Buckeyes rely on Pryor
OSU quarterback must step up game as team regroups from loss of players
By Rusty Miller
Associated Press
Published on Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009
COLUMBUS: Ohio State being the preseason pick to win the Big Ten for the fifth year in a row might not have much to do with anyone currently on the roster.
''The reason why we're No. 1 is because of A.J. Hawk, Troy Smith, James Laurinaitis ? guys who set that foundation and made sure Ohio State is as prominent as it is for the last few years,'' defensive lineman Doug Worthington said, referring to stalwarts during the four-year run of titles.
Sure, the Buckeyes have talent. Everyone compares quarterback Terrelle Pryor to a young Vince Young and most of the lines and several other key figures are also back in the fold.
But this is a different group in scarlet and gray from the one that went 10-3 last year and won seven of eight Big Ten games. Gone are 28 members of the senior class, not to mention three juniors who jumped to the pros ahead of time. There are numerous unproven and maybe unknown starters.
''This is something that we've got to keep it going and keep our legacy going,'' Worthington said.
No wonder coach Jim Tressel is more than a little concerned about the Sept. 12 clash at Ohio Stadium with Southern California, a team that trashed the Buckeyes 35-3 last year in Los Angeles.
''We most certainly have to mature quickly because our September is an extraordinary one,'' said Tressel, 83-19 through eight seasons with the Buckeyes.
The season might rest largely on the shoulders of Pryor, rated the top quarterback recruit in the nation a year ago. He started nine games (not counting the Fiesta Bowl loss to Texas, where he came out for the first play at wide receiver), winning eight.
True to form, Pryor showed some jaw-dropping speed and moves in the open field while rushing for 631 yards and six touchdowns. Linemen caught air as much as they caught him. But he also showed a nagging inconsistency to complete passes beyond 10 or 15 yards, even though he completed 61 percent of his passes for 12 touchdowns with only four interceptions.
He lashed out at reporters after the intrasquad scrimmage in the spring.
''I just hear the media in Ohio, or whoever, saying that I couldn't throw the ball as good,'' he said. ''But you saw it today. The world saw it today. I can throw the ball. I'm a quarterback that can run. That's how we're doing it.''