After seeing how Zwick has progressed from Iowa to Oklahoma State to Miami, I've never felt so comfortable with Zwick at the helm (which says a lot, because I'm probably the biggest critic of Zwick on the board). He played well. His running ability surprised the hell outta me. His percentage completed surprised me even more to the point where I had to rub my eyes and do a double-take (where did THAT come from??). He led his team efficiently and put this game out of reach by early 3rd quarter- and as a Buckeye fan, I could not ask for anything more (because my heart is weak from all of the 1-to-7-point wins the last few years). If he were a member on this board, he'd get greenies all around.
There is something that this kid is STILL missing though, and I'm sure it was in the gameplan, but maybe not to the extent that it ended up being- the short passes. Crucify me if you may, but with Troy Smith at the helm, he not only brings a fast running threat, but he brings the threat of a bomb that the DB's will have to keep in their heads the entire game. Zwick proved to me last year that he could not complete the deep ball ACCURATELY (underthrow/overthrown EVERY time- not kidding), and there were no bombs from him today. What happend 2 throws after Boeckman steps in to relieve JZ? A bomb to Teddy Ginn for a TD, compliments of Boeckman.
Zwick completes the close throws because he's VERY good at completing them, plus he's still not at the point where he can check to a receiver downfield (which he SHOULD be, 4 years into the system). As an example (3rd quarter), Justin was pressured outside the pocket and threw to a close receiver for a 3 yard gain. A replay showed a WIDE OPEN Santonio Holmes calling for the ball 25+ yards downfield inside the 5... the nearest opponent was 10 YARDS from him. When you're scrambling like that, you should also be looking downfield, but obviously, he couldn't get past that dump-off pass.
My opinion is not meant to disrupt the harmony on the board about how JZ played today, because he had a HELL of a game. The kid is a leader and a pretty damn good one at that (it's his best quality). Did you see him smiling there in the 3rd quarter during the game inbetween snaps?? He was having a blast in there.
Zwick will start against Texas. He earned that right tonight. He's shown that he can lead this team, and JT, along with the rest of Ohio (Oxford included), believes in him. Troy will see a lot of meaningful time though, and I feel MUCH more comfortable with TS at the helm of this ship. In the end though, the best player will play, and in my mind, the best player was forced to sit out this game today. Prove me wrong, Justin. Be that sniper that I've been hearing about since you were a junior in high school. Be that leader that you were against Marshall, Okie State, and Miami. Be that best player.
Hell, if even I can believe in you, everyone else on this board surely can.
