The Buckeye Weekly Podcast

Michigan’s defense did just about everything it could. The offense did not.

On this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr break down Michigan’s 13-6 overtime loss to Indiana and what it says about the Wolverines heading into the second half of the season.

The secondary may have played its best game of the year, with Zeke Berry, Jyaire Hill, Smith Snowden, and Chris Bracy all making major contributions. But once again, Michigan’s offense could not take advantage of a strong defensive performance.

Tony and Tom discuss Tommy Carr’s first start, Michigan’s offensive line problems, the lack of a running game, questionable play calling, missed field goals, and whether Bryce Underwood would have changed the outcome.

0:01 — Michigan Monday begins
0:38 — Michigan’s defense deserved better
2:05 — The secondary’s best game of the season
3:53 — More credit for Michigan’s defense
5:27 — Indiana didn’t complete a pass in the second half
7:08 — Can Michigan’s offense score enough to win?
9:15 — The offensive line remains a major problem
11:47 — Four red-zone trips, zero touchdowns
14:26 — Tommy Carr’s freshman mistakes
16:41 — Jason Beck and Michigan’s offensive problems
19:55 — Just how bad has the offense been?
21:21 — Would Bryce Underwood have won this game?
24:36 — Michigan’s future quarterback problem
25:46 — Special teams continue to hurt Michigan
27:19 — Other strange moments from the Indiana loss
28:17 — What if Luke Fahey plays like Tommy Carr against Michigan?
30:38 — Final thoughts

One of the biggest problems remains the offensive line. Michigan used its fifth different line combination in seven games, struggled badly against Indiana’s stunts, and finished with just 57 rushing yards on 42 attempts.

Carr also showed exactly why playing a true freshman quarterback can be so unpredictable. He made plays with his legs, but also committed the kind of mistakes that can directly swing a close game, including a costly sack before halftime and an interception thrown into heavy coverage.

And despite all of those problems, Michigan still had opportunities to win — which makes the continued struggles on special teams even more painful in a season filled with one-score games.

Subscribe to the Buckeye Insiders YouTube channel for more Ohio State football coverage, and join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

Ohio State enters the second half of the season with one enormous unknown at the most important position on the field: quarterback.

On this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr ask the big-picture question — what is the ceiling for this Ohio State team now?

The answer depends heavily on what the Buckeyes get from Luke Fahey or Tavien St. Clair. If Ohio State can get something close to average recent Buckeye quarterback play, Tony and Tom believe there is enough talent around the position to still win a lot of games.

They also discuss the difficult second-half schedule, what would now constitute a successful season, how much beating Michigan matters, and whether a 9-3 or 10-2 Ohio State team could still make noise in the College Football Playoff.

0:02 — What is Ohio State’s ceiling?
0:39 — How much does everything depend on quarterback play?
1:45 — Would you take Kyle McCord-level production right now?
2:54 — Why average QB play may be enough
4:22 — How difficult is Ohio State’s remaining schedule?
5:57 — What now counts as a successful season?
6:30 — Is beating Michigan enough?
8:12 — Could a 9-3 Ohio State team make the playoff?
9:45 — What would 10-2 mean for this team?
10:45 — Why the uncertainty could actually be fun
11:11 — The upside of Luke Fahey or Tavien St. Clair
12:00 — Beat Michigan and everything else is a bonus

Ohio State’s remaining schedule is loaded with capable opponents, including USC, Oregon, Northwestern, Nebraska and Michigan. Tony and Tom argue that there are no easy outs remaining, but also no team on the schedule that the Buckeyes are incapable of beating with competent quarterback play.

The discussion eventually turns to the new definition of success. A win over Michigan would go a long way toward changing the way the season is remembered, while a 10-2 finish and a playoff berth would represent a major accomplishment considering the quarterback situation.

Tom also makes the case that even 9-3 could leave Ohio State with a viable playoff résumé, especially if the Buckeyes finish with multiple quality wins and demonstrate that the offense remains functional with a new quarterback.

So what would constitute a successful season for you now? Beat Michigan? Make the playoff? Win a playoff game? Let us know in the comments.

Subscribe to the Buckeye Insiders YouTube channel for more Ohio State football coverage, and join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

Which Ohio State offensive players are poised to see their stock rise the most during the second half of the season?

On this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr head back to the imaginary stock market, this time looking for Buckeyes on offense who could become much more valuable down the stretch.

Tom starts with Chris Henry Jr., who has already begun making more of an impact and could be on the verge of a true freshman breakout. With defenses devoting so much attention to Jeremiah Smith, Henry could see more targets and more opportunities to make big plays.

Tony then takes a chance on Luke Fahey. The true freshman quarterback has enormous upside if he becomes the starter and can simply provide solid, efficient production while taking advantage of Ohio State’s weapons.

0:01 — Buying stock in Ohio State’s offense
1:10 — Who is the best offensive investment?
1:36 — Chris Henry Jr. is ready to break out
3:32 — How much upside does Henry have?
4:45 — Buying Luke Fahey stock
5:53 — What would a successful Fahey season look like?
8:07 — Is Austin Siereveld worth buying?
8:19 — Nate Roberts could become a young quarterback’s best friend
10:13 — Mason Williams and Ohio State’s tight ends
11:04 — Buying Isaiah West stock
12:01 — Why West could have a much bigger role
13:05 — What about Legend Bey?
13:50 — Who are you buying for the second half?

Fahey may be the biggest boom-or-bust investment of the group. If he can complete around 60 percent of his passes, produce roughly 240 passing yards per game, limit turnovers, and contribute with his legs, that could be enough to keep Ohio State in position to win a lot of games with a true freshman quarterback.

Tom also buys Nate Roberts, believing tight end could become increasingly important with a young quarterback. Tony makes a similar argument for Mason Williams, with both expecting Ohio State to lean more heavily on 12 personnel and make the tight ends a more consistent part of the progression.

And Tony closes with Isaiah West. After an important performance against Indiana, West appears positioned to become a much bigger part of the running game, particularly while Ohio State waits to see when Ja'Kobi Jackson can return.

So whose stock are you buying for the second half of Ohio State’s season? Let us know in the comments.

Subscribe to the Buckeye Insiders YouTube channel for more Ohio State football coverage, and join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

Which Ohio State defenders are poised to make the biggest jump in the second half of the season?

On this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr play a little stock market with the Buckeyes’ defense and identify the players they would “buy stock in” right now.

This isn’t just about picking the best players. It’s about finding the defenders whose value could rise the most over the rest of the season. Tom starts with Zion Grady, who flashed against Indiana and could be on the verge of the same kind of breakout Ohio State has recently gotten from other defensive linemen.

Tony goes with Earl Little, who could take on an even bigger role as Matt Patricia looks to create more pressure, turnovers, and havoc in the second half. From there, the conversation moves to Jay Timmons, Eddrick Houston, Jordan Thomas, Riley Pettijohn, and Khary Wilder.

0:02 — Which Ohio State defenders are worth buying stock in?
1:16 — Zion Grady could be next to break out
3:48 — Earl Little’s role could get even bigger
4:41 — Jay Timmons’ stock keeps climbing
6:31 — Why Timmons may never be this “cheap” again
8:45 — Eddrick Houston has become a steady force
9:51 — Jordan Thomas as an upside play
11:04 — Why Thomas could matter at nickel or corner
12:00 — Riley Pettijohn deserves consideration
12:40 — Khary Wilder as a long-shot investment
13:57 — Can Wilder earn more trust in the second half?
15:20 — Who are you buying stock in?


Timmons remains one of the most intriguing names because Ohio State is still figuring out everything he can do. As his role expands, Tony and Tom expect more blitzing, more difficult assignments in space, and more impact plays — assuming he stays healthy.

Houston may be the safest investment of the group. After a slower start, he has become increasingly disruptive and consistent in the middle of the defensive line, to the point where opposing offenses may soon have to start building protections around him.

And then there are the upside plays. Jordan Thomas could benefit from Ohio State’s need for more depth at outside corner and nickel, while Wilder still has the athletic potential to earn a much bigger role if he can gain the coaching staff’s trust.

Subscribe to the Buckeye Insiders YouTube channel for more Ohio State football coverage, and join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

Ohio State enters the second half of the season with a new quarterback situation, questions along the offensive line, and very little margin for error.

On this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr break down the three biggest factors that will determine how far the Buckeyes can go the rest of the way.

It starts at quarterback. Whether Luke Fahey or Tavien St. Clair ultimately gets the job, Ohio State needs enough production from the position to keep the offense dangerous without asking a young quarterback to do too much.

From there, Tony and Tom discuss the importance of the offensive line getting healthy and playing its best football, the need to establish a dependable running game, and why simply staying healthy could be one of the biggest determining factors of the entire season.

0:00 — Three things that will decide Ohio State’s season
1:18 — No. 1: Quarterback play
2:19 — How different will the offense look?
3:31 — The little things that change with a new quarterback
5:10 — Ohio State can’t hide its young quarterback
5:55 — No. 2: The offensive line
7:43 — How the line can make life easier for Luke Fahey
9:15 — The running game becomes even more important
9:50 — No. 3: Staying healthy
10:35 — Can Ja'Kobi Jackson return?
11:30 — Why Ohio State’s cornerback depth matters
12:05 — The defense may need to create more points
13:02 — Why special teams could become more aggressive
14:00 — Which three factors matter most?

Ohio State’s offensive line could be especially important. If Austin Siereveld returns and the Buckeyes can settle on their best five, improved pass protection and a stronger running game could take significant pressure off a first-year starting quarterback.

Health will also be critical. Ohio State has already dealt with major injuries at quarterback, offensive line, running back and elsewhere, and additional losses could expose depth issues at several positions.

And with the offense potentially needing time to adjust, the defense and special teams may have to provide more than just stops. Turnovers, short fields, punt returns and even defensive scores could become an important part of Ohio State’s formula down the stretch.

Subscribe to the Buckeye Insiders YouTube channel for more Ohio State football coverage, and join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

With Julian Sayin out "indefinitely," the Ohio State Buckeyes now have to prepare a new starting quarterback to take on the USC Trojans next weekend.

How is offensive coordinator Arthur Smith planning to get Luke Fahey and Tavien St. Clair ready to go?

In this special bonus episode, you'll hear directly from Smith about that and more.

Ohio State is entering the second half of the season with a new quarterback situation and plenty of unanswered questions, so it’s time for some bold predictions.

On this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr each make predictions for what’s coming down the stretch for the Buckeyes — from Luke Fahey’s production at quarterback to rushing touchdowns, special teams scores, and defensive touchdowns.

0:00 — Four bold predictions for the second half
0:34 — Luke Fahey passing yards per game
3:33 — Fahey scores at least three rushing touchdowns
5:04 — Can Fahey hit the “Mendoza line” as a runner?
6:37 — Ohio State special teams scores three touchdowns
8:12 — Five combined defensive and special teams touchdowns
9:30 — How many defensive touchdowns has Ohio State scored so far?
10:08 — Final bold predictions and viewer picks

Tom counters with a rushing prediction, calling for Fahey to score at least three rushing touchdowns over the second half. That would exceed the combined total for several recent Ohio State starting quarterbacks over a multi-year span and give the Buckeyes a different element at the position.

Tony then turns to special teams and predicts three touchdowns in the second half, including the possibility of a punt return, kickoff return, or blocked kick being taken back for a score.

Tom goes even broader, predicting five combined touchdowns from Ohio State’s defense and special teams as the Buckeyes become more aggressive in creating havoc and helping a young quarterback.

What are your bold predictions for the rest of Ohio State’s season? Drop them in the comments.

Subscribe to the Buckeye Insiders YouTube channel for more Ohio State football coverage, and join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

Who has been Ohio State’s biggest breakout player through the first half of the season?

On this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr continue their midseason awards series by looking at the Buckeyes who have taken the biggest step forward — and it doesn’t take long for Jay Timmons to become the center of the conversation.

Timmons has gone from promising freshman to one of the most important players on Ohio State’s defense, giving the Buckeyes versatility at nickel and safety and allowing the rest of the defense to operate differently when he’s on the field.

Tony and Tom also discuss Chris Henry Jr.’s emergence at wide receiver, Riley Pettijohn’s growth at linebacker, T.J. Alford’s role in the rotation, Zion Grady’s potential, and Devin Sanchez taking a major step forward at cornerback.

0:00 — Ohio State’s biggest breakout star
0:30 — Why Jay Timmons is the obvious place to start
2:17 — Timmons’ growing importance to the defense
3:33 — Chris Henry Jr.’s breakout freshman season
5:18 — Why Henry is becoming a bigger part of the offense
5:52 — Riley Pettijohn enters the conversation
7:39 — Pettijohn’s biggest play may not show up in the stats
8:45 — T.J. Alford and Zion Grady
9:10 — Devin Sanchez’s step forward
10:11 — Who is Ohio State’s biggest breakout star?

Timmons has already shown he can cover, tackle, force turnovers, play deep safety and line up at nickel. More importantly, Ohio State’s defense looks noticeably different when he isn’t on the field — remarkable responsibility for a true freshman.

Chris Henry Jr. has also put himself firmly in the breakout conversation. He has earned meaningful snaps, made big catches in important games, and already climbed into the conversation among Ohio State’s most productive true freshman receivers.

At linebacker, Pettijohn has continued to grow into a major role, contributing tackles for loss, sacks, pressure and versatility across all three linebacker spots. His pressure on Indiana’s final offensive play may have been one of the biggest defensive contributions of Ohio State’s season.

Subscribe to the Buckeye Insiders YouTube channel for more Ohio State football coverage, and join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.

The Ohio State defense has made some significant steps forward over the past few weeks, including wins over Iowa, Maryland, and Indiana. 

This week, OSU defensive coordinator Matt Patricia met with the media to discuss the improvement by players like Eddrick Houston and Jay Timmons, and more.

Ohio State’s defense has been one of the best in the country through the first half of the season, but who has actually been the Buckeyes’ most valuable player on that side of the ball?

On this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr continue their midseason awards series by debating Ohio State’s defensive MVP.

Tom makes the case for Kenyatta Jackson as the defense’s most consistent and versatile veteran, while Tony goes to the back end of the defense with Jaylen McClain. From there, they discuss Jay Timmons’ rapid rise, Earl Little’s versatility, Eddrick Houston’s emergence on the defensive line, and several other Buckeyes who deserve consideration.

0:01 — Ohio State’s midseason defensive MVP
1:31 — Tom’s pick: Kenyatta Jackson
2:50 — Why Jackson has been so valuable
3:50 — Tony’s pick: Jaylen McClain
4:30 — The value of a dependable safety
6:19 — Earl Little enters the conversation
7:27 — Jay Timmons’ remarkable freshman season
8:45 — Could Timmons be the MVP by season’s end?
8:55 — Eddrick Houston’s emergence up front
10:16 — Timmons has delivered in Ohio State’s biggest games
11:00 — Other defensive MVP candidates
11:39 — Who would you pick?

Jackson may not lead the defense in a flashy statistical category, but his ability to defend the run, rush the passer, set the edge and even drop into coverage has made him one of Ohio State’s most dependable players.

McClain has provided similar value at safety. He has been reliable in coverage, contributed against the run, created turnovers and given Matt Patricia the freedom to be aggressive with the rest of the defense.

And then there’s Timmons. The true freshman has already flashed the ability to cover, tackle, blitz, force turnovers and make plays in some of Ohio State’s biggest games. Tony and Tom both believe he could very well be the answer to this question by the end of the season.

Subscribe to the Buckeye Insiders YouTube channel for more Ohio State football coverage, and join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.