Game Thread Navy 27, at tOSU 31 (Sep 5th, ESPN)

[NFBuck]

This well sums up my feelings.

BUT, it wasn't buttoned up play calling that caused our problems. The OL doesn't perform poorly due to that, nor the missed (well nearly missed) assignments on defense.

I really hope to see a different team next week.

Agreed. For a number of years, the OL issues could *probably* be pinned on talent, or relative lack thereof. That doesn't hold water anymore IMO. There have been a number of blue chip players brought in with the past couple hauls. Sure, you still have "lower ranked" guys like Browning and Cordle seeing lots of time...not to mention Miller. But, the talent is here now. You HAVE GOT to coach those guys up.

I still think cowering behind the couch after one game is miopic, but I would have liked to see more from these guys. All offseason, most of us were pretty confident the talent would finally start to shine through. Well, Big mike is having his issues, we have a converted TE at LT (no knock on him, I thought he did fairly well) and the runblocking was pretty subpar to be kind. Not being able to get 1 yard against an undersized DL like Navy's is just not good.

We'll see where things go from here, next week will be a litmus test to see where this team really is. USC is gonna come fast and hard. If the OL plays like they did today, it'll be a long night. Like I said, I expected some ups and downs this year. I think we do lose 3 games right now, I'm just not positive where and to whom. PSU scares me, USC terrifies me, scUM looks improved (granted it was against a baaaad WMU defense). I'm calling 10-3 with a Bowl win right now. But, like I said this summer, the talent is here to put together a big year. If some of these issues correct themselves, this team could be special. I just think the holes that are there combined with the youth and inexperience causes a couple slip ups somewhere.

I look at this season as a stepping stone to a special 2010. One thing is for certain, if the OL doesn't improve, some changes need to be made though. It's been a weakness for too long.

 

[kinch]

But we have had decent talent. It was another post on this board. . . I forget where. . . that detailed how many more draftees we've had in the Bollman era vs. when Cooper was head coach.

Oh well. I still have hopes for next week. :)

Edit: (Actually I think it was a Dispatch story.)

 

[BuckeyeNation36]

I was stunned when up 29-14, Tressel decided to go for it. Going up by 3 scores with an easy FG is an automatic decision. I don't care how many people are chanting " go for it ". That would have closed the game out and avoided all that unnecessary drama.

Confidence building should never cloud such a crucial decison. That was one huge mulligan he dodged.

 

[Buckeyefrankmp]

I think Boom is a very good back, and will be a great player over the next couple of years, but I wouldnt call him special. Special is Clarrett, Wells, and George.

I disagree with Duane's assessment because I saw a lot of potential out of Boom today by breaking some big plays, pounding the inside, and playing hard. I'll admit I was more impressed with Saine today (which shocked me), but Boom looked good.

I just wouldnt go as far as saying he will be special. A special player is someone we could completely rely on in the big game. I think a combination of Pryor/Boom is deadly, but if it was just Boom then I dont see him carrying this team on his shoulders.

I agree with your comments on Boom. A good back, but not great. He needs a great O-Line in front of him to make him look good and we do not have that yet. It will be interesting to compare the USC running backs and their running style to our running backs.

 

[cincibuck]

I'm watching next week's game from under the covers, ready to scream, "Mommy!"

 

[NFBuck]

Posted this in the USC thread. Think it fits here as well:



I'm not ready to concede defeat like so many tOSU fans are after today. Can't say I blame the casual fan after today and last years massacre, but it's not so superficial.

The Bucks were one mind boggling play call from breezing into next week. Yes, there are still issues along the OL, but I think a less buttoned up offense is let go next week and TP is given his opportunity to shine. Predictable playcalling can make an OL look worse than it really is. A good gameplan can neutralize that. The running game wasn't great, but Boom was serviceable and I was really impressed with Saine. I think the WR and TE's played good games. So there were some goods, quite a few actually, in there.

Barkley is still coming into a very hostile environment in just his second college game. Yeah, he looked good...but against San Jose State. He should look good against San Jose State. I am nervous about the defensive backfield though. While I think Coleman is one of the best safeties in the country and maybe the best football player on the Bucks, the corners are still unproven and Russell is a liability just waiting to be exploited. I really, really, really hope Hines is on the field more. He's a major upgrade over Russell. I hate to make the kid out to be the whipping boy, but lets face facts...he's just not a very good safety in coverage. I'm gonna see him chasing USC recievers from behind in my nightmares. I think the DL and LBers held their own. The CB's looked good for what they had to work with.

On offense, I want to see a lot of play action and rollouts. If the line can't get any push, we're in trouble, but I think TP taking over a game could still salvage it. He looked very sharp except for a couple of passes and I really liked what I saw from him on the move. Get the TE's involved. Ballard AND Stoney. A short-intermediate passing game could open up some running lanes for Boom and Zoom if the line isn't doing that well.

Right now, I'm not nearly as confident as I was 24 hours ago, but more confident than last year. JT and the staff and the players know how big a game this is and they'll show up ready to play...at least I hope so. If I had to lay real money on this game right now, I'm putting it on USC, but, I have hope that they can prove me wrong.

 

[localyokel]

Yeah, saw them on mothers day at the franklin park conservatory. She looked much better today.

I certainly hope she is better. It was very disheartening to see her in the chair, since I did not know she had become ill again.

She, Chris and their family have handled this with such class--they must be an inspiration to so many people. I wish them well.

 

[BigBuckeye]

I don't mind going for it on 4th and 2 nearly as much as the play call. Go 5 wide and let TP decide whether to throw or run for the 2 yards...

I don't like JT's play calling out of the "I".......too predictable.

 

[LordJeffBuck]

Just a few post-game thoughts....

1. A win is a win is a win.... Go ask Soonerfan right now if they'd rather have a four-point win or a one-point loss, and see what kind of response you get.

2. Tresselball is designed to put pressure on the opposition so that they "crack" and make bad plays in the clutch. The problem is, you're never going to play a smarter, more disciplined bunch of kids than Navy, so the odds of them folding under pressure are virtually nil. And during the fourth quarter, Ohio State was the team that began to fold, at least until Brian Rolle's interception....

3. Speaking of Rolle's interception, that play has to be one of the most exciting in recent Buckeye history. Yeah, I know, the game should never have come down to that, but how often to you see a guy go coast-to-coast with a pick-six (or pick-two) to seal a victory? Like never. And Rolle displayed some impressive jets along the way....

4. But Rolle also showed some smarts. In his post-game interview, he admitted that he had seen that formation on film several times, that he knew what play Navy would be running, and that he positioned himself in the throwing lane even though he had the option to blitz under the defense that had been called. So, Rolle was in the right place at the right time because he used his head, and in that situation, no amount of size, strength, or speed could compensate for simple preparation. While football is a very physical game, sometimes it is mastering the mental aspect that takes players to the next level.

5. As mentioned by others in previous posts, Herron and Saine are both solid, functional backs, but don't expect them to make their own plays like the great ones do. We've been pretty spoiled having Chris Wells in the backfield for the past two seasons, and neither Boom nor Zoom will be the next Beanie. If one of them can be the next Antonio Pittman, then I'll be okay with that.

6. The defense had a tough day, partly due to Navy's schemes. But giving up a 15-play, 99-yard touchdown drive isn't just about the other guy's schemes. There are still a few starters on D who don't have the superior athleticism necessary to play at a championship level. A team can hide one or two guys like that - especially if they make up for their relative lack of athleticism with attitude, leadership, hard work, etc. - but when there are three or more guys who have difficulty making plays, then the opposing offense will be able to identify, target, and exploit those holes in the defense because there simply isn't enough "help" to go around. And while being mentally tough and prepared can accentuate a player's athleticism (see Brian Rolle), it cannot make up for lack of athleticism, at least not at the "elite" level of college football. In recent years, the Buckeye staff has made a very conscious effort to recruit players with more speed and athleticism, especially on defense, and you might see some of those players getting more playing time as the season progresses.

7. The offensive line needs to get better. They looked pretty good in pass protection, and fair in the running game. "Pretty good" and "fair" isn't going to cut it against USC.

8. Oh, by the way, Terrelle Pryor looked very good. Two or three drops didn't help his stats, and his one mistake (the interception) made the game interesting, but you could definitely see the strides that he has made since last season. Should be Ohio State's eighth Heisman some day.

9. Duron Carter is the next great one at Ohio State, maybe as soon as this season. This offense really needs a "go to" guy, and Carter might just fit that bill.

10. Yesterday's performance doesn't give me any confidence heading into the USC game ... but I didn't have any confidence anyway. This team is still a year away, and it will show next Saturday: Southern Cal 38, Ohio State 23.

 

[Taosman]

This is a young team and no matter how much you tell them: Navy will keep playing hard! They don't get it. Lessen learned, we hope.
Next week we'll grow a lot! :tongue2:

 

[BrutusMaximus]

Navy is so disciplined and can hit you in the mouth over and over. I expected them to play a real tough game and never go away. The only thing that frustrates me is, this game absolutely could have been a blowout. I know how Tress is, and I know that isnt how he Rolles (lol). But it does go beyond the point of sportmanship, into complete stubborness (is that a word?) On that 4th down........if pryor keeps, he scores untouched. You cant tell me that Tress isnt a smart enough man, and good enough coach to recognize that. I am not sure if its trying to show that our balls are bigger than Navy's or what. I always tell my dad: On 4th and 1, 3rd and 1, etc.....if I was a coach, there would never be a dive play in my playbook. Now JT isnt alone as far as this stubborness goes, I see it from, well........the Big 10 in general. And that is why every Big 10 game I watched yesterday, my thoughts were "Wow, does this conference suck." Might be harsh, but it just is. I could pick out about 20 other plays yesterday to attempt to prove my point, but I dont expect to prove my point to most of you. In fact, I am not even trying, just voicing an opinion

 

[Onebuckfan]

I was dissappinted with the Ol and The DL. The Ol still lacks depth..players on any team will improve when there is competion. The only comp. for the line is at lt. If you know you will be starting no matter how you perform I think it hurts your preparation and intensity. I was hoping the Block O and Hall and Mewhort, and Boren would help raise the talent level and on field performance. Coleman is a hell of a player and led by example, but also at safety Russel keeps playing inthe game because the depth isn't there. Defensively playing 5 dbs against Navy is that because no confidence in the LBs other than Homan and Rolle. Finally, excuse making after the game ..cut block, option. I hate excuses!! Bottom line we won!! Get prepared for next week..if Usc is better fine..but lets play like a team ..keep the mental mistakes to aminimum.

 

[Buckeye Maniac]

1. Jenkins
2. Coleman



Back to back.

:2004:

 

[Jaxbuck]

correct me if im wrong but isn't the only olineman playing the same position they played laster year brewster?

I know what you are saying but I still can't get past the idea of this being Ohio State, the talent level of athlete we are supposed to have and the coaching they are supposed to be getting.

I just don't see how they can't get a yard when they need it against a team like Navy. Unless of course there is a breakdown somewhere in that talent+coaching=production formula.

on the long td... free safety or no, when you undercut a route like that with no help over the top your going balls deep. you either make the play or you give up 6. he didn't commit to the ball or the receiver. coleman did something similar only he committed to the ball and he had deep help if the pass was completed.

the td in the 3rd. he actually had pretty decent coverage on that one. it was a solid route and an excellent throw. ts & gonzo mopped up many a safety with variations of that route.

he does struggle with pass coverage, but he wouldn't be the first safety thats for sure. i don't think he had that bad of a game. its just his mistakes were a little more costly then anyone elses.

I understand why it happened but the fact remains that was Navy who could spread us out, isolate Russel and get that kind of result. USC has to be excited about their chances to exploit the same matchups with 10x the talent at their disposal.

 

[kinch]

I know how Tress is, and I know that isnt how he Rolles.

GPA.