Sports Coverage
Articles published on "CoachFickell.com,"
Quarterbacks Vie for Opening Spot__09/03/11
COLUMBUS---Joe Bauserman led the way as starting quarterback in Ohio State’s opener against Akron. Bauserman, a 25-year-old fifth year senior, spent three years in the Minor Leagues before switching back to the pigskin for Ohio State as a walk-on in 2007. Bauserman has held the back-up quarterback position for the past two years. With 24 games of experience, he brought two touchdowns and one interception to the field on Saturday.
Bauserman didn’t hesitate to start boosting those numbers, racking up three touchdown passes to tight end Jake Stoneburner, plus a second-quarter rushed touchdown for good measure. He fired a total 163 passing yards and escaped without a single sack or turnover.
Braxton Miller, a true freshman from Wayne High School, also saw playing time on the field against Akron. After a slow start with 2 running yards, an incomplete pass, and being forced to fall on the ball due to a bad snap, Miller squeaked out a touchdown pass to Devin Smith (WR) and finished the game with 130 passing yards and 8 of 12 completed passes.
Luke Fickell said he was pleased with both quarterbacks’ performances, but gave no hints as to which quarterback would dominate the starting position: “We know we’re going to need them both. We’ll still continue to let them compete.”
Bauserman didn’t hesitate to start boosting those numbers, racking up three touchdown passes to tight end Jake Stoneburner, plus a second-quarter rushed touchdown for good measure. He fired a total 163 passing yards and escaped without a single sack or turnover.
Braxton Miller, a true freshman from Wayne High School, also saw playing time on the field against Akron. After a slow start with 2 running yards, an incomplete pass, and being forced to fall on the ball due to a bad snap, Miller squeaked out a touchdown pass to Devin Smith (WR) and finished the game with 130 passing yards and 8 of 12 completed passes.
Luke Fickell said he was pleased with both quarterbacks’ performances, but gave no hints as to which quarterback would dominate the starting position: “We know we’re going to need them both. We’ll still continue to let them compete.”
NFL Combine Preview__02/24/11
COLUMBUS---Ohio State will be represented by nine Buckeye players in Indianapolis as the NFL Combine commences today. Prospects from across the nation will gather to show off their highly developed skills in the hopes of catching the eye of one of many NFL scouts who will be in attendance.
Among them, Cameron Heyward (DL), Chimdi Chewka (CB), Dane Sanzenbacher (WR), Justin Boren (OR), Brandon Saine (RB), Ross Homan (LB), Brian Rolle (LB), Jermale Hines (DB), and Devon Torrence (CB) will be put to the test in agility, strength, and character. Many of these men played a decisive role in one of more of the 2010 season games and developed some appealing statistics.
Saine holds the Ohio State 100 meter dash record at 10:38, and could prove to deliver some impressive speed at the Combine. Sanzenbacher had a great catching season this year and will look to show off the best of his receiving skills in the next several days. Meanwhile Hewyard and Chewka, who both suffered injuries in the Sugar Bowl game resulting in surgeries,will face the relentless drilling of scouts about their health and physical well-being.
All players hope to join the ranks of the Buckeyes who preceded them in taking their game to another level. Brian Hartline, a fourth round Miami Dolphins pick in 2009, holds the record for best 60-yard shuttle in Combine history at 10.92. In 2006 Mike Kudla tied for second with most 225 pound reps at 45. In 2009, Donald Washington captured third place in highest vertical leap with 45 inches and fourth in longest broad jump with 11 feet, 3 inches, landing a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs in round 4. Dustin Fox (round 3 Minnesota Viking pick) also holds eighth in the highest vertical with 43 1/2 inches. Anthony Gonzalez, a first round draft by Minneapolis Colts, placed eight also in Combine history for fastest three cone drill time at 6.54.
As history proves, it is not always the superstars of the NCAA that go on to play successful National League Football. However, boosting up some big numbers never hurts. Good luck to men bringing the Scarlet and Gray storm to Indianapolis this week.
Among them, Cameron Heyward (DL), Chimdi Chewka (CB), Dane Sanzenbacher (WR), Justin Boren (OR), Brandon Saine (RB), Ross Homan (LB), Brian Rolle (LB), Jermale Hines (DB), and Devon Torrence (CB) will be put to the test in agility, strength, and character. Many of these men played a decisive role in one of more of the 2010 season games and developed some appealing statistics.
Saine holds the Ohio State 100 meter dash record at 10:38, and could prove to deliver some impressive speed at the Combine. Sanzenbacher had a great catching season this year and will look to show off the best of his receiving skills in the next several days. Meanwhile Hewyard and Chewka, who both suffered injuries in the Sugar Bowl game resulting in surgeries,will face the relentless drilling of scouts about their health and physical well-being.
All players hope to join the ranks of the Buckeyes who preceded them in taking their game to another level. Brian Hartline, a fourth round Miami Dolphins pick in 2009, holds the record for best 60-yard shuttle in Combine history at 10.92. In 2006 Mike Kudla tied for second with most 225 pound reps at 45. In 2009, Donald Washington captured third place in highest vertical leap with 45 inches and fourth in longest broad jump with 11 feet, 3 inches, landing a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs in round 4. Dustin Fox (round 3 Minnesota Viking pick) also holds eighth in the highest vertical with 43 1/2 inches. Anthony Gonzalez, a first round draft by Minneapolis Colts, placed eight also in Combine history for fastest three cone drill time at 6.54.
As history proves, it is not always the superstars of the NCAA that go on to play successful National League Football. However, boosting up some big numbers never hurts. Good luck to men bringing the Scarlet and Gray storm to Indianapolis this week.
Revenge on Boilermakers Complete__10/23/10
COLUMBUS---Ohio State achieved a complete revenge for the tough loss against Wisconsin last week with a crushing win over Purdue Boilermakers for Homecoming Weekend, with a final score of 49 to 0.
Ohio State made a strong statement with "Boom" Herron's touchdown within the first two minutes of play, and the action didn't stop from there. Concerns about the Purdue's thunderous defensive end Ryan Kerrigan were quickly put to rest as Herron ran for another touchdown just halfway throughthe first quarter. Terrelle Pryor threw for three more touchdowns in the second quarter, giving the Buckeyes a comfortable 42-0 lead. Meanwhile, Purdue's offense struggled to push past their own 50 yard line.
Action ran out during the second half with only one additional touchdown by Ohio State, and Ohio State offense finished up the game with 184 yards rushing and 305 yards passing compared to Purdue's 30 rushing and 88 passing, reminding its rivals of Ohio State's ability to deliver a total victory both offensively and defensively.
Ohio State made a strong statement with "Boom" Herron's touchdown within the first two minutes of play, and the action didn't stop from there. Concerns about the Purdue's thunderous defensive end Ryan Kerrigan were quickly put to rest as Herron ran for another touchdown just halfway throughthe first quarter. Terrelle Pryor threw for three more touchdowns in the second quarter, giving the Buckeyes a comfortable 42-0 lead. Meanwhile, Purdue's offense struggled to push past their own 50 yard line.
Action ran out during the second half with only one additional touchdown by Ohio State, and Ohio State offense finished up the game with 184 yards rushing and 305 yards passing compared to Purdue's 30 rushing and 88 passing, reminding its rivals of Ohio State's ability to deliver a total victory both offensively and defensively.