This will be lengthy so bare with me for a few thoughts.
1. The OL- this was such a great performance. The push they got, the physicality, but also the composure they played with too was of course impressive. That’s not what I want to talk about though. I used to want the best possible recruits everywhere but I’m convinced you don’t do that along the OL. You get the best Ohio kids and supplement with others. This OL is 4 Ohio guys and another from the Midwest. You can have skill from Florida but to win this game? You need to hate TCUN and you have a different kind of hate when you’re from Ohio. A special shout out to Montgomery because that guy wanted to kill wolverine’s and that’s something you need in games like this.
2. We did the things in this game that might seem small but they’re the foundation of winning this game. The multiple QB sneaks, the 3rd down runs where we get the ball 1 foot over the line to gain, and then Julian running for a rare first down getting the ball just across the first down marker. Those were the plays we did not make for the past few seasons yet these were the plays we made play after play. Even simple things like fielding kicks, avoiding bad starting positions, and just making routine field goals. We were routine. We made the plays that are supposed to be gimmes to an extreme level.
3. This defense is heavy. When you look at them height weight wise they aren’t the biggest so you imagine they’re extremely fast which they are. However, what’s wild to me is how hard they hit. This might be the most physical defense we’ve ever had. I’m not sure what that is but I think that’s a credit to Matt Patricia for having guys who are big but very fast in perfect position to make plays. The hit by Reese on the RB where he was just waiting for him, downs cutting someone down late in the 4th, and Lorenzo Styles sitting in wait for the RB dump off. This defense reminds me of those Alabama or Georgia defenses with those 300 pound lineman and the 260 pound LBs were going across the middle was something you were smart to avoid.
4. There were some great individual performances. Montgomery, Will at TE was vital all game, Tate, Smith, all of the RB were excellent, Jackson had his best game at DE, Houston played well, Styles boys were great, and I think McClain had his best game too. You don’t hear much from McClain but he’s been fantastic all year. He allows this defense to have Downs roam in the box to make plays. He’s always there to clean up the plays that somehow get through. He reminds me a lot of Jordan Fuller where you don’t hear his number called but he really allows our defense to play a certain way.
5. Ryan Day- I have a ton of respect for this man. What he does for charity, his tragic childhood loss, the way he bounces back after years of loss to TCUN, and his ability to have enough humility to look inward to adjust is so damn inspiring. He doesn’t continue doing things that don’t work. He seems like he’s man enough to admit when he’s wrong and to just find the correct answers or approach. That’s hard to do. Something I’m sure we all wish we were better at. I know that’s certainly me. I’m embarrassed to say I was one of the fringe that wanted to part ways after last years TCUN game. Then he promptly runs off 15 straight hit wins which includes 5 top 10 teams, a national title, and now capstoned with a TCUN. This couldn’t have happened to a better man and although it’s not my money I hope we give him a lifetime contract. Money should never be a reason he leaves. There isn’t a better CEO in college football and NFL or not I hope we make it impossible for him to turn down Ohio State. I know from at least me I owe Coach Day an apology.
Now we are onto Indiana in Indiana! I sure hope these guys can finish off this amazing run they’re on to plant themselves as maybe the best team that’s ever been assembled. However, it’s tough to win it all and these kids sure have accomplished a lot. No matter the results over the next 60 days they’ve made buckeye nation proud!
Go bucks and finish strong!
Oh and btw,
We get CJ Hicks now too.
....Thank you Ped State for hiring Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator this season. I'm sure that you are happy with that move, after starting the season either #1 or #2 in the polls, the Pedsters went an amazing 6-6 this season.....:
