A Crushing Loss
Cue Cinderella, it’s going to be a long cold winter in Columbus.
Ohio State fans are experiencing new and exciting ways to lose high profile games. First there was the blowout loss (Florida/USC), the pretty big loss but still in it (LSU), and the turnover/slow drip loss (Penn State). Now, the crushing, gut-wrenching come-from-behind loss. So many things to cover, most of which should probably wait until I get a chance to see the game again. My initial impressions, first the good/neutral:
**The team showed tremendous heart staying in the game and fighting until the clock ran out. That effort was not present against Florida two years ago or USC this year.
**As much as I’ve railed on the offensive line this year, the run blocking was fantastic in the 1st half. Unfortunately Beanie went out with an injury which then forced the offense to go on some bizarre acid trip (more on that).
**If I were to pick an MVP for the Buckeyes this year, it would be Todd Boeckman. To be a captain, then lose your job to a freshman, watch that freshman go through some struggles and to still have the positive attitude and leadership he has is a testament to the kind of person Todd is. Todd’s career at Ohio State certainly didn’t go the way he probably had hoped it would, but many years from now his kids and grandkids will be able to look back on what he did and be very proud.
**I’m short on time tonight but I’m pretty sure there has never been a football game played where the QB while acting as a receiver was called for pass interference, and that same QB also caught a touchdown pass. Somebody look it up. Regardless, I hope Tajh Boyd was watching. Tajh- if you were, come to Ohio State and you’ll get to catch a touchdown.
**Brian Robiskie had one heck of a game. Robo’s another guy that makes me proud to be a Buckeye. All class, great in the classroom, and hopefully will be a great Pro.
**The entire defense played outstanding (except for the last missed tackle/bad angle of course). It looked like the success Texas had was mostly scheme-related and not execution.
Now the other observations:
**Watching Ohio State on offense is like watching somebody hopped up on 10 espressos do their grocery shopping. One second they’re grabbing a box of Eggos, the next they’re sniffing blueberries in the produce section. I have no actual experience with this, though I do sniff my oranges (if it doesn’t smell like an orange, it isn’t going to taste any good). The Buckeyes had just about everything on display tonight- old school Big Ten run game, pro passing attack, option, and the offense that makes you bury your head in your hands.
The insanity on offense was partially fueled by Beanie’s concussion (aka mysterious injury), but this team just doesn’t seem to have an identity on that side of the ball. I don’t know if it’s Tressel or Bollman but something needs to change. You can run power off-tackle stuff and an option passing attack, but it’s got to be somehow thematically integrated. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think the OSU coaching staff was pulling each offensive play out of a hat prior to sending the signal in.
**Terrelle Pryor is a very gifted athlete and I’m fully on the bandwagon, but why in the hell is he pulling up and running out of bounds? I counted three instances in the game where he dipped out of bounds, two of which stopped just short of first downs, and one inside the ten. If ever you’re going to let your running QB keep it in bounds for another 3-6 yards or (gasp), score a touchdown, the time to do it is with a Senior veteran backup QB.
**More of the same problems for the Buckeyes- trading field goals for touchdowns. Memo to Coach JT- that works in the Big Ten but not in big time bowl games. Whether it’s coaching or execution or some combination of both, one of the many things this team will be remembered for is putting the red in red zone. This must be fixed in the off-season.
**Texas was able to catch the defense off guard for far too long with the no huddle. Call a freaking time out and regroup the personnel. Neutral zone infractions, players out of position, late substitutions, etc, etc. all contributed to the success Texas had in the 2nd half. Kudos to Texas for making those adjustments and catching the Buckeyes off guard.
**On the final Texas TD throw, I understand we blitzed a safety, but why wasn’t the nickel or Anderson Russel playing deeper? Or why didn’t one of the Linebackers drop back quicker? Marcus Freeman looked like he was starting to roll back, but the play was practically over by then. Absolutely ponderous. Anderson Russell needed to make the play as well; trying to jump the route without deep help at the end of the game and while only a touchdown can beat you is a bad choice.
More to come later Tuesday.
Posted in college football |
January 6th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
[…] Buckeye sites that have surfaced following the loss. The summary is accurate and seconds several points I made in the wee hours last night. Around the Oval and Buckeyecommentary are quiet for now, perhaps still […]
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