Is anyone else concerned about the depth on both lines? So happy to see Bill writing these types of articles again. This why I had subscribed to The Athletic previously.
I’m not so concerned with OL so much. They have three tackles, plus Tegra can kick out. Siereveld can play tackle or guard. Montgomery can play guard or center. Hinzman can play center or guard. They seem to really like Padilla despite his inexperience. There are some options in there before you’d have to play a super young guy.
I think defensive end is probably low ceiling, high floor. I think the tackle starters are good. What’s behind them is where my biggest concern lies, but Will Smith has a good camp and it would be great if he and one more guy can provide quality snaps.
As always listen to Bill regarding O Line. I also think Ian Moore is on track, if there is a late or mid season injury he might be ready. (Like Montgomery last year.)
D Line I've grown more optimistic about as we've gotten closer to the season. Thought it might be our downfall this year, but now I think it will at least be fine and maybe even a bit more disruptive than expected.
Regarding OL, OSU has thrown money at the problem, bringing in a recruiter and several technicians to coach the group. Can’t say enough about how Bowen excelled at developing and but lacked in recruiting. We likely won’t see the fruits of the recruiting changes for until at least 2027. So it comes down to the new OL assistants. Can they develop the guys they have for this year? Will the 3 IOL improve, regress, or stay where they were?
Yes, definitely hopeful for the future. I see Bill’s point and it’s a great one and makes me feel better about this year. The other side of it is that O Line is all about chemistry and communication. Though it worked last year, I’d rather not have to shuffle players around if an injury were to occur.
My uneducated opinion is that Kenyatta Jackson has the ability to be a far better pass rusher than JT or Jack was. They were phenomenal in the playoffs, but over the course of 4 years, you didn’t see those guys win 1v1 matchups with regularity. I think Kenyatta Jackson could be a big time breakout star as a pass rusher this year.
What are the chances that we see more 3 LB sets? Not thinking about taking a safety off the field, but more 3-3-5 stuff. I thought Patricia ran a lot of that during the Patriot runs, but I might be mistaken.
Any additional insight on the defensive structure under Patricia? IE: How has base 4-2-5 evolved from “Buckeye Defense” mimicking Knowles’ rigid structure to adjustments versus run heavy team/sets from last year where Styles played closer to LOS. Would be interested in knowing how defensive sets have looked in camp versus super vanilla spring game version
I would not mind seeing Ohio State line up double tight and Smash it in around the goalline. I feel like they can getting the push they need this year I could also be wrong tho.
Bill, the OL did an amazing job last year adjusting. I was impressed with the pass blocking. But thinking back on, could they run block? Dunno how strong our inside run game was.. (maybe it was! I just don't remember..)
We’re still trying to figure out all of that. I’d say the premium pods, yes, but the free ones will probably be found on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Our hope is that you’ll be able to get the premium podcasts on traditional podcasting platforms as well, but there’s still some stuff for us to figure out there.
Is anyone else concerned about the depth on both lines? So happy to see Bill writing these types of articles again. This why I had subscribed to The Athletic previously.
I’m not so concerned with OL so much. They have three tackles, plus Tegra can kick out. Siereveld can play tackle or guard. Montgomery can play guard or center. Hinzman can play center or guard. They seem to really like Padilla despite his inexperience. There are some options in there before you’d have to play a super young guy.
I think defensive end is probably low ceiling, high floor. I think the tackle starters are good. What’s behind them is where my biggest concern lies, but Will Smith has a good camp and it would be great if he and one more guy can provide quality snaps.
As always listen to Bill regarding O Line. I also think Ian Moore is on track, if there is a late or mid season injury he might be ready. (Like Montgomery last year.)
D Line I've grown more optimistic about as we've gotten closer to the season. Thought it might be our downfall this year, but now I think it will at least be fine and maybe even a bit more disruptive than expected.
Regarding OL, OSU has thrown money at the problem, bringing in a recruiter and several technicians to coach the group. Can’t say enough about how Bowen excelled at developing and but lacked in recruiting. We likely won’t see the fruits of the recruiting changes for until at least 2027. So it comes down to the new OL assistants. Can they develop the guys they have for this year? Will the 3 IOL improve, regress, or stay where they were?
Yes, definitely hopeful for the future. I see Bill’s point and it’s a great one and makes me feel better about this year. The other side of it is that O Line is all about chemistry and communication. Though it worked last year, I’d rather not have to shuffle players around if an injury were to occur.
My uneducated opinion is that Kenyatta Jackson has the ability to be a far better pass rusher than JT or Jack was. They were phenomenal in the playoffs, but over the course of 4 years, you didn’t see those guys win 1v1 matchups with regularity. I think Kenyatta Jackson could be a big time breakout star as a pass rusher this year.
What are the chances that we see more 3 LB sets? Not thinking about taking a safety off the field, but more 3-3-5 stuff. I thought Patricia ran a lot of that during the Patriot runs, but I might be mistaken.
Any additional insight on the defensive structure under Patricia? IE: How has base 4-2-5 evolved from “Buckeye Defense” mimicking Knowles’ rigid structure to adjustments versus run heavy team/sets from last year where Styles played closer to LOS. Would be interested in knowing how defensive sets have looked in camp versus super vanilla spring game version
I would not mind seeing Ohio State line up double tight and Smash it in around the goalline. I feel like they can getting the push they need this year I could also be wrong tho.
Bill, the OL did an amazing job last year adjusting. I was impressed with the pass blocking. But thinking back on, could they run block? Dunno how strong our inside run game was.. (maybe it was! I just don't remember..)
You and Doug figure out the podcast release schedule?
Also, when y’all do the pods, will those show up in the audio tab of the Substack app?
We’re still trying to figure out all of that. I’d say the premium pods, yes, but the free ones will probably be found on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Our hope is that you’ll be able to get the premium podcasts on traditional podcasting platforms as well, but there’s still some stuff for us to figure out there.
Thanks Bill! Not many surprises.
Not expecting Logan George in the DL rotation? Also curious how much you think the reserve receivers will actually rotate in?
Not at the start. He was hurt in camp. I don’t think they’ll rotate in a ton. Could see them getting something like 10-15 targets this year