Why is this news?: Scouting Virginia Tech, Ohio State coach performance reviews

"The first 27 Hokie points scored were put up by true or redshirt freshman"

-The Key Play

Ohio State fans are optimistic about the potential contributors from a bevy of young, exciting, offensive skill players. They aren't the only ones. After their offensive last year could best be described as moribund, Virginia Tech is going with a bit of a youth movement, and it paid off in spades yesterday against William and Mary.

Freshman Isaiah Ford caught four passes for 43 yards and a touchdown. Bucky Hodges, a big freshman tight end, caught six passes. Cam Phillips, another freshman wide receiver, caught two more. And freshman running back Shai McKenzie led the team in rushing, rumbling for 106 and a score on only nine carries. Sure, it was only against William and Mary, but seeing those kinds of contributions from young players is a promising note for Virginia Tech's chances this year.

"There are big smiles across our defense now to let them go play"

-Urban Meyer, via ESPN's Austin Ward

Essentially everybody in the 614 area code is glad to see Navy, and their complicated triple option offensive attack, in the rearview mirror for Ohio State, but the Buckeye's defense is especially glad that it's over. After facing a unit that only attempted four passes, mitigating Ohio State's potentially lethal pass rush, the Buckeyes will now face what projects to be a much more traditional offense, which makes preparation a little easier.

"It feels good to get that behind us," defensive line coach Larry Johnson added, via the ESPN article. "Play Navy, get it behind us and now go fast forward with a team that runs some things we can adjust to and play a little faster.

"You continue to do an outstanding job leading our Men's Basketball program"

-Gene Smith, via document obtained by the O-Zone

The O-Zone published the latest performance reviews for Urban Meyer and Thad Matta, and as you'd expect, Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith gave them glowing reviews. Both Matta and Meyer were rated either "Exceeds Expectations" or "Meets Expectations" for every category. Matta in particular was lauded for his commitment to academics (the team had a 977 APR), and in battling "outside influences", something that Matta himself was a challenge.

Both Meyer and Matta were encouraged to be active in Big Ten Coaches groups and in national discussions about the changing NCAA as well. You can read the specifics of Meyer's review here.

"Usually the biggest improvement is between game one and game two"

-Ohio State offensive line coach Ed Warinner, via Buckeye Sports Bulletin

If you were concerned about the performance of Ohio State's offensive line against Navy, and by that, we mean that you watched the game, the following quote from the coach of that unit should give hope. New BSB beat writer Blake Williams digs into Ohio State's new offensive identity, predicated on distributing the ball to their speedy skill position players, how well the team did it before, and what needs to happen in order to get ready for Virginia Tech.

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