.

— I'm told sophomore Brandon Baker was ahead of Andre Cojoe in their battle at right tackle before Cojoe went down with a season-ending knee injury a week ago.

— At tight end, Cal transfer Jack Endries and Jordan Washington showed great hands on Saturday and stood out in the passing game.

Sources said Endries will likely be the starting/primary tight end, while coaches are still working out who will be the second tight end in 12 personnel (one back, two TEs). One source said, "Washington has great hands!"

 

 

28 minutes ago, speed817 said:

In mid-season form already

the No. 1 offense got the ball to the 10 before settling for a field-goal attempt that was missed by Will Stone

images(3).jpeg.ccdd5c1f715a97fab54fc93bdb5b6ac7.jpeg

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Posted
12 minutes ago, Red Five said:

He’s our kickoff specialist.

Yep.  If Stone is kicking FGs this season, something went horribly wrong.

It's a scrimmage, everyone got some work doing different things.  

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Posted

He was the kickoff specialist because he sucked at FGs and Bert Auburn’s leg was too weak to do them effectively. 
He’s a bust of a prospect thus far. 

Posted
1 hour ago, MuellerHorn said:

While the Texas offense was little match for the Texas defense during the Saturday morning scrimmage, Gerry remarked about something that has gone too overlooked.

There was not a lot of disguise on Saturday by the offense, very little motion, not a ton of misdirection.

In other words, Sark kept the offensive game plan relatively vanilla. Whether he did that on purpose, I’m unsure

This is a tough one. Did Sark purposefully run simple plays or was it accidental? Perhaps he accidentally called the wrong plays? 

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Posted (edited)
1 hour ago, MuellerHorn said:

... is it time to worry about the offensive line and the offense in general?

Yes. No.

 

Edited by Tex Long
Posted
1 hour ago, MuellerHorn said:

Monday - Bobby

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Monday

 

Bobby Burton

By Bobby Burton

  • 35 minutes ago
 

Young players - ones who have yet to play meaningful snaps in a game for Texas or are freshmen - with developmental “arrows up” following Saturday’s scrimmage and the early portion of camp:

WR Parker Livingstone

DB Graceson Littleton

RB Christian Clark

QB KJ Lacey

DE Zina Umeozulu

TE Jordan Washington

DB Xavier Filsaime

OL Nate Kibble

TE Nick Townsend

LB Bo Barnes

DB Kade Phillips

WR Daylan McCutcheon

**

There is another group worth watching, older players who are either new to the roster or have made significant strides to become more regular pieces to the Texas puzzle.

- DE Brad Spence

- DT Maraad Watson

- DT Alex January

- DT Travis Shaw

- LB Ty’Anthony Smith

- DB Kobe Black

- DB Warren Roberson

- OL Neto Umeozulu

- QB Matthew Caldwell

**

While many of us understandably have been tracking the progress of Cedric Baxter and his return from knee injury, do not forget about Derrick Williams, who did something similar.

Williams is said to have had a very good scrimmage and is firmly among the starting group in the secondary.

Remember, prior to his injury last season, Williams started over second-round pick Andrew Mukuba at safety.

**

While the Texas offense was little match for the Texas defense during the Saturday morning scrimmage, Gerry remarked about something that has gone too overlooked.

There was not a lot of disguise on Saturday by the offense, very little motion, not a ton of misdirection.

In other words, Sark kept the offensive game plan relatively vanilla. Whether he did that on purpose, I’m unsure.

It should be noted that there were “too many” pre-snap penalties and errant snaps according to a couple of folks in attendance.

Perhaps Sark is trying to get those sorts of things settled before letting the offense and so many new pieces become more nuanced.

**

So, is it time to worry about the offensive line and the offense in general?

No.

But what Sark said earlier in the week rings true. The defense is clearly ahead of the offense at this point in fall camp.

 

Quote

It should be noted that there were “too many” pre-snap penalties and errant snaps according to a couple of folks in attendance.

Saw Baker had issues with penalties. Then I saw someone saying he had the pleasure of getting Simmons in front of him. That is a complete mismatch (Simmons vs any RT is a mismatch). Baker being jumpy to get out of stance vs Simmons is quite understandable. I would not be surprised if that match up was a coach's decision. A little trial by fire early in camp. 

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Posted
29 minutes ago, Fud said:

This is a tough one. Did Sark purposefully run simple plays or was it accidental? Perhaps he accidentally called the wrong plays? 

Yeah, that was an eye roller for me, too.

Posted
32 minutes ago, Fud said:

This is a tough one. Did Sark purposefully run simple plays or was it accidental? Perhaps he accidentally called the wrong plays? 

It's the fall camp equivalent of Greg Davis keeping things vanilla before the OU game. 

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Posted (edited)
39 minutes ago, Fud said:

This is a tough one. Did Sark purposefully run simple plays or was it accidental? Perhaps he accidentally called the wrong plays? 

I found this shocking. Who would have ever expected the offense to be running a lot of base plays the first week of camp. 

Edited by Codaxx
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Posted
8 minutes ago, Codaxx said:

I found this shocking. Who would have ever expected the offense to be running a lot of base plays the first week of camp. 

This. Which, based on your posting history, I assume is sarcasm. Not sure why people are panty twisting on this one. In other shocking news, the NFL played mostly scrubs in their preseason games.

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Posted
13 hours ago, Getafix said:

 

Given Ohio State's level of talent, they may well be deciding between good options and end up being good at these positions, but it's interesting that multiple key positions on offense appear to be unsettled.  If these reports are honest and accurate.

Specifically, 

QUARTERBACK

It's still supposedly a competition between Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz.  Sayin's good throws / inconsistency, vs. Kienholz's reliability / lower ceiling.

LEFT TACKLE

Their transfer tackle from Rice is apparently not a lock;  they're considering Austin Siereveld (2 starts last year, played in most games, but mostly as a guard).  

RUNNING BACK

Guess they have Peoples and transfer Donaldson splitting time, with others getting looks ... Donaldson played a bunch at WV, but in the aggregate, sounds like a far less established group relative to Judkins and Henderson last year.

 

They appear thrilled w/ Klare (at least as a pass catcher) and their tight end group, and they of course have an elite set of WRs.

And they discuss their good depth on defense, at positions other than DT.

 

FULL ARTICLE

 

Ohio State fall camp notebook: Week One
What we're hearing coming out of the Buckeyes' preseason.
Patrick Murphy (Buckeye 247)
 

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Ohio State fall camp notebook: Week One
What we're hearing coming out of the Buckeyes' preseason.
Patrick Murphy (Buckeye 247)
 

After beginning fall camp on July 31, Ohio State completed the team's first full week of preseason practice on Saturday with a scrimmage at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. While the first three days of camp were open to fans and the media, there were no open practices during this week, except for Thursday, when the Big Ten Network made its stop in Columbus, which included this lengthy breakdown of the Buckeyes from analyst Jake Butt. 

However, the Scarlet and Gray began positional interviews this week. In addition to head coach Ryan Day, who spoke on Tuesday, Billy Fessler and the quarterbacks, James Laurinaitis and the linebackers, and Carlos Locklyn and the running backs all spoke to the media. This followed Day, offensive coordinator Brian Hartline and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia holding press conferences to conclude last week.

Bucknuts attended all three open practices and each interview session. During the first week-plus of fall camp, we've discussed much of what we observed and heard, but there are still some newsworthy items to explore further. Below, you'll find a collection of notebook items from fall camp so far, along with my insights and thoughts on these topics.


RUNNING BACKS ARE POPPING
After TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins both exceeded 1,000 rushing yards last season, Scarlet and Gray running back James Peoples said this week that reaching that milestone is the goal for Ohio State's primary running backs this season. We know Peoples and West Virginia transfer CJ Donaldson will handle most of the carries this season, sharing the workload like Henderson and Judkins did last year, but could a third running back start to play a bigger role?

Last season, Peoples played in eight games as the Buckeyes' third running back, rushing for 197 yards and two touchdowns on 49 carries. However, he did not play in most of the Scarlet and Gray's biggest games. There is at least a case to be made for expanding the running back duo into a trio in 2025.

Bo Jackson is a player to watch as he tries to earn a spot on the field as a freshman. Like Peoples did a year ago, nothing will be given to the young running back. However, he is doing the right things in practice to earn playing time in his first year at Ohio State.

Although not discussed as much as other running backs, Sam Dixon should not be overlooked. After a freshman year that included losing the running backs coach he committed to early in spring practice and having to adjust to Locklyn's tough-love coaching approach, Dixon is beginning to show the talent that made the Ohio native a Buckeye target. Once he decided to stay with the Scarlet and Gray after entering the transfer portal in January, Dixon talked about being more mature in Year 2. That has been evident as his second college season approaches.

Both Jackson and Dixon have worked hard in fall camp and were mentioned to Bucknuts as players who performed well during the first scrimmage of the preseason. In fact, all four of Ohio State's expected top four running backs (Peoples, Donaldson, Jackson and Dixon) reached the endzone in a pleasing Saturday performance.

There is only one football and running backs want the ball, but Locklyn's players live by his philosophy of one team and one unit. They will celebrate each other's successes as if it's their own. They will also have to earn their playing time and touches, and that includes Peoples and Donaldson. Nothing will be handed to any running backs.

 

QUARTERBACK COMPETITION CONTINUES
Nearly every time I talk to someone about the Buckeyes, they want to discuss the quarterback. But they often don't like my answer: this is a fair competition between Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz.

Coming into fall camp, there was little separation between the two quarterbacks. During the first two practices, it played out that way, although Sayin demonstrated his five-star potential during the third practice with the largest crowd of fans present. 

The issue, as Bucknuts has reported, is consistency. Kienholz, in his third season with the Scarlet and Gray, has improved as a passer and has been more reliable than Sayin, showing steady performances day after day. When Sayin is at his best, he is the top passer on the roster. That’s the excitement around the redshirt freshman, but the Ohio State players and staff need to see it happen consistently.

Over the last week, Bucknuts understands that Sayin has started to put together consistent performances, including during Saturday's scrimmage. Meanwhile, in conversations with people in the WHAC, Kienholz's name keeps coming up as a player who looks good and can move the ball down the field.

Everything Kienholz and Sayin do is being observed and assessed. This includes their completion percentage, ball release and other on-field aspects. It also involves how they lead, command the huddle and how teammates react to each quarterback. These intangible qualities are areas where both need to continue developing, as they are talented and should excel with the support around them. However, playing quarterback requires more than just a strong arm or athletic ability.

 

OFFENSIVE LINE NOT SET YET
Day unintentionally made headlines this week when he mentioned that Austin Siereveld was getting reps at left tackle and could be the Scarlet and Gray's starter at that position. While Siereveld lined up at left tackle early in spring practice, he had moved to right tackle by the spring game and was the first-team right tackle early in fall camp.


Austin Siereved's versatility continues to be important for Ohio State. (Photo: Jason Mowry, Getty)
Day suggested that this is all part of Ohio State's plan to have a primary and secondary position for each offensive lineman after the multiple season-ending injuries the Buckeyes suffered on the line last season. However, saying Siereveld could start at left tackle raised questions about Ethan Onianwa, the Rice transfer who appeared to be the Scarlet and Gray's left tackle.

If Onianwa isn't definitely going to be the guy at left tackle, it's worth exploring other options. Siereveld demonstrated last season, when he played either left or right guard in the same game, that he is versatile. This does not mean Onianwa won't win the job by the start of the season, as the senior has had good days. But the Scarlet and Gray can't afford to be uncertain at the position in Week 1 when Texas star defensive end Colin Simmons visits Ohio Stadium.

Phillip Daniels, who transferred from Minnesota early this offseason, has begun settling in and appears more comfortable as fall camp progresses. Daniels is a no-nonsense player who takes pride in competing for his home state school. He is determined to win. Ohio State could benefit from Daniels adding depth at tackle.

 

DEFENSIVE DEPTH SHOWING

Losing eight starters from the top-ranked defense in the country isn't usually a recipe for success the next season. However, the Buckeyes are one team that might be able to keep things going on that side of the ball despite so many departures in the offseason.

Fall camp has showcased the talent and depth the Buckeyes possess on defense. While defensive tackle has been a concern, the Scarlet and Gray should feel confident in their No. 2 players at every other position.

The defensive end position has a solid mix of players, including Kenyatta Jackson, Caden Curry, C.J. Hicks, Beau Atkinson and Logan George. All of these players have demonstrated the ability to rush the passer in various ways. James Laurinaitis believes he has three starting linebackers — Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese and Payton Pierce — even though Ohio State typically plays only two at the position. Behind Davison Igbinosun and Jermaine Mathews Jr., the Buckeyes have Aaron Scott Jr., Bryce West, Miles Lockhart and Devin Sanchez, all of whom would start for most other defenses. The battle to start at safety beside Caleb Downs has shown that both Jaylen McClain and Malik Hartford can make plays and the best plan might be to utilize both extensively. The nickel position has begun to settle with Lorenzo Styles Jr. making plays and West providing backup.

Even defensive tackle has started to build depth, with Tywone Malone and Eric Mensah stepping up during Eddrick Houston's injury scare. Will Smith Jr. appears to be a more than capable backup to Kayden McDonald.

It's hard to imagine a defense that lost as much as the Buckeyes did being better than it was a year ago, but the Scarlet and Gray have the talent and depth to make that possible in 2025.

 

TIGHT ENDS CAN BE A REAL WEAPON
The addition of Max Klare to Ohio State's tight end room gave the Buckeyes something they haven't had before: a proven pass-catching option at the position. Klare was third-team All-Big Ten last season at Purdue. Playing for the Scarlet and Gray may decrease his targets because of the weapons around him, but those same weapons will help him get more advantageous matchups and coverages.

Klare is not the only reason to be excited about Ohio State's tight end room in 2025. Assuming health, Will Kacmarek, who Keenan Bailey called the best blocking tight end in college football, should be improved over a year ago when he missed time and was still adjusting to playing in the Big Ten. Bennett Christian is a player who has blossomed more as a complete tight end in fall camp as well.

Then there's Jelani Thurman, a player the Buckeyes have been waiting to emerge consistently over his first two years in the program. While Klare is now the Scarlet and Gray's primary pass-catching tight end -- although Bailey wants his players to do everything -- Thurman has looked closer to his potential in fall camp. Having Klare gives Thurman a more experienced player to emulate and push him to be the player he can be. That has seemingly worked out well. 

For the first time in a long time -- maybe ever? -- Ohio State's tight end room should not only be productive but one of the deepest on the team.

 

 

 

Regarding QB, there's also something the mods, specifically Kurelic, are being vague about, something associated to Sayin isn't tough enough. They keep talking about the other guy "giving you more physically in the backfield". I assume that's a toughness and not an athleticism slight at Sayin. Maybe I'm off there, though.

Regarding this depth that they keep talking about on defense "at every level", a lot of it is completely unproven. They return Styles, Downs, and the Human Pass Interference Penalty at CB (I don't remember the dude's multi-syllabic name but it starts with an "I"). The DTs played a little, but didn't start, and there is zero depth here. The DEs, the same, except for Atkinson at UNC and he's apparently underwhelmed and may not even start. The LBs outside of Styles were backups, with Pierce? (from somewhere around DFW, I think) being a guy emerging. Same for the other Safety spot and Sanchez threatening the second CB role as a true freshman.

So, they are for sure talented. They're also far less experienced on the defensive end than the Texas defensive side. Of course, they don't play each other, but it's a point of measurement/comparison for me.

Offensively, they are also less experienced than the UT offense, which is somewhat absurd. They have Tate, JJ Smith, Klare (@ Purdue), the Rice LT (they fully expected him to start and if he doesn't, it isn't because someone else is a budding star), one other OL and Donaldson (@ WVU). The TBs may or may not be underwhelming, but they're being pushed by Bo Jackson, who is apparently looking like a potential star. 

The biggest mismatch going into this game is the Texas defensive front against the OSU OL and whoever the new QB is. Yes, there are mismatches, some serious, elsewhere in each team's favor. That given, the Texas defensive front isn't just deep, it's hugely talented. Future NFL high round picks and picks are going to be rotating and fresh. OSU is struggling to figure out their OL mix and they're damned sure not gelling yet. 

Neuheisel keeps saying that both coaches are going to be "playing away from their QBs" in this game due to inexperience and the fact that each team is likely fielding another top 5 national defense to open. I agree with this view. I plan on writing a thread looking at things more deeply as we get closer to the game (no mudhole), but this is what I'm thinking and taking in from their experts and insiders. 

I never took Kienholz seriously as a threat to Sayin, but Day and crew sound legitimately concerned about Sayin opening up against Texas.

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Posted
Just now, closetojumping said:

Regarding QB, there's also something the mods, specifically Kurelic, are being vague about, something associated to Sayin isn't tough enough. They keep talking about the other guy "giving you more physically in the backfield". I assume that's a toughness and not an athleticism slight at Sayin. Maybe I'm off there, though

It could be a toughness thing too, but the other guy is noticeably more athletic, enough to where if Sayin isn’t separating as a passer, it would arguably make sense to play the other guy if it were a true competition 

5 minutes ago, BurntEyes said:

This. Which, based on your posting history, I assume is sarcasm. Not sure why people are panty twisting on this one. In other shocking news, the NFL played mostly scrubs in their preseason games.

Look, I just want Bobby to get to the bottom of this. Is Sark doing this on purpose or not?

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Posted
1 hour ago, Js1 said:

Yep.  If Stone is kicking FGs this season, something went horribly wrong.

It's a scrimmage, everyone got some work doing different things.  

Fair, but doesn't change my reaction to getting in the RZ then missing a 10 year field goal attempt.

Posted
3 minutes ago, Fud said:

It could be a toughness thing too, but the other guy is noticeably more athletic, enough to where if Sayin isn’t separating as a passer, it would arguably make sense to play the other guy if it were a true competition 

Look, I just want Bobby to get to the bottom of this. Is Sark doing this on purpose or not?

Is Sark playing vanilla on purpose in the first week of summer practice with a QB that has 2 starts, a younger OL, some new WRs, and TEs. Yes, yes he is doing exactly that on purpose. Call me BurntBobby.

Posted
5 minutes ago, BurntEyes said:

Is Sark playing vanilla on purpose in the first week of summer practice with a QB that has 2 starts, a younger OL, some new WRs, and TEs. Yes, yes he is doing exactly that on purpose. Call me BurntBobby.

Thanks for clearing that up for us 

Posted
17 minutes ago, BurntEyes said:

This. Which, based on your posting history, I assume is sarcasm. Not sure why people are panty twisting on this one. In other shocking news, the NFL played mostly scrubs in their preseason games.

Fud can speak for himself, and he has a couple times already, but I’m certain he’s reacting to Burton’s wondering if Sark’s approach was purposeful (it clearly was), not to whether or not you should keep such play calls basic/vanilla. 

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Posted
16 minutes ago, closetojumping said:

I never took Kienholz seriously as a threat to Sayin, but Day and crew sound legitimately concerned about Sayin opening up against Texas.

Same. I'm now fully expecting them to throw Kienholz out against Texas to run for his life and replace him with Sayin in week 2. Kurelic makes it sound like they want to start Sayin week 1, but they don't believe he could recover if/when it doesn't go well. 

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Posted
2 minutes ago, Vito Andolini said:

Fud can speak for himself, and he has a couple times already, but I’m certain he’s reacting to Burton’s wondering if Sark’s approach was purposeful (it clearly was), not to whether or not you should keep such play calls basic/vanilla. 

I took Bobby's comment to mean something along the lines of, was playcalling vanilla by design or is Sark being forced to call a vanilla plays because our offense can't run anything else?

He worded it like he was wondering if Sark called a vanilla offense on accident but I don't think that's what he meant. Bobby isn't the best writer, but he usually makes some kind of sense. 

Posted
1 hour ago, Red Five said:

He’s our kickoff specialist.

I'd assume he was promised a shot at the kicker job to help make sure he stayed given he's a very good kickoff specialist and now that he's shit the bed in fall camp the charade will drop

Posted
23 minutes ago, honolulu horn said:

To be fair, 10 years is a long time to set up a field goal. 

Right! And you damn well best not miss!!!!

20 minutes ago, Fud said:

Thanks for clearing that up for us 

Happy to help!

Posted
24 minutes ago, honolulu horn said:

To be fair, 10 years is a long time to set up a field goal. 

We're just about 10 years removed from a missed extra point. I was there, and it still stings.

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Posted

So we are worried about interpretations of Bobby's words on whether or not Sark was running vanilla the first week of practice on purpose. We are not worried about getting in the RZ and scoring zero points.

This fucking place.

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Posted
19 minutes ago, Ricky's one-hitter said:

Same. I'm now fully expecting them to throw Kienholz out against Texas to run for his life and replace him with Sayin in week 2. Kurelic makes it sound like they want to start Sayin week 1, but they don't believe he could recover if/when it doesn't go well. 

This also might hint that their staff is not confident that their rebuilt, offensive line, in a similar situation to ours, can’t hold up to the pass rush of their first team defense. Good thing OSU’s front seven is more talented than ours, right?

Posted
5 minutes ago, BurntEyes said:

So we are worried about interpretations of Bobby's words on whether or not Sark was running vanilla the first week of practice on purpose. We are not worried about getting in the RZ and scoring zero points.

This fucking place.

I’m just happy our coach knows what plays he’s calling 

Posted

1st scrimmage usually vanilla with parents and friends watching.  Too many eyes and cameras in the crowd during scrimmage so don't want Suckeyes getting too much additional intel

Posted
28 minutes ago, Park Gothic said:

I took Bobby's comment to mean something along the lines of, was playcalling vanilla by design or is Sark being forced to call a vanilla plays because our offense can't run anything else?

He worded it like he was wondering if Sark called a vanilla offense on accident but I don't think that's what he meant. Bobby isn't the best writer, but he usually makes some kind of sense. 

You guys are giving that sentence way too much attention. By that, I mean any attention. It's an eyeroll throwaway used to fill space. The average reader on OTF is not the same as the average reader/poster here. Hell, most of those guys are posting under their real names. 

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