Toledo @tOSU, Sat Sep 17, 7 ET on Fox

[1926Buckeyes]

Watching highlights, and it sounds ridiculous, but I think Harrison Jr. and Egbuka will be as good, if not better, than 2021 Olave and Wilson by the end of the year.

It's rare to see their level of athletic ability combined with professional precision and technique as Sophomores. Truly special stuff. Gives Stroud some groom for error, but more importantly he knows he can throw the ball low or high in an effort to avoid turnovers while still completing it.

Toledo Recap

The defense wasn't quite so hot as the offense, surrendering 21 points and 307 yards to a MAC team. Granted, quarterback Dequan Finn (223 total yards) deserves a higher platform to display his talents than Toledo can provide, but let's not fool ourselves into thinking that he's the second coming of Michael Vick. We can try to rationalize the defense's lackluster performance by noting that the Rockets had only four big plays all night, but three of those resulted in touchdowns (23-yard run; 40-yard pass; 50-yard pass). One of the long touchdowns was essentially an arm punt that the Buckeye defender (Denzel Burke, channeling Shaun Wade) didn't react to quickly enough, but the other two were cases of a bad team simply out-executing a good team for huge plays. On the positive side of the ledger, the defense did produce 3 sacks, 6 other TFLs, and a pair of turnovers, and held Toledo to 5 of 15 (.333) on 3rd and 4th downs.

Overall, the game reminded me somewhat of the 2018 Oregon State contest in which the Buckeyes scored 77 points and piled up 721 total yards, while the defense gave up 392 yards and 31 points, 21 of which came on three longs plays (49-yard pass; 78-yard run; 80-yard run). If I recall correctly, the BP Community was furious with the defense's big play failures against lowly Oregon State, but strangely enough most of us seemed to accept the defense's big play failures against even lowlier Toledo. Are we seeing actual substantive differences in the level and style of play between 2018 and 2022, or are we still in the honeymoon phase with new DC Jim Knowles?

We'll see how things go, but I don't think it's anything close to 2018. I do think fans will have to get used to CBs getting burnt once a game in cover 0, and the CBs will need to continue to improve technique when they don't have safety help. Brown either didn't realize he had no help on that TD, or just didn't execute. And while it's frustrating to watch, it's part of the package deal when playing this type of defense.

I'd also argue that this Toledo is significantly better than that OrSU team. They had good RBs, but went 2-10 with those 2 wins coming over 1-10 FCS Southern Utah, and Colorado.

As you noted, the front 7 looks great. Night and day from last year. DEs could get home more often, but overall they are so disruptive and better in short yardage.

 

[RuGettinIt]

 

[Zander42]

Such a strange game in that I really think the Toledo defense played pretty well. And to think a D can 'play well' while giving up 77 is nuts, but I think that's the case here. Certainly the Toledo back 7 played well. Almost all of the passes were in to very tight windows. When this offense is on point there is no defense for it. Any tighter coverage just results in PI. Those passes are still complete against Alabama and Georgia. The biggest difference is that better teams will bring more pressure, but CJ's rollout game is terrific this year. It's obvious the they have practiced that drill a lot.

I'm in the camp that is concerned about the big plays given up on defense. As LJB said, it's very reminiscent of 2018 Oregon State, and 2018 wasn't exactly a stellar defense. We're a quarter of the way through and we're all hoping that the defense improves quite a bit before the end of the season. It's a very familiar feeling. As in finance, hope is not a sound investment strategy.

 

[DaddyBigBucks]

...
Respect the Rockets all you want. Their defensive rankings are going to be nothing but a huge, smoldering crater after Saturday night

The Rockets fell from #2 to #108 in pass efficiency defense last night. I wonder if that's enough of a smoldering crater to make certain sports "writers" question whether they put too much stock into context-free numbers.

 

[1926Buckeyes]

Whinging vagina. Mewling quim. Your schtick is absolutely fucking exhausting.

21 of their 21 points was Finn being a fucking stud. We’re not facing anyone until Bryce Young in the CFP semifinal that can pull that black magic out of their ass.

Oh fuck off. Yeah, it’s a concern. It’s not an emergency and there’s still time to fix the problems. But it’s a concern. Maybe you’re too young to recall recent history. Maybe you’re just a fanboi. Maybe you’re part of the Brando fan club who loves it when he says to pay no attention to the fact that they gave up 21 points to a MAC team because look at all the points they scored! Yeah, listen to Brando, dipshit. Fuck you. It’s a valid concern and it’s worth noting.

Look at you already penciling them into the playoff against Bama and Bryce Young. That’s not an impressive opinion, fanboi. Fucking moron. How dare you? What are you? 16? Are you new to college football?

I’d prefer 55-0 against a MAC opponent than 77-21. Is that a crime? Are you going to ban me for that? (Seriously? You’re staff? Don’t even get me started on my questions about where you got your avatar.)

I can call names as well as you can, punk. I’m man enough to take yours. Are you man enough to take mine? (Frankly, you strike me as sort of a Tipper Gore type.)

I’m also man enough to remember history and to pay attention to potential warning signs. And I’m not just an emotional child who wants to drink the kool-aid but who wants to discuss things like a rational adult. But if you want to call names, junior, that’s okay.

Seriously, who’s the whiny vagina here? You’re like the “Leave Britney alone!” pussy of internet fame. Buckeye up.

It sucks that this site doesn’t allow us to link to individual posts or I’d bookmark the one where you said, and I’m paraphrasing here, not quoting, don’t be confused, that you said, ‘Oh, pshaw, it’s just one MAC QB running around and making plays, we’ve got nothing to worry about until the playoff when they play Bama!’ I’m not sure why you assume that’s going to be in a semi-final instead of the championship game but then how can I question a man of such dizzying intellect?

Jesus Fucking Christ. Right. I’m the one that’s exhausting.

You can cut the sexual tension with a knife.

 

[Hetuck]

There is a portion of our fanbase that is absolutely, perpetually miserable. Unless every win is 56-0, there is something to bitch about. Without fail. It's exhausting.

Nevermind that this is the same defense that was a total calamity for much of the past two seasons and has improved exponentially across the board. If they ain't pitching shutouts and giving up 0.0 big plays, it needs to be harped on ad nauseam. Mind you, I'm not just talking about Hetuck...it's epidemic across social media from our spoiled ass fanbase.

It's no wonder we're largely considered the worst fanbase in CFB...fuck, I hate us.

There’s a huge difference between being “perpetually miserable” and being some simpleton who drinks the kool-aid and listens to Tim Brando telling them everything is going be great because look at all the points they scored at home at night against Toledo.

Tim Brando. Tim Fucking Brando. TOLEDO! I root for Toledo. I like Toledo. But they’re a MAC team. That was a scrimmage. That wasn’t a big victory that meant anything. It was a chance to study the Buckeyes. They did some things well, they did some things poorly. The season is a process and we want to see them progress, learn from their mistakes, and fix them so they’re playing their best football at the end of the season.

Do I really have to teach anyone that lesson?

The team can be talked about. They’re not perfect. There are strengths and weaknesses. It’s okay to acknowledge them and ponder about them. The people who aren’t all sunshine and rainbows all the time aren’t “miserable.” I’d argue that they’re enjoying and getting more from following the game than the simpletons who bitch and moan when the other team scores first and then who start planning their reservations for the national championship as soon as the game is won. Sports fans don’t get a bad reputation for thinking rationally about the team. They get it from being irrational fanatics. That’s you if you’re kind a local mod who’s already planning for a playoff appearance, or the person who calls anyone who wonders about the team’s imperfections, not me.

It’s weird because of all the fight I used to put up against supposed Buckeye fans on this site (and others) when they were blaming Luke Fickell for all the defensive weaknesses in the defensive backfield, never mind that that was Everett Withers’ responsibility, not Luke’s. (Are any of those people still around and willing to admit it?)

 

[BuckeyesGunn]

LOL, if a person sees concern with giving up big plays by our D, then they are maligned as bad fans, whiners, complainers, and other 'adjectives'...blah, blah, blah.

I can GUARANTEE you the Coaching staff is as much or more concerned with addressing this issue as the season goes on.

The only reason I am concerned over it is when it comes time to play the better teams, and in the playoffs as well. Good/Great teams can exploit this weakness. The big plays given up were a mix of mental mistakes, the great talent of Finn, and show the need to develop the players in their schemes. I hope to see this D gel as the year goes on, and it is their first season under Knowles.

77 points by that offense? Unreal! Almost 800 yards? !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Onebuckfan]

LOL, if a person sees concern with giving up big plays by our D, then they are maligned as bad fans, whiners, complainers, and other 'adjectives'...blah, blah, blah.

I can GUARANTEE you the Coaching staff is as much or more concerned with addressing this issue as the season goes on.

The only reason I am concerned over it is when it comes time to play the better teams, and in the playoffs as well. Good/Great teams can exploit this weakness. The big plays given up were a mix of mental mistakes, the great talent of Finn, and show the need to develop the players in their schemes. I hope to see this D gel as the year goes on, and it is their first season under Knowles.

77 points by that offense? Unreal! Almost 800 yards? !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We get your concerns.,it’s September against Toledo..the rest of us will worry when it’s not a 5 score game. The D did fine against ND in a close game. You think Burke and Brown need you to point out poor play.

 

[ScriptOhio]

That's 11 touchdowns.....

 

[BuckeyesGunn]

We get your concerns.,it’s September against Toledo..the rest of us will worry when it’s not a 5 score game. The D did fine against ND in a close game. You think Burke and Brown need you to point out poor play.

"We?" No, "you" don't get a thing. But go ahead, get your last word in.

 

[charlohiottean]

And for absolutely no reason, here are some gifs for everyone to enjoy:

 

[ScriptOhio]

The Lantern is an independent daily newspaper in Columbus, Ohio, by students at The Ohio State University. It is one of the largest campus newspapers in the United States, reaching a circulation of 15,000.

 

[gmen6981]

I guess the twisted panties crew should just storm Ryan Day's office and explain their outrage that in just the 3rd game under a new system and coaching staff that the defense isn't playing like the 85 Bears. The rest of us will will continue to understand that it's a growing preocess and expect to see improvement as the season goes on. And by the way, ( for those think they know everything) Brando sucks. Grow the fuck up people! I've been following this team for 60+ years and never seen the amount of whining like the last 3 years. If your life is so dependant on the outcome of a fucking game, you have serious problems.

 

[BuckeyesGunn]

I guess the twisted panties crew should just storm Ryan Day's office and explain their outrage that in just the 3rd game under a new system and coaching staff that the defense isn't playing like the 85 Bears. The rest of us will will continue to understand that it's a growing preocess and expect to see improvement as the season goes on. And by the way, ( for those think they know everything) Brando sucks. Grow the fuck up people! I've been following this team for 60+ years and never seen the amount of whining like the last 3 years. If your life is so dependant on the outcome of a fucking game, you have serious problems.

You sure told 'em! CONGRATS!!!!

 

[Mike80]

I guess the twisted panties crew should just storm Ryan Day's office and explain their outrage that in just the 3rd game under a new system and coaching staff that the defense isn't playing like the 85 Bears. The rest of us will will continue to understand that it's a growing preocess and expect to see improvement as the season goes on. And by the way, ( for those think they know everything) Brando sucks. Grow the fuck up people! I've been following this team for 60+ years and never seen the amount of whining like the last 3 years. If your life is so dependant on the outcome of a fucking game, you have serious problems.

Unfortunately, the fanbase has grown quite a bit over the last 20 years and the weaker amongst the species never experienced 2002

You sure told 'em! CONGRATS!!!!

....but the fun thing is they tend to identify themselves early on, which makes it easier to ignore them....