 Media Credit: Michael J. Wyen |
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Ohio State running back Chris Wells (28) helps the Buckeyes
dominate Northwestern Saturday at Ohio Stadium. |
Young line steps up
After a slow start to the season, Ohio State's offensive line is coming together.
Sophomore center Jim Cordle and junior guard Ben Person are getting used to the rigors of playing every down for the Buckeyes.
"They've gotten better," said senior tackle Kirk Barton. "They're veterans now. They're getting into the Big Ten grind and I can't wait to see them improve."
Barton and company struggled in obvious run situations through the first three games, but powered through the Northwestern front seven on both of Maurice Wells' touchdown runs.
Gaining experience has benefited not only the linemen, but also senior fullback Dionte Johnson.
"They're making the right calls," Johnson said. "(Fullbacks) depend on the offensive line. When they're adjusted to the game it makes our job a whole lot easier."
Northwestern recorded only one sack in Saturday's game.
"Jimmy Cordle is doing a great job, so is Ben Person," said quarterback Todd Boeckman. "Cordle's making the calls on the line and I'm really excited to see where he's going."
Small makes big difference
Saturday's game marked the return of sophomore wide receiver Ray Small. Small saw limited action against Washington after missing the first two games due to an ankle injury.
"It's great to have Ray back," Johnson said. "He's an explosive guy who can make a lot of plays. He's a shifty runner and very fast. Having him at 100 percent is a benefit because the defense has to worry about containing him."
Small's elusive ability was evident Saturday as he broke away for a 48-yard touchdown reception.
While receiving counterpart Brian Robiskie has done well on deep routes this season, the Buckeyes have missed the speedy downfield threat that Ted Ginn placed on the shoulders of opposing defenses.
Small adds that ability to an otherwise solid receiving corps.
"He brings a different dimension to the game," Boeckman said.
Look for Small's production to go up as the season progresses.
"I did a lot of things moving the ball for our offense," Small said. "I'm pretty happy with flying under the radar for now and just doing what I can do for our offense."
Michigan still breathing
Little can save Michigan's season from being dubbed a failure.
Not after the preseason title contender was embarrassed in its opening two games.
But for one Ohio State player, at least, the game looks to carry as much meaning as ever. Asked if the Buckeyes should now be considered the Big Ten favorite, tackle Kirk Barton instantly pointed to Michigan (2-2, 2-0 Big Ten).
"I definitely wouldn't say that," Barton said. "There's a long way to go. People are kicking the dirt on Michigan, but they're going to be there. I don't care what anybody says, but Michigan's going to be a great team.
"They've come together, they've got great leadership at Michigan. They have rallied around their coach and they'll be there in the end."
Rolling out the boom
Freshman linebacker Brian Rolle looks to have secured the Jack Tatum Hit of the Week award.
But which of his hits Saturday will be honored? The one he called the "biggest hit of his life," in which he flattened Sherrick McManis on a second quarter kickoff return? Or the one a few minutes later when his block left Northwestern cornerback David Oredugba writhing on the turf for several minutes?
He's making it so hard on the "voters" says plenty about the freshman linebacker who has emerged as the special teams' most high-energy player.
"My expectations are just to make plays and make big hits," Rolle said. "And that's something that obviously I've been doing."
If he keeps it up, he could soon be making quite the impact on defense. But for now, Rolle is happy just where he is.
"Everybody just goes crazy," Rolle said of his teammates' reaction to his hits. "I couldn't even say nothing, because I kept getting smacked upside the head. It was overwhelming. This is fun for me."
Wells all right
Chris Wells sent an air of concern through Ohio Stadium when an injured left ankle ended his day early in the third quarter.
But the junior tailback said he should be good to go this week at Minnesota.
"I'll be fine," Wells said. "I just rolled it a little bit."
The Buckeyes certainly hope so.
Freshman tailback Brandon Saine underwent arthroscopic knee surgery last week and will miss at least one more game. And though Maurice Wells was solid Saturday, rushing for 44 yards and a pair of scores on 15 carries, starting him would be a last resort.
Zack Timmons can be reached for comment at timmons.60@osu.edu.
David Briggs can be reached for comment at briggs.166@osu.edu.
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