Jim Tressel (National Champion, ex-President, Youngstown State University, CFB HOF)

[BUCKYLE]

This is what I said. Were you 100% sure Barclay was going to make that 47 yard FG he missed? That's why I wasn't confident.

Of course I wasn't 100% sure. I was 100% sure that JT thought he could make it, or he wouldn't have set up for it. That's my point. I

The whole point that I'm making here was that the offense was too predictable, and you keep taking my quotes and turning them into something completely different than for what I intended them to be. And with 8 minutes left we shouldn't be doing 90% runs to run out the clock with a one possession lead.

I can only work with what you give me. Relax Numby, I'm just asking questions.

You know damn well what I'm trying to say and you're acting like a little kid about it. Either try to understand what I'm trying to say or stop responding to me.

Maybe you should put me on ignore. Your problem solved. I can respond to whatever I like.

 

[3074326]

Of course I wasn't 100% sure. I was 100% sure that JT thought he could make it, or he wouldn't have set up for it. That's my point.

Let's stop trying to score touchdowns, then.

Hey, I know that's not what you're saying, but you've been doing stuff like this to me for an hour.

I can only work with what you give me. Relax Numby, I'm just asking questions.

You have a perfectly capable brain and you're not using it. That, or you're just using it to try to make people look like an ass, which I'm pretty sure is what you're doing.

Maybe you should put me on ignore. Your problem solved. I can respond to whatever I like.

Make an attempt to have intelligent discussion, then. What you're doing with me is just frustrating.

 

[WaitingforKickoff]

Who's complaining about the stuff in-between?

If it's only one or two drives that fans have a problem with, I don't think people would make this big of a deal about it. Especially considering that we ultimately WON the game.

 

[3074326]

If it's only one or two drives that fans have a problem with, I don't think people would make this big of a deal about it. Especially considering that we ultimately WON the game.

I'm pretty much only referring to the drives after the 10 minute point in the fourth quarter. Those are the ones that almost cost us the game. There were three drives. The second one (final of fourth quarter) had a couple wrinkles, so I can't say much about it. I didn't think the plays were particularly great, but they were different, and that's what I've been preaching. Three drives are a lot in a one possession/tied game.

NFBuck said this in the other thread and it's pretty much a summary of my feelings as well. I love JT, just didn't in the fourth quarter yesterday.

Look, I'm not going to get into the age old playcalling argument. I've always been on the same page as most of you, if it wins, so what? Well, yesterday it was a razor thin margin from costing tOSU a conference title and a long overdue trip to the Rose Bowl. Be honest...how many of you were saying "Um, what the fuck?" when with damn near the game on the line with a 3rd and 8 (or whatever it was), a 4 yard out was called? I'd consider myself among the most understanding and patient of people with this coaching staff and the long standing offensive issues. I guess I just reached a flashpoint with Tresselball because it almost was an enormous mistake. When you have an athlete the calibre of Terrelle Pryor, use him...a little. That's all I'm asking. You have a game on the line, let your thoroughbred make a play. How about a little read option? We have athletes all over the field, we can't come up with anything more creative than those plays? It was just immensely frustrating to watch. Maybe it was JT saving stuff for scUM. If so, shame on me for doubting him. But, it seemed to me the coaches were calling plays hoping to get out of there with a win as opposed to trying to go out and get it.

As for being excited about the Rose Bowl, damn right I am. But, after that game, in that moment, I felt a lot more relief than jubilation. I can assure you, the BW3 I was in with 100 other Buckeye fans had a large majority feeling the same way.

 

[scarletmike]

If it's only one or two drives that fans have a problem with, I don't think people would make this big of a deal about it. Especially considering that we ultimately WON the game.

I think what it comes down to is that what we saw and had a problem with about those specific drives is something that many of us have observed and see as a big problem/weakness in previous games/seasons. We want the team to improve, and working on weaknesses and problems is how you improve.

 

[WaitingforKickoff]

We had a 44 yarder in the bag that would've allowed us to go up by two scores. Could we have tried something to pick up the 3rd and eight, sure, but nine of ten coaches in that situation would've settled for the field goal rather than trying a pass that might take us out of FG position if the QB gets sacked. Remember, 3rd and eight is a pretty obvious passing down and Claybourne was having one heck of a game.

On the last drive, we did give our offense a chance to do something. But anyone who's watched the Navy game or the Purdue game would've told you that it'd be foolish to give the ball to Pryor and let him make something happen with his arm.

 

[jlb1705]

I'm pretty much only referring to the drives after the 10 minute point in the fourth quarter. Those are the ones that almost cost us the game. There were three drives. The second one (final of fourth quarter) had a couple wrinkles, so I can't say much about it. I didn't think the plays were particularly great, but they were different, and that's what I've been preaching. Three drives are a lot in a one possession/tied game.

NFBuck said this in the other thread and it's pretty much a summary of my feelings as well. I love JT, just didn't in the fourth quarter yesterday.

I think there's too much emphasis on those last three drives. Sure, a couple more first downs would've been great. That offense score 14 points in the fourth quarter though. How many points does the offense have to score in the fourth quarter for people to not be upset? The smartass answer to that question would be "one more time" I guess, but I maintain that the offense and the playcaller did their job, and the other units failed them and let Iowa answer the call.

Furthermore, I think picking out those final three drives and excluding the two TD drives that preceded them is no different from saying, "If you excluded their top four rushing plays they only averaged 2.7 YPC." Of course you want every play to be successful, and every drive to be successful, but let's not lose sight of the forest for the trees.

 

[3074326]

I think there's too much emphasis on those last three drives. Sure, a couple more first downs would've been great. That offense score 14 points in the fourth quarter though. How many points does the offense have to score in the fourth quarter for people to not be upset? The smartass answer to that question would be "one more time" I guess, but I maintain that the offense and the playcaller did their job, and the other units failed them and let Iowa answer the call.

Furthermore, I think picking out those final three drives and excluding the two TD drives that preceded them is no different from saying, "If you excluded their top four rushing plays they only averaged 2.7 YPC." Of course you want every play to be successful, and every drive to be successful, but let's not lose sight of the forest for the trees.

I'm not trying to exclude those TD drives to help my side. The problems that I had started after they returned that kickoff. Turns out that was right after our TD drives.

 

[rocketman]

Scout.com: Monday Morning QB - Tressel and Belichick

The criticism of Tressel for his late-game decisions is fair. The vehemence and consistency of that criticism, on the other hand, is quite unfair. The (Twitter-based) experience of seeing scribes and fans going ape about the Belichick decision against Indianapolis only adds to the double standard being applied to Mr. Sweater Vest.

What is it that you want, football fans and commentators of America? Jim Tressel won and Bill Belichick lost, so it's not winning which is at issue here. Conservatism trumped boldness in terms of eventual results (though not necessarily quality or shrewdness of thought process), so the reason for the Tressel-bashing and Belichick-bashing can't be connected to any consistent football philosophy.

 

[NFBuck]

I think there's too much emphasis on those last three drives. Sure, a couple more first downs would've been great. That offense score 14 points in the fourth quarter though. How many points does the offense have to score in the fourth quarter for people to not be upset? The smartass answer to that question would be "one more time" I guess, but I maintain that the offense and the playcaller did their job, and the other units failed them and let Iowa answer the call.

Well, I guess it depends on your viewpoint. I, for one, am not concerned with style points. What I was concerned with was the fact that despite the fact that Iowa had tied up the game, totally took the momentum and was moving the ball effectively, we buttoned up the offense and left Iowa plenty of time (over 1:00 IIRC) to get into FG range and steal the whole thing. Fortunately, Ferentz peed down his leg and elected to go for OT as opposed to just going for the win. Up 14, absolutely, sut it down and trust your defense. Up seven, okay, that's a little more risky, but I can understand the logic. But in a tie game, with Iowa already having a decent amount of success moving the ball, I don't see how you throw a screen pass 8 yards behind the chains on 3rd down. That left Iowa too much time. It was almost a disaster.

If a couple bounces go our way, this is all moot. That damn tipped ball that was nearly picked and a damn KR touchdown. Cripes, I was cringing thinking how all the luck seemed to be with the Hawkeyes.

Furthermore, I think picking out those final three drives and excluding the two TD drives that preceded them is no different from saying, "If you excluded their top four rushing plays they only averaged 2.7 YPC." Of course you want every play to be successful, and every drive to be successful, but let's not lose sight of the forest for the trees.

The difference, to me, was the last couple..actually the last drive, were infinately more important. Time is running down. You basically put the game on the line that last drive. They score, you lose. I'm not asking for "style points" on that last drive, I'm just asking to not give them the ball back with time on the clock and a chance to win. Just try to get that first down. Two runs up the gut and a screen pass behind the LOS on 3rd and (I believe) 5 is not trying to get the first down. Earlier in the game, that's understandable (to me). With the game on the line, it's not.

 

[Buckskin86]

Tressel's legacy defined by Michigan week
November, 16, 2009
By Adam Rittenberg

Jim Tressel may go on to win another national championship at Ohio State.

He'll likely win more BCS bowl games and more Big Ten titles. When he's finished coaching, he might enter politics or open his own sweater vest manufacturing company.

AP Photo/Jay LaPrete
Ohio State coach Jim Tressel is going for his sixth straight win against rival Michigan.

But when we look back on Tressel's place in college football history, he will always be remembered for this week. Michigan week.

No one does it better.

Head coaches of national powerhouses are judged primarily on their ability to win games in early January, and Tressel is no exception. But their records against archrivals aren't taken lightly, either. Tennessee's Phil Fulmer got the axe last year largely because of his struggles against rivals Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Florida's Urban Meyer wins national titles, but he also pleases fans by beating rivals Georgia, Tennessee, Miami and Florida State.

You can knock Tressel for his three-game losing streak in BCS bowls, his consecutive double-digit losses in the national title game, his management of quarterback Terrelle Pryor or his conservative play-calling. On those topics, swing away.

But when it comes to the Ohio State-Michigan game, Tressel is king. He boasts a 7-1 mark against Michigan, including wins in each of the last five games. He has beaten Michigan when Ohio State is the better team (2008, 2007, 2005, 2002) and even when Michigan might be the superior squad (2001, 2004). He beat Michigan in the most hyped regular-season game in recent years, the No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup in 2006 at Ohio Stadium.

Tressel is one of the reasons Lloyd Carr no longer coaches the Wolverines. Carr went 1-6 against The Vest. In Rich Rodriguez's first game against Tressel, Ohio State spanked Michigan 42-7.

And it's not just the record. Tressel plays up this rivalry the right way. He makes it a big deal without inciting the opponent. He doesn't need unique circumstances -- like Justin Boren's transfer from Michigan or Pryor's flirtation with Rodriguez -- to get his players motivated.

"It's an exciting week," Tressel said last year at the start of Michigan week. "Our guys can feel the excitement on the campus and in the community. It's the reason many of them chose to go to Ohio State or to go to Michigan was so they could be a part of this game for four or five years and it's just a little bit different feeling. It's a hard one to explain unless you've been there."

Tressel's legacy defined by Michigan week - Big Ten Blog - ESPN

 

[Cinfali]

Scout.com: Monday Morning QB - Tressel and Belichick

From that article "Jim Tressel seems to absorb the
sharpest pointed arrows from the college football cognoscenti".

When you think about it, it is absolutely true and it is not just this week. No other coach, Charlie Weis or Rich Rodriguez or whoever you can think of, gets a fraction of the criticism our coach gets.

Here is a great man, solid, staunch; an impeccable man almost. And that provokes the journalists I guess. They would love to make him lose his cool. Anyway, I bet coach does not care about it that much, but when he hears the boos from some Buckeye fans, it should hurt.

So, here is a Buckeye fan that appreciates you coach. Not just for what you have accomplished on the field, but also for the way you handle yourself off the field. This university could not ask for a better face than yours. And to all the haters, as the coach said, see you in Pasadena!

 

[coolriverjohn]

Jim Tressel is in a class all by himself. Sometimes we dont agree with his methods or tactics but the man gets the job done plain and simple. His record speaks for itself. I think all the critics out are envious of the man. So I say to them, please keep bashing him. It means we are doing good. lol....I need to get a sweater vest for the Michigan game. Go Buckeyes!

 

[CentralMOBuck]

Here's a good article(basically just stats) from Rittenberg on ESPN about the Big Ten coaches vs their rivals. JT is far ahead of the curve compared to most of the others.
Big Ten coaches in Big Ten rivalries - Big Ten Blog - ESPN

JOE PATERNO, PENN STATE (44th season, 17th in Big Ten)

vs. Ohio State: 8-13 all-time, 6-11 after joining Big Ten
vs. Michigan: 5-10 all-time and after joining Big Ten
vs. Michigan State: 12-5 all-time, 12-4 after joining Big Ten

RICH RODRIGUEZ, MICHIGAN (second season)

vs. Ohio State: 0-1
vs. Michigan State: 0-2
vs. Penn State: 0-2
vs. Minnesota: 1-0


JIM TRESSEL, OHIO STATE (ninth season)


vs. Michigan: 7-1
vs. Penn State: 6-3
vs. Illinois: 5-2

 

[Buckskin86]

A predictable record of success, thanks to a predictable man
By Mike Beacom
Published: November 18th, 2009
Athlon Sports Contributor

Few who have covered Big Ten football can say they haven?t been guilty of ribbing Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel for his conservative ways. Following the team?s September 12 loss to USC, I challenged Tressel for not staying on the attack in the second half.

Some groups, in and outside of Columbus, have gone beyond criticism, suggesting the coach?s methods have cost Ohio State national title opportunities in recent years and have called for his dismissal.

Three things can be said about Tressel:

? He?s predictable
? He?s conservative
? He wins

Thanks to last week?s win over Iowa, Tressel?s Buckeyes have now won a share of the Big Ten title in each of the past five seasons. For Tressel, it was the sixth time in nine seasons his team has finished on top ? something only two other Big Ten coaches can claim. And if Tressel wins another Big Ten title in 2010, he?ll become only the second coach to have the distinction of winning six straight (the other guy was Ohio State legend Woody Hayes).

Saturday?s win over Iowa made it likely that the Buckeyes will finish among the top 10 in the country, so long as they take care of Michigan this Saturday. The Big Ten is down, sure, but the only thing keeping it respectable on a national scale is what that conservative coach is doing in Columbus.

So what?s all the fuss?

Conservative football is boring, but do fans really care about excitement, or do they care about wins? Does anyone really believe there is a more qualified coach to take the reins in Columbus? Doubtful. Without Tressel, the Buckeyes may have won a tight game or two that they lost, but it?s unlikely this program would have reached the level of success it has over the past decade.

Don?t forget that before Tressel, Buckeye fans suffered through the mediocrity of Earle Bruce and John Cooper. Only one Ohio State coach (Carroll Widdoes) has maintained a better winning percentage at the school, and he coached for just two seasons (1944-45). Boring or not, any search committee would drool at the thought of bringing such a reputation to its school.

No matter what happens in Ann Arbor, or in the Rose Bowl, Jim Tressel will never please everybody. He doesn?t hope to. And because of this some fans will remain unhappy next season, and the season after that, and the season after that.

It?s the fans? right to criticize Tressel, and to call him conservative. They can call him whatever they like ? just so long as they call Jim Tressel a winner above all else.

CFB: Week 11 Big Ten Notebook - AthlonSports.com