Dublin Coffman 2023

[Harrycrane]

Va Tech ends the season well with a 19-point win in the bowl game vs. Tulane a great result for us and they are a team with all 11 starters returning.

Nice recent run with a few nice wins with Kansas whose line kept dropping on rumors of the KU QB leaving during warmups and speculation that he wouldn't play [The back-up so bettors thought they may be going with QB-3 or QB-4} dropping the line from 12.5 t0 7.5 in a couple hours. KU was pretty good for all and the popular OVER was a lock at any number really as the match-up was advantage to both offenses and that played out that way. KU a well-coached team had a barrage of penalties against them prompting some to speculate of a conspiracy with the line dropping so much towards UNLV. Big first half lead, some weird third quarter vibes and then KU ends it well and covers. San Jose St. lost the turnover battle and the game that was even. Northwestern was the right side for us as was the total which was never in danger. Minnesota with revenge from that upset loss at home vs. BG as a 30 point favorite was a somewhat comfortable second half cover.

Texas State Rice was a nice OVER and defense for the Owls anyway was definitely optional. Though both team would get to the 30's but Rice only got 21 , Texas State picked up the OVER slack going for 45.

Florida State has more opt outs and is basically protesting their non inclusion in the 4 team play-off by basically laying down in protest. Laid the 14 when it was available and played UNDER 13.5 Fla State team total . 35- 10 seems as close as it will get and FSU is going to have trouble moving it much.

OSU decides to play more guys and the line goes towards pick and I grabbed it at - 1 and the Bucks should have enough here to beat Mizzou. As I posted a while back now I like WVU laying a couple[ML} to beat less interested UNC.

 

[Harrycrane]

WVU and Okie State get there to keep a nice run going. Rain forecasted in Boston pretty much all day. SMU beats Tulane in CTG and is rewarded by a game vs. BC in dreary weather . Eagles getting 10.5 looks pretty decent . Early kick

 

[Harrycrane]

BC with a very nice effort continues a nice run and easy win as a pretty large dog {closed at 12.5 in some places} and cover for us. Huge game for the Browns tonight who can clinch a very infrequent play-off berth vs. the Anemic Jets whose O-Line simply doesn't match up with Cleveland's excellent D-Line who limits teams [especially at home} run game. Pass defense has been an issue on the road but tonight they face the immortal Trevor Symien at home so I think they can focus on Breece Hall and hold this Jets team down. Jets D is still good and they are a team that defends the pass really well and the Browns who should limit the Jets defensively shouldn't have to throw as much as they have the last few weeks with Flacco launching the ball 40 plus times a game.

Browns - 6 at open ]NOW - 7.5} was a juicy teaser leg , left open twice, [ but the total of 35 while low seems a tad high. Flacco passing yardage total at 235.5 is an UNDER prop that should show regression as Joe is a little too hot and the Jets can flat out defend the pass. The Browns will grind and run more often this week most likely.

 

[bcw]

Spoiler alert…..Your sources suck…..Coffmans Qb better get to work.

 

[Harrycrane]

Spoiler alert…..Your sources suck…..Coffmans Qb better get to work.

What is going on at almost 2 in the morning up in B-Town? A few beverages no doubt . Have a good weekend . Spoiler alert . Couldn’t care less if he stays there and plays for a below average team against Meh competition or if he goes to IMG . Or to the moon. Seems like a great kid , but it’s not that important where he plays tbh( ok a years development isn’t unimportant ) . Maybe any source here does indeed suk . Hope you remembered to drink a few glasses of water before going night night . Happy new year

 

[Harrycrane]

Not sure what is happening with the Browns and Flacco mania but this guy is living right and to literally go from raking leaves and hanging in the coach to what he is doing now ? Unreal . Total flew over in a few minutes . Weird and wild stuff as Johnny Carson might have said . Awesome stuff . Flacco is killing it . Just gunslinging . Jets defense has been excellent . Very impressive . The Football gods who once treated the Brownies like the red headed step child are now blessing this long suffering franchise weekly it seems . Defense wasn’t great but didn’t have to be. Who had a QB matchup of Flacco vs. Symien? Unreal what is happening in the NFL QB situations .

 

[Harrycrane]

Total went off at 33.5 from 35 . Browns opened 6 went to 7.5. Numbers obviously suggested a lower scoring game as the money bet it down . Two pick 6’s padded the scoring but the offenses scored 43 on their own 8 points over the open . Browns -6 and at 7.5 teasers still alive of course along with a ML parlay . Closed the 6 pt teaser with Dallas -5.5 win just needs to win or tie . And the -7.5 with SF -12.5 needing to win by at least 7. Browns ML parlay with SF and Notre Dame today .

 

[Harrycrane]

Oregon State lost their coach to Michigan State kind of a lateral move at best but MSU pays their coaches better obviously and the PAC-12 dissolving was a big key as well . Oregon St coaching staff is really thin with actual already in place guys . I believe it’s only 3 guys . That has to hurt the preparation . They have a handful of grad assistants and a few others helping but if ND can’t win ? Shame on them . ND isn’t a good bowl team as we know . This ND team has better depth to compensate for opt outs / transfers .

 

[Harrycrane]

Browns are in good shape with a few extra days off for next weeks last reg season game and depending on what happens the rest of this week they could get to rest guys and get healthier before the playoff game if a win doesn’t improve their position

Browns came in 1st in total defense and top in pass defense at 166 yards a game . Jets 7th overall and 4th vs. the pass. Browns especially nasty at home . Total 33.5 . The odds of 57 points with these defenses was low obviously but the great pass defenses scored two TD’s. Both QB’s did better than projected . Flacco ( just autocorrected to flaccid ) obviously is getting to be a bigger and bigger story . Season win total going over playing 4 different QB’s ? Great story

 

[Tiger Alum]

The best Browns QB performance run of a few games I have seen since the Kosar days. Just amazing considering al the OL injuries and Cooper was even out. Might they be a team of destiny this year ? It's the Browns and long odds but The Red Sox and Cubs broke through finally in recent times. We need a Cleveland vs Detroit Super Bowl : )

 

[bigkat]

Browns are in good shape with a few extra days off for next weeks last reg season game and depending on what happens the rest of this week they could get to rest guys and get healthier before the playoff game if a win doesn’t improve their position

Browns came in 1st in total defense and top in pass defense at 166 yards a game . Jets 7th overall and 4th vs. the pass. Browns especially nasty at home . Total 33.5 . The odds of 57 points with these defenses was low obviously but the great pass defenses scored two TD’s. Both QB’s did better than projected . Flacco ( just autocorrected to flaccid ) obviously is getting to be a bigger and bigger story . Season win total going over playing 4 different QB’s ? Great story

one of the best first halves that the Brownies have played in YEARS!!! haven't seen yet... has anyone been put on the IR after the game for the Browns?? amazing what they have done with the injuries that have happend to that team

 

[Harrycrane]

Kentucky getting 7 early was a no sweat winner for us but even if you got the close , at 3.5 you won. Notre Dame box to wire easy winner with OSU in complete coaching flux and it showed big time. ND wins straight up and is alive to cash the ML parlay if San Fran beats the worst pass defense team in the league the Washington Commanders. Iowa State not looking good at all but did play better in the second quarter. Cyclones have to win by at least 9 here. Closed larger than that. Good day so far and having Ohio State at - 1 feels like good value as the line has climbed off of the news more guys will play. Iowa State looks like pure arse.

 

[Harrycrane]

Ole Miss as I pointed out pulled a no show last year in their bowl game and would be focused and testy getting some points and Georgia rolled -14 early and at higher prices as it was clear FSU was protesting and quitting and the team total UNDER 13.5 was best bet territory : Dallas up in the 1st quarter . Pretty funny stuff as you will see in the comments from maggots at the bottom of this post

 

[Harrycrane]

Cleveland beating up the Jets continues to pay off with Dallas teaser coming in along and ND easily covering. SF just wins today and it’s another ticket cashing . Boston College , Kentucky ,West Virginia, Oklahoma State Ole Miss , Georgia Florida State team total UNDER all came in a couple large . Dallas ML and the teaser cashed with another pending with SF just having to win as mentioned . Iowa State was garbage on defence . Ohio State I think was the right side with the backup but that changed , but had the Mizzou team total UNDER. Browns total was gone early but that game has already been profitable and will be even more when SF just wins today .

Lions were tough last night and almost won it at the end. Lost with Minnesota vs. The Lions last week as Mullens couldn’t stop turning it over . Minnesota with 2.5 yards more per play than the Lions and lose ? Never really see that . Mullen’s is benched today vs. GB. for being a turnover machine the last two weeks . It helped us out the week before when we had Cincinnati . GB got back on track barely vs. Carolina last week . Rookie Hall from BYU going for the Vikes .

Denver going with Stidham at QB today and have a tiny chance still of making the playoffs. LAC with Stick at QB who will be without weapons on the road going against a Denver team who at least still has an outside chance of making the post season should get taken down fairly easily today . LAC who we win with last week getting a ton of points vs. Buffalo as they played to spite the fired coach and lost at the end won’t likely have any fire left to play with .
Lost a teaser with KC last week despite their opponent the Vegas Raiders not completing a single pass the last 3 quarters of the game ., Raiders score more on defense as they scored twice in a few seconds last week and held on . Indy isn’t really solid on defense but Aiden O’ Connell statistically is as bad as it gets playing the QB position and despite not completing a pass for three quarters and not producing anything in a shut out loss a few weeks ago is still starting. The big outlier game gs rge Chargers who quit in Vegas is the reason I suppose. Emotional huge win at KC should leave Vegas with less juice today and their offense doesn’t have much obviously . INDY should get the W here with Vegas in a less than ideal spot . Been a really nice NFL run the past month or so and CFB bowls the past couple weeks overall . A few more NFL thoughts and getting fired up for the semifinals tomorrow

 

[Harrycrane]

New Year's wish for Ryan Day is a few days of peace, his body language shows that he is about to explode. His worst look was keeping Brown on the field when the kid was obviously hurt. I get that he knew he was screwed if he had to play the kid with zero experience who wasn't ready [and looked unprepared really} but that was bizzare. Gebbia wasn't the better option in this spot? OSU in a big game in the post season seems to be guaranteed to miss a makeable FG, have a key injury during the game, and the defense will eventually give up big plays. The defense was gallant and tough but wore down. Not their fault. Offense was embarrassing even given the zero experience at QB.

Some quasi-play-off games today and I think we see some slugfest high effort type games. New Orleans getting 2.5 vs. TB Falcons getting 3 at Chicago getting teased up over the 3 and 7 is a decent value. GB getting up over the 3 and 7 at Minnesota vs. Hall at QB and Hockenssen out now should be a very competitive game. Even with Hall the GB defense has been poor lately and Alexander is now out after that coin flip flap. Got the Panthers + 7 at open vs Jax and that number has fallen with the Lawarence news. Jax is banged up on offense weapons wise and know with Lawrence and their defense has struggled the last month. Carolina has a legit defense at this point. Offensively challenged obviously most of the year. Eagles at - 11 with Murray sick with that Flu this week and there has been many cases of this and the players that are afflicted who do play have bene shown to struggle a bit. Arizona on the road back to back, Philly should have won more easily last week but the long TD the KO fumble and turnovers cost them a bit although they came in on the teaser for us.

New Orleans got a big win for us at home vs the Giants and I like them to hang in today vs TB who is hot, but Saints have some guys back on offense and the defense is still pretty good. Play- off like game today in Tampa. Pittsburgh was a really nice winner for us last week vs Cincy and everything went right. Rudolph gave the team some juice, the defense got the turnovers, Pickens attitude was better, and he was a game changer as his talent suggest he can and should be on occasion. This travel spot appears to be a tougher go for the Steelers, and I think the Seahawks get it done today as the Steelers emotional win and inconsistency has me thinking that the SH get the W.

 

[Harrycrane]

Green Bay with a very solid performance in yet another great example of a team looking and appearing dead in terms of being a post season possibility. Pittsburgh a bad result for us but a great testament to Tomlin who the last two week shas had his team ready to go and the move to Rudolph has worked perfectly. At least for now. Pick machine aside it was clear that Hall wasn't the man for the job yesterday. The OVER did get there by a half point thanks to GB putting up over 30. Minnesota fading badly. Philadelphia can't even get there in a teaser. Can't even win at home vs. Arizona? 21-6 at the half? Give up 30 points in the second half? Carolina and Atlanta were not real competitive and couldn't get there in a teaser situation.

Weather and late line movement makes it necessary sometimes to play games a bit later . Buffalo and New England was one of those as the OVER was preferable when it hit 39.5 but weather in Buffalo in late December can be fluid. Forecast looked clear and the game was a nice OVER. Ditto New York city / NJ. Not too bad . Rams hot on offense going against the Giants and Tyrod Taylor a better deep ball thrower for the Giants against a Rams secondary that is susceptible to giving up deep shot completions was a great OVER. Carolina didn't get there even with 7 early but the game easily stayed UNDER as their defense was acceptable but their offensive ineptness came back yesterday.

San Fran took care of business in a few tickets for us, even covering the closing 14. Denver and Indy on the ML were money. Denver was a best territory bet,{ More against LAC but a fairly comfortable win} and New Orleans got there in a teaser. Baltimore was played late on the ML as were the Texans who were probably among the least likely to LOSE and were worth laying the ML price. Baltimore had Miami in a sandwich spot off of the big win vs. Dallas, in a game that could have gone either way and if Dallas doesn't fumble at the goal line on that early drive? The Fins play the Bills next week in a huge game. They probably win and were arguably the better team. Baltimore looking like a SB title winner the week before in SF wasn't about to squander a chance for the top seed at home. The Texans had Stroud back vs. a poor Titans secondary at home and were a pretty obvious side to just get the win with a lot more to play for. Jags did a great job taking care of business, as I thought the Carolina defense would do fairly well vs a back-up and struggling Jags defense may give up a couple scores to keep it closer. Jags grinded out the win pretty easily. The Bears with Fields back are coming on and if not for a few blown games would be in a more interesting position. Of course that can be said for a handful of teams that lost games they should have won.

Season win totals have gone bust, but hedging has been going on for a over a month and because of the Falcons blowing about 3 games they should have won showing that their coach may not be the guy, tried to middle the game yesterday, grabbing the Bears larger on the ML to hedge and hoping the Falcons could may be lose by up to 10. Bears were really solid.

Big -10 [ Maryland beating down Auburn aside} read to resume their normal habit of losing to SEC teams today. LSU down to 8.5 and Tennessee down to 5.5 should get there in a teaser or ML parlay. Rooting for the Big -10 but can't see it. Iowa can't score enough and Wisconsin also despite playing against a poor defense is limited with QB and Allen being out at RB makes them more challenged obviously. Tennessee playing with a true Frosh hot shot and Iowa not having an offense to speak of makes this total 36. Defenses may score though.

Oregon - Liberty total was 64 once upon a time and grabbed the OVER as Liberty who is a first-time underdog this season gives up points vs. mediocre teams and that can be traced to they can score anytime they want vs. the competition they play. Oregon will flex a bit here and this game opened 14 and that was a good look. Now 17.5. 48- 17 gets us there. 41 - 24 does as well.

 

[Harrycrane]

Got Bama + 2.5 early and traded it up to 8.5 and played with Washington up to 10..5 .
Grabbed Michigan ML when line dropped to 1 . Think a really competitive game with a small margin . Washington with legit NFL guys st QB and WR should be able to snore and plays pretty good bend don’t break defense .

 

[Harrycrane]

Oregon total stayed Under.as Liberty couldn’t score but other than that pretty great. Hilarious stuff as you will see in a few hours as the maggots from Massillon and Dayton will show .

 

[Harrycrane]

Michigan opens -4.5 over Washington . Huskies are the highest level passing attack in the country . Michigan pass rush was awesome yesterday . Hit the nice ML play with Michigan and cashed the Bama teaser with Washington . Wolverines will get after Penix and bully them up front on offense . Should be a nice contrast and an interesting matchup . Michigan needs to get this done . Wisconsin showed well but Michigan needs to help the B-10 rep and finish this .

 

[Harrycrane]

Oregon total stayed Under.as Liberty couldn’t score but other than that pretty great. Hilarious stuff as you will see in a few hours as the maggots from Massillon and Dayton will show .

Like clockwork my most loyal readers chime in. Thanks as always for reading every single post and being the most loyal guys in this space by far in the 15 years the space has existed here and in the old huddle . Much appreciated and I know you crave the recognition . You’re welcome

 

[Harrycrane]

The brothers Harbaugh in about 5 weeks could be both standing at the top of their respective sports. John Harbaugh recommended first Mike Macdonald to coach brother Jim's defense at Michigan and then when Macdonald went back to John , he vouched for Jesse Minter and both were success up in Ann Arbor. 2020 was a tough year for many programs for obvious reasons but Michigan was at a crossroads and weren't even sure that Jim was going to be there any longer. He took the pay cut the defense improved and the rest is history. Jim called John and asked for that help getting a guy for the defense that wasn't good enough especially defending Ohio State who Jim hadn't beaten yet.

Well Michigan added more toughness and physicality , a talented playmaking QB and of course a nice RB room led by Blake Corum. They run a scheme similar to the Baltimore Ravens which has multiple looks and fronts but has bene very effective against the pass for Michigan as evidenced by the improved performance vs OSU which was a main point of changing things defensively. Harbaugh knew he needed to do better vs. OSU and his defense couldn't' keep up with the slew of OSU top receivers and facing NFL level arm talent. Washington with a good NFL arm talent and possibly two first round receivers and another who will be drafted is similar offensively to those OSU teams that Michigan beat in 2021 and 2022. Michigan has a great chance here and we know they won't be overwhelmed by the high powered Husky offense . They should be able to win again this week up front as they did vs. Bama.

Jim needed this play-off win like blood after his multiple post season failures at UM and the Ravens most notably Jackson need a deep play-off run and if not this year? When? They are loaded, and don't have a major weakness. Pittsburgh has picked up their play late with Rudolph who has given them some offensive life after being pretty much dormant for most of the year. They still need to find a long-term answer at QB as Pickett doesn't look like he's it. Rudolph eventually turns mediocre, but he's having some moments no doubt. Tomlin streak of winning seasons is intact and he's done a good job not losing the team. They catch a break playing the Ravens who have nothing to play for having clinched the bye and homefield already. They are actually favored by a few points down there. Steelers won early in the season more of a smoke and mirrors and getting outgained in many games in a row to start the season. Last two weeks they have bene a real offensive team. About a 30 percent chance of making the play-offs overall

There are five scenarios where Pittsburgh gets into the playoffs:

Steelers win against Ravens AND Bills lose to Dolphins OR
Steelers win against Ravens AND Jaguars lose or tie against Titans OR
Steelers win against Ravens AND Texans and Colts tie OR
Steelers tie against Ravens AND Jaguars lose to Titans AND Texans and Colts doesn't end in tie OR
Jaguars lose to Titans AND Broncos win against Raiders AND Texans and Colts doesn't end in tie

 

[Harrycrane]

Kids getting back to school as off-season programs ramp up. Yes kids take a little time in November and are then training again in December, but the holidays are over and it's time to really go to work. I still wish more kids played more sports, but it is what it is now and specialization and year round lifting just for football is what many kids now. Or play basketball games year round and giving up other sport{s} in the process. Wrestling Lacrosse and soccer are other sports that kids do year round adding no other activities .

Rocks 2024 schedule is very challenging. The offense has some very nice pieces but will have a new QB. Talent and experience and the QB will have a lot of support. Defense has a few pieces back but will need to rebuild in some areas. Schedule looks pretty much set.

Looks like the opener will once again be in Northwest Ohio up at Whitmer. The look to have some nice pieces back , a little size and of course a traditional program Should be a good match-up. Jerome I assume will be week 2 over there and that should be a W as they are rebuilding a bit losing some key pieces. Iggy comes to Coffman stadium in week 3 and they are in a reboot as a program after Coach Kyle left but will be better than last year and a challenge for the Rocks no doubt. Over to Pickerington to play the North Panthers. North will have close to 30 Seniors a very talented RB in Taylor and WR Bowman return. I am sure there will be at least a couple 'Move In's, and there is always talent over there coming through the homegrown ranks. Lose some pieces including QB O'Connell.

Gahanna is scheduled to come to Dublin for the first time since 2017, in a game that came down to the wire with QB Landry throwing a dime in the back of the end zone to speedster Bruckner late to get the W in a game the Rocks controlled on the ground for much of the second half . Warm night and a good ballgame. Hopefully this one is too. Lions have bene getting new guys come in the last few years and time wil tell who they may add this year. They look to have near 30 Seniors but lose some top talent. They will have one of a few 3rd year starters the Rocks will play this season in Brenna Ward , coach Ward's son. He's a talented kid and I know will be a handful. They always have some speed and they are winning a lot at the younger levels and have excellent momentum as a program.


The OCC Central games follow this very challenging non-conference slate and the competition doesn't get much easier. The Central had 3 teams that made the D-1 quarterfinals and looks to be fairly strong again. Bradley and UA held Pick North and Gahanna to zero offensive points in the play-offs. Very impressive. First week of league play the Rocks go to Liberty who as usual will have over 30 Seniors on the roster and it's a good group. Three-year starters at QB in Leonard, RB's Struck and Schapker who can play in other areas as well, from what I've heard a promising Soph back Davis, LB Stamp is pretty solid and they have another handful of guys who played a lot of snaps and were productive playing against one of the toughest schedules in the state. Orange has a three-Year starter at QB back in Mr. Davis who ran circles around a banged-up Rocks defense this past year in what was probably the worst loss of the season. They have some talent in the Junior class but need to replace some key pieces as well. Davis should continue to improve and will be another challenge for the Rocks defense.

Davidson then comes to Coffman stadium, and they also have a three-year guy at QB in Diblasio and a three-year starter at RB Gibbon who is a tough tackle no doubt. 5-8 220 bowling ball like runner. Some size as well and a good solid Sr class with what looks like to be about 21-22 kids. Cats may open things up offensively going forward with an experienced guy and some decent athletes to get the ball to. Rivalry game that is often tough to predict.

Trip to UA is always a tough one, even when the Rocks went through their long winning streak vs the Bears, the games were often go either way exciting ballgames. The Bears also have a very large and solid Sr. class coming back. They have some experience coming back with Sr. Cox, who should be more comfortable. Three-year guys Swiney at WR and Kick returner, and DB / Offensive weapon Corna are very good players. DE Thrush is a D-1 talent and wreaks havoc and can be a potential game wrecker. Jr. receiver Wolpert should take another step in his development and has D-1 talent. Very well coached as we all know as well .


Bradley has a Soph QB coming back who had to play the state Semifinal game vs Ed's after Fleharty went down at the end of the quarterfinal game. Jags have some good younger talent as usual but will be rebuilding to an extent no doubt. Rocks will be playing what looks like to be one of the most challenging schedules in the state. For a public school for sure. I know there is a guy who has posted here that is telling us that St. Clair is staying put despite rumors and some sources speculating on a move to another program for his Senior year. He has obvious roots and his family is entrenched there. Football wise it's not as challenging as playing at a higher level would be against better competition with better higher-level weapons to play with. Any number of schools would be ecstatic to have him no question about that. Including Coffman. There is also no question that he would have better weapons at Coffman and other schools in CO and other places and a more challenging schedule to play against bigger faster more well coached teams that he would face and have at Bellefontaine. loyalty is a good trait and if he is staying and some are saying he defiantly is, good for him even if the football part is['t as challenging. Development wise it wouldn't be optimal but it's home and again loyalty and roots are important.

 

[WJ-OSU-STEELERS]

Kids getting back to school as off-season programs ramp up. Yes kids take a little time in November and are then training again in December, but the holidays are over and it's time to really go to work. I still wish more kids played more sports, but it is what it is now and specialization and year round lifting just for football is what many kids now. Or play basketball games year round and giving up other sport{s} in the process. Wrestling Lacrosse and soccer are other sports that kids do year round adding no other activities .

Rocks 2024 schedule is very challenging. The offense has some very nice pieces but will have a new QB. Talent and experience and the QB will have a lot of support. Defense has a few pieces back but will need to rebuild in some areas. Schedule looks pretty much set.

Looks like the opener will once again be in Northwest Ohio up at Whitmer. The look to have some nice pieces back , a little size and of course a traditional program Should be a good match-up. Jerome I assume will be week 2 over there and that should be a W as they are rebuilding a bit losing some key pieces. Iggy comes to Coffman stadium in week 3 and they are in a reboot as a program after Coach Kyle left but will be better than last year and a challenge for the Rocks no doubt. Over to Pickerington to play the North Panthers. North will have close to 30 Seniors a very talented RB in Taylor and WR Bowman return. I am sure there will be at least a couple 'Move In's, and there is always talent over there coming through the homegrown ranks. Lose some pieces including QB O'Connell.

Gahanna is scheduled to come to Dublin for the first time since 2017, in a game that came down to the wire with QB Landry throwing a dime in the back of the end zone to speedster Bruckner late to get the W in a game the Rocks controlled on the ground for much of the second half . Warm night and a good ballgame. Hopefully this one is too. Lions have bene getting new guys come in the last few years and time wil tell who they may add this year. They look to have near 30 Seniors but lose some top talent. They will have one of a few 3rd year starters the Rocks will play this season in Brenna Ward , coach Ward's son. He's a talented kid and I know will be a handful. They always have some speed and they are winning a lot at the younger levels and have excellent momentum as a program.


The OCC Central games follow this very challenging non-conference slate and the competition doesn't get much easier. The Central had 3 teams that made the D-1 quarterfinals and looks to be fairly strong again. Bradley and UA held Pick North and Gahanna to zero offensive points in the play-offs. Very impressive. First week of league play the Rocks go to Liberty who as usual will have over 30 Seniors on the roster and it's a good group. Three-year starters at QB in Leonard, RB's Struck and Schapker who can play in other areas as well, from what I've heard a promising Soph back Davis, LB Stamp is pretty solid and they have another handful of guys who played a lot of snaps and were productive playing against one of the toughest schedules in the state. Orange has a three-Year starter at QB back in Mr. Davis who ran circles around a banged-up Rocks defense this past year in what was probably the worst loss of the season. They have some talent in the Junior class but need to replace some key pieces as well. Davis should continue to improve and will be another challenge for the Rocks defense.

Davidson then comes to Coffman stadium, and they also have a three-year guy at QB in Diblasio and a three-year starter at RB Gibbon who is a tough tackle no doubt. 5-8 220 bowling ball like runner. Some size as well and a good solid Sr class with what looks like to be about 21-22 kids. Cats may open things up offensively going forward with an experienced guy and some decent athletes to get the ball to. Rivalry game that is often tough to predict.

Trip to UA is always a tough one, even when the Rocks went through their long winning streak vs the Bears, the games were often go either way exciting ballgames. The Bears also have a very large and solid Sr. class coming back. They have some experience coming back with Sr. Cox, who should be more comfortable. Three-year guys Swiney at WR and Kick returner, and DB / Offensive weapon Corna are very good players. DE Thrush is a D-1 talent and wreaks havoc and can be a potential game wrecker. Jr. receiver Wolpert should take another step in his development and has D-1 talent. Very well coached as we all know as well .


Bradley has a Soph QB coming back who had to play the state Semifinal game vs Ed's after Fleharty went down at the end of the quarterfinal game. Jags have some good younger talent as usual but will be rebuilding to an extent no doubt. Rocks will be playing what looks like to be one of the most challenging schedules in the state. For a public school for sure. I know there is a guy who has posted here that is telling us that St. Clair is staying put despite rumors and some sources speculating on a move to another program for his Senior year. He has obvious roots and his family is entrenched there. Football wise it's not as challenging as playing at a higher level would be against better competition with better higher-level weapons to play with. Any number of schools would be ecstatic to have him no question about that. Including Coffman. There is also no question that he would have better weapons at Coffman and other schools in CO and other places and a more challenging schedule to play against bigger faster more well coached teams that he would face and have at Bellefontaine. loyalty is a good trait and if he is staying and some are saying he defiantly is, good for him even if the football part is['t as challenging. Development wise it wouldn't be optimal but it's home and again loyalty and roots are important.

You mention ‘move in’s’ regarding Pick North and end the post with mention of the Bellefountain qb possibly heading to Coffman.

 

[Harrycrane]

You mention ‘move in’s’ regarding Pick North and end the post with mention of the Bellefountain qb possibly heading to Coffman.

And? I wasn't denouncing PN and or Gahanna [UA gets some too including D-1 Receiver Wolpert from Teays V and who knows they may get another receiver at some point with Rankin on the coaching staff} possibly getting a few guys as has been the reality in the past. I don't have the same attitude as you do as in it is really bad for kids to go to other schools. So going over the returning guys on next year's opponents it has to be mentioned that some of the teams on the schedule have added some move in's in the recent past and may again as they have for years now. I am not criticizing them for it. St Clair has been a topic on other forums that he may play at a higher level in his last season of HS football before he heads to OSU in 2025. Some have mentioned Coffman as one of a few possibilities. So again, I am not being critical of anyone whether the program or a kid in a transfer situation.

 

[Tiger Alum]

Davidson then comes to Coffman stadium, and they also have a three-year guy at QB in Diblasio and a three-year starter at RB Gibbon who is a tough tackle no doubt. 5-8 220 bowling ball like runner. Some size as well and a good solid Sr class with what looks like to be about 21-22 kids. Cats may open things up offensively going forward with an experienced guy and some decent athletes to get the ball to. Rivalry game that is often tough to predict.

Harry. Do you feel this is a make or break year for Scally and his staff at Davidson ? From what I saw last year and the stubbornness to stick with a single option running attack which clearly got stuffed the entire second half of the season, raised major red flags with me. Last 7 games for first 3 quarters for 21 quarters total, scored a TOTAL of 15 points ? How does that happen ? How hard was it to be an opposing defensive coach against that ? They did really well opening up the passing game against Coffman the second half and never to be seen the rest of the season ? What is going on at Davidson ? I mean if you are sticking with the pistol formation fine, throw the ball alot more. If not, go back to the triple option. I have lost patience with this coaching staff. They looked like they had no clue the second half of the season.

 

[Harrycrane]

[

Harry. Do you feel this is a make or break year for Scally and his staff at Davidson ? From what I saw last year and the stubbornness to stick with a single option running attack which clearly got stuffed the entire second half of the season, raised major red flags with me. Last 7 games for first 3 quarters for 21 quarters total, scored a TOTAL of 15 points ? How does that happen ? How hard was it to be an opposing defensive coach against that ? They did really well opening up the passing game against Coffman the second half and never to be seen the rest of the season ? What is going on at Davidson ? I mean if you are sticking with the pistol formation fine, throw the ball alot more. If not, go back to the triple option. I have lost patience with this coaching staff. They looked like they had no clue the second half of the season.

I think it's more of a " make " not a break type year. As in make some moves make some decisions as to where they want to go as a program and what moves and changes they can make to get there. This type of indecision reminds me of something White said a while back concerning Marysville. The Monarchs had a couple kids who could throw it a bit and spread things out for a couple years with some success. Lefty QB Mullholland made some things happen with his arm. They had a couple better athletes he got the ball to. Well of course there wasn't the same type of athletes on a consistent basis and White opined that Marysville wasn't a " Spread community". he offered they should get back to the physical run based system to utilize the nature of the community.

White was fully committed to the option only throw it a time or two [Or sometimes not at all} a game. His highest praise of Coffman publicly was when QB Stoudt got hurt and they had TE and back-up QB Colton Caldwell take over. He was a physical 6-3 225 grinder as a runner and he could throw it but the team became more of a running offense without the more fluid accurate Stoudt who made the spread go. He liked that 2009 team and praised them as buying in and he opined that they were possibly better without the talented thrower Stoudt. They weren't by the way. They would have had a better chance of beating Davidson in the play-offs with the D-1 arm talent Stoudt at QB and Caldwell at TE catching the ball and being a great blocker. Caldwell did a good job in that Davidson game overall but the yards didn't translate to enough points and turnovers in general and turnovers on downs in the red zone doomed the Rocks. Stoudt was more effective adn accurate in the red zone and Davidson was very tough against the run. Yes Caldwell led Rocks beat Davidson in week 9 but Davidson's backfield was decimated by injury and that flu bug that was going around back then. Davidson defense was fully healthy and the game ended Coffman 10-7.

How does this tie into what Davidson's is going through now? Scalley it seems is torn between the tradition and great success of the program whose identity was shortening games with a difficult to defend option, physical and mental toughness, complementary football at the highest level protecting the defense which almost never was left on the field for a lot of snaps or worn down. Outstanding special teams was a sometimes forgotten staple. Always seemed to have a good punter and really good kickers. So he's torn a bit. Great past Success and tradition and White's influence coming into conflict with his wanting to evolve a bit and utilize a QB with some passing skill and a few kids who can go get the ball.

So what's happened is being caught in between has hurt the offense and they aren't really good or consistent in any one area on offense. So I think your assertion that it's either embrace a more open offense or go back to the triple option is a good smart point. To me the triple option thing is done as a full time scheme. So this year anyway, I think in a pretty important year in Scalley's tenure as you said and with a three year trigger man who has had some success when given the infrequent opportunity they embrace that more this year. Teams' need an identity and I feel they wanted to may be throw it more but weren't confident enough and stuck more with the run heavy identity which they couldn't make work well enough against the better defenses they faced including Coffman who they had to throw it to move it against. White was going to run what he ran no matter the personnel he had as it was his belief that the offense needed to totally commit to complementary football , use clock and grind. Ironically Coffman Modus operandi was similar sans the option style this year. Rocks had a couple good receivers and more ability to throw it and with Stokes more of a propensity to use spread concepts utilizing a very talented receiver in Hudson especially.

One of former coach Crabtree's strengths as a coach was his ability to assess his personnel and tailor his offense to be most effective. Spread one back concepts but did use two backs a couple years and used the QB as a runner more later in his tenure and the team had very good backs when that was their strength.

 

[Tiger Alum]

[


I think it's more of a " make " not a break type year. As in make some moves make some decisions as to where they want to go as a program and what moves and changes they can make to get there. This type of indecision reminds me of something White said a while back concerning Marysville. The Monarchs had a couple kids who could throw it a bit and spread things out for a couple years with some success. Lefty QB Mullholland made some things happen with his arm. They had a couple better athletes he got the ball to. Well of course there wasn't the same type of athletes on a consistent basis and White opined that Marysville wasn't a " Spread community". he offered they should get back to the physical run based system to utilize the nature of the community.

White was fully committed to the option only throw it a time or two [Or sometimes not at all} a game. His highest praise of Coffman publicly was when QB Stoudt got hurt and they had TE and back-up QB Colton Caldwell take over. He was a physical 6-3 225 grinder as a runner and he could throw it but the team became more of a running offense without the more fluid accurate Stoudt who made the spread go. He liked that 2009 team and praised them as buying in and he opined that they were possibly better without the talented thrower Stoudt. They weren't by the way. They would have had a better chance of beating Davidson in the play-offs with the D-1 arm talent Stoudt at QB and Caldwell at TE catching the ball and being a great blocker. Caldwell did a good job in that Davidson game overall but the yards didn't translate to enough points and turnovers in general and turnovers on downs in the red zone doomed the Rocks. Stoudt was more effective adn accurate in the red zone and Davidson was very tough against the run. Yes Caldwell led Rocks beat Davidson in week 9 but Davidson's backfield was decimated by injury and that flu bug that was going around back then. Davidson defense was fully healthy and the game ended Coffman 10-7.

How does this tie into what Davidson's is going through now? Scalley it seems is torn between the tradition and great success of the program whose identity was shortening games with a difficult to defend option, physical and mental toughness, complementary football at the highest level protecting the defense which almost never was left on the field for a lot of snaps or worn down. Outstanding special teams was a sometimes forgotten staple. Always seemed to have a good punter and really good kickers. So he's torn a bit. Great past Success and tradition and White's influence coming into conflict with his wanting to evolve a bit and utilize a QB with some passing skill and a few kids who can go get the ball.

So what's happened is being caught in between has hurt the offense and they aren't really good or consistent in any one area on offense. So I think your assertion that it's either embrace a more open offense or go back to the triple option is a good smart point. To me the triple option thing is done as a full time scheme. So this year anyway, I think in a pretty important year in Scalley's tenure as you said and with a three year trigger man who has had some success when given the infrequent opportunity they embrace that more this year. Teams' need an identity and I feel they wanted to may be throw it more but weren't confident enough and stuck more with the run heavy identity which they couldn't make work well enough against the better defenses they faced including Coffman who they had to throw it to move it against. White was going to run what he ran no matter the personnel he had as it was his belief that the offense needed to totally commit to complementary football , use clock and grind. Ironically Coffman Modus operandi was similar sans the option style this year. Rocks had a couple good receivers and more ability to throw it and with Stokes more of a propensity to use spread concepts utilizing a very talented receiver in Hudson especially.

One of former coach Crabtree's strengths as a coach was his ability to assess his personnel and tailor his offense to be most effective. Spread one back concepts but did use two backs a couple years and used the QB as a runner more later in his tenure and the team had very good backs when that was their strength.

It's just really hard seeing this program who I have supported for years slowly creeping towards the Central Crossing level. I said a few years ago that Davidson is not a spread offense due to the community does not have the athletes year in and year out to be successful unless they get alot of skill position move ins. I guess they could have kept the White system and win 6 or 7 games a year or open it up and eventually regress to the 3 or 4 wins a year which is what I see happening. Personally I will take the 6 or 7 wins a year option. I agree that this lack of identity of offense must be resolved. I have no idea how Gibbon did not get seriously hurt last year running into a brick wall game after game with no blockers or any other running option to help. I felt bad for the kid. He is a pretty talented back and deserves better IMO. I saw alot of anger in the stands this past season with dwindling crowds and I think the program is in trouble. I honestly feel a coaching change is in order after this season but maybe Scally will prove me wrong. I doubt it though from what I have seen.

 

[WJ-OSU-STEELERS]

It's just really hard seeing this program who I have supported for years slowly creeping towards the Central Crossing level. I said a few years ago that Davidson is not a spread offense due to the community does not have the athletes year in and year out to be successful unless they get alot of skill position move ins. I guess they could have kept the White system and win 6 or 7 games a year or open it up and eventually regress to the 3 or 4 wins a year which is what I see happening. Personally I will take the 6 or 7 wins a year option. I agree that this lack of identity of offense must be resolved. I have no idea how Gibbon did not get seriously hurt last year running into a brick wall game after game with no blockers or any other running option to help. I felt bad for the kid. He is a pretty talented back and deserves better IMO. I saw alot of anger in the stands this past season with dwindling crowds and I think the program is in trouble. I honestly feel a coaching change is in order after this season but maybe Scally will prove me wrong. I doubt it though from what I have seen.

Tiger Alum - it’s so tough to continue on a programs dominance/excellence once a longtime successful head coach moves on. Newark Catholic & JD Graham, Amanda Clearcreek & Ron Hinton, Ironton & Lutz who left & came back because the were faltering, Akron Manchester had a great coach who retired & they are horrible now…the list goes on & on. Hilliard Davidson is experiencing the same thing these & several other storied programs have experienced- it seldom is a smooth transition.

I don’t mean for this to be a jerk comment/question but is Hilliard Davidson reverting back to what they were?
* 1972-1979: 34-42-3, 0 playoff games
* 1980-1989: 37-61-2, 0 playoff games
* 1990-1999: 60-39, 2-2 playoffs
* 2000-2009: 81-18, 20-6 playoffs
* 2010-2019: 81-18, 14-9 playoffs
* 2020-2023: 18-20, 1-4 playoffs

West Jefferson old head coach John Sines turned the Hilliard football program around in the 1990’s and White took them to a State Caliper level. It’s tough following what White accomplished. Tough kids at Davidson, hope they figure it out. Good luck to Davidson going forward.

 

[Harrycrane]

The last week of the NFL season is always very interesting to handicap as it's akin to the pre-season in some ways in terms of getting the accurate info in terms of who is playing and who isn't and for how long if they do. Coach speak can be deciphered but sometimes it's tricky. Coaching situations, certain incentives for players to reach bonuses. LA Raiders stars came out in support of their interim coach, and that would usually spell a possible fanatic effort coming forth. Is Harbaugh a good fit there possibly? The Colts made the immortal Aiden O'Connell who has played more like the most inept QB in the league more than not look competent., had Colts ML which won but they had to hang on late.

Seattle has a shot at the play-offs needing some help was only laying 2.5 at Arizona who miraculously overcame a large deficit scoring on their last 4 drives to beat the flailing Eagles. Did Arizona shoot their load so to speak and will come down to the non-rarefied air they live in? Seattle was a value at 2.5. They need to win and Green Bay has to lose at home vs Chicago. The games are being played at the same time which helps the Seahawks in terms of having the proper incentive.

How much does Atlanta have left going to NO? Coach looks to be dead man walking, not sure the players with little incentive. Saints at 3 looked reasonable. Had the Falcons in the first match-up and won , but the Saints despite losing gained a lot more yards but turned it over and didn't finish drives. Off of the big win at TB, where we had them as well, going back to the well again seems greedy but I think it's reasonable.
Titans always play hard. Jax plays better on the road. Lawrence is iffy health wise though. Jax defense stepped up albeit against Carolina but has some confidence coming into the game. One total that I feel good about
getting at open was 35 in the Jets - Pats game which now sits at 30.5- 31 . Major storm with snow [90 percent} , high winds at about 25 MPH forecasted.

Some solid teaser possibilities . Michigan ML price is at about - 185. Washington has been getting disrespected in the market for a while now. They had so many closer wins which isn't the norm for teams playing for a national title.

 

[Harrycrane]

Big win for St John’s in early college hoops today . Great time of year with conference play really heating up . Been a good season so far . Pittsburgh got to 4-4.5. Now 3. Grabbed Ravens JV. getting past 10 points . Steelers must win and hopefully for them and their favs they do beat the Ravens backup heavy team today but line is a bit heavy . Indy getting a couple at home getting up over a TD and Cincinnati tomorrow playing a locked on position JV Browns team from 7 to -1 looks ripe .