Buckeye Monday: MSU Edition

Ohio State - Michigan State Review

Well, I didn’t see that coming…..

After several weeks of very frustrating play Ohio State finally put all the pieces together and played like one of the better one loss teams in the country. The game was effectively over early in the second quarter with the Buckeyes jumping out to a quick 28 point lead. The best part about watching the second half was that the coaches did not put in the second string and the starters continued to play hard and make plays. The 45-7 final was the most rewarding victory of the year.

What worked?

Pretty much everything. Pryor was efficient running and throwing the ball. It was reported that he approached Tressel before leaving for East Lansing on Friday and told the coach that he should be “benched” if he failed to lead the team to scores early in the game. After leading the Buckeyes on a 90+ yard scoring drive to open the game I think that conversation was quickly forgotten. Asked about it after the game, Pryor stated that he wanted to “challenge himself to play better and to be a better leader.” Mission accomplished. He showed much better poise in the pocket and although he still throws off his “back foot” resulting in under thrown or inaccurate passes at least he avoided making any major mistakes that could have kept the Spartans in the game.

“Beanie being…Beanie” - I’m sure there are several other running backs in the country with as much talent as Beanie but do any of them have the power, speed and the stiff arm capability that he brings to each and every play. Rushing 31 times for 140 yards and two touchdowns he dramatically outplayed hyped Michigan State running back Javon Ringer. I’m not sure if his foot is going to be completely healed at any point during the rest of the season. I’m still irritated that we don’t know the full extent of his injury. If he can continue to run like he did yesterday….all will be forgotten.

The Silver Bullets game to play. 5 turnovers (2 returned for scores), several sacks, holding a Heisman candidate to a third of his normal yards, constant penetration into the backfield. What didn’t this unit do yesterday? They’ve been playing better the last several weeks and seem to be peaking at just the right time. Special recognition goes to Malcolm Jenkins (again), Ross Homan and Thad Gibson. All three played fast and with great intensity.

The playbook. It finally looked like the playbook had been opened up a little bit. Maybe there was some truth to the rumors that Bollman and Tressel had been keeping things under wraps for the last few games. Better play from the offensive line allowed for more creativity in both the running and passing game. I like the fact that Bollman has not been afraid to make position changes across the line. Injuries to Mike Adams and JB Shugarts have taken a lot of depth out of this unit. I think it’s brought on a sense of urgency. The line played its best game of the season.

What didn’t work well?

Not much to report here. Ray Small attempted to receive a punt inside the ten yard line (breaking the most basic special team rule in the process) and when he fumbled the ball it look like an easy six points for the Spartans. Fortunately two Spartan players tried to run with the ball before they had control of it and Austin Spittler was able to recover it for the Buckeyes. Small is a great return-man but he needs to keep his head in the game on every play.

As mentioned earlier, Pryor still has a ways to go as a pure passer. His throwing mechanics are still off when he’s rolling around in the pocket. He needs to do a better job of planting his feet before throwing. With the score being what it was, I find it a little easier to accept these faults and chalk them up to being part of the learning curve.

What’s next?

Ummm…The Lions are coming. Next week’s game against Penn State will be played in Columbus, at night, probably for the outright Big 10 title. That should have everyone’s attention. Ohio State will be looking for a little redemption from all fans (me included) and the national media. I’m pretty sure Michigan State was a little overrated going into last weekend. I think Penn State may be too. They had played the 84th toughest schedule in the country before the Michigan game and that number is not going to go down much after their win on Saturday. I think the defense will be able to keep the Penn State offense in check. Another solid performance by Pryor and the offense should be enough. I have it Ohio State 27 - Penn State. 20.

Go Bucks!!!

Buckeye John