Buckeye Monday = Death

Buckeyes Win in the Big House

I think Big House Bob summed it up very well in his game summary post yesterday, “sometimes freshman play like seniors and sometimes they play like high school seniors.” I wasn’t really worried about the outcome of the game (especially after Forcier’s fumble in the end zone) but I didn’t mind all the interceptions late in the game. Coach Tressel’s play calling was once again ultra conservative but once again the desired results were accomplished so why risk it. If Pryor can live with it and remain happy with the results then why change it? I like the way the running game remained solid, the offensive line continues to make progress and once again the defense played really well. All in all it was a great Saturday to be a Buckeye.

What worked?
As stated above, the running game found its groove in the second and third quarters. Counters, zone reads and dive plays all seemed to work for the Buckeyes. Herron and Saine ran well the entire game and Pryor seemed to be comfortable both on the designed runs and when he was scrambling for yardage. His decision making has really improved since the Purdue game. I guess that game was really the turning point for him this year.
The O-line also seems to be playing with improved intensity and consistency. They are such a young group of players. Bollman can stay as long as the upward trend continues in Pasadena and into next year.
The defense played their usual solid game. Kurt Coleman is awesome. Two picks and tons of tackles. He will be missed next year. Both Gibson and Heyward have expressed an interest in returning next year to anchor the line. That could change after their draft stock is evaluated. Both could leave if they think the money would be there.
What didn’t work?
Geez, nothing really comes to mind. I’m not adverse to scoring more points and I’d still like to see more of a vertical passing game but I’m not going to argue with the results.
What’s next?
I’m guessing that Oregon will represent the Pac-10 in the Rose Bowl. Their speed scares me but I don’t think they’re any faster than Vincent Smith or Denard Robinson so maybe we’ll be able to keep them in check. I didn’t want to play USC again in another one of their home games. I’ll hold off on a prediction until their conference champion is determined.
So, outright Big-10 champions, beating Michigan and ending up 10-2. Not bad for a team that was in a semi-rebuilding mode at the beginning of the year. The Buckeyes are scheduled to lose only two starters on offense and three on defense. Year three was when Troy Smith started to find his groove at quarterback. He beat Michigan as a sophomore but Pryor has already done that twice. Next year could be special in Columbus.
Best of luck to Coach Rod and the Wolverines. The Big-10 and The Game will be better off once the rebuilding process is completed.
Go Bucks!!

Buckeye John