I started to title this post “Buckeye Brokedown, an offensive tragedy”, but thought that it might be a little too over the top. Football and opera, now that’s interesting. Wisconsin turned out to be our scary prelude and the fat lady singing was Purdue with the support of 5 turnovers. That, my friends, is a true tragedy.
Saturday’s loss at Purdue was the only time I can remember Coach Tressel resembling John Cooper during game time. Unable to adjust defensively (short, quick pass routes), reluctant to change what wasn’t working offensively (Terrelle) and getting flat out coached. Ohio State looked like they got off the plane and expected the Boilermakers to roll over and hand us the win, because of our reputation resume. The young team learned a tough lesson at Ross-Ade Stadium, and we’ll be lucky to share in the Big 10 conference title. Here’s why:
The biggest reason why we are ranked 91st in total offense is not entirely our QB play, but our “blue chip” O-Linemen. That’s the bottom third of division IA teams! The line is getting whipped weekly, liked potatoes on Thanksgiving. While Mr. Boren has been lauded for making the group a tougher bunch, that simply has not translated into effectiveness. Getting someone, anybody, able to man up at the left tackle position would have gone a long way to help. While we may not have a stud on the roster, the coaches should have an idea by now who gives us the best chance to win. For this of us that are less informed, it looks a lot like chaos.
There is no question that sitting for a series or two on Saturday would have been a very positive learning experience for the young Mr. Pryor. We shouldn’t rule out the possibility, but that looks less likely than Steve Spurrier not talking smack. Sitting would have given Terelle a chance to calm down and gain his composure, which was clearly shaken. There is an interesting analogy that I haven’t heard mentioned regarding Justin Zwick and Troy Smith. Didn’t Troy unseat the heir apparent and high school phenom, Zwick? Why is this any different?
There is absolutely no question that Mr. Bauserman is not the QB of the future, but this is a team sport. Your offense has been downright pitiful to date. When you fail to meet the basic requirements of your position, and ball control has to be near the top of Tressel Commandments, there has to be accountability. Terelle has enjoyed an unprecedented “pass” on this, if you’ll pardon the pun.
This pass is where Coach Tressel has put himself on thin ice with the Buckeye Nation, because he seems afraid to bench Terelle. It’s probably a little bit of a sore point in the locker room as well, but no one would ever break ranks and admit it. Whether the coaching staff is worried about blasting his psyche, TP seems immune to the expectations that are placed on other positions. Kickers, O-Linemen, and everyone else toils under the “step up and perform or move over” mantra. Left tackle has been a revolving door trying to find someone who can consistently get the job done. My question is, when will this discipline be applied to the quarterback position?
What has also become equally clear is that the OSU D-Line is overrated. They’ve feasted on weaklings and been frustrated by the more evenly matched opponents we’ve faced. I like our chances against the rest of our schedule, but last week’s loss exposed our Achilles Heel. We have a difficult time applying pressure with the D-Line exclusively. We will guarantee ourselves a slow and miserable death against a good spread offense.
Assuming OSU can run the table and finish with a share of the Big 10 title, they would earn themselves a desirable bowl game. My concern is getting a high profile someone we have a chance of beating at a potentially less than neutral site (eg- LSU in New Orleans, USC in Rose Bowl, Florida in Florida). So here is my wish list of bowl teams: 1) Oklahoma – ideally we get them in the desert; they’re vulnerable because they’ve got the same issues we do. 2) CAL – way over rated, hated PAC 10 rival and the easiest win on my list and finally 3) Ole Miss – I’d love an SEC bowl win in Orlando.
In closing, I have 3 wishes. My first is that our blue chip QB of the 91st rated offense should be restricted from the mid week press conference. There are probably a few other things he could be doing and leave that chore to the seniors. You can lead by example, and not running your mouth. Second, we absolutely need QB accountability and competition for playing time. Otherwise the team fabric will start to fray. Finally, we need consistent and quality line play on both sides of the ball. No excuses, no exceptions. (and pray for another Korey Stringer, Orlando Pace or Mike Vrabel to emerge from our recruiting efforts).
