Comments on: Thoughts on the All-Alumni Team: Defense

By: Todd (Not Boeckman)

Todd (Not Boeckman) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 04:09:06 +0000

The boner you are remembering is probably the time in the 1974 Rose Bowl (73 team) when he spiked the ball after a big return. Its the only bowl game I ever attended and for the life of me, I can’t remember if it was a Punt Ret or an Int Ret. But I remember Woody grabbing him by the face mask on the sidelines. He was the original cover corner.

By: Vico

Vico — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:46:47 +0000

TnB, I think you’re right. I just watched my copy of the 1972 Michigan game, and Gradishar lined up outside, and never over a tight end unless the Wolverines were in a two-tight end set. Even then, the middle linebacker for that year, Arnold Jones, often lined up as nose guard with Gradishar and Middleton lining up over him when they were expecting an inside running play.

Still, now I feel like an idiot.

By: jack nause

jack nause — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:44:33 +0000

I have to disagree about Spielman as the best lb in OSU history. But he is in the top two. Hands down it goes to Gradishar. His UM game in 1972 is what set him apart. Those goal line stands he led. That 1973 defense. Tatum was a rover, more safety. Chris would have to anchor the middle because Gradishar was more flexible. Spot on with the secondary.

By: Vico

Vico — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:04:49 +0000

You know, in hindsight, I’m starting to wonder if Van DeCree is a more deserving option for the other defensive end spot over Brudzinski.

Or, of course: Jim Marshall.

Thinking ahead to the second team, I think I need a strong safety. Sensibaugh is my free safety, and Colzie and either Griffin or Tim Fox will be my lockdown corners. It’d have to be Tree Provost, wouldn’t it?

By: Vico

Vico — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:52:20 +0000

Didn’t Neal Colzie have a similar boner in the 1975 Rose Bowl? I think I remember him making a game-changing interception, throwing the ball into the sidelines in the heat of the moment, and getting flagged for it. With it, the Buckeyes lost field position, eventually lost the game and Neal Colzie always had that hanging over his head.

I know Neal Colzie was one of Woody’s best cornerbacks in college, but I seem to remember him more for special teams at Ohio State than I do for his defense. I guess that’s why I didn’t object too much to Winfield or Springs being in over him.

It’s a shame Colzie passed on as early as he did. People aren’t supposed to get heart attacks and die before they’re 50

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:46:41 +0000

Not for nothing, but I’m not overly awed by Spielman’s 29 tackle game against Michigan. He recently discussed that game on ESPN and thought about the 29 tackles in disgust, in that the Buckeye defense couldn’t get the Michigan offense off the field. Hence, 29 tackles. But don’t get me wrong, I love Spielman. I might put Gradishar over him for the all-time best, but only just slightly.

By: Todd (not Boeckman)

Todd (not Boeckman) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:43:54 +0000

Having been attending games in person since the mid 60s and a season ticket holder since Art Schlichter’s debut, I’ve seen all the LBs and DBs in question. I would only make one change to the list: Antoine Winfield gets relegated to Nickle Back and Neal Colzie gets the start. In fact, he gets the start over Shawn Springs too, but its close. But Neal never slipped to cost the Buckeyes a National Championship. I”M KIDDING. But, for me personally, that play may be the most painful single play in my career as a fan. Colzie was the second best DB (behind my favorite Buckeye of all time, The Assassin) in Ohio State history.

I agree with bup, Spielman was the best LB in Buckeye history and next to Tatum, my favorite Buckeye of all time. My memories are foggy, but I remember Gradishar as an OLB along with Rick Middleton and Vic Keogel was the MLB.

By: bup bup bup

bup bup bup — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:27:46 +0000

i’m not so sure that AJ Hawk being on that list is just a product of him playing recently. one thing i think people need to take into consideration is the fact that Gradishar and Cousineau didn’t have to be nearly as versatile as Hawk had to be, and i don’t think total tackles is a great metric for determining how good an LB is. AJ was terrific in both pass coverage and run protection, and having watched literally every game he played in during his OSU career, i can say with certainty that he never, ever had a bad game or took a play off. he’s definitely deserving of being on that list.

Spielman is the best LB in OSU history. but you already knew that.

that secondary is absolutely terrifying, i don’t really know what kind of receiver would ever want to run any sort of slant or drag route against that. they’d die.