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OBSERVATIONS FROM C DECK - MIAMI

Oh8ch

Cognoscente of Omphaloskepsis
Staff member
1. SECONDARY

I have been wondering when one of the young guns was going to step up and make himself known in the secondary, and today he did. Barnett is the real deal. He can pop and he can cover. Hopefully we will see more of the same.

But you gotta give props to the whole crew.

33-17 in the 3rd and Miami has a first down at the OSU 17. Harris throws three consecutive passes that were on target and any of which could have gone for a TD. The first is knocked loose by Barnett. The second is tipped away by Torrence. The third jarred loose by Hines. Instead of watching the lead shrink to 8 or 9 points OSU blocks a FG and 6 plays later kicks one of their own to go up three possessions.

Forget the four picks - that was as good as defense gets.

2. ATMOSPHERE

Not the best crowd in Shoe history - but it will do. (Benjamin stated that on the Chekwa intercept he could not here changes to the call.)

I do, however, need to reference the crowd reaction to the aforementioned field goal. With fourth and four on the Miami seven a considerable portion of the crowd around me were hollering for JT to go for it. A field goal puts you up three possessions at the end of the third quarter and these clowns want to run something risky. OSU fans are loyal and rabid, but sometimes of questionable judgment. This is why fans in general need to keep their opinions to themselves and should never, ever questions coaches play calling or personnel decisions.


3. CROWDED BACKFIELD

What a conundrum. Everyone agrees that we have too many talented running backs to keep everyone happy. And yet if it weren't for our bizarre special teams play the running game is arguably the weak link on this team. There are flashes but no consistency. Back when I was walking two miles uphill in the snow to school every day if OSU had a first down inside the 10 my first grade teacher coulld have called the plays. Up the get. Upt the gut. Up the gut. Kick the extra point.

Yet there we were with a first and goal on the 6 in a 20-17 game and we throw two passes and run a QB draw. Where is the confidence in the running game?

It is silly to call for new names at the position without understanding the problem in its entirety. And certainly the running game begins and ends with the OL. But if I am Berry or Hall sitting on the sidelines I have to be asking myself why.

And the more I see of Berry - he looks like s a game changer.

So listen up JT. Get him on the field. I don't care what he looks like in practice. I don't care how well he catches the ball out of the backfield, how often he misses assignments or if he frequently puts the ball on the ground. You are busy on Saturday's and can't follow everything. I on the other hand am way up in C-Deck and can see really well. And Berry is good. Play him. Now.

You may think you are hot stuff but remember this. The last three OSU coaches all ended up in the college football HOF - yet we fired every one of them. We buy the sweatshirts, rent the seat cushions, pay for the "Game Day Radios" and chow down on nachos. We pay your salary coach. And we want Berry.


4. HEYWARD

I have nothing to say that hasn't been said. I just can't make this post without a heading labeled "Heyward".


5. THE WIND

The wind was more of a factor in the first half than you might have guessed from TV. Not a gale, but enough to influence play calling. I believe it was the reason TP did not throw down-field in the first quarter and it was certainly a factor in the poor punt to end that quarter. I was watching the clock during that entire last series and telling my son we needed to change ends before having to kick. We came up 10 seconds short and kicked a 32 yard punt that led to a Miami field goal.

And once we did change ends? Our first two plays were down-field passes that netted a TD. (Shortly thereafter we got the first of the rain and the wind died down.)

Little things.


6. TERRY PORTER MAKE UP CALL

Speaking of that field goal ....

There has never been a need for a make up on the Porter call because it was spot on. But Saturday I saw perhaps the worst missed holding call I have ever seen. Forget what you saw on TV it was even more obvious in person. The only people on that side of the field were Harris, Heyward, and the OL holding on while Heyward drug him for a full 4 steps,. There was nothing else for an official on that side of the field to be watching.


7. NOT SO SPECIAL TEAMS

Do they call these guys special teams because they show up for practice on the short bus? Again a conundrum. I was reading the backs of the jerseys when our kick coverage team took the field for the first time against Marshall and thinking - "Wow. This is a who's who of talented recruits. These guys should be good."

And they should.

Poor kick coverage kept the Rose Bowl close as Oregon returned kicks for 199 yards. Lowly Marshall had 175 yards in kick returns. Miami 204.

Don't make me come down there JT. This is a coaching issue.


8. QUARTERBACK CONTROVERSY

I was somewhat gratified to read a recent article where Moeller referred to Pryor as a "punk" when he first joined the team because I have shared that opinion. But I also agree with Moeller that he has grown past that - a growth that often does not occur among our pampered prima-donnas. Kudos to Pryor for that.

And I cringe every time he drops that shoulder. Miami. That was a critical win and those extra half yards were often difference makers. But here's hoping TP can show us a little of the Jacory Harris coward's slide until round about the middle of October. I would love to see a healthy QB taking us through November.

And I don't care how many passes he missed on Saturday (it did look like a step backwards). And yes, he still forces passes into coverage. But his ability to stand in the pocket and shed tacklers is a marvel. Without him we are not #2 and making a NC run.

If you want to watch an intelligent football program try "Behind the Schemes" on BTN. This week they broke down with X's and O's what Miami needed to do to contain Pryor. And Miami couldn't do it. They had the athletes to shut down our TBs. They could cover our receivers. But they could not contain Pryor no matter how critical the play was or how many times he had burnt them.

And he is only two games in to his Junior season.


9. RIDDLE ME THIS

If there are no vineyards in Somalia how come they know so much about wine?


10. MISSING PERSON REPORT

I saw Orlando Pace on the field at one point - but I never saw the "next" Orlando Pace.

Too bad Seantrel (no longer on the two deep BTW) never gets to play in the Shoe.


11. ELSEWHERE

Much has been made lately of the inflated prospects of Boise St relative to poll rankings and NC game potential. But let's spread the abuse.

If not for a total collapse by Marshall Rutgers - with wins over Norfolk St and FIU - would be the only undefeated team in the Big East.

And as for the home conference of the Hurricanes - the ACC came into the weekend with no fewer than four teams in the top 20. Those four teams have lost a total of five games in two weeks.


12. IS THE PARTY OVER?

When I look back at the "golden years" of OSU football for me the past 8 will certainly be at the top. Not just because of OSU's success, but also because I could count on looking forward to an afternoon of watching ND and UM struggle.

Despite Saturday's loss ND finally has it right with Kelly. And while UM has yet to prove they are for real they will not see the reversal we saw last season. Sure, they are one play from disaster at QB and the D has yet to be challenged by a talented O with an experienced QB. But I think the days of 3-0 Saturdays (OSU -W, ND-L and UM-L) are probably numbered.

Heavy sigh.


13. A SALUTE TO THE MIAMI FANS

It is appropriate at this point to congratulate our opponents and their fans. Well...

There are some who like the that kind of brash swagger some exhibit. It is cool. It is edgy. Not me.

I find it rude and offensive. I find Miami fans to be loud obnoxious boors who can't back up what the say and are no where to be found when the dust has settled.

They were the same in Tempe. Loud in the pregame - gone for the post game.

I heard several times outside the stadium on Saturday that "It's All About the U."

Indeed it is - lUsers.

In Columbus we have a tradition that you might want to try. We party before the game - and celebrate after.

And when you come into my house and disrespect my Alma Mater - well [censored] you.

[censored] you and your little pumpkin outfits. [censored] you and the daughter of a whore who gave birth to your sorry, loud mouthed, bloviating pie holes.

And before I forget. [censored] you. [censored] your swaggering limp dicks. [censored] your night clubs and your topless beaches. [censored] your little Donald Duck's bastard child mascot. [censored] Don Johnson.. And Double [censored] Lebron James.

[censored] your "Robbery in the Desert" tee shirts Want a good tee shirt? Get one for your kids that says "My Parents went to Columbus - and all they got was Intercepted."

And even though I don't expect a football coach to have a PHD in English Lit, when he gets his pocket picked three times in the red zone I don't expect him to say "We didn't get no points" in those three trips. So [censored] him too.

And don't kid yourselves. Every sentence muttered by a Miami fan on the way out of the stadium included the words "four interceptions" and ended with a reference to "next year". Bull.

This wasn't about next year. This was about your need to compensate tiny little penises and your inability to get over a legitimate loss in Tempe. You came to this game because you were going to kick our butts and try to claim that NC. Four interceptions my ass. You had 14 easy points on kick returns that were as much a "gift" as any or all of those picks. And this didn't end in double OT. Yes, we settled for some FGs - but we scored on EIGHT possessions. And in the end you were down 12 with OSU taking a knee inside the five.

And by the way - taking a knee is mild-mannered Jim Tressel's way of saying "[censored] you".

Go home and get back to what you are best at - Medicare fraud. Go back to shoving Terry Porter bobblehead dolls up your sorry gay asses. Go back to your drugs and your prostitutes and your traffic jams. Just get the hell out of Columbus. And hurry or you'll miss your bandwagon.

So here is your salute Miami:

images




Oh - and I didn't really mean that thing about the topless beaches. I've been to Miami and those are pretty cool.

I'll probably go back. Anything to escape these Midwest winters.


14. BY WAY OF FULL DISCLOSURE

I admit to making a lot of [censored] up when I post, but the following is pure fact.

We all owe this site and the enjoyment it provides to a fine gentleman by the name of Will Bryant - aka Clarity. Will has had more challenges than many of us could ever imagine. Fund raisers are held periodically to keep both the site and Will up and running as best as possible. For anyone who can find the extra cash there are few ways it could be better spent.

But the truth is that we live in a time of political turmoil and dissent. Much of that is directed at illegal immigrants. Thus it is only fair that the following be disclosed:

Clarity - Will Bryant - is in fact named for one of his ancestors - poet and journalist William Cullen Bryant.

If you do some research you will learn that the Bryant family entered this country illegally and without papers.

Further research will disclose that they did so on October 29th ............................1630.

I [censored] you not.

So let's make October 29th "Take Back America Day". I call on every one reading this thread to set aside a small amount each day for the next six weeks or so. Whatever change is in your pocket. A dollar a day. Whatever works.

And on October 29th send it all in at once and lets just flood this site with contributions.

Let's send Will enough money so he can go back to England where he belongs!!
 
I thought that herron looked pretty damn good and consistant running the ball against a pretty decent defense. I would like to see Berry, but don't take carries away from boom. He was solid in a big game. I think we could use Saine out wide more. Maybe have boom and zoom on the field at the same time. And both borens are BEASTS, I'm very happy they are Buckeyes. But I don't mind using the qb in the running game to get 100 yards.
 
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I met several Miami fans during the course of the day. As I'm there longer than anyone for every game, I see more of them. I only met a select few who were still indignant on the way out. I talked to one guy and we were able to negotiate true common ground: A deep seated dislike of Tebow and the media obsession with him.

One guy asked if Pryor was leaning towards leaving. I told him Pryor said he'd be here next year at last week's post game presser. He words were, and I shit you not, "Damn, we gonna lose next year too."

As Miami fans learned this weekend, ITS ALL ABOUT THE 'SHOE!!
 
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JXC;1769629; said:
I thought that herron looked pretty damn good and consistant running the ball against a pretty decent defense. I would like to see Berry, but don't take carries away from boom. He was solid in a big game. I think we could use Saine out wide more. Maybe have boom and zoom on the field at the same time. And both borens are BEASTS, I'm very happy they are Buckeyes. But I don't mind using the qb in the running game to get 100 yards.
Saine looked like a world beater last week. This week Miami wouldn't let him get free running the ball (avg less than a yard per carry), though he had a few catches including one for a beautiful TD.

Herron was an afterthought against Marshall, but turned in a really solid performance against Miami. Almost night and day between the two games for him on the ground. Showed some patience, followed his blocks, and knew JUST when to cut it upfield for a big gain.

Would LOVE to see the coaches gameplan using specific runners for certain teams. Slow D? Throw Berry and/or Hall in there with Herron. Can't tackle? Start Saine and add a healthy dose of Hyde. Short yardage passing? Three-headed monster of Saine, Hall, & Zach Boren. In need of a change-up? Mix your thunder with your lightning.

Would also love to see the "shot-ginn" formation make a come back, because between Pryor, Saine, Hall, Berry, and Philly Brown, we have the playmakers to REALLY make that formation dangerous again.
 
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For all of TP's misses, it was all made up by that beauty where he put the ball just over the WR's twisted, outer shoulder giving only HIM any shot of catching the ball. It was either incomplete or TD. It was NFL quality and a glimpse of all that we know is lurking and waiting to break out.
 
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JXC;1769629; said:
I thought that herron looked pretty damn good and consistant running the ball against a pretty decent defense. I would like to see Berry, but don't take carries away from boom. He was solid in a big game. I think we could use Saine out wide more. Maybe have boom and zoom on the field at the same time. And both borens are BEASTS, I'm very happy they are Buckeyes. But I don't mind using the qb in the running game to get 100 yards.

In my opinion, one of the reasons Saine is so productive as a receiver is that he is lined up as a tailback and sprints out into his pattern. If you lined him up wide, he would be subject to the same zone coverage that our WRs get now.

The beauty of his routes today is that he is covered 1-on-1 by a Safety and there are very few if any safeties that can run with Saine. Evidence: on Saturday the Miami S was in an all-out sprint for 20 yards to catch up to Saine but couldn't close on him and Pryor laid a perfect pass in there.

I do think you could motion him out to the left and drag him across like a tight end and be effective.
 
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Boom had a very good game Saturday. He has gotten better and better.
Saine is what he is. A decent back with speed and great hands but lacking in instincts.
Berry is special.
Hall is special. Maybe not as "special" as Berry, though.
Berry and Hall on kick returns will be deadly this year. (150yds Saturday)
Hyde will be "special" eventually. :biggrin:
 
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SloopyHangOn;1769731; said:
I don't like you, but I like what you said.

I can't be the only one drooling over the prospect of Berry and Hall returning kicks for the next 3 years.

I don't think we're going to be seeing Berry and Hall back returning kicks for 3 years. I think they will be starting tailbacks before then and hence not so involved in the kicking game.
 
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To me the most impressive thing in the game was Ohio State's ability to hold on to the ball on their last drive. They got the ball with 7:31 on the clock on their own 39 yard line and ran off 14 plays (made 4 more first downs). The play calling was fairly conservative but they "ground" it out. Terelle Pryor just took over rushing for 3 of th 4 first downs on 3rd or 4th down. Miami never got the ball back. Needless to say it is a lot harder to score when you don't have the ball than when you do.

I can remember games past (late in the 4th quarter) where it was 1 - 2 - 3 kick; and "let's hope the defense holds" which they usually did.

:osu:
 
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