LovingBuckeye

Caleb Downs will be around the scrimmage, playing a similar role to the Cotton Bowl. It'll be a lot of the nickel back moving to deep safety (like Jordan Hancock last year), except this year it would be Lorenzo Styles Jr who is the starting nickel back, or Aaron Scott Jr, Bryce West, or Devin Sanchez.

Sure, if you are only looking at snaps. But LG Luke Montgomery, C Carson Hinzman, and RG Tegra Tshabola just dominated Indiana, Tennessee, Oregon, and Notre Dame, and played well enough for OSU to win against Texas. We know we can win a national championship with that interior OL because we just did it. As for Austin Siereveld, yes he was always the #1 backup at either guard position. I don't expect other fan bases to just take an Ohio State's word for it, but it seems like the coaches know exactly what they are going to get from Siereveld, and it seems like they expect it to be a very high level.

As I posted in a previous thread, when only comparing the players who will actually be playing this game, Texas has the slight talent advantage over Ohio State.

Ohio State's RT (Josh Fryar) was the weak link on the OL last season. Whether it is Phillip Daniels (the favorite at this point) or Ethan Onianwa, the RT position will be better for Ohio State.

I know what you are saying, but this is also based on practice reports from the spring all the way through fall camp. By all reports, Kenyatta Jackson Jr is looking and playing like a 1st or 2nd round pick. Although I will grant you that not much has been said one way or the other about Caden Curry/Beau Atkinson on the other side. As for linebacker - Cody Simon was a leader and very experienced, but Arvel Reese has a much higher ceiling and is much faster and more athletic than Simon was, plus Sonny Styles was always a safety, last season was his first at linebacker, so we are expecting another jump for the former 5* #12 overall prospect. As for DB's. Denzel Burke was experienced, but never a lockdown cornerback. We are expecting an upgrade with Jermaine Matthews Jr taking his snaps. Matthews Jr is an actual NFL prospect, where I don't even think Burke made an NFL roster. Losing Jordan Hancock doesn't worry us just because of the insane recruiting at the CB position. Lathan Ransom could be the biggest loss of the secondary and one that may hurt Ohio State the most. That will be Jaylen McClain and Malik Hartford competing to replace him. As for defensive tackles, there was never a concern about the starters (Eddrick Houston & Kayden McDonald), the concerns have been about 3-5. I am personally still concerned about the depth, but Ryan Day seems confident that they developed good depth over the off season, so hopefully that isn't an issue either.

I know I'm biased, but I think Ohio State might not have the #1 TE in the country, but has the #1 TE room in the country. They legitimately go 4 deep with guys who could playing meaningful snaps against Texas. I think Klare is going to be one of the top TE's in CFB, but maybe not #1 or #2.

It’s because many of these players have been in the program for 3-4 years already, and we know what we are getting from them. It doesn’t mean Texas won’t win, or there won’t be hiccups though

With it be Ohio State that is surprised, or Texas? I can just as easily see Texas being surprised that there is no drop off in Ohio State’s D (if that happens).

BCarp is a real one. I can’t wait to listen to this

We wanted him in prison for treason. He did go 4/4 in the playoffs so we are hoping (praying) that momentum carries over into the regular season

I think it’s because in their minds Ohio State has the best secondary in CFB, and if Texas has the #1 LB room, then Ohio State has the #2 LB room. That combined with two new WRs, and 4 new OL and a new TE they aren’t expecting Texas to be able to move the ball consistently unless it’s coming from Arch’s legs

I know this was to Ironmanz but I listen to “Austin & Birm” podcast. It’s a daily podcast just like OTF. As far as content to read, you can’t go wrong with ElevenWarriors.com

I hear your logic, that you shouldn’t need any extra motivation in a game like this. But I think when you’re coming of a national championship you do whatever you have to in order to make sure your players keep that edge and don’t get complacent

I may be looking through my scarlet colored glass when thinking this way, but I’m glad we have Texas week one instead of week 3 or 4. I think the unit that takes the longest to gel is the OL, so I’m glad Ohio State gets to play them with a banger out Goosby and no chance to gel.

Especially redshirt freshman.

You’re not wrong. Ohio State fans need to prepare ourselves that Sayin isn’t going to be close to a finished product against Texas.

Yeah, Michigan’s a championship program. No shame in not dominating them. Texas sold out to stop Jeremiah Smith, and did but lost the game. In the end the only thing that matters is getting a W.

That’s 100% of the national media predictions that I have seen. Also, it doesn’t matter what’s reality, the only thing that matters is what the players believe.

He’s a Michigan booster who actively pays for recruits. You have no clue what you are talking about when it comes to this rivalry.

Yeah, the state fair aspect is pretty badass

Yeah, he’s focused. Not in the mood to be jovial

It doesn’t matter what I think. The players feel they’re being disrespected. That’s what matters.

Yeah, Jimbo is a rough listen.

Ok what you’re saying is they’ll be about as good as Wisner, but not normal OSU back level, got it.

Paul Finebaum CFB Nerds Andy Staples Ari Wasserman Shannon Terry Josh Pate Im not playing. It’s not about motivating me.