TrojanWire - Chris Wells

BREAKING: Chris Wells Will Not Play

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:06:10 -0800

ESPN just reported at 6:45pm on Friday that Chris Wells will not play, according to Ohio State HC Jim Tressel.

To add to the disbelief, Kirk Herbstreit, who is out here for GameDay and to announce the game, said he just saw 'Beanie' going through warmups, catching the ball and stuff, and said he did not look like a player who was not going to play in the biggest game of his life.

Is this a wheel chair ploy a la Paul Pierce or what? We swear this guy is going to roll out of the tunnel, separate from his team, to the rousing cheers of the Suckeye faithful.

Overheard at USC... notes and quotes

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:29:42 -0800

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

LOS ANGELES -- A full day's worth of notes and quotes as coaches Pete Carroll and Jim Tressel talked to reporters on both ends of the USC-Ohio State showdown.

RECRUITING BATTLE

Carroll and Tressel don't know each other personally but that doesn't mean they don't know each other.

"We know them through recruiting," Carroll said.

They don't steal prospects from each other's states very often -- Ohio State has three players from California, USC one from Ohio -- but both programs recruit nationally.

Tressel noticed some familiar names when he looked over the USC roster.

"Gosh -- all of those guys were on our wish list," he said.

He then ticked off some of those names: center Kristofer O'Dowd, tight end Blake Ayles, receiver Ronald Johnson, quarterback Mark Sanchez and offensive guard Jeff Byers.

USC hasn't always won recruiting the recruiting battles either -- see Chris Wells and Ted Ginn, Jr.

CARROLL AND WOODY

The best anecdote of the day was Carroll talking about his year as an Ohio State assistant coach under Earle Bruce.

It just so happens that it was 1979, the season Ohio State lost in the Rose Bowl to USC and Charles White.

But Carroll's biggest thrill was looking out a window and seeing former coach Woody Hayes as he walked down the sidewalk.

"I had never seen him before," Carroll said. "So I dropped everything and took off across the parking lot and met him and I introduced myself."

Carroll said it was especially gratifying that Hayes knew who he was. They, of course, talked football.

"To me that was a really special moment," Carroll said.

QUOTABLE

Tressel to an L.A. audience about the poor performance in the 26-14 victory over Ohio on Saturday: "I've tried not to spend too much time looking back at that... We survived, I guess."

Carroll on the Ohio State-Ohio game:
"I don't think that has anything to do with it... They just won that game a little differently than everybody wanted them to and expected them to."

Tressel on the comments from Ohio State WR Ray Small suggesting that there is a "class" difference between the two schools: "It's disappointing when anyone talks... The only thing I can say about Ray is Ray doesn't have a malicious bone in his body and has no ill-intention... Those of us who speak to the press at times can error... Obviously it wasn't a good thing but he's a good kid."

USC safety Kevin Ellison, who was injured most of the 2005 season, on comparing OSU QB Terrelle Pryor to Vince Young: "I couldn't compare them right now. Vince Young was a totally different level. Terrelle Pryor is a freshman. I'm sure he'll be good a couple of years down the line. But you're talking about Vince Young, the second pick of the NFL draft."

LB Cushing leaves practice with bruised hip

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:29:35 -0800

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

LOS ANGELES -- USC's All-American linebacker Brian Cushing, who's already nursing a wrist injury that requires a protective cast, left practice Tuesday with a bruised hip.

Defensive end Kyle Moore also missed action with back spasms.

Coach Pete Carroll said he doesn't expect the injuries to keep either player from starting against No. 5 Ohio State on Saturday.

"It doesn't look like it," Carroll said.

Cushing apparently took a knee to his hip early in practice.

Receiver Vidal Hazelton, who's nursing a sprained ankle, participated in some drills and could be ready by Saturday.

"He did pretty well today," Carroll said. "We'll see."

Carroll upon learning that Ohio State All-American RB Chris Wells had been cleared to play: "It's good for them. He's a great player. I'm sure it pumps them up and gives them a good boost going into the game."
The defense beat the offense on Competition Tuesday, Ohio State week addition.
Carroll on the improved play of his WRs, who were merely talented underachievers last year: "They've just grown up. They're more mature about playing in a game. They're more comfortable. Their batting average on their assignments is way, way higher than it was ... We're way different than a year ago ... I guess it was too much to ask of the young guys last year -- they couldn't emerge fast enough."

The HP Heisman Watch, Week 2

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:11:26 -0800

It’s time for this week’s HP Heisman Watch. The following list is of the players who have the best shot at actually winning the Heisman. It is not a predicted order of the final voting. Therefore, some players not on this list will assuredly get their share of votes.

1. Chris Wells, Ohio State–Things are getting tricky when it comes to analyzing Wells’ chance at the Heisman. At this point, there are a ton of variables in play. First off, he is hurt. Second, most of us don’t know how healthy he will be against USC on Saturday. Third, he has gained a slight advantage in that a loss to USC could be seen as the result of his being hurt, thus increasing his perceived worth to his team. Fourth, a win over USC with Wells making a minimal contribution could hurt his perceived worth to his team (they still won even though he was hurt? He must not be that important). Fifth, he could potentially have a Willis Reed type of moment, gutting out a winning touchdown, for instance, while not necessarily performing well in the overall game due to being hobbled. Thus a premium would be placed on his guttiness in the clutch. Last, he could just end up being a complete non-factor, but I think he now has a built in excuse and so won’t be dramatically penalized by the voters for it. So, you see all the ways to look at it? The fact that there are so many possibilities is a testament to the high stakes of the game this Saturday vs. USC. Unless Wells and Ohio State have a total meltdown, I believe he is unlikely to be eliminated from the race by virtue of his injury.

That’s because after USC, the Buckeyes will move on to the Big Ten schedule and, assuming he is healthy, Beanie will pile up a ton of yardage. Even if he has a rough game against the Trojans, he is likely to come back and put up 1,700-plus yards, which would at least make him a legitimate candidate, especially if the Buckeyes are undefeated or headed for the BCS title game once again.

Last week: Injured. Season: 13 carries, 111 yards, 8.5 ypc, 1 TD

2. Chase Daniel, Missouri–Daniel is moving closer to taking the lead in the Heisman Watch. He’s been exemplary so far and the Tigers have played well. What more can you ask for? If Wells stumbles against USC, he’ll be the front runner for the Heisman.

Then, all he has to do is keep winning. No small task.

Last week: 16 of 17, 245 yards, 3 TDs, 1 int. Season: 42 of 62, 568 yards, 6 TDs, 1 int., 9 carries, 46 yards

3. Mark Sanchez, USC–Sanchez is a shaky No. 3 right now. Let’s face it, he’s had one game. But the Ohio State game is such a high-profile affair, he is in a unique situation to capitalize. After Saturday, he could be out of the race, or sitting at the top.

Just a couple of the benefits/pitfalls to being the quarterback for the No. 1 team.

Last week: Off Season: 26 of 35, 338 yards, 3 TDs, 1 int.

4. Colt McCoy, Texas–McCoy is quietly off to a nice start for the Longhorns, but he will stay a few slots back in the race until the Oklahoma and Missouri games play out. Those two games could go a long way in determining this year’s winner.

Last week: 20 of 29, 282 yards, 4 TDs, 1 int Season: 44 of 58, 504 yards, 7 TDs, 1 int, 17 carries, 108 yards, 1 TD

5. Matt Stafford, Georgia–Stafford looks to be maturing as a quarterback and is off to his best start yet. There will be no shortage of big games for him to show his stuff. For now, he’s a candidate as long as UGA is undefeated.

Last week: 18 of 28, 213 yards, 2 TDs, 0 ints. Season: 31 of 49, 488 yards, 4 TDs, 0 ints.

6. Percy Harvin, Florida–Harvin came back against Miami, but didn’t set the world on fire. He’s got one more week to show his stuff, or else the clock will run out on his Heisman hopes.

Last week/Season: 5 carries, 27 yards, 1 TD, 1 catch, 12 yards

7. Stafon Johnson, USC–Johnson had minimal impact against Virginia, but he’s got this big game against Ohio State to do his thing. While USC seems determined to make all its tailbacks happy, it will go with the hot hand when necessary. If Johnson does not break out against OSU, he’s off this list for good.

Last week: Off Season: 9 carries, 28 yards, 1 TD

8. Pat White, West Virginia–White is hanging by a thread in the race after his WVU team lost to East Carolina, 24-3. He was shut down for the most part and it looks like WVU is really missing Coach Rod. Unless the Mountaineers run the table the rest of the way, White won’t have a shot.

Last week: 11 of 18, 72 yards, 0 TDs, 0 ints, 97 yards on 20 carries. Season: 36 of 51 for 280 yards, 5 TDs, 1 int., 29 carries, 160 yards, 0 TDs.

Dropped Out: Graham Harrell–For Harrell to have a shot at winning, he had to break NCAA records for yards and TDs in a season. With just 3 TDs in two games, that looks unlikely right now.

If the Vote were Held Today

1. Tim Tebow

2. Chase Daniel

3. Chris Wells

4. Knowshon Moreno

5. Mark Sanchez

6. Pat White

7. Graham Harrell

8. Jahvid Best

9. Matt Stafford

10. Percy Harvin

Buckeye Connection

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 10:39:17 -0800

Did you know Vidal Hazelton and Ohio State tailback Chris Wells were once roommates?

The HP Heisman Watch: Week One

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:45:34 -0800

It’s time for the HP Heisman Watch. This is my ranking of the players who have the best chance at actually winning the Heisman. It is not a predicted order of the voting, so some players who are not on this list will still get Heisman votes in the end.

1. Chris Wells, Ohio State–Wells holds on to the top spot this week, as we’re taking his word that his foot is going to be okay. He most likely will miss the Ohio game this weekend, but that shouldn’t affect his Heisman chances too much, as there is a precedent for Heisman winners missing early-season games (namely Charles White and Bo Jackson). It will, however, increase the stakes for the huge matchup the following Saturday at No. 1 USC. He must do well (100+ yards) in a Buckeye win, or go crazy (180+ yards) in a close Buckeye loss, to solidify his status as the Heisman frontrunner.

Last week: 13 carries, 111 yards, 8.5 ypc, 1 TD against Youngstown State

2. Chase Daniel, Missouri–Daniel got off to a great start to his season with a nice performance in an exciting win over a ranked Illinois squad. It’s pretty clear that Daniel is going to have the numbers needed to win the Heisman, barring injury. If he can lead his team to the Big 12 title, then he should finish no worse than second and could even win the trophy. The next three weeks Mizzou plays three cupcakes, so Daniel can pad his stats before a potentially high-profile game against Nebraska on Oct 4.

Last week: 26 of 45 for 323 yards, 3 TDs, 1 int against No. 20 Illinois

3. Pat White, West Virginia–I wrote in my Heisman Preview that White would need to step it up in the passing game to make a serious Heisman run and he did just that in week one. By season’s end, no one will remember that his 5 TD passes came against lowly Villanova–they will just be part of his statistical total. He is already 1/4 of the way to having 20 TD passes on the season, which should impress voters who think he is just a glorified running back. White got a bit of a gift this weekend when WVU’s next opponent, East Carolina, beat Virginia Tech. He can now showcase his abilities in a game that some people might actually care about, before getting a chance to hog the spotlight on Sept. 18 (Thursday night) at Colorado.

Last week: 25 of 33 for 208 yards, 5 TDs, 0 ints against Villanova

4. Mark Sanchez, USC–It seems exruciatingly early to already be touting a USC quarterback for the Heisman, but there it is. Sanchez benefitted, believe it or not, from the attention created by his dislocated knee cap in the weeks prior to USC’s game against Virginia. Suddenly, he became the subject of increased speculation, which made him more of a known quantity. He was able to reward that speculation and attention with an outstanding game against the Cavaliers. He is a potential boom-bust candidate. As long as USC is doing well and he is doing well, he’s going to hover near the top of this list. But, should his team falter, he will bear the brunt of the blame. The Ohio State game will determine his Heisman future. Should he do well in a USC win, then he will zoom into the top two or three and become one of the main contenders. If the Trojans lose, then he can start working on his resume for a run at the Heisman in 2009.

Last week: 26 of 35, 338 yards, 3 TDs, 1 int against Virginia

5. Colt McCoy, Texas–Don’t look now, but McCoy looks to be back and better than ever. What has largely gone unnoticed over the past year is how effective a runner the Texas QB has become. For now, he will be helped by the fact that Texas is below the radar, as he can perform without too much pressure until the matchup with Oklahoma on Oct. 11. By then, McCoy could be on his way to a remarkable season and people will just be starting to realize it. If McCoy can help slay OU and Mizzou in back-to-back weeks, he’ll have as good a case for the Heisman as anyone in this race.

Last week: 24 of 29, 222 yards, 3 TDs, 0 Ints, 12 carries, 103 yards, 1 TD against FAU.

6. Matt Stafford, Georgia–Is Stafford finally ready to break out as a passer? Will Mark Richt let him put up the numbers he needs to compete for the Heisman? Looks like it so far. But Stafford won’t have a chance to break into the top five of this list until he survives the gauntlet of South Carolina, Arizona State and Alabama that begins in a couple weeks.

Last week: 13 of 21, 275 yards, 2 TDs, 0 Ints against Georgia Southern.

7. Percy Harvin, Florida–Harvin is hanging on a bit in this race. He missed the Gators’ first game against Hawaii and is slated to play against Miami this Saturday. But how healthy is he, really? We won’t know until we see him play. One thing is for sure: He probably needs to explode against Miami to get back in the thick of the Heisman hunt. A lackluster game, or another DNP could mean his chances for the Heisman have gone bye bye.

Last Week: DNP

8. Stafon Johnson, USC–Johnson is the most likely USC back to gain the yards needed to challenge for the Heisman. However, it seems apparent that USC is sticking with its tailback by committee approach. Unless Johnson can get untracked in a big way against Ohio State, he’ll drop from this list.

Last week: 9 carries, 28 yards, 1 TD against Virginia

9. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech–Harrell had his typical day against Eastern Washington. But until people stop yawning at his 500-yard passing games, he’s just a fringe candidate waiting for an opportunity.

Last week: 43 of 58, 536 yards, 2 TDs, 1 int

* * *

If the vote were held today

1. Tim Tebow

2. Chase Daniel

3. Pat White

4. Chris Wells

5. Mark Sanchez

6. Knowshon Moreno

7. Graham Harrell

8. James Laurinaitis

9. Colt McCoy

10. Sam Bradford

Ohio State's Tressel mum on plans for Wells

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:07:26 -0800

Ohio State coach Jim Tressel says he'll decide later this week whether injured tailback Chris "Beanie'' Wells will play Saturday against Ohio.

Who Is Going to Win the BCS Title Game?

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:29:00 -0800

Louisiana Superdome. Ohio State vs. Louisiana State. We asked 24 of the finest football minds in captivity who would win. Some are hanging on Bourbon Street, others are watching from afar. Here is what they had to say:

Tony Barnhart, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Because Ohio State backed into the national championship game and because the Buckeyes were crushed (41-14) by Florida in last season's BCS championship, and because the game is being played an hour from LSU's campus, few are giving Jim Tressel's troops a chance. That is a mistake. LSU was ranked No. 1 twice this season only to lose both times. Still, this team found a way to get back into the big game. DT Glenn Dorsey should finally be healthy and will want to go out with a great performance and a national championship. Look for backup QB Ryan Perrilloux to be a factor because of his mobility. After watching LSU all season, I believe the Tigers will win this game. But Ohio State is too well-coached and too motivated after last year's loss to Florida to get blown out. The pick: LSU 24, Ohio State 23. Link: Mr. College Football.

Wendell Barnhouse, Fort Worth Star-Telegram: LSU 24, Ohio State 20. The Buckeyes have had a year to hear how bad they played last year against Florida and that will provide loads of motivation. But the Tigers are healthy now — and a defense with a healthy Glenn Dorsey should be feared. LSU has more playmakers on both sides of the ball. College Football Confidential.

Ron Barr, Sports Byline USA Radio Network: USC 42, LSU and Ohio State together 24. Oh, they can't do that. Too bad because that's the game everyone would like to see. I guess if we have to take second best, then LSU and Ohio State plays to a 2-2 tie and after 27 overtime tries, they flip a coin to pick a winner. The coin, a silver U.S. dollar that's now worth only 67 cents, lands on edge, and everyone goes home mad. Sports Byline USA.

Brian Bennett, Louisville Courier-Journal: Ohio State 28, LSU 24. LSU isn't nearly as good as most people think, and Ohio State isn't nearly as bad. Plus, which coach would you want in a big game: Jim Tressel or Les Miles? Brian Bennett Blog.

Bob Condotta, Seattle Times: Call it LSU 31, Ohio State 21. In a year when nothing went to form, LSU will use its (slightly) better balance and athleticism — as well as a bit of a home field advantage — to rip off that one or two big plays that will make the difference. Of course, then everyone will debate forever who really was the national champ in a year when no one was dominant. LSU will win. I've been more sure of only two other results this bowl season: Florida manhandling Michigan and Oklahoma rolling over West Virginia. Washington Football Blog.

Dennis Dodd, CBS Sports.com: LSU 23, Ohio State 17. They talk funny and eat crustaceans but the LSU crowd will be a huge advantage in the huge Superdome. That, and the fact that LSU's defense has had a month to rest, heal and put out contract hits on the Auburn guy who cut block Glenn Dorsey. Dennis Dodd.

Wayne Drehs, ESPN.com: Ohio State 27, LSU 24. Call me crazy, but in a year where college football fans have come to expect the unexpected, the Buckeyes will write the 2007 season's final chapter. I just don't see Ohio State making the same mistake it made last year, showing up flat and getting run off the field in the title game. Every rep, every day of practice since then has centered on making amends for that disappointment. On Monday I say the Buckeyes do just that. Wayne Drehs.

Chris Dufresne, Los Angeles Times: Ohio State 28, LSU 24. Coming on the heels of my pick of Hawaii over Georgia, which fell only 32 points short! Don't know what I'm thinking here. Maybe I remember 2002 when Miami was such an overwhelming favorite to beat Ohio State for the national title but didn't. Michigan beating Florida this year makes this pick seem less laughable. Ohio State is 0-8 vs. SEC in bowls but don't the Bucks, still embarrassed after last year's BCS blowout, have to win sometime? L.A. Times Sports.

Jim Dunaway, 690 The Sports Animal, Birmingham: I'm in SEC country and I do like LSU to win but this game will be a lot closer than Florida's blowout win last season. I'll enjoy the pounding of Hester and Wells but to me the impact of two defenders will be huge; Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis and LSU LB Ali Highsmith will set the tone. If you saw Auburn at LSU or Florida at LSU earlier this season … that's what we'll see Monday Night. LSU wins, 24-20. Dunaway & Brown Radio Experience.

Bruce Feldman, ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com: LSU, 27-20. The long layoff will help the Tigers who were really banged up down the stretch, especially on D. I do think Beanie Wells will do a little damage early but in the second half the Tigers will take control. Feldman Blog.

J.P. Giglio, Raleigh News & Observer: Motivation is 75% of the bowl games. Just ask Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, Georgia, East Carolina ... you get the picture. After last year's palindromic nightmare, who could be more motivated than Ohio State? The setting works against the Buckeyes but they do have the coaching advantage. Jim Tressel and his staff can't possibly pull another Stoops and be that incompetent on the BCS stage. Can they? Given the pedestrian nature of the first four BCS games, this should be a classic. Overtime has been a problem for LSU. The Ohio State ends its SEC curse and Tressel delivers his second national title in overtime. ACC Now.

Mike Hlas, Cedar Rapids Gazette: LSU 24, Ohio State 20. Let's see. LSU lost at home in November to Arkansas, which then got crushed by Missouri in the Cotton Bowl. Ohio State lost at home in November to Illinois, which then got crushed by USC in the Rose Bowl. These are the two teams playing for the national title? What, Ball State and Rutgers were unavailable because they committed to the International Bowl? The Hlog.

Will Leitch, Deadspin: I think Ohio State is going to win by two touchdowns, and most television sets will be off by the beginning of the second quarter. This has been a very lousy bowl season. Deadspin.

Stewart Mandel, SI.com and Sports Illustrated: LSU 24, Ohio State 21. I really feel like Ohio State is being underestimated — its defense is the real deal, as is Chris Wells. But LSU was the best team I saw all season when healthy, which they finally will be for this game, and should be able to prevail in a low-scoring, defensive-dominated contest. Stewart Mandel.

Brett McMurphy, Tampa Tribune: True, Ohio State is 0-8 against the SEC in bowl games, but this Buckeyes club will look for redemption after last year's BCS flop and the underdog has won five of the last national title deciding games. Remember the Alamo? Jim Tressel sure does. His Ohio State club thumped Les Miles' Okie State club, 33-7, in the 2004 Alamo Bowl. Tressel owns Miles again. Ohio State, 24-17. McMurphy's Blog.

Brian Murphy, KNBR 680 The Sports Leader, San Francisco: LSU 38, Ohio State 13. While some of my wagering friends love an underdog in a big game, I'm of the opinion that playing Akron, Youngstown State, and Massillon High isn't good prep to face Early Doucet and the lads. Given that I work in San Francisco, and given our zoo mishap over the holiday, I'm a little hesitant to endorse any team featuring live tigers on campus, but let's choose talent and speed in this one. Murph & Mac Morning Show.

Joe Ovies, 850 The Buzz, Raleigh: LSU 27, Ohio State 24. Ohio State is the new Florida and LSU is the new Ohio State ... or so we're told. The way people trash Ohio State this year makes one think about last year's trashing of the Gators and the results that followed. While the trend is to pick the Buckeyes (The DVD! 50-plus days to get angry at the pundits!), I'm sticking with LSU. However, this game will be closer than the SEC honks want you to believe. Ultimately, a healthy Tigers defense will be unleashed by a departing Bo Pelini and Les Miles should ditch the strange coaching moves, leading LSU to victory. 850 The Blog.

Chris Plank, Fox Sports Radio and Tulsa's 1430 The Buzz: The Buzz: I've made my bed ... so now I have to sleep in it. I have called for LSU to win big and even though I am incredibly impressed with the Ohio State defense, I'm sticking with LSU big. Tigers 38, Ohio State 10. Plank's Blog.

Jeremie Poplin, 1430 The Buzz in Tulsa: I see a close one down in the Bayou. LSU must have Matt Flynn be more efficient than he has been. Flynn is not the QB that Leak was last year when he was able to pick apart OSU's zone D. Ohio State must find a way to have early success on offense if they want to hang. I am not buying the speed argument between these teams. LSU 27, Ohio State 23. Miles is still crazy! Poplin's Blog.

Michael Rothstein, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette: LSU 28, Ohio State 14. With the way this college football season has gone, would a two-loss national champion really surprise anyone? It'd almost be a fitting conclusion although LSU-Ohio State will be the most competitive BCS bowl game. LSU receiver Early Doucet will have a very impressive day and Tigers defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey will solidify his No. 1 draft pick status with a dominant game, holding Chris "Beanie" Wells to under 70 yards. Irish Insights.

Brent Schrotenboer, San Diego Union-Tribune: LSU 30, Ohio State 14. LSU simply is more talented and tested than Ohio State, whose not-so-rigorous preparation for this opponent included a 28-21 loss to Illinois. That's the same Illinois team that was crushed in the Rose Bowl by one of the few teams in the nation with talent comparable to LSU's (USC). And don't forget Ohio State's 20 points scored against Akron, 23 against Purdue and nearly two months of cobweb accumulation since it last played a game. Union-Tribune Sports.

Jon Solomon, Birmingham News: LSU 22, Ohio State 21. Matt Flynn throws three first-half interceptions, two returned for touchdowns, as Ohio State goes up, 21-0. Les Miles is cursed. Nick Saban is hailed. LSU decides to play in the second half. It is the BCS championship, after all. Flynn plays brilliantly after halftime. When LSU scores a touchdown late to pull within 21-20, Miles amazingly goes for two. The first try fails. But Ohio State is whistled for interference in the end zone. With a chance to rethink his decision, Miles again goes for two — and gets it. Saban is cursed. Miles is hailed. Georgia and USC fans put on a full-court press claiming they're the nation's best team. Kansas says what about us with one loss? The BCS tucks itself in good night, smiling all the way to the bank. Solomon's Wisdom.

Andy Staples, SI.com: Winner: LSU. Score: 21-12. Explanation: I really want to pick Ohio State because of the underdog implications. The Buckeyes have dealt with the same kind of negativity Florida used as motivation last year, but picking them for that reason may be overthinking things. LSU is more talented. LSU has had time to get healthy after a pretty brutal end to the season. The Tigers may have trouble scoring against the Buckeyes' defense, but OSU should have more problems scoring against LSU's defense. SI.com.

Chris Vernon, Memphis' Sports Station 730 ESPN: LSU 35, Ohio State 14. LSU gets too much pressure on the QB for Ohio State to be able to be effective offensively. Ohio State struggles against teams with speed. It looked slow last year and will probably look slower this year. The Buckeyes can watch all of the inspirational DVDs they want, it won't make them any faster. The only way LSU loses is if Les Miles has to really coach. More than likely, Miles won't have to do anything and can ride Saban's players to another win (this time a championship). Verno's Blog.

Ellis Keeps Streak Alive

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 10:17:21 -0800

The College Football News always tries to do things differently -- and so they did with their All-America team this year. But one thing they didn't do differently was keep USC nose tackle Sedrick Ellis' All-American streak alive. He's been named first-team on every single one released to date.

But naming Oregon's Dennis Dixon as the No. 7 quarterback in the nation and running back Jonathan Stewart the No. 6 running back? Please. Don't be that dumb.

USC fans may want to take note. CFN.com has Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall second-team, four spots ahead of Stewart.

Nice hit for Rialto grad Ryan Grice-Mullen, one of Hawaii's wide receivers, who was named second team. Another Rialto guy, Boise State's Ryan Clady, was named second team offensive line along with USC tackle Sam Baker and tight end Fred Davis.

USC DE Lawrence Jackson made third team while LBs Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga were honorable mention, as was Oregon's Patrick Chung of Raqncho Cucamonga.

Here's the team, listed by position.

Quarterbacks
First Team
1. Tim Tebow, Soph. Florida

Second Team
2. Colt Brennan, Sr. Hawaii

Third Team
3. Sam Bradford, RFr. Oklahoma

Honorable Mention
4. Chase Daniel, Jr. Missouri
5. Pat White, Jr. West Virginia
6. Matt Ryan, Sr. Boston College
7. Dennis Dixon, Jr. Oregon
8. Todd Reesing, Soph. Kansas
9. Dan LeFevour, Soph. Central Michigan
10. Graham Harrell, Jr. Texas Tech
11. Cullen Harper, Jr. Clemson
12. Paul Smith, Sr. Tulsa
13. Brian Brohm, Sr. Louisville
14. Erik Ainge, Sr. Tennessee
15. Chase Clement, Jr. Rice
16. Andre Woodson, Sr. Kentucky

Running Backs
First Team
1. Darren McFadden, Jr. Arkansas
2. Kevin Smith, Jr. UCF

Second Team
3. Rashard Mendenhall, Jr. Illinois
4. Ray Rice, Jr. Rutgers

Third Team
5. Jamaal Charles, Jr. Texas
6. Matt Forte, Sr. Tulane

Honorable Mention
7. Jonathan Stewart, Jr. Oregon
8. Knowshon Moreno, Fr. Georgia
9. Tashard Choice, Sr. Georgia Tech
10. Justin Forsett, Sr. California
11. Eugene Jarvis, Soph. Kent State
12. Chris Wells, Soph. Ohio State
13. Anthony Alridge, Sr. Houston
14. Chad Hall, Sr. Air Force
15. Chris Johnson, Sr. East Carolina

Wide Receivers
First Team
1. Michael Crabtree, RFr. Texas Tech
2. Jordy Nelson, Sr. Kansas State

Second Team
3. Ryan Grice-Mullen, Jr. Hawaii
4. Davone Bess, Jr. Hawaii

Third Team
5. James Hardy, Jr. Indiana
6. Mike Thomas, Jr. Arizona

Honorable Mention
7. Aaron Kelly, Jr. Clemson
8. Harry Douglas, Sr. Louisville
9. Jeremy Maclin, Fr. Missouri
10. Mario Manningham, Jr. Michigan
11. Brandon Gibson, Jr. Washington State
12. Kenny McKinley, Jr. South Carolina
13. Donnie Avery, Sr. Houston
14. Dante Love, Jr. Ball State
15. Jabari Arthur, Sr. Akron

Tight Ends
First Team
1. Travis Beckum, Jr. Wisconsin
Second Team
2. Fred Davis, Sr. USC
Third Team
3. Martin Rucker, Sr. Missouri

Honorable Mention
4. Cody Slate, Soph. Marshall
5. Bear Pascoe, Jr. Fresno State
6. Darius Hill, Sr. Ball State
7. Gary Barnridge, Sr. Louisville
8. Ryan Purvis, Jr. Boston College
9. Dennis Pitta, Soph. BYU
10. Dustin Keller, Sr. Purdue

Offensive Line
First Team
1. OT Jake Long, Sr. Michigan
2. OT Anthony Collins, Jr. Kansas
3. OG George Robinson, Jr. Oklahoma
4. OT Barry Richardson, Sr. Clemson
5. C Jonathan Luigs, Jr. Arkansas

Second Team
6. OT Kirk Barton, Sr. Ohio State
7. OT Sam Baker, Sr. USC
8. OG Branden Albert, Jr. Virginia
9. OT Ryan Clady, Jr. Boise State
10. OG Hercules Satele, Sr. Hawaii

Third Team
11. C Alex Mack, Jr. California
12. C Steve Justice, Sr. Wake Forest
13. C Adam Spieker, Sr. Missouri
14. OT Jeremy Zuttah, Sr. Rutgers
15. OT Michael Oher, Jr. Ole Miss
16. OT John Greco, Sr. Toledo

Defensive Line
First Team
1. DT Glenn Dorsey, Sr. LSU
2. DT Sedrick Ellis, Sr. USC
3. DE Greg Middleton, Soph. Indiana
4. DE George Selvie, Soph. South Florida

Second Team
5. DE Chris Long, Sr. Virginia
6. DE Wallace Gilberry, Sr. Alabama
7. DE Greg Hardy, Soph. Ole Miss
8. DE Vernon Gholston, Soph. Ohio State

Third Team
9. DE Chris Ellis, Sr. Virginia Tech
10. DE Nick Reed, Jr. Oregon
11. DE Maurice Evans, Soph. Penn State
12. DE Lawrence Jackson, Sr. USC

Honorable Mention
13. DT Lorenzo Williams, Sr. Missouri
14. DE Chase Ortiz, Sr. TCU
15. DE Jan Jorgensen, Soph. BYU
16. DT James Jones, Sr. Eastern Michigan

Linebackers
First Team
1. Dan Connor, Sr. Penn State
2. Curtis Lofton, Jr. Oklahoma
3. Jordon Dizon, Sr. Colorado

Second Team
4. Scott McKillop, Jr. Pitt
5. James Laurinaitis, Jr. Ohio State
6. J Leman, Sr. Illinois

Third Team
7. Spencer Larsen, Sr. Arizona
8. Sean Lee, Jr. Penn State
9. Shawn Crable, Sr. Michigan

Honorable Mention
10. Beau Bell, Sr. UNLV
11. Jerod Mayo, Jr. Tennessee
12. Keith Rivers, Sr. USC
13. Rey Maualuga, Jr. USC
14. Erin Henderson, Jr. Maryland
15. Brandon Spikes, Soph. Florida
16. Wesley Woodyard, Sr. Kentucky

Defensive Backs
First Team
1. S Craig Steltz, Sr. LSU
2. FS Jamie Silva, Sr. Boston College
3. CB Antoine Cason, Sr. Arizona
4. CB Aqib Talib, Jr. Kansas

Second Team
5. CB Alphonso Smith, Jr. Wake Forest
6. CB Mike Mickens, Jr. Cincinnati
7. FS Rashad Johnson, Jr. Alabama
8. CB Mike Jenkins, Sr. South Florida

Third Team
9. SS Kenny Phillips, Jr. Miami
10. CB Reggie Smith, Jr. Oklahoma
11. SS Chris Horton, Sr. UCLA
12. FS Jonathan Hefney, Sr. Tennessee

Honorable Mention
13. SS Patrick Chung, Jr. Oregon
14. CB Terrence Wheatley, Sr. Colorado
15. SS Tyrell Johnson, Sr. Arkansas State
16. FS William Moore, Jr. Missouri

Placekickers
First Team
1. Thomas Weber, Fr. Arizona State
Second Team
2. John Sullivan, Sr. New Mexico
Third Team
3. Gary Cismesia, Sr. Florida State

Honorable Mention
4. Travis Bell, Georgia Tech
5. Kai Forbath, Fr. UCLA
6. Austin Starr, Jr. Indiana
7. Jeff Wolfert, Jr. Missouri
8. Michael Torres, Sr. UCF
9. Leigh Tiffin, Soph. Alabama
10. Louie Sakoda, Jr. Utah

Punters
First Team
1. Durant Brooks, Sr. Georgia Tech
Second Team
2. Kevin Huber, Jr. Cincinnati
Third Team
3. Chris Miller, Sr. Ball State

Honorable Mention
4. Brett Kern, Sr. Toledo
5. Owen Tolson, Sr. Army
6. Jacob Richardson, Jr. Miami Univ.
7. Ryan Weigand, Sr. Virginia
8. Louie Sakoda, Jr. Utah
9. Michael Hughes, Sr. San Diego State
10. Tim Reyer, Sr. Kansas State

Kickoff Returners
First Team
1. A.J. Jefferson, Soph. Fresno State
Second Team
2. Matt Slater, Sr. UCLA
Third Team
3. Kevin Robinson, Sr. Utah State

Honorable Mention
4. Bryan Williams, Jr. Akron
5. Felix Jones, Jr. Arkansas
6. Kevin Marion, Sr. Wake Forest
7. Chris Johnson, Sr. East Carolina
8. Malcolm Lane, Soph. Hawaii
9. Marcus Herford, Jr. Kansas
10. Dorien Bryant, Sr. Purdue

Punt Returners
First Team
1. Kevin Robinson, Sr. Utah State
Second Team
2. Leodis McKelvin, Sr. Troy
Third Team
3. Deon Murphy, Jr. Kansas State

Honorable Mention
4. Eddie Royal, Sr. Virginia Tech
5. Jeremy Maclin, Fr. Missouri
6. Derrick Richards, Sr. Utah
7. Marty Tadman, Sr. Boise State
8. Philip Beck, Jr. Louisiana Tech
9. Brian Bonner, Sr. TCU
10. Brandon James, Soph. Florida

Ohio State recruiting video

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 09:30:40 -0800

No wonder they were able to keep top-RB prospect Chris Wells from leaving the state. Careful, this video is rather gratuitous and probably not-safe-for-work. But enjoy it anyways.

Ohio State chick [Zippy Videos via The M Zone]

USC going after Chris Wells

Tue, 08 Nov 2005 09:19:00 -0800

Chris Wells is the #2 ranked RB prospect in the country (behind LeSean McCoy). He's from Akron, OH and has already verbally commited to Ohio State.

But we know what Pete Carroll thinks of verbal commitments--likening them to engagements--where there's still plenty of time for them to be called off before the wedding.

So Fred Davis, an Ohio statesman that left that state to come to California, played host most of this past weekend to Chris Wells.

"Man, it was all that," laughed Wells in reference to his visit. "...everything was cool, and when we got off the plane, I loved seeing those palm trees ...wow! Then I looked at the airport and thought, 'dang, this is the biggest airport I've seen in my life."

"I'd give the visit a 10. Yeah, it was a 10 out of 10."

USC is a perfect 10 with one flaw [USCFootball.com]