Football
The Experts Note and Quotebook
By John Porentas

The Experts Note and Quotebook

OSU Defensive Coordinator Mark Snyder and OSU Offensive Coordinator Jim Bollman were the experts for the Michigan game.

Wolverine Execution: There are a number of ways to skin a cat - or win a football game. Some teams try to trick or outscheme the opposition. Others just try to keep it fundamental and outexecute you. According to both Snyder and Bollman, the Wolverines are definitely a team that believes in execution, not trickery.

"Michigan is not a trickery team," said Snyder.

"They run a reverse here or there and throw some screen and they always have something for the Ohio State game, but for the most part they're going to line up and say 'Here's what we do,' and try and create balance in their offense," Snyder said.

According to Snyder, preparation for a team that relies on execution is a bit different than for one that relies on trickery.

"I think both cause you concern, because the teams that aren't going to try and trick you are very good at what they do," said Snyder.

"Teams that try and trick you, that tells me that they aren't very good at what they do, so they have to try and trick you to create something."

So what kind of team would Snyder rather prepare for?

"If I had my druthers, probably the tricking teams," said Snyder.

Defensively, the Buckeyes won't be focused on preparing for tricks from the Wolverines, so the preparation will instead be focused on fundamentals.

"We're going to have to play this game based on mental principles," said Snyder.

"The Ohio State vs. Michigan game usually comes down to that. We're going to have to play fundamental football."

"We can't make any mistakes. Their offense is not going to allow us to make one mistake. If we do, we're going to pay for it."

Over on the OSU offense, Jim Bollman sees the Michigan defense in the same light. Their scheme is solid, but it's how they execute that scheme that is what makes the Wolverines successful.

"They kind of used to be that way. I don't know if they do that as much now," said Bollman saying that Michigan's defense used to be more dependant on scheme, but that it is now more straight forward.

"They've got guys in there that give you size and power kind of problems now, where before it was a little bit different style this year from what I've seen."

One of the early defensive trends in college football this season was the three-man line, a scheme the Wolverines experimented with, but according to Bollman, have not adopted as their base scheme. Instead, they simply line up big, strong guys and hit you in the mouth.

"Early in the year they played a lot of three down linemen scheme. Then you see them change a little back and forth game to game as the thing goes on, and you see a little less of that, yet they still do play it," said Bollman

"It's just the people and your approach to it, but their philosophy hasn't changed much in the back end. It's more in the front seven, and it's more the people they elected to go with," Bollman said.

Answering the Bell: According to both Bollman and Snyder, the Buckeyes should be in relatively good health for The Game. On defense, Snyder said that Donte Whitner, Nate Salley, Jay Richardson, Tyler Everett and Dustin Fox are expected to be available when the game begins. The question will be, how long will each of them be able to play.

"Those guys all practiced, but we didn't do any hitting today," explained Bollman.

"The problem is that those guys could be a hit away, so some guys are going to have to step and play."

Offensively, the Bollman also says the Buckeyes are healthy. Justin Zwick should be available as a backup quarterback, and tight end Rory Nicol is also expected to be available.

Up and Comers: After an eleven-game schedule, the offensive coordinator has had a good look at a lot of young defensive players who compose the defensive scout team, and the defensive coordinator has seen a lot of young defenders who make up the defensive scout team. Both Snyder and Bollman commented on young players who have stood out on the scout teams this season.

"Who do I think is really good? I think (quarterback) Todd Boekman is going to be "A Player"," said Snyder.

"I think Albert Dukes is going to be "A Player". (OL Steve) Rehring is going to be a good player some day. I think (tight end) Marcel Frost is going to be a good player someday," Snyder said.

"(OL) Kyle Mitchum is another one, man, is he tough, just by nature. He's physically tough," Snyder added.

As to running back Eric Haw, Snyder is not quite yet sold.

"We saw flashes. Eric is still young, in my opinion. He's still very youthful from a maturity standpoint. Eric has a chance to be good when he decides to become good," said Snyder.

Bollman picked out several standouts on the defensive scout teams.

"Vernon Gohlstin is a defensive end who has played a little bit but also helped against us," said Bollman.

(DE) Alex Barrow does a good job. (LB) Brandon Smith looks like a guy who has some talent. Nick Patterson and Shawn Lane have played well at defensive back. (DL) Nadar Abdallah is another guy. He really has a lot of quickness and he has a lot of size. He could be a big guy. He could be a very big guy," said Bollman.

Personnel Shuffles: Both Snyder and Bollman were understandably tight lipped about their Personnel plans going into The Game, but Bollman hinted there may be some shuffling along the offensive line.

"Maybe some guys will change a little bit as final decisions are made," Bollman said coyly.

"I think you'll see generally speaking the same crew. T. J. (Downing) played pretty well last week. I think he'll be seeing a little more action," Bollman said.

Bollman also said that offensive tackle Steve Rehring could also see considerable playing time against the Wolverines.

In the offensive backfield, former starter Lydell Ross has kind of disappeared after his little incident at a local night club, but Bollman said that Ross would probably figure into OSU's plans on Saturday.

"His last game at home here his senior year, I think he approached this week in a positive manner," said Bollman.

"I think he's trying to get ready to play his role in the football game. I think he'll be in there doing his thing."

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