September 07, 2005 - Only a few years ago college football fans were limited in their selection of games to watch each weekend. With the continued rise in popularity of both the collegiate game and NFL draft, more and more viewers are tuning in. The networks have noticed the trend and thus, once again, more college football games will be televised this year than any in the past.
But for fans limited in time, how best to decide which games to watch?
NFLDraftScout.com answers that question; picking out one contest as their "Game of the Week" for your viewing pleasure.
Included in every "Game of the Week" preview is a listing of the top senior prospects for both teams, as well as a glimpse into the future of the underclassmen to watch and a review of each team's recent draft history. We're even including a score prediction!
Watch as much college football as you can. The draft is closer than you think. But when time allows you only one game this weekend, check with us to make sure you are viewing the one more NFL scouts are attending.
Why this game: Rarely do major programs travel out of conference to play each other and thus this matchup, regardless of the year, is always going to be a Game of the Week candidate. However, with so much uncertainty as to just which team deserves to be ranked second in the country (behind USC) the game is that much more important. Both clubs are legitimate National Championship contenders and certainly looked the part in week one. After an off-season in which many argued that Miami of Ohio would give Ohio State a tough showing in the opener, the Buckeyes proved dominant, destroying the Redhawks 34-14 in a contest that was considerably more lopsided than the final score indicates.
Texas thoroughly whipped Louisiana Lafayette. The Longhorns, behind Heisman candidate Vince Young racked up 591 yards of total offense and cruised to a 60-3 finish. Ohio State is ranked fourth in the country in the latest coaches' poll. Texas is ranked second. The winner of this game will deserve to be ranked as the second best team in the country and will emerge as the favorite to unseat the mighty Trojans.
Recent Draft History: A staggering thirty six Buckeyes have been drafted into the NFL over the past five seasons, a number bettered only by Miami (forty). Ohio State holds the modern day record for most players selected in one year, sending fourteen prospects to the pros in 2004. Despite the number of selections, "only" five Buckeyes have been drafted in the first round during this time. Texas, on the other hand, has sent sixteen players to the NFL via the draft; half of which were first round picks.
The Senior Players to Watch:
Ohio State:
AJ Hawk, Ohio State, LB, 6-1, 243, 4.51: Versatile and consistent player who could start at any of the three linebacking positions next year for an NFL team and do well. Has seen action in the middle and at outside linebacker for the Buckeyes and has the size, strength, instincts, and athleticism to excel at whatever position is most needed by his team. Enjoyed a strong sophomore season, leading the club with 106 tackles with 13 tackles for loss. Exploded this past year for 141 tackles and 8 tackles for loss, earning First Team All American honors. Rare combination of instincts, toughness, and athleticism for the position. Voted team captain for both his junior and senior seasons.
Bobby Carpenter, Ohio State, OLB, 6-3, 245, 4.60: Might be the very definition of "rock solid" in terms of pro prospects from the Big Ten Conference. Not a flashy prospect, but a player who simply gets the job done on a consistent, effective basis. Gets lost a bit in the shadow of AJ Hawk, but has great size and athleticism for the position. Among the better OLBs in terms of his coverage ability. Last season was his first as a full time starter and Carpenter showed his versatility, finishing with 93 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 3 passes broken up. The tackles, tackles for loss, and interceptions were all among the top three on a very, very talented Ohio State defensive unit.
Nick Mangold, Ohio State, C, 6-4, 296, 4.96: One of the more underrated players in the country. Considered by many to be the best NFL prospect of a 2005 center class that rivals the strongest and deepest in modern history. Superb combination of size, explosiveness, technique, and strength. A rare contributor at Ohio State as a true freshman. Started every game of the last two seasons for the Buckeyes. Combination of skills, size, and the Ohio State tradition of quality offensive linemen make Mangold a higher rated prospect in some NFL circles than more nationally recognized centers across the country.
Anthony Schlegel, MLB, 6-1, 245, 4.88: Much hyped transfer from Air Force. Saw action there as a freshman, earning all conference honors, but really made an impression with a sophomore campaign that saw him not only earn First Team Mountain West accolades, but be the first Air Force defender to reach the 100 tackle plateau since 1997. Stood out in the biggest games. Had career-high 19 tackles in nationally-televised game versus Notre Dame, had a 17-tackle game against Utah, and was named defensive MVP in the 2002 Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl. Transferred to Ohio State after his sophomore season and sat out the 2003 season per NCAA rules. Was a shadow of himself last year, as he suffered a small tear in his MCL. Played through it, but wasn’t as effective as he normally is. Loves the game type and plays all out. The kind of player you love to watch, but is a limited athlete. Lacks speed to the outside and is strictly a run stuffer.
Mike D'Andrea, Ohio State, MLB, 6-3, 248, 4.71: Came to Ohio State as the top linebacker prospect in the country and simply has not been able to stay on the field. Worked his way up the depth chart as a true freshman and ending up as the backup to All-American Matt Wilhelm. Part of the rotation as a sophomore before a separated shoulder finished his season early. A starter early last season before tearing his ACL. Recognized by the Ohio State coaching staff as being one of their better players. Rare combination of size and speed has led to comparisons to former Buckeye greats Andy Katzenmoyer and Tom Cousineau. Has 44 tackles and three starts in the three years of his career, thus far.
Nate Salley, S, 6-2, 215, 4.60: Continues Ohio State’s recent tradition of NFL quality defensive backs. Rare combination of size and athletic ability. Doesn’t play with the greatest instincts, which slows him down, resulting in a higher than anticipated forty estimate. Good player with the tools NFL teams are looking for. Looked like a future star when he first came up with the team, but hasn’t developed as much as he should. Productive tackler, but ducks his head, resulting in a few whiffs, and isn’t a big hitter. Has twenty three starts over the past two seasons and has begun to improve. Earned second team conference honors last year, but still isn’t a finished product. Could make a dramatic jump up the boards with a strong senior campaign.
Rob Sims, OG, 6-3, 315, 5.30: Plays left tackle here, but likely will be moved inside to guard at the next level. Has been a pillar of consistency for the Buckeyes, starting 29 games over the past three seasons here, all at left tackle. Will move inside in the NFL due to his lack of height, short arms, and only mediocre athleticism. Shows some quickness off the snap, but isn’t explosive. Uses his hands well, but isn’t a physical dominator in the trenches. Not a standout in any one area, but consistently gets the job done. Lacks upside.
Texas:
Jonathan Scott, Texas, OT, 6-6, 310, 5.28: In terms of his size, pure athleticism, and unfortunate consistency issues, Scott is a similar prospect to 2005 first round choice Alex Barron (St. Louis) from Florida State. Scott has all of the natural skills you are looking for. Blessed with great size and quick feet, he is a legitimate left tackle prospect, who also has the bulk and upper body strength to be a standout run blocker. A veteran of 32 starts, twice earning Big 12 honors, including First Team accolades last season, Scott isn't a lazy player, nor does he lack the intelligence or technique needed to fully develop. He simply has been able to get by with his natural ability at this level. At this point he looks more like a 2nd to 3rd round prospect, especially considering the rare talent and depth of this year's offensive tackle group. However, with some fine tuning and a strong senior campaign, Scott has the ability to jump up the board.
Rodrique Wright, Texas, DT, 6-5, 308, 5.02: In terms of his height, weight, athleticism combination there may not be a better senior defensive tackle prospect in the country. That said, Wright has yet to consistently play up to his potential. He enjoyed a super freshman season, coming through with 65 tackles and earning the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year. He then followed that up with his greatest season to date, an 80 tackle, 12.5 tackle for loss, 5 sack season. Of course, both of these seasons Wright was teamed with 2004 1st round choice Marcus Tubbs (Seattle). This past season, his first as the clear standout defensive lineman, Wright struggled. Some of his struggle was due to a high ankle sprain suffered early in the season. Finished with 36 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and only one sack last season. Has the potential to be an early round pick and certainly has the attention of the NFL, as he was ranked as the #2 senior defensive tackle in the country by both BLESTO and National Scouting, but is far from a finished, guaranteed product.
David Thomas, Texas, TE, 6-3, 239, 4.78: Though he lacks the great size some teams are looking for at this position, Thomas is one of the nation's top all-around tight ends. Thomas enjoyed a breakout season in 2004, earning Second Team Big 12 honors with a 25 reception campaign. He has the quickness to be an effective short area receiver, and also the speed to stretch defenses down the seam. Thomas is also a surprisingly adept blocker, showing good strength and effort in clearing the way for his teammates. While many others on the Longhorns receive much of the attention, many times deservedly so, Thomas, is himself, a rock solid prospect, as well.
Will Allen, Texas, OG, 6-5, 310, 5.25: Tough inside brawler who always seems to get the job done. Lacks the topflight athleticism of some of the other highly ranked offensive linemen of this class, but plays with solid fundamentals and is simply hard to beat. Plays with good strength and quickness at the point of attack, but is best in confined quarters. Lacks the balance and mobility to move to the edge and isn't nearly as effective on the move. Earned Texas' Top OL award after the 2003 season, and this was with both highly ranked Jonathan Scott and Justin Blaylock manning the offensive tackle positions.
Michael Huff, Texas, S/CB, 6-1, 198, 4.52: Versatile defensive back who has seen action at both safety positions, as well as cornerback. Has good size potential, and is faster than his estimated forty time. Might lack the pure man to man skills to play NFL cornerback, but has the tracking skills to ultimately develop into a fine centerfielder. Will be a four year starter for the Longhorns, averaging 70 tackles, 10 passes broken up, and 2 interceptions per season over the first three years of his career. Hasn't seen much action as a return specialist, but should as he has good speed and agility, as evidenced by the fact that four of his six career interceptions he's returned for touchdowns.
Larry Dibbles, Texas, DT, 6-2, 285, 5.10: Despite the fact that his linemate, Rodrique Wright gets most of the national attention, Dibbles was quietly the much more consistent playmaker in 2004. In his first year as an unquestioned starter, Dibbles responded with 49 tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. What Dibbles lacks in prototype size, he makes up for in quickness and strength at the point of attack. Unfortunately, he also is terribly inconsistent, at this time. He can make a play that causes you to hit the rewind button and than disappear for a half a game. The hope is that the experience of starting 11 games last season will help him develop into a hungrier, more consistent player in 2005.
Cedric Griffin, CB/S, 6-1, 190, 4.54: Rare size/speed combination who has started thirty one games over the past three seasons for the Longhorns, all at cornerback. Might lack the smooth hip turn to remain at corner at the next level, though he does have good speed for the position. Very productive as an enforcer against the run, averaging 64 tackles a season. Not a great turnover threat, as he usually allows the reception to avoid giving up the big play, but is a solid football player who could turn out to be a better pro than collegiate player if he is indeed moved and responds positively to the position change.
Underclassmen to keep any eye on:
Ohio State:
Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, 6-0, 178, 4.28: Only a true sophomore and thus, ineligible for the 2006 draft, but certainly deserves to be listed here as he is simply among the most entertaining and explosive players in the country. Only started six games for the Buckeyes last season, but his insertion into the starting lineup helped lead to Ohio State's resurgence down the stretch. Returned four punts for scores last year.
Santonio Holmes, WR, 5-10, 186, 4.35: Explosive talent that is becoming a little underrated with the emergence of Ted Ginn, Jr, but is certainly one to keep an eye on. Legitimate game-breaker speed and has worked hard to improve his hands and route-running. Earned Second Team Big Ten honors last year with 55 catches for 769 yards and 7 touchdowns. His number of catches, yards, and receiving touchdowns were more than double that of the next best Buckeye receiver.
Quinn Pitcock, DT, 6-4, 285, 4.90: Incredibly strong, consistent presence in the middle of the defense that helps keep the pressure off the Buckeyes' spectacular linebacker corps. Finished with 49 tackles, including 8 tackles for loss last season and could be on the verge of developing into one of the nation's better interior defensive linemen.
Ashton Youboty, CB, 6-2, 187, 4.45: Emerging young talent that started the final nine games last season for Ohio State and finished the season with 61 tackles, 4 interceptions, and a team leading 14 passes broken up. Youboty's tendency to get his hands on the football is certainly intriguing, as his rare size/speed combination.
Texas:
Vince Young, QB, 6-5, 228, 4.45: If Matt Leinart is the king of college football, Vince Young is the prince. A combination of size, arm strength, and pure athleticism that brings to mind former Philadelphia Eagle star Randall Cunningham, only Young seems to have even more potential. Has to cut down on the mental errors and develop into more of a passer, but is a better player than his career 18 TD, 18 INT (entering this season) ratio would indicate. Will be asked to lead this team this year and not simply manage the game as Young did his first two seasons at the helm when the Longhorns featured the running of Cedric Benson.
Justin Blaylock, OT, 6-4, 330, 5.30: Outstanding offensive tackle prospect who some believe will prove to be a better player than his heralded senior teammate, Jonathan Scott. Has started the past twenty five consecutive games for the Longhorns and was recognized as a rare First Team Big 12 sophomore last year.
Brian Robison, DE, 6-3, 245, 4.80: Former linebacker who moved to defensive end last season and earned honorable mention all conference honors with 48 tackles, including 14.5 tackles for loss. Only 1.5 of those tackles for loss were sacks, so Robinson will have to develop more technique off the edge to remain here, but plays better versus the run than his size would lead you to believe.
Tim Crowder, DE, 6-4, 235, 4.75: Athletic but undersized defensive end who has seen a lot of time on this defensive line and has improved a great deal. Has 82 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss over the past two seasons, 4.5 of which are sacks. Might be on the verge of a big season, as he posted 22 quarterback hurries last year alone.
Game Preview: Though it is obviously ridiculously early to make such a statement, in many ways this is the regular season matchup of the year. With both teams recognized in the coaches’ polls as being in the top five (Texas is #2, Ohio State is #4), the winner will immediately join USC as the favorites to play in the Rose Bowl, the site of this year’s National Championship game. On paper, the size, speed, and athleticism of both teams make this game a virtual toss-up. Texas has arguably the most dangerous quarterback in the country in Vince Young. They also have the defensive backfield to play with Ohio State’s explosive receivers.
Texas is also very strong among both lines. Ohio State is also strong along the lines, enjoys two dynamic athletes at receiver, and boasts the top linebacking corps in America. Texas will often rely on their running game to move the ball, which will be tough against the Buckeyes’ physical defense. Texas certainly won’t be rushing for 418 yards in this contest like they did the week previous against Louisiana Lafayette. Ohio State, on the other hand, will split snaps between quarterbacks Justin Zwick and Troy Smith and there is no telling how that strategy will work. Games such as this invariably come down to the fundamentals. Texas has a slight advantage in terms of overall line play. They also have the slight quarterback edge due to Young’s experience and ability to make the unbelievable occur.
That said, Texas also seems more likely to turn the ball over and doesn’t possess quite as consistent a defense, either. Special teams seems to always play a huge factor in big games such as this one. It turned out to be the critical factor in the Florida State/Miami game. Ted Ginn, Jr. gives the Buckeyes an explosive return option. Certainly the three missed extra points (including two blocks) Texas suffered in week one are a concern, as well. Finally, Jim Tressel is as admired for his game day strategy and big game winning percentage as any head coach in the country. Mack Brown, while arguably the nation’s best recruiter, has had his struggles in big games (see Oklahoma). If the game was being played in Texas, I’d struggle with my prediction. But it is in Columbus. Take the Buckeyes. Ohio State 24, Texas 20.
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By Rob Rang
