I am in no way trying to say TB is as good a player as CK. I'm just trying to point out the discrepancy in perception between TB and other QBs. Krenzel arguably had more talent surrounding him than TB. Jenkins was the best WR since Boston, Gamble and Vance were serviceable. Clarett, when available, may have been even more explosive than Beanie. Hartsock was there when needed. But the big difference was the 2002 team had the best D and ST in a generation. Realistically, the 2002 team could have dropped 4-5 games. The UC game was definitely one where the other team lost the game, more than we won it. Purdue, Wisky, PSU, ILL, UM, and MIA were all games that could have gone either way. In some games (PUR, ILL), CK made extraordinary plays to pull it out. In others (PSU was all Gamble), CK did just as much harm as good. CK did cough up the ball in the red zone more than once that year. Even in CK's most storied performance in the NC game, he made plays that could have cost us the game. Sean Taylor's INT in the end-zone was definitely a poor decision by CK. Had MoC not made an incredible play to strip the ball, we could still be waiting for our first NC since '68. My point is that all of those great clutch wins in that magical season were TEAM efforts. CK showed the heart of a lion all year, but everytime he faltered, his teammates were there to pick him up. A few big plays from TB's teammates could have made all the difference last year. We give up less than 28 to Ill, or make a stop in the last 8 minutes; we're not having this conversation. Small fights for an underthrown pass, Robo holds on to a TD, several players refrain from taking huge penalties; we're not having this conversation.
Again, I'm not taking anything away from CK, and I don't think TB is the best thing since sliced bread. I'm just trying to hold everyone up to the same light and gain perspective. It seems like i can't read the name Todd Boeckman on this site without it being followed by "sucked in last four games". Just like when I read a national publication and the words Ohio State are always followed by "got blown out in last two bowl games". Boeckman does need to improve over last season. I'm sure after the last two seasons, everyone on the roster is putting forth amazing effort to improve as a TEAM. At this point, I'm done with worrying about last year and trying to get excited about the positive things we have going for us this year. I think TB is one of those positive things. I will defend any Ohio State player when I think he's being unfairly criticized (except Lydell Ross, he just plain blew), that's just what I do. If anyone is getting annoyed by these ridiculously long posts, just say so and I'll stop reading this thread. I'm not trying to be argumantative, just trying to get some positive attitude cultivated for '08. Go Buckeyes!
