Depth chart released

The Buckeyes released their depth chart for the NIU game, with what I feel are plenty of surprises, especially on the defensive side. Vernon Gholston beat out Lawrence Wilson at defensive end. Wilson got moved over to back up Richardson, while Alex Barrow is now behind Gholston. Gholston must have done one hell of a lot this fall to earn that spot, because the one guy the coaches kept on raving about was Wilson. Also, Brandon Mitchell took the starting SS spot from Super Jamario. I can't think of any reason as to why this happened other than that Tressel continued with his tradition of starting seniors over much more deserving underclassmen. Nick Patterson starts at the other safety spot, and Anderson Russell is the nickleback.

As far as backups go, Ray Small managed to crack the two-deep behind Ted Ginn, and Chris Wells and Mo Wells are now listed as co-backups. Essentially, what the coaches mean by co-backups is, "Ya know, Maurice, we respect you a whole lot. But you aren't Chris Wells. If it's any consolation, at least your name is there." I really can't see MWells getting the ball in a situation where CWells could get the ball. Finally, Larry Grant is now the 2nd string middle linebacker behind Laurainitis, as it is becoming more and more evident that D'Andrea probably won't play this season.

Oh yeah, and as I successfully predicted in my Special Teams preview, Aaron Pettrey has won the starting kicking job over Ryan Pretorious. Hopefully it pays off for us (I think it will).

Granted, nothing about this depth chart should be considered final. As I eluded to earlier, when push comes to shove, I'm sure the coaches will feel much more comfortable with Chris Wells at running back, and probably Brian Robiske at receiver also.