09
May

Cordle on Rimington Watch List

By WorstFan 0 Comments
Categories: awards corrode, but glory never fades and trophies gather dust



Easily Jimmy’s most flattering picture ever…

Via the athletic department’s official site, Ohio State junior center Jim Cordle is on the Rimington Trophy watch list. Cordle, heralded for his intelligence, line calls, and maturity beyond his years, is a worthy recipient of the praise and has proven to be a more than apt successor to Nick Mangold and Doug Datish since taking over the starting job last season. He faces some steep competition in his quest to claim top honors including defending winner Arkansas’ Jonathan Luigs, Indiana’s Alex Perry, Penn State’s A.Q. Shipley, as well as 2008 Ohio State opponents Troy’s Danny Franks and USC’s Kristopher O’Dowd. If Cordle is to join fellow Buckeye LeCharles Bentley as a recipients of the trophy, he’ll not only have to have a brilliant ‘08 campaign, but also fend off our pick, California center, 2007 award runner-up, and notoriously amorphous Cal center Alex Mack and his Secret World.

08
May

Big 10 Speed

By WorstFan 0 Comments
Categories: big ten speed and the flash

The Commandant put up a charming little clip of Noel Devine flying all over the place at seemingly break next speed this morning, and the likely soon-to-be-on-a-bender-to-erase-every-pointless-piece-of-legal-minutiae-gained-as-a-1L PB of BON fame’s countered with a video of ECU’s Chris Johnson breaking the sound barrier down in Honalulu against a hapless Boise State D. In an otherwise slow Ohio State news day, we bring you Buckeye recruit Lamaar “Flash” Thomas. While he turned in a rather paltry 4.53 40 in San Antonio, the kid’s run a 10.3 100 meter before (the math comes to a logically impossible 3.77 40 yard equivalency) , and those in the 40 times don’t equate to 100 yard speed camp (myself amongst them) can look in on awe of what could prove to be a rather effective weapon in the slot and in 2-back sets this coming Fall.

07
May

Fierce Urgency for Now

By WorstFan 0 Comments
Categories: fierce urgency for now and yes we can

Obama/Tressel ‘08? Let’s hope the Bucks fair better in the midwest than Obama’s done up to this point.

Update: It was pointed out to me the young, hung, and full of spunk lasses at Dottingthei beat us to the punch on this, and while we found it independently on the world wide leader’s site this morning, their tremendous work as of late merits a hit tip regardless. Keep it up, y’all.

06
May

Post-Spring Practice Prognostication: Defensive Edition

By WorstFan 0 Comments
Categories: department of defense and totally bs optism disguised as prognostication

Continuing our series where we boldly (see: foolishly) make wild guesses as to what the makeup of the depth chart will probably look like come the August 30th kick off against YSU, today we take a look at the 2-time defending Big 10 Champions’ defense. Keeping in mind at least the last 3 national champions have all featured talent heavy, experience laden defenses, this core, at least on paper, seem to fit the bill.

An absurdly premature guesstimation of what the ‘08 defense will resemble:
Defensive End (6): Cameron Heyward (SO), Lawrence Wilson (JR), Thad Gibson (SO), Mark Johnson (DE), Solomon Thomas (FR), Tom Ingham (JR)

Defensive Tackle (6): Todd Denlinger (JR) , Doug Worthington (JR), Dexter Larimore (SO), Nader Abdallah (SR), Rob Rose (JR), Bryan Gray (SR)

Linebackers (10): James Laurinaitis (SR), Marcus Freeman (SR), Curtis Terry (SR), Ross Homan (SO), Austin Spitler (JR), Brian Rolle (SO), Tyler Moeller (SO), Andrew Sweat (FR), Etienne Sabino (FR), Jermale Hines (SO)

Cornerbacks (6): Malcolm Jenkins (SR), Donald Washington (JR), Chimdi Chekwa (SO), Andre Amos (JR), Shaun Lane (SR), James Scott (SO)

Safeties (8): Anderson Russell (JR), Kurt Coleman (JR), Aaron Gant (SO), Jamario O’Neal (SR), Nick Patterson (SR), Nate Oliver (FR), Rocco Pentello (FR), Eugene Clifford (FR)

And for good measure, some speculation as to what the depth chart might look like:

Considering how many returning starters this defense brings back, the really only truly open position battles remaining are that of the Sam Linebacker (which could also be contingent upon Curtis Terry’s role in the offense at fullback), and the defensive tackle spots.

With the girth Rob Rose’s amassed during the off-season, it would probably be unlikely to expect to see him at defensive end again, but a line of Lawrence Wilson, Cam Heyward (moved inside to DT), Rose, and Thaddeus Gibson could present nightmares for opposing offensive lines (assuming Rose is finally able to live up to the monster potential he first showed in the Army All-American Game 2 years ago).

The never really materialized aforementioned suspensions of Donald Washington and Jamario O’Neal would also theoretically shake up the depth charts, but in all likelyhood only the Youngstown State and OU games would be impacted. It’d be shocking, to say the least, if either of those two were to miss the SC game.

01
May

Post-Spring Practice Prognostication: Offensive Edition

By WorstFan 0 Comments
Categories: wild speculation and yellow journalism

They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, so we’ll take this opportunity to take an absurdly early look at the offense. The regular collegiate football wizard that is PB points out that we’re now officially beyond the college football off-season hallway point. Just 4 more long, grueling months until we’re all inundated with a barrage of talking heads boasting proudly of our inevitable tail whipping at the hands of the Men of Troy. In the meantime, join in the gross over analyst of an offense that contrary to popular opinion is more than capable of giving USC’s attrition rich defense fits.

Without further adieu, the arsenal as of May 1st, 2008 (returning starters are italicized):

QBs (4) - Todd Boeckman (SR), Terrelle Pryor (FR), Joe Bauserman (FR), Antonio Henton (SO)

RBs (4) - Chris “Beanie” Wells (JR), Brandon Saine (SO), Maurice Wells (SR), Daniel “Boom” Herron (FR)

FBs (4) - Ryan Lukens (SR), Spencer Smith (FR), Curtis Terry (SR), Austin Spitler (JR)

WRs (8) - Brian Robiskie (SR), Brian Hartline (JR), DeVier Posey (FR), Jake Stoneburner (FR), Lamaar Thomas (FR), Dane Sanzenbacher (SO), Taurian Washington (SR), Ray Small (JR)

TEs (4) - Jake Ballard (JR), Rory Nichol (SR), Brandon Smith (SR), Nic DiLillo (TE)

OTs (5) - Alex Boone (SR), Bryant Browning (SO), J.B. Shugarts (FR), Mike Adams (FR), Josh Kerr (SO)

OGs (4) - Steve Rehring (SR), Ben Person (SR), Michael Brewster (FR), Kyle Mitchum (SR)

Cs (2) - Jim Cordle (JR), Andrew Moses (JR)

And now some post-spring wild guesses at something resembling a depth chart:

Obviously many of the spots are subject to blind knife tosses at my early advanced copy of the media guide. The biggest story remains the battle for the starting right tackle position, while the race to be the primary fullback is also up to much speculation. Now some fauxnalysis:

  • The Brew Crew may not be playing critical roles by the Battle of Los Angeles, September 13th, but fully expect Adams, Shugarts, and Brewster to be heavily in the rotation (if one of them isn’t starting) come Dick Rod’s inaugural dance; they’re simply too talented not to be.

  • Wide receiver is another position expected to see an influx of youth. DeVier Posey was amongst Terrelle Pryor’s favorite targets in the Army All-American Game, and upon his June arrival on campus, could very well turn into one of Boeckman’s. He’ll need to hit Adriatico’s a few dozen times and hit the weight room in order to take the physical pounding he’ll be receiving from opposing safeties over the middle though. Jake Stoneburner and Lamaar Thomas also figure to be in the mix, and don’t count out Dane Sanzenbacher’s re-emergence after a paltry conference stretch last Fall. Taurean Washington also appears poised for a huge break out after making huge strides in both the Spring Game and spring practices.

  • In spite of some doubts about depth at the tailback position, Brandon Saine’s versatility and Maurice Wells prudence as a blocker could help keep Beanie fresh throughout a potential Heisman campaign. As previously hinted at, expect to see Saine line up in the I where the fullback would traditionally be, as well as split out from time to time.
    • 01
    May

    I’d like to poor some salt on that little slug…

    By WorstFan 0 Comments
    Categories: big eloleven alumni and the tuck rule

    Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn.

    They say he runs 3 miles a day, eats like a real balanced diet, and does all that pilates shit white people like, and does it ever show. I wonder what’d it take for a fly, mad rich motherfucker like myself to, well, you know…

    Don’t get the wrong idea, I ain’t like that. It ain’t gay for two hard body brothers to admire each other’s physiques. I just want to work out with home dude… Shirtless and shit, you know. I bet even that sweat he leaves on the leg press machine is presidential. I’d just wanna bottle that shit up, yo. I mean we could just like spot each other and shit, and then maybe run a few pyramids, and hit the sauna. You just know that towel’s got the oval office seal and shit, and you know brotha’s packing.

    We could be on our way out and shit, and if I happen to accidentally slip and, you know, something happens, it’s just brotherly love. When we’s wrestling later, I’m even gonna let him pin me, just out of respect and shit… I even heard dudes into Sportscenter, which is sick cause yours truly is all up on that Scott Van Pelly-Pelt shit. We could sit by a fire, catch the hightlights on your boy’s plasma, post up real tight the way real close brothers do. It’s all love baby, it’s all love.

    Some day it’s just gone be like lights, camera, showtyme with J.T, baby…. Some day…

    30
    Apr

    Another Boren Commits and Kos… Screw it: Bissinger Aftermath

    By WorstFan 0 Comments
    Categories: dying medium, how do you say FNLTV>book in Douche? and legacy media

    Let’s get some chores out of the way: In a surprise to practically no one (particularly based on what their father had been alluding to in weeks prior) FB/LB Zach Boren (* brother of Justin, although graded at LB which he most likely won’t be playing in college) announced his commitment to the Buckeyes this morning, becoming an astonishingly quick 14th commitment for the 2009 class. Also, as not-so-astutely predicted here a few weeks back, Kosta Koufos is officially an Ohio State alumnus. We wish him the absolute best in his professional endeavors in Europe (zing).

    For those readers who sculpt their cyber-world views via Bucknuts, Scout, and Rivals (and perhaps ESPN.com as well), the all-blogosphere encompassing controversy we’re waxing poetic on is the result of Bob Costas’ HBO platform, Costas Now, tackling the ever increasing-in-scope impact of the internet (and blogs in specific) in the world of sports (and sports media). Costas hosted a roundtable of Will Leitch (founder and editor of Deadspin), Friday Night Lights author and journalist H.G. “Buzz” Bissinger. The unconscionable results and Bissinger’s extreme douchehattery are as follows: Continue reading ‘Another Boren Commits and Kos… Screw it: Bissinger Aftermath’

    28
    Apr

    The Vest Stays Hot; Linsley, Fellows Adds to Already Stellar ‘09 Class

    By WorstFan 0 Comments
    Categories: stalking 17 year old high schoolers, the ghost of buckeyes future and totally bs optism disguised as prognostication


    “I loved it at Michigan. Then I went to Ohio State, and it was like, ‘Bye Michigan.’” - 2009 Commit LB Dorian Bell

    J.T. and his rather boss staff of pitchmen continue to waste no time this off-season, adding the commitment of Boardman product OL Corey Linsley (*** who projects as a guard) just on the heels of receiving a verbal from Garfield Heights DE Melvin Fellows (****). The already looking stellar Class of 2009 is now up to 13 recruits, with in upwards of 8 more scholarships expected to be filled in the 9 months to come leading up to signing day.

    Ogle these future Young Bucks and start thinking about what could be in the 2010s.

    27
    Apr

    Big Vern Gets to Keep Schooling Jake Long For Years to Come

    By WorstFan 0 Comments
    Categories: is it drafty in here or is just me? and what about a long sleeve tee?

    New York City’s well on its way to becoming an all intents and purposes football graduate school for former Buckeyes. As projected by many, the New York Jets made physical freak, eater-of-worlds Vernon Gholston the 6th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, projecting him as an outside linebacker in their 3-4 defense.

    “We spent a lot of time with Vernon on and off the field, and we think he will fit in well here,” Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum said. “He can help in all phases of our defense. He can rush the passer, he does a good job on the edge in the run game, he can play over the tight end as well. So there’s a lot of different things he can do, and that’s why we’re excited to have him.”

    Gholston joins fellow former Buckeyes Nick Mangold and Mike Nugent on the Jets roster, and with former Michigan tackle Jake Long joining the divisional rival Miami Dolphins, Gholston will have the chance to continue doing what he’s done for the past two years and mercilessly throw whichever poor soul has the unfortunate task of trying to manage Miami’s office to the turf (possibly also long time Gholston victim Chad Henne, whom the Dolphins selected in the second round).

    The Buckeyes also had senior captain offensive tackle Kirk Barton (whom we saw enjoying UFC83 last Saturday at the flagship BW3) go in the 7th round to the Bears (who project Barton to compete for a roster spot at guard) and 2-year Buckeyes starter at linebacker Larry Grant also taken in the 7th round by the 49ers. Niners coaches have designs on Grant moving to the inside in their 3-4 base D.

    We wish all 3 the absolute best in their professional endeavors, recognize that Barton and Grant have very strong chances to not only make their respective squads but surprise many and be contributors early on, and hope the three headed monster of Cleo Lemon/John Beck/Chad Henne, the two-faced-Buffalo QB J.P. Losman/Trent Edwards, and Tom Brady all have great masseuses on speed dial.

    UPDATE: A few Bucks landed sweet new summer jobs (more like grueling trial-by-fire-4-month-interviews, but exciting opportunities none the less) via undrafted free agent contracts. Fullbacks Dionte Johnson inked a deal with the Arizona Cardinals while F.O.O.T.B.O.T.O (Friend of On the Banks of the Olentangy) Tyler “Tank” Whaley agreed to a deal to stay in-state with the Cincinnati Bengals. Big ups gentlemen.

    25
    Apr

    American Design Drafting Association Approved Drafty Draftocity

    By WorstFan 0 Comments
    Categories: adda.org, is it drafty in here or is just me? and what about a long sleeve tee?



    I wonder if AutoCAD has a feature for 61st-efficiency-ranked, vastly overrated New England-area QBs…

    One of sports’ most anticipated weekends is finally upon us. The one point on the calendar when college football and pro football intertwine and the crossroads of college football legends past intersect those of pro football possibility future. If you’re anything like us, you’re feeling just like a 5-year old on Christmas Eve (if that 5-year old had an incredibly realistic fake and put down a half dozen too many watered down bombs at an Arena District watering hole).

    Over the course of the next 48 hours, Buckeye greats Vernon Gholston and Kirk Barton, and 2-year Buckeye starter Larry Grant will hear their names called and add to the list of 325 Buckeyes drafted all-time. Gholston appears to be a lock for somewhere between the 4th and 6th picks (whom apparently one unnamed G.M. thinks is totally mmm freakin’ sexy XOXO) while Barton & Grant are both mid-to-late second day selections (which now includes Round 3 to give you extra motivation to chase Saturday’s hangover with more drank). Former Buckeyes Cris Carter and Kirk Herbstreet will be part of ESPN’s Swiss-Guard sized crew of draft coverers.

    As for draft, expect at least a guest abeerance from yours truly at KSK’s sure to be ridiculous live blog. Christmas Tunison will be going apeshit at Will Leitch’s digital sex boat along with Football Outsider’s Mike Tanier. The Commandant will be risking life, limb, and Jets fans tossing their own feces over at The Sporting Blog which we hear Ufford’s infiltrating as well.

    Finally, some sadly bad ass guy from some school that had the top overall pick in typical bad ass guy’s form recapitulates the outstanding mediocrity that is Natty Ice (which ironically if you take his completion percentage and divide by 10, you roughly get the ABV of Natty Ice). Dog The Bounty Hunter also has some compelling reason why you should hope your favorite team snags one of these sleepers.

    Vive El Fin De Semana, y’all.

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