We can run the table? I want your thoughts!!!

[KillerNut]

I really felt that this was a trap. Luckily for us they turned the ball over like we did in the first two and helped us out.

Turnovers were the key to the game. I don't know if we did all that much to show that we can move the ball however. Zwick IMHO did not handle the preasure well at all. We had a hard time running against it. I don't know why we didn't have any screen run against what they were doing.

I agree that Pittman has got to step up and be the man. Ross I felt ran better, but their is still a very noticiable difference when Pittman is in the game.

The defense was pretty good for most of the game, an interception that wasn't seen that way, and a bad late hit penalty led to their two touchdowns. Still there is need for improvement. They dropped some passes. We didn't get enough pressure with our front four and the big running play up the middle is unacceptable.

In short I think we can, but I think a lot of work still has to be done in order for us to accomplish something like that. If we don't get better then there is no way.

 

[Sloopy45]

We won't run the table. You gotta run the ball to win the Championship, and especially at Ohio State. We'll get upended one of these games.

 

[DEBuckeye]

The way we've been playing offense, we may not outscore Purdue. Our D will hold them down a bit, but they're a freakin' point machine so far this year. We're also going to have to watch out for Iowa and Wisconsin- always tough, even if they're not on the top of the heap.

 

[Sloopy45]

DEBuckeye: "The way we've been playing offense, we may not outscore Purdue."

We don't need to 'outscore' Purdue. The Boilermakers haven't, and won't see the talent level our defense can throw at them. The loss (most likely) will be an unexpected one.

 

[osugrad21]

We don't need to 'outscore' Purdue. The Boilermakers haven't, and won't see the talent level our defense can throw at them. The loss (most likely) will be an unexpected one.

Exactly...Purdue's lofty numbers are against the defenses of Ball St. (470 yds/game) and Syracuse (365 Yds/game). The Boilermakers have a solid team but we hardly have a decent measuring stick

 

[ScarletNGry]

Can we run the table? Of course.

Will we run the table, Not so fast my friend! (Sorry Corso)

We are really looking to far ahead to be asking that question right now. I don't think we have seen anything from this offense yet. It was very obvious that Tressell pulled the reigns on this offense this week. I did not see 1 agressive play call and there was a very good reason for that. We were playing a team that rides 100% on emotion. You give that team and those fans anything to get excited about and wow can they take over. I was very impressed with there fans in the stadium. Half the size of the crowd at tOSU yet very much loud and they did a good job of keeping their heads in that game dispite the many turnovers and the score. I think the last thing Tressell was going to allow to happen was for Zwick to drop back to pass and have a sack with a fumble and see this crowd go nuts.

I think with Tressell leading this team we will be put in a position every week to win the game. It will be up to the players to go out and WIN the game. Ross fumbling, Zwick throwing a pick 6, or anything like that will play a big roll in how we finish this year. If we can play sound and fundamental football, low turnover, and of course our great special teams, then yes I think we go undefeated.

Here is another point I don't see being made just yet. If we don't run the table this year (which will be tough no doubt), everyone keeps saying that we will be devastating next year with the experience we will have. I don't think most people realize that Nugent will not be here next year. That alone will be HUGE.

 

[Jaxbuck]

Here is another point I don't see being made just yet. If we don't run the table this year (which will be tough no doubt), everyone keeps saying that we will be devastating next year with the experience we will have. I don't think most people realize that Nugent will not be here next year. That alone will be HUGE.

To further elaborate on this;

-We not only lose Nuge, but Andrews and Turano as well. We will have to replace the entire kicking game next year.

-Next year is an odd numberd one. That means trips to Happy Valley and AA. Throw in Texas at home and anyone foregoing this year is nucking futs.

 

[Buck87]

One of the things Tressel stresses is getting better over the course of a year so that you are playing your best ball at the end. If this team can show that game-by-game improvement, then they have a shot to run the table. That's one reason that Wisky scares me, it is still relatively early in the season. Obviously Iowa, Purdue and Michigan are also potential L's.

The lack of proven QBs in the Big Ten can be a big help. The obvious exception is Purdue. Orton's talent and experience will make things difficult for our defense. Fox should be back by then and our dbs should have gained some experience. It should help us that the Purdue game is late in the year.

We will need to improve the running game, and hopefully Pittman can be that improvement provided he is given the chance.

As for next year, practically everyone is coming back baring injuries and academics. No question losing Nugent is going to hurt. How bad? We won't know until we see who takes his place. Obviously going to Michigan is going to be difficult, but if we get there with no L's, I like our chances.

 

[exhawg]

IMO if one of the young RB's can break out in the next couple games we can easily run the table. This team looks very similar to the 2002 team to me. We aren't going to have a RB who can dominate like MoC did back then, but Zwick is also a better passer than CK so we can get it done in the air as long as we have at least an average running game. Against NCSt we didn't need much out of the offense, which is why we didn't try very hard. When the offense needs to move the ball we have been able to do it. IMO until we lose we should be favored in every game from here on out. My big worry is that USC, Oklahoma, and WVU have such easy schedules that they can go undefeated and get in the NC game just because they're prettier than us.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Yesterday was Tressel Ball at it's finest. It's not always going to be pretty but it wins games.

Saturday was typical Ohio State football the last two plus years, rely on the defense and special teams, win the field position battle and have a mistake free offense.

For all the people who critizize coach T and his offensive philosphy, the guy has 5 national championships and has won 28 of 30. He has a game plan and sticks to it. I wish the national media would give him the respect he deserves and realize that while most OSU games are close, its by design and he wins...at the end of the day.....OSU wins and that is what we all want every Saturday.

Do I think OSU can run the table? Yes I do think they can and I also believe they have a very good shot at doing just that. I think its way to early to start thinking that far ahead, but I do not see a more talented team than OSU, I think the road games at Iowa and Purdue will be tough, but thats nothing new.

I think you will see a team that will improve every game, thats a trademark of a tressel coached team, I still think they will win the Big Ten this year and beat Michigan, I predicted a 11-1 mark and see no reason to change that.

As far as the offense, I think as the season moves on, the offense will improve, the running game needs a shot in the arm, with Joe being healthy, I think you will see a running back by committee approach with Ross, Joe and Pittman sharing the load.

The key to the season will be turnovers and being smart with the ball.