Thank You, Seniors

With The Game's kickoff less than two hours away, we take a look at an exception senior class of Buckeyes. They have never lost to Michigan and can help create an unprecedented 5-game winning streak for OSU with a win today.

We could breakdown the matchups in this greatest of rivalries games, but you already know the deal: Ohio State is supposed to win, handily. We're talented, experienced and more skilled at most positions. We have momentum, home field advantage, and a far superior record of performance this year. And we have the coach that understands the tradition and importance of this Game, not the one trying to get the hell out of a nightmare season.

Yes, this a bizarre and terrifying place to be. I feel like I should be sweating, wildly nervous and dreaming of all sorts of scenarios of epic disaster. But imagining how horror could strike and writing about it seems like a waste of good tailgaiting time. And pounding our Buckeye chests and touting our advantages all over the fields doesn't seem classy. So I want to take quick moment on some of the seniors that will taking their last snaps at the 'Shoe.

Malcolm Jenkins - I'll be honest, I thought Malcolm was more Nate Clements than Antonie Winfield. Not that its much of an insult, but I wasn't sure of his place among the upper echelon of Buckeye corners heading into the season. There were too many catches made in front with a big cushion, and some missed assignments in big games. A great player, but perhaps a bit overhyped by OSU fans. But Malcolm came back for his senior campaign and has been simply amazing. He's brought it every single week with intensity and a love for the game that's a joy to watch. He's also been the vocal leader and the heart of the team. This Jersey kid will be sorely missed next season, and even if Terrelle Pryor keeps wearing #2, it'll be awhile before I think of it as someone else's number.


Todd Boeckman - Though I think the analogy is unfair, I hope he gets the Justin Zwick treatment today at the stadium. The crowd needs to acknowledge Todd and his contribution to Ohio State football with one of the loudest cheers when his name is called. I'd like to see him get some meaningful snaps, but in truth, it doesn't matter. He'll still be a guy that turned a rebuilding season into a Big Ten title team with a shot at the championship. And that circumstances conspired against him as a senior, he was a class act the whole time. I hope a Matt Cassell-type future is an option for him.

Jim Laurinaitis - He came to OSU as a 3-star from Minnesota more famous for his Dad's wresting career. But it didn't take long for a legion of fans to fall in love with Little Animal. He started for Bobby Carpenter in the '06 Fiesta Bowl, a lot like A.J. Hawk filled in during the '03 title game. And he's been going at ever since, making big play after big play for that special '06 team. He's won a shelf full of trophies as one of the nation's top defensive players, and will certainly be part of the conversation about Ohio State's top linebackers.

Alex Boone - A loud, free-spirited tackle, Ohio State fans were dreaming of the next Orlando Pace. So to say that expectations were a bit unfair is an understatement. He's been Ohio State's most consistent lineman over the past three years, and played with a nasty streak that is wonderful...if it's on your side. And he was always available for a great quote, full of humor, sarcasm and raw emotion that is sometimes shielded. I hope his best football is ahead of him.

Marcus Freeman - Overshadowed a bit by #33, Freeman battled injuries early in his career and it seemed like he might not ever fulfill his potential. But things really started to click in '07, when he and Laurinaitis formed one of the most talented linebacking duos in the countries. I love his diversity, as he looks comfortable sticking a back in run support and smoothly dropping back in coverage. Another guy that could be a Sunday contributor in the league, with upside like a faster (but smaller) Na'il Diggs.

Nadar Abdallah - My first few memories of Abdallah were always seeing his giant #93 jersey on the sidelines when the camera would go in that direction. But I can't say enough about the big guy this season. OSU's defensive tackles have taken a beating over the past few seasons, but Nader has really come to play in his last season. His intensity is off the charts right now, and he showing great instincts and lateral movement to the ball. He could have been buried on the depth chart and passed by younger players, but you have to really give it up for the effort we've seen in '08.

Shaun Lane - Lane was a Buckeye legacy that never became a full-time starter. However, I've seen him flying all over the field on special teams this season, the type of play that makes you wildly respect a kid. He could have been discouraged or even transferred, but he stayed and is contributing in whatever way he can. If I could find a #29 jersey, I'd buy it.

Rory Nicol - A quiet leader that has done way more than fans will remember. Ohio State doesn't make great use of the tight end in its scheme, but Nicol has made his share of big grabs and has been a very solid blocker. He never complained about getting the ball, and stepped this year when the team needed a kick in the butt. We'll miss his presence on the line more than people think next year.

Jamario O'Neal & Maurice Wells - I've paired these two because they both 4-star studs coming in. O'Neal had some off-field issues and never seemed to harness his unbelievable athleticism. He's started, he's been in the rotation, he's played special teams. And he does it with a lot of heart - I'd love to see him go out with a big hit today. Maurice Wells may have had skills more suited for the ACC, quick and good in space. He struggled early, but I blame the coaches for having him run inside too much. He made strides as a junior and had some big games. His role has been diminished as a senior because of Boom Herron, but he's certainly made his mark on the team.

Curtis Terry - A Glenville kid that wasn't recruited by many schools, Terry found early success as a defensive end. He made some monster hits, but injuries have hurt him over the past few years. He could never find consistency against the run and pass, but his motor was always running when he was on the field. His contributions were greater than many of those that were ranked ahead of him.

Jon Skinner, Kyle Mitchum & Nick Patterson - These three never made it out of the gates the way we expected. Mitchum in particular was one of the most highly-sought after prospects as prep player, but injuries never allowed him to crack the starting lineup. The same goes for Skinner, who battled various ailments his whole career. Patterson was caught up in a numbers game in the defensive backfield, as OSU just had too many safeties and not enough spots.

Brian Robiskie - "Terry's kid" has definitely made his own mark. Not a burner like Galloway, Glenn or Ginn, his smooth routes and acrobatic catches will be missed next year. A shoulder injury limited him this season, but he's still be the Buckeyes top threat. I'll remember his late touchdown in the '06 Michigan game...and forget the drop against LSU. He's beyond classy and will have a bright future in whatever he chooses. But he could be a steal for a NFL team as a #3 WR.

Ben Person & Steve Rehring - Both lineman played tough as starters over the past few years. They've taken their lumps, some fair and some unfair, over the "speed" of the Buckeyes against Florida, LSU and USC. But both Ohio natives made the university proud and paved the way for some of OSU's great wins.


A.J. Trapasso & Ryan Pretorius - Both punter and kicker carried on the OSU special teams tradition with great pride. Trapasso's punting abilities often helped Jim Tressel's ball-control strategy work in tight, tough conference games. And Pretorius' story as an older student-athlete from South Africa is amazing.

Brandon Smith & Ryan Lukens - Two unsung fullbacks that moved all over the place trying to help fill holes for the team. Lukens in particular has been unselfish about his career, making many position switches. And Smith has found the ball in his hands recently with short passes as Pryor gets comfortable throwing the ball.


So from Ohio State fans, thank you for all the joy you've give us over the years. Oh, and one more thing...BEAT. MICHIGAN.