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Mitchell Headed to 1st Conference Finals 🔥
Friday News: Choices Edition
David ThurmanAug 6, 2010
Indianapolis - home of the first Big Ten Championship football game
As Ohio State opens up its fall camp, and college football prepares for kickoff, some important choices have been made.
Naptown picked for the 2011 Big Ten Championship Game
I couldn't be happier with the decision to play the innaugral Big Ten Championship Game in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium.
For one thing, the stadium itself is state of the art, and one of the finest venues in the country.
Indianapolis is also a good central location for Big Ten teams, with excellent accomodations within walking distance of the stadium.
And from a personal (and selfish) standpoint it is a great choice because I live just south of the Circle City, near the airport, meaning that I will have no more than a 25-minute drive to watch OSU if, and when, they make the Championship Game in 2011!
Bucks picked number two in Coaches Poll
As expected Ohio State will open up at number two in the USA Today Top 25 Coaches Poll, trailing only Alabama. The Crimson Tide, the reigning national title holders, garnered 55 first place votes, with the Buckeyes securing the other four. Rounding out the top five are Florida, Texas, and Boise State.
Beginning the year in the top five is old hat for the Bucks under Tressel. Last year they started out ranked 6th, but were slated 2nd in 2008, and were even preseason number one in 2006. So it should not be a distraction to have a lofty ranking again this year.
Bucks picked number two in Coaches Poll
As expected Ohio State will open up at number two in the USA Today Top 25 Coaches Poll, trailing only Alabama. The Crimson Tide, the reigning national title holders, garnered 55 first place votes, with the Buckeyes securing the other four. Rounding out the top five are Florida, Texas, and Boise State.
Beginning the year in the top five is old hat for the Bucks under Tressel. Last year they started out ranked 6th, but were slated 2nd in 2008, and were even preseason number one in 2006. So it should not be a distraction to have a lofty ranking again this year.
My picks from the Check-In Photos
Okay, call me a voyeur if you like, but I did check out the photos of the fall check-in, posted by The O-Zone, Buckeye Planet, and Bucknuts. And, overall, I was very impressed by what I saw. Most of the players passed the "looks test" with the following especially catching my eye:
-Rookie of the Year: Carlos Hyde. This dude is big and cut, and just looks like a player. I think he will be the power back this season. Runner up goes to David Durham, who I believe gets some playing time this year. In addition, Andrew Norwell looks like a man, and Chad Hagan is big (making me wonder if he moves from safety to linebacker). Overall, the newbies looked good!
-Most Improved: I'll go with two offensive lineman, Marcus Hall and Bryant Browning. They both look a lot leaner than last year. In truth, the whole O-line is impressive. I don't ever remember the big guys coming into camp as lean and fit as this season. Hopefully,that is a good omen.
-Puts the Biggest Smile on My Face: Tyler Moeller. This guys never looks that impressive in person, as he goes about 6'0", 210 lbs. I have stood beside him, and can say that he doesn't appear intimidating. Still, Moeller can flat out play, and OSU missed him in '09. I am so happy to see him back in camp and ready to contribute.
-Workout Warriors: The two most impressive physical specimens I saw are John Simon (big surprise) and Jordan Whiting. Simon is a man, and I don't think anybody on the team wants to get him mad. He is gigantic, and I look for big things from him this year. Whiting obviously spends a lot of time in the weight room, but that hasn't transferred to the field just yet. Still, he is one impressive looking young man.
That's what I noticed. Now to get them in pads and on the field!
Okay, call me a voyeur if you like, but I did check out the photos of the fall check-in, posted by The O-Zone, Buckeye Planet, and Bucknuts. And, overall, I was very impressed by what I saw. Most of the players passed the "looks test" with the following especially catching my eye:
-Rookie of the Year: Carlos Hyde. This dude is big and cut, and just looks like a player. I think he will be the power back this season. Runner up goes to David Durham, who I believe gets some playing time this year. In addition, Andrew Norwell looks like a man, and Chad Hagan is big (making me wonder if he moves from safety to linebacker). Overall, the newbies looked good!
-Most Improved: I'll go with two offensive lineman, Marcus Hall and Bryant Browning. They both look a lot leaner than last year. In truth, the whole O-line is impressive. I don't ever remember the big guys coming into camp as lean and fit as this season. Hopefully,that is a good omen.
-Puts the Biggest Smile on My Face: Tyler Moeller. This guys never looks that impressive in person, as he goes about 6'0", 210 lbs. I have stood beside him, and can say that he doesn't appear intimidating. Still, Moeller can flat out play, and OSU missed him in '09. I am so happy to see him back in camp and ready to contribute.
-Workout Warriors: The two most impressive physical specimens I saw are John Simon (big surprise) and Jordan Whiting. Simon is a man, and I don't think anybody on the team wants to get him mad. He is gigantic, and I look for big things from him this year. Whiting obviously spends a lot of time in the weight room, but that hasn't transferred to the field just yet. Still, he is one impressive looking young man.
That's what I noticed. Now to get them in pads and on the field!
Mitchell Headed to 1st Conference Finals 🔥
