Buckeye Mond.........Tuesday

“Another Buckeye Catastrophe”

Seeing that sign flashed by the USC student section late in the game was my favorite part of the whole night. Down 35-3 late in the fourth quarter there wasn’t much else to keep me interested in watching the game. At least ABC had the good sense to show the USC Cheer Squad more as the game progressed. Even watching Traveler run around the stadium was better than watching the game.

There were several bright spots although I’ll admit to reaching on a few of them. God…this sucks!!!!

The Good:

Terrelle Pryor – I predicted that he would not be a factor in the game mostly because I didn’t think he would see any playing time. I didn’t think he had shown enough in the first two games and I really thought that all the talk of the “Pryor package” was really just a smoke screen used to make the Trojans practice for the different looks he could provide. Instead, he was inserted into the game early in the first quarter and periodically the rest of the game. While he wasn’t asked to do much other than run some bootlegs and make some short, controlled throws he at least showed some competence in completing what he was asked to do. Obviously, he will be seeing more and more time as the season progresses. If he can function reasonably well against USC he should be able to light it up during the Big-10 schedule.

Boom Herron – Other than the opening kick-off the he caught going backward in the end zone and was only able to return to the 15 yard line, I though he ran with a nice burst and showed that he could be a decent replacement for Beanie. For the game he rushed the ball 11 times for 51 yards. There were several times when I thought he read his blocks the wrong way and turned what could have been big runs into only 6-7 yard gains. He needs to improve his “vision” in the coming weeks as he appears to be the new #1 option for the running game. It’s pretty sad when I consider a guy running for 51 yards to be a bright spot.

Little Animal – It seemed like Laurinaitis was all over the field making plays. I was especially impressed with his tackling ability as he repeatedly stopped the Trojan running backs dead in their tracks. He was the lone bright spot on the defense although I use the term “bright spot” pretty loosely.

The Bad:

Defensive Line – This unit was totally inept in all phases of the game. They were pushed all over the field by the USC offense. I thought OSU would have a chance in this game because the defense would play well. Ummm, not so fast my friend!!! Freeman getting burned by a FULLBACK for one score sucked. Letting USC out of numerous 2nd /3rd and long situations really hurt from a momentum standpoint. The stupid penalties showed a total lack of composure that I think can be traced back to the coaching staff (more on that group…later).

Special Teams – It’s pretty simple really. We haven’t made any improvement in our return game from last year. When that happens to a team with as much talent as we have, the coaches need to take responsibility. The missed field goal would not have made a difference in the game but it would have been nice to score more than 3 points. Maybe it’s time to give Pettrey another look.

The Really Ugly:

Todd “I miss playing at Penn State” Boekman – Jesus Christ!!!! Granted, he didn’t have any time to let plays develop…..but come on. Throw the damn ball. The pick-6 by Maualuga was a bad read but the play called for him to roll left AND throw left. There aren’t too many people who can make that throw and Todd isn’t one of them. His performance mirrored his play in the LSU game and he will forever be labeled as a decent quarterback who can’t elevate his playing level in the really big games.

The O-line – How can a line with 4 returning starters regress in form and ability from year-to-year? They were supposed to come back this year bigger, faster, more experienced and playing with a chip on their shoulder. I don’t believe I’ve seen any promising play from this group. This unit gets the same label as Boekman.

Coaching - I said in my preview of the game that the game plans on both sides of the ball should be wide open. I thought it would be the only way to take the crowd out of the game and give the Trojans reason to stop and think about what and they were trying to accomplish and how they were going to do it. I think it’s safe to say that the coaching staff did not agree with that approach.

If Tressel does not see the problems with our defensive approach, he needs to wake up. Heacock’s defense has been exposed in the last four big games. When teams spread things out we look clueless, and we give up big play after big play. We refuse to attack, preferring to sit back in zone schemes waiting for something to happen. Make it STOP!!!!

The same can be said about the offensive side of the ball. Granted, Beanie was hurt and not in the last two games but the net results should not show us being so dependent on any one player. It appears as if the entire team has played with less emotion since his injury. I don’t get it. Maybe it’s the fact that he coaches the line and coordinates the offense. Take away the coordinator position and let him focus on making Adams, Shugarts, Brewster, Smith and Boren a great line for the next three years.

I know Heacock and Bollman are Tressel's boys and have always been by his side, but it is time for a change. It's time for a new look at the coordinator positions on both sides of the ball.

And another thing……..I’m a huge fan of Jim Tressel. I like everything he represents about the game, his approach to coaching/recruiting and his loyalty to the school. However, the team is starting to take on his calm/cool demeanor. It has become evident that the cool/calm approach doesn’t work when the heat is on. I say he needs to take the tie and “vest” off and try to establish a more emotional approach to coaching the team. I’m sure that’s easier said than done but I think the team would be better off in the long run.

Next up for the Buckeyes: Another game against the Trojans. No, not those Trojans. This week it’s the Troy Trojans coming to Columbus for a game. I’ll be there with my sons as they get to see their first game at the Shoe. Given the performance of the last two weeks, my expectations aren’t very high. I think the Buckeyes win but not by enough to make everyone forget last Saturday. I have it OSU 24 – Troy 7.

Go Bucks!!!

Buckeye John