Game Thread Eastern Michigan at tOSU, Sat Sep 25, 3:30 ET ABC/ESPN

[craigblitz]

For me the hardest thing to evaluate is the Offensive Line. We put up 73 points and Pryor only took 1 bad hit behind the LOS. However, there never seems to be any movement of the DLIne... If there was one game I was hoping to see the OLine just be physical and blow the other team off the ball it was this one. Having no insight to the schemes and what they Oline was suppose to do, but I did notice not a lot of movement.

Ready for Big Ten season to start

 

[bukIpower]

I for one think the running lanes are fine... It's a matter of the back running through a few arms tackles and picking up tough yards. Not often will there but huge gaping holes to run through. This game to me makes me think Tress & Co see that Saine is just totally ineffective when it comes to a true running threat.

Once again the younger backs get a little more work and look at the progress they put up. On a couple of Hall's runs he side stepped a few guys cut it up and got north/south in hurry! Something that at the time I know Saine probably couldn't replicate. Hall brings the shiftiness that none of our backs have and Berry is just so fast. I truely think that those guys will be getting more and more carries in the near future.

 

[jwinslow]

2010 E Mich Photo Gallery

229 photos online.

 

[OregonBuckeye]

For me the hardest thing to evaluate is the Offensive Line. We put up 73 points and Pryor only took 1 bad hit behind the LOS. However, there never seems to be any movement of the DLIne... If there was one game I was hoping to see the OLine just be physical and blow the other team off the ball it was this one. Having no insight to the schemes and what they Oline was suppose to do, but I did notice not a lot of movement.

Ready for Big Ten season to start

I disagree. I am seeing holes in the run game. But teams are still bringing the house and daring TP to throw. Saine, for whatever reason, is not hitting the holes. Boom is better but Hall looks the best at it. Just doesn't seem like Tress will start a true soph over 2 steady veterans unless he's in the Clarett/Beanie class of backs.

 

[craigblitz]

Oregon and the previous poster are correct.. Lanes are there, and our backs are not doing a good job of making a guy miss or account for the 8th man in the box. I think my concern with the lack of movement is there seems there are no cut back lanes. Again, it could just be my perception and that type of evaluation can not be done without some solid study of game field, but at some point we will need to rely on our running game to win but I have not seen enough to be sure we can do that at this point.

Good lord how many fans would find concerns with a 73-20 point win.

 

[k2onprimetime]

I think boom has done a good job finding holes. But I know most teams are bringing the heat alot.

 

[UpNorthBuckeye]

Hey fellas, are you noticing that Tressel is introducing new stuff each week now? Last week there was the shovel pass and the pump fake statue of liberty...

and then this week, a couple of plays I had been calling for (and yes, I'll dig up my post on it) the end around and then the pitch out and throw back. Awesome stuff.

I mean, it's trickery, right? Maybe even flakey. But it's giving our opponents diarrhea. Just think of all the sets, all the plays, the no huddle, shotgun, under center, trips, tight ends making catches.... quite an array of stuff. And then there are four or five great tailbacks. What is the Wisconsin defense going to do to prepare for us??

So I am happy with that.

Also happy for the "teaching points" that Heacock called them... there will be some film to watch tomorrow. the DBs better get serious. I say, put sanzenbacher on defense. Dude knows how to get it done, did it in high school.

Happy with the line play. Not worried about the running game at all.

Okay, it was just EMU. But still....

And yeah, Ron English? Probably thought his experience against OSU was going to help?? Nahhhh.

The only other thing I would say is Terrelle really really reaaaallllly needs another year of experience. He just looked terrible out there today! He'd better come back for his senior year!


Go Bucks.

 

[SloopyHangOn]

The only other thing I would say is Terrelle really really reaaaallllly needs another year of experience. He just looked terrible out there today! He'd better come back for his senior year!

I see what you did there.

 

[chillinvillian]

I think Tress has some built up feelings for EMU since he was only 1-4 againist EMU. I notice that teams that make him look bad if he gets a chance he takes them to the wood shed!

 

[LordJeffBuck]

A few quick thoughts on the game....

1. Terrelle Pryor is still in the Heisman race. After a spotty showing against a very good Miami defense and two ill-advised picks against a hapless Ohio defense, Pryor did just about everything right yesterday in compiling 348 yards of total offense (104 rushing, 224 passing, 20 receiving) and six total touchdowns (1 rushing, 4 passing, 1 receiving). More importantly, he made at least three highlight reel plays (the 53-yard TD run, the 31-yard TD pass to Sanzo, and the 20-yard TD reception), which is really what the Heisman voters look at when making their decisions.

2. Congrats to Dane Sanzenbacher for tying the Ohio State record for most receiving touchdowns in a game with four. Others who hold that record are Terry Glenn (1995 vs Pitt) and Robert Grimes (1952 vs Washington State).

3. Speaking of Sanzo, he's now your number one guy at wide receiver. He gets open, he catches the ball, and he gets yards after the catch, which the more talented DeVier Posey doesn't do consistently enough.

4. I've said many times that Jaamal Berry is the most talented running back on this roster, and he showed some of that talent yesterday. I'd like to see him get some meaningful carries in upcoming games.

5. In the past, my sole complaint against Jim Tressel's offense was his inability to craft a ball-control passing attack. Well, now we've got one and it's working beautifully - Buckeye quarterbacks were 26 of 33 for 303 yards, 6 touchdowns, and no interceptions. With the passing game working so well, it's funny seeing defenses still selling out to stop Ohio State's running game.

6. In the first three games, the Ohio State defense forced 12 turnovers and gave up a total of 17 points. Yesterday, the D forced just one turnover and gave up 20 points. I realize the EMU quarterback Alex Gillett really threaded the needle on some of his throws (especially the two TD's), but TE Ben Thayer (5 receptions for 75 yards) was wide open on several occasions. I don't mind a "bend but not break" defensive philosophy ... as long as you don't break ... and EMU broke OSU three times. In a 73-20 blow-out it's easy to overlook that fact, but Ohio State will face some very good offenses in the Big Ten, and their defense needs to tighten up just a bit.

7. After the Marshall game, I said that Tressel had suddenly found a mean streak. That streak was even more evident yesterday as he piled 73 points on what could easily be the worst team in FBS. Let's hope that we see more of the new JT against the Big Ten.

8. By the way, when was the last time that Ohio State laid 73 points on an opponent? It was 1950, when they scored 83 against Iowa.

9. In my season preview, I said that Ohio State, on paper, is at least a touchdown better than any team on their schedule. I'd like to revise that statement and say that the Buckeyes are at least two touchdowns better than any team on their schedule. There is no excuse for anything less than 12-0 this year. Whether that's good enough to get them to the BCS title game remains to be seen.

10. If Alabama and Nebraska (or Florida and Oklahoma) win out, then Ohio State probably gets edged out of the title game. Because of their conference title games, an undefeated team from the SEC or the Big XII will have one extra win against a quality opponent. An undefeated Ohio State could play an undefeated Oregon in the Rose Bowl ... for nothing but pride. But that's the BCS system....

 

[craigblitz]

"4. I've said many times that Jaamal Berry is the most talented running back on this roster, and he showed some of that talent yesterday. I'd like to see him get some meaningful carries in upcoming games."

What I see with my eyes I agree, but stating the obvious playing RB is more then just carrying the ball. Can Hall and Berry pick up the blitz, do they have fumble issues in practice, are there other issues we don't see everyday at practice.

 

[buckeye78]

A few quick thoughts on the game....

1. Terrelle Pryor is still in the Heisman race. After a spotty showing against a very good Miami defense and two ill-advised picks against a hapless Ohio defense, Pryor did just about everything right yesterday in compiling 348 yards of total offense (104 rushing, 224 passing, 20 receiving) and six total touchdowns (1 rushing, 4 passing, 1 receiving). More importantly, he made at least three highlight reel plays (the 53-yard TD run, the 31-yard TD pass to Sanzo, and the 20-yard TD reception), which is really what the Heisman voters look at when making their decisions.

2. Congrats to Dane Sanzenbacher for tying the Ohio State record for most receiving touchdowns in a game with four. Others who hold that record are Terry Glenn (1995 vs Pitt) and Robert Grimes (1952 vs Washington State).

3. Speaking of Sanzo, he's now your number one guy at wide receiver. He gets open, he catches the ball, and he gets yards after the catch, which the more talented DeVier Posey doesn't do consistently enough.

4. I've said many times that Jaamal Berry is the most talented running back on this roster, and he showed some of that talent yesterday. I'd like to see him get some meaningful carries in upcoming games.

5. In the past, my sole complaint against Jim Tressel's offense was his inability to craft a ball-control passing attack. Well, now we've got one and it's working beautifully - Buckeye quarterbacks were 26 of 33 for 303 yards, 6 touchdowns, and no interceptions. With the passing game working so well, it's funny seeing defenses still selling out to stop Ohio State's running game.

6. In the first three games, the Ohio State defense forced 12 turnovers and gave up a total of 17 points. Yesterday, the D forced just one turnover and gave up 20 points. I realize the EMU quarterback Alex Gillett really threaded the needle on some of his throws (especially the two TD's), but TE Ben Thayer (5 receptions for 75 yards) was wide open on several occasions. I don't mind a "bend but not break" defensive philosophy ... as long as you don't break ... and EMU broke OSU three times. In a 73-20 blow-out it's easy to overlook that fact, but Ohio State will face some very good offenses in the Big Ten, and their defense needs to tighten up just a bit.

7. After the Marshall game, I said that Tressel had suddenly found a mean streak. That streak was even more evident yesterday as he piled 73 points on what could easily be the worst team in FBS. Let's hope that we see more of the new JT against the Big Ten.

8. By the way, when was the last time that Ohio State laid 73 points on an opponent? It was 1950, when they scored 83 against Iowa.

9. In my season preview, I said that Ohio State, on paper, is at least a touchdown better than any team on their schedule. I'd like to revise that statement and say that the Buckeyes are at least two touchdowns better than any team on their schedule. There is no excuse for anything less than 12-0 this year. Whether that's good enough to get them to the BCS title game remains to be seen.

10. If Alabama and Nebraska (or Florida and Oklahoma) win out, then Ohio State probably gets edged out of the title game. Because of their conference title games, an undefeated team from the SEC or the Big XII will have one extra win against a quality opponent. An undefeated Ohio State could play an undefeated Oregon in the Rose Bowl ... for nothing but pride. But that's the BCS system....

Great Post, but I have to disagree with #10. I think we clearly are in the #2 position at this point and I don't see that changing for a couple of reasons.

1. Dominant win over Oregon. I know it was last year. Mostly the same teams, and in watching several of Boise St.'s games, the announcers, including Herbie last night, keep referencing how they have an edge over TCU from last year's bowl game. I think the same still applies for us and Oregon, so I think that lends the "spectre" of an extra quality win, against a top 5 team at that.

2. Looking dominant, as we have, is a new thing in the Tressel Era. I've seen it written several places, but we haven't always done that against the non conference sched. By doing so, I think an undefeated Nebraska, or Oklahoma doesn't leapfrog us, especially given that both have struggled against inferior competition. Granted, both have "dominant" quality wins, but by the end of the season, UW and Locker will be lucky to be a .500 team in this year's PAC10, and Florida St. may not be that great either.

3. As for Alabama, you're absolutely right. A 1 Loss SEC champ gets in over several undefeated teams, possibly conference champs. We absolutely are in pole position for the #2 spot going in.

I, for one, hope Alabama or Florida (either one really) are undefeated. I want us to knock the king off the mountain. I also want there to be no doubt that they are a dominant SEC champ. That way, when we beat them, and beat them soundly, there can be no doubt about OUR DOMINANCE.

Go Bucks!

 

[NFBuck]

3. Speaking of Sanzo, he's now your number one guy at wide receiver. He gets open, he catches the ball, and he gets yards after the catch, which the more talented DeVier Posey doesn't do consistently enough.

Agreed. Sanzo may end up going down as one of the more underrated players in tOSU history. Undersized guy, crazy name and just does everything right. He's gonna be sorely missed next year.

4. I've said many times that Jaamal Berry is the most talented running back on this roster, and he showed some of that talent yesterday. I'd like to see him get some meaningful carries in upcoming games.

Agreed, with Jordan Hall not far behind. I love Boom's tenacity and Saine's homerun ability, but neither is as complete as those two, IMO.

5. In the past, my sole complaint against Jim Tressel's offense was his inability to craft a ball-control passing attack. Well, now we've got one and it's working beautifully - Buckeye quarterbacks were 26 of 33 for 303 yards, 6 touchdowns, and no interceptions. With the passing game working so well, it's funny seeing defenses still selling out to stop Ohio State's running game.

Bill Greene has had a line about JT leading up to and during this season: He has said 2010 is all about JT "unleashing his pimp hand"...looks like he may have been right because this is not the conservative, buttoned up JT we've come to know. He's going for the jugular...might be because this year, "style points" may mean a lot and so far teams like Florida and Oklahoma aren't really racking up many of those.

6. In the first three games, the Ohio State defense forced 12 turnovers and gave up a total of 17 points. Yesterday, the D forced just one turnover and gave up 20 points. I realize the EMU quarterback Alex Gillett really threaded the needle on some of his throws (especially the two TD's), but TE Ben Thayer (5 receptions for 75 yards) was wide open on several occasions. I don't mind a "bend but not break" defensive philosophy ... as long as you don't break ... and EMU broke OSU three times. In a 73-20 blow-out it's easy to overlook that fact, but Ohio State will face some very good offenses in the Big Ten, and their defense needs to tighten up just a bit.

Coming into the year, a lot of us were concerned with safety play. Yesterday justified that. A lot of people last week were saying they weren't concerned with Wiscy, but given how they like to utilize the TE, they should be. Those passes over the middle yesterday will haunt me until the Wiscy game. Needs to be worked on...badly.

7. After the Marshall game, I said that Tressel had suddenly found a mean streak. That streak was even more evident yesterday as he piled 73 points on what could easily be the worst team in FBS. Let's hope that we see more of the new JT against the Big Ten.

Pimp hand.

9. In my season preview, I said that Ohio State, on paper, is at least a touchdown better than any team on their schedule. I'd like to revise that statement and say that the Buckeyes are at least two touchdowns better than any team on their schedule. There is no excuse for anything less than 12-0 this year. Whether that's good enough to get them to the BCS title game remains to be seen.

Agreed.

10. If Alabama and Nebraska (or Florida and Oklahoma) win out, then Ohio State probably gets edged out of the title game. Because of their conference title games, an undefeated team from the SEC or the Big XII will have one extra win against a quality opponent. An undefeated Ohio State could play an undefeated Oregon in the Rose Bowl ... for nothing but pride. But that's the BCS system....

I think Nebraska is really good, but I also think they'll slip up somewhere this season. Can't point to who, just a gut feeling.

 

[Steve19]

...And yeah, Ron English? Probably thought his experience against OSU was going to help?? Nahhhh.

Alternatively, he applied exactly what he learned...

 

[muffler dragon]

I find myself pleased as a Buckeye fan and Eastern alum regarding yesterday's game. Yes, the Buckeyes helped themselves to points by the bucket full. Yet, Eastern created enough things to keep the Buckeyes honest and still learning for the future. Win-win, for me.
I had no idea that Eastern only had 66 scholarship players. :wow: