The 2012 Buckeye Offense (Part II) - The Aerial Assault

So many fans, pro and anti Buckeye, hear the words 'Spread Offense' and freak out.  We've heard all of the arguments about how Coach Urban Meyer's spread attack won't work in the B1G.  I'm going to tell you right now that this offense WILL be successful.  The reason it will be successful is because of how it's used.

The Buckeyes will continue to power the ball.

Coach Meyer has stated that systems don't work and that he's not going to necessarily use a "system".  There's examples of systems sporadically being successful in the BCS era, such as the 2011 Auburn team, but what have they done without Cam Newton?  How far would they have gone without Cam Newton?  I would be willing to bet, not far.  Urban Meyer understands this and shapes his approach to the game around that logic.  He's not going to ask Braxton Miller to become a pocket passer or ask Carlos Hyde to be the primary ball handler in the wildcat formation.  He's going to stick to the basics and get the best players the ball the best way possible.

The good thing about having an athletic QB is that he can touch the ball every play, and you don't have to disguise it.  Braxton Miller will continue to be more and more dangerous in the ground game.  He's quick and shifty and can freeze any defender looking in the backfield with just a flinch.  Knowing this, the Buckeye passing game will be interesting to watch this year.

The Buckeye passing game is coming off one of the worst seasons in recent history as they finished ranked 115th nationally in passing yards per game.  Needless to say, they need to turn things around which hopefully started with spring ball.  The upside to this offense is that they have all of the ingredients for a quick turnaround.  With skillful youngsters at QB and WR and a top-notch coaching staff that understands transition, this team has the ability to make a quick turnaround.  In fact, it would be a huge letdown if this team didn't blow last year's numbers out of the water; but I only say that because last year's stats were that bad.

Miller and Hall will be playmakers this year

This year will focus on being efficient, spreading the ball around, getting the ball in space, and playing up-tempo. Unlike the spring game, the Ohio State offense will use a versatile running attack; and this attack will revolve around Miller's ability to make plays with his feet.  Word from spring practices was that the Miller/Hall zone option was scary good and that Carlos Hyde had improved his patience and vision.  This quick-strike running game will suck the defense up to the line of scrimmage which is where big plays will happen as the layers of defense will be spread thin.  Bringing the defense up will open up different spots on the defense depending on the set and coverage scheme.

We saw freshman WR Michael Thomas have a huge Spring Game all because of relaxed defensive play calling which opened up underneath routes.  The short range passing game has been almost non-existent at Ohio State since the Todd Boeckman days, and now it's going to be a base aspect of the offense.  Thomas's hands and willingness to cross the middle will earn him playing time, but he still sits at #4 or #5 on the WR depth chart.

The Buckeyes have options at WR, and Coach Meyer is pushing this unit to get better.  He sets the bar high for his players and expects them to work to get there.  This WR corps is very unpolished and has a lot to prove, but once again; they have youth and skill, so they can do it.  The top 3 WR's feature players of various ability but seem to have a huge upside.

Evan Spencer is quick and is a good athlete.  I'm sure many of you remember the one-handed catch he pulled in against Akron (video on right), but we haven't got to see him run after the catch.  Being the son of a former Buckeye RB, I'm sure he's anxious to get that opportunity.

Philly Brown is a speedy guy still looking for his time to shine.  Last year Brown was thrusted into the #1 spot and struggled throughout the year.  He had a few catches but was never really given the time to develop his on-field abilities as he was constantly being locked up by the defense's best corner.  Like Spencer, he's also ready to get the ball with some room to run.  I've heard various things on Brown this offseason, but word was that he has improved and should be a good 1-2 punch with the next WR.

Devin Smith is a game-changer

Devin Smith, in my opinion, is on the verge of being a star in this Buckeye offense.  He, like the other starting WR's, struggles with routes at times; but he has been the most impressive of the group.  He can stretch the field like Philly and has great hands which were on display against Wisconsin.  His game winning catch had to been one the most difficult catches a WR can ask for.  Standing and waiting for the ball to fall in your basket can seem like an eternity.  Remember how Posey got too open a few times in his career?  Yeah, Smith was too open on that play.  He has the size, hands, and athleticism to be an effective receiver and dangerous after the catch.

The Buckeyes have options not only with the starting three and Thomas, but they have an improved Tyrone Williams who stands at about 6-6 and can be a red zone target.  They also have Chris Fields who had a decent Spring Game, Verlon Reed who was one of the top 2 receivers last year before injuring his knee, and the two incoming freshman in Frank Epitropoulos and Ricquan Southward.  I think the only way we see too much of these last few guys on the field is if the first 3-4 aren't performing, and that is still a possibility; but we also have to remember that this passing game won't end with the QB to WR connections.

Zach Boren will be toting the rock this year

We have a solid group of TE's and RB's that will be incorporated in the passing game.  I fully expect to see Jordan Hall play some slot but also get swing passes and screen passes out of the backfield.  He could be just as much apart of the passing game as he is the running game.  Carlos Hyde can catch the ball as well, but I wouldn't expect him to be a huge part of the passing game other than a safety valve for Miller.  I've heard that Zach Boren has lost a little weight to get some carries this year.  He has solid hands as well, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him fill that H-back role very well.  He and Jake Stoneburner will be used in a variety of ways.  The underneath shovel pass is something that we saw once last season but is also used in Meyer's offense, and I expect Stoneburner to get a few of those just to keep the defense honest.

With Reid Fragel moving to tackle, Stoneburner is it for TE's with experience.  Nick Vannett had a decent Spring Game and is listed as the backup to Stoneburner along with Jeff Heuerman.  Both TE's have seen little playing time which will be expected to increase this season.  They are both more of the traditional style TE's, and I wouldn't expect to see them play the same role as Stoneburner who can do it all.  Stoneburner will be a go-to of Miller's and will have plays designed just for him.  I think the productivity of this offense will be on the shoulder of Braxton Miller, not all the guys catching the ball.  As I said, Coach Meyer has raised the bar with this team and will do whatever it takes to get them to perform.

Stoneburner could have a breakout year in Meyer's offense

Last year we saw Miller miss on downfield passes time and time again.  He looked slightly better in the Spring Game as he was able to get the ball within catching range, but working on his sideline routes and hitting deep routes in stride are both areas that he'll have to improve if the Buckeyes are going to make the 2014 and/or 2015 championship run(s) that many are anticipating.  Improve he will but when and by how much?  Those questions, only time will tell.  One thing is for sure, the offense will be set up for him to succeed and gain confidence because Coach Meyer understands the limitations of Miller's play. 

Where I do expect the Buckeyes to be successful on the ground, I think Meyer will force the passing game a little this season since this will be the building block for the future.  Miller has to get comfortable with the offense, and that includes passing the ball short and long for starters.  It also includes making mistakes and learning from them, and the only way he's going to be able to get to the point of reading defenses and making audibles, where this no-huddle offense is most effective, is trying it and learning from his mistakes.  Fans have to be patient this season as plenty of lessons will be learned by Miller in regards to the entire offense but especially with the passing game.  I fully expect the pass to become a big part of the offense early in the season and stick around all season no matter how successful it is.  I'm sure most Buckeye fans would rather the growing pains happen this year than next.  We know we can run the ball, and we will continue to have a running game; but Meyer is smart enough to understand what steps need to be taken to get this offense to where it needs to be.

Follow me on Twitter @BuckeyeBoardJM

-JM