I agree here.
We should be saving our reps and limiting vs the teams we can. For example, Ball State or Kent State or Maryland etc. But as Billmac points out, when it’s like for like talent it’s hard to be efficient.
Think how we started the 2019 Clemson game, the 2020 Clemson game, Tennessee, Oregon, Notre Dame… we were up two scores before they knew it and then we started bleeding clock (2019 being the rare exception).
It’s a vicious cycle and I understand especially vs Miami early why we didn’t play fast. After all, the defense couldn’t get off the field and if we go tempo we’re punting in no time. However there was a point in the second half that Miami had to call time out because their DL had hands on hips and the were driving again.
Hard to rush the passer when they can’t breathe
I’m not ever sure about this anymore….at least in regards to reps for backups.
Our local reporters are even commenting on the potential negative recruiting aspects of it.
Kids want to play….if OSU wants to minimize STARTER reps to keep them fresh, I get it. But when we’re up 30 on Ohio University, and we’re milking the clock down…..it’s an opportunity for the backups to develop but also have fun and an opportunity to shine.
I feel like Day has seen some major pendulum swings in his career here at OSU….I feel like he swung too far conservative this year, where he felt like we could just be a machine and mathematically dismantle each opponent. Unfortunately, while we do have a significant talent advantage over most teams, it’s not large enough to withstand terrible FG kicking, and freshman mistake at QB.
On top of that….and this probably isn’t that important in context of winning a championship, but the style of play just isn’t “fun”. I’m not sure when it starts showing up in recruiting, but if we truly want to consistently have like 50 offensive snaps a game, it will begin impacting the recruits we bring in. I’ve said it many times about Kirby Smart…..I love that when he goes to his backups in blow-outs, he coaches even harder. He puts the onus on the defense to stop his young kids, and he’s playing the game out like they’re playing for a championship. It’s huge for player development, depth, and confidence later in year should you have significant injury.
We’ll see, but I think the pendulum will swing back some next year (in a more aggressive direction).
