Ken
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Second Thoughts: OSU-Hawai’i
Ken via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
The defending National Champions are off to a 2-0 start in their title defense, with their latest win a 38-0 win over the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors. You’ve hopefully read Eric’s and listened to Joe’s & Patrick’s recaps. You’ve read some of Urban’s thoughts on the game. And, for those of you who couldn’t make it to the game, there’s this. I have a bit more flavor to add.
Before I get started on my comments regarding the Ohio State team, I want to tip my hat to Norm Chow’s University of Hawai’i team. Overall, they may not match up athletically to the Buckeyes, but for the first three quarters you wouldn’t know it. Although over matched when on offense, they played a spirited defense throughout the game. I was impressed with their effort.
Here’s what I saw…
Offense:
Quarterback:
I can see why Urban is splitting playing time between Cardale and J.T. this season. Frankly, neither one has looked good enough, for sustained stretches to be “the starter”. As Urban mentioned in his post-game presser, he has to evaluate the QB performance and how he, as head coach, manages this situation.
In the post-game podcast recap, Patrick invoked the “if you have two quarterbacks, you have none” approach. I think he’s right, but I think there is a different twist to this. Because of what are the different skill sets between Cardale and J,T., it’s not so much you “have none”, but you have two difference offenses on the field. These are significant to the team mates in what is required of them, particularly when each QB is on the field for multiple series.
My advice: pick one (I don’t care which one) and stick with him. An in-game QB rotation doesn’t work.
Offensive Line:
I’m not sure what to make of this group. This may be a matter of “expectations”, because with four returning starters, I’ve expected a lot better performance. The 3.7 YPA against Hawai’i and the sometimes iffy pass protection were substandard. I’ll write this off to: trying to adjust against two vastly different defense schemes in a short week, b) QB rotation circus, and c) iffy play calling.
Another possibility is with the new duties of Coach Warriner, the O-line simply isn’t getting the attention that it needs.
Play Calling:
I didn’t understand OSU’s insistence, at least through the first three quarters to “run wide” against a 3-4 defense. Once they went to the inside game, the running was more effective and consistent. Here’s a pro tip to upcoming opponents: when Cardale is in the game, look for the deep ball passing plays and speed option running plays. Force Cardale to keep the ball and play “inside-out” to force Cardale to run laterally. Maybe the play calling isn’t getting the attention that it needs, either.
It’s also possible that the coaching staff hasn’t quite figured out how to fairly use their talented team. Fortunately, the Buckeyes have a couple Directional teams. then Indiana and Maryland in their near future, so they do have some time to get the offense figure out.
Kicking Game:
First, I thought that the kickoff coverage teams were very good. They got down the field in a hurry and were sure tacklers. Regarding the actual kickoffs, my god, what a mess. Ohio State kicked off seven times (which is good) and had one touch-back (could be better) and two kicks that went out of bounds, resulting in a short(er) field for Hawai’i. I realize that Urban requires his kickers to be somewhat precise in their direction to “corner” the opponent’s return team. The Ohio State kicker(s) just need not take the word “corner” so literally. Your coverage team is very good, let them make the plays.
I am still confused with what occurred with OSU’s first field goal “attempt”. Can someone, in the comments, please explain to me what the hell Ohio State was trying to do? It looked like Cam was trying to do a “Garo Yepremian“.
Defense:
Now, comes the good part. This defense was lights-out good on Saturday. The Silver Bullets totally dismantled the Hawai’ian offense. I think Bosa’s return energized the Front Four; although Bosa had a ‘meh’ box score, you know that he had to be accounted for on every snap that he played. Coach Johnson also had a bit better rhythm with getting his rotation sorted out. I think one lineman to keep an eye on will be Adolphus Washington. He looks like he may have a “Michael Bennett-like” season.
The Back Seven was superb. They played near flawless coverage, against a “passing” team, and weren’t shy about sticking their noses in on Hawai’i’s running game. The defensive backs seemed to be always in the right position and the linebackers were active in their passing lane drops and in run support. Joshua Perry again led the Buckeyes in tackles. My god, another stellar linebacker at Ohio State!
Other:
I do agree with Urban when he felt that the short week of preparation should not be held as an excuse for any issues. The Ohio State defense came ready to play on Saturday against Hawai’i. The offense did not.
My brother emailed the following two clips to me, and I feel obligated to share them with you. I think you’ll have to admit, this is a damn impressive bit of pre-conflict “get your game face on” by the Rainbow Warriors.
Although, this haka, by New Zealand’s All Blacks Rugby team is intimidating to the point of being frightening. I’m glad the Buckeyes didn’t schedule the All Blacks; the upcoming B1G schedule will be challenging as it is.
The post Second Thoughts: OSU-Hawai’i appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.
Continue reading...
Ken via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
The defending National Champions are off to a 2-0 start in their title defense, with their latest win a 38-0 win over the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors. You’ve hopefully read Eric’s and listened to Joe’s & Patrick’s recaps. You’ve read some of Urban’s thoughts on the game. And, for those of you who couldn’t make it to the game, there’s this. I have a bit more flavor to add.
Before I get started on my comments regarding the Ohio State team, I want to tip my hat to Norm Chow’s University of Hawai’i team. Overall, they may not match up athletically to the Buckeyes, but for the first three quarters you wouldn’t know it. Although over matched when on offense, they played a spirited defense throughout the game. I was impressed with their effort.
Here’s what I saw…
Offense:
Quarterback:
I can see why Urban is splitting playing time between Cardale and J.T. this season. Frankly, neither one has looked good enough, for sustained stretches to be “the starter”. As Urban mentioned in his post-game presser, he has to evaluate the QB performance and how he, as head coach, manages this situation.
In the post-game podcast recap, Patrick invoked the “if you have two quarterbacks, you have none” approach. I think he’s right, but I think there is a different twist to this. Because of what are the different skill sets between Cardale and J,T., it’s not so much you “have none”, but you have two difference offenses on the field. These are significant to the team mates in what is required of them, particularly when each QB is on the field for multiple series.
My advice: pick one (I don’t care which one) and stick with him. An in-game QB rotation doesn’t work.
Offensive Line:
I’m not sure what to make of this group. This may be a matter of “expectations”, because with four returning starters, I’ve expected a lot better performance. The 3.7 YPA against Hawai’i and the sometimes iffy pass protection were substandard. I’ll write this off to: trying to adjust against two vastly different defense schemes in a short week, b) QB rotation circus, and c) iffy play calling.
Another possibility is with the new duties of Coach Warriner, the O-line simply isn’t getting the attention that it needs.
Play Calling:
I didn’t understand OSU’s insistence, at least through the first three quarters to “run wide” against a 3-4 defense. Once they went to the inside game, the running was more effective and consistent. Here’s a pro tip to upcoming opponents: when Cardale is in the game, look for the deep ball passing plays and speed option running plays. Force Cardale to keep the ball and play “inside-out” to force Cardale to run laterally. Maybe the play calling isn’t getting the attention that it needs, either.
It’s also possible that the coaching staff hasn’t quite figured out how to fairly use their talented team. Fortunately, the Buckeyes have a couple Directional teams. then Indiana and Maryland in their near future, so they do have some time to get the offense figure out.
Kicking Game:
First, I thought that the kickoff coverage teams were very good. They got down the field in a hurry and were sure tacklers. Regarding the actual kickoffs, my god, what a mess. Ohio State kicked off seven times (which is good) and had one touch-back (could be better) and two kicks that went out of bounds, resulting in a short(er) field for Hawai’i. I realize that Urban requires his kickers to be somewhat precise in their direction to “corner” the opponent’s return team. The Ohio State kicker(s) just need not take the word “corner” so literally. Your coverage team is very good, let them make the plays.
I am still confused with what occurred with OSU’s first field goal “attempt”. Can someone, in the comments, please explain to me what the hell Ohio State was trying to do? It looked like Cam was trying to do a “Garo Yepremian“.
Defense:
Now, comes the good part. This defense was lights-out good on Saturday. The Silver Bullets totally dismantled the Hawai’ian offense. I think Bosa’s return energized the Front Four; although Bosa had a ‘meh’ box score, you know that he had to be accounted for on every snap that he played. Coach Johnson also had a bit better rhythm with getting his rotation sorted out. I think one lineman to keep an eye on will be Adolphus Washington. He looks like he may have a “Michael Bennett-like” season.
The Back Seven was superb. They played near flawless coverage, against a “passing” team, and weren’t shy about sticking their noses in on Hawai’i’s running game. The defensive backs seemed to be always in the right position and the linebackers were active in their passing lane drops and in run support. Joshua Perry again led the Buckeyes in tackles. My god, another stellar linebacker at Ohio State!
Other:
I do agree with Urban when he felt that the short week of preparation should not be held as an excuse for any issues. The Ohio State defense came ready to play on Saturday against Hawai’i. The offense did not.
My brother emailed the following two clips to me, and I feel obligated to share them with you. I think you’ll have to admit, this is a damn impressive bit of pre-conflict “get your game face on” by the Rainbow Warriors.
Although, this haka, by New Zealand’s All Blacks Rugby team is intimidating to the point of being frightening. I’m glad the Buckeyes didn’t schedule the All Blacks; the upcoming B1G schedule will be challenging as it is.
The post Second Thoughts: OSU-Hawai’i appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.
Continue reading...