1996 OSU Football Season Hi-Lites
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Questions fans had about the OSU Football Team going into the year have quickly been erased dominating wins over Rice, Pittsburgh, and Notre Dame. So much so, that OSU looks like an even better team than they were just last year. One thing is certain, they are a deeper and more talented team. Whether this team ends up better, remains to be seen. After beating up on Rice 70 - 7, Pittsburgh 72 - 0, and Notre Dame 29 - 16 (at South Bend), the Buckeyes not only are ranked third in the nation and serious contenders for the national title, but are the talk of college football. It was only natural to wonder what kind of season the team would have after losing 5 key players from the record-setting offense of 1995. Gone are quarterback Bob Hoying, 2nd nationally in passing efficiency and third-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles; tailback and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George; the nation's top wide receiver, Terry Glenn; tight end, Rickey Dudley; and blocking fullback; and blocking fullback Nicky Sualua out due to academic problems. George, Glenn, and Dudley went within the first fifteen picks of the NFL draft last spring. Replacements for the five have looked almost as good. Quarterback Stanley Jackson and Joe Germaine have been splitting time, with Jackson getting most of the playing time. Both have moved the offense with ease and Jackson has given opponents fits with his ability to scramble. T. B. Pepe Pearson is doing his best to make people forget Eddie George, which may never happen no matter who plays that position, with a 29 carry 173 yard effort against Notre Dame, 395 yards in 3 games, and a 5 - 6 yards per carry average. He has been outstanding. Flankers, Dimitrious Stanley, Dee Miller, and especially true freshman, Michael Wiley have been "tearing up". Buster Tillman and another true freshman David Boston have been doing will at the other wide receiver position, splitend. Tightends D.J. Jones and John Lumpkin. And fullbacks, Matt Calhoun and Matt Keller have filled in admirably in their positions. The team goes nowhere without the offensive line leading the way. Left tackle, Orlando Pace, Lombard Award winner last year and possible first pick in the NFL draft next spring, leads the way. Center Juan Porter is the other awesome player on that line. What has made the offense outstanding, has been a great defense. New attack-oriented defensive coordinator, Fred Pagac, has plenty to work with. His main goal is to stop the run after several running backs ran wild on Ohio State, last year. The team is led by All-American defensive end, Mike Vrabel, corner back Shawn Springs, and middle linebacker, Andy Katzenmoyer, the National Defensive Player of the Year last year in high school, and 10 of the 11 starters returning from last year. This unit, after harassing Notre Dame quarter back, Ron Powlus, all game long, should continue to be stingy all year long. The team looks good for the remainder of the year. But, the 3rd ranked OSU Buckeyes know that one game doesn't a season make, and that defeat is only a week away. Just ask last year's team! |
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